In most cases, it is probably a good idea to at least try a short run on a trail before signing up for something as long as a 50k, but I figured if I took my time and focused on enjoying myself, I would be okay. I knew, though, that it would be a lot different than anything I had ever done.
Most marathons I have done start the day prior with some sort of an expo where you pick up your race packet and browse vendors. But of course, most marathons I have done also have a couple thousand runners. This was definitely not the case at Antelope Island. With the race capped at 150 runners, packet pickup was in the parking lot before passing the guard station on your way to the starting line. I jumped out of my vehicle long enough to sign my name and pick up a bag with my runner bib and a souvenir shirt in it. Then I was back in the truck driving across the causeway.
I followed the signs to the starting line where a large tent and two porta-potties were set up. Several cars were already there, and people were out visiting, eating breakfast, or standing in the bathroom line. I found an area outside the tent to leave my drop bag, which would be transported to the Elephant Head aid station for me. In my drop bag I left a bottle of sunscreen. My plan was to take off my running jacket and gloves at the aid station and leave them in the bag to be transported to the finish line. Then, apply sunscreen on my arms before leaving the aid station.
About 15 minutes prior to the start, the race director gave a briefing and explained the route we would be running. Then, he headed over to the trail and began marking the starting line in the dirt with his foot. This was a far cry from the starting lines I have been to before, but to be honest, it was refreshing. It took the pressure off. We all lined up and he counted down from 10. Then, we were off. (see picture below: the starting line)
I told myself before the race began that I would hike the uphill and run the flat and downhill sections. I knew I would be gaining over 3200 feet in elevation (and also losing it), and I also knew there was no way I could run all of it. Right out of the starting line, we began an uphill section that climbed for the first 2-3 miles. I felt a little silly walking at the beginning of the race, and since everyone else was running, I ran too. Since I was new to this, I decided to watch other runners to see the best way to handle the terrain. When they stopped to hike, so did I.
In a road marathon, you'll typically have porta-potties every mile and aid stations every two miles. Don't expect that for a trail race. Aid stations can sometimes be several miles apart, and the only porta-potty I saw was at the starting line. (If you have to go before then, squat behind a rock or bush.) The first aid station was at Elephant Head around mile 5.5. My drop bag was waiting for me on a tarp. I quickly took off my jacket and gloves and shoved them in. However, in my excitement, I forgot to apply sunscreen. Good thing I put some on my face before I left that morning. Then, I went to the aid station table to get a quick snack. Now, at a road marathon, you'll usually see water, sports drink, and fruit or power gels if you are really lucky. Here, it was like winning the lottery. Water, Gatorade, soda, fruit, cookies, potato chips, power gels, candy, pierogis, and more. I grabbed a chunk of orange and a few peanut M&Ms. Then, I headed off again. (see picture below: Elephant Head aid station, my drop bag is the red one with black and white stripe on the side)
The next section of the race was challenging, but beautiful. The terrain was steep...we climbed over 1000 feet, but I took my time and enjoyed the scenery. Before I knew it, 8 miles had passed and I approached the North Sentry aid station at the south end of the island. The volunteers took great care of me. They filled up my bottles with water and Gatorade, and offered me plenty of snacks. I grabbed a peanut butter sandwich and hit the trail again. From here, the trail began a descent to the east side of the island and field of runners really began to spread out. There were a few points where I couldn't see anybody ahead of me or behind me, but I did see a herd of buffalo. I eventually caught up to another runner and chatted for awhile. Aid station #4 was Nine Mile Gate, about 6.6 miles from the previous station. Again, the volunteers were amazing. They refilled my bottles, and I grabbed some grapes to munch on. Then I headed out again for the final 10 miles. When I came upon the final aid station at Lower Frary, my bottles were still full and I was feeling great. So I gave them a wave and kept on going.
When the finish line came into view, I stopped to take a picture and silently congratulated myself for finishing what I set out to do. Then, I followed the flags up to the tent to have my number and time recorded. A few other runners were hanging out, visiting, and cheering, but otherwise, the finish line was quiet. No whoop-la. No medal. Just the satisfaction of completing the race. I was presented with a finishers mug, which I promptly took inside the tent and filled with homemade buffalo chili. Then, I made my way to another table and finished filling up on grapes and M&Ms. (see picture below: the finish line)
So, in case you're wondering how I did, here are the stats:
My time was 5:49:11
I placed 47th out of 103 overall finishers and 12th out of 32 females
I figured placing in the top half of a male-dominated sport on my first try is pretty darn good. :)
