TrailHonky

I told myself that if I were to get admitted to business school this year, I’d push my personal running distance record and enter an ultramarathon (an event longer than 26.2 miles). And after gaining admission to Wharton in Round 1, I wondered if I would really hold myself to this pledge. Knowing that I would likely not be in the Austin area this time next year, I decided that this would be a great chance to enter one of my favorite courses, a trail run at Hill Country State Natural Area near Bandera, Texas.

I knew this course all too well from last year when I entered the 25K. While there are not mountains on the course, the hills and rocks, not to mention the questionable Texas weather in January, are enough to test even the veteran trail runner. With a good excuse in hand, it took little for the local trail running club members to convince me to give the 50K a shot this year.

The first 16 miles flew by. I was feeling good and the weather was picture perfect. However, after having recently taken over a month off from training due to a recent foot injury, I knew I probably wasnt in shape for this event. Between miles 16 and 22, an out-and-back journey from one of the five aid stations along the course, I really questioned myself for entering the race. But I just kept slugging along, not willing to give up on a goal Ive had for quite some time. When I got to mile 22, I knew I must have looked pretty scary because one of the guys in the 100K event said I had quite a bit of salt dried up all over my face. Nevertheless, I was still wearing a smile and determine to keep pushing.

I reached the final aid station before the finish, conveniently placed 26.1 miles into the course, just ahead of the person who talked me into entering the race. It was nice to see her face and know that I was going to make good on the promise to myself. And thank goodness she was there for me, because not more than half a mile after leaving the aid station, I was about to take a wrong turn!

The last 5 miles were so rewarding. With every step, I knew I was going further than I ever had. I was also reminded of this fact as every muscle up and down both legs was threatening to cramp up on me. I had been fighting these cramps since the 18th mile and knew I was now teetering on the edge of pushing myself too much, but the finish line was much too close to even consider stopping.

As I made the last turn into the open field that contained the finish area, I could hear the volunteers and spectators clapping for me. My sense of accomplishment took over and the cramps just about took me down. Luckily, I was able to gimp my way to the finish without falling down and it certainly felt nice to sit in my green plastic lawn chair after more than eight grueling hours on the trails.