Iron Legs 50-miler (and then some)

Strangely enough it’s my shoulders that are tight and giving some grief this morning. 

Yesterday Amanda and I tackled the Iron Legs 50-miler as a two-person relay. I finished the first 40K while Amanda lucked out with a bonus 4K for a total of 44K. Don’t you just love it when race directors throw in bonus mileage on the day of the race? This was our first experience with the race and the course. 

It was challenging. It was technical. It was awesome. 

Let me be upfront here – I am not sure we finished the race within the 16 hours. In fact, I think we were off my 10 minutes but I don’t care. I am not going to look at the results so don’t ruin it for me. 

IRON LEGS = TOUGH GO

Amanda and I went into the race knowing it was going to be challenging. Steep climbs. Crazy downhills. River crossings. You name it.  The night before the race, we shrugged off the additional mileage while we chatted/gossiped. We turned off the lights in our hotel room around 10 p.m. which was the only real indication we were running a race the next day. We were that chill. 

On race morning, I got up at 4:30 a.m. to be at the start line at 5:45 a.m. It was then the race director briefed us on the day and gave us some tips. He said leg 3 – a short 15K – would take some runners between four and five hours so be sure to have enough water. I nearly lost my breakfast (two bananas). My goal was to finish around 6:30. I wasn’t so sure after hearing those instructions. 

Anyway I ran my 40k in just under 8 hours. Slow, right? I tweaked my leg, which hurt like hell on the inclines. Downhills are always my favourite. I chatted with a lovely lady from Peace River for quite a bit and I mentioned my bum knee. (This is the first time I have EVER had issues with my knee. It has always been my hip. Surprisingly it was fine.) 

After turning her down a handful of times, I accepted a pole after she thrusted one in my hand. It definitely helped me get through the third aid station. Anyway enough of my whining …. It came as no surprise that Amanda ran a great race. She flew through the aid stations. That one embodies grit and determination. 

HUGS AT THE FINISH

Hanging out at the aid stations and watching the runners cross the finish line is one of the pluses of finishing first on relay. The finishes are always so inspiring. I love when the husbands, wives, friends, and family members hug the finisher. I always get a little teary eyed. (I’m still crossing my fingers that someone will wait for me at the finish. I’m a fan of hugs. Carleigh, is that you???)

So here I am the next day thinking about the day. What a wonderful experience. I spent my Saturday in the mountains with great company. Sure I had to work for about eight hours. But it was worth it.  And I am seriously considering the 60K for 2017. 

How was your Saturday?