Brutal, PainFul, awesome, did I say a butt kicker of a race!
Headed down to Moab with Bryce, Shane, and Cory T to run the Moab Red Hot 55K. Couldn't have asked for better race conditions - temps were around 30 degrees at the start so, I opted to start the race in shorts and a long sleeve.. Put a short sleeve in a drop bag for mile 17. Worked great. Weather was awesome all day! My last hour out on the course it got a bit hot, but overall no complaints. I was really anxious for this race knowing my training was lacking in distance and long runs, but felt I had a comfortable base, so why not just go for it..
Race Details,
I knew going into the race my fitness level would take me about 1/2 the way and then the suffer fest would begin and that's basically how it played out. My first 18 miles felt great. I hit the 18 mile mark in just over 2:45 so about a 9:10 avg. Then you hit a couple mile climb straight up the slickrock to the fourth aid station - I bonKo'd big time about half way up the climb.. Made it up to the Aid - took a shot of Coke and between miles 22-28 I was basically trying to recover and I think I lost about an hour here.. Doing those dang up's and down's traversing the slick rocks.. unbelievable views though - sun shinning, LaSalle snow capped mtns in the back ground, and canyon walls falling away from you.. I wish I could've enjoyed the views more.
Made it to aid station 5 at about mile 28 - started feeling betta and was able to run most of the way into the finish. Def would like to hit this one again being better prepared. Bryce dominated as usual, Shane had a rock'n race, and Cory T did great too. Fun to be down there and get to know more of this crazy ultra community better.
Garmin had it at vert: 5,611 and descent 6,154
Avg Pace 11:58 | 