That was a blast. Hard to believe just under a year ago the Warrior Dash 5K kicked my ass and here I stand (sit) a finisher of a the Half Voyageur Trail Marathon (which again is a full 26 miler, they really need to do something about the name...). It was tough, exhausting and ridiculously awesome.
*Edit: Turns out the course was marked short, about 25 miles I believe instead of the full 26.2. That said, I missed a turn and ended up backtracking and re-running a section, so I'm calling it even.
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| Me? I like long walks, puppies, and GU Chocolate Overload. |
I hardly slept the night before - maybe an hour tops - nerves were killing me. Got to the event at 5am and ran at 6. Felt really good throughout most of the run but certainly started fading during the last 8 miles which I chalk up to the lack of sleep. Fueling felt good - finished with 3 GUs leftover. Shoes (Montrail Masochists 2s) were amazing. I was concerned as I'd only worn them once for a 9 miler on the road, but they were great - my achilles and PF had been acting up but not even a faint pain at any point. I did roll both ankles several times but nothing serious. The Masochists were comfortable, had great traction and no foot issues other than a slight blister but that's just gonna happen.
As far as gear and fueling, very little I would change. Maybe a lighter colored shirt as it was pretty humid, but shorts, shoes and fuel - sports beans, shot bloks and GUs - were perfect. I'd think about some running glasses (are they called that?) not for the sun but just for bugs and dirt flying up. I didn't get anything in my contacts but I could see (ha) how that could ruin someone's day.
It's starting to slowly kick in that not only have I now completed a marathon, but did it on a pretty tough trail course. "Trail" doesn't even do the course justice - tons of hills, rocks, mud - extremely intense. And of course I'm already thinking of the Superior 50 in Lutsen. I certainly need much more hill work - both up and down - but feel pretty good about everything.
Also, pizza.
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