Pony Express 50.
Decided on Mon/Tue to run the Pony Express. Just haven't been right after Wasatch and wasn't prepared for another 100 miler--so why not run the 50?!
Davy (Crockett) staggered the start times this year based on previous and/or anticipated finish time. Some 85 runners (up from last year's 60ish) started, some as early as 5 am up to 8 am. Both the 100 and 50 race participants start together. My group consisting of Jay Aldous (going for his second 100 win) and some other fast guys got the 8 am start (notewortyh 50 starters included 18 year old Tyler Bodily SLC, and Michael Bergquist, SLC).
Beautiful cool morning in the west desert as we started down from Lookout Pass. Felt great for the first 10 or so miles running fast and light. Highlight of the morning was watching a large group of Wild Horses run along side us to the north then cross the road at a full gallop just in front of me--incredible!
I watched as Jay pulled away from me and Tyler and Michael were already out of sight and gone.
Coming into Simpson Springs (mile 16) I passed some 5 am 100 mile starters and still felt pretty good although my pace was slowing some. I hit the marathon mark at 3:40 and could feel that things were starting to feel...not right. A stiff head-wind kicked up and began to suck the life out of me as we neared Dugway Pass. I don't recall ever working as hard just trying to focus and keep a run going as I experienced on Friday. The wheels where coming off. I had been passing and gaining on the early starters and now I was only barely able to keep pace with them. Last year moving up Dugway was fast and all smiles--this year was a grind. Finally up and over and managed to get back to a run coming down the back side (mile 38).
Frustration began to set-in as I realized a sub 8 hour finish was probably out of the question and now just finishing was my new goal.
I doubled my salt intake thinking perhaps the head-wind and heat were contributing to my lack of energy. It helped some as I got back to running.
Mile 43, extremely focused and managing to move along I saw Jay driving past (the opposite direction in the passenger seat). I understand he had some issues with his hammy and pulled out around 50ish? My first thoughts were "dang!, should have done the 100!" Anybody racing with Jay is racing for second place. I had a good race last year but Jay is a freak--and now he was on his way home. Not to be however.
I realized that if I could manage just over a 9 mm for the next few miles that I could go sub 8. I said before, but I've never worked so hard to keep it together. I was not good company to my Brother Brett who had done such a great job crewing me. I couldn't have him or anyone around me, couldn't talk to anyone, or think of anything--just moving. Anything else would compromise it.
Finally Black Rock came into view, did the short out and back and finished crossed the finish in 7:49. 3rd place behind Tyler and Michael.
Pleased with the time despite the rough day. Of course, now the disecting begins. I lost a lot of time between miles 26-40. I could do better in some future race but glad to be done and ultimately please with the outcome.
Thanks to Davy for putting on a great race in one of the most historic, forelorn and beautiful places in the world.
Nice article in the SL Trib this morning about the Pony Express Trail (run)... http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/55101297-78/100-run-express-pony.html.csp | 