North Face 2012...

Four years ago I ran my first North Face Endurance Challenge 50k with a great group of friends.  I loved everything about that race - the course, the race organization, the runners.  It was at that point that I decided ultratrail running was a pretty darn cool thing.  The 2010 50K race saw me scratching after 20 miles due to extreme jet lag, stomach cramps and 90 degree temps with something like 90% humidity.  The 2011 race was fun, but due to a back injury the fall before I competed as part of a marathon relay team instead of in one of the major distances.  Fast foward to 2012....almost two years after that back injury I was ready to return to marathon+ distances.  My goal for North Face this year was to complete the marathon distance back pain free...and I can report success on that mark!!!

First off, I have to say I never could have come this far or completed this race without the best running buddy the world over.  I've said it before, but you'll hear me say it over and over again - THANK YOU BRIE!!!  Sure, I like to run alone most days of the week, but that long run is never the same without great conversation and motivation along the way.  I'm also glad to have shared the toughest terrain I've ever raced with one of my best friends.  Holy hell, if you've read about the terrain for North Face you've read that tough mudder has no mud whatsoever compared to what we traversed for 26.2 miles today. 

Let's just say, that storm mother nature opened up on us last night left the trail under about 3-6 inches of sloppy, slippery mud over at least 16 miles of the course.  I am amazed that there were not a great number of injuries throughout the day.  First of all, the mud filled up the tread on shoes leaving us with nothing to grab the trail.  Second, some of the slippery parts were on hills with somewhat steep grades.  Third, the mud was so sticky you had to pull on your ankles to get your shoes out.  It certainly made for some super slow going just to ensure you could stay upright...those shoes may need retiring after this run.

All that said, this was a super great day surrounded by people with real heart.  The course was beautiful (if a little dirtier than ever), the day was beautiful (hello 70 degrees in June!!!), our crew was awesome (uh yeah, there are advantages to having a husband who doesn't like to run such as having someone to bring you clean dry socks at the halfway point...thanks Jay!) and the company couldn't have been better.  Not to mention there was a free beer waiting at the finish line.  I can't think of any other way I would have liked to spend this dazzling Saturday (now it's time to go home and start shipping off the sweat and caked on salt) .  I can't wait for next year's race (which rumor has it may move to March...can we say 50K distance here I come?)!  Until then, happy trails!!!

Also need to send a shout out to the terrific Annapolis trio finishing the 50 miler today - Lara, Gloria and Danielle - you all are crazy, but I love you!!  And also to those fantastic pacers who jumped in to support their runners throughout the race - and chat with Brie and I for a bit during a break - Jen and Missy - you're role is so important to the folks on the trail!!

The most amazing finishers in the marathon
distance at the North Face Endurance Challenge!

Stats -

Miles:  26.2 (my Garmin said it was a little more than a mile longer, but I think the Garmin was confused by the tree cover so I've lopped off the distance to marathon only)

Time:   5:40:08 (average pace of 12:58 per mile...our total time was longer due to aid station stops and chatting with buddies we ran into along the way but my handy dandy Garmin only captures time moving)

Location:  Algonkian Regional Park to Great Falls Park and back, Virginia
Feeling:  Women pay lots of money for mud baths, how can one feel bad after getting it for free!?!