Flagstaff 50k Fun Run

Dallas and I headed North out of hot Tucson to the much cooler mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ for Aravaipa Running's 50k Fun Run. It would be our first 50k together. I was excited to say the least. 

Total time: 7:04
I know Dallas could have finished sooner, but we made the decision to run together. Running trails is just like life! Lots of 'ups and downs'. Finding a way to love and support each other through all of it is the key.
Distance: 32.18 miles
Cumulative elevation gain/(loss): 10,720/(10,671) feet No, I'm not overly confident about those high numbers, but that is what the Garmin reported. We had two good climbs during the run and lots of rollers.
Starting elevation: 7,100 feet
Highest elevation: 9,045 feet 

About 10 minutes before the start of the run, I realized that I was missing my insoles in my shoes! I've been using some custom ones and other store bought ones and didn't realize when I packed my trail shoes that there were none in the shoes! That morning, when I put my shoes on, I thought, 'boy, these shoes sure are roomy!' I was tired and didn't realize there was a problem and just cinched the laces tighter! My arch started hurting after arriving at Buffalo Park and that is when I realized my error. Well, nothing to do about it now! On with the run and hope for the best.

 

This run was through a lot of beautiful forest on a series of connecting trails - very runnable and just gorgeous out there.

Before the first aid station at around mile 9, we ran around a beautiful lake. Dallas is in front of me.

The aid station was great! They had so much food! I ate the fig newtons (my aid station favorite!), the dark chocolate covered espresso beans that I bought, and something new - pretzel covered M&M's! It was a much warmer day than anticipated (we were expecting high winds, rain, cold), so I peeled off my long sleeve thermal.

Waterline trail was all uphill, but very beautiful.

It had a cool tunnel:

Waterline was a 5 mile out and back and I really enjoyed getting to see the front runners blazing past us as we headed up. Here we are at the 'turnaround' point on the out and back.

We sure had fun running downhill for 5 miles. Weeeeee!!!!

After coming back from Waterline, we hit the same aid station again. There was one manned 'food' aid station that we hit twice, and they had other 'water only' aid stations, one manned. We were able to bring a drop bag, which was awesome.
We headed out of the aid station, and all seemed well for a bit. We even ran into some horses along the way.

I had a little trouble around mile 21. I just couldn't run anymore. We were climbing up Little Bear trail and it was steep. Everything on my hips, knees and arches hurt and I became pretty nauseated. I'm not sure if it was all related to no insoles, but needless to say, I was in serious pain. At some point, Dallas said, "not a good time for pictures?" He knows me...(I'm sticking my tongue out at him and he didn't realize it until he uploaded his pics!)

I did manage to get a smile in after that...

Dallas just kept on walking with me and was very patient while I slogged along. I thought I was going to have to walk the whole thing in, but shortly after that, I got my mojo back and started running! It never always gets worse. That was one tough climb.

Dallas stopped at some point, turned around and said, "I am so proud of you!" He thinks I'm tough for running the whole way with no insoles! Him telling me that was one of my finer memories on the trail that day. It made me feel so good!

Dallas and I coming into the finish!! We 'tied' for 18th place out of 43 finishers of the 50k. There were 8 finishers of the 34k. Running with Dallas is a joy and a privilege.

Oh my gosh, what a fun day!!! I had a tough time for a little while, but this was one of the best runs I've ever done! Jamil and Nick Coury and the volunteers are class acts. The marking on the trail was the best ever. We had a detailed turn sheet, but we never had to actually use it. Excellent job guys!

If you can, try to always spend time with people who have a sweet spirit who will put 'a mirror up to you' and show you how beautiful you are. Thank you Dallas!!! You light up my life with your rainbow soul.