Solid Week

Well, mostly just running, 7-8 miles a day until Saturday's famous Fairview throw down. A perfect day 15mile day with great training partners who kicked my butt on the 1.1 mile x 5-6 loop tempo. I believe if I go under 50 min on that course I'm in decent shape. Will just finish this week with long runs and maybe a trip to Black Warrior. Not to do the 50k but they have a 25k as well so might as well run with people. If we can work out the logistics I will go? John Thrope?

It was great to have Julie Eckerly finish her first marathon (Jacksonville, Fla)..Julie was a sometimes training partner here in Nashville and ran for Vanderbilt University. Her time of 3:38 I believe qualifies her for Boston..which was her goal..so CONGRATS to Julie!!!

Black Warrior 50K

Well, I competed in my first 50K this past weekend. Maybe I should say this is my second attempt at a 50K. My first attempt was Stump Jump 50K 2007 where I DNF'd. I went into this one well trained and injury free. My main goal was to finish, then to finish under 5hrs, if things were good, finish in 4:45 and if I was "ON" do a 4:30.

Saturday morning was humid (95%) and slighty warm...ran in short sleeves which was a good decision. Probably ran the first 12.5 miles a little fast as I had my splits laid out time wise and was ahead of schedule. Felt really good up to mile 22.5 and then basically suffered from mile 25 to the finish. I was passed by two people in the last mile. I came in 5th Open Male (4:46)which meant I placed on the podium as they only went five deep.

Lessons learned: drink more fluids, go a little easier in the early stages of the race!

I had a really good trip and race experience and hoping for more this year.

Now on to recovery and my next ultra. Many thanks to all those who have helped in so many ways. I could'nt have done it without everyone.