Adventures of Ultra Running

AFTER COMPLETING MY LAST 26 MILE MARATHON IN 2007, I THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS COMPLETE ANOTHER RACE OVER 13 MILES. LITTLE DID I KNOW I WOULD SOMEDAY HAVE A SLIGHT OBSESSION WITH A NEW TYPE OF RUNNING EVENT...ULTRAS.

AVALON 50 MILE RUN

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Audrey Watson: audrey7wat@yahoo.com

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AVALON 50 MILE RUN

Catalina was the first of many following ultra marathons. I never thought in a million years I would even attempt one and it only took a close friend of mine to say “Audrey, it’s only 50 miles”. With that I agreed and signed up for my first ultra. After training for two months which consisted of weekly Saturday runs ranging from 20-24 miles it was time for the big day. Beginning at 6 am in pitch black (with only the light on my cell phone!) I started with 178 other runners. Although it was exciting running in the middle of the woods climbing over 1,600 ft in pitch black I was thankful to see the sun finally rise 1.5 hours later. The power in my legs were strong and I was feeling over joyed with excitement. I was averaging excellent timing and at the half way point I already ran a little over 4 hours. I began to feel tired around mile 33 especially when I looked around and saw no other runner in site (There was a herd of buffalos though!). I finally ran into another runner at mile 35 and together we talked each other through 10 miles. I came to the last aid station at mile 46. I remember feeling overjoyed when I heard the volunteer say that I had 1 more big hill and than the rest was down hill. I ate one more Gu after the treacherous hill (which I barely could swallow) and than began to descend. I could feel the increase of pain in my legs as they were trying to break down hill. I increased my pace even more once I began to see the city of Catalina. Once I reached the city streets I saw the finish line and began to sprint past my cheering family. I couldn’t hold it any longer and tears became to stream down my face. I have never felt so strong. My family ran up to me and instantly began hugging and congratulating me. I felt completely empowered, exhausted and blessed to have an amazing family all at the same time. After running 9 hours 7 minutes and eating 9 Gu’s I completed my first (and many more to come) ultra and collected my first award ever, 2nd place.

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