On Sunday 07th August I completed my second ultra marathon - running 50km at the MEC Race Series in Gatineau Park in 5 hrs and 8 mins. http://events.mec.ca/event/148916/mec-ottawa-race-four-11k-20k-30k-50k-trail-2017
This was my first trail race and is all part of the physical and mental preparation for the Midnight Moose Ultra next month.
The weather was near perfect, after a rainy few days the morning was bright and cool - and as the day got hotter there was plenty of shade on the trails.
The course had been simplified because of a couple of trail closures caused by all the summer rains, so there was a lot of wide double track - including stretches on he Ridge Road that runs through the park - and not much technical trail.
I had expected to finish around 6 hrs but the cool weather and course changes made the race easier than expected.
The 50k course was a 30k + 20k laps (or 28k + 21k according to my watch!), much of the two courses overlapped and used the same trail so I was a lot more confident in the second half and actually ran a negative split.
The 50k course was a 30k + 20k laps (or 28k + 21k according to my watch!), much of the two courses overlapped and used the same trail so I was a lot more confident in the second half and actually ran a negative split. I found the trails a lot more enjoyable than the pavements in Niagara, but the temperature was also a major factor. I was pleased with my nutrition - alternating between Cliff bars and Cliff energy 'Bloks', with water in my pack and taking Nuun electrolytes at a couple of the water stations.
It was my first opportunity to think about a drop-bag: I had spare shoes and food at the 30 km mark. I didn't end up needing it but it was a good thinking exercise to plan contents. I had also prepared some hiking poles, but the course was fast and wide enough that they weren't necessary either.
Overall this was a good confidence boost, and I don't think I need to change my training plan, just making Relentless Forward Progress.
And I've managed to raise $1,120 so far for the great work being done by Start2Finish!
Sponsorship link: https://www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1466&AID=1695&PID=602510&Preview=Y
Every penny appreciated 😊
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