I knew just enough about this three loop 50k course to know I didn’t want to know anymore ahead of time. As I made my way through the pack I quickly realized a couple of things: sandy trails and we were already headed up a false flat. In fact the first mile.5 is at an uphill grade; climbing about 225 feet of single track, wash and other cross-use trails during that time. Within the first mile I’d jumped up toward the front 1/2 and settled in behind Fall; at an 8:15-20 pace. His pace; clearly not mine. Mistake #1. We lose a couple hundred feet (net) over the next 1.5 which is full of rollers, twists and turns. Still maintaining a sub8:20 pace as we had a shuffling of a few positions yet generally settling in to a conversational pace and arrangement. Sunrise was to our back and the valley below combined with other range peaks made this an incredible view; really too bad we were focused on one foot in front of the other as it truly was a memorable sunrise; stunning event. Miles three to four we were back uphill and four to 5.5 downhill. Trail traffic was scarce during this stretch as it was just past sunrise and the two other distance events had not yet started. It was easy to get caught up in the isolation, peace and beauty of the surroundings. A terrific first leg with a well positioned aid station at the (approx) 5.1M mark.
During that 4-5.5 stretch we did a little leapfrog with a guy who was really pushing pace. He’d pulled over to head into the desert around 3 and he made his way back to us then around us between 3.5-4. At which point Fall started picking up pace to keep on his heel. Pace dropped along with elevation significantly until the first aid station at approx 5.1. I caught up with him at the station as our rabbit had significantly pulled away. We rejoined and dialed it back a bit yet still landed at an 8:10 average for those two miles which included another .25 uphill. We would be a near constant uphill from 5.4 through 6.8 adding nearly 400 feet of climb during that short stretch (elevation charts). Most significantly the pace slowed to a walk up 300 feet of elevation in 1/2 a mile. In hind-site this would also be the last time I would run up some of these rollers; they were take their place among the CaptKirk recommended uphill walking method during my subsequent loops. I should have followed that advice during this first loop as well. Mistake #2.
Footing was decent on this walking climb and a couple sets of volunteers were positioned to ensure we stayed on the correct trail. I maintained my position behind Fall and as we reached the plateau we could see the San Tan/Queen Creek valley on two sides. Absolutely beautiful and fortunately we were walking back into a trot over the plateau so I was able to enjoy the view. We rounded a corner and saw an immediate drop down the Gold Mine trail. That would be the last time I would be within whisper distance of Fall. Without hesitation he scrambled down the rock and sand slide of a .5 mile, 400′ elevation drop. On the other hand I immediately thought of the words of my knee surgeon: ‘you can pretty much do and be anything you want as long as it’s not a gymnest, wrestler or …’ (one other occupation I cannot recall). I think I’d add one: Downhill mountain trail runner.
Rocks, sand and dust continued to slide down several feet after Fall was through them. No footing was to be found which meant one has only a couple options for going down this thing: bomb it or settle into a rhythmic step, slide, step, slide, step motion. I chose the latter. I lined myself up nearly parallel to the hill and led with my strong (right) leg. Long stride right followed by short trailing stride left. Repeat. I lost so much time down the hill that by the time we flattened out for the last 1/2 mile gentle slope down to aid station number two (@ approx 7.8 miles) I’d been passed by two people and was met by my former partner on his way back up the hill. This part of the course (first lap anyway) is where the leaders pass you heading back up to the big hill. They look so strong it’s admirable. I counted one gal on this return stretch before I hit the bottom and landed at the aid station. That made me #2 girl. I felt pretty good about that. I also counted at least 1/2 dozen small pebbles in both shoes. That was new yet no surprise given the trail conditions. I figured I’d do a shoe review at the end of Lap one so I could tolerate the irritation for another 2 miles. Mistake #3.
I took advantage of every aid station (Start/Finish, 5.1 Miles, 7.8 Miles-repeat) in a leisurely fashion. This one (#2) was at another park trailhead/entrance. By now regular visitors started filling in and were curious about the tables and tent. Their questions were generally sincere and someday we can hope a few of them make the transition from casual park/trail walker info into participants. After a trip to the kybo, another round of straight coke, cookies and electrolyte capsules (they served E-Caps) I made my way back up the slow incline to the back side of the peak. We hooked left to get to the Finish/Start and it was nearly all downhill yet my quads already objected and the little rocks in my shoes were lining up to do their business.
Once under the Finish/Start sign to record my chip I circled back to make a pit stop then made a change of clothes given the impact of the now full-on sun. My legs were stiffened up enough I opted to not sit and change shoes–or even empty the annoying pebbles already embedded. See previous–Mistake #3.
A seemingly blistering last mile pace (in reality only 8:15 pace) brought me mercifully to the finish where I loaded up on all the post-run goodies I could~~ extra burrito, extra coffee, extra ibuprofen. Done and ready to reflect with my ride-share partners and a few others still hanging around. A good morning; I’d do it again.
Results: Elevation Gain: 4300′
Calories Burned: 3800
Average Moving Pace: 9:48(chip/official of 10:01)
Moving Time: 5:02 (chip final Result of 5:22–need to better manage aid stations??)
At the finish Gungle pulled his warm Guinness out of his bag for us to share. Why didn’t I think of that? I have a lot to learn from these seasoned trail guys.
Finishing off a fourth consecutive ‘event’ weekend gave me satisfaction on several fronts. I was able to be (age group) competitive in a somewhat challenging four mile trail sprint and a flat out 10k sprint right after a disappointing marathon. And I was able to mentally get through the San Tan Scramble and really enjoy it. Each event I was over-aware of my knee and I’ve done a bit more than normal to rest and stretch after each event. It gets fatigued/sore but not like before. I’d like to think the procedure could be called a real success. I also may be getting a bit of mental rhythm back after months of fits, starts and generally taking it easy. Plus it’s been once again confirmed I have the best supportive partner and a great group with whom to train.
A painful 5.5M @ 6:00a.m. the morning after reminded me I’m a little beyond my best day; that was miserable so I’ll back off for a couple days and work on finding out how to keep connected with the trail guys for their (our?) next event!