PCT 50 MILE TRAIL RUN

After completing Catalina 50 mile ultra in January I began to feel very anxious. It took two weeks for me to realize “It’s Sunday and I should be running!”. I missed waking up at 6am to run 7-8 miles. I missed the energy and endorphins from my previous running schedule. I especially missed the 20-24 mile runs every Sunday that would take me a little over 3 hours to complete. I came to a consensus... I need to train for another ULTRA!!!! After buying a new pair of running shoes I was back and ready for another race. I came across PCT 50 in San Diego which gave me 2 months to train. Driving up to the race was interesting. For one thing, I have never ran on a trail before and second, all I saw was a single dirt trail leading to the middle of the mountains.  At the blow of the horn, runners began running on the single trail in a uniformed line. Within a couple of miles runners were running past each other and eventually I was alone in the middle of nowhere again. After passing the first aid station I felt strong and energized. On my way to the next aid station I felt uncertain because the road looked a little strange. I identified shoe track marks which gave me some assurance however once I saw another runner pass me going the opposite direction I knew I goofed. I finally realized I ran 4 miles out of the way and the only way of getting back on track was backtracking another 4 miles! I was so bummed, discouraged, horrified!!! Well, I took a deep breath, turned around and hauled ass! Once I began to see runners again my confidence came back to me. I was feeling nervous because I only had 1 water bottle and almost reached 16 miles with heavy hills. I reached the half way point at mile 25 however by that point I already completed 33 miles. I didn’t allow negative thoughts to enter my head and I just continued to stay focus and run. The trail was amazingly beautiful. (Besides getting lost) I was already planning the PCT 50 run for next year as I was running through pine forests and rolling hills. I hit a wall the last 10 miles. In my head I was telling myself I should already be done. With heavy climbs and the heat beginning to rise I pumped up the music, called my sister and told her I would be there in 1 hour. With 2 miles left I was so excited to be almost finished that I tripped over the rocky surface and took a spill. After picking up my music and water bottle on the dirt path I began to sprint. I finally saw the finish line followed by my cheering sister and brother-in-law. After 10 hours and 30 minutes of running, 58 miles and 10 Gu’s I completed the PCT 50 in San Diego. Let’s just say I’ll definitely be back next year.