Driven

My First Ultra: 32 miles

You can do a lot in a lifetime, if you don't burn out too fast. You can make the most of the distance - But first you need endurance, first you've got to last...

 Until now my longest uninterrupted distance run was 15 miles. I have hiked more than 40 miles in a day, but this was a new game. With my first 50 mile 'race' fast approaching, the advice I had been getting from friends is to get at least one long run in before I attempt 50 miles. On other advice from friends I chose to get the long run on the very roads I would be attempting the 50 out in the West desert on the Pony Express trail.

I left Farmington a few minutes before 11AM Saturday. The weather forecast predicted a 50% chance for rain where I was going. Despite the odds, I had a good feeling about the day so I was committed to making the drive. As I drove out through Tooele, I phoned my dad to tell him exactly where I would be. He called me a short time later to tell me he and my mom were coming out to be in the area were I was running. They were worried about me being alone out there. I arrived at Lookout Pass about 12:30PM, then soon arrived at the campground/Pet Cemetery where the start line of the race will be. I cached water and food, then drove 16 miles to Simpson Springs where I dropped a similar cache. I then went back 7 miles, parked, and got dressed for a day of running in the desert. My plan was to run first to the start line at the campgound then back to my car for a total of 18 miles, then continue to Simpson where I would turn around and run the last leg back to the vehicle. The total mileage would be 32 if I was successful. 

As I got ready to start my timer, another runner came by headed in the direction of Simpson Springs. "You out here training?" said the stranger, an older man wearing a hydration vest similar to mine. "Yes," I replied. Two weeks. His name is Mike Cummings and he will be running the 100. I told him I was going the opposite direction but would probably see him later in the day as he made his way back to where he had parked.

The run to the campground was enjoyable. It never was boring, even though I was alone in a desolate area. I never felt entirely alone because every 20 minutes a fast moving vehicle went down the road. I had my music to help propel me and keep me company. A thick ceiling of clouds hung over the area the entire day but they held their  moisture. The rain never fell. About halfway through my first leg I met my parents coming the opposite direction. I updated them on my status, told them where my vehicle was parked and what my strategy was. The planned to drive around in the area and check on me. I wasn't sure how long they would sty out there, but it was a comfort knowing they were near.

Just before the campground there is a hill. I kept running up, although my pace must have slowed somewhat. I arrived at my cache site and refilled my water. I was curious about the nearby Pet Cemetery but I was not there to be a tourist. All business. Nine miles back to my car would put my at mile 18.5. I again met my parents along the road. My father is a professional photographer and he was out with the zoom lens getting good shots. Several miles later my parents were waiting for me at my vehicle where they acted as my running crew. They had all kinds of food offerings: drinks, chocolate, grapes, cheese. All I really needed was to refill my water, drink some Coke and try to eat my bagel. 

Back at it with 14 miles to go, I ran toward Simpson Springs. I saw a group of Pronghorn antelope bouncing across the road. Still not bored, just focussed on what I wanted to do. I wanted 32 miles, nothing less. At about mile 15 my knees felt sore. At mile 24 I began to get emotional. I let out several primal screams as I climbed a long, gradual incline to ward Simpson. I love the desert. Nobody is around to inhibit my emotional outbursts. Loud and unashamed. My knees hurt and my pace slowed noticeably.

My parents were waiting for me at Simpson, my last aid station. I refilled water, chewed off half a banana, sucked a gel and told my parents to go 4.5 miles down the road (mile 30) and wait for me. I told myself I could quit at mile 30 but not anything less.

Every part of me other than my knees and one of my hips felt strong. My cardio was feeling great, my muscles were solid. The last 7 miles was a exercise in managing pain while pushing forward. There was no stopping, no walking. The sun began to set behind me as I turned East on the road. My dad was out with his camera taking shots of me backlit with the sunset. Spectacular.  The last two miles I concentrated on my music, trying to ignore my sore knees. The last half mile one of my favorite songs (Rush's MARATHON) began to play and the lyrics were just what I needed to hear:

First you've got to last... 

At last my watch ticked mile 32. I jumped and shouted for joy, then quit. I was a mere 50 feet from my car.

I gave my parents the hugs they deserved, told them I love them.