First Official 50K Race, Fire On The Mountain

Hallelujah even here! The place of a hard challenge where fun can be miserable, the moment of test, a journey to self discovery and a privilege to an experience of a lifetime.

I arrived early in the morning. Nervous. Anxious. I grabbed my phone so I can listen to music, divert my attention. The song, Hallelujah Even Here came on and more songs followed. I said my prayer and rested in my car for a little bit while waiting for day light to come.

Green Ridge State Forest Maryland

It was an out and back course, Red and Green Trail. The red trail was very difficult.

Two nights before the event, I doubted myself that it took the excitement away and discouraged my hopeful spirit. I can’t thank my JRC friends enough  for lifting my spirit up, for believing in me that I can do it.

At the start I run/walk along with the group while observing where the markers are and coming back I was mostly by myself. It was so quiet that I enjoyed the sounds of the rocks every water crossing and even the crunch of corn chips lol. I heard a loud grunt and thought somebody was on my back and fell over, it was a young black bear on top of the hill. I probably woken the creature up. I almost took a trip on a snake right on the trail. I kept going. Snakes terrify me and I don’t want it to keep appearing in my head.

I swallowed a bug and peed myself when I tried to cough it out. I couldn’t get rid of it, so I followed it with a drink.

Sunrise before the race.

I got so much pain on the outer side of my left knee, stopping and stretching helped ease the pain. Hydration was good but I am not sure with my nutrition, I ate too many snacks and ended up with LBM at home and wanting to puke. I have a lot to learn.

I think this is the longest distance fitting for myself. Will I do this specific race/event again, I am not sure. I am hoping not because the climb was a lot. I am being honest to myself and I am not complaining because it was all worth it.

My husband’s note secretly hidden in my travel basket.

The view was beautiful, the strength I thought I didn’t have and my faith took me to the finish, the Lord’s grace, my family, JRC’s encouragement and believing in me helped to keep going, the organizer and volunteers, made it to be a beautiful experience of a lifetime. All that’s left in me is gratitude.

At the finish, runners were given a log and drop on the fire.

Thank you for the “pierogi men”my favorite station! I love to see all the good food on their  table.

Point Lookout Overlook Green Bridge State Park Maryland

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Point Lookout Overlook Green Ridge State Forest Maryland

Even though I walk in the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for You are with me. Your rod and your staff will comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Solo 50K Trail Run/Hike, First Longest Distance

It is my dream to do a 50K this year. I found one for October but with our child’s school concert, signing up won’t be happening. She only has three concerts left and next year she will be in college.

So, last week I was able to run my first 50K . It was enough to make me happy. The plan was to get 20 Miles. I started on the road, but as soon as the fog cleared out I headed into the woods. I skipped the trail that leads to the deepest part of the forest. It creeps me out being there without the sight of the road down below or the glistening sign of the lake. I won’t mind if I have company but working nightshift and not having a regular schedule is hard for me to make arrangements for.

It was challenging. I thought of my running friends who worked/ing so hard for their goals and achievements. I thought of Christ’s forty days and forty nights in the desert. I am not Him but for one day, with hydration and nutrition, the faith and courage, I knew I could make it. I thought of my Dad, that day was his 16th death anniversary. I couldn’t dedicate that 50k challenge for him because deep inside of me, the struggle and testing was purposely intended for myself. I thought of my husband on how he could easily picked me up if I ran on the road. It was hard. I started listening to music which lessened the misery and helped me to keep going. I also thought of how hikers get lost and not found. Could it be from disorientation or hallucination resulting from dehydration and hunger? I talked to myself too as a self check, “The leaves are green and some are yellow”, “It’s a stick, not a snake!” “Those are roots, not snakes.”

I got done at 32 Miles in less than 8 hours. As soon as I reached my car, I sat down (my legs and body were shaking) and took a few selfies, grabbed a drink and a handful of candy, called home to let them know I was done and ordered pizza so I could pick it up on my way home, and drove off…. then I realized I forgot to stop my watch. I don’t like it when I do that especially for my first ever longest distance. I wanted to keep the exact record. Thankfully, I captured my watch (during selfies) that shows its time and distance I finished.

Until now, I am finding it crazy how I resorted to running for mental/overall health but then tired myself out physically and mentally. I know fellow runners understand what I mean. I think we are just a bunch of weirdos.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, Romans 5:3-4