Dead Horse Ultra 50k

 For the Dead Horse Ultra 50k in Moab, Utah, on November 19, 2022, the official race distance was 30.5 miles and my official finish time is was 8:35:49. 🥳 

Almost 2900' of gain.

Third time was the charm for my first 50k! I'd signed up for one in 2017 (then tore my calf and DNFed an Ironman) and one in May 2022 (then strained my calf/Achilles, and the race was cancelled anyway due to forest fires). When calf tightness cropped up two weeks ago, I though oooooh no. Not agaaaaain! Plus, my knees got crunchy soon after, and I felt like I was falling apart. I just wanted this race to be DONE. Anxiety threatened to consume me, but the beautiful drive to Moab really lifted my spirits. How could I not have a great day in this amazing land, even if I had to drop out partway through? Nestled on BLM land in between Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park (hence the name), Dead Horse Ultra promised to be gorgeous.  

I create a Flat Runner the night before every big race.

The morning dawned frigidly at a cool 20F (-7C). Nausea prevented me from finishing my breakfast of toasted bagel, peanut butter, honey, and banana. Greeeeat start. Jasper was as comforting as he could be, driving me to the Gemini Bridges trailhead, and hanging out while I shivered in my ski coat. 

Nervously leaving our Moab Springs Ranch bungalow.

We spied the 50-milers' headlamps midway up this mesa.

It was Sweet Race Husband's birthday!!

Jasper: "I tried so hard to take a nice picture of you before the race..."

Wave 3 lined up just before 7:10am, and then...

We were off and running! My nerves disappeared! Because my legs and hands were numb, nothing hurt! 😂 The course started with two of the steepest miles, which thoroughly warmed me. The rising sun brightened the red rocks as well as my mood, and I couldn't stop smiling as I ran down the other side and onto a few miles of mostly flat jeep road, snaking between rocky cliffs. A woman passed me as we climbed, and I passed her again at this point. (I'd later learn her name is Seana.) 

Seana!

Cresting the massive hill

Heading into the canyon

Aid Station 1 of 5 was at mile 4.5. I refilled my soft flask with water, added my Nuun electrolyte tablet, and continued up the jeep road. Soon, the course turned into single track. I stopped by a bush for some business, hoping I had chosen a spot without the famous Moab cryptobiotic crust (a community of living organisms on the desert floor that can take decades to recover when disturbed). From here, the course became some of the most fun trail I've ever run on! It wasn't as trip-hazard filled, or steep, or exposed as ours can be. Much of it just felt playful. I kept reminding myself to "BE THE TORTOISE,” reining in my pace and walking a lot, knowing my body was iffy and the day long. 

Following blue ribbons and paint on slickrock kept me engaged, as I marveled at the view. I only got "lost" briefly once--suddenly I couldn't see any markers. Two mountain bikers stopped to check on me. They said, "we'll scout for you!! Just a sec!" Soon, they called, "your ribbons are over here!!" And I plodded onward.

Somewhere before AS 2 at mile 7.5, Seana caught up to me again! She was still power hiking. We chatted our way into the AS, and she convinced me that I needed to slow down even more. She's a medic who does Dead Horse Ultra every year as her base/check in race before training for her 240-milers (she hopes to PR next year and finish in fewer than four days). 😳 She stopped for a while at the AS and said she'd catch up with me. I grabbed Skittles and Swedish Fish and charged forth.

The course shifted from slickrock to red-dirt trail through scrubby, flat fields. I ran up to a guy on one of his walking breaks and scooted with him through a small herd of docile black cows. He was having a rough day--back problems flared -- and he wasn't sure he was going to finish. A young woman walked back towards us, in tears, heading to the previous AS to drop out as one of HER injuries had flared. Seana caught up at this point, made sure the woman was ok, and we said goodbye. Seana passed the guy and me, power hiking off. Not long after, I said goodbye to the dude. I hope he finished; I didn't catch his name or bib number.

The next portion reminded me of a moon's surface, or an asteroid...the slickrock is pockmarked with round depressions, many of which were filled with iced-over pools of water. Views of Canyonlands and La Sal Mountain range loomed in the distance against the deep blue sky. Off and on, I listened to my normal eclectic running playlist, Sea Shanty Bangers, Christmas music, and Brave Saint Saturn.

Around mile 14, my right hip started hurting, which was super weird. My knees twinged now and again. Both Achilles and/or soleus muscles tightened on the climb, but my gastrocs (main big calf muscle) felt great! 

Elated to reach AS 3 at the turn around point, I grabbed Oreos, fig newtons, and more water. The 50 milers rejoined our course here and I spent the next 15 miles watching out for their speediest runners and letting them pass. They were all encouraging and friendly. I love trail runners. 😍

At AS 3, I again caught up to Seana. We decided to run together for a while! She sort of pulled me along and these were some of the best miles. Our duo became a trio for a bit when we accumulated Brandon, who was also having a rough hip day. He eventually dropped back to walk it out. (He did finish an hour after I did!) And eventually, around mile 18, needed to take more walking breaks for MY hip and Seana yelled back, "SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE, LOS ALAMOS!" 

I texted Jasper at every AS, and he kept my parents and friends apprised of my progress. I reached AS 4 (ostensibly mile 21) way faster than he expected, despite hitting a deeply sandy jeep road. Ouch. I used the porta potty, got more water, and snagged more Skittles. My Huma and Gu gels and Honey Stinger waffles kept me energized, but Skittles brought me LIFE. 

I saw this sign soon after AS 4.

Side trip to see the Gemini Bridges!

My two complaints about this race: they promised peanut butter tortilla wraps and I never saw any, and the last five miles were full of Jeeps and dirt bikes, kicking up dust. 🙄

After mile 21, I stopped having a great time. Joints all really hurt from pounding on the slickrock, so I walked. A lot. A lot a lot. I noticed blisters on my feet (but for real, 21 miles with happy feet is amazing for me). I lost an earbud. My remaining earbud and I slogged along, praying for resilience, and thanking the Lord that over 2/3 of the race was just so FUN. (God really was there, I am so incredibly grateful.) 

Just before the final AS, we hit more deep sand. Fast 50 milers would trudge past me and stop to walk it out. 

Finally, I arrived at AS 5! Also, AS 1, it was at the end/beginning of the stick of the lollipop course. One of the volunteers remembered me for my purple hair and told me it turned orange. (?????????? Thanks for trying to make me laugh, dude.) I forgot to get water, but did get Reese's peanut butter cups, so WINNING. 

The final 4.5 miles was back through the canyon with red rock cliffs along the not-too-sandy jeep road. I texted Jasper when I began the final climb. Just keep swimming. 

Candy brings life. Especially Reeses.

Back on the stick of the lollipop course!

The landmark signalling just a few miles left.

At the top, I cried brief tears of relief and joy as I spotted the parking lot and finish line way down below! Only two miles left!

I see the parking lot and finish line! Way down there!

I ran most of the way back, but still had to walk because some parts were so steep and rocky that I was sure I'd trip and fall off the cliff. And because I was just so dang tired and hurt. 

As I got nearer to the end, I saw more and more spectators. The cheers, cute puppies, and smiles boosted my spirits even more...and then I saw JASPER!!!! He waved and smiled and snapped pics and I started crying (and thus wheezing) again! I turned two corners, sprinted best I could up the chute, and crossed the finish line!

Jasper saw me coming!

Utterly relieved, exhausted, sore, and proud, I got my awesome medal and hugs and kisses from sweet birthday boy husband. My strong finish stride became a waddle as we perused the finish line amenities. I heartily accepted enchiladas and wolfed them down. 

And then--I saw Seana! She finished 20 minutes before me and made her partner (who ran the 30k) wait so she could hug me. She gave me a bubble salute, which is her race tradition--running with bubbles and blowing them at aid stations and the finish. I'm so grateful for my race buddy. :) 

Jasper took me back to our cozy cabin, where we ate pizza and drank beer (I'd abstained for a few weeks prior and OH MY GOSH DID IT TASTE GOOD. Thanks, Bosque!). 

Now, on to the rest of our Utah National Park vacation! Can I wear my medal forever?