My First Ultramarathon-the Dizzy Fifties 50K

Running. In some people the word inspires feelings of elation while in others it inspires feelings of dread. I have been a casual runner for several years, but in 2007, I decided to get serious about my running.

In early 2007, I read a book called "Ultramarathon Man" by Dean Karnazes. It is basically an autobiography of how he became an ultrarunner. An ultrarunner is someone that runs any distance farther than a marathon (26.2 miles). He progressed from no running at all to a running machine in a short time. In the story, he details how he struggled through fifty, hundred, and three hundred-plus mile runs. Obviously, this book was meant to be motivating for those casual runners like myself, so I decided on the spot to do an ultramarathon.

I wrote a race report the day after the race, and here is what I had to say:

The Dizzy Fifties is a race held on Monte Sano Mountain in Huntsville, AL. There are three simultaneous races occurring: the 50k (31 mile), the 40 mile, and the 50 mile. I've wanted to run an ultra race for a long time, and I finally got my chance on November 17, 2007.

A date which will live in infamy.

- FDR

Race Day Prep- I woke up bright and early at 4:00. My wife, my friend, and I arrived at 6:00, just prior to the 6:30 start. I wanted to stay in the nice, warm car, but knew I needed to go. Checked in, stuck my bags on a table at the aid station, and lined up. I overheard the race director telling someone that if anyone got lost, he'd probably scream, because he marked the heck out of the course (I shouldn't have laughed about that). We all lined up for final instructions, and he sent us on our way. Status-6:30A.M., freezing cold, and 31 miles to go.

I decided to go for a little run. - Forrest Gump

Miles 0 to 2.3-We head out for an easy, one-time loop to make the distances even for each distance. It was short and uneventful compared to the rest of the day. I had my first trip, but didn't swallow too much dirt. Vowed to watch those rocks and roots much more closely and continued on.

Miles 2.3 to 6.3-Passed by the aid station and headed down the road to start the northern loop. As we went down the back side of the mountain, the wind stopped completely and I started sweating. I knew the rocks and roots hid below the leaves on this side of the mountain, so I tried to take it easy; I had a long day ahead.

Miles 6.3 to 11.89-I was looking forward to the easy, flat south loop, but it quickly became so boring that I started to hate it! I took off following some people, but someone whistled at me from behind. I turned and saw that I was headed the wrong way (oops)! I got back on track and merged into a small group. I met a nice, older lady and a few other guys that I ran with for a while. The lady caught her foot on two different roots within 30 seconds of each other, hurt her ankle, and was out for the rest of the day.

Running is real. It's all joy and woe, hard as diamond. It makes you weary beyond comprehension, but it also makes you free. - unknown

Miles 11.89 to 15.89-Pulled into the aid station, refilled hand bottle, ate a little bit, and went out again. I started to feel slower, but no real problems yet.

Miles 15.89 to 21.48-Uncharted territory! Every step is a new distance record being broken for me. I had only run 16-17 miles in training, because of work/family issues, so I was thrilled to come this far. Refilled and refueled at the aid station and took off. Caught up to the two guys again and ran with them. I notice I'm becoming aware of the pain.

Long distance running is 90% mental and the other half is physical. - Rich Davis

Miles 21.48 to 25.48-Hit the aid station, but my brain was shorting out obviously. I didn't fill my bottle all the way up, and I finished it off before going more than 2 miles into the north loop. I tried to walk to conserve any water I had left. Caught back up to my other pal from earlier and we walked the hill together and ran/walked back to the aid station.

Enjoy your pain, you've earned it - unknown

Miles 25.48 to 31-My legs are sore and it feels like my feet have been tenderized with a sledgehammer. I'm still moving forward, somehow. After not having enough water on the last loop, I feel very nauseous and lightheaded. I ate some pretzels and some of a peanut butter and honey sandwich as I drank half a bottle of water. Refilled bottle with Gatorade and hobbled off to the trail. I caught up to my friend and stayed with him for a mile, but my stomach was hurting so much that I couldn't run anymore. I alternated between walking and retching. FYI-not fun at all. I kept taking sips from my bottle until I felt human again, and I ran some and walked some. I kept getting faster and faster on my run sections until I made up the time and caught back up to my friend. I checked to be sure he was okay and I ran on ahead. I crossed the finish line happy and ragged in 7:30.

I can't wait until next year!