After a six month forced break from racing I ran the Pine Mountain 40 Miler yesterday at FDR State Park in Georgia. My training basically consisted of a ten day training blitz (not recommended) where each run felt close to awful. Due to this, I fully expected the race itself to be a rough one. So, I packed a drop bag (Luke’s Handy Manny lunchbox…easy to spot) and left the house at 2:45 a.m. to get there in time to check-in and stretch before the start.
My strategy was to split the race into 4 separate 10 mile sections, start slow and build gradually with each 10 mile section. I expected some rough patches, but felt reasonably confident that I could finish and have a mostly enjoyable day in the woods. Fortunately the strategy worked and I was able to increase my pace throughout the run and negative split the course to finish in 7:08:21, good for 6th overall. There was only one rough patch, from miles 24-28, which I was able to overcome with increased fluids. The final 10 mile section was my fastest at 1:31. After the injury frustrations of the summer it was extra sweet to be able to crank it up late in the race.
Very pleased with this as a return to racing. The day was beautiful and the race organization was superb. This one really helped my confidence after the injury plagued summer and fall. After recovering from this one I look forward to getting back to training and running regularly to build speed in anticipation of a couple spring races. Should be a fun winter!
Verse: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9
