Monday, July 21, 2008

CFL at TRT 50 miler


This last Saturday I ran the TRT 50 mile in Carson City, Nevada. I went into the race feeling like I could easily break my best time of 10:31. I wanted to run strong, to really feel fit, to push the uphills. What I didn't know was that I was going to get a condition known as CFL. Crap for legs. Yeah, it was the pits. My legs felt like lead, like they were filled with cement and my body just couldn't move fast enough with CFL's. I don't know if it was the altitude, the race itself, or the weather. I suppose it was a combination of everything. Oh, well. 10:41 was the best I could do.

The TRT is an awesome race. It has to be one of the prettier races I've done. Some of the area reminded me of the Hardrock course in Colorado. Beautiful mountains overlooking blue pristine lakes. The trees and large rock formations are amazing. The trails are mostly made up of decomposed granite, which helps give your legs that "crap for legs" feeling. Sometimes it felt like I was running in deep kitty litter.

I haven't seen the race results yet. I do know that my good bud, Suzanna Bon won the woman's 50 mile. She was quite the studette out there. Suzie is always smiling and a phenomenal athlete. I love running with her because she always makes me work hard. What I don't like about running with her is that I frequently get CFL during our trail adventures. I really hate that.

I ran with some really great runners at TRT. I enjoyed my time with Mark Tanaka and fellow Goat team member Peter Lubbers. Please check out their blogs, I think that you will enjoy them. It was great to see old friends out there battling it out on that tough course. I can only say that I have total respect for everyone out there pushing the limits on a very tough course. Kudos to all the 100 mile finishers. I don't know if I am tough enough to finish that course. Mentally and physically it is a bear. Wow, at this point I cannot fathom running 100 miles out there.

Sunday morning after the race we had breakfast with the Men's 100 mile winner, Erik Skaden. He and Mike Wolfe finished together in 18:59:10! Totally amazing. What a shame we couldn't see what he could have done at WS this year. He looked good and was still smiling after his incredible run on the TRT!

I am happy to report that I feel fantastic! No sore muscles, no lingering dead legs, no regrets. Leslie and I made great traveling buddies and we had a great time. Put TRT on your lists of to-do's for next year. You won't be sorry. I know that I'm not.

Next on the race list is Headlands 50 mile. It is Aug. 9th. It's a nice race in a beautiful location which has you running above the ocean and through beautiful coastal trails.

6 comments:

Olga said...

Kelly, doll, congrats on a fine run with CFL dragging along!!! :) I'll be at Headlands, will bring the gaiters. Rest up!
p.s. loved the "what I don't like about running with Suzie..." :)

kelly said...

Thanks, Olga. I can't wait to see you at Headlands. Will you be running? Sounds like you had a blast at Hardrock. Isn't that the most beautiful place anywhere? I almost felt guilty for loving it so much. See you soon.

meredith said...

Kelly,

Great to see you! You are going to laugh so hard when you read my post about my running legs...felt like I was running underwater with bricks attached. I LOVED your name for that, CFL. I will definitely use it sometime :) See you at Headlands.
Meredith

Deanna Stoppler said...

Way to go gal! At least you finished right? And you had a good time afterward.

Ronda said...

Kelly, the CFL thing made me laugh so hard. That's a good description for that kind of feeling. Despite the CFL, sounds like you had a good race and a fun time!

Peter Lubbers said...

Hi Kelly,
I think I might have had a case of CFL as well :-)
It was good to see you again and good luck at Headlands.
Peter