Road to 50k Culmination - DNF Renews My Passion & Drive

I've pushed off writing this Blog entry, partly because it would mean connecting with the emotional part of this weekend, but partly because as much as I feel stronger and that I know so much more about myself through this journey, I'm proud of myself, but I'd be lying if I said I was happy with the end result.

I went into the race ready & I was surrounded by friends at the Aid Stations. Lake Hodges 50k was my first time going for something this big / this grand. I trained hard & as is the case with any big goals, sometimes it's not going to end your way & it will be through no fault of your own. I found out approaching Mile 19 that I was a bit over the cutoff time & I still ran it in to the aid station mile marker with a smile on my face the entire way. Yes, I was upset with myself. Yes, I was proud of myself, but I've learned it's possible to be proud of what you've done & still upset at where you've fallen short.

I was greeted by friends at the start line & it felt great to have Elevation Culture at the start line, as
well as a few of the ECTR family out on the trail while I ran. The course was beautiful and 8 miles in I was greeted by my coach Lauren Padula along with Arlo & Alice and my NP fam Michelle. I maintained a good pace. I ran a bit up Raptor Ridge and continued to maintain a decent pace for the run. It was a miscalculation on my part that caused me to DNF. I did everything in my power to account for the cutoffs; however, failed when it came to allowing for any circumstances out of the
usual. The mile marker cutoff ended up being a bit further back from where I had allotted for it in my race prep & planning.

So coming up on Mile 19, I had already come to terms with the fact that I was going to get cut. I had already cried on the trail a bit knowing today wouldn't be the day that I would complete an Ultra - but most importantly, I had already accepted that this was the end for today's attempt. My friend Gretchen came running up to meet me as I got to Mile 19 & with a big smile on my face we ran it into the aid station together. A few minutes later, my friend from Just Run Del Sur came in as the sweeper, I stayed at the aid station and rehydrated before jumping in Gretchen's car & going to grab pizza.

I ended my first 50k experience hanging in the Elevation Culture tent & thinking back on the run. Ok
so I didn't finish, but I ran my fastest 30k Distance that day on a trail, faster than I had ever ran that
distance on a road. I smiled and laughed and cheered on other runners the entire 19miles I was on that course. I took in some of the most beautiful views I've ever come across on a trail run. I felt part of something that I've never felt at a road race event. I had other runners cheering me on along the course. I felt free. I felt happy. And before I left I knew, I'm coming back next year & I'm going to crush it. I made the mistake of saying it out loud to which Eric & the EC team said why wait. I'm already conditioned and I've already trained. Jump back into it. And while I walked back to my car upset that today hadn't gone my way, I logged onto Facebook and committed myself to doing the San Diego 50 Trail Marathon, also put on by Off Road Pursuits.


My experience running my first Ultra was one that I'll always remember & through it (the good, the fun & the DNF), I've discovered a love I had for running I never knew I had. Through this race I was motivated & inspired to move forward with trademarking what will be my next goal in my running journey.

Trademark Process has begun. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog with detailed information on my next venture, "RUN HEAVY, LIVE LOUD"

Lake Hodges Trail Fest 2018 (Oct 27th, 2018)

Lake Hodges Trail Fest 2018 = (Oct 27th, 2018)