Chuckanut 50k Recap

Well, the big day has come and gone. Chuckanut 50k is now officially a race that we can put behind us. Annalisa took care of our pre-race meals preparing chicken & quinia for dinner and then oatmeal and freshly made apple, carrot, orange, lime and spirulina juice to help sustaining our energy for the adventure ahead of us.

The race started promptly at 8am and we had some serious conversations about how much clothing we should wear as it was still in the mid 30's when the starting gun went off. Our primary strategy was "run our own race." This entailed not getting caught up with the adrenaline rush at the beginning of the run and burning up too early. This was difficult the first 10k as it was flat and we were moving at a comfortable 9:45/mile pace. We arrived at the first aid station (A.S.) right on our goal (58min) and then started the climb up to Fragrance Lake. At this point we were feeling pretty good so we scurried up the hill with the occasional hike and passed a number of runners on this climb. We we peaked out, we were treated with a small run around the lake, and single track. I love the single track! This was short lived as we quickly made the ascent above the lake and then headed to A.S. 2.

We then found out that it was about a 3 mile climb up a service road to the next A.S. so we kept up a slow running pace up most of it and hit A.S. 3, where we were instructed to top off our water supplies. Tiff and I both decided to only run with a 16oz. h2o bottle, and with the next 8.5 miles being the most challenging of them all, we would soon realize why others had carried a bit more.

During the next section of the trail, we ran on what is called "The Ridge Trail" a singletrack trail that was ubelievable and offered great views of the cascades. Needless to say we both ran out of water and for 30m we were suffering. I started to have some cramping, nothing too serious, but I knew it could be if we didn't get to A.S. soon. Finally, we arrived and it on to the final 12 miles of the race. But first, "Chinscraper" a switchback climb that seemed like it would never end. Of course it did and that is when Tiff and I agreed to split from one another if one of us could. 4 miles of downhill into the the final A.S. and Tiff was about 5min. ahead of me and then the final 10k to the finish. This in my opinion was the most difficult section as you could see in front of you forever and there seemed like no end was in sight.

Tiff ended his 31mile adventure run in an unofficial 5:49 and I followed him with a 5:59. Our goal was a sub 6 hour run maximum and not having run this before. Other than the expected sore muscles, and feet- we are feeling good and are getting amped for the next adventure, TRIOBA May 30th.