Catoctin 50K - It's a wrap!!

Well, this was my "comback" run from the injury to my calf. With much trepadition, I decided that I'd go ahead and run. I must have had phantom pain in my lower calf muscle as for several days there was no pain, and then on Friday, I had pain.

I went to If the Shoe Fits and bought a new running outfit for this race, and got everything together for the Saturday run. Soon after, the alarm clock went off!

I set the alarm for 4:30 a.m. and when it went off, I looked at the time, and thought, "I really should not do this. So, I turned off the alarm and went back to sleep, completely convinced I wouldn't be running this today. But, I awoke at 5:38 and thought, "I really should go and run this." Out and on my way to the race I went.

Kevin Sayers is the race director, and has been for the past ten years. I have to say up front that this race, for such a small fee to pay, is well-organized and the volunteer help is awesome!

The race begins at the tea room at High Knob, which is in Gambrill State Park. You first go around the park area and quickly your on to the AT trail. If you have never run on the AT trail, then you should know that using the word "trail" is not the best description. I'd describe it as "rock!" I have never seen so much rock.

It had rained the evening before, so the rocks were very slippery and several unfortunate runners took some nasty spills at the beginning. Soon though, everyone was on their way to the Blue Blaze trail and off to make it to the cutoff points.

The first cutoff was six miles in and we had 1:45 to get there. I made it in 1:10 and felt good about "banking" some time. The aid stations throughout were great. Plenty of food and drink, and the most helpful and friendly group of people at any race I have run. They were taking our water bottles and filling them up for us! I've never experienced that level of service.

The first six miles were not too difficult. Actually, the first half of the run wasn't too bad. Of course, I'd learn why later. The first half, much if the run is downhill. And, as all of us runners know, that means the second half is mostly uphill. And, that is what it was.

On the run back, at mile 17 I started to cramp up and my run became a slow jog. The slow jog turned into a fast walk. I met up with another runner, Jim, who was painfully aware that we had many uphills to go. We met up at about mile 21 and ran the balance of the run together, encouraging each other on.

The final two miles of the run was at a 9% uphill grade (ouch!). We came to the top at the tea room, and made our way across the finish. RD Kevin was there to greet us with a huge smile, "congratulations!", and the famous "CAT CARD!"

We had done it! Official Time: 7:58.11!

Postscript

I'll post a pic once it becomes available on the website.

As for the calf, I'd have to label it as "recovered." I had no problem with the run. The longest run since June 17 (the injury) had been 8 miles. I did four plus times that. Today (the day after), I have the normal soreness and no pain at all where the original injury was.

So, off to the next race - the Susquehannah 25 Mile Hike & Run!

See you on the roads!