Bret

Iron Horse 50 mile Ultra

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Location:

Milton,GA,USA

Member Since:

Jul 27, 2010

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

PR's -

Mile - 4:38    (High School)

2 Mile - 10:12 (High School) 

3 mile - 15:51 (High School)

10k - 35:19 (High School)

Marathon - 2:59 marathon (London -2013)

Half marathon - 1:25:18 (Deseret News 2013)

Completed all 6 of the World Marathon Majors 2024

Completed each of the 5 majors (NY, Chicago, Boston, London & Berlin) at least twice.

8 x Boston Marathon (1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2014, 2020 (virtual due to covid) 2021, 2022)

13 x NYC Marathon (1997, 1998, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)

 

 

Short-Term Running Goals:

Sub 3 hour marathon

Long-Term Running Goals:

Continue to enjoy running and racing as long as my body permits me.  

Personal:

Old guy - (grandfather even) been running for 40+ years.  

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 23.75 Month: 113.20 Year: 382.05
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
60.000.000.000.0060.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

Took the day off.

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Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.000.000.000.003.00

Just 3 miles on the treadmill today.  Busy work schedule, plus I am planning to do a lengthy race on Saturday.

 

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Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.000.000.000.003.00

PM - at lunchtime did 3 miles on the treadmill - but something weird happened with my left calf muscle.  It is almost like a muscle spasm or a cramp that I cannot seem to release.   Following the workout I was nearly unable to walk without pain and a limp.  I have had similar issues in the past - called it a "calf heart-attack" - which usually works its way out if I do a walk run thing.  Hoping the spasm releases with massage/foam roller and the stick.

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Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

Took the day off.  Left calf muscle has improved substantially but not 100% - Quite sore and it is stiff after being sedentary for a bit.  Seems to loosen up after some walking.  Will test it some tomorrow.

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Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.000.000.000.004.00

AM - did a little "test" run on the treadmill this morning to see if there are any issues/concerns with the left calf.  Seems ok.  Sort of feels sore and like it could convert to a cramp if I tried to run with signficnant intensity - but for an easy effort it just feels like any normal passing tightness/soreness that happens from time to time.

I am planning to run my first 50 miler on Saturday in Florida.  The test run was for for "go/no go" on the race - and I think I am a go.

 

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Race: Iron Horse 50 mile Ultra (50 Miles) 09:13:57, Place overall: 3
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
50.000.000.000.0050.00

So to signify mile age of 50 years - I completed the Iron Horse 50 mile ultra in Florahome    Florida.   

Having never done any race over the marathon distance - I did not know how I would hold up. Plus I tweaked my calf muscle earlier in the week - so that was a big question mark too. 

My friend Brian whom I have paced in a few ultras made the trip up from Tampa to just outside Gainesville. He crewed for me in the first half and then paced /ran with me in most of the second half.  

The course was 2 loops of 25 miles mostly in a forest of pine trees and palmetto bushes.  There were sections of asphalt of a rails to trails bike path too.  

Temps were chilly at the start in the low 40's but unfortunately warmed to close to 80 degrees. First 25 was just under 4 hours and the second half in the heat was over 5 hours.  

I took 3rd place overall.  Not sure how that happened.  They did have a 100k and a 100 mile event which may explain it - as I know there were more than 2 people in front of me.  I have to tip my hat to those who go those longer distances   However I cannot even fathom the discomfort I would endure at least on this day if I had to go any longer.

This was very hard for me.  I did not train much for it and the temps were draining.  Following the race I felt terrible.  

Glad I completed the race that I set out to do.  I have no interest or plans to ever do it again. 

Comments(4)
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
60.000.000.000.0060.00
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