Ann and Stacy’s trail adventures

Saturday, July 19, 2008
BT50K (Buckeye Trail 50K /31.64 miles)

The 15th Annual BT50K went off without a hitch — as usual. Vertical Runner does a great job organizing and marking the race course. The aid stations were fully stocked and the volunteers did a great job.

The temperature was in the high 70s before the race started. Overcast skies shielded the runners from the direct sunlight, but not the humidity. By the end of the race the sun was out in full force. 

Throughout the race, our [Ann and Stacy] ponytails were drenched and sweat poured down our backs. Dirt and dust clung to our legs. We were a mess at the end, but I think I can speak for both us of when I say: we enjoyed sharing the experience.

Ann and I ran a 25K instead of the 50K. Our initial plan was to run the entire race, as I did last year, but life got in the way and we adopted the attitude: half is better than nothing.

Even at that we did not get in all the training necessary for a race that would take us more than three hours to complete.

We started strong and knew we could finish. Having a personal support group at each aid station helped fuel our desire to make it to the finish line.

By mile 12 we were tired, but we managed to stay focused and finish with a smile.

At a few points, throughout the race, we managed to tangle our feet with the roots. We did our usual foot shuffle to save our balance and avoided eating the dirt.

All-in-all it was a good race. I for one can see myself doing this race year-after-year. I’ll just have to find a new training partner, as Ann is moving to D.C July 25.

Ann: Thank you for all the fun training runs. I am going to miss our weekly runs and getting a bite to eat at Panera- while we were sweaty and semi-dirty.

Danielle, Gabby, Lori, Mom and Dad: Thank you for being there to support us. It means a great deal to have family and friends waiting for you at each aid station. Getting up at 5:30 a.m. is not what most people want to do on a Saturday, but you all did it and with huge smiles on your faces!