Pullman Winter 50k #3

Last month's Pullman Winter 50k was in blizzard-like conditions.  Saturday's didn't feel like winter at all.  Temperatures were hovering around 50F, there was no rain, winds were light if even noticeable, the route was clear of any memory of ice or snow, and an overcast early morning turned into a partly sunny late morning.  It was a good day to run.

The event is a self-supported run on a 7.75 mile paved loop around Pullman.  Last month, I ran without a water bottle or fuel and just stopped at my car for water and a Gu Gel after each loop.  This worked okay (I generally don't drink or eat much on my runs), but on the last lap I was wishing I had a bit more water.  So this time I carried my hydration pack, which not only let me sip on water a little more often, but it also cut down on the couple of minutes it took stopping at my car each lap.

I kept a relatively even pace throughout and finished in 4:17:08, whacking 28 minutes off the 50k PR I set last month in the blizzard.  This was Sadie's 50k PR too. :)

We have one more Pullman Winter 50k scheduled for Feb. 19.  I'll bet we don't get spring-like conditions again.

My pre-race warm-up ritual

A month and a half until Chile.  My legs are feeling a little tired, but strong.  They're getting used to running while tired.  The only thing I haven't finalized for my trip is my lodging while in Santiago.  I have all my gear ready except for a few small items.  I'm getting nervous.  :)

Keep running!

-Scott