I definitely had a bitter-sweet day at Long Cane 55M/50K. Tallie and I drove up to Greenwood , SC Sumter National Forest
Terri Hayes, the Race Director, gathered everyone together and explained the course. I knew it was going to be a confusing course since the first loop was a figure eight. I was going to pay close attention at every turn and road crossing. I didn’t want a repeat of what happened at the Enoree Passage a few weeks ago. Terri also mentioned that it had rained a few days before and horses had been on the trails so it would be muddy. Images from the GRR popped into my head, but it turned out not to be that muddy at all. Terri had us line up and then she started the race.
The first few miles of the trail had a lot of fallen trees to jump over and we had to cross this old rickety metal bridge that had standing water on it so my shoes were wet early in the race. For the first 10 miles, I was averaging 8:30-9:00 minute miles and I was in 3rd place overall. The trails were very runnable with small climbs and descents. By mile 15, I was starting to slow down and really feeling the effects of the heat and humidity. It was in the 90’s with high humidity. I don’t think I’ve ever sweated as much as I did during this race. I was passed by a few guys and one guy flew by me at about mile 21. I could not understand how he was moving so fast at this point in the race. I had no energy at all and I felt like I could throw up at any moment. I wasn’t cramping and was still sweating so I was not dehydrated. I was now running 11:00-12:00 minute miles and actually hoping for hills so I wouldn’t feel bad about walking. I did pass 2 guys that were obviously not feeling good either. I remember looking at my watch at mile 23 and making the decision to stop at the 50K mark. I actually picked up my pace a little on the next 2 miles, but that was short lived.
After the last aid station, I had about 5 miles to go and that was one of the hardest stretches I have ever done. Not because of the terrain or trail conditions, but because my energy level was at ZERO! I was even walking some of the flat sections and my last mile was my slowest of the race at 13:47. The guy who flew by me at mile 21 passed me going back out on the 55 mile route. I told him that he was either awesome or crazy and I was leaning towards crazy. I actually caught up with a guy during the last mile and we ran together into the sixth aid station. Karen was working this station and this is the point where you decide to go back out for the 55 miles or run less than a ½ mile to finish the 50K. I was expecting her to push me to go back out, but she didn’t after I told her I was done. I was so weak that I walked part of the last section to the finish line. I finished in 5:44 and 3rd place. That was not expected.
The great part about this finish was the lake at the end. I got to soak in the water, pick a few ticks off and talk with other runners about how awful we felt. Heidi finished the 50K soon after me as the 2nd place female and then Margaret was the 3rd place female. We didn’t get to see Christy finish or Don come in before heading out on the 55 mile route because Tallie and I had to get back to pick up Annie. I was glad to hear that Christy had a good finish and Don stuck it out and finished the 55 miles in 16:36. He was one of only 13 finishers. I can’t tell you how impressed I am that he was able to push himself to the finish in that heat.
Thanks to Terri and all the volunteers for putting on such a great race.
