50 @ 51

A couple of years ago, I bought my first iPod and I had it engraved "50@50". I was going to attempt the 50 mile Trail Ultramarathon at McNaughton Park in Pekin, IL the year I turned 50, but I chickened out. I had serious doubts that I could do it since I'd gained all the weight back that I'd lost 4 years ago, but I was mostly lazy and enjoyed our big new TV better than exercise.

But now the weekend has arrived for my 50-mile race. Two weeks ago I was nervous about a 30-miler, but I knew I could do it because I'd run that distance 3 times previously. Saturday, however, is a different animal altogether. I've never run farther than 34 miles. And limping to my car after a 30-mile training run doesn't really count for farther in my mind! To say I'm nervous is an understatement, I'm scared. It's not like I'm competitive ... I'm just trying to finish. I don't even have a goal time in mind. If I was only running 30 miles, I'd probably be shooting for a sub-7 hour finish, but I need to save my legs for the final unknown 20 miles. My bigger goal is to complete the Illinois Trail Ultra Grand Slam and if I can finish 50 at McNaughton, I'm way over half way to my goal.

http://www.secondwindrunningclub.org/Clinton/GrandSlam.htm

The guy in charge of chip timing for the McNaughton Park Trail Runs this weekend is also going to be running the 100 mile race. He will be updating splits from his computer at the park, through his cell phone and uploading them to the internet when coming through the start/finish line every lap. If all works out, you may be able to see my progress this Saturday at my 50-mile race. I wish I could hook up my heart monitor ... that way you could see if my ticker is still working!

Click on this link:

http://www.timetorun.net/Results/results.html

I think you'll be clicking on the "Overall" link under McNaughton Park 2009. I'm assuming because it currently says "No results have been posted at this time, check back later for new updates.".


Jerry

PS ... If I finish the race, I might buy this t-shirt:

http://www.zazzle.com/any_idiot_can_run_a_marathon_quote_tshirt-235623759530722322