I ran my first 50k in 2019. I ran two actually and made all the rookie mistakes. I went out too fast and blew up. Well, at least my stomach contents did on the grass just past the finish line and inches away from my husband’s Birkenstocks. I chafed in places I did not know could rub. I tried new things on race day! Despite all my mistakes I was pumped to do better the next time. But next time would have to wait until the Vermont 50k in 2021. Thanks for nothing COVID.

I lined up on September 26 feeling confident. My training felt solid. The weather was perfect for fall running, meaning it was not pouring rain or 90 with 100% humidity like all my long runs! I get to the race early so I can go through the ritual of organizing my running packs. In the end, I leave half of my nutrition behind and gamble that I can eat things from the aid stations. At the starting line, I am able to find my friend Charlie. We did some of our training runs together over the summer. We start out running together and fall into a familiar rhythm. My plan was to run my own race at my own pace even if that means running alone. But, that went out the window at the first hill. The new plan quickly became “do my best to keep up with Charlie.”

The first 17 miles ticked off fairly quickly. I was quick in and out of aid stations and chatting made the time pass by. At mile 17 I started doing creative math. I had myself convinced I PR’d my road half marathon time (not true), that I was on sub-6-hour pace (also not true), and that I only had 10 miles left (unfortunately also not true). My back tightened up and my stomach cramped. My legs got tired but fortunately were okay otherwise. The conversation became sparse after mile 25. It took all my energy just to keep shuffling forward trying my best not to lose my friend.

Somehow I managed to hang onto Charlie the entire race. I kicked up the pace when we hit the Ascutney biking trail switchbacks. Downhills are my jam. Charlie tried to get me to go ahead of her so I could open it up down to the finish. But no way was I going to pass her after she pulled me the last 14 miles of the race. We crossed the finish line together just like we started. In the end, I managed a 30-minute course PR, and I am already planning how to do better next time.

The Vermont 50 is definitely a race to check out. For runners, there are options to do a 50k, 50-miler, or 50-mile relay. Mountain bikers only do the 50-mile version. This year all the races sold out. Mike Silverman is the race director and runs a tight ship. The course starts out at the old Mount Ascutney ski resort and winds through the hills of Windsor before looping back to the start. It’s a mix of dirt roads, snowmobile trails, and a single track through some beautiful scenery. Registration opens up in May each year. Maybe I will see you there next year?