Willis River 50k recap

Short recap of yesterday's run. I was back in the Richmond area for my sister's engagement party, so I figured I get in an affordable trail run as well.

The Willis River 50k, formerly the Swinging Bridge 50k, is hosted by the Richmond Road Runners at Bear Creek Lake State Park. The mid January date means that this race has been run in all kinds of weather, including the notorious -2 degree start from 2009. I remember that year well, as it yielded the three slowest top 3 times ever (including my directionally inept 5:38 3rd place). For $25, this is a really nice low key event that I have more, or less used as a training run to start my year off strong. The course can be difficult to follow at times, and though it is not a mountain course, it offers a challenging variety of hills, terrain, roots, trees, and streams. It is one of the few courses that is much harder than its distance and elevation profile would suggest. The route consists of a 20 mile out and back (you return to the start/finish), followed by another 10 mile out and back for the 50k. The course used to include the actual swinging bridge which made the course a mile longer.

Race: 25 degrees at the start, with temps rising to the 40's. The course was probably the muddiest it has ever been due to heavy rains the week before. This certainly slowed times down a bit. My makeshift goal time prior to the run was about 4:40 on a really good day, but realistically to be in the upper 4:40's. I figured I'd run the 35k portion in 3 hours, then aim for 1:40ish for the 10 mile loop, thus my 4:40. The idea was to be conservative, then make a push at the leaders who I let go very early on. My little strategy was working at first, then backfired as I was aggressive a little too soon, making my push at mile 11, when I should have waited a few more miles. Even with the mud, I got to the 35k point in 3:02. Still close to my goal split. However, I ended up having an epic calorie bonk from miles 22-25, which slowed my pace a solid 3 minutes per mile. I ended up sacrificing more time at the last aid station getting in some food so I could finish strong. I hammered the last 5 miles back to the finish, but was slightly annoyed at myself for not eating enough during the middle of the race. With better nutrition, a mid 4:40's time was definitely doable. Once I had my calories, I finished feeling like I could have kept going a good bit longer at the same pace. Still, a time of 4:55 isn't bad for a muddy day, epic bonk, all while working off a little holiday pudge.

Glad to break in 2012 with a decent run. It was fun to go home and watch the Olympic time trials and cheer on a few friends dreaming of Olympic glory. It was great to hit the muddy trails and cold streams with some friends. Thanks to the volunteers, and especially the gentleman that cleared 25 downed trees on the course (a man named Radar?). Thanks for your effort!