Happy Leap Day to you! I hope you are having a great Monday so far. This past weekend was full of running, relaxing and fun! I ran the Cowtown 50k on Sunday out in Funkytown…that’s Texas slang for Ft. Worth. Ultra marathon, baby! I am back in the ultra running game and it feels so good.
Saturday morning I was up early for a quick shake out run with my Irving Running Club buddies. Most of us that were racing the next day did a nice and easy 5k while chatting and catching up on life.
I also went to the expo to get my runner swag…love how they printed my name on my bib all festive and fancy.
I am an absolute fan of when races have health and fitness expos because I can stock up on all of the runner goodies. This one was no different…I purchased some energy gels, got my shirt and even purchased some cryotherapy for later on this week. I have heard it is like a glorified ice bath…I will let you know how it goes.
Race day! Sunday I got into my corral and we took off. This race was pretty massive so it took what seemed like forever before I crossed the start. I took a quick pic to pass the time.
I saw a bunch of my running buddies along the course, ran with some folks I have not seen in forever, and even met some Marathon Maniac friends since I was wearing my shirt. A lot of folks this year were rocking the ultra which was so cool to see. I started off at a solid pace and was proud of myself for maintaining it for a majority of the race. The course is mostly rolling hills with a nice juicy incline at mile 9. I kind of always look forward to it and also look forward to running through the Ft. Worth Stockyards…it really is true to Texas/cowboy culture.
The half marathoners split off from the full and ultra runners at mile 10 and then we go through some beautiful neighborhoods where lots of folks post up outside, play music and drink their mimosas while cheering us on. I love this course because the community really comes together to cheer on the runners.
After galavanting through neighborhoods, we go into Trinity Park which is really nice and usually this is where the sun comes out to play around mile 23 or so. Things were starting to warm up and I started feeling a little tired here. I took some more GU and (yes) a little shot of beer that someone was passing out. For some reason that mini shot gave me a boost of energy! I don’t know if it was the carbs or what…haha I picked up the pace a bit and kept it going. Close to mile 25 the marathoners split off and then the ULTRA crazies keep going and do a little out and back further down the trail. This is where it got real!
The little out and back part was pretty quiet but all of the ultra runners got to see each other heading back so we were all cheering each other on…we all knew we were fighting through the heat and humidity! At the turn around to head home they had a really neat aid station where someone had set out an RV and had sprite, pretzels, and all kinds of fun snacks for us to grab to get us through. I basically kept hydrating the entire day and sipped at all water stops so I grabbed some powerade here and kept it going.
We winded back around and I saw the awesome Irving Running Club crew cheering me on at the finish! A lot of them that were not running came out to volunteer which was so awesome. I really loved having all of that support on the course…something I have not had in a while since coaching with Luke’s Locker a few years ago.
I finished the 31 miles in 5:12…a PR for me from last year’s 50k. I was thrilled with that time considering the heat and humidity at the end!
I had so much fun at this race and I’d definitely recommend anyone who is looking for challenge and to push their limits a bit to put this race on your bucket list. You will not regret it! I am looking forward to running some more ultras this year. And of course…MORE 26.2s and such! Stay tuned.
How was your weekend? Did anyone rock a long run or race? Tell me about it!
thedancingrunner 
Congrats, that is an awesome time! Cowtown is so fun, I’ve only ever done the half marathon but it’s a great (challenging!) course!
Absolutely! The half is great too!
I ran 10 pain-free miles with my old group (full of speedy peeps). I felt like my old self for the first time in over a year.
Yay! I am so happy to hear you are healing and recovering. Have a fantastic week!
Congratulations on an awesome run and a new PR! An amazing time for 50k, wow! I was looking forward to your race recap and as always it is fabulous…congrats again on a great race day…nice bling too 🙂
Thanks so much! Yeah it’s definitely been added to the rack!
Wow hat off to you lady! Respect is earned
Thank ya!
CONGRATS!!! Amazing job, and congrats on the PR!! Love the race medal too! Hope the legs feel ok now! I ran Phoenix this past weekend, recap coming soon! 🙂
Awesome! Congrats to you too!
congrats, you rock star!! so happy for you! this must feel amazing. ❤
Thanks so much!
Congratulations!! You are awesome and truly inspiring!! I did 26k as part of the trainingplan to my very first 50k in June 🙂
Sweet! 26k sounds like fun! Happy training to you!!!
Thats awesome!!!! My 12 miles on Saturday is nothing compared to what you did…. I would probably wear that medal everyday lol – Congrats #beastmode 🙂
12 miles is something to be proud of too! Keep it up love!
Thanks girl 🙂
Holy cow girl! What an awesome 50 K. Totally rocked it with a crazy good pace! I had a pretty solid 18 miler that boosted my confidence in training for the Nashville marathon in April in hopes of a BQ time. 🙂
Wonderful! I hear Nashville is a good one!
It’s a blast! Tough course but one of my favorites.
Woo hoo!! Congrats on what sounds like an awesome race! And does that say 3rd in your age division?
Why yes it does!! Thank you!
Congrats!!! That is AWESOME!
Thank you so much! I appreciate the support 🙂 🙂
Congrats on your finish and your PR!!
Not an ultra runner, but adding this Half Marathon to my “to do” list!!
Oh yes! Lots of fanatics and maniacs come out! I’ve also run the half course and it’s a nice challenge. You’ll absolutely love it!
I was dying to read your recap but was so swamped at work yesterday!!! CONGRATULATIONS girl!! You did a fabulous job and PR. You are truly an inspiration.
Hey Rachel! Thanks lady! It really was lots of fun!
Congratulations! What a great finish time. I love how the sip of beer gave you a little boost. Lol!
haha I’m so serious it really did though!
Will have to put this one on my traveling race list!
Yes! I’ll def be there next year!! It’s a great course!