McKenzie River 50k Trail Run

On Saturday morning my husband and I found ourselves at the starting line of the hardest event we've participated in since moving to Oregon - The McKenzie Trail 50k. An ultra marathon - 31 miles of scenic, technical trails winding past waterfalls, blue lakes and the McKenzie river. Amazingly enough I wasn't too nervous. I was looking forward to spending 6 hours of uninterrupted time (with a 3 year old and 1 1/2 year old at home this kind of solitude is coveted). My husband, however, was very nervous. Before this race the longest he'd run was 18 miles. Now he was going to double the farthest he'd ever run. Along the course there were also 5 aid stations. I have to mention these especially since we are talking about food, snacking and being healthy. At a typical marathon (26.2 mile) run thru any major city you will find water and Gatorade (or some sort of similar energy drink). At an ultra marathon however, the aid stations are a foodie's (& snacker’s) dream. For such a long day the caloric intake is a huge part of your success.

Each aid station had two tables for anything you might be craving. Liquids: water, Gatorade, flat Pepsi, then for food: bagels, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, brownies, banana bread, cookies (even Mother's yogurt frosted animal cookies) , GU gels, fruit: watermelon, bananas, candy: gummy bears, candy corn, salty snacks: pretzels, Pringles and more. You can't leave hungry!

See picture of Erik and I smiling, holding hands across the finish line after 6 hours and 38 minutes of running. The 31 miles demanded a lot of patience and encouragement from one another but we made it. We both had very sore and tired legs on the drive home. Now time to focus on recovery and make sure I get my 2 bags of Corazonas chips in with dinner.