2015 Virginia Beach Distance Races 50K Recap

Bit of a late sign up for this race, but after my disappointing performance at the Rocky Raccoon 100 I decided it might be a good idea to “get back at it” as soon as possible, so to speak. The combined 100K and 50K event was organized and directed by local ultrarunner, John Price, and perfectly located just 15 minutes away at a local golf course.

My main goal heading into the race was really just to run a smooth, even-paced race and enjoy the camaraderie of the local running community. Of course, always up for a challenge, I also had one eye on my existing 50K PR of 3:39:03 set a couple of years ago at the Seashore Nature Trail 50K. With this race taking place on a 2.3 mile flat, paved loop, I figured I probably wouldn’t get a better chance.

The race started promptly at 6:30am – warm enough for shorts, tee and singlet, but just chilly enough to warrant gloves for the first 4 or 5 miles. 50K runners started by running a short out and back to the start line, leaving the somewhat-daunting 13 x 2.3 mile loops. My first mile was an easy 7:17 and pretty soon I found myself running solo, leading the pack. Loops weren’t as tedious as I imagined and it was great to get a boost each time I ran through the start/finish line, which also doubled as the main aid station. Miles 2 – 10 were all between 6:45 and 6:55/mile and as the temperature warmed up, my legs continued to feel great. Regular sips of Tailwind kept my energy level constant and also took care of any electrolyte needs as the temps continued to rise.

Mile 11 was a little slower (7:20) due to a bathroom break, but I was soon back on track and knocking out 13 consecutive miles in the 6:40-6:50 range. Support on the course was excellent and I was surprised at how fast the miles were passing. I slowed just a bit in the next couple of miles, but was still able to pass the marathon mark in just under 3 hours, but from this point forward, my legs and mind grew a little bit weary. I paused briefly at the mid-lap aid table on each of the last 3 loops to take in some much needed water, and to be honest it wasn’t that easy to get going again after each short stop. Thankfully, I didn’t slow too much and was able to cross the finish line in 1st place in a new PR of 3:35:09.

The event was a lot of fun, and very well managed by John and his faithful crew of volunteers. Everyone seemed to have a good time, and the energy at the start/finish area each loop was second to none. Let’s hope it makes it onto the local race calendar next year!

Gear/Fuel:

• Shoes – Hoka One One Clifton
• Socks – Injinji RUN 2.0 Original Weight Mini-Crew
• Shorts – UVU Racing
• T-Shirt – UVU Racing
• Singlet – Pearl Izumi Champions Team
• Hat – Running Etc. Headsweats Race Hat
• Handheld – Ultimate Direction Fastdraw 10
• Fuel – Tailwind Nutrition (approx 2 scoops/hour)

 

Bonus: A few days after the event, John posted a message on Facebook to congratulate me on setting a new Age Group State Record for the 50K. Pretty cool. Wonder how long that will last?!

Other Race Recaps

• Steph Manny – Friends… and a race
• Kellie Zinchini – Virginia Beach Distance Races 50K/100K Race Recap
• Kris Lawrence – 100K Relay Recap & A New Direction