RMEC Voice: Frank's First Ultra Report

Note: If anyone would like to write something for the blog, please let me know. We like to read about you success and struggles. It does not have to be about an ultra or a marathon. It does not even have to be about a race. But if you have something to share that you think is interesting, chances are others will find it interesting too. - Michael

Well . . . I finished! And I wasn't last! Okay . . . I was next to last! But I still finished. 8 hours ans 12 minutes of fun and excitement

The Capon Valley 50k proved to me way more than I was expecting. Guess I knew West Virgina had hills, but this was crazy. And talking with many experienced ultra runners, the consensus was that the Capon 50K is about average difficulty for a trail 50k. Damn . . . I would hate to run a hard one! If you like hills and mountains, this is the race for you. Only about 2 miles of the run was on pavement and 95% was in the woods.

It rained all most of the day Friday and all night Friday night, so the trails were muddy . . . REALLY muddy. Probably 1/4 of the trails were "mud over you shoes" quagmires. And did I mention the probably 40 stream crossing? Feet wet all day! The weather was perfect Saturday, slightly rainy and in the 50s!

Course was REALLY well marked, but lots of intersecting trails made the course very difficult to follow. Almost everyone missed a turn or two, but folks would yell out and get you back on course. As a matter of fact, this 50k turned out to be a 33 miler for me . . . yep . . . missed a turn at about the 23 mile point and went about a mile before I realized it. (It was a good flat, mossy section and I was zoned out, enjoying the solid footing!!).

Since this was my first ultra I don't have much to compare it to, but things went smoothly, great aid stations and volunteers. And the scenery was beautiful If I didn't hurt so much, I might have enjoyed it!

Frank Lilley aka "Triple F"