Step 3, Fat Ass

So November 9th came. The forecast was for a cold start but sunshine and very light winds. The

White Mesa Fat Ass 50k

forecast was spot on. I was nervous yet excited as we drove the long drive to San Ysidro and down the dirt road to the parking lot. When we arrived there were several people already there, some had even already started because they were doing the full 50k. I had no delusions that I could do that I just hoped to finish two loops for the 25k.

After a "door" prize drawing and registering the run started uphill on the first clockwise (each lap switched clockwise then counterclockwise) lap began. It is a pretty steep start so I was relieved to see that several, most, of the runners walked after a short way. I did. Then the route levels off and is rolling hills for about 2 miles before it hits a steeper downhill followed by a rock scramble and a very steep, short uphill.

Once we finished another very steep downhill the trail leveled off in the valley for a while then started climbing again. This is a beautiful route either direction. My first loop went well overall though I did a little backtracking and route searching right after the valley section. I was pleased enough with my time for that loop considering the terrain.

At the end of the first loop I stopped by the car (sure different from road running) to lose a layer, refill water bottles and pee. Only problem, I forgot the refill part.

My second loop didn't go as well though I did finish it. My overall time for the 25k was 4 hours 22 minutes which was slower than I had hoped for but I was ok since that was my first run of that length. I can't deny hurting and I learned why some runners do what I had read about, they leave a drop back on a long run with clean, dry socks and spare shoes. If I had gone another 1/2 mile I would have had to have a break for my feet.

By finishing this 25k I now know that with some training I can become an ultra runner.

Let's go.