My first Ultra Marathon - What was I thinking?

First and foremost I want to start out saying that Jesus gets all the glory for giving me the strength and ability to do what I do.  I know there are so many that are capable of running but just can't because of physical limitations.

After running six full marathons and two pretty much back to back at the end of 2015, I decided to increase the mileage and challenge myself to run an ultra marathon.  I then reviewed the schedule for upcoming marathons and came across the Bandera, Texas 100K, 50K, and 25K trail run http://www.tejastrails.com/Bandera.html.  I noticed they had a Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/tejastrailsrunning/ and joined it straight away to get some advice from the experts as to what I could possibly expect out of this race.  I stated that this would be my first ultra and planned on running the 50K - the feedback I received was welcomed and they stated that I should run the 100K because simply if I crossed the finished line at the 50K mark and I felt like I could keep going I would be disappointed that I did not sign up for the 100K.  So, I decided then to sign up for the 100K 62 mile trail race "What was I thinking!" lol....

So this held true for me as at the 50K point I felt great other than the fall I had at mile 26 where I fell on my wrist (possible stress fracture) and cracked or bruised rib.  The hills are unforgiving and don't want to hear you whine so I just keep running yea just like Forest Gump lol...  Thank you to the Nachos Aid Station where they wrapped my wrist to minimize further pain oh and the grilled cheese!!!

Let me tell you this as I cannot truly explain how challenging this course was you just need to run it yourself.  For me, it was challenging as it was my first ultra marathon as well as my first trail race and I did not know what to expect.  Also, it was a 24 hour timed race so you had to finish before the time ended on the course as well (for me anyways) run at night.  The 100K consists of two 31 mile loops so luckily the second loop would seem somewhat familiar in the dark lol.  I did run off course in the dark about .2 of a mile right after the Last Chance aid station as I ran straight instead of turning right.  Thank you to the lady that was on the 50K course that told me I was going the wrong way!!!

A huge thank you to all the volunteers on the course and the race organizers!!!  Without you all, this race would never happen and be successful..!

So, to summarize as I am sure you do not want to know all the details as I could carry on forever.  I did complete my first ultra marathon and am blessed to be able to have done it.  I gained a few new friends and had plenty of one on one time with our lord and savior Jesus Christ and I thank him for being with me on the course!