Dances wih Dirt 50k

The sun was only moments behind this moon rise.

 This report is but two months behind but luckily I took some notes and photos.  I really looked forward to running here as I had never been before and couldn't wait to explore.  After checking in we watched the sunrise on one of those rare mornings where the sun and moon are nearly side by side (see photo).  The race started at 7 and wove through pine and oak forests, scrub brush and palmettos, cypress knuckles, water crossing made of teetering logs and obvious signs of failed crossings before (a mile before the finish no less).  Shoes were dry only for first 2.5 miles before leading us into the marshes and 3-4 inches of cool water.  The first 20 miles were smooth as silk with the gels going down on time and my trusty hand held's keeping me hydrated.  I passed the "end of the world" unmanned aid station without refilling knowing the next was only a few miles ahead.  I the ran through some chest high grasses on a dirt road and was caught by two other runners and we all joked and chatted as we enjoyed the beauty (reminiscent of the wheat fields in Gladiator).  We ran up on a fork (which was actually an four way crossing as we found later) and kept going until we eventually hooked back into the trail we had run hours before.  It took some convincing but we all finally agreed to run back to look for the turn.  We finally came back to our mistake but now I had gone 4 extra miles further with no water and still had two more to get to aid station.  They both pulled away as I broke and eventually refilled at mile 27 (should have been 23). At this point I had my legs back and pushed ahead and around mile 30 I passed the start finish as that is where the marathon runners would peel off and the 50k would do 5 more which would have been less interesting without the bonus miles but I got them for free!   I ran and walked and crossed the water without falling like a ninja before cruising to the finish.  I was met by cheers of my name at the finish and assumed it was some of the Brandon Running group racing the relay but was graciously humbled as it was my new found lost friends.  6:52:56 for a 50k (35.22 miles actual). They both won age group awards even with 4 extra miles and the first time marathoner pushed out his first unofficial ultra!  I eventually made it to the free beer and BBQ which neither were appeasing to me but the sweet tea went down well.  Overall a fun experience and glad to have come away with new friends!

Ezekiel, Jordana, and me.

Registration

Last few feet...

Start/Finish