Last night, I ran the 3rd Capt’n Karls 60k nighttime trail race. I injured my left calf last weekend and it was still bothering me yesterday before the race. So going into race, I had no goals or expectations of time or performance.
Despite my leg hurting on every running step I took, I was able to clock in a time around 8hr 50mins and take 8th overall & 1st in my division (i.e. the first non-award winner).
My favorite moment of the race came at the end. When I stopped at the last aid station, I was told that I was in the top 10. I was pretty stoked about that. With about 2.8 miles to-go, I felt good about my placement. Until, I saw a headlamp appear behind me.
I had a good lead on the guy/gal, but with my leg and the upcoming technical climbs I knew I was in trouble of him/her overtaking me. I did not want that to happen.
I knew if I could get to the dirt road before they caught up to me, I would smoke them. Then a Prefontaine quote popped in my head . “I’m going to work so that it’s a pure guts race at the end, and if it is, I am the only one who can win it.”
It was on. I pushed as hard as my leg would allow it. They were gaining on me. Then my foot hit the dirt trail and it was time to fly. I sprinted with all I had. About halfway down the trail, I could no longer see the headlamp. I smiled and kept sprinting to the end.
The racer came in several minutes behind me, possibly unaware he was racing me. It didn’t matter, I felt so good not only in my final 3/4 mile sprint but also in knowing that I completely understood my abilities and in having the confidence not to question them.