Bib #50 for a 50/50 at the Lakefront 50/50

I did the Lakefront 50/50 yesterday. As of yesterday I completed the 50K and 50 miles 3 times each at this race. That is why I am 50/50 at the race, half of the times at each of the 2 distances. I hadn't trained for anything over a marathon this year and figured it would be tough. I planned to run 5 miles and then walk 5 minutes and repeat that pattern. I read once in Ultrarunning Magazine that running like that should allow me to run twice as far before being very fatigued than straight running.



I got up at 4:30 for the 6:30 start and had a light breakfast. I woke Peggy up at 5:10 so that she had 20 minutes to get ready to drive me to the start of the race. We got there with plenty of time to spare and I used the bathroom and laid down my drop bag. I saw a number of people I know there even though it is such a small race.



It seemed like no time at all before it was 6:30 and we were off. I ran the first 5 miles at an easy pace and then walked 5 minutes. I started running again after that and met a running freind of mine at the first turn around. The race consists of 4 12.5 mile loops. He ran another full loop and then a few more miles with me and the time went by relatively fast. By the time I made it to 25 miles (2 loops) my legs were feeling way too fatigued and wanting to cramp up. For the third loop my running became shorter and the walking longer. At one point in the third loop I couldn't go more than .2 miles running.



Peggy did the 4th loop with me and I knew when I met up with her my legs were already so shot I wouldn't be able to run at all. I asked here if she was OK with a 12.5 mile walk with me and she graciously agreed. It is surprising how much longer it takes to walk 12.5 miles versus running it. i was walking at a pretty good pace and doing fine that way until around mile 46. I started getting horrible lower admoninal cramps. I ended up having 3 porta-potty emergencies in those last 4 miles. Before the porta-potty issues I knew I had sub-10 in the bag, still a PW. I ended up finishing in 10:04 and some change. It was the hardest 50 miler I ever ran and I am glad I didn't give up even though my finishing time stunk. They had the best medals this year too. The race itself is great, but next year I need specific training for this distance.

Jim, I cannot even imagine being out there for 10 hours. Way to persevere for the whole thing. It won't hurt so bad when you go into the race with more training, however.

Congratulations on finishing another 50 miler! Sorry about the abdominal problems...you're right it does take a long time to walk when you just want to be done with a race but I'm glad Peggy was able to join you and cheer you on the last loop.

I hope to meet you there in 2 yrs!

Way to go Jim. A report like this however makes me question why I'm considering anything longer than 26.2.

Holy Cow, Jim - I don't think anyone can ever say that a finishing time for a 50 mile race stunk. You just finished a 50 mile race, man! Holy smokes. That is dedication and some kind of toughness - great job! Your guts have not been kind to you lately - bummer about that. Enjoy the medal - you've done something that few people can even dream about!!!

Jim, based upon the description of your experience I was expecting you to say it took you something like 12 hours; 10 hours is pretty respectable given you walked the entire last loop. Nice job on minimal training.

Great job Jim I remember thinking when I'm walking how much longer it takes then to run.....great job! way to stick with it:D Is this race done in Chicago? I might try this crazy thing one day

amyjoann wrote:Great job Jim I remember thinking when I'm walking how much longer it takes then to run.....great job! way to stick with it:D Is this race done in Chicago? I might try this crazy thing one day

Yes, it is done on the Chicago Lakefront path with 4 12.5 mile loops from 63rd street to just north of McCormick Place.

Congrats on your finish despite the adversity Jim. I had similar issues halfway through my race in early October. Luckily after a couple episodes and changing what I was eating, it subsided. And it was much more convenient to pull off the side of the road in the dark and take care of business than to have to find a port o.

This course sounds like it might be a lot of fun running in an urban environment on a paved path etc. I suppose the only wild card might be the weather. Lakefront running I'm sure has its ups and downs. However, with the flat fast course, and actually knowing a few people there would be enjoyable.

What is your PR for that distance Jim?

Jim I can't believe you did that on marathon training only. Great job. Congrats. Way to tough it out. See you there in two years.

jon c wrote:Congrats on your finish despite the adversity Jim. I had similar issues halfway through my race in early October. Luckily after a couple episodes and changing what I was eating, it subsided. And it was much more convenient to pull off the side of the road in the dark and take care of business than to have to find a port o.

This course sounds like it might be a lot of fun running in an urban environment on a paved path etc. I suppose the only wild card might be the weather. Lakefront running I'm sure has its ups and downs. However, with the flat fast course, and actually knowing a few people there would be enjoyable.

What is your PR for that distance Jim?

The course is nice and because of the time of year there are very few people on the path. My PR is just over 8:29, but for some reason I would love to get under 8:00.

You are one determined guy!
Congratulations!

After pacing Chicago three weeks back that's an accomplishment, nice finish. Now rest!

Awesome job getting out there and sticking with it Jim! I know the kind of mental toughness it takes to keep going when you're that tired. Amazing job!

I can't imagine running a 50 miler to begin with, Jim - so that is just awesome in itself. Congrats on toughing it out and finishing! Way to go!