My Howl at the Moon report

The short and sweet first - 30.11 miles in my first ultra event.
My wife and I had a great time at this very well run event in its 21st year.
It was made even better by getting to meet for the first time in person, two 365 runners - Dot and Jeff.
Susie enjoyed visiting with Kathy (Dot's walker friend) and Dot under our canopy.

I have photos Susie took uploaded to my photo site here:
http://charlesmoman.smugmug.com/

I will also be creating a video or two including a time compressed course tour that I will have on YouTube - I will give you the link when it is done.

Some details:

It was a day of several firsts - my longest run by a long shot - previously 17 miles.
My first marathon length run and, of course, that turned into my first ultra of 33.10.
The 3.29 mile loop is very nice with some shade at times, but also some ups and downs.

I was not bored by the repeating loops because I soon learned where everything was and that was a big mental help. I knew when the mid-loop aid station was because I heard music and recognized the terrain preceding it. I went out slowly to conserve energy, plus I am learning on every run and don't know what to expect of my body. For much of the day I did my run 3 /walk 1 ratio with me often shortening the 1 minute walks. By the last two loops I was forced to mostly walk due to a right leg cramp that flared when I tried running. Walking it was fine. The steep, but short hill in the 3rd mile makes nearly everyone walk. It is an interesting course with running through a shaded tree line lane, some open areas - very little road surface to run on - some marshes, a pond. That helped make each loop a little different if you looked around. I got to meet so many nice people during the event because the pace is much slower than a typical race.

I was concerned about the eating aspect of an ultra, but that was not an issue for me.
I used only gels for the first two loops, then I started eating some pretzels, Payday pieces, bananas, etc. at the aid stations. I never got sick. I drank mainly water carrying a bottle to keep track of my intake. I don't drink so I skipped the margaritas and abundant beer.

The only physical issues were the calf cramping and a sore, but not too bad hamstring.
I was so surprised how my body held up - really surprised.
I believe I may have found my running calling - longer distances - marathon and beyond.
I love the mental aspect and pushing onward - very gratifying to do more than you ever thought possible.

I know at the moment my body is a bit fragile and totally open to injury for the next few days, so I will take my recovery seriously. I am heading to my chiropractor in a few minutes and that will help I know.

A great time, a rich learning experience and I am excited about my marathon and longer races to come.

Charles, I was amazed at your strength and how loop after loop barely seemed to faze you (at least on the exterior). I believe you are right....long distances can easily be your calling. You will be so ready for your marathon this fall. Congrats on all the various PR's you met this past weekend!

Congratulations, Charles! What a fantastic accomplishment!

Congratulations Charles!

Great job and a great experience. Congrats.

Thanks all!
The Howl results were put up yesterday.
I was 161 out of 279 finishers and 42 out 56 in my age group.
The top runner in the Grand Master division ran 44.77 miles and I did 30.11.
I feel better today, but I am not running for fear of injury.
My chiropractor thought I was in good shape, except I was very tight in my shoulders.
She worked on that - ouch! But a good ouch.

I now know to better prepare myself before a long run to avoid chafing issues.
I was a bit sore sitting down after the race Saturday.
We stopped at a Walgreens for our first purchase of diaper rash ointment in many years and that is all I want to say about THAT!

Congrats Charles, you've come a long way and you've also gone a long way. That's further than I've ever gone and I think you're just scratching the surface of what you are capable of. Way to go!

Congrats on your sticking with it Charles! Agree with the others that this could just be the beginning for you!

Charles, it was nice meeting you and Susie! You are way ahead of most of us at this stage of your running career, keep it up and you will have many more great memories like the Howl. Hope you think about doing it again. Great pictures!

First Ultra? Hot damn that's solid.

Congratulations, Charles!

Congratulations what a great accompishment! the abundant beer sounds very interesting to me could be my race next year