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| The 1st of 4 loops. Photo credit: Bryan McKenney |
Really I don't know how I am going to put into words what this race was for me. I was tested both mentally and physically in so many ways. The fact that I completed a 50 mile race is still blowing my mind as I am writing this.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the most beautiful places to go visit. It is the second largest canyon in the United States, next to the Grand Canyon. This place was stunning. Located about six hours north west of Dallas, it was well worth the drive for this awesome race. The scenery alone was breathtaking. Now since I was running and focusing on getting one foot in front of the other, I was not paying too much attention to it during the race.
For me, this race started just like another one. I woke up, drank my protein shake, made my coffee and packed my banana for the ride to the start line. Once I dropped my bag next to the Dallas Dirt Runners area, I found my friend Nick, who I wanted to run with. We moved closer to the front of the pack and were off at exactly 7AM. I had forgotten my headlamp and was banking on staying close with others so I could see. It worked but I really should've had a headlamp.
The first loop came and went pretty fast. Nick and I set up our main crewing area at the Lighthouse aid station. This was at mile 4ish and 10ish of each loop. Nick's wife (who by the way is AMAZING) was our main support besides the aid stations. My hubby and daughter popped in at a few points but keeping a 2 year old occupied during a race is tough so they were out exploring and hitting nap time during most of the race.
The second loop was a little tougher but I was still able to stay on a good pace. I was getting a feel for where I needed to hike some hills and where I could pick up or keep the pace. The sun was out and it was beginning to heat up a bit. Nick and I were basically taking turns feeling good and bad. By the end of the second loop and into the first half of the third loop, I was beginning to feel my hips get really tight. I've had this happen before and figured out it is the result of rolling hills. It was tough to work out but managed to finish the third loop about twenty minutes behind where I had wanted to be. With one loop left, I was tired but more than eager to get to the finish line. I saw my husband and daughter at mile 41ish. This was exactly what I needed to make it through the last 9 miles. He gave me the pep talk I needed and my daughter said "go mama go" and gave me a huge hug and kiss. Knowing that they would be waiting for me at the finish line gave me all the push I needed to keep moving forward as fast as I could. The tightness in my hips hadn't gone away but I was able to work through it and keep moving. Thankfully I was able to zone out the last few miles and just focus on being the finish line. As soon as I came off the trail and headed toward the finish, I was taken over with emotions that I had done it. I set this big goal and was steps from making it complete. I saw my husband and daughter and crossed that finish line to get to them.
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| At the finish line! Photo Credit: Sunny Polito |
From the scenery to the community of runners at this race, should put this one on your list of trail runs to complete. The aid stations are full of everything you need plus some (they had chocolate covered bacon!) and the volunteers are truly there to help you get to the finish line. They have a 20k (1 loop), 50k (2.5 loops) & the 50M (4 loops), so grab your friends and make some lasting memories together. www.palodurotrailrun.com
~Samantha, Blissfully Fit Mama
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| Sipping coffee, watching the sunrise the morning after. |
