Breakthrough: Personal records and strong performances at the Skyline 50K

On Saturday March 1st, I made a return to the 50K distance. The last 50K race that I ran was the Quicksilver 50K, in which I set a personal record (PR) of 5:12:31. Since that race I ran a couple of 50 mile runs including: the White River 50 mile, and the Sierra Endurance Run 50 mile, and the California International Marathon (CIM). Although I have had a few races since the May race of Quicksilver, I was curious to see how I measured up 10 months after the race. Although I don't want to disclose too much of the story, everything went beyond my expectations.

At the starting line I saw many familiar and formidable runners were at the starting line. A very competitive field toed the starting line, along with fellow Bloggers; Scott Dunlap, Mark Tanaka, and Leor Pantilat.

The first section of trail was a 23K out and back, which offered rolling hills, single track, and fire roads under a canopy of moss covered Oak trees. From the starting line Leor Pantilat, course record holder of the Woodside 35K and Sequia 20K set a blistering pace, with the 50K, 37K, and 23K runners trying to catch up. For this section I was able to maintain close to a 8 min/mile pace. Near the first aid station turnaround I was able to see the front running 50K runners. In first place was Leor Pantilat, followed by Kevin Weil, Tom Clarke, and Jon Olsen. After reaching the turnaround (mile 7, roughly 1hr), I ran past Scott Dunlap (who graciously took my picture--I am famous!), Adam Blum (running the 37K and Napa Marathon tomorrow!), Ryan Common (1st Pacifica 50K) and Mark Tanaka. After the turnaround I focused on "floating" to the next aid station. I reached the 23K aid station at 1:55, and my wife Heidi who was volunteering at the aid station cheered me on, although she made me fill my own water bottle (she didn't want it to seem like she was playing favorite!).

The final 27.5K is all hills (3,000+ft. elevation incline/decline!), and a double loop of 14K. Leaving Aid Station #2, I kept pace with Ryan Commons. Ryan typically runs a 4:20 to 4:30 50K, and I knew that if I kept pace with him I would have a very good performance. We went back and forth, trading pacing duties. Eventually Scott Dunlap caught up to us on the downhills, and eventually he took the lead into Aid Station #5. Entering Aid Station #5 I blew a kiss to Heidi, who was doing a great job filling water bottles, and left to tackle the second loop. Going into the second 14k loop, I knew I was about to get my ass handed to me!! In preparation of of this ass kicking I took a couple Ibuprofen (where is Mark Tanaka with the morphine injection?!!), and a Crank Gel. Scott and Ryan were a short distance ahead of me, and I pushed forward to catch up to them.

On the uphill to aid station #6 (Vista Point) I passed Ryan and Scott, and I got an extra burst of energy that would carry me to the finish line! Bombing down Bay Area Ridge trail at a 6:30 min/mile pace, I put everything into finishing as quickly as possible (as much as I enjoyed the trail, I wanted to be done!). Passing Heidi at the finish line, I let out a Scott Jurekesque shout to a PR of 4:24!

Looking at results board, there were many impressive performance. Leor Pantilat won the 50k with a blazing time of 3:58, followed by Jon Olsen (4:08), Tom Clarke (4:11), and Kevin Weil (4:15). Overall there were 11 runners who finished before 5:00 hours! It seems that the level of competition at the PCTR 50K distance continues to get stronger! Is it the PCTR Point Series? Or more runners gravitating towards trail running? Whatever it is, it makes for exciting races and pushes everyone to be faster!

(The best part of the race.. Post-race chili!!)

Thanks again to Wendell and Sarah for putting on a great race, and all of the aid station volunteers, including Heidi and Kati for all of the help!