This Course Is Rated Arrgghh!!! (Pirates Cove 50K)

On Saturday, March 22nd, I joined 500 runners in running PCTR's Pirates Cove. Joining me in the running fun were my wife Heidi, sister in law Kati, and friends Takeshi and Tom, who were all running the 30K distance.

We ended up getting to the race just as Wendell was gathering the 50k and 30k runners to the starting line. Chaos ensued as I tried to gather all of my equipment, pass my dog Gordy to a friend (too bad he couldn't run the course!), and get to the starting line. Because of the hectic start, I was near the back of the pack when Wendell sounded the horn. I sprinted up the first hill to catch up to my friend Tom, who I then ran the first 9 miles with.

The first 9 miles were easy going, yet the temperature seemed to continue climbing. I could tell it was going to be hot, and because of the chaotic start I forgot to put on sunscreen. Lucky for me, aid station 3 had some sunscreen, and the helpful volunteers were more than happy to lather me up!

I finished the first 30k in 2:45, about 10 minutes slower than my 30k time the year before. I was still on pace to finish sub 5:00, which was my overall goal. The course at this point has a major psychological hurdle, being at the finish line and having to complete another 20K! I tried to spend as little time as possible at the finish/aid station, and push myself to complete another 20K loop.

I was able to gut it out and run most sections on the last 20k. I definitely wasn't running fast like I was at the Skyline 50k, but I was able to continue pushing forward and pass a few people (without getting passed myself). I finished about 4:53, and 9th place overall. Results can be viewed here.

You lucked out Will G., neither me nor my dog took points from you!