I had to drop from Palo Duro after three of the four 12.5 mile loops through the canyon. The first two loops were pretty routine, but the third was difficult with multiple issues (bonking, cramping, uneasy stomach) that had to addressed and dealt with. Often issues like these come one or two at a time, but to paraphrase Queen Gertrude in Hamlet, who ought to know, sometimes troubles “come in battalions.”
By the time I had sorted out all of the issues I was feeling better again and my pace had improved, but I had lost a lot of time and there was no reasonable hope of making the checkpoint cut-off times for the 4th loop, so I dropped after 37.5 miles.
After the initial disappointment, I didn’t feel too badly about things. This sort of thing can happen every so often in ultras, and there is really no use in trying to second guess my effort or my training. I did everything in similar fashion to last year’s successful Palo Duro finish, and was in arguably better shape with cooler weather for this year’s attempt. Some days are just some days.
What a beautiful day in the canyon, though. If you get a chance to visit Palo Duro Canyon, don’t hesitate. It’s a unique place and will stay with you long after.
Sorry you had to drop out but like you say, some days are just some days and it’s especially true in the ultra world. Hopefully you learn something from the experience and take it with you to the next. Any more races planned for the year?
Thanks Elayne. Right now I’m only planning to run the Dallas White Rock Marathon in December, then assess next year.
We are definitely coming back to Boulder next summer, so hopefully we can get together again.
‘Only’. Sheesh. You make it sound like a 5K.
Strummer is eagerly awaiting your arrival next summer.
I’m thinking that “only” may point to a personal problem of perspective that could, just maybe, use some correction. Thank you!
Finishes come and go and are really just a brief moment in time. You were able to be out in the canyon for 37.5 miles. There is something to be grateful for that alone.
Have a great fall season.