Yesterday, Wednesday, dawned a beautiful day.  It was sunny.  The temps were in the upper 30’s.  There was a 12 mph north wind to contend with, but other than that, it was an ideal day for a long run.

This was to be my longest long run for my upcoming 50 Mile race, the Mississippi 50 Trail Run.

This race is held on the Longleaf Horse Trail in the De Soto National Forest just a little bit south of Laurel, Mississippi.  It offers a 20K (12.5 miles), 50K (31 miles) and a 50 mile option.  Last year I ran the 50K and this year I’m heading back for the 50 Miler.     http://www.ms50.com/

The course consists of two loops.  The “big loop” which is 12.5 miles and the “small loop” which is 6.1 miles.  I will be running three big loops and then heading over and running the small loop twice.

The course itself is not considered a technical course.  That means you don’t have to worry about navigating boulders, etc, but there are many, MANY water crossings and lots of mud.

“In 1999 and 2001 the water level at this creek was just under the trail marker on the tree at the right of the picture. Ropes were strung to assist weak swimmers. Even though the water was deep, it was clear, and the current was strong.”

Last year was a dry year and the water crossings were knee deep on me.  I am praying for another dry year!

I will have 12 hrs to complete the 50 miles.  I have to complete the three 12.5 mile loops in 8:45 elapsed time and I have to begin my last 6.1 mile loop in 10:15 elapsed time.  This means I need to be picking them up and putting them down.

I’m guessing it is going to take me every single second of that 12 hrs to complete this race….if I don’t get swept from missing a time cutoff.  Yikes!

I am the oldest woman registered for the 50 miler.  Unreal!  Last year, there were two women older than me.  I guess they’re not coming back?  Maybe they just haven’t registered yet…

Anyway, I’m training like crazy.  Yesterday was my longest long run.  30 miles.  I ran the 30 with ease.  It was a perfect running day!  I took it slow…on purpose.  I needed the miles and I also needed the time on my feet.  This morning I ran 6 recovery miles.  They were more difficult than yesterday’s 30!  Funny how that is.  🙂

This is what I’m wanting to bring home from this race.  My first buckle!  These things are coveted among Ultra Runners.

Wish me luck!