Trail Running race (Bel Monte 50 miler) 10:59:00 [4] 53.0 mi (12:26 / mi)
What a race. I was excited just to get away with Dee and have a fun weekend full of adventure! We had a great location and amazing hotel which we both agreed if we came back would spent more time at. After a good night sleep we made it over to the start line for a 7:30 a.m. in the pouring rain. We both agreed this could be a character builder day by the looks of the weather! Dee had talked to me about trying a new strategy and not going out so hard and sticking to a more consistent pace that I could hold throughout the 50 miles which made total sense but hearing it and doing it were two diffeent scenarios....my instinct was to bolt off at the start but I listened to my mentor and it paid off. Dee and I stayed together for the first 20 miles when her course went off in a different direction. At the time we separated I have never had so much energy or felt so fresh in a ultra and this made a big difference in my race. Althought the course was almost as tough if not tougher than Hellgate I had so much more energy for the back half of my race and it was such a nicer experience to feel fresh and enjoy the scenary and race without dreading each upcoming mile! I came out of the last mountain descent and was told that I was holding second female and just had a 10 mile road run to the finish which is hard to hear in any trail race you are doing but made me that much eager to finish this and get to my massage with Denise! They finished us with a steep short decent and then final climb to Wintergreen resort. I thought this would be it until I saw Dee in our very mini rental car approach me cheering me on letting me know I had one final technical trail run and then the finish. I was more concerned about the 3rd place woman who I was sure was not far behind me on the last climb but Dee assured me after driving down the mountain that it was a male and I was fine. Final result 2nd female, 11th out of approx 100 starters (many dnf's that were not posted) and one very happy Mrs. Gally - 2 points for UTMB. Great weekend!