Umstead 100 (50 for me) Final thoughts.

Here's me coming to the finish line.

Immediately after I finished the race, there was a photographer who is studying for his Master's. His thesis is about fatigued faces. I volunteered to be a model - I am curious to know whether I will look more fatigued or more euphoric...........

A week ago today, a nervous Jimbo was penning his final thoughts before Umstead. Now what is going through my head?

I have to say, my first Ultra marathon was an incredible experience. We were lucky with the weather, the course itself was very manageable, but what really stood out for me, was the people I met. I talked to more people in those 12 hours than I have in every other organized run I have done combined. Simply put, ultra-people are just nice people.

As far as lessons learned, there are a few.

• Do some walking training - walk early, walk often
• Apply sunscreen (I always forget sunscreen at least once/year, usually in the spring. As a result of that, I ended up with some heat rash, and some mild sunburn on my neck)
• Go with the flow
• Lap up the encouragement you receive
• Dish out encouragement to others

Where do I go from here? Well, I feel my ultra-career has just started. I will most definitely sign up for a 100 mile run at some point - Umstead in 12 months is a near certainty. I am also considering a 24 hour run and a 100 miler later this year..... watch this space.

I have also discovered some local events as a result of running for a few minutes with Jimmy of the Mangum Track Club. They have a marathon, a 50 miler, 100K and 24 hour run plus others. The 24 hour in September looks very appealing - all very reasonably priced, and some of the runs are quite local to me. How could I not participate in an event that has this line in the Waiver and Release?: I understand that this area has specific hazards such as rattlesnakes, copperheads,polecats, wildcats, and rednecks who like to drink and drive and throw things.

Right, I had best go out for a walk before it rains.