White River 50

For the past few years I have thrown around the idea of getting back into running, specifically ultra distance trail running.  Ultra distances are technically any distance past marathon distance, but in the ultra community the first "real" ultra distance is 50 miles.

Four months ago, I decided to commit and just sign up for the White River 50.  One of the older ultras in the country, the White River 50 is located near Crystal Mtn on the way to Mt. Rainier and offers amazing scenery, great aid stations, and a post race BBQ.

The night before the race I drove down by myself to camp near the race start, and Heather and Kye showed up the next day to watch me finish.  The race itself was painful, and yet a really amazing experience.  Probably the most difficult physical event that I have done.  Unfortunately, I started the race with a knee injury that I received a few weeks previous.  With no running at all in those previous 3 weeks, I felt a little unprepared.  I managed to fight through the discomfort and finish in 8 hrs 46 min, which was a little slower than I had hoped, but faster than I expected.  Now for a 100 miler!

After the race I was so glad to see Heather and Kye, as well as a visit from Ellie and Shane.  A soak in the frigid White River was mandatory, and the whole post race scene was great.

Kye enjoying the camping 

Kye's new ride

Around mile 37, approaching Suntop with very stiff legs

Finally finished!

Legs were a little shaky post race

Enjoying the frigid soak with my little man

Shane & Ellie

The next day, two tired campers