I'm relaxing at the trailhead of the "A" Mountain trails
having napped for a couple of hours after covering 52+ tough trail miles (most of which were run (well, hiked mostly) through the night on a hilly, rocky and quite difficult course.
The Tortugas Mountain 24 Hour ultra started yesterday at sundown and the next hours would have us traversing the technical 4 mile route through the night. We would reverse our direction after each loop and continue this routine hour after hour.
The trail surface was mainly very rough with much of it covered by loose limestone rocks that were constantly catching my toes and trying to trip me up (only had 1 minor fall at 27 miles).
I was able to maintain an 18 to 19 mile pace while pausing briefly to grab a quick handful of M&Ms and a drink of water at the aid tables at the start/finish and 2 mile point.
My knees began to tire significantly as I started the 8th loop (28 to 32 miles) and I was struggling more as I hit the stretch to the finish so I decided to try catching a few hours nap time to see if my body recouped some energy.
The temperature was below freezing and our cars were covered in frost as I buried myself under my down sleeping bag and heavy blankets.
I was actually able to nap for about 2 hours and woke feeling better and with the sun rising.
A couple of cups of hot coffee and I was off for a few more hours on the trails on my quest to cover 50 miles and thus put this effort into the completed ultramarathon category and increase my ultramarathon career to 44 years.
My endurance was good as the miles were easier with the rocky trail illuminated by the bright NM sun and I could run in just my short sleeve shirt.
I finally hit the 50 mile mark after over 17 hours effort and would continue on to finish my 13th (and final) circuit of the Tortugas course to finish with 52 milesand a well-deserved hot lunch and rest for my tired muscles.
Now time for the long drive home.
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