the tan ultra tribulations

yesterday was a super sunny Sunday & one of those days when running makes me the happiest being on the tan track. The tan ultra is a trails+ running festival event & I ran the 50k race.

The day started at 5.55 am eating my specially made bliss balls with extra cardamon for extra kick. & I got to the start in my shiny pink jacket & freshly dyed fluoro pink hair just in time to chat to a few fellow participants & to power up with electrolytes & get the race briefing.

& then we were off. The run is 13 laps around the tan track (a 3.9km loop) & I kept to my pace of 6 minute k's. Pretty much all the way. With a little assistance from -

Pink Floyd - shine on you crazy diamond
Queen - don't stop me now
Franz Ferdinand - Right action
Robin Thicke & Pharrell - Blurred lines
Daft Punk & Pharrell - Get lucky
Doves - Pounding
Take That - Rule the world (hehe)

The laps kept coming. I was off in a meditative trance. I felt strong as the sun got stronger. I channelled much emotion into my motion. & then lap 9, 10 & 11 got really tough, muscles tightening & soreness setting in. But mental toughness prevailed & I railed, I ran the last hill even. 

I lost my 5 minute buffer to get to the finish line on the last few laps. But with one last push, spurred on at the sighting of support (from a man that I have just met & I quite like & his dog!!! Must look composed & cool whilst sweating with dribble on my chin!!!) I ran through the finish line at 5 hours (& ok 2 mins) 

My PB smashed by 24 mins. My smile beaming. My love for this running experience ecstatic. My excitable ambition - next year I will do the 100k distance. Inspired.