On July 16, I ran my first 50K (31 miles)--the Great Cranberry Island Ultramarathon. In case you don't know, any distance longer than a marathon is an "ultra." I had completed a training run/walk of 29 miles two weeks earlier, but still wasn't confident I could hold up to 31 miles. I know how much my feet often hurt after 26, and remember many occasions when I couldn't have considered another 5 miles.
However, I started out very conservatively, with a run/walk interval of 1 x 45, or run a minutes, walk 45 seconds. I also walked up the steep inclines, and then took advantage of the downhills, altering the ratio as needed.
The course consisted of one 3-mile out and back, followed by seven more 4-mile loops. Though it sounded boring, it proved to be an advantage, because it meant that I saw the other runners multiple times. We all encouraged each other, and traded jokes and comments.
I enjoyed running with old and new friends alike, and it was one of the most fun events I've participated in for a long time.
I discovered that taking Advil while I run seems to have no negative effects, and prevents swelling of my feet, thus diminished foot soreness and blisters. I'm not sure I could have completed this event without the Advil. Also, I wore a bandana for the first time, and it not only prevented sunburn on my neck, it also helped to keep me cool when I kept it wet.
