OrleansRunner heads to Niagara

[orleansrunner1962]

In my 50th year of birth, I chose to celebrate with a number of running events, and a 50 km in Niagara seemed like it should be part of the list. So I signed up for my first 50 km, with no idea what to expect.

In April-May, I had a goal time in my head, but over the last couple of weeks I had been dealing with shin splint issues, so decided that I would be very happy with simply finishing.....

Had a great drive down on Friday afternoon, picked up my race bib and nice purple sweatshirt. Checked into the B&B with Hubby, and had pretty good night's sleep. Up bright and early as the race start was 7:00 a.m. Walked to the race site, and chitchatted with a few friends from Orleans that were also running 50 km that morning. A few instructions from one of the race volunteers, and we were off... no hustle, no bustle, just very casual ... a nice little jog on some grassy area.... certainly VERY different from any marathon start I have been at in the past!!

Within a few hundred meters, we found ourselves on the Niagara path that follows the river -- everyone was chatting, enjoying the day, very social, no elbowing, no weaving to find a good running spot, and this is how the day progressed.... the aid stations were every 5 km, and the km's just clicked away. I chatted with a number of people along the way, settled in with one gentleman around 7 km or so and we ended up running pretty much the rest of the course together. Very quickly, I realized that I would not be breaking any world records today. I had taped up the problem shin area, and it was feeling OK, but the calves were really tight.... I knew I would get this done, but that I also had to be smart and keep the pace under check, which is what I did. And the most amazing transformation occurred.... I was REALLY enjoying: the course, the people, the scenery.... I was taking it all in, and having a blast..... gone was the fixation about time goals, about checking the Garmin, about timing the gels.....

The course is very scenic, a bit of a climb around 12.5 km, and again towards the Falls at around 22 km, a turnaround at the Falls, and then back to Niagara on the Lake -- simply breathtaking.... the volunteers at the aid stations are very friendly and helpful. There is a great choice of food and drink at each station. Everything went without a hitch.... perfect!!

This event hosts a 1/2 marathon, marathon, 50 km and 100 km all at the same time, so you are always among runners and everyone encourages everyone else -- what an amazing atmosphere....

I enjoyed myself so much that I plan on attending again next year, and doing the 100 km!!

[HCcD]

Congratulatins, on completing your first ultra, Sylvie ... What an amazing journey of enlightenment that you have mapped out to celebrate your 50th this year ... looking forward to following you as you embark on your next journey ....

[Spirit Unleashed]

so happy for you!!!

[Habs4ever]

Sounds like a perfect day, congratulations.

[Hammie]

sounds like a wonderful event - congrats!

[chunkymonkeymelonhed]

Impressive Sylvie!!!!

[purdy65]

Huge congrats Syvlie! Sounds like a great day! Next up? 50 miles!

[carm]

It sounds like it was a great first 50 K! Congratulations!

[Robinandamelia]

Congratualations. Looked up your results yesterday and saw how well you did. Great that you had a good time...most important part!

[scrumhalfgirl]

bravo!

[Stampie]

Sounds like an awesome event and congrats on a great time!

[kaybee]

Really glad you enjoyed it so much despite your shin troubles Sylvie. I agree with you about differences with most marathons. I'm no expert but, with the two 50k's I've done so far, there seems to be a whole different vibe with the longer distances and lots of camaraderie on and off the course. I can see how people get hooked. I am sure you are going to love your 50 miler in Canandaigua. All the best with the training for that. See you around Orleans!

Karen

[Jo-Jo]

Well done!!
You're really rockin Year 50!!

[Avis]

My, you certainly make 50k sound like a whole bunch of fun! Congratulations on another celebration of your 50th year!

[AndyM]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much! You dedication is outstanding. Do you get to rest at all after this?!

[DJHL]

It was really nice to read your report about how much you enjoyed the whole experience. It almost makes me want to try it myself. Hopefully there were no after affects with you shins and calves. Now looking forward to reading about your next ultra.

[trixiee]

I hope you get those shin splints repaired soon, so we can read your 50 mile report!
Congrats on rocking the 50 k!

[Ken B]

Thanks for a great report. Congratulations on your first Ultra! To have enjoyed it so much is a real plus. That event is definitely on my radar!!

[barebuns1]

Another Ultra runner is born!! Great race report.