I think it’s fair to say that after running 50 ultras in 1 year, I was pretty burned out. It’s been almost 2.5 years since I’ve run anything further than a marathon. Yes, there was the Boston qualifier, Boston & Sydney marathons last year, but no ultras. I’ve been sweeping the Skyline 50K (oldest, continuously running ultra marathon in the US) for the last few years, but decided to register for it and give it a go. This would be my 92nd ultra marathon (in the 50K or more distance). Here’s my Strava activity:

Injuries and Rehab

Last couple of years have been largely injury free, but earlier this year, I took a nasty fall while running downhill and busted my left rotator cuff. Luckily there was no major tear, but could barely lift my arm or put any weight on it. Took me weeks of rehabbing to get that back. And then during one of the trail runs, tweaked my knee and possibly rolled my ankle and ended up with an ankle tendonitis. All in all, it’s been rough. At first, it was just running a few miles on completely flat around the house (no trip hazards), then a bit of uphill roads, then run trails on the uphill and walk the downs, and finally, mostly there now. Before I registered for the race, it took a couple of back-to-back 18-milers to gain confidence and build up for that distance all over again.

Skyline 50K

Woke up early, wolfed down some food and drove to Lake Chabot. All the muscle memories of running this distance, managing hydration, chomping at aid stations were slowly coming back – not to mention all the camaraderie of friends, new and old. It was largely a nice, cool day, so decided to go for broke and carry just a Fit Belt with a few gels stashed away, but no water.

I thought I recognized Natalia and Pradeep at the start line, but it’s been so long since I’ve run a race, I was a little shy to walk up and say hi. Adam Ray did his awesome spiel about ribbons, the course, aid stations, etc. and then off we went.

The uphills felt solid and past the golf course, up Brandon trail, got to share a few miles with Eric and Aidan. Kept up with them for a while until the downhill. Ever since the back-to-back injuries, my downhill running has been very tentative and extra cautious. And the cambered/irregular surfaces gets the ankle angry, so I really have to slow down. Annoying, but hey, not looking to set a PR of any sorts. Just great to be out there.

Pulling up to Bort Meadow, I had a feeling I was going to run into Will at the aid station and he didn’t disappoint. So awesome to see him after all these years. A quick catchup, high-five and chug along. It was quite humid, but I was hydrating and eating well – largely gels but with a quick grab of PB&J at the aid stations. Made it to Skyline Gate at 17 miles around 3 hours. I was kinda looking forward to the French Trail, but the going was pretty slow, just being extra careful stepping on roots. Lots of walking.

When I made it back to Bort Meadow, I was surprised to see Brian there. The first time we actually ran together was at the Mt. Diablo Half Marathon, some 12 years ago! Chug, chug, past the Clyde Woolridge aid station, the downhills were starting to be annoying because my ankle was stiff and sore. Believe it or not, I was actually happy to hit the flat road along the west shore of Lake Chabot so I could start running again. Pulled into the finish line in 6:18 and super happy that everything went as well as it could. A little rusty with the whole running-the-distance thing, but all’s well that ends well.

I heard someone call out my name at the finish line and took me a while to get my bearings after that last sprint. Turns out my ex-colleague Yulia was volunteering there, handing out medals and cheering the runners. So fun to catch up with her after a few years! This was an awesome race to come back to ultra running – just chill, low-key and friendly faces all around. Next up is Chicago Marathon where I get to run with my 23yo son on his first marathon! So stoked.