Last long run done

[Decker]

I had to do my last long 34k run before the marathon and decided to try a trail route instead this week at a place called Rattlesnake point. We did not see any snakes thankfully😁. Not really sure why I chose trail this time, since the marathon is a road race. I talked a friend (with lots of ultra and trail experience) into running with me and I’m glad I did because this was a tough one. 34k took us over 4 hours mainly due to 1570ft elevation and the extremely technical rock sections throughout. We both slipped and fell a few times but no injuries 👍🏼. I really underestimated how long this would take. But the payoff was beautiful scenery, great conversation and every variety of surface - packed dirt, fields of slippery sharp rocks, many grassy hills, and some beautiful lookouts over the valley. I read that some of the Cedar trees were over 800 years old. It was gently raining throughout, just enough to make everything more slippery. Those last 5k were so hard to finish for me. Not quite sure how this will translate into road training but it was still a great experience.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Wow, Decker! You certainly have some beautiful (if tricky) routes to explore! Just stunning! Well done on an amazing 34K run, which will make 42K on the roads seem like a walk in the park (!😉). It must have been great having such an experienced friend with you on the run too. Rest up well!🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra. It was a beautiful trail in spite of the challenges. Still not 100% about the 42. First time not doing the full distance before a race. Part of me wants to just have it done

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I get that Decker - and think I would feel the same (if I was ever able to take my running to that level, which I seriously doubt!) However, you have repeatedly put in the miles and I really believe you can do it!🙂👍

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sandraj39]

I appreciate your vote of confidence Sandra

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Also, I totally think you can do this if that’s what you set your mind to

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

I have my second Half Marathon in November - think that will be my max distance but...I would never say never!🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Haha, that’s what I said last year

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Looks fabulous! I'm super impressed and can only agree with Sandra - 42k of road has to be easier, surely? Rest well now!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

I hope so Linda, fingers crossed

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Sounds like a perfect day with great company. It will help to recharge the soul and make you stronger regardless. You have this in the bag!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

The day was great. Mrs Decker was not impressed I took the whole day after saying I’d be home by 2 But it was an experience i will remember. Also running with an experienced runner teaches you so much about gait, balance etc

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Oops. It so hard to predict how long trail runs can take. I use the live tracker on Runkeeper Go so my husband stopped worrying when I was gone longer than predicted and got used to me being gone all morning on run days. Thankfully he has become very supportive of my running and all the time it takes. What a great experience to be able to run with someone so versed in trail running. You must capitalize on that!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Yes I was soo far off. By over 3 hours. I should know better. We’re not quite at the full understanding stage. Next time I will overestimate so I am back sooner than expected . Yeah my run bud Luis is training for a 100k in Mexico so he did another 20k today 😁

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

😳. I am in complete awe of those trail runners. They are amazing creatures. I don't think they are human 😂

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

You may be right Sask! Blows my mind.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I think it's all good! Time on legs, variable terrain and incline working all your muscles, tendons and nervous system - plus fresh air and scenery looking after the soul 😊😊😊

Enjoy your recovery xxx

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

Time on legs for sure! I still have concerns about 42, but will give it my best on the day

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Decker]

It's a journey into the unknown! Giving it your best is... best 😄

[Deals1 Metric Marathon]

Wow. U did it. Well done u 😊 👍👌😄😄😄

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Deals1]

Just barely. Thanks Deals

[Deals1 Metric Marathon in reply to Decker]

If u do a road run now it will b a breeze!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Well done Decker, that sounded like one heck of a run! I must say, I was both astounded and impressed in equal measure about your “great conversation” comment. Conversation? Running that route? 😅😅😅 You have to be kidding! You’re some runner. Fantastic. 👍👊🙌

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Haha, thanks Cheeky, well most of the conversation was in the first half as I recall 😁

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

🤣🤣

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

It's great endurance and stamina training! 💪🏻👍🏻

And the views help you keep going. This is exactly what I run for. 😁

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

It was a lot more effort than I estimated, 😄but yes, the sights and sounds do take your mind off yourself to some extent. Just happy neither of us wound up with a concussion or twisted ankle

[backintime 10 Miles]

Amazing...34k would take me over 4 hours on the flat...on that terrain I would probably require probably require a tent and a sleeping bag

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to backintime]

It was an eye opener for sure. Can’t imagine what a 50k would take. Probably 6hr+ 😂

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

That looks beautiful! Well done Decker! I'm on my little phone screen and I thought you had become a bird charmer (had to download and zoom in to see it was a carving-duh!!)

You are right on track😊xxx

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to aliboo70]

It was beautiful Ali - you would love it. Haha, yeah it does look a bit like that - I was a bit startled to see these sculptures in the woods too!

[Couchpotato2 Marathon]

Sounds fantastic, what an experience!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Couchpotato2]

It was awesome!

[misswobble Marathon]

Awesome! I envy you so much. What a place to run. Rattlesnake Point. Sounds like something out of Crocdile Dundee

Your hard work in getting to that summit was rewarded 😃👍🏃‍♂️

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

Haha, yes it’s an adventurous name, but the wildlife was at a minimum :). There is another summit (hill?) on the other side that has some rocky cliffs I would like to check out before the snow hits.

[misswobble Marathon]

Yes that would be a good idea 👍🥶🌨

[Oldfloss Administrator]

What a fabulous run and photographs... I am sure you are going to be fine on the day!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss. 🙂