Two months ago I decided to run the Habanero Hundred 50K. It was being touted as the hottest ultra in Texas. Not only would it be hot, the race was being run in Smithville—known for it’s hilly, rocky terrain. I knew that with a 30-hour cut off time, I could walk the 50K and finish. So I signed up. I spent the next two months heat training, which turned out to be the best idea I’ve ever had. As it turned out, many runners dropped out of the race because of the heat and humidity.

The event started at high noon, which made for a relaxed morning. My crew of one and I made it to the venue, Buescher State Park, around 11 a.m. I picked up my race packet and proceeded to prep for the 12:15 50K start time.

With my gear ready to go, I took a few quick photos and lined up at the start. After a short pep talk, the gun went off, and so did we. The 50K course consisted of five laps: one short 3.2-mile lap, and four full 7.5-mile laps. I started out walking, using lap 1 as a warm up. The course was a lollipop, so I was able to scope out the “stick” part of the trail (yes, it was runnable), and get oriented. The aid stations were placed at the start/finish and at the midway point (3.5 miles).

The stick part of the trail was a mix of hard-pack, soft powdery dirt, gravel/rocks, and sand. There were a few inclines and declines, but nothing major. The first half of the lollipop loop was mostly single track with terrain varying from sandy to rocky to soft, pine-covered trail. It was mostly flat with a few mild declines/inclines. Not bad at all. But the heat and humidity were relentless.

Thankfully, the volunteers at the aid stations were fantastic! As soon as you got in to the aid station, they would help refill your vests and bottles. There was plenty of food on the tables ranging from sweet to salty, gels, bars, and salt tablets. Plenty of ice and a choice of water, sodas, Gatorade, and Heed were also available. As the day went on, hot food was offered including ramen noodles, cheese quesadillas, and bean burritos.

At the midway point, the course changed. The back half of the lollipop was tough. It had elevation, “rolling” hills, and a lot of large, loose rocks. It made for a slow second half. The horseflies were the worst, though. I will say that I am relatively new to trail racing, and this was my first ultra. It seemed that the more experienced and stronger runners had no problem navigating the terrain.

I took a spill on the fourth loop, and ended up visiting the medical tent. It was very well stocked and the volunteers were very helpful. They had me patched up in no time, and on my way.

When I finally finished, 18 hours later (yes, you read that right), the race director handed me a beautiful medal and congratulated me. They were very good about making sure every runner was coherent and feeling well at the end of each loop (the longer distances had a mandatory weigh-in at every loop).

THE RUNDOWN
I had a great time at my first 50K. It took me six hours longer than I anticipated, but I learned a lot about running ultra marathons. I met a lot a great people and saw some trail regulars. I also came away with tips on how to prevent the horrible blister and chafing problems. And I learned that my two months of heat training definitely paid off. Now, I just need to work on those hills. I can’t wait until next year!

You can read my race report here: http://wp.me/p5QgLn-23