Race Report: AR50 2009

This is just a partial race report- more later...
On 4/4/2009, the AR50 went off without a hitch. What a fabulous race! The course is stunning, the challenge manageable, great aid stations, and cute little bells and whistles that made the day a huge success. 650 runners started the event, and 510 finished. 200 entrants were first time 50-milers, myself included.
I was a middle-of-the-pack runner, so I can't offer a great report on the front runners, but Scott Dunlap always does a good job of that at http://runtrails.blogspot.com/. I managed to finish in 10:44:50, 15 minutes ahead of my "goal" of 11 hours! But more importantly, the trails were gorgeous, the race was well-flagged with great aid stations, the wildflowers were blooming, good conversations were had, and everyone seemed to have a good time. What more can you ask for?

Pre-race Report: AR50

I'm off to the AR50 in a few minutes!
I looked at the maps yesterday and I am psyched to see that the race ends up near Auburn Dam where I used to guide the white water. I love that area- it will feel like going home.
My body feels good, outside of a little pain on the outside of my left knee. The pain in my right IT band from this winter is totally gone. My twisted ankle feels sore when I circle it, but feels fine when I run. I am a little nervous about my treadmill winter and my extreme taper over the last few weeks, but nothing much I can do about that now! What I got is what I got.
I am a little nervous about the embarrassing digestive problem that sometimes plagues me when I run. I can eat alright, but then...well, I will spare you the gory details! So my fingers are crossed! I got potatoes, lots of Heed energy drink, and I will wear my camelbak. The first time doing a certain distance is so funny! You just don't know how your body will react.
Mentally I feel strong. I can visualize finishing, and I really want to finish. I know that the only person that can make me not finish this thing is me. And I hope to have fun doing it!
Anyhow, I would appreciate good thoughts tomorrow! I would love to finish btwn 11 and 12 hours, but who knows. The race starts at 6am PST. I can't wait to get going!