There were some lessons I learned from my first 50K ultra marathon run I would like to share:
1) Training - Do not take the race lightly. Proper training is very important. There's no point to put yourself in misery during the race if you don't train for it.
2) Pre-hydrate yourself - Drink lots of fluids 1 or 2 days before the event. It will go a long way.
3) Know your body - Human body is amazing SubhanAllah. But we have to know how much to push our bodies to and when to stop. Only you know your body the best and look for any signs your body sends you. Don't ignore these signs. This is the best way to avoid injuries or falling sick. For example, Masood was not feeling well at mile 13. And he did the right thing abandoning the race at that exit point. I read this quote at the trailhead of Mount Whitney which I still remember: "Getting to the top is optional, but coming back down alive is mandatory". You will get another shot at this provided you're still alive and healthy.
4) Know the course - Study the course before the race. Know all the exit points, service stations and have a plan. When we were looking at the elevation chart, we paid too much attention to the rose peak since it was big on the map and ignored all the small peaks that were after rose peak. Those small peaks turned out to be more brutal for us than the rose peak. Every time we thought we were going downhill, one of those peak would come. It was very discouraging. Specially the peak at mile 27 really discouraged me.
5) Hydrate yourself well during the run - This is a given considering it was HOT. I must have drank 12-15 L of water. I was carrying coconut water but unfortunately after a few sips in the beginning, I got tired of the taste for some odd reason. I took electrolyte tablets at couple of the service stations. I would highly recommend taking electrolyte tablets (if you are not taking any other electrolytes) at regular intervals to avoid cramping. Also, make sure to pee at regular intervals and check the color. Dark yellow means you may be dehydrated.
6) Fueling is important - For most people (including myself) it is very difficult to eat while moving. Practice eating during your training otherwise it won't work for you on the race day. Anything with a strong flavor will become sickening to eat after a while. I learned this the harder way. I got tired of eating sweet peanut-butter bars on one of the long hikes and I still can't eat them. Salty food is better.
7) Buddy system - It is always good to hike/run with someone, even more so if it's something of this magnitude. My right hamstring started cramping up around mile 22. Fortunately, Faisal was there. He helped me stretch the muscle and had couple of Advils. I was good to go for another 9 miles.
8) Willpower - This was truly a test of willpower, and your will to go beyond what your mind believes your body is capable of. I found out it was more my mind than my body to help me finish the run.
Cheers,
UK
