SPEEDGOAT!!! Super tough but I had a blast. The first ascent (8.3 miles to Hidden Peak aid station) flew by. Josh and I got to the top in about 2 hours so we were doing pretty good, and it actually didn't feel too bad, we were keeping conversation the whole way up. Then Riley hopped in with us on the descent to the Pacific Mine aid station at mile 14.8. This downhill section was pretty tough on my quads and they were cramping up when we got to the bottom. Josh headed out but I stayed with Riley for a few more minutes to stretch and get some electrolytes in before heading out. Riley and I took it real easy for the next ascent before hitting the downhill to the Mineral Basin aid station (mile 19.4). Riley rode the tram up from here, and I took a little extra time at this station too to make sure I was ready for the tough ascent up to "the Tunnel" (mile 22.3). I felt pretty good on this part and passed quite a bit of people. After that it was another downhill section for about 2 miles before a tough climb back up to Hidden Peak (mile 26), and finally about 6 miles downhill to the finish. My quads were pretty toast after the Tunnel, and I think I probably felt better on the uphills for the majority of the race. It was a cool experience, and fun to get to run with Josh again, even if it was only for half the race. I think I could've had a better race if I would have done better nutrition-wise, but it was a learning experience. I'm glad that I can look back on this and say that I finished. Fun time, and something to consider doing again in the future, but for now I will focus on 5ks instead of 50ks, haha.
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