For the last several weeks I’ve had my eye on a race-Dunes 50K and Heavy Half in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, here in South Florida.
According to the website: “Not just a race, it’s an epic adventure. Experience scenic overlooks, creek crossings and rolling sand dunes, where you will encounter the, “Dunes of Heaven and Hell “. 11,000 acres, 16 natural communities, including sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, mangroves, and river swamps turning your race into a complete natural adventure. Most of the course is run on beautiful single track trails winding throughout this wild and scenic park.”
If you’ve been reading this blog, you know I’m loving trail running these days. This race sounds intriguing- but I have the choice of a 50K or half marathon. I’ve been going back and forth between the two distances…
50K Option
I’ve always wanted to run an ultra. Most trail ultras in Florida are in the central or northern part of the state, but this one is about an hour’s drive from my house! I could go up and do some training runs on the course.
Half Marathon Option
Who am I kidding? I’m still dealing with plantar fasciitis in my foot and an achy hamstring. Maybe I should focus on rehabbing those instead of training for an ultramarathon.
50K
YOLO. If I wait until nothing hurts, then I’ll never do it. I need to just commit to this and work it out.
Half Marathon
But I could sign up for the half, which takes place on the same trail. It would still be an adventure.
50K
It’s not till the end of April… I have plenty of time to train for it.
Half Marathon
It’s at the end of April and will be hot AF by then! Don’t even think about running a 50K!!!
I was going to ask everyone’s opinion while I continue to mull this over… but then I checked the website and saw that the price increases tomorrow. So I signed up…. for the 50K.
YOU GUYS, I SIGNED UP FOR A 50K!
Now that I’ve made the decision, I’m so psyched! I will fix my foot, heal my hamstring and learn how to deal with the heat. I can do this! Hopefully. If not, I can defer my entry or drop to the half. But let’s not go there- I’m running an ultramarathon in April- woohoo!
I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for their Tuesday Topics. And, I’m doing #NaBloPoMo2022- check out the list of bloggers participating in this challenge!
Do you think I made the right decision….or do you think I’m crazy?
35 Responses
WHOOP, WHOOP!!!! As I was going through your back and forth, I kept thinking – take the 50, take the 50, and then I got to the line where you took the 50 and I let out a small scream! So excited for you! My thinking is train for it and in the worst-case scenario if your PF is still playing up closer to the time, go for the 21.
Thank you Shathiso! I know you’ve done a trail ultra so you understand. I’m definitely glad I chose that option.
I’ve been to that park!!
I’ve been told trail races are the way to go… no stress because you can’t run fast.
I say… go for it!!
Thanks Darlene- it is perfect for me now because I’m not running fast anyway!
This really feels like something Gretchen Rubin would label as you: “Choosing the bigger life.”
I’m legit BEYOND excited for you. Considering a 5K is about as far as I want to go right now, it is so far out of my aspirations that I find it hard to relate to all the training/hard work it will require, but what a huge and exciting goal to work toward. And the fact it’s a trail run with so much change in scenery and topography should make it both physically and visually more exciting.
Yay, Jenny <3
Thank you Elisabeth! Yes… I guess I did choose the “bigger life” and it feels good.
My husband is training for a half marathon right now and that’s definitely as far as he wants to go. He’s supportive of this goal, but a little baffled.
WOOHOO! I can’t wait to follow your progress
“YOLO. If I wait until nothing hurts, then I’ll never do it.” So so true
Yes, at this stage of my life I think I need to just go for it.
How thrilling! I can’t wait to hear about your training process. How wonderful that you can actually drive there relatively easily as part of your training process!
Also, in light of the conversation we had about names, now I know your last name! I can see why people stumble over it, although, as you say, it’s probably not that hard if a reader just slows down. Ha!
Yes… it literally is pronounced EXACTLY how you would sound it out.
Yay!!! You made the right choice – go big, and if something changes closer to the race, drop down!!! Very excited for you!!!
Thank you! I’m definitely glad now that I chose the 50K.
I love the vibe of trail races. The longest I’ve done is a half marathon. But I like how everyone tends to walk the hills. And the aid stations are sooo good – potatoes to dip in salt, coke, m&ms, etc. It sounds like a fun challenge for you and it’s good to know you can drop down to the 1/2 marathon if need be!
Yes, run/walk intervals will be used for sure! It’s definitely going to be a fun challenge.
YES GIRRRRLL!!! I’m so happy you chose the 50K. You have to do things that scare you to death. It sounds like a wonderful trail race.
Looking forward to following your training! 👏🏻👏🏻😀😀
I knew you’d approve, Catrina!
This so exciting, Jenny. I think it’s really just all about hitting that “registration” button and committing to it.
You can do it! 🙂 And what an accomplishment it will be!
Thank you San! It’s true, it was hard to commit to it- but now that I have, I’m excited.
This sounds absolutely terrifying but really awesome! Go Jenny!
Thank you Meike!
Wow, you are brave, that is hardcore. I’ve signed up for a trail run in January (which could be hot here as it will be summer) which had 28km and 56km. I did not contemplate the 56km.
That’s exciting! Maybe you’ll complete the 28K and decide to do the 56K next time… you never know.
Wow! A 50k! That’s really incredible! Good luck!!!
Thank you Nicole! I will need lots of luck.
Woo!!! Sounds like a fantastic decision, Jenny! How exciting!
Thank you Suzanne!
This is so exciting. And unbelievable for me. But than you are already training and. running so much. I am whiting you all the best during preparation and the most epic adventure. What an achievement already to hitting the registration button.
Thank you! Yes, it’s funny how hard it was to commit to this- but now that I have, I’m excited.
Gotta go big right?! So exciting – I’ll be cheering you on through your training Jenny!
Thank you Michelle! I appreciate it.
hooray1 this is exciting.
Thanks Darlene!
Yay so exciting!! It’s nice to have a big goal like that. I remember thinking a 50K wasn’t much farther than a marathon… until I actually ran one. haha, yep, it sure was a lot more!! Hope your training goes great!
No, no, you’re supposed to be reassuring me that it’s not that much farther! But you’re right- it’s nice to have a big goal.