West Seattle Fat A$$ 50k Race Report

West Seattle Fat A$$ 50k – 31.68 mi / 06:23 12:05 pace

Today was my third 50k! This was my first last year and I finished this year FASTER and feeling better. It was still a challenge, don't get me wrong, but I did feel stronger at the end.

I started out alone because my friends who were going to run with me were unable to make it. The early morning on the beach is just magical. There were cormorants everywhere, seagulls, of course, and lots of other sea birds. Multiple breeds of ducks along with birdwatchers out watching them. There weren't many people on the first out (this is a double out and back) so it was kind of nice to just run and listen. I wasn't near anyone since I got there late and ran to the start line yelling "Wait for me! Wait for me!" LOL!
Roy was our water station at about mile 6. It was nice to have one because I packed the peanut filled pretzels! Rock on! They taste VERY good after about 10 miles, and even better after 20!

I hooked up with another runner running the 25k and talked her ear off for much of that. It was nice to run with someone else. We finished the first half in 3 hours and I was positive I could do better on the second half since I was feeling REALLY fresh after 16 miles.
Unfortunately I had some serious digestive issues on the second half, so that cut into my time by about 20 minutes, literally. Maybe even a little more. But oh well! Other than that, I really did feel great...tired at the end, of course, but great overall.

At about mile 25 I saw a big figure in the water...it was a HUGE sea lion! So freaking cool! I kept hearing them, and finally got to see one! I ran over to the water and called Roy to tell him because I knew he was about 1/2 mile away. He said he was watching some too! I ran to him and was so excited about the lions that I forgot to refill my water, darn it. I did grab some peanut butter pretzel remnants and a kiss, though! I have my priorities.
About mile 26 I heard a loud honk that scared the crap out of two women running near me. It was Nicole! Yay! She drove on and I hoped to see her soon, but didn't right away so I thought "Oh well, maybe she had to jet home." Kept on running and about 28 there she was! BIG hug and walked with me for awhile. Finally she had to take off, but she said "I'll see you at the end!" OMG that meant the WORLD to me! The second half was nice, but kind of lonely. Not really complaining because I used that time to take pictures and was glad no one else had to wait for me when my tummy was bothering me. But it was so nice not only to see someone on the route, but to know she was going to be at the end.

The last 2 miles were hard, but I did them. I focused on the dogs, keeping my head up straight, and watching the kids. Saw a lady throwing a ball for her golden while her shitzu ran behind as goldie fetched. They both, well all three, looked like they were having such a great time it made me grin ear to ear. I caught her eye and she smiled at me and I said "Aren't they just fun to watch? I love watching dogs when they are in such a state of happiness. It's like watching kids play!" She agreed and we laughed at how the little guy was SO intent on keeping up.

Finally saw the finish line and there was Nicole! Roy called too and I told him I was almost there so he should head down to meet me (I beat him, 'cause of my mad running skills). Nicole had tulips (my favorite this time of year) and a big hug at the end!

I was third from last just like last year, but my time was much improved. It was a good race and I look forward to doing it again!