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Jemez Mountain Trail Run 50K

By Greg Sisengrath

May 23^rd, 2016

redemption and validation

This race turned out to be one of my most enjoyable experiences in a long time. For a change, I ran a good portion of the race conservatively. I also took more pictures during this race than I have combined in my entire racing history. Proper pacing has historically not been one of my strengths. But with the combination of climbing gain and elevation, I thought this to be the best approach. Also, due to a lingering bout of Plantar Fasciitis, my current running mileage has been on the low and slow side. I was very pleased to finish better than I had anticipated in 7:29:35 and near the top for runners not hailing from NM, CO and UT. Yes, I just made up a flat-lander podium.

Redemption: Two years ago, I toed the line here for the 50M race. I came into the race feeling very fit and strong. I felt like I was having a strong race and well on my way to finish. But mother nature gave me a lesson on the unpredictability of mountain weather. On the 2nd ascent up Pajarito Mountain, a freak snow storm wrecked havoc on the race. After a couple hours in the extreme elements “protected” by only 2 trash bags, I made my way to the Ski Lodge AS where the race officials closed the 50M course due to safety reasons. So a solid 50K finish served to provide myself with some level of redemption.

Validation: My race turned out as well as I could have hoped. I climbed well, earning kudos from a few locals on my flat-lander climbing legs. My foot held up well during the race and I was able to pound the descents when the time came. While my most recent training load is not where I would want it to be, I feel like my fitness level is on the right path for the big goal race in August. Sometimes we all need a confidence booster that only a good race result can provide.

adventure buddies

I love a good road trip. And so does Drum. We had some fun adventures over the past few years. 3-Day Stage Race in the mountains of Tennessee and Georgia. 50M trail race in Lean Horse, South Dakota. 3-Day bike tours in Texas and Arkansas. Last we were here together in Los Alamos was for a 3-Day bike tour of New Mexico. Oh yeah, and Stude tagged along for the ride too.

pre-race

Texas was very well represented at Jemez this year as we had several runners racing both 50K and 50M distances. Chris, Suann, myself and Amy toed the line for the 50K. And my boy Byron, part of #bestcrewever, was on hand to support his friends. Byron has been there supporting me for all my 50M, 100K and 100M finishes. He’s good people.

the 8.1 mile (3,223 ft) summit of pajarito mountain

2+ hours of climbing. Boring and grueling sessions on the Stairclimber and Incline Treadmill certainly paid off for this section.

ski lodge-pipeline road

There was still a little snow on the top. Running DOWN a ski slope is quad-busting and harrowing experience.

The last big climb out of Pipeline Road.

GUAJE RIDGE-RENDIJA CANYON

After all the major climbs were done, I was pleasantly surprised in my downhill legs during this section. I had feared that my lack of recent tempo runs and long runs might bite me in the ass here. But the additional strength training and plyometrics have helped. When the terrain opened up more, I was able to see runners in front of me. Conservative went out the window and competitiveness entered. I meet a new friend, Jess, who is a helluva downhill runner! I was also surprised to see Amy and Stude. They both started the 50M, but ended up dropping down to the 50K.

hammered too early

The 50K is actually closer to 33 miles. #protip Know that going into the race, before you start hammering too early and struggle for the last mile. The last climb to the finish line is hilariously mean.