This past Monday, on August 22nd, I was reminded by the Facebook that “On This Day” in 2015, I was doing the Bulldog 50K. I remember that day like it was yesterday and this weekend I’d like to make better memories of it and finish what I didn’t do last year.
After only completing the 25K distance in 2012, last year was my first attempt at the 50K distance on the Bulldog course. Not an easy task. Even one loop still isn’t easy. And let’s just put to rest any rumors floating out there about any “easy” ultra distances. If a mountain is involved, you better believe there will be work to do. And those “flat” ultras…there is still distance to contend with.
Bulldog has always been my toughest race. There is a lot of climbing. In particular between miles 3 and 7 and between 18 and 22, since you hit up that section twice. There is also a lot of non-climbing involved. If it weren’t for the last couple of training runs I did on the course, I would have almost forgot about how much downhill there is. Your knees and quads get pounded.
But the course itself is not the biggest factor.
It’s the heat.
The heat with the course makes this for one very challenging race regardless of it’s one loops for the 25K, or two loops for the 50K.
Plus, the time cutoffs make it even more challenging. For me, that is. Most people may not have any problems with them, especially if they don’t have any issues present during the first loop. But yes, there are a few, such as myself, who will be fighting those cutoffs.
Last year I made it a loop and then some. This year, I plan on making it the full two loops. Right now, my first goal is to make the first cutoff and first loop. If I do that, then my second goal is to make that second loop — granted, I don’t have any physical ailments hindering me.
Now, even if I don’t make any other cutoffs, I am completing two loops. Unofficial finisher or not, I am finishing two loops! That’s right! I’m coming for you Bulldog! I ain’t playing this time around.
There is one very good reason I want to do Bulldog.
Reason #1: It’s tough. Both physically AND mentally this is one tough race. I don’t do many looped races and knowing Javelina is indeed a looped course, it’s only natural I do Bulldog. After completing one loop, you have to mentally prepare yourself for that second loop. You’re already tired and most likely the heat is fully on by the time you’re on the second loop. The thought of going through all that again is, slightly torturous. So yeah, great training for Javelina.
But this is the chosen suffering I decided to embark upon.
Based on how much training I’ve been doing, especially miles per week and exposure to altitude and heat, I feel much more confident going into this year’s Bulldog than I did last year. I’m a different person and runner than I was back then. Yes, I’m still slow. That hasn’t changed much, but I feel stronger overall. And that’s a good feeling to have going into any race.
Thanks for reading!