Notes
This was an interesting one. It really was fun at the start with all the snow, and I went out a little fast. I got a little carried away after the first aid station and just ran hard up the trail. It was easier to get footing when running faster but it took a lot out of me. When we hit the section under the power lines the trail was very narrow and it was super tough to get a good footing. I started feeling it in my hips and backed down the pace. Once we got out of that section and on the road it got a little better. At half way I changed shoes, dumped the Yaktrax because they would not stay on my feet. I switch from my Pearl Izumi N2s for a pair of Kinvara TRs because the tread on those shoes work very well in the snow. I didn't factor in how little they protect the feet from the elements through. With one pair of wool socks it wasn't quite enough. My feet starting really hurting and mentally I got in a bad place at about mile 21-22 until Helen M. came up to me and I ran with her for a little. She was running strong and helped me take my mind of my misery. At the second to last aid station she was in such a roll that she just blew through it. I stopped for some water and was not able to catch back up. I pretty much just went into auto pilot from that point on and crawled to the finish. I would have liked to do better but really I was just happy to finish and not bail on the Beast in the first race.
When I got to the shower and took of my socks I've never seen my feet so messed up. They literally were purple and hurt really bad. I tried to warm them up before showering but it still hurt really bad. Today, the next day, they are very swollen. My legs feel pretty good but I don't want to run with my feet in this bad of shape so I'll probably pass up doing the 1-2 mile shake out. I can barely get my shoes on. Hopefully they'll get back to normal soon. Not too much pain, just very swollen.