Midnight Run: Conquering the ET Full Moon Marathon

Gysel Parajon (MM8995)- I had been looking to run the ET Full Moon Midnight Marathon for a while but didn’t know if I could make it until the last minute. I arrived at the event venue 40 minutes before the start, registered, and got myself ready, and started last. I immediately experienced a wardrobe malfunction with my foot compression sleeves so I took them off after the first mile. I was then able to take off, running uphill.
The course consisted of two out and backs on the ET Highway outside Area 51 in Rachel, NV. I felt good for the first 14 miles and then my lower legs and feet cramped up something awful. I had also forgotten my salt tablets so I ran the best I could in spurts. By mile 17 my digestive system expressed its dissatisfaction and that unfortunately continued through the end of the race. Despite the pain in my legs, feet, and gut the race was great. Running in the dark with the glow of the almost full moon, surrounded by other runners wearing high-visibility vests, headlamps, and other lights was quite the experience. Watching the moon set and then the sunrise was special and beautiful. I did miss seeing some friends but I did get to hang out with a friend from Tahoe after the finish,