Conquering Malibu Canyon’s 50K Challenge

Lea Reyes(MM13731, DA2891,HF16015) – 1st 50k. Malibu Canyon trails. Let’s talk about it, because, OMG!
I thought I would sign up for a 50K since I’ve been running halfs and marathons for years and I did very well at the marathon at Griffith Park in LA. What’s six more miles right? I was hoping for a 7 to 7 1/2 hour finish, that was my goal. Piece of cake so I thought.
I packed really well, watched some videos to learn a few things about ultramarathons and trail running, got a good night rest in 7 1/2 hours of sleep. The night and morning routine was perfect.
I get to the race and the adrenaline rush starts coming. Expected weather was cool and overcast with no sun until the late afternoon. I talked with the runners asked a few questions and we’re on our way at 7 o’clock. I felt really good but under estimated the mountain climbs. I knew the elevation was going to be high, but I didn’t realize the climbs were going to be miles and miles long. We were on an individual trail a lot of the race so you had to have proper runners etiquette, and let people pass accordingly. Multiple distances were going on and that first climb was packed. 2 1/2 miles in a lady fell and had a deep inch gash in her knee. She asked if anyone had a Band-Aid and I had packed a first aid kit as well as another gentleman so we stopped to help her out Band-Aids, and KT tape, we said tape it up. As we were climbing, I just kept looking up and it looked like a bunch of ants, climbing up a hill in marching order. It was pretty cool. The aid stations and volunteers were phenomenal. Had everything you needed. Since I packed really well, I didn’t need much, but I still took a baggie with me and grabbed a lot of fruit, PB&J, and lots of potatoes. Overall, I had six Ucans, two energy waffles, lots of fruit, three tangerines, one package of shot blocks, four package of energy jellybeans, lots of electrolytes, four vegan miniature blueberry muffins, and a bag of vegan jerky. Had to pull to the side a few times to go pee, but I had wipes with me so I was good. When you gotta go you gotta go.
Heading back after mile 16 it was at mile 24 when we started climbing back up again. 28 and on was absolutely brutal the last part of the race. Throughout the race, I felt extremely well. My heart rate was good, my energy level was up, my legs felt great and I didn’t have to use my poles climbing those hills. That’s because of all the weightlifting I do. I felt all the pain in my feet. I was in my trail running shoes, but running on trails is so different. There’s rocks, lots of rocks and uneven ground so you have to watch your footing. I can’t tell you how many times I almost ate it stubbing the front of my shoe on rocks. It hurt so bad my poor toes are in so much pain. But, I have no blisters on my feet and overall they’re in great shape. I have a little chaffing on my back and my leg, but that’s it.
As I started descending towards the finish line, with 1.5 miles left, I could hear the spectators and everyone waiting at the finish line cheering you on. They could see you coming down the hill. They were shouting and hollering, and the cowbells were going. I got a little emotional, considering how I was feeling at that moment. Getting to the finish was such an accomplishment and very emotional. Ultramarathon finish lines are more intimate. It’s a smaller crowd and they’re all there to support you and your accomplishment right as you cross the finish line. I felt great to have that kind of support. My unofficial time was 08:18 averaging a 15 minute pace. I will take it. Because climbing those hills, I thought it was gonna take take me 10 hours. I didn’t focus much on my time. Just watched my heart rate.
The Malibu canyons, Point Magu was absolutely beautiful. You can only see the beauty of nature when you’re on your feet or biking. So I will continue these adventures as long as I can. One foot at a time.

Photo and Post Credit Lea Reyes