The Baker Trail Ultrachallenge, that I completed yesterday, was my first ever ultramarathon race. It turned out to be 50 miles of pure joy. It was fantastic.

I have decided I really like ultrarunning.  Running for hours on end, cleanses the mind and allows you to be at one with your body and the challenge.  There are ups and downs, but far more highlights than dark moments, not that I had any truly dark moments yesterday.

Going into the race, I had no idea how long it would take me. I wasn’t even sure I could make the cut-off time.  I was therefore incredibly happy with my result.  My official time was 11:37:55.

I had a great day.  Made some new friends as we played leap frog with each other on the course.  I encountered tremendous volunteers at the bountiful aid stations, and was encouraged along the way by the many spectators.

I will write a full race report in the coming days.  In that report I will share the emotions of the day, and the thrill of finishing.  I will also share details of my close encounter with a bear!!

For now, I am basking in memories of the Baker Trail Ultrachallenge, recovering well (my legs feel fine today) and pondering when I might do another ultra.