Georgia Jewel 50 Mile
This was so much fun! I went beyond my expectations (which were low). I anticipated walking more and feeling like I needed to stop. Thankfully I never felt this way. Initially, my legs started to hurt, which turned into only hip pain by mile 17. My stomach started to hurt badly to where I thought I might throw up or explode backside. After I took a little break with my crew at mile 30, however, I felt rejuvenated and even energized. I decided to not change shoes at that pit stop and instead only changed socks. I ate a bowl of warm ramen. This bowl of ramen tasted like heaven. I had no cramps or splints, likely because I managed to continually consume 200 calories per hour with a lot of water, and because the uneven terrain of the course reduced repetitive pounding on my joints. I was also extremely happy with my trail shoes, the North Face Vectiv Infinite. These were soft, protective, and even a little bouncy, giving me some speed. I placed 10th overall and 1st in males aged 20-29.
If I could change anything, I would have trained farther out and attempted to get more base mileage under my belt. I only had 45 mile weeks during training and my longest run was 15 miles. I also would have reduced the amount of time I spent at aid stations. I probably spent around 20 minutes at the 30-mile aid station, which ended up costing me the difference between 5th place and 10th. I did poop twice, which I do think was very necessary. Thirdly, my phone completely broke during the race, so I should have brought a waterproof bag for it.
Furthermore, this course was very grueling; the first thirteen miles teased me with an easy trail but later on there were some intense climbs and declines. There was a rock garden that was almost unrunnable, as well as a section with uneven stair steps. It rained most of the race, and I was constantly worried about losing the trail as there were many forks in the trail and side routes. The last quarter mile presented two incredibly steep hills which felt like an additional three miles.
This was my first 50 miler and I definitely hope to run more. I would like to attempt the Istria 100km in April for my next big race.
A huge thanks to all of my support, especially Andrew, Jared, Kyle, and Jon.
Meet Jared!
Meet one of the newest members of Team Terra: Jared!
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Jared White and I am originally from Sarasota FL. I moved to Ringgold, GA when I was 7, and then moved to Cleveland, TN when I started attending Lee University. I’m in my junior year at Lee studying biology, and I love to do anything outdoors.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside?
My favorite thing to do outside is pretty split between whitewater kayaking and running. I also love hiking and throwing frisbee with my bros.
Q: Q: What is your favorite movie, book, and TV show?
My favorite movie is easily Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. My favorite book is The Lord of the Rings, and my favorite TV show is Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Q: How long have you lived in Cleveland?
I have lived in Cleveland for about a year and a half now since coming to Lee. I really enjoy the community and all of the fun hikes that are super close by.
Q: What is your advice for someone looking to be fit for shoes, never been to Terra?
Focus on what shoe feels best to you, and don’t worry about what other people have told you is the “best shoe.”
Meet Sara!
Meet one of the newest members of Team Terra: Sara!
Q: Tell us about yourself!
I just graduated from Lee in May and am planning on attending grad school next fall.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside?
I love running, hiking, and playing tennis.
Q: What is your favorite movie, book, and TV show?
My favorite movie is The Hunt for the Wilderpeople. My favorite book is The Witch of Blackbird Pond. My favorite TV show is The Office.
Q: How long have you lived in Cleveland?
I have lived in Cleveland for 4 years!
Q: What is your advice for someone looking to be fit for shoes, never been to Terra?
Keep an open mind! Shoes fit differently for each person, so it’s important to try multiple shoes to see what fits best!