Promise Land 50K Race Report

Mike Bailey(the young Asian dude) April 22, 2006

     Promise Land 2006 was my 6^th ultra. I started running….just plain running to be healthy, a year and a half ago. My first ultra, like Dr. Horton, was the JFK 50 miler. I ran the 50 mile race with no experience, 6 weeks of training, and having never raced longer than a 400m sprint in high school. 10 hours and 39 minutes later beaten, bruised, and barely able to move, I crossed the finish line. My motivation was my grandmother who was dying from cancer at the time. Every second of the race I would think about my pain, and then think about hers. Each step to the finish and every aching muscle was for her. Upon crossing the finish line it was like I had peeled off a layer of my old self, and a new me was born. The birth of my ultra running story.

     Flash forward to Promise Land. I have a few ultras under my belt now, not to mention an extra 18 months of crucial distance training and experience. I’m more or less a middle of the pack runner, but have had some good finishes. It’s all good though. I’m still one of the youngest guys out here and can’t wait to learn more. I wake up at 4am to the pitter patter of rain drops on my “tent”(AKA car). The weirdo I am, the thought of running in a major storm seems kinda exciting.

7-8am:  The race pretty much goes the way I thought it would. I was prepared for all the big climbs people had told me about and ran all of the flats and downhills.  I decided to hang with my buddy Dave Snipes for the race. He’s basically a race encyclopedia and running with him is like having a navigation system for the trails. At about 7 miles into the race I tripped over a pile of rocks that must have fallen down the mountain. The first thing that enters my mind is “I wonder if this will be good enough for best blood?”. Go figure, I’m actually happy that blood is dripping down my arm, but worried the rain will wash it all off and it won’t look cool anymore. I thoroughly enjoyed the “suck your shoes off” mud, lightning, knee deep stream crossings, and nature’s display of pure beauty and power.

    12-1pm: Apple Orchard Falls was B.E.A.utiful! The notorious climb up wasn’t that bad either, although I wasn’t exactly pushing a 41minute Scott Jurek pace. After the zippy last 2.6 miles down to the finish I was a little sad the race was over. After getting a big congrats from Dr. Horton, I knew this was a special race in my young running life. I truly admired everyone who battled to the finish. I am always in awe of the first timers and seeing their zeal, as well as having folks twice my age kick my little butt. I love the camaraderie, the energy, and the humility of trail running. The trail is a place we can struggle, bleed, smile together, and get away from our daily routines. Running is the great metaphor for life from the start to the finish and all the goodness in between.

     And last but not least. Thanks to the volunteers who not only endured the elements, but endured the runners. These generous hearts fed us when we were hungry, gave us drinks when we thirsted, and lifted our spirits when they were low. Thanks to the memory of my grandmother who still motivates my every run. And thanks to Jesus for giving us all the real Promise Land.

God Bless,

Mike Bailey