I'm relaxing at the trailhead of the "A" Mountain trails ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/4c6930c5-8134-4977-b238-293f3e6f55c4) having napped for a couple of hours after covering 52+ tough trail miles (most of which were *run* (well, *hiked* mostly) through the night on a hilly, rocky and quite difficult course. ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/ea6d3601-3693-44bd-a0d0-3ab9f611148d) ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/3588b01d-4f1b-49c2-8bf5-3cb2da256830) ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/148f1d7c-a181-4ad5-a76d-50662edbf84e) The Tortugas Mountain 24 Hour ultra started yesterday at sundown and the next hours would have us traversing the technical 4 mile route through the night. We would reverse our direction after each loop and continue this routine hour after hour. ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/dc724dc2-9c6a-4ef4-9a9b-f1aea5877296) ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/8680f947-5c86-4c15-acd9-e737b20cabd2) ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/8d8a87e0-62fa-4124-b677-430528166dc7) The trail surface was mainly very rough with much of it covered by loose limestone rocks that were constantly catching my toes and trying to trip me up (only had 1 minor fall at 27 miles). I was able to maintain an 18 to 19 mile pace while pausing briefly to grab a quick handful of M&Ms and a drink of water at the aid tables at the start/finish and 2 mile point. ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/9ada7a3d-3124-42fb-81fc-2ab8dc1a0299) My knees began to tire significantly as I started the 8th loop (28 to 32 miles) and I was struggling more as I hit the stretch to the finish so I decided to try catching a few hours nap time to see if my body recouped some energy. The temperature was below freezing and our cars were covered in frost as I buried myself under my down sleeping bag and heavy blankets. I was actually able to nap for about 2 hours and woke feeling better and with the sun rising. ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/6352284c-8321-4bfb-996c-551fcc38d279) ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/fd51b669-b69d-44e1-84a8-3d8c1278a519) A couple of cups of hot coffee and I was off for a few more hours on the trails on my quest to cover 50 miles and thus put this effort into the *completed* ultramarathon category and increase my ultramarathon career to 44 years. My endurance was good as the miles were easier with the rocky trail illuminated by the bright NM sun and I could run in just my short sleeve shirt. ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/d2813dd2-137c-4aee-8fc5-75428860c9ec) I **finally** hit the 50 mile mark after over 17 hours effort and would continue on to finish my 13th (and final) circuit of the Tortugas course to finish with 52 milesand a well-deserved hot lunch and rest for my tired muscles. ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/ccc4e2a0-2896-45dd-81b3-920ccbbd5a91) ![](https://usermedia.actifit.io/6c7607af-3dfe-46c1-95ef-02ed2b12b476) Now time for the long drive home.
_This report was published via Actifit app ([Android](https://bit.ly/actifit-app) | [iOS](https://bit.ly/actifit-ios)). Check out the original version [here on actifit.io](https://actifit.io/@ultratrain/actifit-ultratrain-20241109t234818091z)_

09/11/2024

21506

Hiking, Running