Running a 55K in Athens, Tennessee - My Experience at Gone Logo 55K

Once you do something you thought impossible, nothing seems impossible

Author: Ryan Fogel

I've been a runner for many years, but I had never attempted such a colossal distance. So when I signed up for the Gone Loco 55K, I knew I was in for a challenge. Little did I know that the race would turn out to be the most difficult and rewarding experience of my running life.

I drove my truck through into a grass “parking lot” on that chilly, dark morning in Athens Tennessee. The race took place on an old railroad track with crushed up gravel. It was sort of a mix of trail and road running, which made for a reasonably comfortable terrain. For the first 17 miles or so I felt good, enjoying the scenery and the camaraderie of the other runners. It was raining and it didn't stop for about 4 hours. For the next 24 miles, I ran in a constant but not too heavy rain.

After each 11.5 mile lap, I stopped at my truck - my shoes and socks soaked through, my clothes heavy and clinging to my skin. I changed my socks and my shirt with each pit stop. Even changed my shoes once the rain stopped for the final lap. I hadn't realized how heavy the rain made my shoes until I switched to a fresh pair.

Despite the rain, I felt good for the first half of the race. I was maintaining a steady pace and felt like I could keep going. But then, around mile 20, my legs started to feel heavy, and my pace began to slow. I was getting tired and knew I still had a long way to go.

At mile 28, I hit a wall. My body was screaming at me to stop, but I knew I had to keep going. I focused on putting one foot in front of the other, trying not to think about the distance I still had left to cover. I caught up with a local runner I knew, Cindy Akins. She, being much more prepared than me, offered a couple tylenol and this saved my race.

As I neared the finish line, I could see the clock ticking away. I pushed myself as hard as I could, crossing the finish line in 6 hours and 23 minutes, with an average pace of 11:06 per mile. I was exhausted, but also elated. I had just completed the longest run of my life, in less than ideal conditions.

Looking back on that race, I realize that it taught me a lot about myself. It taught me that I'm capable of more than I ever thought possible. It taught me that when things get tough, I can dig deep and find the strength to keep going. And it taught me that the rewards of perseverance are often greater than the pain of the journey.

So if you're a runner, and you're considering taking on a new challenge, I would encourage you to go for it. Whether it's a 5K or a 55K, the experience will change you in ways you never thought possible. And who knows, you may even surprise yourself with what you're capable of.