![Race Report: Big SURreal Virtual Challenge 21-Miler](https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/118850535_10221276090346119_4559280112919259016_o.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=Cy-AX11Fze8AX893gEd&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=d0cbfa16fa30ed9c69f7d652fa240f9e&oe=5F7C729A)
The Big SURreal Virtual Challenge is underway! I ran the Big SURreal 21 miler on Saturday, 9/5/20. This was actually the first run that i had done in 3 weeks (since 8/15) due to the air quality, so I had to adjust my expectations accordingly. I view it as a great training run and a chance to experiment with fueling and my CGM data.
Pre-race Fueling: As noted above, I tried out Sfuels electrolytes and bars to fuel, which I found to be effective. Something that was quite different than my usual pre-run routine was using Ample V (Vegan), so I had some carbs before running.
Glucose Levels: Tracking with my CGM (continuous glucose monitor), my glucose started at 110 and stayed between 90-100 most of the run. I kept my heart rate around 152 the entire run, and noticed that my glucose really stayed stable or would periodically spike, without fueling, during the run if I would pick up the pace a little faster than I wanted.
Fueling: I didn’t fuel until mile 17, when I had an Sfuels bar, which tasted great! SFuels is a low carb fueling option that ultraathlete Zach Bitter uses. Zach Bitter currently holds the 100M record and has previously raced on a carnivore diet.
Route: I ran by Almaden Lake down to San Vincente and passed some trails I used to run over 10 years ago at my childhood home. I reminisced on how back then my 6 mile runs were such a big deal, and how far I’ve come. Even though it’s easy to stress over times, PRs, and other metrics like that, it’s always good to take a step back and appreciate how far you’ve come. Once upon a time, running a marathon would have been an insane thought, and now I’m training for marathon #9.
Outlook: Overall, I’m just grateful to be able to run an organized race, even if it’s virtual! With the pandemic, the fires, and all that 2020 has thrown at us, I consider running a major victory.