Black Canyon 50K, where do I begin?!

February marked my first race since September 2023. I got back on the horse and rode it all the way from Mayer, AZ, 32 miles south along I-17 on the Black Canyon trail. This trail was super cool because we dropped from 4000’ to 2000’ at the finish, and the flowers/plants changed quite a bit every 500-1000 feet.

In terms of the race itself, I got my ass kicked physically, but kicked ass mentally. I had the day I was craving so badly. I ran without music, and said more words to aid station volunteers vs other runners. I had very few thoughts, and was fully present for the entirety of the five hours and 30 minutes that it took me to run those 32 miles. I was LOCKED IN.  

It’s been a while since I’d felt that sense of presence for that long of a time. Nothing really mattered besides where I put my feet, how much I was drinking/eating, and how wonderful the views were around me. I had a brief chat with Tommy Rivs before the gun went off, and it set the tone for the day. I thought about what he said when things got hard, knowing how much he wanted to be out there today.

The first few miles were quick. I fell, and pooped twice 💩. Fortunately, not at the same time. The first 19 miles were downhill and tore up my quads. The first climb (after the mile 19 aid) felt like a mountain. I kept rolling, hitting the marathon in 4:20, and struggled through a 5k on either side of the 26.2. I found another wind at 29, and rolled on from there, soaring into the finish as 69th male (ha) and right around 100th place overall. I spent the next 48 hours hobbling around, more sore than any marathon I’ve ever run, including the one I did pre-super shoes, which is that painfully wonderful reminder that you did something really really really freaking hard.

I had a hell of a time out there. Sometimes running takes, and sometimes it gives. And oh boy did I get exactly what I needed on that adventure. I traveled out there with Kate, and stayed with two very good friends, Tony and David (from SF). They took a few of these photos from the finish line.

A bunch of people stopped me at the expo/around the race to mention that they love the pod - I always appreciate that so so much! If we’re ever at the same race/event, I’d love to meet you and hear about your running!

— Jon Levitt, Host and Creator of For The Long Run 

Returning to Ultra 🏃🏻‍♂️

You guessed it, I had some things to say while I was out on that casual 50K run in Black Canyon. Check out the next installment of Returning to Ultra brought to you by GOREWEAR👇

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Runners tend to overcomplicate nutrition, so let’s talk about both mindset and science.

Claire Shorenstein (MS, RD, CSSD) is a board-certified Sports Dietitian working with teenage and adult athletes from the recreational to elite level.

Her virtual private practice, Eat for Endurance, helps busy, active people learn how to fuel themselves for health and performance while navigating the challenges of everyday life.

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About Jon Levitt and For The Long Run

Jonathan is a runner, cyclist, and podcast host from Boston, MA, who now lives in Boulder, CO. For The Long Run is aimed at exploring the why behind what keeps runners running long, strong, and motivated.

Follow Jon on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and Twitter.