I Logged 125 Laps at the Dawn to Dusk to Dawn 50K Track Ultra in New Shoes Under the Bright Sun and Blue Sky With Friends & No Blisters

Miriam Diaz-Gilbert
May 15
6 min read

Updated: May 23

I've run the Dawn to Dusk to Dawn (D3) 24-hr track ultra every year since 2019. But this Mother's Day weekend, I took it easy after finishing the Endless Endurance Old Six Day 72-hr track ultra. While the weather at the Old Six Day was reminiscent of the weather typical at D3 almost every year—a lot of cold rain and gusty winds that send tents flying—this year the weather was beautiful for all three events: 24hr, 12hr, and 50K.

PERFECT WEATHER

The weather at the 2025 D3 event on May 10-11 was perfect—bright sunshine, a bright blue sky, the kind of wind found on a track, and temps that got as high as the low 70s. At one point, a gust of wind blew off my prescription running glasses perched on top of my running hat.

Both went flying. I had to chase my hat and Oakley sunglasses as they tumbled away from me on the track toward lane 8. One of the lenses popped out of the frame and the hinge bent out of place. I struggled for a bit trying to put both back in place to no avail. Three days later, LensCrafters put them back together again.

SHOWED UP EARLY WITH NEW SHOES

Unlike other D3 ultras, this ultra would be a little different for me. First, it was my shortest distance ultra. While I have collected 50K splits in longer ultras, this was my first 50K. Second, for the first time ever, I ran with a brand new pair of shoes I've never run in— Brooks Ghost 16.

Brand new Brooks Ghost 16

Running stores and Amazon did not have a size 11.5 (I'm a size 10, but train and race in 11.5). After googling what shoe is similar to the Asics Gel Nimbus, the Brooks Ghost 16 popped up. It's a lightweight running and walking shoe. They arrived on Friday, the day before the race. I thought they'd be enough for the soft track. Plus, I wouldn't be too hard on them; I'd be power walking and slow running. I slipped my feet into them, and hoped for the best.

Third, I showed up for the 7 am start and heard Mike Melton, the timekeeper, say to the 24-hour runners before the start, "....and when the 50K runners start at 9 am...."

What?!! Not 7 am?!! I freaked out for a second. But when my fellow runner friend Bonnie told me her granddaughter was also running the 50K at 7 and not 9, because she had to be somewhere else later. I felt better. I was in the same situation; I had to be at an artists' reception at an art gallery where one of my paintings is being exhibited.

I let Bill, the RD, know. I got the okay. And then I scrambled to the start after Jon tied the timing chip to my shoe lace. I took off with my Gym Boss timer in my running pouch set at a 3-minute power walk and a 6-minute slow run, and my Garmin.

WITH PURPOSE, WEATHER APPROPRIATE ATTIRE & MY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS SCARF

Every ultra has a purpose, a different meaning. Last year, ten days before the D3 24hr, I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. And the morning after the race, I had a Savi seed implanted in my right breast to help guide the surgeon during my partial mastectomy three weeks later.

I know I am very lucky. I am cancer free. This year, I wore my breast cancer awareness scarf around my neck. I was happy and grateful. I am grateful that I'm still able to run, walk, and shuffle miles on ultramarathon race loops and tracks.

And I was glad I would not need layers, rain jackets, waterproof socks, garbage bags for ponchos, and an umbrella. I wore two light, white long-sleeve top layers, compression capri running tights, knee-hi compression socks (these are key in preventing leg and feet cramps), and a running hat. I applied sunscreen on my face, and sunblock on my nose. I packed my Birkenstock sandals just in case my brand new Brooks gave my feet problems or blisters.

NUTRITION & HYDRATION

Because I would be logging only 125 laps around the track in the 50K, I did not need to make and pack a lot of food, including soup. I packed and ate homemade bread, chicken, dark chocolate chip loaf pieces, along with dark chocolate covered granola squares made by Jon. I hydrated with electrolytes and ice-cold seltzer.

Lapping with a small chicken sandwich at 9:30 am

CIRCLING WITH FRIENDS, OLD AND NEW

I think the thing that has runners coming back to D3, year after year, is the sense of community, support, and the forging of new friendships. I have met and continue to meet fellow ultrarunners at D3. This year, once again, I circled laps with Jane, Lisa, Nica, and Bonnie. We know how to make it fun.

And with Kristine, Sue, Jen, and Mike. We have shared the course at other ultras.

I was reunited with Kaylee, who was crewing her friend. I made a new friend, Cindy, who came up to me to tell me I was the reason she was at the D3 24hr; she saw my 2022 D3 YouTube video. That year we battled rain and gale force winds the entire time. And Cole, who was crewing his friend, bought a copy of my book. And a big thank you to the others who bought a copy of my book. It means a lot to me.

It was a beautiful day of laps with friends, old and new. We shared stories and we laughed, as we circled laps. We fed off each other to move faster, and we slowed down a lap or two once in a while. And we were happy it didn't rain!

And while I was hoping to finish in a little less than seven hours, I finished my 125 laps in 7:44:55. I was happy to place 6/12 female and 9/15 overall. According to my Garmin, I collected 31.05 miles in 7:24:37 and maintained a 14:19 pace. I never left the track except to use the porta potty once.

I was happy with my power walking pace mixed in with some slow running laps. But I welcomed the opportunity to speed it up whenever I was with Lisa and Jane. At age 66, I'm slowing down, but I keep moving. Ultra no. 40 done on a track with ordinary and elite ultrarunners.

I am happy to report that my brand new, first time Brooks Ghost 16 running shoes did the job. I had no blisters and my bony feet did not swell.

MEDAL AND SWAG

At D3, we always leave with some of the best swag. The 50K finishers medal is cool, too.

With RD Bill Schultz, my D3 mug, and 50K medal.

THEN OFF TO THE ARTISTS' RECEPTION

Jon and I got home, showered, and ate. I put on a pair of black jeans and spring top, and slipped my tired feet into my flats.

And then we headed to the artists' reception at Perkins Center for the Arts in Collingswood. The exhibition runs through June 27. I also have three paintings at the Hanging Together art exhibition at Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown. It also runs through June 27.

I find painting relaxing, calming, and meditative. It's one way to taper before a race. You can see more of my paintings here. Painting and running ultra miles are very similar; they both require time on your feet, endurance, patience, practice, and training,

". Unintended Abstract" 16"x 20" acrylic on canvas

AND A NEW PAIR OF ASICS

Now it's on to the Sri Chimnoy 12hr in Rockland Lake State Park in NY on a 2.95-mile flat paved loop. And I'll be wearing a new pair of Asics Gel Nimbus; they were just delivered to my front door. I have plenty of time to break them in before race day on June 7. Hopefully, it will be a sunny, blue sky day.