Journey from 238.5 lbs to 2:38:30

Went to Antelope Island and ran 17 miles.  This was one loop of the Buffalo Run 50k.  I bought some MicroSpikes last night to wear on this run, which helped with the snow and ice a ton.  It was very beautiful out there.  Saw some bison and antelope.  I met up with the race director of the buffalo run and about 10 other people who came out to run.  A couple guys did 2 of the loops and cut out the Elephant head out and back.  The largest group did the first loop and the out and back.  I met up with them after running the split rock on my way out to elephant head, as they were almost done with elephant head. I figured I had just enough time to finish the 2ish miles to the end of elephant head and if I hurried I could catch up to them before they made it the last 4 miles back to the cars.  After coming down the hill from the elephant head trail head I passed the 2 guys who did the split rock loop, then just as the large group got back to the cars I caught up to them.  Pushed the heart rate into the 170's to do it but it felt great to pick up the tempo the last 5-6 miles.  A couple minutes later my legs started cramping up which was not too pleasant.  Took a few tums which seemed to do the trick and they settled down so I could drive back home.