OV50. I have been planning on this race for 18 months as part of my slow transition into ultra running. Prior to today, my longest run was pacing Davy for 30 miles, so this was a big step up. My plan was to essentially treat it like a tune up for my upcoming 100 milers- use the same equipment, fueling strategy (Gu every 25 minutes plus sports drink), and pacing strategy (run 25, walk 3 min). I didn't wear my Garmin but instead made a cheat sheet for pacing based on turns, with split times for each leg for a 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, and 8 hour finish. My goal was around 7 hours, maybe a hair faster, but even pacing and practice was more important. The course goes over Old Trapper's Loop (following the Ragnar course), around Pineview Reservoir, and back over the mountain. Total climbing is 5600 feet, with almost all over the mountain. Only 1 fixed aid station at mile 15/35, with some roving cars stocked with goodies (thanks, Kristin and Dave!)
Pre-race weather was predicted to be in the 30's and 40's with precipitation. Only got 4 hours of sleep due to a 3:10 am wake up, but that's ok.
Race started at 5 am, and there were only 35 runners. Saw Ultrajim (but didn't get to talk to him and had to leave just before he finished- sorry I missed you, Jim), Russ Bennett from work, plus Shane Martin who has won the past 2 years with CR of 7:25. It was dark for 3 hours so we all had our headlamps. Went out near Genevieve Keogh and Shane. Felt good over the pass, running comfortably up and down hill. Got a bit of snow on the way. Hit mile 15 with Shane 4 min ahead of the 7:00 finish pace. Shane pulled away while I was in the port-o-pottie, then I caught him at 18 and held the lead the rest of the way. My stomach started acting up and I slowed my drinking and gu's for a while, which worried me. I kept forcing them down for a while, then stopped completely at mile 25. Cody showed up in his car at this time and I gave him my headlamp- he was going to pace me in from mile 35. He told me Shane was 3 minutes back.
About mile 29 my stomach finally had enough and everything came up, including my pre-race apple. Stomach felt better after that and I had no problem pounding the food and drink- good sign. However, my legs were definitely fatigued the rest of the way and let me know that they had never gone this far before. No specific pains, just general fatigue like a bad marathon bonk. At the 50k mark I was 1 minute ahead of 7:00 pace (about 4:14 for a 50k split) but slowing and walking a bit more. Finally reached the aid station at mile 35 for a waiting Cody but I was 4 minute behind schedule. Shane was 9 minutes back.
The climb up Trappers seemed to last forever and included increasing amounts of walking. I can't imagine how tough it would have been without Cody! My legs were very tired with the 2100 ft climb, though a nice 350 foot descent in mile 38 was a nice break (and fast- 6:30-ish?). Lost quite a bit of time and was 13 minute behind 7:00 pace when we hit the main highway near the top. It started hailing just as we reached the top, which is better than rain, I guess. Steady headwind. The 8 mile, 2000 ft descent was pretty fast (some sub-7 miles) but the pounding got to me and I slowed down the last 3 miles as my legs complained. Glad when we hit the flat at the bottom and enjoyed the "bonus mile" (mile 51!). Finished in 7:11:16 (8:30 pace) in 1st place, new course record (I guess I'm still somehow undefeated at all ultras and trail marathons- 4 and counting). Shane was 25 minutes back. Ate some good food, enjoyed some IBC Root Beer in a new mug, got a massage, cheered a few finishers, then had to head home to watch the kids. Legs are tired but not moreso than the typical marathon.
Overall a good experience- Striders puts on a great, low-key race. The pavement and hills add up, but my shoes/socks were perfect with no blisters/hot spots. Not one. Drymax socks rock! Fueling was good once my stomach cooperated. And it was great to have Cody come pace- thanks again for donating your time, buddy. Now on to 100 mile races! Today's finish keeps me on target for my Rocky Raccoon 100 in Feb with a sub-17 goal.
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