Hello readers! As I’m sure most of you do, you like hearing how other runners did at their races and hearing what their experience was like. You like hearing what went right, what went wrong, and everything in between. Well that’s basically what this post is: a summary of my latest race.
On Saturday I ran my second ultra marathon, completing the Trails for Tails Ultra Run and Relay. If you want to read more about the course itself you can find here in my race report. In my writing about my first ultra marathon I wrote the race report along with my experience of the event all in one report. I experimented with two separate posts this time and would appreciate any feedback or thoughts on which is better. As I stated before, this blog is a work in progress, and I would like to know what works better for readers.
This was my first time running this race. It was another local race that I’ve known about for years and kept my eye on. For my first few ultras I wanted to do something close so I wouldn’t have the stress of travel to deal with. The timing of the event also fit nicely into my training as I also just completed my first ultra 3 weeks prior and I would obviously be in shape and still have the fitness to complete this event. Coupled with the fact it was in September, I figured temperature would be much better for another ultra than one later or one early during summer months where it would be very hot.
For whatever reason, I felt very relaxed going into this race. Obviously with only one ultra I wasn’t a veteran but I guess since this race was short and had less elevation gain/loss I just wasn’t as concerned about this as much as my first ultra 3 weeks ago. And now having completed this event I’m not sure if the lack of concern on elevation gain/loss was a help or a hindrance.
I say this because this event kicked my butt pretty good! My first ultra was a 12 hour event with more elevation change and one where in my head I always was striving to get in 50 miles—which I did—and I didn’t even need the full 12 hours. This event was shorter (40 miles), and obviously would not take me as long to complete. Having been on the most of trails which the Trails for Tails event is held on, I knew there was nothing too great regarding elevation change. I guess those two factors lulled me into a false sense of security.
The course seemed to be tough for many factors. The first was likely pace. I had met another runner that I somewhat knew and in running with him was likely a little too fast too early for what I would have done otherwise. The pace seemed OK at the time but looking back was too quick with my level of experience for a distance this long. I had several mile splits below 10:00 miles—just too fast!
Secondly, I was not used to running on the shoreline section of the course. This part was soft, sloped, and somewhat rocky. That combination seemed to really fatigue my ankles quickly and bothered me throughout the rest of race any time I ran for an extended period. On later laps I learned to find slightly flatter sections on the shoreline as well as speedwalk more of it but it still bothered my ankle to a mild degree. I was not a fan of that shoreline section.
There also was some road running too which I think lulled me into a faster pace compared to if I was running on trails. It was this combination of factors that lead me to begin too quickly but at the same time challenge me that lead me to feel somewhat tired early on in the race. I could feel some tiredness and soreness already around mile 14 and it was then when I did the math in my head and realized that I still have a marathon distance ahead of me to get in the 40 miles I wanted to. That thought was slightly depressing. But it was a wake up call to truly slow down and start making changes.
I began consciously slowing down and walking any of steeper or longer inclines. I also started following my intended walk/run ratio that I should have started earlier. Following these I slowed down but I didn’t care. I didn’t even establish a time goal for this race (on purpose) so it was no use attempting to keep up the same pace I was at for the first one and half laps.
It was more than just my ankles that started to feel sore and tired though. I could feel some of that in my quads but additionally more so in my hamstrings. What bothered me the most was the back of left knee. Basically the more I kept running the more soreness I experienced. I resorted to more walking which wasn’t an issue but I could definitely feel it getting worse. This was a contrast from my first ultra where I seemed to have highs and lows but have periods of recovery. This race, physical issues just seemed to get progressively worse—period! To some degree I wonder if I was fully recovered from my other ultra 3 weeks ago. In my running in between these two races though I felt good and did not experience any issues. I had felt like recovery from that ultra went better than expected but perhaps I wasn’t recovered. The only other thing I can think of is I ran a 5K race hard six days prior to Trails For Tails, so in all likelihood I think that played a role in my recovery—having been OK up to that point but regressed after the hard 5K effort.
So as each of miles ticked by I just managed how I felt and what was ahead of me on the course. I ran downhills to take advantage of gravity and walked the vast majority of uphills—especially any of significance. And if I was feeling tired I likely extended my duration of walking before returning to running. I made sure to stop at the aid station and the start/finish line for food and liquid each time I arrived at each to make sure I didn’t get too hungry or thirsty. Thirst was my bigger issue as I found myself wanting to drink more on each lap. The aid station had a good variety of items which I also talk about in my race report. I think I grabbed something to eat every time I stopped at it which was necessary as my Garmin watch showed I burned almost 4500 calories.
Speaking of my Garmin, once again I had problems with it. At least it turned on for me for this ultra unlike my first. I thought it was fully charged (it showed it was) but just into my 4th lap the low battery warning came on. The watch still had some battery life in it and did last until mile 37 before it finally died on me. At least it got me through the vast majority of the race! Luckily just before starting that 4th lap I had stopped at my truck to grab my phone to eventually take pictures so I started the Mapmyhike app I have on it and was still able to have a sense of my pace.
With not a lot of runners in this event I ran a good bit of this race alone. I ran with other runners when I could but one thing I learned with distance running is you’ve got to run your own race. As I said about my earlier miles I had ran with someone who was mostly too fast for me and I couldn’t make that mistake again. Around lap 3, I was with some other runners off and on but they eventually passed me. It would have been stupid of me to keep up with them no matter how much it would have been nice to run with others.
I had every intention of finishing all 40 miles of this race. The soreness in the back of my knee definitely made this a challenge. I slowed down in my first ultra so all of me wouldn’t wear out. This time was different in that I had one part of me that was of more concern. Had I pushed too hard I feel like I could have possible done some damage, but the slowing down and walking more is what got me through to the end—because more so than my first ultra, when my knee was hurting I really was wishing in my head a few times for this just to be over. Now finishing this post nearly two days later I don’t believe I did any damage to my knee as I can walk, hike, go stairs, etc., but I will have to manage my return to running more closely. In the long run, having this issue was probably a good learning experience for me in knowing how to deal with a situation when it goes wrong.
The weather was very runner friendly this year for this race, cool in the morning with a high of 70 degrees and a light breeze blowing. It was cloudy all morning and then the sun came out in the afternoon which did warm it up. I was on my 5th and final lap at this point and the warmer it got the more I needed to drink.
In trying to wrap up thoughts on this race, I feel I learned a good bit from doing this event. I had to manage running 2 ultras within 3 weeks after never run one before. I was a delicate balance of running just the right amount to stay fresh but not too much that would make me tired. I think I got it mostly right with the exception of the fast 5K six days prior to this race. Going back to my knee, I learned how to manage what felt like something that if I’m not careful could really set me back. Again the slowing down really helped to ease the stress I was feeling in my knee. Most of all I learned not to think that any race of this length would be “simple.” I really feel like this experience put me in my place. It’s not that didn’t take this race serious but I think I had too much confidence in myself after my first ultra achieving or really surpassing my highest expectations.
I was happy with my finish for the race though. My official time for the 40 miles was 7 hrs 55 mins, which was good for 7th place overall. My final pace was 11:52 per mile, which was a full minute per mile faster than my first ultra. Considering the differences in elevation change when comparing the two, this pace sounds about right and one I’m content with considering my knee issue during the race.
Both my ultras so far I consider a success. I don’t know what will be next. Whatever it is, it will be another year. Whenever I complete another you will read about it here though! Stay tuned!
Monday, September 26, 2016
2016 Trails for Tails Race Report
Today I’m posting yet another race report. Since I am new to running ultras, I thought this is a good way to give something back, because if you’re like me, you like knowing a little something about an event prior to doing it for the first time. I feel this helps with both preparation and having a better experience at the event.
This race report is for the Trails for Tails Ultra Run and Relay which benefits a no kill animal shelter. As I said in my post of my experience of the event, which can be found here, this was my first time running this race, with the race itself having been held for about 9 years now. Trails for Tails is held at Codorus State Park not far from Hanover, PA. This is smaller event, I’m guessing less than 50 runners were at the start however I’m sure there were more that showed up later to run their part if they were on a relay team.
The event is 40 miles in length consisting of 5 laps of an 8 mile course. The course layout is nice in that you can drop out at any of the 8 mile intervals if you’re not into or capable of running the longer distances. The course has a larger 4 mile loop and then a smaller loop connected by a road section maybe a 1/2 mile long. Overall there is a mix of surfaces you be running on, including grass, dirt, paved roads, and the rocky/sandy shoreline of Lake Marburg. This mix of surfaces broke up the monotony but might not be for everyone depending on your preferences. With the exception of the shoreline section, I really liked the course and the fact it varied. Even though I thought I had quite a bit of ankle strength, the softer sloped surface of the shoreline really seemed to fatigue my ankles quickly. By the second any subsequent laps, on the sloped shoreline there were just a few spots that I found didn’t have as much slope to it and stuck to it was much as could as I found the angled running is what really challenged my ankles the most. The course had its share of rocks and roots and elevation change too but nothing extreme about any of them. There were several small fallen trees to go over but they were easily manageable and a guard rail at one point to go over too. To sum it up, about the time you got used to running on one surface it switched to another. The same held true regarding elevation change. The course was very well marked I thought, using a combination of spray paint arrows on the ground, ribbon, and a few plates with arrows. Having never run the course, I was slightly concerned with finding my way but I wasn’t in the lead to have to worry, and regardless it was marked well.
The staff at this event was great. The RD (race director) even sent me an email earlier in the week confirming he received my registration and that I was entered in the event. I thought it was nice, and likely a result of it being a low(er) number of runners, but the RD and the other volunteer at the start/finish line of each lap even called me by my first name when cheering and acknowledging completion of another lap. Again, really nice since this was the first time I ran the event and they didn’t know me prior.
The aid station volunteers were great too!, very eager to assist you and ask you what it is you need or were looking for. I made sure to say thank you to them when I passed the aid station the last time as I thought they did a great job!
I’m guessing if you’re reading this you’re also wondering what items were at the aid station. There was a little of everything really. Candy for anyone with a sweet tooth (me included), chips (and pretzels?) for those craving something salty, and a variety of other items. Some of the other food on hand included: trail mix, apples, bananas, pickle slices, pb&j sandwiches cut into pieces, turkey sandwiches cut in half. Regarding hydration—water, gatorade, soda, and Heed was available. A fair amount of the same items were at the start/finish line too. This aid station was right around mile 4 on the course and runners pass it a second time on each loop about a 1/2 mile before the start/finish line.
In summary, I did like this event after initially being unsure about it from the first lap. Once I found the flat(er) surface along the shoreline I was able to navigate that section easier as I felt my ankles almost throbbing after running the first lap. I also thought I’d dislike the long out-and-back road section connecting the two loops but this is where you would most often see the other runners and it was fun to give and receive encouraging words to/from the other runners. I guess I see the small number of runners as the only “downfall” to this race. With the except of that out-and-back road section, I didn’t really encounter too many other runners on the course after my first lap. While I did a lot of solo training and for the most part don’t mind it, after awhile running alone can get boring. But there was plenty I liked: the variation of the course, the friendliness of everyone, and the great aid station volunteers!
I would suggest this event to other runners who are within driving distance. It is a very affordable event which was a positive and all the volunteers were very supportive and helpful. Without the significant elevation change, the course is also more friendly to newbie ultrarunners such as myself. That’s not to say it’s easy but my point is it’s not daunting. If you like the camaraderie of other runners and big races this one is likely not for you though.
Will I run this event again? That I don’t know—as I am just getting breaking into ultrarunning and ultramarathoning and not sure yet what direction I will be taking and also how the time of this event fits in with others I may want to do. I will be keeping it on my race calendar though!
This race report is for the Trails for Tails Ultra Run and Relay which benefits a no kill animal shelter. As I said in my post of my experience of the event, which can be found here, this was my first time running this race, with the race itself having been held for about 9 years now. Trails for Tails is held at Codorus State Park not far from Hanover, PA. This is smaller event, I’m guessing less than 50 runners were at the start however I’m sure there were more that showed up later to run their part if they were on a relay team.
The event is 40 miles in length consisting of 5 laps of an 8 mile course. The course layout is nice in that you can drop out at any of the 8 mile intervals if you’re not into or capable of running the longer distances. The course has a larger 4 mile loop and then a smaller loop connected by a road section maybe a 1/2 mile long. Overall there is a mix of surfaces you be running on, including grass, dirt, paved roads, and the rocky/sandy shoreline of Lake Marburg. This mix of surfaces broke up the monotony but might not be for everyone depending on your preferences. With the exception of the shoreline section, I really liked the course and the fact it varied. Even though I thought I had quite a bit of ankle strength, the softer sloped surface of the shoreline really seemed to fatigue my ankles quickly. By the second any subsequent laps, on the sloped shoreline there were just a few spots that I found didn’t have as much slope to it and stuck to it was much as could as I found the angled running is what really challenged my ankles the most. The course had its share of rocks and roots and elevation change too but nothing extreme about any of them. There were several small fallen trees to go over but they were easily manageable and a guard rail at one point to go over too. To sum it up, about the time you got used to running on one surface it switched to another. The same held true regarding elevation change. The course was very well marked I thought, using a combination of spray paint arrows on the ground, ribbon, and a few plates with arrows. Having never run the course, I was slightly concerned with finding my way but I wasn’t in the lead to have to worry, and regardless it was marked well.
The staff at this event was great. The RD (race director) even sent me an email earlier in the week confirming he received my registration and that I was entered in the event. I thought it was nice, and likely a result of it being a low(er) number of runners, but the RD and the other volunteer at the start/finish line of each lap even called me by my first name when cheering and acknowledging completion of another lap. Again, really nice since this was the first time I ran the event and they didn’t know me prior.
The aid station volunteers were great too!, very eager to assist you and ask you what it is you need or were looking for. I made sure to say thank you to them when I passed the aid station the last time as I thought they did a great job!
I’m guessing if you’re reading this you’re also wondering what items were at the aid station. There was a little of everything really. Candy for anyone with a sweet tooth (me included), chips (and pretzels?) for those craving something salty, and a variety of other items. Some of the other food on hand included: trail mix, apples, bananas, pickle slices, pb&j sandwiches cut into pieces, turkey sandwiches cut in half. Regarding hydration—water, gatorade, soda, and Heed was available. A fair amount of the same items were at the start/finish line too. This aid station was right around mile 4 on the course and runners pass it a second time on each loop about a 1/2 mile before the start/finish line.
In summary, I did like this event after initially being unsure about it from the first lap. Once I found the flat(er) surface along the shoreline I was able to navigate that section easier as I felt my ankles almost throbbing after running the first lap. I also thought I’d dislike the long out-and-back road section connecting the two loops but this is where you would most often see the other runners and it was fun to give and receive encouraging words to/from the other runners. I guess I see the small number of runners as the only “downfall” to this race. With the except of that out-and-back road section, I didn’t really encounter too many other runners on the course after my first lap. While I did a lot of solo training and for the most part don’t mind it, after awhile running alone can get boring. But there was plenty I liked: the variation of the course, the friendliness of everyone, and the great aid station volunteers!
I would suggest this event to other runners who are within driving distance. It is a very affordable event which was a positive and all the volunteers were very supportive and helpful. Without the significant elevation change, the course is also more friendly to newbie ultrarunners such as myself. That’s not to say it’s easy but my point is it’s not daunting. If you like the camaraderie of other runners and big races this one is likely not for you though.
Will I run this event again? That I don’t know—as I am just getting breaking into ultrarunning and ultramarathoning and not sure yet what direction I will be taking and also how the time of this event fits in with others I may want to do. I will be keeping it on my race calendar though!
Thursday, September 8, 2016
2016 Labor Pain 12 Hour Endurance Run Race Report
This past Sunday I participated in my first ever ultramarathon, the Labor Pain 12 Hour Endurance Run, which was held just outside of Reading, PA. In this post I’ll talk about both the race itself, in the format of a race report, and also add in my thoughts and feelings on competing in this event.
I have wanted to try an ultramarathon for awhile, somewhat because it sounds like a novelty and somewhat because I truly want to see what I can accomplish. The runner in me was (mostly) ready to try this for years but making the decision to go back to college to learn a new career put the ultra dream on the back burner. This year was first since completing my degree that seriously training for an ultra was realistic.
Although training for this was difficult, I had it in my head that this was going to be the year I test myself. The easier route to entering the ultra world is a 50K, which there is one local that I’d love to try, but for whatever reason this fairly local 12 hour event is what truly intrigued me and was what would really put me to the test and let me know what I’m made of. Also, it was a big enough step to let me know I want to seriously consider my true dream of pursuing a 100 miler.
So back 6 months prior to now, when my longest run was only 6-7 miles, I began my training. I won’t go into a lot of detail about my training, I’ll just mention one aspect. As you might know, the training is the hard part—and the boring part. But it is what’s necessary to be successful on race day and make that a good experience. I found a quote I saved from Lance Armstrong that talks about training, “The more you suffer before the race, the less you will during and after." Let me just say that this is true! End of my commentary on training.
For the race itself, the Labor Pain 12 Hour Endurance Run consists of a 5 mile loop course that you run for as many laps as you can in 12 hours, or until you want to drop out after reaching whatever distance you want to cover. The course is run mostly on trails with just a few sections being run on grass or roads. Throw in going over a guard rail and a rock scramble right before the end of each lap and you really do have a little of everything practically. Your typical uphill and downhill sections were in this race but overall nothing TOO extreme—just enough to make it tough though! The course was very well marked, if you made a wrong turn it was likely your own fault!. Having never run a looped course, I wasn’t sure how it would go. But honestly it is nice for if you’re having a bad day and want to call it quits you can do so without worrying about get back to your vehicle. Unless something went terribly wrong this was not going to be me though!
I did arrive early enough though that I had enough time to get ready and be mentally prepared for this day. I got my race bib and handouts and returned to my vehicle and gathered everything I needed for the race. Soon enough runners were called to the starting line. Directions were given and then a countdown began. And just like that I was now in the biggest, longest, and most difficult race of my life to date! I would now find out just what I signed up for and what I’m really made of!
It took some seconds before everyone got moving but once everyone started there was an open stretch of driveway and road in the very beginning of the course for runners to get sorted out before shortly making a turn and going through someone’s yard—yes you read that correctly, the course does go through someone’s yard! Then it was uphill and finally headed into the woods, which was mostly singletrack so things came to halt here on the first lap but things again got sorted out and one was able to run again. The first mile or so was fairly easy before a long gradual uphill section of the course came and was one I learned to dread after about 3 laps of it. Luckily after that hill the course had a downhill section and then evened out for a good stretch with the aid station right at the half way mark of the course. I didn’t even bother to stop at the aid station on the first lap but did stop on each one after. Eventually another long(er) uphill section started with a steeper and more technical section at the top. From there it was a LONG mixed stretch of even and downhill running. This was great for making up time and being easier on the body.
It took me several loops to really remember the entire course, which sounds silly I guess but really when you’re attempting to stay out for the best part of 12 hrs there are so many other things on your mind—nutrition, hydration, fatigue, what’s aching or hurting. Managing all of these while staying in motion and shooting for a huge goal does wear on you from a mental perspective. Throw in all the body is telling you and it is easy to forget part of the course. Anyone that tells you a race this long isn’t at least partly mental is bs’ing you! I love running (and hiking) but I be honest, there were a few times where I was hurting and was ready for this to be over.
I didn’t truly feel like I had my strategy down until about 20 miles into the race. That was mostly because on my fourth (or fifth?) lap my quads were starting to kill me. I knew right there and then I needed to change what I doing or something will go seriously wrong. From there I consciously slowed down and basically power hiked any type of uphill. I knew by now there were other flat or downhill section later in the course where I could run again, but from here on out the uphills needed to managed better than what had the first few laps. This change did work and eventually I got a second wind in me where I felt good again and that I could push onward without the fear that I barely be able to walk after the race or the next day.
And that is a funny thing about ultras—the highs and lows. Eventually I started to tire again about the 7th lap into race (~32 miles) but again that somehow passed and I felt like pushing again. I remember really late in the race thinking “I think this is my 4th wind now”. And immediately after that thinking how funny it was to go right through your “2nd wind” and your “3rd wind” to a 4th! I’m still not convinced there’s a thing as a “4th wind” but I don’t know what else to call it!
During these laps the increased use of my muscles lead to minor cramping but thankfully nothing major. My cramping was felt in my calves mostly with just a little bit in my hamstring muscles. My quads were just sore off and on for most of the race and was what truly bothered me the most. Usually my feet get beat up and sore but somehow they did not on this race, which I am thankful for. That was a good surprise. The bad surprise was how much my ankles ached off and on. I guess since only probably half of steps were on solid surfaces these muscles had to work fairly hard for all the steps I took in 50 miles. The other surprise I had was the fact my chest was actually getting sore for I guess the hydration pack I was wearing might have been too tight and caused what I describe as a brush burn from it—never had this with the few times I wore my hydration pack.
As I completed each lap they felt just a tad bit harder which is compounded by the fact not everyone runs for all 12 hours so you encounter fewer people on each lap and at times you feel alone. I think most of us are familiar with the saying “misery loves company.” While I wasn’t in misery, I was always glad to see someone else still out there. I stuck to my plan in my head about how to last for 12 hours as best I could. My biggest piece of advice for anyone thinking of trying an ultra is: develop a sense of how you want to compete, but don’t be afraid to change it up on race day if the course (or your body or the weather) demands it. My basic strategy was to roughly run the first 2 laps and switch to a 4 minute run, 2 minute hike ratio in order to last 12 hours and not wear myself out. But I did realize in my training this would likely need modifying due to the terrain of the course—and that’s what I did running for longer if it was downhill or hiking for longer if it was uphill or I was cramping from running. Other pieces of advice are: drink before you are thirsty, eat before you are hungry, and above all else—listen to your body! As I spoke of in an earlier paragraph, had I not slowed down around lap 4 or 5 I’m almost certain lap 9 and 10 may have not been an option for me, I simply would have hurt too much to push onward.
It likely sounds funny to read, but I did have a lot of fun competing in this endurance running event. As I came across the start/finish line each time completing a lap I was realizing my ultimate goal of completing 50 miles was in reach. I had thought that milestone would only be achieved if everything went right, which it mostly did, but in all honesty I thought it would be way harder. I completed the 50 miles in 10:44:56. I actually had the option of heading out and attempting an 11 lap, but I told the ladies doing the timing that I was done. I do have some regrets about that. In just that moment I thought I would really have to push it to complete that 11th lap but I think even had I hiked it I still would have finished before the 12 hour cutoff. It was a split second decision—I was tired and low on water, and having met my highest goal I called it quits. Honestly the almost 11 hours I was out there seems all like a blur in retrospect.
Lastly, my final thought regarding this race: damn if I’m not looking forward to trying this again next year!
I have wanted to try an ultramarathon for awhile, somewhat because it sounds like a novelty and somewhat because I truly want to see what I can accomplish. The runner in me was (mostly) ready to try this for years but making the decision to go back to college to learn a new career put the ultra dream on the back burner. This year was first since completing my degree that seriously training for an ultra was realistic.
Although training for this was difficult, I had it in my head that this was going to be the year I test myself. The easier route to entering the ultra world is a 50K, which there is one local that I’d love to try, but for whatever reason this fairly local 12 hour event is what truly intrigued me and was what would really put me to the test and let me know what I’m made of. Also, it was a big enough step to let me know I want to seriously consider my true dream of pursuing a 100 miler.
So back 6 months prior to now, when my longest run was only 6-7 miles, I began my training. I won’t go into a lot of detail about my training, I’ll just mention one aspect. As you might know, the training is the hard part—and the boring part. But it is what’s necessary to be successful on race day and make that a good experience. I found a quote I saved from Lance Armstrong that talks about training, “The more you suffer before the race, the less you will during and after." Let me just say that this is true! End of my commentary on training.
For the race itself, the Labor Pain 12 Hour Endurance Run consists of a 5 mile loop course that you run for as many laps as you can in 12 hours, or until you want to drop out after reaching whatever distance you want to cover. The course is run mostly on trails with just a few sections being run on grass or roads. Throw in going over a guard rail and a rock scramble right before the end of each lap and you really do have a little of everything practically. Your typical uphill and downhill sections were in this race but overall nothing TOO extreme—just enough to make it tough though! The course was very well marked, if you made a wrong turn it was likely your own fault!. Having never run a looped course, I wasn’t sure how it would go. But honestly it is nice for if you’re having a bad day and want to call it quits you can do so without worrying about get back to your vehicle. Unless something went terribly wrong this was not going to be me though!
Some of my race gear: hydration pack, trail sneakers and sunglasses with polarized lenses
The race started a bit late, which I didn’t mind since I didn’t get to the race location as early as I wanted to. That was just one thing that didn’t go as planned. The other was I could not get my Garmin GPS watch to turn on. It is an older model that does need replaced and has been giving me problems but for the most part still starts up—as long as it is on the charger first! Well it decided not to cooperate for my biggest race ever! Kinda frustrating! I say this because I like have the heart rate, pace, lap splits, calories burned info—I’m just a nerd with that stuff. And knowing my overall pace during the race would have been nice because in my head I had rough ideas of what pace I’d need to reach 40, 45, and 50 miles. If I had that data I would post it here but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. So instead I ran wearing just my plain old Casio watch! There’s not even a stopwatch on it! I did fear my Garmin wouldn’t start so I didn’t stress about it, and in a way it was a little liberating running and not having all that data staring me in the face so to speak. I think by not having it I enjoyed the run more. Instead I ran by how I felt (perceived exertion) and listened to my body, which is what one should be doing. Like I said about me being a nerd with that data, sometimes I am a bit of a slave to my watch, looking at it too frequently.I did arrive early enough though that I had enough time to get ready and be mentally prepared for this day. I got my race bib and handouts and returned to my vehicle and gathered everything I needed for the race. Soon enough runners were called to the starting line. Directions were given and then a countdown began. And just like that I was now in the biggest, longest, and most difficult race of my life to date! I would now find out just what I signed up for and what I’m really made of!
It took some seconds before everyone got moving but once everyone started there was an open stretch of driveway and road in the very beginning of the course for runners to get sorted out before shortly making a turn and going through someone’s yard—yes you read that correctly, the course does go through someone’s yard! Then it was uphill and finally headed into the woods, which was mostly singletrack so things came to halt here on the first lap but things again got sorted out and one was able to run again. The first mile or so was fairly easy before a long gradual uphill section of the course came and was one I learned to dread after about 3 laps of it. Luckily after that hill the course had a downhill section and then evened out for a good stretch with the aid station right at the half way mark of the course. I didn’t even bother to stop at the aid station on the first lap but did stop on each one after. Eventually another long(er) uphill section started with a steeper and more technical section at the top. From there it was a LONG mixed stretch of even and downhill running. This was great for making up time and being easier on the body.
It took me several loops to really remember the entire course, which sounds silly I guess but really when you’re attempting to stay out for the best part of 12 hrs there are so many other things on your mind—nutrition, hydration, fatigue, what’s aching or hurting. Managing all of these while staying in motion and shooting for a huge goal does wear on you from a mental perspective. Throw in all the body is telling you and it is easy to forget part of the course. Anyone that tells you a race this long isn’t at least partly mental is bs’ing you! I love running (and hiking) but I be honest, there were a few times where I was hurting and was ready for this to be over.
I didn’t truly feel like I had my strategy down until about 20 miles into the race. That was mostly because on my fourth (or fifth?) lap my quads were starting to kill me. I knew right there and then I needed to change what I doing or something will go seriously wrong. From there I consciously slowed down and basically power hiked any type of uphill. I knew by now there were other flat or downhill section later in the course where I could run again, but from here on out the uphills needed to managed better than what had the first few laps. This change did work and eventually I got a second wind in me where I felt good again and that I could push onward without the fear that I barely be able to walk after the race or the next day.
And that is a funny thing about ultras—the highs and lows. Eventually I started to tire again about the 7th lap into race (~32 miles) but again that somehow passed and I felt like pushing again. I remember really late in the race thinking “I think this is my 4th wind now”. And immediately after that thinking how funny it was to go right through your “2nd wind” and your “3rd wind” to a 4th! I’m still not convinced there’s a thing as a “4th wind” but I don’t know what else to call it!
During these laps the increased use of my muscles lead to minor cramping but thankfully nothing major. My cramping was felt in my calves mostly with just a little bit in my hamstring muscles. My quads were just sore off and on for most of the race and was what truly bothered me the most. Usually my feet get beat up and sore but somehow they did not on this race, which I am thankful for. That was a good surprise. The bad surprise was how much my ankles ached off and on. I guess since only probably half of steps were on solid surfaces these muscles had to work fairly hard for all the steps I took in 50 miles. The other surprise I had was the fact my chest was actually getting sore for I guess the hydration pack I was wearing might have been too tight and caused what I describe as a brush burn from it—never had this with the few times I wore my hydration pack.
As I completed each lap they felt just a tad bit harder which is compounded by the fact not everyone runs for all 12 hours so you encounter fewer people on each lap and at times you feel alone. I think most of us are familiar with the saying “misery loves company.” While I wasn’t in misery, I was always glad to see someone else still out there. I stuck to my plan in my head about how to last for 12 hours as best I could. My biggest piece of advice for anyone thinking of trying an ultra is: develop a sense of how you want to compete, but don’t be afraid to change it up on race day if the course (or your body or the weather) demands it. My basic strategy was to roughly run the first 2 laps and switch to a 4 minute run, 2 minute hike ratio in order to last 12 hours and not wear myself out. But I did realize in my training this would likely need modifying due to the terrain of the course—and that’s what I did running for longer if it was downhill or hiking for longer if it was uphill or I was cramping from running. Other pieces of advice are: drink before you are thirsty, eat before you are hungry, and above all else—listen to your body! As I spoke of in an earlier paragraph, had I not slowed down around lap 4 or 5 I’m almost certain lap 9 and 10 may have not been an option for me, I simply would have hurt too much to push onward.
It likely sounds funny to read, but I did have a lot of fun competing in this endurance running event. As I came across the start/finish line each time completing a lap I was realizing my ultimate goal of completing 50 miles was in reach. I had thought that milestone would only be achieved if everything went right, which it mostly did, but in all honesty I thought it would be way harder. I completed the 50 miles in 10:44:56. I actually had the option of heading out and attempting an 11 lap, but I told the ladies doing the timing that I was done. I do have some regrets about that. In just that moment I thought I would really have to push it to complete that 11th lap but I think even had I hiked it I still would have finished before the 12 hour cutoff. It was a split second decision—I was tired and low on water, and having met my highest goal I called it quits. Honestly the almost 11 hours I was out there seems all like a blur in retrospect.
The sun was setting on a long day here at the start/finish area for the Labor Pain race.
Overall I ended up finishing in 36th place out of 290 runners. I am so astounded at this, never did I think that I’d finish this high! But that’s what I love about an event like this, everybody is pushing themselves and pushing for others to achieve what they likely thought they couldn’t! Prior to competing, I read that ultra running is a supportive community, and having now competed in a ultra, I definitely see this as true. This event turned out to be such a great experience for me. Yes, it was difficult but between the training and the actual event I learned I am capable of great things. It definitely did not discourage me from continuing to wonder about my dream of someday doing a 100 miler.Lastly, my final thought regarding this race: damn if I’m not looking forward to trying this again next year!
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