tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89447129271325595592024-03-17T07:55:49.249-07:00The Running DudeUltra RunningThe Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-21143652338010873102017-06-26T10:22:00.001-07:002017-06-26T10:23:00.958-07:002017 - MANY ON THE GENNY RACE REPORT - 40 MILES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Before I say anything else, I'll say this first. . .</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">DO THIS RACE!!!!</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Good day to all you ultra runners. Alex here again and I thought I'd write my race report of this inaugural event which I participated in two days ago (23rd June) in New York State, within the confines of Letchworth State Park. This park encompasses the Genesee River (hence the run's name, <em>'Many on the Genny</em>") and the text below is from the Letchworth State Park website and here is their cover photo to give you an idea of the terrain which is pretty bloody spectacular.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs--as high as 600 feet in some places--surrounded by lush forests. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails."</span></em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How about that view! We ran both sides of this</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Taken during the Fall by someone but gives you an idea of the views</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I entered this race in the winter months and planned the O24 race in late April which was a 24 hour 1 mile looped course close to Cleveland, Ohio. After that was the first Canadian 200 mile trail race in May at Sulphur Springs. This was 16 laps of a 12.5 mile looped course. A follow up to that was this race in June as a good training run for Fatdog 120 in mid August. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This race almost didn't happen. Sulphur Springs 200 miler took it's toll. It was 3 weeks before I was able to jog again. It took 4 days before my feet stopped looking like sausages and the ass chaffing subsided. The big toenail on my left foot was a lost cause and took almost 4 weeks before finally coming off, but the big worry was my right kneecap. I had problems during several loops at SS200 but many loops there were no symptoms at all. Three days after completing the race it got very sore and I could barely hobble up or down stairs. Finally it began to improve but even on gentle 9-13 mile runs it began to hurt after a while and I thought there was no way I wanted to injure it further and that 40 miles was likely too far to attempt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Being stubborn and realizing that if I had any chance to continue on my plans for Fatdog that I really needed this longer run and feeling the knee was improving, I decided to go and treat it like a long training run. I love doing new courses and the thought of just sticking around here doing big miles on routes I'm very familiar with was depressing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Even then this race almost didn't happen. My best friend and business partner Ruth was rear-ended in her car in the rain which gave her whiplash 3 days before the event and with facial numbness, shoulder pain, ringing in the ears and headaches I almost figured that it was a sign that it was not meant to be. Over the following several days she improved and wanted me to go so I got home Friday after work and did a very quick pack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I went to bed at 9pm and woke at 12:15am, got ready and was out the door on my way by 12:45am. The border crossing took about 15 minutes as there were only a few gates open and my only delay was having to give up my two oranges which were no-no's. The drive was pretty uneventful. I passed a few very large buildings all lit up where cows were either being milked or just standing in stalls. I was not tired and the temperature was comfortable. There were rainy spots along the way and as I got further into NY State the countryside became more rolling. My ancient GPS, closer to the location, somehow got me to a dead end street with a chain crossing it and fortunately when I backtracked and took another turn it got me to where I needed to go. Total time from my home in Niagara-On-The -Lake (NOTL) to the Park was under 2 hours so it is very close by and I attend races in Ontario which take double the time to get to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The parking lot was fairly small and there were coned off spots which we were not allowed to use. Remember this is a State Park and I think the organizers did a brilliant job of co-ordinating this race. Their names are Eric and Sheila Eagan and you can read about them quickly in the section below so you see how this race came into existence. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Race Directors Eric and Sheila Eagan</span></td></tr>
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<em><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong>'Who are we?</strong> Eric and Sheila Eagan have been directing events for #TrailsRoc and Trail Methods for 5 years. With numerous ultra races completed, and dozens of trail races on their directors resume, rest assured all of your needs will be met on race day. Both spent time visiting, exploring, and falling in love with Letchworth as children. Eric lived at the entrance to the park for 2 years scouting and running trails in 2003-2004. The couple then spent an entire week covering every single mile of trail on both sides of the Genesee River in the summer of 2014.'</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Upon arrival at the finish line it was dark but there were brilliant floodlights in the parking lot so it was easy to see what was going on. I was the second car there and I had a quick pee and then jumped back in the car to sleep/rest for 2 hours with my duvee and pillow while the rain came down heavier and then dissipated as dawn approached which was perfect timing.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Route</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This race is a single loop which goes 20 miles SW down the West side of the Genesee River, crosses over and then follows back up, NE, along the FLT (Finger Lakes Trail), to the Finish Line. So for those people that didn't have crew or friends along, like me, I parked at the Finish Line, and then we were bussed to the Start line, which was literally across the deep gorge on the other side. It made a nice change to do a longer race which is not loops. The two buses were to take runners from the finish to the start at 5am and the race began at 6am on the other side. They organisers say there is upwards of 7,000 feet elevation change. My watch indicated about 8,300 so it is hilly, or more precisely, undulating.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Elevation profile</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I roused myself at 4:10am and used the bathroom (don't forget your headlight) and then got ready by the car as other cars arrived. I was the only Canadian runner at this event which surprised me so it was a bit strange to see lots of new runners. The ones I chatted quickly with were friendly and it was obvious many of them knew each other from other NY ultra events and I heard them talking about 'such and such' race. So no different than races I attend in Ontario where I know many of the names and runners and it's like catching up with old friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since I didn't have a drop bag (although you had that option) and I knew this was it and there was no coming back to the car, I double checked I had everything I needed and jumped on the first bus that arrived promptly at 5am. The driver was obviously hired to pick people up at that early hour and transport them to their destination and she asked me what we were doing. Upon telling her I know she thought we were all mad but she was quite curious and was chatting away to a runner closer to the front as we made our 15 minute journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The rain had stopped, the clouds were dissipating and it was a very comfortable temperature. I remained quiet in my seat and watched the scenery unfold around me as we drove; sighting a deer peer at us from the verge of the forest, and then passing through a sleepy little town which is alike, and yet unlike, some rural Ontario villages. We crossed over a road which cuts across the Genesee River and headed to the start location of the race where there were many runners and cars. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Out we got and I headed over to the table outside by a pick-up truck where our race bibs were located along with a double sided map/directions which was rugged (i.e. in case it got rained on it wouldn't fall apart - not laminated but like your race bib in texture). After getting this and affixing it to my body I used the bathrooms on this side of the river and then sat apart and watched the runners mingling and preparing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A lady called Sarah came and sat with me quickly before the start. She was covered in tattoos which I would have loved to check out in detail and it was obvious she does Cross-Fit as she had muscles everywhere. She is fairly new to the sport and her husband got her into it and it was nice to pass a few minutes with her before we were instructed to head over to the marquee where the race was to begin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Eric had us line up and gave instructions which were that we would be heading 1 mile away from the start, along the road on the grassy verge, then cut back up into the trails to pass by the start again and then head down along the river where we'd cross some steep, slippery stone stairs. The first 20 miles down is the more accessible part and there were a few long road sections which we were instructed not to run on and in some cases it was ok to run on the very well maintained grass beside the road, but in some cases not so practical as there was a fairly steep grading which could potentially hurt your ankles so everybody was running on the wide median off the road in some of these sections, and as it was still only about 8am the road was almost completely empty except for crew who were going by. The temperature was lovely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I began about 1/3 of the way to the front and checked out the front pack (as you do) and looked back at the people around me and behind me (as you do - ha ha). As I mentioned previously the 'plan' was to go nice and easy so I did that and leisurely jogged along the grass, staying with some people for a short period and then deciding that I'd catch up to the next person or group a few yards further along. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the mile we turned into trail and it was very easy. We were still pretty closely packed and I kept advancing periodically until I was with a group of about 5 runners who I would guess were the second leading group behind the leaders and the pace was more 'healthy'. We then got into more technical trail and I was maintaining a gap so I could see any roots or obstacles in time and there were small pink flags sporadically indicating any changes in direction or that you were in fact going the right way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The organizers made no apologies for this and indicate on their site that this is a grass roots trail run, not with lots of fancy medals and that you have to be prepared to take care of yourselves for up to 9 miles between aid stations and that the markings are basic and you need to pay attention. The leaders of our group within the first 4 miles dipped down a trail which went steeply down the gorge and we all came to a halt as it seemed a crazy path to take and there were no markings. After some faffing about we back-tracked up the steep banks to where we went off and saw runners passing by on the correct trail. Grrrr. I was tired from the climb and a bit demoralized to think so early I'd messed up and that who knows how many runners were now ahead of me. Hey ho. Say la vie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I carried on and there was a lot of diversity in the nature of the trail which was awesome. It was pretty technical when you were not running a few long stretches by the road and you had to keep your wits about you. There were also a lot of muddy sections from the rain early in the morning and the day prior and it's amazing how only 120 runners (and only I guess 40 ahead of me at that point) can churn up a section. We were all a bit more spread out now and the groups were smaller. I was passed occasionally and passed a few occasionally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There was a section early on that was a proper river crossing where you had no hope of keeping dry and so we crossed over the big and small loose rocks with a faster flowing water and I didn't do so well and fell forward a few times but didn't get soaked head to foot.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I could be wrong but it was something like this where we crossed the river</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This race seemed to have quite a few women in it as well which was nice to see. I followed people as I could or as I felt comfortable with and there were many sections with long descents and long climbs. I tenderly took the descents as many were grassy and muddy and there was one poor bugger who had chosen the wrong type of shoes for the terrain and was slipping all over the place. I was thankful for my Salomon Speedcross 4's which have s heavy lug pattern. We finally ended up on a very long road section which climbed up for a long time but the gradient was reasonable and I could see for 1/2 mile ahead the runners. There were about 9 in different groupings and I caught up to a Father and Son doing the race together. The son was 13 years old! Awesome. I chatted to them about their races and told them about mine and then went ahead and ran with a woman for a little as we ran into the first aid station which was in a parking lot off the Park Road. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I grabbed some water melon and coke and quickly headed back into the trail and some pretty rugged sections but also some absolutely stunning sections where you were at viewpoints overlooking the gorge and had amazing views up and down and across. It was at some of these amazing views which had steep staircases going down or up that my knee really began to hurt but fortunately I'd packed my Voltaren gel and reapplied as my progress going downhill was painfully slow and ungainly. Runners passing me were asking if I was ok. I slowed things down and for a long time was completely alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At a few points I was wondering if I'd missed a trail marking but I think at this point it would have been pretty hard to get lost as the Gorge was laid out to your left and it was obvious which way we were going but when you are tired it's easy to second guess yourself and a few times I came to a walk and wondered if I should wait until a runner would hopefully come up from behind me but I didn't and eventually a little pink flag would turn up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's hard to remember all the run but it was a beautiful day. The sun was out and it was not too hot and there was a lovely breeze as well. I was wearing my Salomon shoes, Asics socks, calf sleeves, running shorts, a black Under Armor tight fitting breathable T-shirt and white UV long sleeves, a hat and my Salomon vest with a 1.5L bladder. I had in the compartments some salt tablets, Advil, Voltaren Gel, tissues and Shot Block gels. I had two separate water bottles, one was a 200ml and the other smaller and I filled both of these up and only had about 300ml of water in the bladder. I wanted to wear this in a longer race to see how I might get on with it at Fatdog120 which has a compulsory list of things to take which means carrying a fair bit of weight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Eventually we ended up at the furthest point and went down some steep, slippery stairs to cross the river. It was at this point where I made the second directional mistake. There was a little pink flag on my left and I followed it along the trail until I came out to a pretty and wide cascading Falls with mist and the trail further seemed to have foliage and a fallen tree and there were signs that it was unsafe and closed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Several other runners came out behind me and we determined this couldn't be right and backtracked and met several others and when we got back to the last pink flag it took a sharp left down another trail where we were to cross the river so I think that was the only poorly marked section (but then of course, others probably had no problem and it's always the people that go off course and bemoan the lack of 'proper' flagging when perhaps they were just not observant enough). Anyway, in total I guess I got about 1/2 mile of 'free' mileage. ha ha.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyzM3EIBhXA/WVEumBpxLBI/AAAAAAAAA7s/AdneZLUMA8c2fnmH4EajAuUm2ak9Efv5QCLcBGAs/s1600/view2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="750" height="436" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyzM3EIBhXA/WVEumBpxLBI/AAAAAAAAA7s/AdneZLUMA8c2fnmH4EajAuUm2ak9Efv5QCLcBGAs/s640/view2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Crossing the Genesee River at the SW point, approx. 20 miles into the race</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5hbqgHzSMY/WVEumaPU5GI/AAAAAAAAA7w/r6Oh_t85hiIKjA9QUVe9IzsbaxmM127pACLcBGAs/s1600/view6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="756" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5hbqgHzSMY/WVEumaPU5GI/AAAAAAAAA7w/r6Oh_t85hiIKjA9QUVe9IzsbaxmM127pACLcBGAs/s640/view6.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some of the stairs heading down to the river crossing</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4v4v_pqDCI/WVEumQS8etI/AAAAAAAAA70/GvSYrjnYQlg3euZxpywvUf18c7i4gjn2ACLcBGAs/s1600/view7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="750" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4v4v_pqDCI/WVEumQS8etI/AAAAAAAAA70/GvSYrjnYQlg3euZxpywvUf18c7i4gjn2ACLcBGAs/s640/view7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't remember this Falls but it's there somewhere</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frpQV4dQjoA/WVEumFQ1cZI/AAAAAAAAA7o/zTUHoDmtRWsFlTHisNvWO7VWgGZbD6MWACLcBGAs/s1600/view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="801" height="354" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frpQV4dQjoA/WVEumFQ1cZI/AAAAAAAAA7o/zTUHoDmtRWsFlTHisNvWO7VWgGZbD6MWACLcBGAs/s640/view.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another view of stairs and bridge and the view up the Genesee River</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsZoJnOCWcs/WVEvZRgiqtI/AAAAAAAAA78/0UuzWzyhmnEwW2-UJYnreFoulDx-i0jhgCLcBGAs/s1600/elevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> We were now on the East side of the Genesee, having completed 20 miles of this 40 mile race, and this is the more rugged side which is more remote as well and almost the entire length back to the finish is a single trail called the FLT (Finger Lakes Trail) which is blazoned yellow on trees and if you see blue you ignore it as it's a side trail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was beautiful and I felt extremely alone in sections but in a good way. It is deep forest and it was beautiful with steep hills climbing away ahead of you or on each side and the sunlight filtered through in spots. I had been trying to take salt tablets and it was here that I took two Advil as I was struggling and my quads were screaming at me and the knee was beginning to complain again. My water intake had gone up substantially and at one bathroom area, perhaps earlier than at this point, I had filled up my 1.5 bladder and both handhelds and was really drinking a lot. I only peed once in the race and at one point my fingers felt a bit puffy and white so I was conscious of trying to get the balance right between salt and water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think this is one of the very few races where I didn't throw up. At one point I did step off the trail and bend over and 'think about it', but I was able to carry on so that is a 'win'. A few of the aid stations didn't have what I really wanted earlier so I was supplementing my calories with the Shot Blocks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So back to the FLT... The trail is quite technical and there were muddy sections and the vast majority of it you are climbing or dipping down steeply to cross over one stream after another which obviously feeds into the Genesee. It felt like 50 stream crossings at least, I shit you not! In some cases, getting down to the actual steam crossing was pretty dodgy and you couldn't help but get soaked shoes, and in others it was less perilous. But it was constant and relentless and bloody tiring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In some cases you'd get into the stream and wonder where the freaking trail was. During this period of about 10 miles I got passed perhaps twice and caught up to nobody. Finally, as I was out of water, I came across a hiker who informed me the aid station was less than a mile away but it seemed to take forever and then I came across 4 people standing on the trail, directing me down to one of the aid stations which was well provisioned and I was so happy to be there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was really, really tired. I stocked up on water and had watermelon, orange slices, coke and they even had bacon slices! I only took one and once back on the trail I wished I'd taken some for 'the road' as the salt and bacon flavor was delicious. They were always very helpful at the aid stations, taking both my bottles and filling them quickly and asking if they could get me anything. There was always clapping as runners came in which lifts your spirits too when you are alone for hours and hours in the forest and sometimes think you are the only one out there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Off I went and there was only one more aid station left at around 35 miles. There was more of the same relentless stream crossings but things seemed to be getting less muddy and there were more runnable sections. I was walking lots by this point and if there was a gentle slope up, I was walking and it was around here that I began to catch up to some people. The first was a guy who said by now he was walking 90% of it and I said he was doing awesome and that we were getting there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I popped one more Advil and carried on with the salt tablets and trying to drink but also conserve it, and periodically I'd come across another runner. It was kind of fun 'sneaking' up on them and loosing them over a rise only to go over and see you had caught up more. I only looked over my shoulder once or twice but was completely alone as far as I could tell. When I caught someone I tried to make it sound effortless and someone told me once that when you pass someone you should do it with conviction. It prevents them from trying to run after you or keep up with you because you look so fresh. ha ha. The trail had gotten slightly easier and the crossings became less and the terrain had more runnable sections which I tried to maintain a steady pace on, only walking when we got to inclines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Advil was helping and eventually I caught up to the Father and Son who had passed me many miles earlier. We were almost at the final aid station and I just filled my two handhelds, grabbed some coke and watermelon and got out of there quickly. I just wanted to get to the finish now and in the last 5 miles I caught almost 10 people. The final guy I caught up to but had used my energy reserves and was running on fumes. I was now walking flat sections and had to keep goading myself to jog in fear that someone I'd passed was going to catch up. The guy I caught up to would slip ahead and then I'd gain on him. There were some stunning viewpoints over the gorge again and I wish I'd had the time to stop and admire it. There was a beautiful breeze and the trail was wider and we then popped out to a small car park with a single occupant and the road was on the right and we headed back into the trail for the last half a mile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I saw the guy ahead gain ground and then he was out of site and I concentrated and tried to keep the legs moving. It still felt so bloody far away. My watch was giving low battery warnings and according to it I'd run 41 miles and knew I would be there 'any minute'. Finally I heard clapping and knew my fellow runner had made it and that spurred me on and ahead I now saw the clearing in the trees and some volunteers who directed me to take a right, along the parking lot, and right again past the toilet block to the final turn left into a field where Erik, the race Director, was encouraging me to run it in. He high fived me and I was done. Everybody clapped loudly for me and I was so happy to have completed the race. Hands on knees, bent over, I kind of just stayed like that a moment or two, stunned a bit, and looked around. 30 seconds later a woman came in behind me and I clapped and acknowledged her finish. There was no finishing mat with chip timing but people made note of our bib numbers at each aid station and obviously at the finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My finish time was 9 hours 23 minutes, 52 seconds, good for 35th place of 120 runners. I was very happy with that result and honestly thought I'd be in about 70th place or thereabouts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My body was screaming at me ' FOOOOODD'. I heard Erik mention pizza and beer and asked him to point me to the pizza and there, under a big marquee, I could see huge pizza boxes and after a guy handed me my 'goody bag' I wandered over, grabbed two rectangular slices and put them together like a sandwich, sat on the picnic bench and looked at the bounty of food and drink before me, and wolfed it down. Runners already finished were coming in between the benches getting pizza or drinks or Oreo cookies or peanut butter on bread and I just sat there eating and drinking, and sitting, and eating, and watching and sitting. Oh, glorious sitting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a really great afternoon. Everybody in the field was clapping as every runner made their way in and I chatted to a number of runners including Sarah who had come in a good hour ahead of me and looked fresh. Eventually after sitting there and in the vicinity for about 30 minutes I made my way to the car which was right on the final stretch to the finish line. I had moved it so it was under tree cover and there was a lovely breeze. I got freshened up very slowly, washing my body down with water and putting on dry clothes, opened the back and side door and lay down on my duvet with pillow and let my aching legs recover. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My feet didn't fare too badly overall. I had a mild blister on one heel. I'd covered my missing toenail on my big toe with a band-aid and hadn't done further damage but the one next to both large toes I think I'll loose them now too which makes it 5 black, or soon to be black or missing nails. Sheesh. I could feel one being bashed a lot on the constant downhill sections and the cooling water from the streams helped mask the pain. Other than that, I am A OKay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have learned that trying to drive home some distance after a big ultra is a bad idea and so I rested there for 2.5 hours in the car, sometimes just resting and turning from side to side, listening to the claps and hearing the runners passing by the back of the car literally 5 feet away. Sometimes I'd sit upright and clap appreciatively and yell out something encouraging as runners finished. The goody bag contained a nice visor with the details of the race and a cool homemade necklace made of wood with a bottle cap again with the details of the race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I finally decided to head home when I saw big clouds in the distance as I wanted to get home before nightfall. The majority of runners had finished but were still hanging out in the open field and it would have been nice to have gone back and joined them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I slept well and went to work the next day and obviously have very sore quads from the constant steep down-hills and also had quite stiff shoulders from wearing the hydration vest with water bottles mounted on the front which I'm not used to but there was no terrible rashes or bruising. Going down stairs is a challenge but I'm used to this feeling and in another 2 days I should be walking normally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Before I finish this blog installment off I really want to recommend this race to Ontario runners (or anybody actually). I've raced pretty much every Ontario Ultra race on the calendar and even a few in the US, but I think this is <strong>my number one favorite race to date in 6 years of ultra running</strong>. The course is challenging and the views are stunning. It's one big loop and is close enough for anybody to access from Toronto. This was the first time they held this event and I hope it becomes an annual one because you should definitely put it on your 'to do' list. I don't say 'bucket list' because it's not that race of a lifetime type of race, but it is very special and I really hope next year that more Ontario runners check it out and stay some days in Letchworth State Park as well because it is beautiful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thank you for reading this extended report and happy running.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Alex (aka The Running Dude)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Ontario based runner</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-38301867802078746912017-06-06T08:46:00.002-07:002017-10-31T13:02:18.393-07:002017 - SULPHUR SPRINGS 200 MILE RACE REPORT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt1qIj-uzcg/WTay5KNi0DI/AAAAAAAAA34/oWZ7W3UIoAYj7Ev9fRK0wHaqPjnlweSWgCLcB/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="498" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt1qIj-uzcg/WTay5KNi0DI/AAAAAAAAA34/oWZ7W3UIoAYj7Ev9fRK0wHaqPjnlweSWgCLcB/s320/logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The total elevation change over the 2017, 200 miles Sulphur Springs course was about 28,000 feet and each loop is 20km.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hello friends and fellow runners, wherever you may be. Thank you for looking in. It's four days after this incredible 200 mile journey and I've had friends ask, 'How does it feel? How do you feel? Has it sunk in yet?' For me, this was by far the single most difficult running challenge I've faced since dipping my toes into ultra running 6-7 years ago. It has not sunk in yet and I know I'll relive aspects of it in the years to come and savior those moments. There has not been another race I've participated in that has had such a feeling of community about it and support.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I signed up for this race back in November without hesitation, having no real inkling as to what I was taking on. I wanted to be part of this 25th Anniversary Sulphur Springs race, and part of a Canadian 'first' for the running of a 200 mile foot race (although I'm told there was one other 200 that saw no finishers). We all want a challenge and it doesn't matter the distance. I've had fellow runners say to me, I'm 'only' doing 50km or 50 miles. That's crazy talk. That's still a long journey and I consider 50km or 50 miles a long way, and would never 'diss' the distance or the challenge. On a given day, with a given distance, on a certain course, we all may face failure, or rise to the challenge and I respect every distance and course I do. I have failed in 50km races and yet in this race I found success. I look at it that any failure is simply a lesson learned which can be applied to future races.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They capped this race at 35, but on the day 28 of us toed the line. Being a small community, I knew about 1/3 of the runners already, and had raced against all of them in the past. There were running legends like Ron Gehl who has an incredible running resume and has introduced many very talented peeps to ultra running. Ron is no Spring chicken (fortunately, or he'd still be kicking my ass!)but he is a character with a wealth of experience and I love his wife Barbara who supports him in every single race and I got a hug from her a few times along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>Some fellow Runners</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">There was Rich Humber who I've trained with in past years when we were both looking to conquer Suphur Springs; him in the 100 mile distance, and me in the 50 mile. On that race I failed but he conquered it, and then the following year he had a failure at the 100 mile distance. Rich has a lot of heart and I was happy to be back at SS with him, in the same event. He always laughs at me, remembering past SS experiences and my tendency to go off like a rocket, and then fizzle. He puts in the training and is a really positive person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Steven Parke was there and I've admired him for years. He's a solid runner who has improved tremendously over the years to the point where he wins hundreds now. I know that if I'm with him in a shorter race, I'm probably going way too fast. But he puts in the training and the miles and when you do that, you will improve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Garchun Low has been a regular of the OUS series for years and he's been tackling bigger and longer races, taking on the whole series and getting some great experience. He makes me laugh with his charts and preparation and he's a nice guy and improving every year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Paul Chenery was there also. Paul has represented Canada in the World 24 Hour Ultra Championships and knows a lot about very long runs and about pacing. I've spent many hours running alongside him and while not that talkative when running, he is a solid presence who I feel comfortable running with. It was great seeing him again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ibrahim Ashgar started with us. I remember hours with him at the Laura Secord 100km race when it was cold and miserable and wet and muddy. I was in a bad state by the end and we walked together, sharing company late in the night, getting it done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were others as well but it felt amazing being there with all these other runners whom I knew.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>Entry Criteria</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The criteria for entry into this race was two 100 mile races or one very mountainous 100 mile, neither of which I had, so I had to write to the race directors to put my case forward as to why I should be considered. They approved me and I was thankful for their belief in me and felt I needed to justify that belief.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Winter/Spring Training</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Training began shortly after signing up in November and we had a pretty crappy winter and the trails were wet and muddy and not very pleasant. I built up mileage into the 60-80 mile mark for weeks at a time and used my race three weeks prior to this one as my last big mileage push. That was at the O24 (Outrun) race, a 24 hour looped 1 mile course where I came away with 85 miles. I never came away feeling confident or that I had enough miles and that this was going to be a cinch. I was nervous and I actually considered it more of a stage race than a standard race. I think trying to think in terms of 200 miles is too much and so I broke it down in my head into something more manageable and meaningful. Ok, it's 67 miles a day actually. I can do that I figured.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUGT5cQ8tME/WTa2Un40lwI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/9Cs0kHUi-ZUEH01RQWY_9SOvlSjf970ZwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eUGT5cQ8tME/WTa2Un40lwI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/9Cs0kHUi-ZUEH01RQWY_9SOvlSjf970ZwCLcB/s640/IMG_1219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa (L), Alex, Tina. Lots of hours together training. Taken May 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My training was often alone but I also spent many days out with two ultra running friends putting in the miles. One of those people is Lisa Roy, who is lithe and slim and tall. She has great form and seems to glide over any surface. She underestimates herself sometimes with her running but she is a really talented runner and is working up from 50km races to 50 milers and she became one of my valuable pacers and crew for this race. She came out with me rain or shine, day and night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My other training friend who I ran with regularly is Tina Chewmak. Tina is a powerhouse and loves to laugh and has a cheeky smile. We tease each other and the hours go by quickly. She pushes me to do 7 hour runs and when I'm knackered she continues powering up the hills on quads I'd love to have. She's used to being on her feet and puts in regular 10 mile rounds as a postal worker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tina has been doing ultras many years and has successes in races that I've dropped in. She knows she is not a speed demon but she is extremely consistent and 60 miles into a race, when those around her are dropping like flies from an unrealistic starting pace, she cruises by them. Tina also signed up for FatDog 120 with me in August so once her race this coming weekend is complete, Worlds End 100, we'll be getting serious. Tina also became one of my pacers and crew for the weekend and became the 'Director of Operations'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Pacers/Crew</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Prior to this race I've never had a pacer or crew and I can't overstate enough the usefulness of having people around you that run and know what it feels like and know what needs to be done to get you to the finish line. Without Lisa and Tina I would not be sitting here with a successful 200 mile race. They never had to bully me, but their presence as pacers when I needed the company or the encouragement to go a little faster was so helpful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The decisions when I got back to my tent at the start/finish and was dazed and unsure about what I should do next were made for me. Tina or Lisa took charge and removed my shoes, made me eat, made me drink, applied gel on my weary legs or painful knee, got me to lie down for 25 minutes or pushed me out. They looked at the 'plan' and saw where I was, how many laps were left and if I was slipping or banking time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I would have bled time without them. So I can't thank them both enough. They stayed with me from Friday until Sunday morning and it was our race, not just mine. Tina said she was looking forward to being with me when I was at my 'lowest' to see the real Alex come out and hopefully no Jekyll's surfaced. When I'm exhausted I just get quiet and my concentration was focused on the next hill or aid station. I only recall getting slightly frustrated at two points. One was on loop 15 with Lisa when our headlights were dying and I couldn't see the definition on the ground and was tripping and falling asleep. The other was with Tina and I was frustrated when she'd tell me how great I was doing and that I was banking time. And then she'd tell me I could wait 15 minutes before going out again and I'd be like WTF! I'm the walking dead and you're telling me I'm banking time, how come I can't take longer. ha ha.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Running is supposed to be such a 'pure' sport. You lace up some shoes and off you go. But when you get into ultra ultras things change. My car was packed to the max with multiple crates, tents, 5 shoes, my favorite dainties, about 10 liters of water, ginger ale, headlights, etc. etc. You know what it's like I'm sure but I am always amazed that packing for an ultra is harder and takes longer than packing for a 2 week holiday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I finally got all my gear into the car and drove an hour away to the venue at Dundas Valley Conservation Area, or Sulphur Springs, out Ancaster way. This was Wednesday afternoon. I've been there many times in the past and have raced two 50 milers there and a 50km. However, for this year they changed the course slightly and there was more elevation gain and slightly longer per loop. I only went once this year for a training run and didn't do the new course and only did one lap since it was a bog in there back in April. The race was beginning Thursday at noon and we had a mandatory briefing and breakfast at 10am.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm_2LYuPaTc/WTaz0pUTtMI/AAAAAAAAA38/N0RvzcJ41xYy5blK9uhaoKOiNauUivSQgCLcB/s1600/Sulphur%2BCourse%2BMap%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="800" height="492" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm_2LYuPaTc/WTaz0pUTtMI/AAAAAAAAA38/N0RvzcJ41xYy5blK9uhaoKOiNauUivSQgCLcB/s640/Sulphur%2BCourse%2BMap%2B2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New 2017 course </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I got there and set up a tent my sister lent me with a big cot and this was fantastic. It was an 8-person tent and it allowed me to stand up, and to put in two chairs and a lot of my plastic bins. Outside I set up a large table for my supplies and got settled but late in the afternoon it started raining heavily and unfortunately this is how it stayed for 24 hours. I had to get out of my tent in the middle of the night when the fly stopped being waterproof and drips began hitting me in the face. I got out some tarps I'd purchased and managed to get one into place. It was at this point that I decided in the morning I'd set up my second marquee beside my tent to cover my table, as I didn't think it would be very pleasant sitting in the rain eating and trying to get comfortable. That was a very smart decision.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little humor to help me through the laps</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to the rainy start/finish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjI99CAgGPA/WTa_vQOuAMI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/wrLVedV9FqAj3YxqxLewD9R4SrfxjOjhgCLcB/s1600/9F023AF9-62F7-41D5-ADD5-F155F3F317E6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjI99CAgGPA/WTa_vQOuAMI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/wrLVedV9FqAj3YxqxLewD9R4SrfxjOjhgCLcB/s640/9F023AF9-62F7-41D5-ADD5-F155F3F317E6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My home for 4 nights</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Byg5ZqK0xU/WfjVHfMP3hI/AAAAAAAAA9I/j6EBiWHkvsQWXVT2RyvsC_n9KCNFgBnIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="960" height="338" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Byg5ZqK0xU/WfjVHfMP3hI/AAAAAAAAA9I/j6EBiWHkvsQWXVT2RyvsC_n9KCNFgBnIQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1270.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two tents are top right, to left of the pink tent. Cool pic. Thanks Superman!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dl7m5CsewNc/WTa_uTt1krI/AAAAAAAAA5M/GC3O0ZnMJ28b4ut2Fe2ODTQwpN2Lj_dJQCLcB/s1600/013F4CAB-5F68-48A6-8ED7-881412013DBC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dl7m5CsewNc/WTa_uTt1krI/AAAAAAAAA5M/GC3O0ZnMJ28b4ut2Fe2ODTQwpN2Lj_dJQCLcB/s640/013F4CAB-5F68-48A6-8ED7-881412013DBC.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little peak inside</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a restless night as other people arrived and the generator at the start/finish hummed away and I was thankful when it was time to get up. I put up the marquee and secured it over the following hour, having to monitor where water was pooling and problem solve, but eventually everything seemed to function properly and I now had another dry area to sit, outside. We gathered for our breakfast and I sat with friends and looked about, checking out the other 27 runners and wondering what their stories and preparations were. There were some 'long looks' and I know many were reflecting on what was coming only a few hours away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tim made announcements about our race and answered questions and there was some nervous laughter at points. The rain sucked and I didn't envy starting a 200 mile run in the pouring rain. There were two aid stations and the start/finish. The two aid stations on the course we'd pass by twice and for the first 24 hours they were going to be unmanned water stations only. After a yummy breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast for me we got up to make our last preparations and there was a lot of activity about. I was on my own and put on my kit.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OukPyznpzQk/WTbBwhrhn2I/AAAAAAAAA5g/HRNbvBAuEIoZl72FsfTPKNALwQXHEKVYwCLcB/s1600/andrea-lynn-sloan-and-tim-nelson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="620" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OukPyznpzQk/WTbBwhrhn2I/AAAAAAAAA5g/HRNbvBAuEIoZl72FsfTPKNALwQXHEKVYwCLcB/s640/andrea-lynn-sloan-and-tim-nelson.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Nelson and Andrea Lynn Sloane - co-race directors for Sulphur Springs 2017. Not taken at the race</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My kit consisted of long tights with shorts under, a sleeveless shirt and a long shirt on top covered with a black garbage bag with cutouts for my arms and head. On my head I wore a cap and I decided to wear my glasses the entire time rather than daily disposables. I wore a waist belt with two water bottles and storage for some gel blocks and salt tablets and my bib number, 9, along with another timing chip device we Velcro'd to our ankle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They were concerned with the rain and the length of time we were on the course there might be some problems with just one timing chip and half way around the course there was a generator with two devices to record us as we went by. The shoes I started with were my new Salomon Speedcross 4's which I'd had difficulty breaking in, finding them very narrow in the forefoot and crushing my little toes, so I was going to monitor that. I applied bag balm to my butt and privates liberally. I was all set to get the party started. . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We all lined up at the allotted time. I don't know what frame of mind I was in at the time. I had not had a great night with the rain, and had quite a few days leading up to the race thinking about someone who had been in my life, and I found it disquieting and really had not focused on the run. I honestly don't think I was excited about the race or was even thinking about it like a normal race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My A, B and C goals were never to do the race in a certain time or come in a certain position. My only desire was to finish. Tim made a few comments to us on the starting line and at 12:02pm on my watch we were away, getting clapped along by friends and volunteers. I moved my way to the middle of the pack and got ready for the ride. And what a ride it was. . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>The Start</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The laps were 20km each, with a total elevation gain of 28,000 feet over the 16 laps we had to complete. These loops are mostly trail and nothing too technical. In parts you can run 2-3 abreast and the trails are well groomed. There is a lot of elevation change but the hills are rolling and nothing like the 28,000 feet we'll be facing at Fatdog 120 in August which are true mountains. However, the constant hills certainly beat you up and they are not easy. Add to this the mud from 24 hours of heavy rain and it made things even more interesting. I attached the map for you to look at earlier and I could close my eyes and relate every hill and nuance of the course from the memory of it burned in my head and in my muscles, but I'll spare you.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographer being photographed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 starters. Yup, it was pouring. I'm in the designer garbage bag. No expense spared.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garbage Bag cover for first 24 hours. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We set off down the first nasty hill from the start/finish and I was going slooowwwwww. When we all turned right into the first trail section I began to realize this was REAL and I was going to be out here for 3 freaking days and nights! The first open field was a bog and already my feet were soaked. People were grouped together and some were chatting while others just kept their thoughts to themselves. There were some runnable sections and then you'd get into some really muddy sections and over the course of the day these muddy sections expanded as the rain continued and people tried to creep around them. Any hills I walked and any downhill's I took gently.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I got to the part of the course that was new and I was NOT happy. There were craploads of hills, slippery grass sections and I knew this section was going to hurt doing it 16 times. The final hill came and up I went, having completed 1 of the 16 loops and I now knew what to expect. By now we'd spread out and over the following loops it became very quiet and lonely out there. Since aid stations only had water and were not manned, the only time you came across people was at the start/finish area. Being such a miserable day with the weather meant there were no runners or cyclists or dog walkers about. A few times I'd cross paths with another racer at a loop intersection but it was very much a personal race.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The laps blurred and the rain continued. My garbage bag and long sleeve shirt kept me reasonably comfortable and the temperature was cool but not enough to chill you if you kept walking or running. At the end of each loop I'd head to my tent, fill in my 'planogram', indicating the time I came in from a particular loop, and grab watermelon slices, or orange wedges, or chips, or cookies, and see what hot food the main tent had. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At midnight we were allowed to use poles and I picked up mine and it's the first time I've used them in a race. Rich Humber who I'd mentioned earlier swears by them so I went and got myself a pair, figuring I'd want them for Fatdog. I've been using them in training and I find them great. To strengthen my arms I'd been going to the gym and with 5lb weights I'd walk around the indoor track and pump them as if I had the poles in my hand, and walk for an hour at a time. I think this helped. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was wearing gloves and over the whole time of using them with the poles only got a minor mark on the palm of one hand. The poles are great for stability. In the muddy sections where you are hopping from one place to the other and you can place a pole to the side to stop you from falling, or stabilize you while you stand on a slippery log is a useful tool. When you are falling asleep on your feet they help and when you are climbing a steep hill you can apply 10-20lbs of force to your upward thrust to drive you up the hill or use them as a respite and lean over them when your lungs are burning after summiting the climb and taking a moment to get your breath back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">During the Thursday night I also listened to tunes. It really made a difference to keep focused. Every time I got back after completing a loop I'd fill in my time on my chart. I created a 'plan-o-gram' trying to factor in the time per loop, and any rest stops. It made interesting reading after and while it didn't necessarily get adhered to strictly, it was helpful creating it and at least having a guide to follow.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yigtGpSRUQ/WTbELCi0ndI/AAAAAAAAA54/sfpl0TfAomYMeUIM3SZogMhO_t8vUxB4QCEw/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yigtGpSRUQ/WTbELCi0ndI/AAAAAAAAA54/sfpl0TfAomYMeUIM3SZogMhO_t8vUxB4QCEw/s640/IMG_1237.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was useful to create, and compare at the end the actual. It was a guide only for me.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, with all the rain, by the time the night came, I noticed a significant amount of chaffing going on with my butt. Ok, yes, you could say I was 'bummed', etc. but it was unpleasant at the time and I was reapplying my Bag Balm but it was getting worse every loop. I think what happened was the underwear element of the shorts was getting wedged inside and while I'd keep pulling my shorts to keep them out, things deteriorated. By the next day I'd texted my pacers to please bring something to alleviate my discomfort. The following morning, Friday, I had done over 62 miles and was on track to reach 100 miles in 29 hours by the time my pacers arrived. I wanted to be faster than that but was ok with it as it would leave me another 42 hours to complete the second 100.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had banked a few good starting laps with two guys from Alberta and Manitoba; Bert Blackbird and Jon Paradowski. Bert was a powerhouse on the hills and was generally running them. We passed some good time together talking and it was an honor to meet them both. We seemed to be a good match for pacing and it was great to stick together with them. Poor Jon got turned around at one point and did an extra 3km and was none too happy for it but he made it back and they ended up taking tying for 5th and 6th spots, starting and finishing together. Awesome job!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I got to loop 8 to reach 100 miles I began to get overwhelmed. I've only completed 100 miles once before in a timed race, The Dirty Girls. It was a 48 hour race and I stopped after 32 hours when I reached 100 miles. Besides that I've had two failures at the 100 mile distance, once at Haliburton Forest, and once at Eastern States. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was hurting by this point and flagging for energy and was thinking 'Fuck Me! I have to go and do that AGAIN!!!!' To be honest I was ready to call it a day, take a long sleep and go back out to perhaps get 150 miles but give up on the 200 goal. My pacers were due in a few hours and my butt was on fire. I don't keep mentioning this to be graphic but to highlight that small issues can become major issues and while I'd tried to deal with it, it was one of those things that became magnified to the point where it was ruining my race.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPo1A956c6g/WTbGwQD_uzI/AAAAAAAAA6E/iT99JG3uO90EASp2_dxPEqT0cnxGvXVQwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPo1A956c6g/WTbGwQD_uzI/AAAAAAAAA6E/iT99JG3uO90EASp2_dxPEqT0cnxGvXVQwCLcB/s640/IMG_1588.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken after finishing 8 laps or 100 miles, around 5:30pm on Friday evening</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All sorts of justifications played out in my head, and alone I probably would have done just that. When I got to the tent I told Ruth I was likely going to call it a day and would probably go out with Tina and Lisa when they arrived for a lap or two. They had come specially for me and I had to do a few laps with them at least to make their sacrifice mean something. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They were due to arrive around 9-10pm. Ruth had brought two pizzas and a tub of KFC Chicken and I dug into the nice warm chicken with relish. When I returned from the 8th lap I was crazy hungry and I was grabbing everything I could lay hands on - chips, cookies, figs, chicken, cold grilled cheese with ketchup. She also brought along some thick diaper rash cream so I disappeared in the tent and started fresh with this hoping it would improve things. The start/finish area was busy by now with 100 milers setting up their tents and Ruth was serving them their pasta dinners. Every 200 miler was required to provide a volunteer to help for four hours during the race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I rested in the tent for several hours, waiting for Tina and Lisa to arrive and eventually they did. They were excited at the prospect of getting out there and helping me and their enthusiasm helped tremendously. The cream wasn't doing a great job and the damage was getting worse and the pain was intense. I'd also had big problems on and off with my right kneecap and taking the steep downhill's constantly was causing a lot of shooting pains, forcing me to keep things 'locked'. All we could do was put Voltaren gel on it. It was odd. Sometimes it was excruciating and then the pain would just go and I'd be running downhill's with it as if there had been nothing wrong with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was decided Tina would do the first laps with me and into the night we headed. She wanted to help and asked what she could do and what I needed and how I wanted to be paced, to be ahead or behind or with me. I think we just sort of jogged along together and she chatted sometimes and or asked questions but when I got tired we'd just be quiet and forge ahead. She knows the course well but not the new section so when we arrived there I was explaining what was coming.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TilLxfXyRI/WTbIcf6bd5I/AAAAAAAAA6I/WcNQOPwehqoal-ORL5HWFtMac8EYGeDHQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TilLxfXyRI/WTbIcf6bd5I/AAAAAAAAA6I/WcNQOPwehqoal-ORL5HWFtMac8EYGeDHQCLcB/s640/IMG_1242.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little statue at the bottom of the 'Three Sisters' which people put offerings in.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With her help we finished that loop and she got me in and out quickly and out we went again and I tried to figure out at what point we'd be at for 6:00am on Saturday when the 100 and 50 mile runners were going to be charging onto the course for their attempts. It worked out amazing as we were half way up the final steep hill coming into the start/finish when hoards of runners came charging towards us. Wisely we'd hugged the side of the road and stopped to cheer them on and many cheered right back, acknowledging my efforts. Nobody said 'you're crazy' or 'you're insane' but things like 'you're inspiring' or 'you're incredible'. It really made me feel really quite choked. There were some familiar faces also and it was great to share a brief moment with others. After the dust settled we trudged our way the remaining distance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't recall how much time they gave me but out we went again and on this loop I realized I needed a bathroom break and getting to the first aid station there were runners waiting to use them. I was not used to sharing the course and decided rather than waiting we'd carry on and hit the port-a-potties on the way back. Bad mistake. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We got another 10 minutes along and I realized I wasn't going to make it that far so looked in my bum-bag only to find I'd omitted that 'heavy' toilet paper! I'll never use that. Yeah, right. Damn! I headed into the tree cover but what I stumbled into was a freaking bog with fallen logs and ankle deep water. Damn! I'm not a botanist and I have no idea what kind of leaves were around me but figured it was now or never. After tripping my way into the brush so I was semi private, Tina went slightly ahead on the trail, but I have to laugh in hindsight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'd been eating so much assorted junk over two days and nights that I was constipated and my ass chaffing was incredibly painful. I'm a quiet, conscientious pooper. If I'm at an airport or somewhere public, I like to be quiet and find it embarrassing when I hear these poor bastards next to me grunting and groaning but there I was in exactly the same state and I grunted and groaned with the best of them and be damned what Tina or any other runner thought. Ok, maybe that's vulgar but it's funny 'shit' like that that you remember. So after struggling I finally found some leaves and made it back to the trail. After profuse apologies to Tina for the grunt-fest, we were on our way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now it was Lisa's turn to try her hand at pacing and it was great. We've run lots together and know each others patterns. At home base Tina was the leader and thoughts of dropping faded from my mind. I had zero thoughts of getting to the finish line at this point. It might as well have been a thousand miles. Every time I focused on the lap I was on, the difference seemed huge and insurmountable. I found it difficult to concentrate on it. 11 laps. Shit! I can't do another 5. That's 63 f'ing miles! A 100km run. And then I'd feel sorry for myself and just walk or run some more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wN2r9GoMyhE/WfjVIPbWczI/AAAAAAAAA9U/qWqYC6l2IzAUUZj2WA4_5MNvvCpIyP46gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wN2r9GoMyhE/WfjVIPbWczI/AAAAAAAAA9U/qWqYC6l2IzAUUZj2WA4_5MNvvCpIyP46gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1305.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere along the way</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The trails were really busy now and you were virtually never more than a few minutes before you'd be passed by someone or someone would come flying past you in the opposite direction. The level of support and encouragement I had from all these runners was incredible. I've never felt so much camaraderie in a race. I knew they were each doing big races also and I acknowledged every runner as well. It was tiring but rewarding. There were also times I'd be running into the 200 mile racers with their pacers and it was always uplifting to see them and share a smile or fist pump. Unfortunately, while the rain had now finished, the hundreds of extra runners were making the muddy sections complete pits and there was no way to keep feet dry and some spots were rather dicey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For shoes I'd changed out of my Salomon Speedcross 4's after 50 miles and then switched to my very old and worn Hoka's which I should have known better than to bring out because there was zero tread on them and it was the worst lap ever with curse words being used constantly and only my poles saving me from numerous wipeouts. It really was like being on an ice rink when you got to the crappy sections. After that I switched into my torn and worn Salomon Speedcross 3's which did still have tread and I stuck with them for the rest of the race. My long pants had long come off and I'd tried several shorts. During the night it got down to about 11-13 degrees which was still fine for shorts and a long sleeve shirt.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ9jiTFvnHA/WTbELcY7pdI/AAAAAAAAA50/3czIjpsYUWksbTPt9QXfZhfeI4BY7D7lACEw/s1600/alexlisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZ9jiTFvnHA/WTbELcY7pdI/AAAAAAAAA50/3czIjpsYUWksbTPt9QXfZhfeI4BY7D7lACEw/s640/alexlisa.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa and I returning from a night loop.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lap 13 came around in the early afternoon on Saturday and I don't know what happened on this lap but it was incredible and bizarre and one of those special moments in running. I'd had one lap up to that point where I walked exclusively, had a few fast starting laps and most of the others were a combination of walking and running when possible. Lisa said she was going to try to get me to move faster when we started this lap and I groaned at the prospect and off we headed. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dalrHR44rE0/WTbEK25F71I/AAAAAAAAA5o/URqRBK0hybcQhj7FBBVLFje2Sh_oqMFLwCEw/s1600/DA2u3VYW0AIIwzF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dalrHR44rE0/WTbEK25F71I/AAAAAAAAA5o/URqRBK0hybcQhj7FBBVLFje2Sh_oqMFLwCEw/s640/DA2u3VYW0AIIwzF.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out on loop 13 with Lisa wearing her shorts. I'd exhausted my supply</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The temperature was perfect and most of the shorter distances were now off the course. I'd put on my white, UV protected sleeves and the neck sleeve we'd been given as part of our race pack and soaked them in cool water which refreshed me. Off we went and where everything had been hurting or niggling, somehow everything felt fresh. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We started off down the steep hill and gently ran it and then got into the trails and I wasn't slowing down. In fact, I was starting to run hills I'd been walking for many laps. I didn't feel concerned or tired and life was good. We got to the first aid station and I poured water on my sleeves and neck and off we went, walking the steepest hills but running everything else. We came to the long flat stretch before the sharp decline to the river and I ran the whole thing. We got back to the aid station and ran up the road into the upper section of the trail after 10 fast km and the feeling got better and better. Lisa didn't say anything but I could tell she was surprised and for the first time I saw sweat on her brows. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The endorphins kept with me and I was in high gear. My eyes were taking in the surroundings, my lungs were relaxed and my chest was unlabored, while my legs felt like they belonged to someone else, or that they were mine but were barely connected, moving me along with no effort while I spectated. I was power walking the steep hills with my poles and hungry for the next, and when there was a chance to open up on the flats it was effortless. I was passing 100 milers like they were standing still and many were shocked. Sections which I knew by heart which were taking ages to get to were passing with increasing frequency and by the time we got through the fields on the lollipop and it was time to head down I was loosing Lisa. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We began the long ascent up the hill and I crossed the mat and headed over to Tina sitting at the tent. I had a huge smile on my face and she was incredulous, not expecting me for probably another 1.5 hours. I sat down, content and the timing guy came over and was wondering 'wtf!' ha ha. I just said to him, 'I did it. My pacer was with me the whole way'. All I can say is that was the sweetest 1/2 marathon I've ever done. It was probably not as fast as all that in reality but it felt like it and I'll not soon forget the euphoria of that lap, or one other yet to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After I came back to earth and began lap 14 things were back to normal. It was a slower and more reasonable lap and I felt human again. Tina took me out and this would be her last lap with me. She had to get home and I was extremely grateful. She herself has a huge 100km race the weekend after at Worlds End 100 and there is crazy elevation in this race. The only strategy I had for keeping awake over the 3 nights was willpower, a few catnaps where I could and two 'Monster' energy drinks which I'd never tried in training. I found them sweet but not offensive and whether they helped or not I can't say. I never felt crazy awake as I would have expected from a hit of caffeine. I don't drink any tea or coffee so I'm not sure what it's supposed to feel like but even if it was a placebo effect I'm happy that for two nights I had not felt out of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lap 15, my penultimate lap, was a different story. Lisa and I headed out and my headlight soon died and I had to borrow Lisa's which unfortunately was not very powerful at all. It was around 2am and I was completely shattered. We had decided (I had decided) that this was going to be another lap that we walked everything. Lisa was very patient but I know she was hungry and tired herself and this lap with me would take her to 50 miles, the furthest she has ever run. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were quiet and the low beam was really throwing my depth perception and I was tripping on the mud that was featureless in the light, cursing the light and my stupidity at entering this race, and weaving to the left or right as I began to fall asleep. I was stopping at numerous intervals to stoop over my poles and close my eyes while my breath was ragged. There were quite a few benches along the course but I'd come to sit on three in particular and I sat on them and Lisa would try to get me moving again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We made it to the second aid station before it was time to head into the lollipop section and there was a roaring fire and another runner laying down in a sleeping bag with his pacer and two other runners sitting at the fire while this awesome volunteer took care of our needs. Soup anybody? Pirogues? He got us chairs and pacers and runners alike huddled by the fire for warmth and companionship. I don't know how long we sat there. Too long I'm sure but it felt cheery. Somehow we got going again and it was cool to start with but we kept moving at a snails pace and eventually we were summiting the final hill as the third dawn approached. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I tried to lay down, initially with Lisa in the cot with me, but it was not working because my legs were twitching so badly and I felt really bad but had to ask her to take my sleeping bag and pillows and lay down on the floor next to me. She had me set the alarm for 45 minutes and then I was to begin my final lap alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lisa also had to leave but was coming back later in the day to help me tear down and get home. It felt like I'd not even shut my eyes when the alarm went, and Lisa said I could have 10 more minutes but I knew nothing would help in 10 minutes so I tried to get moving. I went to the bathroom a final time and headed out on the final lap. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The day was sunny and I began my final loop at 6:10am. Again, I don't know what got into me but I felt great. Of course I knew at this point I'd make it and that had not sunk in at all up to that point. I had another 12.5 miles to run and that's all the mental energy I had room for. I got into the trails and was running freely again, feeling strong, and soon came across a 200 miler with her pacer. It was Debbie Bulten. She was still looking good and I acknowledged her as I went by. I think her pacer was keen for her to follow me but I didn't hang around to see and down the steep hills I headed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was feeling like lap 13 and things felt good and just before hitting the aid station at the road I came across another runner who was actually in the 50 mile race from the day before. She had completed 3 of the 4 laps the day before but with a cold had stopped to go home and have a meal and rest and then come back the following day to finish the race (she had until noon like the rest of us). Her name is Tomoko Tamaoki. We struck up a conversation and she was great company and we seemed to be ok with each others pace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We hit the aid station and began our run up the road and there was Steven Parke with his girlfriend Rhonda. I was certainly surprised to see him but I said hello and well done and Tomoko and I continued on. Things got faster and faster and as the certainty of finishing reached me it began to feel effortless again. Tomoko is a good runner and like Lisa on lap 13 was doing a great job of keeping with me but on some of the downhill's I was flying and would pull away but it all felt fun, like one of those training runs you do with friends that are fast and gleeful and you're just happy to be out sharing the trails and the experience together. Talking with her was free and easy. We were laughing, telling stories and eating up the miles. I showed her my favorite bench at the top of a steep hill which had the word 'dopey' written on the side. Totally appropriate. I had a last sit there for a moment and off we went again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We passed by an Indian statue at the bottom of the 'Three Sisters', a series of three steep hills which has other more colorful names. This hill takes you to the beginning of the lollipop and it's from here that you have about 3-5km remaining. Someone had put in a piece of chocolate in the bowl, an appeasement, and days earlier someone put a bunch of white flowers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Earlier in the loop we climbed a hill and came across Rich Humber and Wade Beattie at an intersection and it was great seeing Rich, knowing we were both on our final loops and that we'd both be there at the finish line together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally we were climbing the last hill and as we made our way around the steepest section we could see people lined up on the ridge and I told Tomoko that I was going to run it in. There was lovely cheering and I made my way around the final cones and into the finishing chute with people from all sides whistling, clapping and congratulating me and there under the finish line was Andrea with a medal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She slipped it over my head and was wearing her hat and sunglasses and we hugged deeply and I thanked her and she was crying. She was so happy that I'd made it and she said something deeply personal to me which meant the world and while I didn't cry, I wasn't far off. I kissed her cheeks and hugged her again and it seemed that there was just her and I and it was a really special moment. I want to thank her and Tim so much for believing in me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My finishing time was 69 hours, 2 minutes and 57 second.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The results were that of the 28 that started, 14 finished in the time limit of 72 hours and of those, I finished in 7th.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KczyyCR65w/WTbELVVriQI/AAAAAAAAA58/riiTirPSczoUlrgSYedFmbinIkl_4fxTwCEw/s1600/finishers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="624" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KczyyCR65w/WTbELVVriQI/AAAAAAAAA58/riiTirPSczoUlrgSYedFmbinIkl_4fxTwCEw/s640/finishers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing places</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I then headed over the my tent as other well wishers said kind words and I sat down at my chair and was dazed for some time. Periodically I'd hear clapping and know that someone else was ending their journey and I was happy to be part of this historic race.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eventually I wet toweled my body and removed shoes and socks and soaked my feet in a cold water crate and things looked pretty messy. There were virtually no blisters but my left big toe was destroyed. I've had black toenails before, even one on my big toe, but this time it was far worse. The nail had been shoved back into my skin at the nail-bed and there was blood on the front sides of the toe and submerged the nail was completely white and milky. It is strange because I was hardly aware of it throughout the race except for some discomfort taking the steep downhill's.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My feet and ankles were swollen like crazy and looked like some large clown feet with a few rashes on the tops. I got changed and couldn't lay down in the tent as it was baking hot but soon 12:30 approached, time for the awards ceremony and I hobbled over as Tim and Andrea began to assemble us all. There were many friends there, other runners I know, who were pacing 100 milers or in the hundred and it was great to see them. We were informed that there was nobody else on the course that would finish on time and so Tim began to talk about the race and the winner did an incredible time. He flew from Germany and his name is Georg Kunzfeld. Congratulations dude on a smoking time of 50 hours!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before the awards I'd seen a guy come through the chute looking in really bad shape. His name is David Varty. They took him to the medical tent but when it was time for the group photo he was brought out and treated tenderly and sat down on a chair looking pretty dazed but hopefully on the road to recovery.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdivW5cEuZw/WTbELCVUjXI/AAAAAAAAA5w/fV-1_ONK-vstj4mIKfrAL06sFzGGxRSOwCEw/s1600/DA80QTAW0AIlHSn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdivW5cEuZw/WTbELCVUjXI/AAAAAAAAA5w/fV-1_ONK-vstj4mIKfrAL06sFzGGxRSOwCEw/s640/DA80QTAW0AIlHSn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 14 finishers of Canada's first 200 mile trail race which had a starting field of 28. Race Director Tim is far left and Andrea is bottom right. Jon and Bert, the two guys from Manitoba and Alberta I ran several loops with, are directly behind her. The winner, Georg, is wearing his FatDog t-shirt. Debbie Bulten was the only finishing female.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was cool getting our photos taken. They asked for all 200 mile finishers to please come forward for a group photo and I was one of them!!!! I couldn't believe it. Somehow I was able to kneel down and first the official photographer took his photos and then everybody's phones came out and people gathered around and I was looking out to familiar faces, taking photos of me and my fellow runners. It felt pretty special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately the buckles were not ready but we are all getting those sent to us along with jackets which will have our finishing times sewn in. How cool is that. We got a great mug too. No sooner had we disbanded than I'm talking with identical twins April and Melanie Boultbie about their running. April Boutlbee is representing Canada in Belfast in July at the World 24 Hour Ultra World Championships and her sister Melanie tells me about her race out in BC in August and I tell her about my Fatdog 120 race there. She has raced it herself, placed well and also paced someone in a previous year and she suggested she might be interested in pacing me there! WOW. I can't say at this point if it will come to pass but it would be an honor to have her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eventually people headed to their various tents to begin teardown. I saw runners beside me and around me laid out in lounge chairs resting injuries and weary legs. I also saw some who had gone a hell of a long way in this race, but who, on this occasion, didn't make the full 200, but they have nothing to be ashamed about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><strong>After Effects</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eventually I got home, with the help of Lisa and her two daughters, who were rather disgusted by the state of my feet, and at home is where I've been for the last 5 days. For two nights I was on Advil as the shooting pains from my toe caused incredible pain. I almost went to the hospital, fearing a fractured toe, but several days later I think all the pain is from the nail itself. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does not look too bad but smarted. The swelling got worse</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My right knee got incredibly painful and the pain in the thighs didn't really kick in strongly until a few days after the event. I had hip pain and the ass chaffing was horrendous. I would have fit right in with the baboons but thankfully that is soothed. My feet remained swollen and unrecognizable for 3 days and I was peeing like crazy. I think wearing compression sleeves for 3 days was a bad idea and any swelling was trapped. After taking them off I was peeing a lot for 3 days and this was likely my kidneys trying to cope with the fluids. I think you could be very prone to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and wearing tight compression sleeves on a race this long may be a bad idea. I'm glad I was not jumping on a plane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fortunately I didn't have to go to work for the week and I've been sleeping like crazy, two naps a day and then sleeping right through the night. I've heard a few others say they faired much better and even a few that went out for a very short run but I'm taking things very gently and keeping an eye on the toe and knee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It has not sunk in but it's a great accomplishment for me and I don't think many races will come along to surpass it in terms of the atmosphere. To everybody I met and shared the days and nights with, thank you. To all the volunteers and especially to Andrea and Tim, an even bigger thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To my pacers and crew, Tina and Lisa, you are both special to me and I can't thank you enough for your generosity of time and spirit and strength over long hours, taking care of me and getting me to the finish line when I never would have without you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And to all of you who took the time to read this blog, that's a big undertaking too. Thank you. Remember that you are all capable of more than you think. Set goals and work towards them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I look forward to seeing many more of you out on the trails (but give me another week, ok? :)))</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy running.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alex Campbell (aka The Running Dude)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">P.S. I'll post another photo of my buckle and jacket when they arrive.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacket and buckle. Sweet</td></tr>
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The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-69084114702995061092017-04-25T11:14:00.001-07:002017-05-11T17:53:41.348-07:002017 O24 ULTRA (24 HOURS) - RACE REPORT<pre style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; white-space: normal;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant sized chairs at the start/finish line and fire pit and washroom area. </td></tr>
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<strong>2017 Season – First Race</strong></div>
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Hey there ultra friends. Here we are again. Another season about to unfold. New goals, new races and new friends and experiences along the way. My first race of the season kicks off in high gear with nothing so pesky as a 50km or 100km; but a full blown 24 hour! Boo Yaa. </div>
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It’s location is Northeast of Cleveland, Ohio, at Kirtland, in a place called Lake Metroparks Chapin Forest Reservation and is a certified 1 mile looped course composed primarily of crushed gravel with one paved section beside the parking lot. There is a small hill of about 50 feet each loop and the start/finish and aid station greets you every mile. You are able to set up a tent and your own personal aid station at designated sections alongside the course. The race has existed for about 6 years now and my initial impressions based on videos, blogs and their website is that Race Director Zak Johnson is a really good guy, with huge attention to detail, and a genuine desire to help runners exceed their expectations. </div>
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I’ve entered one 24 hour race previously which was an indoor 400m track in Ottawa, part of the Sri Chinmoy series. That was back in 2013 and it didn’t go so well and I ‘dropped’ after only 52 miles and 12 hours with spectacular blisters and a huge bonk brought partially on by poor hydration. </div>
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Runners and non runners alike roll their eyes and exclaim, isn’t that totally boring! I’d have to say that I think it is a nice alternative to a straight race distance, going for a personal goal of distance based on time. How many of us ultra runners have been in races where we are alone for hours at a time during a 50km or 100km or 100 mile race as we spread ourselves out along the course? Sure, that has its’ own appeal, enjoying the solace of the woods or the mountains or wherever, but it is also a very enjoyable experience being with all the runners in the race, being amazed by the speed demons and encouraging the runners new to the sport. It’s great for families, able to cheer their runner and others on a closed circuit, and everybody ‘wins’. There are no DNF’s here.</div>
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Medals are handed out for 50km, 100km and 100 mile buckles if you achieve those distances. </div>
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<strong>Why this Race?</strong></div>
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I didn’t know this race existed but entered Sulphur Springs 200 mile race in late May (Gulp!) and needed a long race that I could treat as a ‘training run’. I referred to the <a dir="ltr" href="http://ultraresults.com/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors="true">UltraResults.com</a> website and looked for other runners entered for SS200 and found two others had entered O24 (or Outrun race). After researching I signed up. <br />
There are 175 runners entered and of those, four are Canadians (Stephen Parke who held the course record here with 127 miles and was pipped last year for the course record which now stands at 129 (or 137 after this race now I'm updating this). Then there is Clay Williams, myself, and Iris Cooper, aka ‘Swiss Miss’, who is entered in the Tahoe 200 in August). </div>
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<strong>Training to Date</strong></div>
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So how am I feeling about my training so far with some epic races entered this year? Well, my last month of training has had weeks averaging 70-80 miles which is my highest mileage weeks ever. The trails have been boggy messes and I’ve been out in them but still feel I could use some longer single runs but time is up and the race is now 4 days away. I’ve got a few 50km and marathons and 20 milers under my belt in training. I’m not ‘worried’ about this race but would like to get a good distance tally and get used to the feeling of being on my feet for a very long time and running through the night which I’ll have to do at SS200 for, um, 3 nights in a row. So it’s all good practice for the ‘real’ race. Ha ha. </div>
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<strong>Sun Issues</strong></div>
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So last summer I noticed two small marks on my shoulder that were like small rashes and they would never really go away. I thought they may be friction burns or marks from my sleeveless shirts or rubbing from my hydro pack and then the Fall/Winter came and they still were there, never healing, never getting worse, sometimes slightly itchy and sometimes tender. </div>
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So I finally went to my doctor who referred me to a dermatologist and it turns out it’s something called ‘Actinic Keritosis’, or fucked up cells which can mutate into SCC (sub cutaneous carcinoma – or skin cancer) if left. So first she whips out her trusty ‘blowtorch’ device and delivers a lovely dose of liquid nitrogen over both rashes which is rather painful. Then she tells you she needs to re-apply again two minutes later and I didn’t hit her but thought about it until I saw the paintings her children had done that she had posted on her walls. </div>
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So I grinned through that and then she sent me on my way with a prescription for something called 5% Effudex which is a cream I was to apply 2x daily after the initial ‘burn’ healed from the cryosurgery, for a period of a month. So a week later, with pink skin showing, I began to apply this cream and for the first week or so no big deal but then it got rather unpleasant and is like having a really nasty sunburn and it’s pretty tender and sore but much better than the alternative. I was told to be liberal with the cream and go outside the area of the initial rash as you never know how many other cells might be changed too. So I’ve finished the treatment 3 days ago and hopefully things will heal up, I’ll go back to the dermatologist and she’ll give me a clean bill of health. </div>
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I was told I was a ‘poster child’ for this; having fair skin and blue eyes and having exposed shoulders with sleeveless shirts and singlet during long hours of running training in the summer probably didn’t help either. The reason I’m mentioning it here in my blog is that all you runners out in the sun need to be vigilant and wear appropriate clothing and apply and reapply sun cream with a high UV factor. I’m going to be more careful about what I wear and reapply often. I’ve just purchased some arm sleeve UV protectors also. I’ll let you know what I think. So be careful out there and IF you find a mark or rash or something that is unusual or has been there for awhile, go check it out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After liquid nitrogen and 2 weeks of cream (two more to go)</td></tr>
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<strong>Race Kit</strong></div>
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The race starts <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://1/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 8am</a> and weather forecasts change almost daily with rain forecast and cooler at night of course and during day possibly up to 28 degrees so hot, although today it shows 20 for the day so I’ll come prepared. I’m sleeping in a tent and will drive down on Friday. I got a new pair of Salomon Speedcross 4 (I had the model 3 last year) and I’m finding my baby toes are getting squished so I’ll pack them out with wet paper and stuff the toebox and hope that improves things but they have big lugs which may be overkill for the conditions. </div>
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I’ll certainly take my well worn Speedcross 3’s which are battered but are comfortable. I also got a new, replacement pair of Innov Rocklite Shoes which are trail shoes but very light and for me don’t work on serious trail as I feel everything so I may go with them although with the high miles my Achilles tendons are tender. I also have a lovely pair of Altra shoes which are so comfortable, wide toe box, but the damn things give me shin splints. I think it is because most of my other shoes have a fairly large heel to toe drop and these are a 0 drop. It’s a real shame but I think they’ll come out to play at some point. </div>
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I’ll take my new arm sleeves and LONGER sleeve shirts, my compression socks, hat and garbage bags for rain. </div>
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<strong>Nutrition</strong></div>
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I’ve tried Tailwind but it does not work for me so I’ll be sticking with salt tablets, water, maybe some Perpetuem and my Cliff Shot Gels. I’ll take orange slices, ginger ale to hopefully reduce stomach issues and try some form of caffeine at night. I’m not sure in what format because I don’t drink tea or coffee and it might make me feel crazed and elevate my heart rate too much. Hmmm, I should have tried this before. Ooops.</div>
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The aid station by all accounts has some delicious offerings through the race and I’m hoping noodles and broth and pizza are there and maybe perogies. I think those are things I would enjoy. </div>
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<strong>Race Predictions</strong></div>
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Well, looking at the results of past years and because of the nature of the race you’ll see the standard ‘pattern’ for a timed event. There will be those hoping to achieve their first 50km or 50 mile or 100km and those that will go for a few beyond those points, say 53 miles if they were going for 50 miles, to beat the ones that stop at 50 miles. Of the 175 entrants there seems to be between 13-17 that achieve 100 or greater mileage and that would place you pretty highly overall. I’m treating this as a long ‘training run’ but I really would personally like to get the 100 mile buckle but 100 miles is a very long way, as is 24 hours time-wise. I don’t know how I’ll hold up at this first seasonal challenge but that is the goal. 100 miles (yes, 102 if I get to 100 so I can get a few more places higher). So there you have it. I hope the training has paid off and I’ll update this race report once she’s all done. </div>
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Enjoy your races and hope to see you out there. </div>
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Alex, aka The Running Dude </div>
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<strong>The Race</strong></div>
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Welcome back. So my first race of 2017 is now consigned to the history books. I've been back 1.5 weeks and have had a 10, 20 and 17 mile run so I guess my legs are mine again after the race. <br />
I drove down Friday morning with my GPS. At the border the only question I faced was why I had so many coats. Er, well, I'll be running 24 hours and the forecast looks cold and rainy. Off I go. The highway driving was pretty unexciting but it was sunny and nice and once I got off the highway the rest of the journey was pretty with some grand houses with well manicured grounds. The park was easy to get into and looked familiar thanks to my online researches and all Zak's great videos of the course on YouTube.<br />
I pulled in around 1pm and had a quick reckie of the area and chose a spot to set up my tent and adjacent aid station. It was getting grey and I choose a spot with good drainage. After a number of hours of being set up I saw Steven Parke and Clay Williams and they set up their marquee next to mine which had 3 covered sides with one open side, inside which they set up their chairs and provisions. They were not staying and were going to a hotel for the night. Quite a few people did that and I probably would have got more sleep as it poured rain from about 8pm until midnight with sporadic rain during the night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tent with 'aid station' at start of trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aid station with food/clothing and supplies I brought</td></tr>
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My aid station consisted of ginger ale and coke for when I wanted to settle my stomach, a Tupperware with 3 oranges sliced, another with peanuts and one other with salt and vinegar chips, lots of bottles of water, my hammer gels, bag balm for re-lubing and pickles with pickle juice (new for this race).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHeuYKXwhdk/WQ0UIf7k56I/AAAAAAAAA1w/Ac7zBTWo1Y4VkKSY3yREEO-itYApMFrpwCLcB/s1600/F0ABCBBC-3E85-4EE5-80ED-2F4EFCFB93A0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHeuYKXwhdk/WQ0UIf7k56I/AAAAAAAAA1w/Ac7zBTWo1Y4VkKSY3yREEO-itYApMFrpwCLcB/s640/F0ABCBBC-3E85-4EE5-80ED-2F4EFCFB93A0.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven Parke on left, me in middle and Clay Williams. All of us are entered in Sulphur Springs 200 mile in 3 weeks time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I got set up I wandered around and met some of the volunteers and chatted to some of the people setting up marquees for their club teammates. It was all friendly and I picked up my bib number, 268 which had my name on it which I thought was a nice touch. <br />
<strong>The Course</strong><br />
I went for a walk of the course and it was finely crushed gravel with a short stretch on asphalt as you go through the parking lot. From my aid station there was an easy meandering trail through the trees. You cross over another trail and continue around until you eventually get to a gentle slope and here is the only hill of the course which is about 50 feet and is steep enough to walk but you are at the top quickly. <br />
Then you have a short decent to a wood bridge, then another small incline with another short down, one more gentle up and then level for a 50 feet before a sharp left which takes you down and down and down until you level out and turn left up into the open field on your left with trees on your right. you cut right and you are at the 1 aid station with the toilet block and a sharp left puts you onto the pavement and over the timing mat. Immediately after the timing mat there was a big TV monitor which showed all the names/bib numbers and miles done for you which was really handy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-266gD72xv-c/WQ0WjEXsR-I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/LnD72s9C1B0enmKwqNkf_poCFMgh-BlxwCLcB/s1600/2A37442A-E2EC-45D6-9AFD-40684DD0B6CD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-266gD72xv-c/WQ0WjEXsR-I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/LnD72s9C1B0enmKwqNkf_poCFMgh-BlxwCLcB/s640/2A37442A-E2EC-45D6-9AFD-40684DD0B6CD.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of trail from my aid station. Crushed gravel and very flat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ0rmfRf7jk/WQ0WjCG60eI/AAAAAAAAA2U/pEZ3ntkJfbo-KZEzyRWQhxFvcXHXlFxuQCLcB/s1600/074F43F1-C87E-4B9D-A363-4BC6ACB236D2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ0rmfRf7jk/WQ0WjCG60eI/AAAAAAAAA2U/pEZ3ntkJfbo-KZEzyRWQhxFvcXHXlFxuQCLcB/s640/074F43F1-C87E-4B9D-A363-4BC6ACB236D2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the hill looking down short decline to wood bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">My sleep overnight was not great. It rained and was cool and I never felt I really fell asleep but no worries as I'd had plenty of restful nights the days leading up to the race. I got up and had time to have breakfast and say hello to some of my neighbors. Opposite me was a large marquee with a group of runners using it as a base. One couple I really liked. I'm terrible with names so they were 'hey you' for the purposes of this blog. Sorry! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">She was really tall and on this occasion was supporting her husband and other runners. They set up a chalk board and were asking questions to runners every few laps like 'Star Wars' or Star Trek'. You'd yell out which and they'd take a tally. It was fun. She ran a few laps with her husband over the 24 hours and I joined them for a few when things were getting tough so they were good company and good neighbors to have.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Below is a photo of many of the runners and this was taken a few minutes before the start and within a few minutes of beginning the rain started.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoSj9_kynP4/WQ0WhI1jWfI/AAAAAAAAA2I/GLWPO2jeaCsLFJCyAK8-BPPHu_xG98uaACLcB/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoSj9_kynP4/WQ0WhI1jWfI/AAAAAAAAA2I/GLWPO2jeaCsLFJCyAK8-BPPHu_xG98uaACLcB/s640/IMG_1212.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven Parke at front in Green. Guy in front left is Troy who had the course record of 129 miles and killed it on this one, getting 137 miles! I'm in a blue top half way down the photo with Iris Cooper who got 104 miles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>The Race</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">My ‘A goal’ was 100 miles but I finished with 85, placing 19<sup>th</sup> of 156. I should be happy with that
but the second half of the race I bled time. I went out at a stupid pace,
maintaining 2<sup>nd</sup> until 35 miles. I reached 50km in <st1:time hour="17" minute="11">5:11</st1:time>
and from there slowed, reaching 60 miles in 12 hours. I got carried away
with the ease of the course and the excitement and chasing down the runner
ahead. Not the best strategy for a 24 hour race. </span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I certainly could have reached 100 miles if I hadn’t gone
out like an ass and if I ‘cared’ more. What I mean by that is that this race
was meant to be a long training run for my 200 mile race in three weeks and
once I got tired I talked myself out of caring enough to reach my 100 mile
goal. I also knew that for SS200 I need to maintain 67 miles a day for 3 days so I was content with 85 miles, knowing how it 'felt'.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">After reaching 62 miles (100km) I thought, well, let’s get
to 75 miles. Then I thought, well, 80 would be nice. I did the calculations and
knew 100 was no longer possible and decided 85 would be a good figure to finish
on as a long training run for Sulphur Springs 200. I could have gained two more
places if I had just walked two more miles instead of taking down my tent and
packing the car with 45 minutes left in the race. I could have placed higher if
I didn’t keep taking 20 minute breaks every hour or so in the car to warm up. I hate being cold
and it rained for the first 12 hours, sometimes hard, sometimes spitting.
During the night hours it was cold, about 9-11 degrees and some of the momentum of the race can get lost when there are fewer people on the course and deep night creeps in.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I also took a 2.5 hour rest in the back of my car. I wasn’t
able to sleep or get warm or comfortable and probably I should have just
bundled up and kept at it but I didn’t. I wasn’t tired during the night hours
at least, like wanting to fall asleep, although of course my body was tired
from running.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">At night there were far fewer runners than had started as
many had reached their goals of 50km or 50 miles or 100km. It was more peaceful.
I remember one tall guy was wearing a ‘viking’ hat that lit up. And I remember
being bundled up with a ‘hoddie’ and long pants and seeing <st1:city><st1:place>Troy</st1:place></st1:city>
(the race winner, beating his own course record with 137 miles! Impressive) lap
me over and over and run the hill. I remembered hours earlier when I’d been
maintaining his pace lap after lap but he was still killing it and hadn’t
slowed at all.</span></div>
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The volunteers were lovely and always had a smile and waiting to help you with whatever you needed at the aid station. It was convenient having the washroom facilities readily available and the timing chip guy had a marquee and was there much of the race and often was very encouraging as you passed the mat and he could see your progress. He'd be like, 'you're doing great Alex'. It was nice encouragement.</div>
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There were all sorts of people at the race; shapes and sizes and ages. Some were alone, some had families supporting them at various points through the day and some couples had entered together. I really liked seeing them, lap after lap, sometimes holding hands in their ponchos as they walked the course, enjoying the experience and each other's company. Classy. There were 'gaggles' of girls in 3's or 4's chatting away. One was so oblivious about the race going on around her that as I came flying by on her left on the downhill, startling her, she screamed out loud. It's a race for many but also just a fun day out with friends to get in a good healthy long walk in together. It's nice being in a race which is unusual in this respect. </div>
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<strong>The Food and my Aid Station</strong></div>
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I most commonly snacked upon the orange slices and potato chips. I had a few cans of ginger ale and drank a lot of my water, filling up here rather than their aid station. I didn't have many Hammer Gels at all.</div>
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</div>
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I was slightly disappointed overall but I think that's partially because when you run for so long your stomach gets very particular and some things become less palatable or the things that you crave and would like for hours end up being a limited time offer. Also, I'm not big into M&M's or 'little stuff' and I seem to recall trays of that kind of 'filler'.</div>
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</div>
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While there was more on offer than what I'm mentioning here I had quite a few cups of ramen noodles which I enjoyed and which always went down well. I had a few slices of watermelon which I would have liked more of but I think they went fairly quickly. I loved the pizza when it came when it was hot but they cut it up into quite small 'pieces' but I guess that stopped too much greed but man I would have enjoyed more of that over the hours and when it got cold it wasn't palatable. They had just a broth separate from the ramen noodles. The other offering which everybody loved were the grilled cheese. I would have loved having a bowl of ketchup to dip them in but with double dipping it could have become gross. But grilled cheese is a winner and I'd even bring some with me I think seeing how well it went down.</div>
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<strong>Other Stuff I Recall</strong></div>
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</div>
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I did hear after the fact that they set up a 'bacon' tree which is hilarious. I saw some guys putting up string in a tree along the path and thought they were preparing to put up chemical sticks for the night segment. They had these but they were laid out along the path. After I got home I read that they put bacon attached to the string. That is funny. A bacon tree! Yum. Unfortunately when I passed all I saw were empty strings. It was a very popular tree.</div>
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</div>
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Another funny thing was this model skeleton they put out which was at the final turn before getting back to the aid station. He/she was sitting there contentedly and the race organizers put different signs on it over the hours. </div>
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The night hours were lonely but quite novel. You don't run through the night that often and it's quite an experience seeing how your perspective changes and how your energy levels increase as the dawn creeps in. There was a nice band of lighting in the trees in the final approach.</div>
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I recall hearing the sounds of train whistles in the dawn in the distance. Cleveland is only a short distance away but it felt very peaceful and remote.</div>
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The rain sucked and while I prefer cooler temperatures I think the combination is tough in such a long race and over time the wet and cold seeped into me. But we all faced that and Troy seemed to be coping fine, blazing by me in skimpy shorts and a T-shirt through the night hours as well.</div>
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</div>
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It was lovely to share some time with some of the other runners, or encourage them. Everybody was friendly and positive and the fire pit at the start encouraged people to hang around which made it nice, knowing warmth and companionship was only a mile away.</div>
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As I mentioned earlier, I was happy to pack up things before the official end and when you are really exhausted, pulling down a wet tent and cleaning up is no fun at all. I went in a chatted to Zak quickly and got my medal and mug and left him to prepare for the breakfast they were putting on for the runners still there. Here's a shot of me in the car shortly before heading home.</div>
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</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7WB4c5zpK0/WRT80S5Cu1I/AAAAAAAAA20/AT1_rKf_ezoInhNsuig-bmtuhED6RgYeQCLcB/s1600/AC6CA821-FF71-40D5-A292-F83B6B031C36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7WB4c5zpK0/WRT80S5Cu1I/AAAAAAAAA20/AT1_rKf_ezoInhNsuig-bmtuhED6RgYeQCLcB/s640/AC6CA821-FF71-40D5-A292-F83B6B031C36.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh, now I can sit down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MENmjbYH_y8/WRT80xmLMCI/AAAAAAAAA24/SJQx5crI3dw6a0pfqPcofsSPJx0qdxuygCLcB/s1600/B538C8B3-9B2F-4E7C-AD26-A0E1D364533E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MENmjbYH_y8/WRT80xmLMCI/AAAAAAAAA24/SJQx5crI3dw6a0pfqPcofsSPJx0qdxuygCLcB/s640/B538C8B3-9B2F-4E7C-AD26-A0E1D364533E.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why we do these crazy runs. It's all for 'The bling!'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The drive was long and twice I had to pull off to find a parking lot and try to have a nap as I was extremely tired and knew it was getting dangerous to carry on driving. My legs were extremely sore and uncomfortable and no position was comfortable for any period of time. I was very happy to get home and have a shower and sleep after taking two Advil to take the throbbing away.<br />
The next day my feet felt ok, no chaffing or blisters but the following two nights were agony as every joint in my toes felt like they were on fire. I think this was the very lightweight Altra cross country shoes I wore and the pounding I put them through going down the last hill, hour after hour. The lack of support pounded them mercilessly I think. I've never had that type of pain in my feet before.<br />
Below are the statistics Zak published a few days after the race which you might find interesting.<br />
I think it was a great race and I'd definitely do it again. Zak is a great guy with a great team behind him. They are friendly and have a great venue and it's a race that can appeal to so many more than 'just' ultra runners. Everybody can try to exceed their expectations or just have a great fun day of walking. I hope some more Ontario runners will join us next year to support the O24 event.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EW0Q6v8sK-E/WQ0WhTAMU1I/AAAAAAAAA2M/BNZPd57YJskwkg0aSZdjhKGgymE6nV_iwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EW0Q6v8sK-E/WQ0WhTAMU1I/AAAAAAAAA2M/BNZPd57YJskwkg0aSZdjhKGgymE6nV_iwCLcB/s640/IMG_1213.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zak provided us with the statistics of the race which are interesting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thank you for reading my blog. I hope your running is going well and I look forward to catching up with you with my next race report which will be for the Sulphur Springs 200 mile in Ancaster. Send me your positive vibes because I'm going to need all of them. 200 miles! Holy Frick!<br />
All the best.<br />
Alex, aka 'The Running Dude'</div>
</pre>
The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-60153104623906434422016-11-14T18:25:00.001-08:002022-06-04T18:16:07.694-07:002016 - MENDON PARK 50KM - RACE REPORT
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2016 Mendon Park 50km Race Report - November 4th</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hey out there. Thanks for joining me. I had my last trail
race for 2016, called <st1:place><st1:placename><st1:personname>Me</st1:personname>ndon</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>, which happened to be in the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and took place Saturday November 4th. It was only 2 hours away from my house
and is located just south of <st1:place><st1:city>Rochester</st1:city>, <st1:state>New
York</st1:state></st1:place>. The course is a 10km loop with distances of 10,
20, 30 and 50km. The 50km runners start at <st1:time hour="8" minute="0">8am</st1:time>
with the remaining races beginning at <st1:time hour="9" minute="30">9:30am</st1:time>.
It also happened to be the last race I’ll have before turning 50! Yippee. New
age grouping. Ha ha.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I only found out about this race in the last 2-3 weeks when
my running friend Lisa told me she was going to enter the 50km and had raced
the 20km a few years ago. I picked her brains about it and it sounded fun so
signed up and at $40 I thought it was great value. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After doing some of the Ontario Ultra Series (OUS) races
multiple times it’s nice to go somewhere new and I’ll definitely do this race
again. It was beautiful and I really hope someone reading this decides to try
it. Ok, the weather was absolutely stunning which helped, but the course is
lovely too. At this time of year expect the trails here to be covered in
brightly hued Fall leaves which can make foot placement critical and while
there were a few downhills which had some loose rocks and of course there were
roots in a few places too, overall it was very runnable and I didn’t stub a
toe, twist an ankle, or face plant at all. </span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The majority of the course is tree covered and is hilly,
although there are certainly enough stretches that you can open up your stride
and a number of the hills are runnable although like any longer races, those
hills grow as you tire. The elevation profile is more than some of the OUS
races with a total elevation gain of 2,500 feet up and 2,500 down for a total
of 5,000 feet over the 50km. Just for comparison, the CN Tower is 1,800 feet
tall.</span></div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30IHQvl5J1s/WCpthRqml7I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/8QFaoDHcY0AmjuMZe45fs6kr-QIlU31YwCLcB/s1600/1mendon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30IHQvl5J1s/WCpthRqml7I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/8QFaoDHcY0AmjuMZe45fs6kr-QIlU31YwCLcB/s640/1mendon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">200 feet into the race - even though I saw the photographer shoot me multiple times I can't find any others</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The setup is really good. The parking lot is really big and
there is a lodge called Stewart Lodge a short walk from the parking lot where
you pick up your bib with integrated timing chip and pins. The three of us
(Tina, Lia and I) then headed back to the car we shared. We left just before <st1:time hour="5" minute="0">5am</st1:time> and arrived in two hours and even had time
for a Tim Horton stop along the way. On the road coming into <st1:place><st1:placename><st1:personname>Me</st1:personname>ndon</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype>Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> proper we saw about 4 sets of
deer.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was dark when we arrived. There were 4 port-a-potties at
the corner of the parking lot and then a little hill up to a large covered
structure open on all sides with many picnic benches where anybody who wanted
could leave their drop bags. The course went through the timing mats with the
Lodge right there. You hit the aid station set up on the other side of the
lodge and then followed the trail another 150 feet to the covered structure and
your drop bags and headed past the port-a-potties before a long grassy section
on an incline, across the road and immediately into the trails. All very easy.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It wasn’t too cold. We carried our respective drop bags to
the picnic benches. I visited the ‘facilities’, lubed up the butt so I didn’t start any ass
fires, and, after settling for a bit we made our way to the lodge and sized up
the competition. Ha ha. None of us saw anybody we knew but they seemed a
friendly lot and the 50km runners were the usual assortment of whippets,
grizzled veterans and newbies. The race Director made a short speech and
indicated the starting line, which I happened to be standing right on. I made a
tactical retreat in amongst the mid pack so I wouldn’t go off to quickly. Did
it help? Hell no. I looked back and located Tina and Lisa who ran together and
before the nerves could kick in we were off and the stampede began.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ran with a handheld and a belt pack and simply filled the
pouch with loose shot blocks, salt tablets and Advil for later. I wore shorts with
two top layers, a short sleeve and over that a long sleeve technical shirt.
Shoes were Salomon Speedcross 4 and taller socks with Salomon compression
sleeves for the calves. Lap 1 I wore a cap and then dumped it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were the two aid stations. I mentioned the
start/finish one and the other was 5km in. The volunteers were very helpful,
asking what liquids I wanted refills on. I found what I did at every aid
station was take two orange slices and one of the little cups of coke for
settling my stomach and I virtually spent no time at all there. On offer as
well as orange slices were banana slices, coke, ginger ale, Tailwind,
M&M’s, pretzels and gummy bears.</span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Total people entered in
50km was 114. Total who started 100. Total who finished 79<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lap 1 – 0:58:16 (29<sup>th</sup>
overall on this lap)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Lap one there were quite a few people around me at various
points. A few speedsters came past and we caught a few and then I settled in
around a woman and two other guys. One guy had long hair and a blue hydro-pack
and I’d catch him on the flats and keep pace on the ups even though he tended
to try a running motion and I power hiked it and then he’d go flying by on the
down-hills. The first 10km was a little of a blur but there were many hills of
varying degrees and I’d say 2-4 more major hills although short, with one longer
steady hill taking you up to a huge concrete water tower about 2.5km into the
course.</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We came down the final hill which has many loose pebbles and
then across a road and run slightly downhill along the grass into the timing
chute and the clock said 58 minutes. Oh wow! Er, maybe a bit fast. Hell, no
question about it, too fast. I was pooped by 5km aid station actually and was
surprised it was ONLY 5km. Anyway, the stampede carried me along that first lap
and I hoped I’d gain some wisdom on lap two now we’d spread out a bit. There
was some nice clapping as we crossed the mats as the other distances now had
about 30 minutes before their race starts.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lap 2 – 1:01:55 (30<sup>th</sup>
place – dropped 1)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Lap 2 is mostly a blur too with about 3-4 runners around me.
It was weird though. About 4 that were in visual range ahead of me came to the
5km aid station and they all stopped. I decided to carry on and expected over
the following 1-2km to be caught and passed again but it never happened. From
that point on I don’t think I was passed by more than a very few 50km runners.
Later it became difficult to know who was in what race as by Lap 3 you were in
amongst the shorter races. I was running quickly for me and of course was
feeling it but I loved the trails and the temperature and the colors of the
trees and leaves. So amazing. I love cooler temps. Two of my summers racers
were disastrous affairs in 35+ temps. I felt good about my 11:18 time at the
Haliburton 50 mile in September and so felt I had some residual fitness from
that and I had completed a 36km training run two weekends prior to this race. I
was surprised that I had not dropped my pace too badly and came in at <st1:time hour="13" minute="2">1:02</st1:time> for this lap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lap 3 – 1:04:10 (24<sup>th</sup>
place – gained 6 places)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
By lap three I was feeling it. I was alone and would
occasionally pick up some of the tail end of the 10-30km runners. The day was
still fantastic out. My pace was still not bad although I was starting to have
to walk some of the hills sooner than in previous laps. I think after crossing
the finish line this loop I went to my drop box and just sat for about 1 minute
to get my wind back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lap 4 – 1:13:38 (24<sup>th</sup>
place – no change)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
I was really pooped now and plodded up hills and came across
more racers from other distances and tried to encourage them along. People were
good about moving over for me and when I heard pounding footfalls behind me I
stepped aside. If I could improve both my fitness over all on the longer runs
and improve on my hill training I’d see big improvements in my finish times I
believe. The hills on this course were doable for some of the fit finishers. I threw
up on this lap twice but not much came up but right after it I was back to
running. I also found that my posture was likely the cause of my really tight
shoulders and upper back as I was walking the steeper hills stooped over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lap 5 – 1:10:11 (21<sup>st</sup>
place – gained 3 places)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Total Finishing Time </b><st1:time hour="17" minute="28"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5:28:10</b></st1:time><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> – 21<sup>st</sup> of 100<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
After getting to the end of loop 4 I knew I was flagging but
really wanted a negative split for my final loop and actually felt that my
first 5km was quite a bit quicker overall. It was really nice being familiar by
now with what was coming up. The first 5km had some particular features which I
recalled. A long slope up to the water tower and on the other side down and
some good flats. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second 5km I was doing my best to keep the pace up but
there were a few slogs. You pop out to the side of the road and then head back
into the trail twice. After the final road sighting you know you are almost
there and there are only 2-3 steeper climbs. I caught sight of my two friends Lisa
and Tina at this point as they crested a hill and every time I got to the top
they seemed to be closing but not fast enough. I really wanted to lap them.
That’s what friends do! We got out and crossed the final road and were on the
grassy section and I passed one and had a few meters to catch the other but
just missed her. She was NOT going to let me catch her. What a cow! I mean
friend. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVFqUoDgqHA/WCpthfmncLI/AAAAAAAAAzY/fqmNA4K8WAYm0j0joWf-blV9qwA3VHo0ACEw/s1600/2mendon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVFqUoDgqHA/WCpthfmncLI/AAAAAAAAAzY/fqmNA4K8WAYm0j0joWf-blV9qwA3VHo0ACEw/s640/2mendon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa in the front and Tina just behind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-siTA_6oeUrA/WCpthZWJoOI/AAAAAAAAAzY/rLYdEmI6ABk847PsZUD8iYNsz5HOmbYpACEw/s1600/3mendon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-siTA_6oeUrA/WCpthZWJoOI/AAAAAAAAAzY/rLYdEmI6ABk847PsZUD8iYNsz5HOmbYpACEw/s640/3mendon.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking good Tina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After crossing the line I was offered the finishers reward.
Tina looked back and gave me a ha ha for not catching her and I smiled good
naturedly as they carried on their final loop. The finished prize was a nice
glass for beer or whatever which was a change from a medal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat on a picnic table outside for about 10
minutes, massaged the legs and gave them a break and then headed into the lodge
which had a lovely fire going. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You helped yourself to two kinds of soup and a bagel with
different toppings, a banana or apple, some cookies. Oh, they had some yummy
apple cider too. I relaxed in there until I warmed up and really felt good with
the way the race went. I got my drop bag, headed to the car and changed and
then walked to the finish line to clap people in. My two friends came down the
final hill and I cheered them in, let them do my routine with food and a rest
and then we headed home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhDSNgbphic/WCpthobo2fI/AAAAAAAAAzY/4ozkXJbyytUy9B3cFN8c00kOArcYEVPXgCEw/s1600/mendon1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhDSNgbphic/WCpthobo2fI/AAAAAAAAAzY/4ozkXJbyytUy9B3cFN8c00kOArcYEVPXgCEw/s640/mendon1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all finished top 3 in our age groups. Here we are, back home in a car park about to go our separate ways.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a stunning day start to finish. My finish of <st1:time hour="17" minute="28">5:28</st1:time> placed me 21<sup>st</sup> overall and 3<sup>rd</sup>
in my age group of 23 competitors between 40-49.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what comes next? 2017. I am considering a few BIG races
and will let you know when I figure out what they might be.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Again, I can’t say enough good things about this race. It is
stunning scenery, beautiful trails. It is runnable but hilly so a good
challenge. It is well run and has been around for 20+ years. Make it one for
your calendar for 2017. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope all of you have had an enjoyable running year and
look forward to meeting you out on the trails.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alex Campbell (aka The Ultra Dude)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">PS. It's been a few days since the race and as I post this blog of Mendon Park experiences, I have signed up for two future races in 2017 with one more event left to sign up for. One is a special 'first' for Canada. It is the first 200 mile race, being held in Ontario at the end of May and is the 25th Anniversary of the Sulphur Springs race. I've run the 50km and 50mile races here in past years and it will entail 16 loops of a 20km course. The race has a 72 hour (3 day) cut-off and no doubt will be epic in all ways. I had envisaged doing the 100 mile at some point and as I turned 50 last week I thought I'd do something 'big' for my 50th. Big and stupid and wonderful. So if you fancy joining me and 25-50 other nutjobs, please feel free to go to Race Register and sign up. It's $500 for the next several weeks and will climb quickly in the new year up to over $1,000 so sign up quickly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The second event (but first in the calendar) for 2017 will be a training run for Sulphur Springs which will be the O24 (Outrun) 24 hour run in Ohio which takes place the last week of April. It is a certified 1 mile looped course.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The final big race I'm going to aim for is the Fatdog 120; a 120+ mile race in British Colombia in August nicknamed the 'Hardrock of the North', i.e. it's bloody hard. I have a training friend called Wayne Pinel who has completed it twice and as we are both doing the SS200 I'll have lots of time to grill him over how to prepare.</span></div>
The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-13153485993828529312016-09-07T16:00:00.000-07:002016-09-22T07:44:51.155-07:002016 - HALIBURTON 50 MILE - RACE REPORT3 Days and Counting. . .<br /><br />I figured I’d update everybody on how the training is going for the Haliburton 50 mile. Well, not ‘is going’ since it’s now only 3 days away.<br /><br />I sipped the bitter dregs of failure here in 2013 at the 100 mile distance and quit after 50 milers in a time of 11 hours 57 minutes, but no medal to show for it and no points for the Series, so of course I’d like to earn my finishers medal this time. I’ve completed two other 50km ultras this summer, both in dreadful times in dreadful conditions. I do not do well in heat and humidity. I think I need to move! This summer has broken all records and training has been a chore to be honest.<br /><br />What has been useful and helpful is finding a few runners close by that are also running in the 50 mile at Hali. Well, that was the plan anyway. Lisa runs with our Trail Apes gang quite regularly; although this summer we’ve not been attending as many Sunday morning outings. Even better, she has a, um, HAD, an above ground pool to soak in after our long training runs. Aaahhhh. Problem is, it exploded one afternoon when she was home – a metal seal gave way after 11 years and adios pool. <br /><br />The other woman we’ve trained with regularly is Tina Chumak, and I’d heard about her through Lisa. She was entered in the Eastern States 100 miler and after failing miserably at it myself I was curious how she would get on. Well, she completed it and while she doesn’t consider herself an ultra runner she certainly is. Her strategy is to start slow and keep it slow. It works! Later in the race she always passes runners that burned themselves out with a crazy starting pace. Being a postal worker she is also used to her daily 10 mile route. Her plan was to use Hali 50 as a long run for herself as she has Grindstone 100 in October.<br /><br />So the only problem is that both ladies waited too late to enter and now it is sold out! Er, you have to be ‘in it’ to ‘win it’. Sheesh. Bad planning. Granted, both have had injuries that made them want to see how the training went before entering and the race does not usually sell out but what a shame. The only alternative now is if they get on a waiting list. I feel bad for them because it was going to be Lisa’s first 50 miler and while she is nervous about it, she’s done all the hard work and I know she can do it. Perhaps things will work out regardless. Maybe I’ll get her up with me and someone will be a no show.<br /><br />So am I ready? Well, I don’t think so. I don’t feel I have the fitness that I had in 2013 and I certainly feel this summer more like the tortoise than the hare but perhaps the training that I did was more effective than in 2013 when it was ultras every second weekend which no doubt left me tired by the end of the season. I also think I am being ‘smarter’ about hills and not attacking them all, more content to walk them and then get back into the running motion. I’ve had one 28 miler, 2 marathons and several 23 milers on the trails in training over the last month or so.<br /><br />Kit<br /><br />So this race I’ll be wearing a 1.5L Salomon hydro-pack rather than carrying around my hand-held and waist belt although I may start with the hand-held and safe the vest for one of the aid stations at around 15km. I’ll be using my S-caps for electrolytes and orange flavored shot blocks for calories. I did try the much-hyped Tailwind and while it claims to be all the liquid, food and electrolytes you need in an ultra and prevent stomach issues, I had completely the opposite reaction and came close to chucking in training runs a few times. Sigh. I guess I’ll have to keep trying different things.<br /><br />I purchased a new pair of Salomon’s this season, a ½ size larger than my old ones, and have found them good but I am annoyed that after only 2 months there is already a split down one seam at the base of the toe box! <br /><br />On the morning of, I’m going to lube the hell out of everything with Bag Balm, even the lower back where I’ve had some hydro-pack rubbing issues, which is never fun. I’ve gotten away from the short ‘crew’ length socks and found the taller ones work better for me. The short ones always seem to end up down my shoe and cause nasty chafing, especially as they get soaked from perspiration or rain. And of course I’ll have my calf sleeves on. Hell, I’ll probably keep them on in the shower after to keep my legs from exploding in cramps. They really do work. I have yet to decide if I’ll utilize aid stations for drop bags but we’ll see.<br /><br />Forecast<br /><br />The forecast as of now calls for 26 degrees, feeling like 31, with 80% chance of precipitation with several showers. Oh shit. It figures that the day after calls much cooler temperatures. Wonder if they’d postpone it for me? Ha ha.<br /><br />Expected Time<br /><br />Yes, it’s time to put my money where my mouth is. So, in 2013, I managed just under 12 hours. What is that, about 4.17 miles an hour? Seems so bloody easy doesn’t it? Hell, who can’t fast walk that pace on a street but we are not on a street. Hali is not a mountainous course but it has its fair share of hills which I’ll soon be re-acquainted with. I remember at the end of it feeling that, based on all the OUS races, it was the hardest to date. We’ll see how it goes this time. Round 2. I intend to be sensible with the pace and not burn out in the first 2 hours and hopefully I can keep the pace down but sustain it. Ok, so I think I’ll finish in 11 hours 37 minutes! There. Happy? If I finished in 11:20 or less I’d be well chuffed and if I match the time from 2013 I’ll be disappointed with myself. So here we go. That’s all now until after the race. Any last words? How about 'I'm coming for you, Normac! Ya bitch!'<br /><br />BACK FROM THE RACE<br /><br />Here we are. I've had a few days to reflect Awesome experience. I went out for a 17km run on Thursday and the legs are almost mine again. I came away this time without blisters, Achilles pain or any other trauma to the feet. Just a little wrinkly from being immersed in some of the boggy sections.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdHOPNZGvy8/V-Ppee0XgyI/AAAAAAAAAyo/z4tttiAK0NQNKyk13gAPYUQM9hsx0ygUgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0929.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdHOPNZGvy8/V-Ppee0XgyI/AAAAAAAAAyo/z4tttiAK0NQNKyk13gAPYUQM9hsx0ygUgCLcB/s640/IMG_0929.JPG" /></a><br />Tired pair of wrinkly feet with NO blisters! Yippee <br /><br />I drove up Friday at 10am and by using the 407 toll for part of the journey managed to get up there in 3.5 hours. The drive was uneventful. I love Highway 118 which is the last 60km or so which really is where you begin to feel you are in the ‘Great White North’ with the Canadian shield blasted to give way to the rolling highway which sweeps through great swaths of trees and bogs.<br /><br />I called into the Boiler room and got my pack and then made my way to look for a camping spot. I found the identical one as in 2013 albeit this time I had to remove big horse turds. I guess with all the really hot days the horses were standing under the trees but it was ok (and dry!). I got set up and chatted with another runner a few cars away who was going to sleep in his car. Then I headed up to the toilets to check out the shower facilities and saw you need a $1 to run them for about 5 minutes. I had a bag prepared for after with a change of clothes and toiletries and money so I could just drive straight there.<br /><br />Yes, I could walk too but after 50 miles I’m driving even if it’s 200 feet away.<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlN371jE_Ig/V-PpdizN2uI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/lT9R7LKymiYJ0W52Nv7a57gnse8Bz23FACEw/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlN371jE_Ig/V-PpdizN2uI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/lT9R7LKymiYJ0W52Nv7a57gnse8Bz23FACEw/s640/IMG_0915.JPG" /></a><br />All the kit bags inside the Boiler Room <br /><br /><br />I saw Ron and his wife Barbara and later that evening saw Richard Takata and KimberleyVan Delst running up for her pasta dinner with the other 100 milers. I’d not seen them most of the summer. Richard invited me to their ‘tent’ but holy crap it was more like mission central. It was about 40 feet long and like a giant caterpillar with various sections. I wish I’d taken a photo but they had comfortable chairs, a stove with water and all sorts under the table, then into their ‘bedroom’ with two sturdy cots and supplies neatly stowed under for each runner. I was amazed. These two are the most prepared people I’ve ever seen but considering they do 6 and 10 day events, comfort and preparation are key. After a nice beer with Richard I headed back to my tent and ate my home made lasagna. It was not warm but it went down a treat. I had two coolers with all sorts of food but really wasn’t that hungry. I organized myself for the morning and called it a night.<br /><br />Having time, I explored just around the corner from me where I was informed there was a captive Moose in a paddock and I found him easily. He was small but it was interesting to watch him feeding and across the road was a pig pen with the biggest damn pig I’ve ever seen. When I saw him all I could think of was Rhonda who is crazy about bacon in all forms! Ha ha.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqebjQ_oz_c/V-Ppd-2Yf-I/AAAAAAAAAyU/hTvTP6DM130Pcjo7TIhW9vy9XgaqN5tGgCEw/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqebjQ_oz_c/V-Ppd-2Yf-I/AAAAAAAAAyU/hTvTP6DM130Pcjo7TIhW9vy9XgaqN5tGgCEw/s640/IMG_0910.JPG" /></a><br />5 year old Moose in enclosed paddock - small but interesting to see up close<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfMJ5bgGP1I/V-PpdqZ1S1I/AAAAAAAAAyM/H8_Q5PMXzVwA8GgxgkheLIT-72-wXEEmQCEw/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sfMJ5bgGP1I/V-PpdqZ1S1I/AAAAAAAAAyM/H8_Q5PMXzVwA8GgxgkheLIT-72-wXEEmQCEw/s640/IMG_0904.JPG" /></a><br />Ok, it's only a pig but this was one was HUGE. They get fed all the restaurant left-overs - corn husks and the like <br /><br />The weather was sunny, warm and comfortable on the Friday, nothing like the crazy temperatures we’ve had all summer. I could hear all the activity around me and through the afternoon and evening had seen all sorts of people arriving and getting set up. Things did settle down eventually and I did manage some rest but don’t remember much actual sleeping. At some very early hour some muppet’s car alarm went off for five minutes, successfully waking up anybody and everybody I’m sure. Thanks asshole.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvhGnT7sWOo/V-Ppd-21ZLI/AAAAAAAAAys/0ngu6u95b4IXNzj4Gnf5sjJp5SEhpsOoACEw/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvhGnT7sWOo/V-Ppd-21ZLI/AAAAAAAAAys/0ngu6u95b4IXNzj4Gnf5sjJp5SEhpsOoACEw/s640/IMG_0919.JPG" /></a><br />My camp setup - same spot as 2013<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jp6jGsKdE4o/V-PpdzDCN0I/AAAAAAAAAys/yQPer6cJ3F80LYTAhmnbejTZn_djDDyrwCEw/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jp6jGsKdE4o/V-PpdzDCN0I/AAAAAAAAAys/yQPer6cJ3F80LYTAhmnbejTZn_djDDyrwCEw/s640/IMG_0921.JPG" /></a><br />Tent set up - just have to run 50 miles now. <br /><br />When I started hearing activity in the darkness around 4:45am I got up and went to the port-a-potty, had ½ a banana, got dressed and lubed the hell out of everything, and made my way up the road to the start line where people were milling around in groups chatting.<br /><br />Helen, the RD, was there informing them there would be no roll call of names, just a gathering and a prayer. We followed down the road where her and Gary had a few words and Helen made references to Forest Gump. We had a quick silence while we contemplated our respective journeys and then it was time. It was going to be a long day for many.<br /><br />The temperature was perfect and not everybody had headlights. I choose a handheld flashlight only and was wearing a belt with two small bottles and room for the flashlight and some salt tables with Cliffshot Blocks. I had a drop bag waiting for me at Aid station 5, located 28km into the course. That contained a hydro-pack with 1.5l of water and some items in the pockets. The idea was to run light and refreshed, pick up the vest and then on the way back see if I would keep wearing it or swap back to my hand-held.<br /><br />There was a count-down and we were off and I guess I placed myself somewhere in the mid pack but it was a relaxed start and I was conscious that I just wanted to stay comfortable. The first 6km is all hard packed dirt/gravel road and has a few up hills which we walked comfortably but much had a downhill bias until we then get onto the Normac trail by which point the runners had thinned out enough that it was not a cluster heading into the single track. There was enough natural light by that point.<br /><br />The trails were dry and I don’t remember much about this section. Over the next 25km I found myself with runners for shorter or longer periods. I was quite a while with Stephan Miklos who was in the 100 mile and I knew he was capable of a fast time and figured I’d stay with him as long as I could. That strategy worked quite well until almost the turn- around by which point I was with another runner called Chris I believe. We carried on and there was always a tall skinny guy with glasses without a shirt ahead of us. Sometimes he would get ahead and other times we’d pull him back, usually at aid stations. I reached the half-way 40km turnaround in a respectable 5 hours 5 minutes.<br /><br />The weather for the first 6-7 hours was fantastic. It was overcast and not too muggy and then on the way back, as I was running along one of the road sections, it began to pour heavily and continued on and off for some while and the trails became wet and slippery with the boggy sections becoming very muddy. I enjoyed the rain actually but along the Ben trail I was getting very tired and the continuous steep ups and downs I was having to take tenderly as my quads were shot by then and I was really slowing down. <br /><br />I had intended to take an Advil at the return Aid Station 5 but couldn’t find it and went off again just keeping the same gear I had. I found 10km aid stations were enough with the water I had. Fortunately at Aid Station 2 when I sat on the bench for a few minutes I mentioned my legs were about to seize up (they were twitching strongly through the calve sleeves) and he provided an Advil which I was grateful for and which kicked in about 15 minutes later and gave me immediate relief, giving my legs a bit more pep.<br /><br />I managed to get to about 28 miles before I barfed violently at the trail side. As you know from reading my blogs, it isn’t anything new but as usual it really helped make me feel better. In the entire return journey from the turnaround only 2 runners passed me and I was on my own most of the way. I didn’t catch up to anybody but I really enjoyed the solitude of the trails. Climbing up the road and heading into Normac didn’t bother me too much. Yes, I was tired by then and the climb up the road to the trail tired me so I bent over and chilled, collected myself and headed in. Honestly, I didn’t find Normac as bad as Ben. Ben is relentless. Very steep up-hills and down-hills, over and over. The first section of Normac there was a lovely breeze coming off the lake in a particular direction and it felt great. Eventually I began to get tired of the trail and just in time I saw the road again. At this point it didn’t register that there was no more trail but I was relieved to be on the logging road again. The mosquitos were a bit more feisty and I was a lot slower so I was swatting myself quite a bit but once on the road it was fine.<br /><br />The last several km along the road is constant gentle rolling and the rain begin a few times and stopped. I was pretty hot and poured water into my cap which was cooler than the rain. Finally I pass Richard on the final road stretch back to the start line and he is looking for Kimberley and seems to think she was ahead of me but that was never the case so I ran by him, wanting to finish and stop that clock. My Garmin 620 was till telling the time but I’d stopped it’s GPS tracking functions after 40 miles by which time I’d had 3 low battery warnings and I wanted to keep having clock functions. So I ran through the finish line, weary but extremely happy, in a finishing time of 11 hours and 19 minutes, 40 minutes faster than 2013 when I was entered in the 100 mile and gave up after 50 miles. I have seen the results and placed 25th of 60 finishers so I’m happy with that.<br /><br />After crossing I hugged Helen and thanked her, getting her a bit wet in the process, sorry. I was just so happy to be finished. Almost immediately upon getting my medal the rain started pouring down and I walked over the marque and sat on the edge of the picnic table, getting soaked but it was nice to be rinsed off. I waited for the next runner to come in and it was a woman, gave her a hug and then headed back to my car as I was getting chilled.<br />
<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDBZnjPewvo/V-PpeFFmrnI/AAAAAAAAAys/RbAhJK-J8Lw01hMMe5o-ioQqlgR7N1zGwCEw/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDBZnjPewvo/V-PpeFFmrnI/AAAAAAAAAys/RbAhJK-J8Lw01hMMe5o-ioQqlgR7N1zGwCEw/s640/IMG_0926.JPG" /></a><br />One happy ultra runner, medal earned.<br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTLZfHI4mzc/V-PpeCGaymI/AAAAAAAAAys/_U_6mvakXt48aRuyS0pEAAtueWBlvFXOACEw/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTLZfHI4mzc/V-PpeCGaymI/AAAAAAAAAys/_U_6mvakXt48aRuyS0pEAAtueWBlvFXOACEw/s640/IMG_0928.JPG" /></a><br />Can I go for a shower now, please? <br /><br />After a nice recovery in the car I drove up to the showers which didn’t work for me despite trying 3 separate coins and then another guy comes in and it worked first time for him! Grrrr. So after slamming my Loonie in multiple times I finally got my hot shower which felt fantastic. After that I drove to the restaurant, showed my meal ticket and had chicken, baked potato and corn on the cob. I headed back to the tent and headed in, hearing various runners completing their 50 mile journey or the 100 milers turning around. Around 11pm I was starving again and went into the car and finished ½ a sandwich and then headed back to bed.<br /><br />The second night was uneventful. I did hear an animal of some sort close to the tent making weird grunting noises and the wind started to get really strong all through the night. As morning approached it was a lot colder out and was only about 11 degrees but it was pleasant. I woke, ate some food in the car and then packed up my stuff and headed home.<br /><br />That’s about it for this race report. After a fairly non-descript running season I’m glad I entered a longer distance race and that it went well for me. It was great seeing some of the runners I know and meet new ones along the way.<br /><br />Thanks for checking out my blog and let’s see what comes next.<br /><br />Happy running.<br /><br />Alex, AKA The Running DudeThe Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-25298171874692791702016-06-20T10:44:00.000-07:002016-06-20T10:49:10.301-07:002016 - NIAGARA ULTRA - 50km - RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Niagara 50km Race Report</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Welcome back and thanks for looking in. It’s the day after my fifth Niagara Ultra race and fourth 50km race distance here. It’s almost my back yard and I know the route very well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was my second OUS series race in 2016 and came 3 weekends after my last one at Sulphur Springs. That race was hot as stink and this one shaped up to be the same, well into the 30 degree mark with baking sun. For me, it sucked out there! Damn I hate heat extremes. It was my worst performance at this distance at this race but I can’t complain, both for the fact it was so hot, and that I’d only completed two 10km training runs since SS due to an 8 day layoff with a severe cough. Poor Alex. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Until the afternoon before the race I was not going to even go. However, realizing how sorely I’d be missed I decided to cheer everybody up. . . Ok, so that wasn’t the reason. Try again. . . Um, sitting at work, having registered, I realized I’d like go out and see friends and maybe just have a nice social run and enjoy the pizza and beer at the end. Better? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Also, I can’t very well go and get my hoodie and wear it with pride if I didn’t earn it. I like the atmosphere at this race and know a number of runners so it’s great to cheer them on. That evening I went to collect the usual runner paraphernalia at the Kinsmen Scout Hall in Niagara-On-The-Lake and while there chatted to Diane and Henri (the RD). I stuck around for an hour or so and helped get people their timing chips and numbers and then headed home. According to the lists I saw, 200 were entered in the 50km event. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minutes before the start, listening to race instructions. Photo by St. Catherine Road Runners</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seconds to go - checking watches. I'm right in the middle. Shirtless Jack is here along with John McAlister (beside Jack) who won this race. Photo by St. Catherine Road Runners</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort George to Left - passing through open field to the Niagara Parkway. First 1km of race. Photo by St. Catherine Road Runners</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfhybCNRYe8/V2gmPn-JRqI/AAAAAAAAAvU/xDw4DbY0QywwPJ6_7xltF5JPtjtZqTRlQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfhybCNRYe8/V2gmPn-JRqI/AAAAAAAAAvU/xDw4DbY0QywwPJ6_7xltF5JPtjtZqTRlQCLcB/s640/IMG_0853.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself and Jack running together. The other guy/gal were with us for 10km. Photo by St. Catherine Road Runners</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe this is the 10km aid station. Paramedics present along with volunteers supplying water, Gatorade, and various tasty morsels. Photo by St. Catherine Road Runners</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After getting home at 8:30pm I organized my stuff and called it a night, waking at 5:15am, at which point I had ½ piece of toast with honey and a banana. After liberally applying bag balm (used on sensitive cow teats I believe – but makes a great body lubricant) on my various cracks and crevices I headed down to race HQ by 6:40am with a 7:00am start where people were busy little bees preparing their bodies and minds; huddling about in little groups, visiting the port-a-potties and generally trying to stay calm and chilled. The 100km race had started 30 minutes prior. Poor bastards on a day like this. It was going to get damn hot out there. I did this distance 2 years ago and did reasonably well but it was much cooler then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I saw many familiar faces milling about and chatted to 'shirtless Jack' Kilislian. I saw Kimberley, bubbling with enthusiasm and good cheer for everybody. There was Henri, RD, with a wide brim hat who gave a quick overview of the race and then there was only 30 seconds left. The 'go fast' brigade were all at the front, raring to go, and I made my way back from Jack and John McAllister (who won the 50km in a smoking hot time) to the front 1/3 and had every intention of starting slow, and finishing slower!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Off we headed on a short grassy section before reaching the paved path with the sun shining down, the birds chirping and feeling in good shape. My race prediction was to hopefully squeak in under 5 hours. I've had two times of 5:01 and 5:11 and one awesome time on a cooler day when I was in better condition of 4:07.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I caught up to shirtless Jack going past Fort George and decided to stick with him and we had a few words and then settled down running side by side. Behind us I could hear Kimberley chatting away to someone and then as we got about 2km in an Asian fellow and a woman came past chatting and Jack and I sort of hooked onto them and we stayed this way until the 10km point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Up until this time there were two occasions where a red van had stopped by the side of the road and a guy and two women were kindly offering Mr. Freezies for runners which I would have been hugely grateful for slightly later in the race but I lost my chance and declined the offer as I wasn't burning up yet. There was no real breeze but there are quite a few shady sections this time of morning for the first 10km. Things were ok but I had very little running fitness left after 3 weeks of hardly any training and even 10km without stopping was probably too much but my intention was to get to the big climb and walk that so Jack said he would carry on past the 10km aid station and I stopped to top up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Up until now my plan had worked and I was at 5:25-5:45km/min pacing and on pace for a 5 hour finish. I didn't want to waste energy running the hill and walked the majority of it and was surprised when the field didn't come whipping by me. I got into a running groove past the hydro plant in the open sun and knew by the time I hit this coming back it was going to be scorching but I got into the 15km aid station and topped up and was out but after this station I quickly went downhill and was having walking sections every km and it was getting hot. I think by this point I'd passed a few of the 100km runners and there were certainly other morning joggers out coming towards me that had no race numbers and were enjoying the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">It was a relief to get to the 20km aid station and I was mentally focusing on one aid station to the next. I was really paying attention to taking salt tablets and having my chewy orange blocks and drinking almost a full bottle between stations. I'd pour the small amount left over my head, top up at the aid station and drink one of their cups and another of ginger ale and usually popped an orange wedge or two before carrying on but didn't waste a lot of time at the aid stations as I was walking anyway. One of the aid stations, I think it might have been this one, had ice cubes which I popped inside my had and this gave me some relief for a few km.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">It's after 20km that you start the rolling hills into Niagara Falls and there is a lot of exposure to the sun and it is sidewalk and road running from here until the turn-around point. By now more 100km racers were coming by and I gave them all kudos and carried on running and walking. By this point I'd stopped looking at the watch for pace and had no intention of looking at it again until the 1/2 way point. I lost a few places but far fewer than I expected and I guess everybody was feeling the heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I got to the marathon 1/2 way point and one of the guys I regularly run with was there taking bib numbers for that race color. He recognized me and made a comment which pissed me off. A bit of a joker, he's run a few ultras and should have known better. As any of you who run 50km, 50 milers, 100km, 100 milers, etc. knows, your mojo is hugely important. It's all about keeping positive thoughts going as long as possible and believing in yourself and knowing that when you are tired and feeling shit, wanting to quit but pushing yourself physically and emotionally, that any negative thought, once introduced, can eat at you and potentially derail you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">That's why the volunteers are so important at races and the aid stations and why you always hear such great things about them giving up their time and being so supportive of everybody. It's critical. So as I'm going by he quips, 'You've got a looonggggg way to go Alex. No, I mean, a llllloooooonnnnnggggg way to go!' Thanks ass! So I replied, yeah, but I'll get er done! I know he didn't mean it because he's a nice guy but shit man, don't fuck with my mojo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The last 2km to the turnaround point got busy with tourists but I didn't find it too painful and always found gaps and it was interesting seeing how many were ahead of me and honestly it didn't seem as many as I expected. I finally hit the turnaround point and was feeling pretty rough but damn glad I was at least at the 1/2 way point. Diane offered me one of her home made cookies and I really wanted to oblige as I'm sure they would have been delicious but I honestly couldn't force one down, even walking so I did what I needed to, checked my watch, and turned around to narrow that gap to the finish line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><strong>First half 2 hours 27 minutes. . .</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Running back through the crowds there were many runners coming to their 1/2 way point, some familiar faces and many new faces, and I always gave some acknowledgement of their efforts and did my best to run as much as I could but honestly I was pooped. My shoes were Altras and they are trail shoes but very lightweight with minimal support and my feet were really feeling it and I might have been better off with a heavier shoe. I ran the 100km here two years ago with Hokkas and was thankful for their cushioning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The hills leaving the Falls seem larger and longer on the return and I walked the majority of them. There was a steady stream of runners, sometimes singly or small groups. Many of them looked pretty shattered and I knew I felt this way too and I was trying not to think about the long way back. It's always this section until getting back past the hydro station that drains me mentally. Once I'm heading back down the escarpment it becomes more tolerable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Jack had left me a long time back and I'd not seen any sign of him until coming in to the Falls but here he was, like me, walking up one of the hills and I'd caught up to him. I asked what was up and he said he was having some issues and I wished him well and said I'd see him again soon, certainly expecting that he'd recover and come past me but I learned he waited for one of his running friends and they ran the rest together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Not much to highlight in the middle section. It was not pretty and the graph of my pace during this part of the race indicates what it was like; a short period of running followed by a period of walking and this many times coincided with any shady sections. I think at this point I was walking shady sections and running sunny sections but I soon ran out of shade and decided it was far more preferable to walk the sunny sections and run the shady sections. By the time I got down the escarpment I don't think I gave a crap if it was a sunny or shady section, I just walked or ran when it tickled my fancy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I was relieved to be back on the way down the escarpment but my feet hurt and were taking a beating. I could feel blisters forming on the heels and my toes were getting very sensitive so running downhill was not pleasant but before I managed 1km of running down to the 12km point I spotted something delicious. Either the race director or Parks Canada had arranged to put out at the little round-about at the base of the stairs to the Brock Monument one of their big grass sprinklers. They'd put it on some table or barrel or something and it was squiring out a tight, powerful spray of beautifully cold water, going around and around every 30 seconds or so. I followed that sucker two full circuits, covered my eyes and let myself be doused. I loved every second of cool, refreshing water. That perked me up beautifully.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I ran down the hill with another runner whose name I've already forgotten despite talking with him after the race. Sorry dude! At the 1/2 way point down the hill I needed to walk again and let him go ahead but over the course of the next 8km he was within my sights with me catching up a bit when he walked and then him gaining when I walked. There were others like that too and the final 10km is really about getting it done and usually isn't very pretty. Yes, a few may pass you but everybody is hot as hell, tired, sore, and doing their best to run when they can and sometimes the gas runs out after 50 feet or 100 feet and then you walk some, muster up some energy and give it another go. Stop/start/stop/start. At least that's what it was like for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">At the 1/2 way point down the escarpment my left calf really began tightening, so much so that it felt like it was going to cramp up badly and I had to stop for a minute to massage it painfully and then carry on down the hill. By the time I hit the bottom it hurt badly and was again on the verge of cramping completely and I was getting pretty worried. There seemed to be some village fair happening in the grounds of the old Laura Secord school but I'm not sure what it was exactly but I stopped again in the shade and took a bit longer to massage it and down two salt tablets, hoping they would kick in soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">At this point I passed a big chap who seemed to be having some issues of his own and certainly wanted the race to be 11km closer to finishing than it was. I knew the feeling but you commiserate about the heat, your issues, tell them 'you can do it', and onwards you go. I was happy to be walking a hill than the flat and was able to make a staggered run/walk to the 10km aid station.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">9km mark coming just past the tree cover with the river on your right and pine cones littering the path. . .8km to the little park bench and the split in the path, followed by a yucky camber in the path which messes with your legs, 7km mark after a sharp short downhill followed by one of the last small hills. . .6km mark over 2 of the 4 wood bridges and 5km mark at the final aid station and also the Line 2 Road which goes directly to my house! Hmmm, it's about the same distance to both so lets get this race done! I saw another one of my running friends, Tina, at the aid station and a quick hello and top up and off I went.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">4km mark across the road from a farmers market barn, people with bikes in the shade eating their ice creams. Bastards! Many more people about now on bikes and walking by. A few runners I keep passing and being passed by. I have no idea if they are in the marathon or 50km and I don't really care. Just looking ahead at the next tree or sign and trying to run to it, or the next shady section, or whatever, just moving forward as best as I can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I finally get to the sharp left in the path which takes you across the road and into the grounds of Fort George and this is the only time I ever look back. I hope it's deserted but no, I see a woman not far off and another woman I've just passed is walking. I get into the open sun and it's blazing down and getting to the big group of trees and the 1km mark seems so far away through the open field but I get about 1/3 of the way there before walking again, catch another runner who is walking who I believe is in a different race and finally make it to the trees and the car park before crossing the road again on the final 1km section. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I get across the final road and hit another open sun section before the tree lined path and then the unthinkable happens! That woman, damn her smelly socks, passes me! I'd been aware of her and trying to keep up my blistering 1mph but it wasn't enough. Now if it had been 4km back I would have said to hell with it, but with only 0.5km left I just couldn't let it stand. I saw a flash of red in her bib and knew she was a 50km racer. Neither of us said a word to the another. Normally I'd say you are doing great, keep it up but she went by, huffing and puffing and making a great effort and I was huffing and puffing and I almost let her go. I thought, what does one place matter. Who cares if she or anybody else beats me by 10 or 20 seconds. But then something kicked in and I knew it did matter, that it was a race and that while I would have preferred walking a bit longer before making a last dash for the finish line, I just couldn't let her run past me with only a few hundred meters left without at least trying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">So that's what happened. I jogged and caught up to her and passed her and 20 seconds later I was out of gas and walked and she caught up again. I think she did pass me this time and again I found a reserve of energy and passed her by and again, shortly after taking the lead I found myself walking. 2 more times I heard her footsteps and breathing behind me and then we were approaching the final bend in the path leading to the cones directing you to the finish chute and the timing matts. I didn't exactly sprint although it sure as hell felt like it at the time, but I knew I couldn't afford another walk. I was dimly aware of the people under the trees clapping for us both and then I was just focused on crossing that finishing mat and I was done, just slightly ahead of my rival. I'm glad she pushed me and I hope I pushed her. I feel bad I didn't turn around and give her a hug or acknowledge our little private race at the end but I did find out her name is Gillian Baxter. Congratulations to you on your race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">So there you have it. <strong>Final time</strong>, <strong>5 hours 27 minutes</strong> which placed me <strong>46th of 180</strong> who completed the race.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 feet to go! Being chased to the finish just out of picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 feet to go!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 more feet to go! Finishing photos all by Mike from 'mysportsshooter.com'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race Statistics</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy camper with race medal. 2016 Niagara 50km race done. 5 hours 27 minutes</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">After stopping my watch and having my medal put over my head I made my way to the side of the building and just huffed and puffed with hands on legs for awhile and then slowly made my way to a shaded section and flopped down. After about 10 minutes of this I headed inside and grabbed a plate with a few pizza slices and sat down near the back with a cool fan blowing air and the side door open and began chowing down. There I chatted with Paul Chenery who I'd seen in a few races but it was two years ago at this very race where we both entered the 100km and for almost 50km of that him and I were running together. Unfortunately today was not his day and after bronchitis and 2 doses of antibiotics 50km was his limit. I also chatted to Pierre (RD of Creemore) and saw a number of other familiar faces. After about 30 minutes of sitting here and recovering I topped up for another 2 slices and the beer and headed to my car where I got a chair and went back to the finishing chute, set up my chair and cheered runners coming in over the next hour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I sat next to Jack and Dave Rutherford who is bloody fast. He ran the marathon on this day and placed third. And then John McAlister stopped by and he won the 50km in a very fast time and shared some experiences of the 100 mile Easter States inaugural race from 2 summers ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">It was really satisfying to be cheering on runners, knowing how they were suffering just as I had, and so damn close to the finish; looking weary, hot, but determined. I'm glad I didn't just not show up to this race. I'm sore now, 2 days later, with 2 toenails blackening, my calf very tender and legs that are still stiff. Every race is unique and I am glad I got the chance to experience this one. Congratulations to everybody that was out there. I look forward to seeing you out there again. Happy running.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-52522554575440787142016-06-04T09:34:00.000-07:002016-06-04T09:34:40.649-07:002016 - SULPHUR SPRINGS - 50km - RACE REPORTWhere does the time go! It seems only a short while ago I was racing <br /> frequently, with varying degrees of un-success. This was in 2013. Then a <br /> season went by with few races and less motivation followed by a season <br /> of fewer races but more satisfaction; pacing a few others in their <br /> personal quests, and just ticking over personally with my running.<br /><br /> Now here we are, 2016, with Sulphur Springs only days away. I didn’t sign up <br /> until 8 days prior. I had no fantastic months of training and was away <br /> in the UK for a month but managed some lovely 10-15 mile trail runs <br /> while in ‘The Garden of England’, Kent. Running in the North Downs I ran <br /> through beautiful carpets of Bluebells.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fields of Bluebells in Kent, England along the North Downs Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Downs Trail - constantly rolling hills with great beauty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a break from DIY chores on a lovely day in Kent, UK</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More trails which are beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow the acorn markings for the North Downs Way</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glorious Kent Countryside</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rochester Cathedral in Kent, UK</td></tr>
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Returning to Canada I became re-acquainted with Short Hills, The Bruce <br /> Trail, Woodend Park and when I checked out the OUS (Ontario Ultra Series) race calendar noticed <br /> Sulphur Springs was quickly approaching. I popped out for a 23 mile <br /> training run in Short Hills to ascertain fitness and willpower, <br /> remembered why Body-glide is an essential addition to any ultra runners <br /> repertoire, and decided 50 miles was likely 19 miles further than I was <br /> capable of and settled on the 50km, a race distance I’ve not attempted <br /> at Sulphur Springs before.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of 50/100 mile races at 6:00am</td></tr>
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I’ve looked at the entrants and found few familiar names from previous <br /> years. Of course there are many race distances at this particular event <br /> and many will be doing the 50 mile or 100 mile distances but it will be <br /> nice to be in a race situation again and be amongst fellow runners. I <br /> also know race directors Andrea and Tim from social runs together and <br /> look forward to supporting their race.<br /><br /> While my training run gave me confidence that I can indeed complete a <br /> 50km run (I didn’t say race), the temperature on that outing was a <br /> comfortable 20 degrees. I’ve mentioned several times in my blog how <br /> poorly I perform in elevated humidity and temperatures. It saps me <br /> entirely so I was less than ecstatic, looking at the forecast to see <br /> Ancaster temperatures rocketing on Friday/Saturday/Sunday with humidity <br /> making it feel like 37 degrees and possibly rain as well. Bugger! I <br /> feel sorry for those poor souls doing 50 and 100 milers. I’m glad, <br /> however, that it is not the weekend for the Niagara Ultra which is far <br /> more exposed.<br /><br /> I’m not sweating emotionally about the race and don’t imagine I’ll <br /> start over-thinking things or not be able to sleep restfully. The course <br /> is pretty ingrained in memory and the only difference this time is doing <br /> a 10km short loop initially, followed by two of the full 20km loops. The <br /> 50km race commences at 7:30am alongside the 25km runners and they turn <br /> back 5km into the beginning 10km loop.<br /><br /> I always like to have a goal in mind and it makes for good reading <br /> after the fact, to see how right or wrong I got it. I’ve made a few <br /> fairly accurate predictions but also got it horribly wrong on a number <br /> of occasions. Two things that often bite me are the same factors that <br /> any other runner faces, and getting it right comes with experience and <br /> lots of practice - pace and fitness. Go out too fast and you’ll wind up <br /> with an impressive first lap followed by -- DNF on the result sheet. <br /> Been there! Don’t put in the right training and you’ll face the death <br /> march, that unenviable position when your head is no longer in the game <br /> and isn’t willing to push those legs any faster.<br /><br /> So my prediction is, with a very hot day forecast, that I’ll finish in <br /> 5 hours 30 minutes. Well, we’ll know soon enough. . . .<br /><br /> <strong>Race Day</strong><br /><br /> 4:15am awake, out the door by 5:00am and it’s 21 degrees already with <br /> sunrise yet to come. An easy 45 minute drive up the mountain gets me one <br /> of the last remaining parking spaces by the athletic complex. Sun is up <br /> and temperatures are rising. I take myself over to the start line and <br /> get my bib for the 50km and chat to runners I know who are minutes away <br /> from their 50 or 100 miles start. Jack is there and Ron and they line up and off <br /> they disappear down the hill. My time is only 1.5 hours away. I head <br /> back to the car, organize my stuff and head back to the start with my <br /> packed bag and folding chair which I place by Barbara, Ron Gehl’s wife. <br /> Ron is doing the 50miler. <br />
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I’m just sitting comfortably, watching the <br /> comings and goings, and on my other side a family sets up, a woman <br /> called Trish with several bright tattoos. She’s already done several of <br /> the OUS races and looks fit and ready for the day, also doing the 50km. <br /> With 15 minutes to go I feel stomach rumblings despite two trips at home <br /> and I join the lengthy line-up but it moves well and I’m back in my <br /> chair with 4 minutes to go. I decide no shirt today which is the first <br /> time I’ve ever gone shirtless and Barbara kindly rubs it in my back and <br /> I then join the starting line and just relax before the air horn goes <br /> and we all begin our respective journeys on what promises to be a very <br /> hot day!<br /><br /> <strong>Lap 1 – 10km. Time about 55 minutes</strong><br /><br /> I’ve looked at the finishing times and it’s a bummer that there are no <br /> lap times, only finish times and average pace but the first lap went by <br /> pretty quickly. I’ve never done the 10km loop to start so there was a <br /> tiny bit of new trail where they tied it into the 20km loop but soon I <br /> was in familiar territory. My pace was too fast but I wanted to get as <br /> much done before the heat peaked. We passed 2 bridges which then takes <br /> you to a right turn past a park bench and eventually to the 3 ‘sisters’ <br />hill which is nasty. The final bit always leaves me gasping although on <br /> the first lap I was able to do a short walk and get back into running <br /> fairly quickly. When I’m on fresh legs I always enjoy the downhill <br /> lollipop section and before long I was back at the final aid station and <br /> climbing up the steep hill back to the start/finish. Only two more laps <br /> to go!<br /><br /> <strong>Lap 2 – 20km. Time for this lap about 2:05</strong><br /><br /> I started the lap feeling reasonably well and did make a conscious <br /> effort to slow it down after lap 1. I ran with a few runners around me <br /> while others passed by or we passed them and I was not checking bib <br /> colors for the race distance they were in and just wanted to finish <br /> feeling not too bad. By the time we got back to the Aid Station by the <br /> road I was starting to flag and the heat was getting pretty strong. They <br /> had popsicles for awhile and dang they tasted good! One of the <br /> volunteers had a sponge with cold water and poured some over my neck and <br /> down my back and it was like AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, that feels good. <br /> Immediately it gave me an injection of energy and I lasted about 3km <br /> before the heat overwhelmed me again. During the lap I caught up to Kimberley Van <br /> Delst who was in the 100 mile and we walked and ran sections and she <br /> would fly down the hills. At the aid station I lost sight of her and <br /> then caught up to Catherine Kelly who is a tall woman, with two long, <br /> red, pig tails. I saw her last year at the Laura Secord 100km and she <br /> did awesome there. During the first loop there, she caught a root and <br /> did a spectacular face plant without managing to get her hands in-front <br /> of her bounced up, unscathed. I retired from that race after only 1.25 <br /> laps.<br /><br /> We stayed together for awhile and then she was bounding down a steep <br /> hill and I got that horribly queasy stomach feeling which indicates I’m <br /> seconds away from a ‘reboot’ so I let her get away and stepped off the <br /> trail and up came whatever needed to. Being so hot I had been very aware <br /> about hydration and salt and was taking S-caps every 30-40 minutes and <br /> drinking a full handheld between each aid station but I think I still <br /> was short on water. I barely managed one pee in 8 hours. I had some <br /> ginger ale at the next aid station.<br /><br /> Getting into the open fields at the top of the lollipop loop was an <br /> instant blast of heat rising from the grass and the sun was so intense. <br /> I was so happy to get back into the trails and tree cover and be heading <br /> back to the start. The climb was less than fun and I knew I would get <br /> out on the final loop but also knew my ‘race’ was over and that my <br /> energy was expended.<br /><br /> <strong>Lap 3 – 20km. About 3 hours 5 minutes</strong><br /><br /> I managed to keep it together until I was back in the trail at the <br /> bottom of the hill and then it quickly deteriorated from a run, to a <br /> jog, to a periodic jog, to a long walk and half hearted attempts to jog <br /> for 20 feet. My breathe was ragged even on the flats and on any hill was <br /> more like a steam train. My exhalation was very hot which meant my core <br /> was overheating and I was really not enjoying this lap at all and <br /> everything that passed by relatively quickly in lap 1 and 2 seemed to <br /> take forever to appear. By this point I was with several people who were <br /> similarly hurting and I’d pass them only to be passed, back and forth <br /> over the course of several km.<br /><br /> The prospect of aid stations was what helped spur me on and I’d try to <br /> manage my water to empty it just before getting to the next one. Any <br /> sections in the open sun were brutal with temperatures easily 37-38 <br /> degrees. I sat at one aid station for up to 4 minutes just trying to get <br /> it together and by this point I didn’t care about time at all. The final <br /> downhill section on the lollipop, normally great fun, hurt, and my toes <br /> were now getting mashed into my toe-box and my heels felt blisters.<br /><br /> I felt sorry for myself to be sure but every time I saw a 50 or100 <br /> miler come by I had huge respect and told them how great they were <br /> doing. I found there was a lot of camaraderie out there with everybody <br /> acknowledging each others efforts and that gives you a boost.<br /><br /> Also, the aid station personal were fantastic, acting quickly, showing <br /> you where things were, asking what they could get you, etc. The <br /> popsicles were a huge hit and the ice put in my hat or ice sponges <br /> drenched down my back were a great relief. I did think the aid station <br /> offerings for food were a bit on the thin side as far as calories and <br /> selection. From what I remembered they had watermelon, orange slices, <br /> some sort of colored candies, pretzels I think. That’s really all I <br /> remember. Perhaps there was more but I did hear that feedback from some <br /> other runners at the end.<br /><br /> I was so happy to be climbing that final hill and Jack was ½ way down <br /> and high-fived me going by. I rounded the finish line with a few claps <br /> and managed a run for 25 meters, got my medal and made my way to my <br /> folding chair and flopped down, drank some hot coke and topped up on <br /> more water. <strong>Final time, 6 hours 4 minutes, good for 54th place of 138 <br /> finishers.</strong><br /> After about 20 minutes I made my way to the marquee and grabbed a <br /> water, a banana and choose the pulled pork sandwich which was AMAZING! ! <br /> ! Oh my I loved that. They had brought in a company whose name eludes me <br /> but it was yum yum yum. I sat for a bit and was chatting to two other <br /> French ladies who had completed the 50km. My biggest injury came then <br /> when I went to adjust my chair and my hand slipped down the side of the <br /> chair, jammed into the folding mechanism and bent back the nail of my <br /> thumb which proceeded to bleed profusely. Nothing like a new pain to <br /> replace an old one.<br /><br /> After enjoying my sandwich I hobbled back to my chair, moved it closer <br /> to the cones leading to the finishing chute and cheered on over the <br /> course of the next hour other racers.<br /><br /> Then I got back to the car, enjoyed A/C for a few minutes and then <br /> drove home. There you have it. It was not a pretty run but I did get it <br /> done and it was my first ultra in quite some time. I’ve signed up for <br /> Niagara 50km in 3 weeks and hopefully it will be a nice day out.<br />
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Here is a shot of my race stats from my Garmin. This race seems to be a few miles short of 50km (31 miles) at 29 miles. Perhaps other people's GPS shows a different statistic but I've long suspected the course is slightly off on the 20km length per loop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50km done!</td></tr>
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Thanks for visiting and I hope you are enjoying your races and runs and <br /> hopefully I’ll see some of you out there.<br /><br /> The Running Dude, aka Alex<br /><br /> Lap 1 – 10km – 55 minutes<br /> Lap 2 – 20km – 2 hours 5 minutes<br /> Lap 3 – 20km – 3 hours 5 minutes<br /> Total Time: 6 hours 4 minutes<br /> Place: 54 of 138<br />
The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-61434264500840560902016-02-12T08:22:00.000-08:002016-07-24T18:54:55.624-07:00London - Thames River - 11th Feb 2016Hi again. I only got one canal run in while in Birmingham as work kept me busy but had a chance meeting which was pretty cool. While waiting for a crowded bus in the evening with a cluster of people that didn't seem to quite know what bus they wanted, I look beside me and this woman is looking at me and is smiling, very animated, waving her arms and I'm like, um, what is this all about? I look behind me thinking I'm going to embarrass myself if I say something, but no, nobody there. She says to me, Tibet, Tibet, but looks like she is trying desperately to say something more but is either about to have a seizure or is having a brain fart....<br />
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I'm waiting for more and then finally she says bike trip, Tibet, and it finally dawns on me who she is and who the man beside her is. 12 years ago I went on a cycling holiday for 3 weeks, quite intensive, in Tubet, and we biked to Everest base camp and cycled over 3 of the highest mountain peaks in the world, around 6,200 meters or something. It was an amazing holiday. Anyway. We hugged and laughed. Amazing she remembered me. 12 years is a long time after all and just cool to run into someone random like that.<br />
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She and here husband got on my bus and we are chatting and I'm asking about what has happened, any more cycling trips, etc, and she says, not really, I'm more into running now, and my face lights up and I say, really, me too. I love ultra running and she is all animated again, saying she too is into fell running and long distance running. We could have chatted all night after that I'm sure but the bus got to the train station and I had to say farewell at that point and with a hug and a kiss and a business card they went their way again.<br />
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And here I am now, a few days later, in London. I lived in the UK a very long time, 18 years, and being back is like putting on a pair of well worn shoes. There is something comforting and familiar about it.<br />
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The apartment I'm at is incredible. Right on the Thames, 16 floors up in a set of modern buildings that have decks jutting out like the bow of a ship. Right below me is the river boat dock at St. George Wharf and as I look up river I see the London Eye. This is city living at its best but looking at the cost of these units I'd need to win a lottery or two. I've spent many hours while working just looking out at the views and this morning I looked down and saw many many runners and decided I had to join them so donned my gear and headed along the river for 45 minutes until I got to Tower Bridge. Lots of tourists out and about but no real problems, just a little traffic jam by the popular tourist spots.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3.5 miles from apartment looking to Tower Bridge (obviously) across river into The City</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running along Tower Bridge to Tower of London and along Thames River Path on North Side of Thames</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from apartment towards London Eye (in red in middle)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River bus on the left which I used to take from Greenwich to London Bridge and walk up to city (towards the Gherkin building you see in the middle)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh look, it's me. Heading home along North side of river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London Eye - was dodge the tourist on this side so took the quieter way home</td></tr>
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I met one guy wearing a banking shirt I recognized who was in training for the Brighton marathon and was out for a 15 mile training run. It was great because there were runners everywhere, single women, blokes, small groups. I really enjoyed it. After that I schlepped my way up to Piccadilly and had a wander through Fortnum and Mason and smelled some delicious perfumes and candles from a company called Roja. There was a lovely scent, strong, but totally delicious. And for 350 quid it bloody well better be!<br />
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I went into the Penhaligon's perfume store in the Burlington Arcade and smelled some of their new fragrances which were amazing also, one called Blasted Heath, especially I intend in introducing in my boutique!<br />
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Better go for now. Have to figure out some more runs but maybe I'll do that one again, or head up river next time, but most of the popular landmarks are where I went today.<br />
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Enjoy the minus 30 degree weather in Canada while I basque, relatively, in +10. Ok, last year in the Med was warmer still but I'm not complaining.<br />
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Happy runningThe Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-54865251777721661182016-02-05T11:30:00.000-08:002016-07-24T18:54:55.607-07:00Canal Run in Birmingham, UK, Feb 5 2016Hey there. No running news from me in a long time and I'll do my best to update this blog more frequently. 2015 was a bit of a bust for me and running. I helped a few people on their races or running endeavours which was satisfying but no big ultra races for me.<br />
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Last February I was in a European city with canals and had a cold evening run there but enjoyed it and met some student runners that evening. A year later and I'm over in Europe again, this time up in Birmingham, UK, for a week followed by another in London so I hope I'll have a few more opportunities to get some miles in and have some unique running experiences.<br />
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I've never been to Birmingham City before. I lived down in Kent for 18 years before returning to Canada. After a long flight it was nice to get out the following day and clear my head and the temperature was fantastic. My apartment was right in the heart of the city and it was funny. When my taxi dropped me off I couldn't get all the way there as streets were closed. There were thousands lined up down the street and asking a security guard what it was all about, it turns out the auditions for Brittains Got Talent was going on. As I tried to get my bearings with my suitcase everybody got animated and everybody had their phones out taking pictures as Simon Cowell came out to give a few words to cameras. The last time I ran into him was at Mauritious airport as I was returning from a scuba diving holiday.<br />
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So I checked my tablet for the best access to the canal, donned my outfit at 4pm and headed out. The outskirts of Birmingham I wasn't impressed with but so far the city centre is interesting, very bustling with many stores and pubs and young people with the university right here.<br />
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I got to a bridge and walked down a few flights of stairs and there I was just as a guy came charging out of the bridge heading my way so I began my run a few paces behind him. It was really nice with this very busy city all around and yet a peaceful area to run along with the train tracks on one side, sometimes close and other times with modern flats overlooking the canal. The canal itself was very narrow and you could get a few canal boats only, a number of which I saw moored up alongside the bank.rr<br />
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At one point the canal passed over a bridge which was cool. More like an aqueduct at that point. The guy had his ear pods on but was aware I was behind him. At first I thought he might be a tad too quick for me but I stayed with him and then he slowed a bit and I was going to pass him but as I came by I said hello and he was happy to say hello and we carried in together outward for about 3 miles carrying on a conversation until he turned around. I headed on another little bit and then turned back myself as it was getting dusk by now. Both outward and back there were many other runners and even more cyclists passing by one another along the narrow pathway but it was quite scenic and enjoyable.<br />
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Only 10km but it was enough and I'm glad I got out. It made a really nice new run and perhaps I'll take a jog up some of the busier high streets over the next days to see the shops in the evening. I hope you are all getting in some training runs too. It was really good in my corner of Ontario right up until I left for the UK. Unseasonably warm and very little snow which is great!<br />
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<br />The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-43517272722836884832015-05-27T09:10:00.000-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.566-07:002015 SULPHUR SPRINGS PACING DUTIES<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Quick Update. . .</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello again intrepid runners. It's been a long time since my last posting back in February - brrrr, that's one winter I'm happy is over! I should have stayed in Europe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I got home, I had cancelled my gym membership and although I got outside for some runs with the local Trail Apes as they call themselves, some days it was just nicer to stay indoors and forget about that run. As things began to thaw out it felt good to be back on solid footing and my training was just ticking over with no big mileage increases or real race plans. A race becomes real when you've paid for it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was really tempted by Sulphur Springs as my first race of the season and figured perhaps the 50km rather than 50 mile this year. Then, the 50km sold out leaving me with one option. I really didn't think I had the fitness and the week before did a 1/2 marathon on the trails and decided no, I didn't think I could do the same distance again 3 more times racing and felt good about my decision. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the last few weeks I had contacted one of my running buddies, Jack Kilislian, since I knew he was entered in the 100 miler, to ask if he'd like a pacer. I've never paced anybody in a race before and thought it might be interesting - no stress, be part of the event, enjoy the atmosphere and help out a fellow runner. Jack said that he normally runs these on his own but that it would be nice to have me as a pacer in the later stages and just to be aware he quite possibly could be a cranky runner by that stage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't get back to him as I still had thoughts about entering the 50 miler on my own and then the day before figured I'd head up to the event after work on Saturday May 23rd. It was great. I didn't have to get worked up, slept great the night before, didn't have to worry about what I was going to take, etc. and I felt very relaxed about the whole thing with no real plan, other than to show up and pace Jack if he wanted me still.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Arriving at Sulphur Springs Ready to Pace</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I arrived and there were still lots of cars and as I'm organizing what things to take over to the start/finish line I see a lady in the car next to me putting on her finishing medal. I asked her which distance she did and congratulated her on her 50km success. We got talking and then a guy comes to her car and I get introduced to him as Sean, and we're talking and he says his wife is in first place. I say, oh, maybe I know her and he says it's Michelle Leduc. Yes, of course I know Michelle! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back in 2012 her and I met in the final km of the Run for the Toad 50km. I caught up and passed her, and then she passed me, and I caught up once again and said to her, 'You're going to make me work for this, aren't you!' to which she replied 'Damn right!' with a big smile. So we fought hard in the final meters and here is a sequence of photos showing us having a great final challenge leading into the home stretch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After that we sat down and she told me about her race and that she was from Ottawa, etc. as we warmed up in the marquee. After that we went our separate ways and I saw her several years later at Dirty Girls. I was doing the 48 hour and she did the 24 hour and she flew past me and obviously had been training hard. She had gained a personal trainer in Ottawa, Laura Perry (at the time), who is hardcore and wins ultras outright.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Getting back to the parking lot he says, what are you doing here, and I say I figure I'll pace someone and he perks right up and says, really! I've been trying to find a pacer for her. She really wants one and I said, sure, I'd love to. We talk a bit longer and then I say I'll see them both once I get changed. I was told Michelle was due to be back at the start in about 30-40 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got changed, got my stuff together and headed over and saw many familiar faces. Ron with his wife Barbara were intently checking results on his 50 mile race. Well done Ron! Then I chatted to Chris McPeake about his struggles in the Spring with colds followed by bronchitis. He did the 50km I believe but could have been 50 miler and was still hoping to be able to run Western States later in the year which of course is a huge race and a bucket list race for many runners so I hope that goes well for him. Then I saw the familiar Boultbee sisters and Steven Parke who had run the 50km with Rhonda (a legally blind runner who I had helped run on one of the days of her epic Bruce Trail run last summer). Steven then paced Clay Williams on the 100 miler I believe and was out for something like 134km.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sean found me and I put my stuff in the marquee and then ran into Jack Kilislian coming in from one of his laps. His kit bags and chair were nicely placed right at the top of the hill and he asked if I was there to pace him and I felt kind of guilty telling him I'd agreed to pace Michelle for her two laps but would pace him on one after that if he'd like. He was easy going about it and said that would be great and we'll catch up later. Off he went and I stood there for a bit until Sean came over. We talked and he said she'll be coming up soon and has a blue top and off he went to get prepared for her pit stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few minutes later up the hill comes Michelle looking just like I remember and she says to me, 'ALEX! What are you doing here? Are you running?' I said, 'I'm here to pace you' and she looked like she just won the lottery and hugged me. She was smiling from ear to ear and I felt really happy that I'd agreed to help her out. She had run 75 miles already and with night approaching spirits can really drop when you are exhausted and alone and the pace can take a hit also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pacing Michelle Leduc</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She followed the cones past the finish mat and I head into the big marquee to meet her and her husband while they sort her out on a short pit-stop and then off we go. I was well aware that she was likely not going to want to talk and we caught up quickly and started into the course. I was a bit nervous about pacing having never done it before and not sure the best strategy but I guess every runner is different in what they want from a pacer and it's up to the pacer to take the cue from their runner. Michelle was friendly throughout, very affable, and I tried to tell stories sometimes, I even sang a stupid song (short thankfully) to keep her spirits up. The way we ran initially was mostly me beside her and I know the course intimately and was able to tell her what was coming to help encourage/motivate her. This became extremely helpful I think after it got dark. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The pace for me thankfully was ok to maintain and I was really impressed Michelle was still keeping up a sub 2:30 lap pace (12.5 miles/loop). We always offered words of encouragement to our fellow runners who were either 100 milers with their pacers, or 100 milers on their own, or 100 mile relay runners who were easy to spot since they were flying by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ran into Kimberley Van Delst also coming up the final hill and gave her a hug of encouragement. I had initially asked to pace both her and Richard Takata but Kimberley said they would likely run it together. Unfortunately that didn't happen by the point I saw her and as often happens, they each ran their own race. Kimberley did well until the end of lap 5 where she had developed very large blisters between her toes and walked in the last 3 laps to get the coveted 100 mile buckle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately Richard's race ended early but he is a fighter and will be back for plenty of other races this summer. We passed him walking on our lap 7 and I gave him a hug and words of encouragement also. I'd not seen him since last year and it was great to see him also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The one other person I recall was Rich Humber who I had trained with about 3 years ago when I was doing the 50 miler for my first time and he was doing his first 100. He finished that one, took a year off after it and came back last year to do the 100 and had a DNF on that one, like I faced in the 50 miler. At one of the aid stations I ran into him and we hugged and it was really nice to see him and at the point I saw him he looked happy and focused so I hope the rest of his race went well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lap 7</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back to Michelle and I. . . I really felt lap 7 went well and I believe we finished in 2:25 or thereabouts. We turned our headlights on about 1/2 way around the lap and I was surprised by the number of raccoon's our headlights found with their eyes flashing back at us. By this point I'd taken the lead and would run about 10 feet ahead of Michelle and she would concentrate on my steps only and keep up whatever pace I set. I was mindful of how she would be feeling but wanted her to keep up the good pace she'd maintained and of course keep her in the lead position. I'd gauge the hill and give her an opportunity to walk up. Her stomach on the first lap was quite upset and she had to make a pit stop at one of the aid stations. I'd stop and turn around and focus my light on any tricky section but mostly that kind of aid came on lap 8. On lap 7 she was really well focused and came into the start/finish looking really good I thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lap 8</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Lap eight I could see her legs were getting rubbery and when she walked she was weaving a bit but once she got back into a running gait she was back into the groove. I knew she was in alot of pain and unfortunately on this lap she had two spills in the dirt which bloodied her knees even further. I squirted on some water and dusted her off to make sure she was ok and decided I'd stick closer and told her I'd point out rocks or roots.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That seemed to work well and she seemed to be getting a bit wonky mentally and would yell out 'root, rock' after I called it out to her, I guess to make sure her mind absorbed what her feet needed to do to avoid the obstacle. I was really proud of her and really was amazed at what 3 years of training can do for some people. She has put in a lot of hard work and was going to win her first 100 mile race! The winning guy had passed us on lap 7 and was really scared she was going to come flying by, he later admitted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was turning around more often on this lap, lighting up the way, telling her uplifting things and she was counting down the things she knew were coming up - bridge, hill, road, aid station. . . It was a good temperature and I only felt slightly chilled a few times but it was a perfect evening for running.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had lost time on the final lap but I was instructed she wanted a sub 19 hour and we had 3 hours to do it and I knew from our pace that she was well on target for that. On the final hill we finally turned the corner and there were spectators camped out in the dark on the hill who started clapping and saying well done and Michelle was so happy to almost be done. I told her to run and get that medal and left her for the final meters to savoir her 100 mile victory and the clock was 18 hours 28 minutes. I walked around the side to the finish where she was in a deep embrace with her husband which was a lovely moment and quite a few people there also to cheer her in and people taking photos. It was a great few minutes. After she'd had her time with her husband she saw me and gave me a big warm hug and thanked me profusely. She said she would have got it done but never as fast without my help and it really meant a great deal to me, being able to help her achieve a first 100 mile, a first win, and the second fastest female time on that course - and the fastest was set by her coach!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After being by the finish we were feeling a little chilled and and headed to the marquee to get her something warmer on. As we were talking, Jack came running by and I called out asking if he wanted me to pace him and he said no. I was a bit taken aback and thought maybe he does want me and grabbed my headlight and ran over to his kit bag but he'd already started his decent down the hill. I would definitely have paced him on that lap but I was inside kind of happy because I was tired. Sorry Jack but congratulations on your medal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So there you have it. My first time pacing. It was really special to help someone and see them through difficult moments and offer encouragement. I liked the experience alot. Here is a photo of Michelle only minutes after her win. I can't believe she looks so fresh. She was on a high for a good 30 minutes after this and it was well deserved. Congratulations Michelle :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After this I headed back to the car and drove home. When I woke I was thinking about the night before and also about the runners who even then were out on the course still completing their 100 mile journeys. Congratulations to all of them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd place - 1st place female - 18 hours 28 minutes! Awesome job and looks totally fresh!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNpWipGYiFs/VWXk_5DicEI/AAAAAAAAAog/TdNw21BYtwE/s1600/DSC08397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNpWipGYiFs/VWXk_5DicEI/AAAAAAAAAog/TdNw21BYtwE/s640/DSC08397.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the car organizing my kit before pacing duties with Michelle. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the car with the lock of hair I always carry until I'm with my love again</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My next race? Well, I may do Niagara 50km but have not entered, and I am entered in the 100km Laura Secord in July. Honestly though I'm not that stressed about this season and have other priorities in my life now. I look forward to seeing the people I know and hope all your running is going well also.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take care for now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alex (aka The Running Dude).</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-9048289398285992872015-02-24T18:26:00.002-08:002016-07-24T18:54:55.686-07:002015 - UPCOMING SEASON AND 2014 YEAR IN REVIEW<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome back everybody. Thank you for joining me for my first 2015 posting. I won't keep you quite as long now since I have no specific race to tell you about. I just wanted to give a few insights into the 2014 season and what 2015 might hold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been very quiet since my last 2014 Fall race report which unfortunately finished on a low note with an early DNF at the inaugural 100 mile Eastern States race after only 26 miles. That race at least gave me a real clue as to what some of the harder US races are likely to hold and I'm going to have to work harder on hill and quality distance training in order to successfully complete a 100 miler with such challenging elevation and terrain.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2014 Season</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The season didn't go tremendously well and I took on fewer challenges than 2013 but I still had a few new races including the inaugural Laura Secord 100km challenge here in Ontario. The event is going to take place again in 2015, albeit in July instead of April and over a much shorter section of the Bruce Trail. I'm sure a few people will be thankful not to face the conditions we faced there in 2014. 18 hours 40 minutes for a 100km race is a VERY long time when you're freezing cold and wet and getting lost on side trails in early April.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately Sulphur Springs 50 miles beat me again which leaves 2 DNF's at 50 miles and one success at a shade under 9 hours. I love the course but again, got carried away too quickly and too early and paid for it. I really want to do the 100 mile event there but don't know if I have it in me for 2015 considering how little training I'm getting in currently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had two happier races in 2014 which were the Creemore 50km race which I've done before. The weather co-operated and I shaved 30 minutes off my previous time but suffered with bad vomiting throughout and while my first lap went well and my hill training paid off, I flagged allot in the second lap. In 2015 they are offering a third lap to make 75km for those intrepid ultra runners who want to up their game. I don't think I'm game for this one in 2015 at that distance but then again, I said the same about the next race which I completed for the first time at the distance of 100km in Niagara for the Niagara ultra.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Niagara ultra is right on my doorstep and I've done 3 of the 50km distances in past years with varying success depending on my fitness and the heat on the day. I've had a 4:08, a 5:01 and a 5:11 time in years past. For the 2014 100km I simply wanted a very long training run in preparation for Eastern States. It went surprisingly well since I consciously decided to slow it way down and actually finished the first lap in just under 5 hours, better than 2 of my 50km efforts. The mental strain of turning around to go out for another lap was not as bad as I expected and I think it's because Paul Chennery and I ran most of the first lap together and took it nice and easy. I thought I placed quite well considering I didn't treat it as a big race and actually probably did better by taking things easy. Maybe that's a lesson I need to learn overall - not to get carried away too quickly in the longer distances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few days after my disappointment at ES100 I had the great privilege of being one of the Guide Runners for one stage of Rhonda-Marie Avery's Bruce Trail oddessy. She is legally blind and myself and another guide runner had a full day's experience helping her on one of her final days prior to completing this arduous 900km run from North to South. I felt a great pride in giving something back to running, not just racing/running for myself - helping another talented and committed ultra runner to achieve a fantastic goal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>2015 Season and Training To Date</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My 2015 training has really gone to hell in a handbag so to speak. I ended my gym membership hoping to save some bucks and figuring I'd just run outside.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There has now been weeks and weeks of heavy snow and very wintry temperatures. I didn't run for a week and finally joined our local 'Trail Apes' for a light run along the Bruce Trail on a Sunday morning. It was a brilliant sunny day with snowflakes glimmering and very crisp temperatures but having been stuck inside for many days it was a total relief to be outside and while the hour left me pretty winded, I was glad to finally be doing something I understand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what are my 2015 running plans?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think I'll keep the schedule light and will look to do the Niagara 50km, the SS 50 miler or if I get some good Spring training attempt my first 100 there. I think the only other races I'd consider at this point in the OUS calendar would be Haliburton 50 or 100 mile and the Laura Secord 100km and possibly the 24 hour Dirty Girls.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, that's about all I can talk about now. Let me congratulate my friend Jack Kilislian for winning the overall men's OUS 2014 title. He completed all 14 races in the season which is a heck of a feat just in itself. And on the women's side my friend Kimberley won the overall women's OUS title. Awesome job to both of them. I wonder who will take the 2015 season!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope all your training is going well and hopefully we'll all be back outside soon to enjoy the trails. I hope you are going to try one or several of the amazing OUS races on offer in Ontario. Good luck to all of you and I look forward to seeing some of you out there soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alex (the running dude)</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-78175791214811470102014-08-01T18:48:00.001-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.647-07:002014 - EASTERN STATES 100 MILES - RACE REPORT<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Hello and welcome back to my blog - this entry features my upcoming running
adventure, the inaugural <a href="http://www.easternstates100.com/2173.html" target="_blank">Eastern States 100</a> - held in </span><st1:state><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Pennsylvania and starting at Little Pine State Park</span></st1:place></st1:state><span lang="EN-US">.
There was a waiting list for this back in February which I joined and watched patiently as my
name slowly but surely reached the top of the pile as other people dropped out from other commitments, injury or a realization that their training was
not going to plan.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race is now 2
weeks away with about 190 entrants - among them some of my fellow Ontario ultra runners. I can’t believe it has come so
quickly. I’ve been experimenting with a number of new items with various
degrees of success such as:</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NEW ITEMS I’VE TRIED <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hoka Stinson Trail<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">No blisters and much appreciated cushioning on both the
Laura Secord 100km back in April and the 100km </span><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Niagara</span></st1:place><span lang="EN-US"> ultra on pavement. The LS was a mud-fest and the biggest complaint was how heavy they became.
In Niagara I had no blisters but the tops of my big toes got hammered with one
turning black and I think it is from the fairly large gap between the toes and
the top of the shoe rather than any steep downhill’s which forced my toe into
the front of the shoe. </span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brooks Cascadia IX<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My second pair of
new shoes has less support but is rugged and has caused no problems for me and is
a good off-road shoe.</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salomon Speedcross III CS<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I purchased the
wrong size initially and the company (<a href="http://www.runningwarehouse.com/" target="_blank">Running Warehouse</a>) sent me a ½ size
larger which I’ve only had out in 2 long training runs. I may need a ½ size
larger again. They fit very tightly around the forefoot and on steep trails
down I can sometimes feel my toe hitting the front but I really love the
feeling of them and the sturdy tread so I may start with this shoe and swap out
if I need. The CS version also has a coating which should make them a bit water
repellent in wet weather.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salomon Compression Calf Sleeves<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What can I say?
I’ve seen many ultra runners sporting them and was unsure about their
effectiveness. $50-$60 is a lot of money on a pair of ‘socks’ but holy smokes
do they make a difference. I have issues after a race with potential cramping
and my calves look like they are out on the town dancing the night away on runs
over ½ marathon distance. I measured my calves as the website suggested and chose the
size most appropriate. When I tried them on the first time I was thinking I
must have ordered the size too small because they were really tight putting on
– not uncomfortable to feel on but felt really tight trying to get over the
calve. I went out on a 12 mile trail run and then a 22.5 mile run and I am
really impressed. During longer runs I generally begin to feel the calves tightening up
but with them on I felt like I was on fresh legs. I’ll definitely be wearing
them during and after for recovery – plus the added benefit of not brushing
against thorns or stinging nettles or poison ivy.</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="IT"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salomon Ultra 1.5 litre
hydro pack<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ve always worn a
belt with 2 small water bottles and used a handheld bottle system. The belt has
a small pouch for salt tablets or a few gels but on this distance I wanted
something more substantial. I have been using it for about a month now on
varied terrain and distances and I’m going to wear it for part or all of the
race. I had a slight rubbing issue along the lower back until I adjusted the
straps slightly which made a difference. I had no problems drinking from it
once I learned you have to bite the nozzle and suck but it is a bummer not
being able to know how much water is left without reaching back to wiggle/lift
your pack to get an idea. I like having my hands free and having pockets for
small bottles or all the small things you may need on a 100 miler. My one worry
is about shoulder/neck complaints. Almost all my runs with it were a success
but once last week on only an 11 miler I had a really sore/stiff neck and
shoulders for several days. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Garmin Forerunner 620 </span></b><st1:stockticker><b><span lang="EN-US">GPS</span></b></st1:stockticker><b><span lang="EN-US"> watch<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have used the <a href="http://www.runningwarehouse.com/Garmin_Forerunner_620/descpage-GMFR620.html" target="_blank">620</a> in all my races since I bought the watch back in May 2013 and all my training sessions and love to download the
map data after and record the distances, elevation gain, etc. but the most
useful features of this watch for me are PACING information and being able to
set the watch to beep at a set interval to remind me to take gels or salts
(either after a certain distance or time). The battery life is only 10 hours so
I won’t be able to use it on this race which is a shame.</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Petzl NAO<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I already had the
<a href="http://www.mec.ca/product/5027-614/petzl-myo-rxp-headlamp/?gclid=CjwKEAjw9eyeBRCqxc_b-LD8kTESJADsBMxSxyHYgYULN_0hDCja8LHxKvUx5JCYn8wiF3JUWnFzBRoCs_7w_wcB" target="_blank">Petzl MYO RXP</a> which I used with success in the 2013, 48h Dirty Girls race but I
had read that the <a href="http://www.mec.ca/product/5029-113/petzl-nao-headlamp/" target="_blank">NAO </a>is a whole different experience with the amount of light
it throws out there. I am going to compare it with my existing one with my training buddies </span><span lang="EN-US">tomorrow evening so I’ll let you know. . .</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">OK, so that is all the new 'stuff'. Will it make me run faster? I doubt it. Will it make me run smarter? If I pay attention to it. Will it make me more comfortable? I hope so. Will I look sexier in it? Hell yeah! Who cares about the other stuff.</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">TRAINING TO DATE<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How is the
training itself going? I think reasonably well but still perhaps lacking the
uber long runs to take up my weekly mileage. This year I’ve had two 100km races, a hilly
50km race and a 50 mile race I DNF’d in and have spent the last several months doing specific hill training sessions to get an idea what 1,000 foot climbs are
going to be like. Wow! That’s a damn big hill! This year all my summer training
has been out on the trails (rather than a lot of treadmill training) which has
really strengthened my legs and hills which in the past I would have walked I
can now jog up quite comfortably. Not only that but I think my body is more
used to the hot, humid, sticky days which Canadian summers can bring.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Last year I
entered almost all the OUS ultra races and it left me quite burned out as there
was little recovery between them. This will be my first 100 mile, point to
point 100 miler. The only 100 miler I've done was last summer at the 48 hour Dirty
Girls where I got to the 100 mile point on a looped 5 mile hilly (for </span><st1:state><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Ontario</span></st1:place></st1:state><span lang="EN-US">) off-road
course after 33 hours (and 3 hours restless sleep). </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ve had the
pleasure to train with two fellow ultra runners who are doing a 120 mile run in
BC called The Fat Dog. It also has huge climbs and the training with Wayne Pinel
and Tim has been a blast. They are good guys and their race is just a day
before mine. </span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">THE RACE<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<img src="http://www.easternstates100.com/media/33ff3392bf214013ffff89d5ffffe41e.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Running an
inaugural race is going to be exciting. I’m sure there has been a huge amount
of work putting it together and regardless of how the race goes personally I am
grateful for the RD’s and the amazing volunteers which all these races seem to
generate. The race warns that this is not an entry level 100 miler so I am
forewarned both by the caveat and by referring to the runners Confirmation list which reads like a 'who's who' of fast
runners here in </span><st1:state><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Ontario</span></st1:place></st1:state><span lang="EN-US"> who are participating – men and women who have 100 mile wins under
their belts. I’m sure the same can be said of many of the American entrants;
runners who are looking for course records and looking for a new and
challenging course - so I am NOT going to put myself with the starting pack and
burn out on the first 1,000 foot climb. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Oh, speaking of hills and climbs here is the race profile which oddly enough I think will mirror my heart rate until the very end where it bloody well flat lines!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
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<img src="http://www.easternstates100.com/media/33ff3392bf214013ffff9619ffffe41e.jpg" height="134" width="640" /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rather than trying
to explain to you the route and the course get it from the RD’s mouths' themselves.
Here is the ‘<b>About ES100</b>’ description they posted:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">‘Only the hardiest of runners will complete this circumnavigation of
Pine Creek. A </span></i><st1:place><st1:placename><i><span lang="EN-US">Pennsylvania</span></i></st1:placename><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i><st1:placename><i><span lang="EN-US">Scenic</span></i></st1:placename><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i><st1:placetype><i><span lang="EN-US">River</span></i></st1:placetype></st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">. The largest creek in the </span></i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">United States</span></i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i><span lang="EN-US">. The </span></i><st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">Grand Canyon</span></i></st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US"> of </span></i><st1:state><st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">Pennsylvania</span></i></st1:place></st1:state><i><span lang="EN-US">. The river route that supplied the lumber that
built </span></i><st1:country-region><st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">America</span></i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i><span lang="EN-US">. The Iroquois called it Tiadaghton – the </span></i><st1:place><st1:placetype><i><span lang="EN-US">River</span></i></st1:placetype><i><span lang="EN-US"> of </span></i><st1:placename><i><span lang="EN-US">Pines</span></i></st1:placename></st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">. Or is it the Lost or </span></i><st1:place><st1:placename><i><span lang="EN-US">Bewildered</span></i></st1:placename><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i><st1:placetype><i><span lang="EN-US">River</span></i></st1:placetype></st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">? After 100 miles of multiple 900 – 1200 foot
climbs and equally punishing descents, the second definition will seem appropriate.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Headquarters will be the beautiful Little </span></i><st1:place><st1:placename><i><span lang="EN-US">Pine</span></i></st1:placename><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i><st1:placetype><i><span lang="EN-US">State Park</span></i></st1:placetype></st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US"> and adjacent Happy Acres
Resort. A true oasis in the middle of
what will seem like endless nowhere to those who brave the trails. A lake for boating, fishing, or just cooling off
after pushing your body to the max.
Sites for tents or large RVs.
Rustic cabins, deluxe cabins (even several with Jacuzzis), or
yurts. A convenience store for last
minute items and hand dipped ice cream.
A restaurant and bar to unwind and pre-fuel or refuel. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Runners will experience portions of some of the most scenic and most
challenging trails in </span></i><st1:state><st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">Pennsylvania</span></i></st1:place></st1:state><i><span lang="EN-US">. The Mid State Trail – </span></i><st1:state><st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">Pennsylvania</span></i></st1:place></st1:state><i><span lang="EN-US">’s wildest footpath. The Black Forest Trail – the crown jewel of
Pennsylvania’s long distance hiking trails featuring hills, rocks, and on
average, a vista for every mile of trail.
The West Rim Trail – a backpacker’s favorite for experiencing the Pine
Creek Gorge. The Donut Hole Trail, the T
Squared Trail, the Long Branch Trail, The Tiadaghton Trail, and several shorter
connector trails will round out the 100 mile loop.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Ramsey at the south end is nothing more than a collection of houses
and seasonal residences. You will cross
Pine Creek on a former railroad trestle before climbing to the panoramic Ramsey
</span></i><st1:city><st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">Bend</span></i></st1:place></st1:city><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i><st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">Vista</span></i></st1:place><i><span lang="EN-US">. The north end
is Blackwell. A tiny village with the
historic Blackwell Hotel restaurant/bar and a small convenience and gift
store. You will cross a unique one lane
steel grate bridge that bends in the middle prior to climbing Gillespie Point -
The Matterhorn of the Alleghenies - the only true peak in Pennsylvania.’<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>HOW WILL IT UNFOLD? WHAT'S THE PLAN?</b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nerves are setting in as the days pass but all the hard work is now behind me and it's either enough or it's not. I've had doubts about my abilities after a lousy training run or a few missed runs or a DNF but it's not going to stop me towing the line and regardless the outcome I will have stories to share and I'll give it the best I have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have booked a campground tent site in Little Pine State Park and will drive down Friday morning to set up and get a look around. It seems like the race start is 1.5 miles from the campground so not sure how this all works with a race start of 5am and if we don't drive there I'm sure not going to appreciate a 1.5 mile crawl back to the campsite after 100.8 miles! There is the usual pasta supper and race briefings and no doubt a very early and restless sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The plan you ask? Survive the 100.8 miles and take that buckle home. 36 hours is the cut-off with strict enforcement's later in the race. The plan is simple but as we all know it's down to the execution of the plan during the race. I am trying to figure out 'the plan' and will probably be tweaking that plan all the way up to the start. I don't know yet how to best utilize the drop bag locations. How will my feet feel? Should I start with the pack or use my belt system until later? Will I need to change shoes/socks? How far will I get before I need my headlight? And on it goes. I've never run a point to point 100 miler, never run in mountains and never raced outside Ontario.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I really toyed with the idea of getting a pacer for the later stages but really want to get my first 100 done on my own. I know when I get to the middle of the night with many miles on my feet and I'm completely zonked that I'll probably be thinking I'm an ass for missing this opportunity but I can always ask for one if one is around and wants to - when I get to some of the aid stations. I just don't want to have the expectation that a pacer is waiting on me and I may let someone down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I like the idea of a point to point rather than looped which always messes with my head. I'll still hurt as much but somehow knowing that the ONLY choice is to carry on and finish is better for me than seeing the finish line and knowing I have to go out and do another 50 miles or whatever it is. I like knowing that I'll NEVER have to see a particular bog or mountain or rock or tree more than once. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The plan is to start near the back. Really! No bravado on this one and it's going to feel like a walk to start with because I may very well do that for a few minutes - just to let the fast people get out of my sight so I don't inadvertently join a fast conga line on the first climb. It's a race but this one is MY race. I'm not including anybody else in it. I'm not aiming for sub 30 or sub whatever. I'm not looking to any competitor and saying, OK, he or she is on my radar. Finishing this race in the 36 hours is my race and the only one that matters. There will be future races where I'm competing but this one is about the experience and the finish line. I've worked many many months towards this goal and I don't want to throw it away in the first 8 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm going to walk the hills and if I see an amazing view I will stop and admire it. I'll do my best to eat and drink and keep the distress levels below the barfing point. I am a bit apprehensive about running through the night alone on a strange course - worried I may get disoriented and wonder off, the possibility of bears - hey, I'm comfortable admitting that! but am looking forward to it also - well, not the bears or getting lost parts. The solitude and just focusing on the narrow area that the headlight illuminates and taking each step forward to the next goal - whether it is an aid station or a new trail or coming across another runner and sharing the darkness together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, enough rambling for one evening. I'll post this now and if I think of something else to add in the lead-up I'll carry on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy running for now and thanks for taking the time to visit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Running Dude (aka Alex)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>POST RACE REPORT</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This will be a very short race report - for a very short race - well, mine was anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What a place! What a course! What a disaster!! The train wreck came early and after 26.9 miles on the Garmin I called it a day. I knew before I got to Aid Station 4 that I was pulling the plug and as I shuffled in I told one of the volunteers that my race was over. It took me 7 hours 45 minutes to cover that distance. I was not injured and it was only 1pm. I was just fed up and tired, and doing the math I knew that I was only slowing down (I don't know how that is even possible) and I was likely not going to finish in the 36 hours so I threw in the towel. In the end I believe 72 of the starting line-up of 158 runners finished in the time limit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The elevation profile above gives you an idea of the course; one extended 1,000 foot climb with a little respite at the top and then down the other side, over and over. The climbs were really tough and went on and on but it was the downhills that frustrated me more. They seemed to follow beside mountain streams and were just a jumble of loose rocks. There was no bombing down and making time up from the long walks up. They were not all like that but enough were and valuing my life and limbs I was quite dainty with my footing after the first few times of twisting my ankles and cursing loudly. Come to think of it a number of uphills were the same bunch of loose rocks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We started at 5am from a beautiful location (well, during the daylight it was - steep tree-covered hills . It gave you a real idea of what the course was going to be like - SCARY) and there were so many new faces but the usual excitement and well-wishes. I got a quick hug in with Laura who I expected was going to do amazingly and she did, even after slipping at 5 miles and hitting her head on a rock and getting a concussion - I believe she got to 50 miles as second place female before dropping. Talk about determination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were a few other runners from Ontario who I know from many of the races and they had mixed results. Some DNF'd (much further along than me) and some made it to the end with a little time to spare. These are good runners. Trust me, if Steven Parke takes 32:45 to finish a 100 where 36 hours is the cut-off - and he wins 100 milers, then Alex is pretty much up the creek. But I knew before I went that this was going to be a hell of a course. I really liked the idea of a 100 that was point-to-point rather than loops which can really depress you when you know you have to go out and do the same thing again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There really isn't much else to tell about my race. I sat and waited for a ride for about an hour and watched the runners behind me come in. In the last 5 miles I'd found various rocks that looked appealing and just sat down for a few minutes to rest and I chatted with a photographer a few miles from my final aid station for awhile. Once I called it a day and sat down, I was able to offer my pack of S-Caps and Advil to a woman at the aid station who was going to continue but was in rough shape at the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After my drive to an earlier aid station to pick up another 3 who were calling it a day we drove back to the Start/Finish where I drove back to the campsite and went for a shower. I kept on my compression calf sleeves and this really helped prevent the uncontrolled twitching and possible cramps from developing. I tried to sleep but didn't have much luck and after a few hours drove back to the start/finish to see if any of the drop bags were there. I found my head light and one drop bag and watched 2 runners coming in from the marathon after more than 11 hours! The marathon followed the 100 mile route up to a point and then deviated. I was told they faced one hill which was worse than anything on the 100 course so I felt sorry for them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next morning I headed back and saw some of the Ontario friends I'd seen and we were able to clap in a few of the 100 milers completing their super runs. The day was lovely and I collected my final drop bag and then headed home for my 4 hour journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 days after this I was one of the guide runners with Rhonda-Marie Avery on her epic Bruce Trail run - 880km from North to South. It was great that she was able to have so many of the ultra runners in Ontario join her on guide runs at different points. It was a really enjoyable experience to help someone else achieve a big life goal and I'm really proud of her and all her supporters who helped get her through it. After my 13 hour day with her and feeling pretty tired myself I was pretty damn impressed that she'd been out there doing 18 days of this already. And for those of you that don't know her, the reason she was being guided is that she is legally blind! I'll do a blog of my experiences with her when I get a chance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy running all. Sorry for the long delay posting this. I just was not thrilled with my result on this one and wanted to just chill. I have photos and stuff but that will come another time when I can look at photos again and not be a bit bummed about it.</span></div>
The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-12516717057752484832014-06-30T18:55:00.001-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.506-07:002014 - CREEMORE - 50KM - RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Final Week Prior to Creemore 50km</b></span><br />
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It's Monday evening, July 1st, and I took the leap and signed up for the Creemore 50km which will now be my last race prior to the 100 mile Eastern States in mid August. I was not actually going to do Creemore this year which is why it's the final week and I only just signed up. </span><br />
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I thought I'd do long runs on my own but it is hard to motivate myself to run 31 miles, although it has been easier lately since I met two guys who are training for Fat Dog in BC, which is the day prior to my race - so we've been going out for regular long runs together which is great. I stick with them for 4-5 hours and then have to go to work and they carry on but it has been pleasant. They are Wayne Pinel and his friend Tim Nelson. I read Wayne's blog report after the Laura Secord 100km race and on his Facebook page he had posted a picture of a training run at the Brock Monument which is close by me so I contacted him to see if he fancied doing some training runs, found out about his race schedule, and it worked out great. They are going to do the North Face 50 mile run in 2 weeks at Blue Mountain and I decided to opt out of that one - I saw someone posted a You Tube video of parts of the course and it didn't grab me so I'll be curious to hear their opinion of the race - great hill training of course!</span><br />
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So after the Niagara 100km ultra 2 weeks ago I was off for 5 days. I got shooting pains in my big toe and after 4 days I was able to start running again and at this point the toenail bed has begun to turn black over allot of the toe but so far it looks like I'll keep the nail. I have not done a single treadmill session this summer so it's a waste of money keeping the gym membership but I feel that I'm making good strength improvements by running trails so much and getting used to the heat and humidity better. I went out for a 10 km run today when it was 33 degrees outside with a 41 degree humidity and while it was not fun, I did it! And yesterday on the same course in very similar conditions I was with my friends and I did 16 miles with them. I was informed later that evening that a Massassauga Rattler bit his shoe on about the 11th loop - fortunately it was a small one and didn't puncture his shoe but just shows you have to watch yourself out there.</span><br />
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So Creemore. Why do it and what do I expect? You can read my 2013 race report to see aspects of the course if you are contemplating it. Although it's not the prettiest course in the OUS calendar, with 50% trail and 50% road it may not appeal to the die hard trail runner. However, it does have allot to offer so read on.</span><br />
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What can I tell you about it? Traditionally it is bloody hot and looking at the forecast it's calling for 24 degrees with sun and some slight cloud. Chances are on the day it will feel hotter out in the exposed sun. There are some nasty hills by Ontario standards and those are out on exposed country roads. Some of the views looking down are magnificent but they do hurt on the second lap. Last year I really suffered in the heat, barfed after lap one and got slightly lost in my daze and finished in about 6 hours 20 minutes. The second lap was not quite a death march but was not too far off at times and I was very glad to finish it. I actually don't remember much of the trail sections but some of those road sections are firmly burned into my conscious mind. </span><br />
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I again want to treat this purely as a training run and use it for the hills and the heat. The other reason to do it is enjoy running the race with ultra friends I have made and to support Pierre and Lee Ann, who put on a great race right from their house. And of course after the arduous course to have pizza and beer and sit in the cool, flowing river behind their property is bliss.</span><br />
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I have just ordered a running vest, the <a href="http://www.salomon.com/caus/product/advanced-skin-12-set.html" target="_blank">Salomon Advanced Skin 12 Set</a>, but I don't think it will be here in time to try it out so I'll have to use it in training. To run with I'll likely use the Hoka Stinsen Trail shoes and my Nathan belt with 2 mini water holders. The Hokas were bliss to wear in the Niagara and support so much cushioning and beside the big toe, there were no blister issues.</span><br />
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<b>Pre-Race Predictions</b></span><br />
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I'll likely drive there very early on the Saturday morning and my race predictions are sub 6 hours. I'd love 5:45 but really want to at least improve on last years 6:20 and hope that all the trail running and heat training (and rest between races) will make a difference so watch this space :)</span><br />
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I hope I'll see some of you out there and I hope that my blog has encouraged a few of you to try out a race or two in the series. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It's a Hill. . . Get Over It!</span></b></td></tr>
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<b>Post Race Report</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Hello my running
friends. Welcome back and thanks for looking in on me after the Creemore 50km. Sorry it took a few weeks to post this but life got in the way. Here we go. . .</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">This was my second Creemore and my second finish. I’m really happy about that
and to date it is the closest I’ve come to nailing my pre-race prediction. I got it done in </span><st1:time hour="17" minute="45"><span lang="EN-US">5:45 - spot on what I hoped for</span></st1:time><span lang="EN-US">. The first loop was done in
a fairly respectable </span><st1:time hour="14" minute="23"><span lang="EN-US">2:23</span></st1:time><span lang="EN-US"> and then the wheels came off on loop two – now THAT sounds more
familiar I’m sure. I was not too surprised it happened though as I really was
trying to run most of the hills on the first lap – and boy are there some
hills. I’ve now had an opportunity to download the </span><st1:stockticker><span lang="EN-US">GPS</span></st1:stockticker><span lang="EN-US"> info and it shows
3,300 feet of elevation gain over the 50km. The CN Tower is 1,800 feet approx
so almost two CN Towers to give you an idea. It is probably the hilliest OUS
race for the distance. Sure, if you run SS 100 miles or Niagara 100km you’ll cover more altitude (actually the Niagara one surprised me but it shows even more elevation than Creemore over the 100km) but we’re talking in 31 miles. Here are a few charts from my watch.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nLXuZ5mBh8/U8XcokPjezI/AAAAAAAAAkc/6B07AZYBzX0/s1600/creemore_stats_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nLXuZ5mBh8/U8XcokPjezI/AAAAAAAAAkc/6B07AZYBzX0/s1600/creemore_stats_1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Course Map - 3,366ft Elevation</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W8nQYe4GNrQ/U8XcoxO1lkI/AAAAAAAAAkw/nDzBep02Gns/s1600/creemore_stats_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W8nQYe4GNrQ/U8XcoxO1lkI/AAAAAAAAAkw/nDzBep02Gns/s1600/creemore_stats_2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Elevation, lap (3.1 mile or 5km), and Pace information</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They put up cheeky
little signs around the course that say things like ‘not a hill’ when the
incline has you wishing for a chairlift. Even some of the ‘non hills’ are
steeper than many OUS races. Sure, what goes up must come down
(eventually) but the downs can mess you up also and I’m sure some of you
were pretty damn sore for a few days and not all from the ups!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The drive up was
uneventful. </span><st1:time hour="3" minute="45"><span lang="EN-US">3:45 am</span></st1:time><span lang="EN-US"> out of bed after a restful sleep and </span><st1:time hour="4" minute="30"><span lang="EN-US">4:30 am</span></st1:time><span lang="EN-US"> out the
door after cereal and toast. Straight up Hurontario (Highway 10), East on 89
and North on </span><st1:street><st1:address><span lang="EN-US">Airport Road</span></st1:address></st1:street><span lang="EN-US"> got me to Creemore in 2 hours 15 minutes. I got the identical
parking spot as last year and went over to see the action at the start/finish where I ran into the usual suspects and some that I had not seen since last year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Waiting the last
few minutes around the car I was chatting to </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Kimberley</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US"> and there
was a car of intrepid runners getting ready for their particular races. One of
the ladies asked if I was the guy with the blog. Sweet. My 5 minutes of fame. I
can’t recall her name so I apologize but maybe I’ll see you again or you’ll
post a message when you get a chance to read this blog. She had a pierced nose
and was a with a group of about 4 friends and while she’d completed the 25km
race last year she was moving up to the 50km, her first attempt at that
distance. She explained that she scours the net for all the blog reports she can
find for as much information as she can about a particular course. It’s not a bad idea actually and I
certainly do it. I have a few favorites but if you do a search for
‘such and such race report' you can generally find something about the race you
are considering.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I offered advice such as not starting too fast (seems obvious but very easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day on fresh legs - maybe I should heed my own advice on that)
and getting out of the start/finish as quickly as possible after the first lap
because you feel tired and knowing you can just stop/quit is too tempting
sometimes when you are having a bad day. And let’s face it, we all have bad
days sometimes. After wishing her and her friends all the best on a great race, I took a few quick photos and got the rest of my stuff
together and was off to the start line. Here's a shot of the cars arriving and a nice shot of some of the familiar faces at these ultras.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtHoWmUsBZ4/U8XcmlCzD2I/AAAAAAAAAj4/h0Wxz9ayUO0/s1600/DSC07582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtHoWmUsBZ4/U8XcmlCzD2I/AAAAAAAAAj4/h0Wxz9ayUO0/s1600/DSC07582.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_AUYv971Vs/U8Xcmg-ZedI/AAAAAAAAAko/owJSu2hYj2Q/s1600/DSC07583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_AUYv971Vs/U8Xcmg-ZedI/AAAAAAAAAko/owJSu2hYj2Q/s1600/DSC07583.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Richard Takata, Alex Campbell, Jack Kilislian and Kimberley Van Delst</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Lap 1</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I arranged myself in the starting line according to how fast I know others are so I guess I was about ¼ of the way to
the front. I was just chatting generally and then heard there was 30 seconds
left so a few final deep breaths, set the watch and bang, we are off. The
temperature was so much better than the year prior. Cool enough with a light
breeze so I was very happy. I made a point of going slow for the first trail
section, just tucking behind a lady and taking it all in. We then popped out
onto Airport Road for about .25 km and then it is a sharp right onto what must be
some rural concession road and you can see for about 2km ahead as the
road climbs up. This is not a hill (according to the RD’s) but it can
mess you up. Last year I had gone far too quickly on the trail part and by this
first hill was already in walking mode. This time around I was slower but was
doing a steady, slow jog up the hill. That was pretty much the story of lap
one. I certainly did power walk some of the really nasty hills but was able to
jog a number of the others. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found myself running among 5 guys for a number of the middle miles on the first lap and
being lemmings we all followed the leader straight at a turn and went back into the
woods in the wrong direction. Fortunately we came across Joe Cleary I think and
he said to the lead of our group that we were going the wrong way. Slightly dejected by the prospect of turning around up an incline, we had no choice and
after groaning a bit I joined the caboose back to the intersection where we saw
about 8 runners who were now ahead of us. Jack Kilislian was right there now
and I was thinking I might have been slightly further ahead of him as I’d felt
my pace had picked up with the group but he was running strong. Fortunately our
wrong turn was not miles out of the way and I’d say we lost about 2-3 minutes.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was one
creek where you could not avoid getting a soaker but I had no blister issues. The
downhill and uphill gully section with all the rocks sucked and seemed to
go on and on. One of the property owners had kindly left her hose at the back
for us runners to soak our heads which was a lovely relief on the second loop
when things were getting toasty. Same smell of manure by the silo but a little
breeze to stop you gagging. This is quite a lonely stretch of road. And of
course close to the start/finish you have the two steep, short ravine sections
where you pull yourself up a rope. At least you know you only have about ½ km
to the finish line. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">By the end of lap
one the temp was going up, bright sun, but still a huge improvement on last
year. I felt I’d gone slower and could manage the second lap but I was feeling
it and my </span><st1:time hour="14" minute="23"><span lang="EN-US">2:23</span></st1:time><span lang="EN-US"> loop was considerably faster than last years run. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><b>Lap 2</b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think I pulled
in together with Jack but he got out ahead of me and that was the last I saw of him. I
got back into the trail at the end of their driveway and went the correct
direction this time. Last year I was barfing by this point and a bit dazed but
managed this year to avoid throwing up for another 2km. By the time I hit the
road I was starting to feel like a zombie (but not the Zombie’s from World War
Z or I would have won the race). I walked all the way to the top of the hill and had about 5 people pass me
and knew my ‘race’ was over and that the second lap was going to be a walk up
the majority of hills. I took a right down the road towards the aid station and
then had my first barf by the side of the road. With it getting warmer and with
the water not getting absorbed and just sloshing around in my gut I was kind of happy to
reboot but sorry that it happened just as Kimberly was running by me –
especially since she had lent me her extra handheld bottle. Oops. I promise to
wash it. It must be why she insisted I keep it at the end. Ha ha. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Actually, I liked
her handheld better than mine. The reason I was not using my yellow Amphipod
was because of a mishap in the dishwasher a few days prior. A
Tupperware lid found it’s way onto the heating element in the dishwasher and
the smell of smoke woke me in the middle of the night. Flying down the stairs
and looking for a fire I discovered that the source of the fumes was the
Tupperware which had melted right through. Unfortunately this smell completely
contaminated the plastic handheld and made the water taste/smell of burning
plastic. Yuck. So thanks </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Kimberley</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US"> for helping me out.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After my digestion
mishap I ran up to the aid station in time to have a toast of ginger ale with
Kimberley, discuss politics, love, life and liberty, ya de ya. . . ok, just a
toast of ginger ale. Then I insisted she run into the single track ahead of me
and she was gone. I was back to walking but the ginger ale did help settle me
for a short while but most of lap two was not pretty. A few others passed me
along the way and then it was just me on my own thinking I was the only one in
the race and determined not to let anybody else pass me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">At a few points the horseflies were a nuisance
once they honed in on your sweat and I was waving my cap around like a madman
zigzagging across the road cursing. One more woman (Caroline Caskie) came past
me on a hill and I kept her in my sites as we walked/ran along the stile road
which was very depressing to me now. For the final 15km nobody else passed me.</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">I had now barfed another 3 times and
choose the 5<sup>th</sup> spot on the stile road which was spectacular as it
shot out my nostrils at the same time. Damn I hate that! For some reason it
‘smelled’ like fish. Not sure why. So things were definitely not comfy for me
but as I saw Caroline turn right into the woods ahead of me at least I knew I’d
be off that damn road shortly. I got through the wood section back to the final
nasty mother of a hill (but with a wonderful view) which left 3km to the end. I
was a bit dazed and saw the aid station directly in front of me on the road but
paused and looked around slightly confused and felt I might chuck again so was
looking for some cover to spare the aid station workers. They called me over
thinking I was totally out of it (not far from the truth) and I explained
myself and just said I needed some ginger ale. Only 3km more they said and I
thanked them as I grabbed a sponge at the station and poured it over the back
of my neck. Aaaahhhhhh. Nice.</span></span><br />
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That last steep hill down hurts but I was able to pick up the pace somewhat and had one final peak up the hill before heading cross country to see if anybody was going to make me run faster (please no!). Fortunately the only person I saw was a good 4-5 minutes back and while I didn't relax, I didn't have to panic either. Through the grass field, back into the woods, climb the two gullies with ropes, pass the garbage tip and out into the open, over the bridge which totally messes with you by that point and the final 100 feet past people clapping with the big finish sausage and over the timing mat with a medal waiting for you. Done!</span><br />
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<b>Final stats</b></span><br />
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Entrants: 69</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishers: 65</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My placing: 29</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My time: 5:44:53</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last years time: 6:19:59</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCbLi1_E4mQ/U8Xcn4FM6LI/AAAAAAAAAkY/QoFZ05kZtDg/s1600/DSC07586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCbLi1_E4mQ/U8Xcn4FM6LI/AAAAAAAAAkY/QoFZ05kZtDg/s1600/DSC07586.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nice Hand Made Finishing Medal. Thanks Pierre and Lee Anne</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After finishing I hobbled to the chair next to the first aid station and the Ambulance dude kindly gave me a cold water from his cooler. Oh that was lovely. Legs were crying out at me and I just needed to sit for 10 minutes to get the calves to stop twitching so badly. I saw Kimberley who had an excellent race and carried on to 17th place in 5:25. I headed over to the food but no pizza yet - the first lot had been wolfed down by hungry runners but more was on it's way. I grabbed a Timbit I think and sat again and then we were called to present awards so we sat on the grass around Pierre and Lee Anne as the winners and their times were announced and they came up to receive their goodies. Some really quick runners out there for sure. I saw Jack and congratulated him on his 9th place and 5:04 finish time. Damn that is fast for this course. I went over and congratulated Melanie, Steven, Elise and Lisa on their excellent races.</span><br />
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After that, pizza was back on hand and I grabbed a slice and headed over to the river to sit and enjoy. Many people were relaxing in the river but I was still fairly dazed and just needed to get some calories inside me to get me out of the stupour. That done and not wanting to seize up I marched over and grabbed a beer and headed out past the finish line to cheer on any runners that were coming in which I always enjoy doing. After 15 minutes of that it was back up to see Kimberley and Richard who was now sitting after completing his race. We sat there and joked around for about 45 minutes, relaxing and talking about the race and I won a spot prize which was a hand made ceramic bowl. Sweet. Thanks Lee Anne.</span><br />
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I didn't get into the river this time around and after feeling able I said goodbye to people and made my way to the car and headed home. Oh. I did get to meet the young woman who had entered her first 50km also. The first time was at an aid station and it was the second loop. She was feeling rough and I gave some encouraging words as did Maryka who was manning the aid station and we got her going. The second time was as I was sitting relaxing at the end and she did it :) Her first 50km. A great moment and I was really happy to be able to congratulate her. Well done. :)</span><br />
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Thank you for reading my Creemore Race Report and my next one will be after Eastern States 100 miles in mid August. Gulp. 20,000 feet of elevation instead of 3,300 and on trails, not road. No blogs I can read since it's the inaugural race. Damn. Anyway, it's going to be hard as hell. Am I ready? I don't know but I'll give it my best and that's all anybody can ask.</span><br />
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Happy running from Alex. Aka The Running Dude.</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-32340154983001224562014-06-15T18:31:00.001-07:002016-06-13T07:49:54.657-07:002014 - NIAGARA 100KM - RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello again my friends. Thank you for visiting my running blog. Another weekend and another race in the bag. This one was the 100km race in Niagara-On-The-Lake although other distances were on offer including a 1/2 marathon, marathon and 50km. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Course</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Think Niagara Falls. The water cascades over the falls and churns it's way along the Niagara River and then empties into Lake Ontario about 25km distant. The little Town of Niagara-On-The-Lake (or NOTL as locals call it) is nestled where Lake Ontario greets the Niagara River and our race start is about 1km from Fort George at the Kinsmen Scout Hall situated on the Commons. You can certainly read any of my past race reports to get the intimate details of the course but suffice it to say that it is completely paved footpath or road so not the kind of race to do if you want trail running. However, it is a beautiful course in it's own right and how many races take you to one of the Natural Wonders of the World? (if you are doing the 50km or 100km races - the marathon falls short by about 5km). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first 10.5-11km are almost flat but then you get a cheeky climb up the escarpment, passing by the ever watchful Brock and his monument. Now you are quite high up and take a left turn along the footpath and follow it by the floral clock before passing the hydro-electric station. It is very exposed with a magnificent view deep into the gorge where seagulls frolic below you and on some days eagles soar in the air currents. From 17-18km you are running flat with the golf course on your right. At the 18km point is a short climb which takes you to a left turn which takes you past a tourist helicopter pad and The Great Wolf Lodge and then to the Gorge cable-car crossing. It was quite peaceful to this point but after this from about 20km you are starting quite a few rolling climbs and descents as you come into Niagara Falls proper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally the last decent with 2km to go greets you before the turn-around point - it's now the beginning of something new with the hustle and bustle of hoards of tourists. On the 50km, because of the early start, it's possible to get in and out of Dodge before noon but my first experience of running this 100km race in Niagara means that, by 2-3pm, the area that was relatively navigable the first time around, becomes a minefield of human bodies (you call them tourists - I call them a pain in the ass) who seemed completely blind to my neon green shirt hurtling towards them at 4kph (hey, I was tired by then, sheesh). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Race Day Minus One</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok, so let's backtrack to the day before and lead up to my race. I met up at lunch with Jack Kilislian, a fellow Ontario Ultra runner who I've seen now in many races. Jack is a talented runner and has made it 2014's mission to race all 14 OUS races. He's off to a very good start and I'll be rooting for him through the series. We watched one of the World Cup matches at The Irish Harp pub in downtown Niagara and talked about ultra running and then I headed home to pack my kit. Along the way I got some chips, seaweed and more keniso-tape for my Achilles issues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The weather forecast looked perfect for me, cool with some cloud cover with some sunny breaks. I was happy. Every other Niagara 50km I've entered in the previous 3 years has always been hot. I got my kit together and the only change in my wardrobe on the day was going to be a long sleeve thin mesh shirt to keep the sun at bay. Bright neon, I found it winking at me from the bottom of the drawer and knew we were meant to be together for 100km at least. I failed to post this blog post before race day so I can't offer you any race day predictions but the plan was to go out slow, and try for roughly even 6:30 minute km splits. I had my Garmin 620 watch and set it to warn me every 20 minutes to take water or gels and do lap splits for each 5km. Great idea and all went well until the final 25km return trip when I started getting low battery warnings. Guess where it finally stopped working? 15 seconds from the finish line - so I lost ALL my data. Damn!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Race Morning</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My sleep was pretty good and I woke before my alarm clock. A quick bowl of cereal and banana, a poo or two and I was out the door ready for my tiring 10 minute drive to the start. I parked beside Hans Meier and got my stuff together. Ultra friends arrived and I said hello to Richard Takata and met Jack's wife, chatted to Hans and got my bib and ultra cool blue hooded fleece. I congratulated Henri, the race organiser, on his recent marriage to Diane who is race organiser of Dirty Girls and Laura Secord races (without them we would not have so many great ultra races in Ontario) and then chilled in the back of my car so pre-race nerves would not overwhelm me. I had my lucky charm in my handheld which I take to all my races and applied body glide liberally before heading out to the start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We got quick instructions and the 50 100km runners took their mark, set, and off we went. I settled into a slow pace and made a habit of checking my watch quite regularly and while 6:30 was the target/km I was finding I was doing closer to 5:45-5:50 early on which I was not worried about. I ended up beside Ibrahim Asghar, one of two brothers whom I finished the last parts of the 100km Laura Secord race with back in April. It was nice to learn about his roots in Dubai and his brothers and life in Dubai and we were quite comfortable chatting and getting a good rhythm going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Workman Confrontation</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At 10.5km you take a sharp left turn down a road which crosses a bridge with a ravine and it was closed to traffic - ALL traffic. Amazingly, there was a work crew there at 7am and they were NOT happy to see runners. About 5 runners had turned back up the road towards us and we started walking back up the road to the intersection. I knew the route always went down the hill and the markers said so also. I knew we could take the left road and it would eventually lead us up to where we needed to go but I thought I'd seen some of the faster runners get by so I turned back and passed the barricades only to come face to face - literally - and chest to chest - with a very irate workman supervisor who told me I couldn't come through, etc. etc. and I very politely told him that he didn't need to worry about stopping me, but the next several hundred runners might be more of a problem. I smiled and slipped by him and carried on and got the disapproving look of several of his colleagues and then we began running again. I knew that by the time we returned the race organizers would have sorted something out and they did and we had to take the long way back. Oh well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Getting to the hydroelectric station I lost my running partner and gained a new one, Paul Chenery. I met Paul 2 years ago at the Limberlost run and last year he represented Canada in the Worlds. He is no slouch and has run most of the OUS races and him and I ran together the entire way out and back so I learned more about him also. We then ran into Jack Kilislian who almost always runs shirtless and he was employing a 5/1 run/walk strategy so we fell into that for awhile with him which felt kind of nice although those 5 minutes seemed longer and the 1 minutes seemed to shrink each time we did it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Niagara Falls the first time around was quite pleasant with fewer tourists and we got to the turn-around and I grabbed a ham/cheese and avocado wrap which I ate half and gave 1/2 to Paul. Some time on the return journey we lost sight of Jack while he went for a pit stop and we carried on. We came across many runners now in the shorter races and had been passed by a few of the leaders in the 50km race. It was nice to encourage the other runners and be buoyed by their enthusiasm also. Unfortunately Paul told me that it was likely he was going to stop after 50km so his wife would not have to wait another 6 hours. I tried not to think about heading off for another loop but how I felt and while I was tired, our pace had been relatively reasonable and we passed the start/finish in a time of 4:59:31 which was pretty darn good I thought. I've run the 50km 3 previous years and my times there have been 5:11, 4:07 and 5:01 (and no, I didn't take a car in that middle year!). Now you see what hot weather running does to my times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I grabbed another wrap and walked away, eating it slowly, although I didn't find the wrap very palatable by that point and only had half. I just wanted to not have to face the clapping and cheers of other runners coming in who were done. About 1.2km from the start I came across Kimberley Van Delst who looked strong and gave me a big smile and I cheered her to kick ass to the finish line that was well within her sights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A number of runners returning were impressed I was going out to do the same thing again, knowing how they felt. I knew what they meant also. I was at the finish line of the Niagara ultra 2 years ago, cheering fellow runners in, and saw these poor bastards going out to complete another 50km and I said, nooooo, I'll never do that here. I could not stand the thought of turning around to do it again. My reasoning to do the 100km this year was to get a good long training run in before Eastern States 100. Now, 100km pavement isn't the same as 100 miles of trails or mega climbs but 62 miles is 62 miles, right? I wanted to see if my Bruce Trail training runs over the past month have helped my fitness at all. I think they have and while the 62 miles hurt, I have been in 50km races and hurt far worse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Carrying on with the race I tried to concentrate on the km markings, one at a time. Not think about the distance left, only about the next 5km aid station. About 10km along I had my first stomach upset and threw up allot which is never pleasant but made me feel a bit better once it was over. I kept trying to manage my salt and water intake and had managed one pee in about 5 hours. As I mentioned earlier, the second time into Niagara Falls was not fun with all the tourists and I was never happier to leave the hoards behind. Those rolling hills were no fun and Jack at this point passed me along with another woman and I had them in my sights for several more km and then they were no more. Now there were only the runners ahead and behind with no more that would be passing by so I was now conscious about not letting anybody pass me. I don't look back but I knew I was slowing and I was taking walking breaks each km. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was starting to hurt but my mantra this time was to say out loud that 'everybody else is hurting also so just shut up and get on with it!' That seemed to do the trick and then I'd look ahead and visualize the next place I would allow myself to walk again. I'd always try to extend it that much further when I got to that point. It didn't always work but it helped.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before I knew it I was at the 10km aid station and then 5 and I knew the finish line was a tangible thing. It felt strange passing by tourists enjoying their picnics on a lovely day, to them probably looking slightly crazed and them wondering why. Or maybe we never even entered their consciousness and they were just focused on their families and the smell of cooking food from their bar-b-ques. Bastards!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is a street crossing with 1 mile to go and at that point I took a look back and thankfully there was not a sole to be seen and I knew I would not be passed. 1km mark, into the open field, a bench on the right, tall grass, large trees providing shade, a tiny concrete bridge, a row of trees lining the footpath, pink flags marking the route, a big puddle to cross and then a sharp left and a final sharp right onto the grass, the final 100 meters to the finish mat. Pick up the pace but just a bit - savoir those last few seconds, the claps of those that are left by now, the claps of your fellow runners that have experienced everything you have and done it quicker; Steven Parke and Jack Kilislian. Cross that line and get that medal and ribbon around your neck and put your hands on your knees and thank goodness it's all over and that you are here after 10 hours and 32 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's right, 10 hours 32 minutes, enough for 9th place of 39 starters. My first lap was 4:59:31 and my second was 5:33:02. For me that is very consistent pacing and it surprised me (6:20/km). I'm very happy with my result.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I then hobbled over to Steven and Jack and hugged them both and congratulated them and then we cheered in the following runner 10 minutes later, Charles Smith. I'd seen him last year at the Ottawa 24 hour race. I wasn't feeling too swell and decided to go into the Hall to sit down and massage my legs. This is usually what happens. I have no appetite for about 20 minutes and then try to get something into me but while I was told fresh pizza had just arrived I couldn't seem to work myself up to eating anything and then had to go outside and dry heave about 8 times which was very unpleasant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was starting to shiver and decided to forget about the pizza and drive the 10 minutes home for a long hot shower and an Advil followed by the 2 hour throbbing, intense pain that follows. You know that feeling, don't you? Until the Advil or whatever takes the edge off. Still with a very unsettled stomach I did manage to eat two pizza slices and then went to bed. 2:30am I was having a really bad time with my stomach on the verge of revolt and this time I tried to shut it up with an apple which seemed to soothe it somewhat. In the morning my legs were stiff but not to the degree I've had in past races. My feet had zero blisters from my Hoka One One Stinson Trail shoes (I didn't have the road versions). The only punishment they suffered seems to be the large toe and the nail-bed. It's very tender and I'm hoping I don't loose that one but the next few days will tell. This pair of shoes supported my heels and the soles of my feet extremely well on this race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So overall stats for this race were:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">50km 1st lap: 4:59:31</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">50km 2nd lap: 5:33:02</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Entrants Finishers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Total </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 48 25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Male </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">30 17</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Female 18 8</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Other 0 0 (who or what the hell is óther'?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(39 started and 25 finished, 48 entered)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's about all there is to say about this race. Perfect weather conditions for me, a lovely course and I hope next year you'll consider running one of the Niagara ultra race distance events. Niagara is a lovely place to visit and there are plenty of places along the course to park and cheer on your runner (just not within 5km of the Falls!). I hope all your training is going well and thank you once again for stopping by to see how my race went.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alex (aka The Running Dude)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">__________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Garmin 620 was rated for 10 hours but actually died 10 hours 29 minutes and I thought I lost ALL my data but it stored it so here are my 5km (3.1 mile) splits throughout:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="rich-table " id="j_id266:normalTable" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px solid white !important; color: #222222; empty-cells: show; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 0px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 0px;"><thead class="rich-table-thead" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px;">
<tr class="rich-table-subheader splitsHeader" style="background: url(http://connect.garmin.com/api/activity/component/splits/images/splits-header-bg.png) 0px 0px repeat-x; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; height: 32px; line-height: normal;"><th class="rich-table-subheadercell splitsHeader " id="j_id266:normalTable:j_id268header" scope="col" style="background: url(http://connect.garmin.com/api/activity/component/splits/images/splits-header-bg.png) 0px 0px repeat-x; border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; height: 32px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><div id="j_id266:normalTable:j_id268header:sortDiv" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span id="j_id266:normalTable:j_id269">Split</span></div>
</th><th class="rich-table-subheadercell splitsHeader " id="j_id266:normalTable:t0header" scope="col" style="background: url(http://connect.garmin.com/api/activity/component/splits/images/splits-header-bg.png) 0px 0px repeat-x; border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; height: 32px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><div id="j_id266:normalTable:t0header:sortDiv" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span id="j_id266:normalTable:j_id275">Time</span></div>
</th><th class="rich-table-subheadercell splitsHeader " id="j_id266:normalTable:t1header" scope="col" style="background: url(http://connect.garmin.com/api/activity/component/splits/images/splits-header-bg.png) 0px 0px repeat-x; border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; height: 32px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><div id="j_id266:normalTable:t1header:sortDiv" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span id="j_id266:normalTable:j_id281">Distance</span></div>
</th><th class="rich-table-subheadercell splitsHeader " id="j_id266:normalTable:t2header" scope="col" style="background: url(http://connect.garmin.com/api/activity/component/splits/images/splits-header-bg.png) 0px 0px repeat-x; border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; height: 32px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><div id="j_id266:normalTable:t2header:sortDiv" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span id="j_id266:normalTable:j_id287">Avg Pace</span></div>
</th></tr>
</thead><tfoot>
<tr class="rich-table-subfooter splitsFooter" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; height: 28px; position: relative; text-align: right;"><td class="rich-table-subfootercell splitsFooter " scope="col" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; height: 28px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px; position: relative;">Summary</td><td class="rich-table-subfootercell splitsFooter " scope="col" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; height: 28px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px; position: relative;">10:29:59.0</td><td class="rich-table-subfootercell splitsFooter " scope="col" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; height: 28px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px; position: relative;">62.74</td><td class="rich-table-subfootercell splitsFooter " scope="col" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; height: 28px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px; position: relative;">10:00</td></tr>
</tfoot><tbody id="j_id266:normalTable:tb">
<tr class="rich-table-row rich-table-firstrow splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:0:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">1</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:0:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">28:29.2</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:0:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:0:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9:10</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:1:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">2</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:1:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">28:39.4</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:1:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:1:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9:13</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:2:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:2:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">32:52.0</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:2:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:2:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:35</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:3:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">4</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:3:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">30:07.5</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:3:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:3:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9:42</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:4:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">5</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:4:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">29:26.6</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:4:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:4:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9:29</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:5:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">6</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:5:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">31:52.2</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:5:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:5:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:15</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:6:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">7</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:6:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">28:35.1</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:6:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:6:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9:12</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:7:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">8</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:7:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">28:20.8</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:7:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:7:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9:07</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:8:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:8:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">29:02.4</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:8:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:8:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9:21</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:9:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:9:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">28:14.3</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:9:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:9:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9:05</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:10:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:10:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">32:54.8</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:10:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:10:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:36</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:11:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">12</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:11:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">31:48.7</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:11:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:11:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:14</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:12:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">13</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:12:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">35:07.2</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:12:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:12:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">11:18</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:13:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">14</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:13:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">32:00.4</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:13:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:13:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:18</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:14:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">15</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:14:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">33:20.2</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:14:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:14:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:44</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:15:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">16</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:15:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">33:03.7</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:15:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:15:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:38</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:16:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">17</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:16:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">33:45.5</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:16:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:16:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:52</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:17:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">18</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:17:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">32:23.1</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:17:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:17:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:25</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow" style="height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:18:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">19</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:18:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">32:54.2</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:18:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:18:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:35</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRowAlternate" style="background-color: whitesmoke; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:19:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">20</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:19:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">31:12.6</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:19:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">3.11</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:19:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">10:03</td></tr>
<tr class="rich-table-row splitsRow splitsRowHighlight" style="background-color: #e3f4ff; height: 28px;"><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:20:j_id268" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">21</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:20:t0" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">5:49.2</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:20:t1" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">0.60</td><td class="rich-table-cell " id="j_id266:normalTable:20:t2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px; text-align: right;">9:38</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="summaryTable elevation" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 331px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="summaryTableLabel" style="color: #999999; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 10px 4px 0px; text-align: right; white-space: nowrap; width: 173px;">Elevation Gain:</td><td style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap; width: 148px;" valign="top">3,715 ft</td></tr>
<tr><td class="summaryTableLabel" style="color: #999999; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 10px 4px 0px; text-align: right; white-space: nowrap; width: 173px;">Elevation Loss:</td><td style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap; width: 148px;" valign="top">3,725 ft</td></tr>
<tr><td class="summaryTableLabel" style="color: #999999; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 10px 4px 0px; text-align: right; white-space: nowrap; width: 173px;">Min Elevation:</td><td style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap; width: 148px;" valign="top">246 ft</td></tr>
<tr><td class="summaryTableLabel" style="color: #999999; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 10px 4px 0px; text-align: right; white-space: nowrap; width: 173px;">Max Elevation:</td><td style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 0px; white-space: nowrap; width: 148px;" valign="top">563 ft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh. And I got an email after a week saying I won an age-group prize! I looked and I was 3 of 3 for my age group (top 3 get awards). I had to laugh. I'm getting an award for being last in my age group :) I think it is a digital plaque. </span></div>
The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-81664752684846325632014-05-20T17:50:00.003-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.672-07:002014 - SULPHUR SPRINGS - 50 MILE - RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>4 Days Before Race</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello my running friends. This will be my third entry to the Sulphur Springs 50 mile. My first attempt 3 years ago was a big disappointment with poor pacing resulting in an unsustainable 1st lap (1:39) followed by a lap feeling sorry for myself and throwing in the towel at the 1/2 way point (2:01). My race last year went much better and my first two lap splits were even (1:56 and 1:57) and at a more realistic pace but unfortunately I didn't have the fitness to keep it going which resulted in the last two laps sliding. Despite that, I was really pleased to squeak in under 9 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You may have read my last race report which was The Laura Secord 100km along the Bruce Trail in April. Potentially it could have been an awesome race (from the perspective of enjoying the run) if the trails were firm but with the crazy winter we had the trails were a muddy mess which resulted in a grunt-fest. I finished the race (barely) but in some ways I would have been better off throwing in the towel on this one. The course beat me up badly with post race injuries resulting in a 3 week lay-off. I received nasty friction burns up the back of my Achilles (due to ankle socks sliding inside my shoe due to the mud and grit), poison ivy on the tops of my feet and after researching on the net, I finally figured the other foot issue is called 'pump bump' or '<a href="http://haglundsdeformity.net/pictures" target="_blank">Hagland's Deformity</a>'. I had no idea what it was after first getting a bad case after the Dirty Girls 48 hour race last year and got it again badly after the LS100. It seems to always be on the one foot. Anyway, that took time to settle and even now is not completely gone but I'm going to make efforts to minimize a repeat this time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once I got back to the running the mileage had slipped and I don't have any great expectations although I have my fingers crossed for some of my running friends who I hope do really well. On the women's side in the 100 mile my bet is on Laura Paulo to beat her course record from last year. On the men's side I don't know who the winner will be but I'm hoping her future husband Corey kills it and of course Steven Parke is running very well also so I'll be rooting for him after his first win in the winter BoB. However, they are all entered in the 100 mile and my race is the 50. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did go to the final training session at the course, held on the first Sunday of May, to re-familiarize myself with the course and the conditions. It is muddier than last year in sections but overall has not changed much. I also wanted to test out my new running purchase, the <a href="http://sites.garmin.com/forerunnerCoach/" target="_blank">Garmin Forerunner 620 GPS</a> watch. My lap time was reasonable but I didn't pay much attention to my pacing and felt more tired after the loop than I should have expected but it was really fun uploading the information and seeing my route on the computer and figuring out which fields of data I should try to be looking at during a race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The forecast is calling for a cool start rising to a high of 24 I believe. Warmer than I'd like but better than a downpour. I also have invested in several new shoes to test out after being a die-hard Asics shoe-buyer but various blister issues made me to decide to try other brands. I tried the Hoka Stinson Trail and raced in them in the LS100. I did like them but have not used them since that race. I then purchased two other brands, the Salomon Speedcross III which unfortunately are too tight (damn) and a pair of <a href="http://www.trailrunmag.com/2014/02/13/shoe-review-brooks-cascadia-9/" target="_blank">Brooks Cascadia Nine's</a>. These will be the puppies I put to the test in the SS50. I'm liking them allot so we'll see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Race day is calling for a cool start going up to a high of 24, higher than I like but better than rain. Tomorrow (Wed) I'll be home to begin the pre-race ritual. First my 'go-faster' haircut, then some supplies (Advil, band-aids, junkfood supplies for after), the toe-nail trimming and race kit preparation. Better to get it out of the way a few days before so there is no last-minute panic. While I'll be taking some S-Caps for electrolyte replenishing on the day, I found that Dulse (seaweed) worked a treat in perking me up at Ottawa 24 hour track race last year so I'm going to take that along with me. I will continue with the Hammer Gels this race but have found that I love the Cliffshot Blocks (yummy).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Race Predications and Plan(s)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You've come to know and expect my race predictions and it's fun to see how wildly I'm out sometimes so I'll give it my best shot. In the initial stages (i.e. 2 laps) I'm going to try to be slower than last year (1:55 and 1:56 respectively) and hopefully do a 2 hour 7 minute lap. I hope to accomplish this with my trusty new friend, my watch. I have talked about how my pacing needs to improve and I hope this does the trick. I have to OBEY it though and I'm terrible for that so I'll let you know how it goes. I also am going to set it to vibrate or buzz at a designated time so I remember to hydrate and take my gels/salt, etc. By both slowing down and taking on board nutrients I am hoping that I can maintain as close to 2 hour 15 minute pace for the final two laps as I can, resulting in a finish of around 8:45 which would be an improvement of 12 minutes on last year with less physical fitness. Can I do it? Watch this space. ;) I'm looking forward to seeing many of my fellow ultra runners out there and wish all of them a great run. All the best and I'll get back to you shortly after the race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Post Race Report</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sorry for the long delay and writing my post-race report but there is not allot to tell. It didn't go to plan - very few of mine do as you'll know if you've stuck with me over the years. But that's one of the reasons I love ultra running because so many things can happen. Unfortunately it's another DNF this time around which makes Sulphur Springs 2, Alex 1. I dropped the same place this time around, after 25 miles or 2 laps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got up early and drove down and got parking easily enough. I rested in the car until about 5:00am and then got my bib and got ready. I met Dale who holds the course record here for 100 miles in some crazy time of 15 hours something! He was wearing the same shoes as me which I thought was a good omen but obviously not as it appears he dropped also and upon speaking to him it appears he dislikes hot summer running so maybe that was what happened to his race. As the temperature climbed through the day it did get very warm, probably in the low 30's with the humidity. On the first lap it was delicious. Oh well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ran into Rich Humber who I had trained with 2 years prior when I was doing the 50 mile and he was doing his first 100. He got it done and he'd come back after a year off with injuries to give it another go. I didn't see him out there this time but it seems he threw in the towel as did Ron Gehl which I'm sure was frustrating for them both but they'll be back I know. Some of my friends did very well. Laura Paulo broke her course record by almost an hour in the 100 mile and Steven Park came second overall behind Laura as the first male so that is now his second 100 mile victory. Nicely done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were quite a few muddy spots around the course but after LS nothing seems too muddy anymore but you got a soaker a few times. As I was returning to the start after the first lap just before the final aid station a stampede of runners came charging down the hill and almost knocked the woman in front of me and myself clear off the trails. They were the 25 and 50km runners I think. After that it was the final walk up the hill to the start/finish with a first lap of 1:50. Dumb! Dumb! Dumb! I had my new GPS pacing watch and looked at it numerous times around the first lap and ran by feel rather than sticking to a 6:25min km pace and as a result I had a total melt-down in lap two as the temperatures rose and I ran out of steam. I was out of shape also. I knew it but if I'd stuck to a slower pace maybe things would have turned out differently. Truth be told I knew within the first 1/4 of the second lap that I was going to call it a day. I was hot, I had no energy and I wasn't that fussed and had no hunger for it that day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I barfed once and had to use the toilet facilities on the second lap which is unusual for me in a race. Not sure what that was about. Lap two there was a fair bit of walking going on and I really wanted it to be over. Runners were passing me by but by that point I had no idea who was who. You can't see what distances they are in when they come by you with their bib colors on the front of their shirts or pants. I was able to cheer on others which I enjoy and came across Jack Kilislian in his first 100 mile effort at one point and he got er done and I fully expect him to win his age group in the OUS series this year and quite possibly win overall - but it's still early days in the series so we'll see but he's doing all the big distance races this year and he is very determined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the final 5km of loop two as you are going mostly downhill after the open fields I came across a big Asian fellow who was sweating profusely and looked to be suffering allot. I offered up some salt tablets and the rest of my water as he was totally out and wished him well so hopefully it helped get him going again. Been there myself and it's always nice when someone offers assistance. There seemed to be some confusion at one point on the course for the shorter distances at their designated turnaround point. A whole bunch were in a huddle with a race marshal who was telling which ones to turn around and which to go on. It's never fun when you are in a race and get confused over where you are so hopefully they got all straitened out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My second lap coming in was 2:10 so 20 minutes difference and I knew if I had continued my next one would have probably been a 2:35 or something but as I said, my heart was not in it and I felt drained so I just went to my drop bag, sat for about 5 minutes and then walked over to see April Boultbee who recently had knee surgury and is out of action but she was cheering on her sister in the 100 and she did awesome also. Alongside April was Heather Lightfoot who was cheering her husband, Dan, in the 50km. They are about to embark on a year long trip driving around all over the place so I gave her a big hug and wished them both well. As I was sitting there I saw Kimberly Van Delst come through the start/finish, beginning lap 3 of her 4 loops for the 50 mile. I was very impressed. The week before she had been at the 3 Days at the Fair race in the USA and completed 150 miles! She went on to finish the 50 miler in a very reasonable time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't see Dan but I stuck with April and Heather for about 15 minutes and then decided to get going as I was stiffening up. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was at the car for about 30 minutes resting, eating and washing up and then drove to work for the rest of the day so that's about all there is on that race report.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was stiff for 3 days even with only 25 miles on the legs and I've been out on the trails getting in some miles and trying to increase the training to prepare for the Niagara 100km in 2 weeks and then ES100 miles in August. I'm going to need to seriously work on the hills and long runs to have any chance at that one so we'll see how it goes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did notice a sharp pain periodically in my left toe during the race and it looks like one of the nails has been lifted off the bed. It's not painful now but kind of weird being able to move it up and down like a hinge - kinda freaky. First time that has happened. No black toe on it and not sure if I should pull it off or hope it reattaches but I've gone for a few runs and it's not bothering me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some people will say I wimped out today and I guess it's true. My heart was not in it but I did enjoy what I did and always enjoy the whole experience and seeing the other competitors. It just was not my day and that's OK. For those of you who had a good race and finished or did really well, I'm always happy for you. See you next time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next race Niagara 100km mid June. They hold this 100km distance every second year and it's only 10 minutes from me. It's almost all paved footpath and is 2x out and back but I thought at least 62 miles is a good training run for ES even if it's not off-road. The trick is going to be mentally being able to go out again for another 50km when I'm knackered and I won't be looking forward to fighting the crowds in Niagara Falls once it's later in the day. Maybe just the smell of me will part the crowds by that point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until next time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alex</span><br />
The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-62741375085730105802014-04-07T15:38:00.001-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.633-07:002014 - LAURA SECORD MEMORIAL 100KM RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Welcome back my fellow intrepid ultra runners. It is two days following the first OUS race of 2014 and the good news is I have some ultra points in the bag. The bad news is at what cost. I made a comment on Facebook to one of my fellow runners that was out on the course with me that this was not a race, more like The Hunger Games!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I've begun to know more people at these events you always hear about 'that' particular race - the one where veterans nod knowingly as they describe weather so terrible, rain so horizontal, conditions so dreadful. This was one of those races. I'm sure it was never Diane's (race RD) intention to create such a race but I think any ultra RD takes pride in creating a truly memorable event both in it's uniqueness and toughness. Ultra runners don't want easy. They want to be challenged. They want to get beat up and fight back and learn more about themselves. This race delivered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's look at the stats:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">69 intrepid souls towed the line at 5 a.m.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">41 people finished in various states of dishevelment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">28 people either got lost and called it quits or missed the Aid Station cut-off</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Percentage of finishes: 59% with 41% drop rate</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of the races I've participated in so far that is the highest drop rate I've seen. Now, I've read the single blog report which is posted on the LS100 site so far which comes from Kent Keeler (the 100km winner in this race - report <a href="http://runbikerace.com/2014/04/06/race-report-laura-secord-memorial-100k/" target="_blank">here</a>). Uber congratulations to him. But these guys and gals are, well, like SUPER fit and their reports are never going to tell it like it is for the majority of us so I'm going to give a mid-pack runner perspective. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://dirtyrunnerproductions.com/laura_secord_100/lsresults-2014-100k.pdf" target="_blank">Results</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of 41 finishers I placed either 31st, 32nd or 33rd. It does not matter. Two brothers and I finished together (Ibrahim Asghar and Sheraz Asghar); arms around one another as we descended the final road section to the makeshift army tent - an oasis of light for our hungry souls. By that point it was not about rushing ahead for the glory of a few minutes faster than a fellow competitor. We'd all been beat up and having company over the last hour or two was far more preferable. Our times were <b>18 hours 48 minutes</b>. Diane greeted us with a huge smile and congratulated us all and when she gave us a hug and placed that army style dog tag finishing medal in my hand it all seemed worthwhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please bear with me. I tend to write how I think - out of order - and as one thought intrudes I tend to put pen to paper and finish that thought. But if you are patient we'll get to the start, the middle and the end, I promise. It's the journey that counts :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The End</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By this point it was almost 11pm and had been zero degrees for a good number of hours. We were all cold to the bone and managed to hobble the rest of the way to the large cabin which was deliciously warm and find a bench to finally sit down on. It was quiet inside and there were only one or two runners there sorting through returned drop bags with about 20 soldiers present. They looked at us as they probably looked at each of the crazy runners that came in out of the cold through those doors over the last 5 or 6 hours. It's that same look doctors give us when they hear or see our injuries and shake their heads and suggest we stop running or cut back on it or why we even do it in the first place. It's admiration mixed with a 'you're all crazy' look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were told there was food available under banquet style metal containers but my first thought was just to sit. Reality still was trying to assert itself on my consciousness and the light seemed too bright and the feeling of warmth didn't seem quite real. I removed my gloves and then I began shivering uncontrollably as my body tried to warm itself. There was no time to waste, however, when after only a few minutes one of the soldiers announced that a bus had just arrived to take us back to the parking lot if we were ready. Things were not going to get any better and I was not going to be any more ready in an hour or even longer and so the remaining 5-6 of us grabbed our drop bags and walked back out into the cold to the starting line. There we boarded the bus which took about 7 minutes to get to the big parking lot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Upon arriving we navigated the biggest 'hill' of the night - those 4 steps down off the bus! The driver had likely never seen a more pathetic sight. I got into the car and put the heater on full blast until I felt I might be able to manage the drive home. The usual deep tissue pain to the legs began in earnest as I drove, throbbing madly. By this point it was past midnight and of course as I approached every bloody traffic light it went yellow. My driving technique consisted of my arms lifting my leg on and off the accelerator. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally I made it in the door, still with my garbage bag over my body and my shoes no longer recognizable. There was little pain on taking them off - they were too cold to know the difference, having been submerged much of the last 18 hours in cold muddy water. However, I was fully aware over the journey that the silly ankle socks kept slipping further down into my shoe and were filled with mud and grit and debris and that it was not going to be a pretty site when I showered. Every time I found a sizable downed tree with my name on it on the return leg, I sat and tried pulling them up out of my shoe as I felt the skin being shredded along the way. Most people would love the thought of a hot shower after such exertions but I knew the suffering would really begin once clean warm water hit those abrasions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ate very little that night and after downing two Advil went to bed, fully expecting not to wake until noon that day. Alas, I woke early(ish) at 8:30am and spent the morning chatting to Kimberly Van Delst about her race the day before and after she left, cleaning up the dried mud I deposited and sorting out the laundry and drop bag items. The shoes took ages to clean and still the water is slightly muddy coming out of them. They did me proud though, the Hokka Stinson Trail. No blisters and at this point I think I have 2-3 black toenails but with the amount of crud deposited in my shoe it is no wonder. Had my socks been high enough or if I had gaiters, much of what happened to my feet would not have occurred. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The following photos are rather graphic and yes, it hurts like a son-of-a-bitch. The feet are a swollen mess and It's going to be quite a few days before I put on a pair of shoes. Anyway, hopefully you don't have a full stomach and are not about to eat something delicious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmgN8HSkvqk/U0L9044PVTI/AAAAAAAAAjA/RdmTcW9-X30/s1600/DSC07216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmgN8HSkvqk/U0L9044PVTI/AAAAAAAAAjA/RdmTcW9-X30/s1600/DSC07216.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100 grain sandpaper applied over 18 hours - what do you think of the finish?</td></tr>
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</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQgmEIzWgu0/U0L91KI_DuI/AAAAAAAAAjE/BbNtKp0MoDs/s1600/DSC07218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQgmEIzWgu0/U0L91KI_DuI/AAAAAAAAAjE/BbNtKp0MoDs/s1600/DSC07218.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It felt allot nicer submerged in the muddy cold water</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately I didn't take my camera along to give you more insight into the race but I'm sure Diane and others will. I might add a few from other sources to give you an idea of the sights along way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Beginning </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For all you Canadians you'll know the kind of winter we've had and it has not been pleasant. Blizzard after blizzard. More snow than I can remember in many years and near record cold temperatures. I braved the trails occasionally over the winter months with Henri and his gang of Trail Apes as he calls us. He is the head Trail Ape and his partner in crime is Diane (RD of this race). He is a trooper and gets us all out there when some of us (yes, that would be me) would prefer to sleep in and not run with dribbling noses in minus 15 with the wind-chill. He had a great race and it was well deserved. He put in the time and it paid off. Another of our Trail Apes is Greg and he's at home in the trails and had a 5th place finish. It was his longest race ever and I knew if he got the pacing right he'd do well so I'm glad he proved me right. He has a crazy, friendly, happy dog called Ramona who joins us on our weekend runs and she is a delight, charging up and down the line of runners endlessly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The weeks leading up to the race were a constant consultation with the weather man and with other runners and with myself who lives very close to Short Hills Provincial Park where the race started and finished. I would go out in Short Hills on my own and do my usual 2 hour 15 minute circuit and as we approached April I was worried. There was slippery compacted ice on the course from countless skiers and hikers and dog walkers - and huge sections were turning into a mud pit barely fit for walking. I spent countless minutes finding a tree to scrape the clay and gunk off my shoes as they become concrete slippers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The final forecast called for 10-15cm of rain the day before with a cool race day with some sunny periods throughout. Because of all the rain, Diane decided that part of the course around Balls Falls was too dangerous and they put us on the road to bypass it. Also, the parking area within Short Hills and the Scout Camp was just too water-logged which meant we were to park about 3km away and be shuttled in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was able to pack everything I needed in the days before and slept relatively well on the Thursday. New for this race was Dulse (dried seaweed to replace sodium and potassium) and Cliff Shot Blocks (orange flavour - yum). Both worked a treat. I did dry-heave after running close to 5 hours but had no cramping and I was happy with how things worked out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Prior to the race I had invited Cameron Lutley and Kimberley Van Delst to stay the night at Casa del Alex since they live a bit of a way and it was a very early start. Cameron was going to share a hotel with Kat but Kimberly was happy to stay and was great company. She arrived Friday afternoon with a 4x4 FULL of crates and her boundless enthusiasm for all things. We had discussed race tactics and each of us kind of felt this was a race we would do together and enjoy the experience rather than killing ourselves. Each of us knows how things unfold in unexpected ways and this race was no exception.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We headed to bed around 9:30pm and sleep was not fitful but I had a reasonable rest between then and 2am when the alarm went off although I could hear the wind quite alot. We roused at different times with our own schedules and I had a small bowl of cereal with a banana and then got ready. By 3:15 we were out the door and the journey had begun. On our way to the parking lot our path was blocked as a huge ship passing through the Welland Canal. Then the bridge came down and we were back on our way. There were very few cars in the parking lot and within about 5 minutes one of the yellow school-buses arrived and about 8-9 of us got on board for the short journey to the Scout Camp within Short Hills. There was no rain but your breath was clear and it was certainly cool out if you were standing around - no worries there since we had no intention of standing around long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kimberly and I put our 2 drop bags in the hut and said hello to our fellow runners who we know. There was Steven Park whose birthday it was that day. I got a chance to view the BoB (Beast of Burden 100 mile) tattoo on his calf - a fitting reminder of his first ultra win. Then there was Jack Kilislian and Cameron, Maryka, Ron handing out his straws and all the others. Within the cabin were a whole bunch of soldiers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't forget, this was another very unusual element to an ultra event. Diane had partnered up with the army. This was a field exercise for various units from Toronto and locally I believe and they were setting up and manning the aid stations and dealing with some of the logistics. Diane was the brainchild and co-ordinated everything beautifully. The army gave her a plaque at the beginning to recognize her efforts and gave a short speech and we all applauded. Then Diane took the stage and described the race and the markings. Shortly after that we were told it was 3 minutes to the start and to get our asses outside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After all my careful preparation I still screwed up in a major way. I had a crappy headlamp I've had for years but last year I bought a Petzl MXO which was brilliant at Dirty Girls 48 hours. I intended on using the crappy light along with a hand-held flashlight until Aid Station 4 (the Eastern loops) for the outward journey with my Petzl available at aid station 7 on the way back. Somehow I forget my Petzl in the car. The headlight I had was totally crap and while the penlight saved the day it was not pretty sometimes and meant my hands were full. In the end I ran with the headlight all the way to Aid Station 7 instead of dropping it at 4 and then got it on the way back. Actually, running with a headlight is pretty easy and you don't feel the weight. I"m sure the shoulder stiffness is not from it - hopefully! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What I wore</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I safety-pinned my bib number to my long stretchy skin-tight pants which are ancient and are about 5 inches shorter than my ankles. Under them were a pair of shorts. I had my new Hokas and ankle socks (remember them? Bad idea in mud as you and I now know - or maybe you knew it already). On top I had a short sleeve skintight Under Armour shirt, then a loosely fitting long-sleeve shirt, breathable, followed by a warmer long-sleeve jacked with pockets. I had 5-finger gloves and a hat and I wore a garbage bag on top thinking I'd discard it when I warmed up but actually wore the whole race. My belt pack had salt tablets and Advil and gel blocks with a Perpetuem container on one side and a pure Hammer Gel formula in my other container. My pockets contained a pen-light flashlight for when it got dark out and Dulse. I held a handheld yellow Amphid water bottle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I got dressed I applied Body Glide to the soles of my feet, armpits and private parts and Bag Balm to where the sun don't shine! I had duct taped the pinky toes worrying that the Hokas might not be spacious enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Race Start</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Still with me? Where were we? Ah yes. We walked about 100 yards to the official start on a hard packed gravel road with mud and water surrounding us. The start at 5am was compliments of the army who were sporting enough to bring along a real cannon which they set off. Never had that before. We were forewarned to open our mouths before it went off and I think some of us were thinking it was some kind of joke. Looking at watches and seeing it was not April 1st (April Fools Day) we complied - the object is not to burst an eardrum I guess. I and many others looked at each other with mouths open and covered our ears and then BAMMMMMM and off we went.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found Kim in the final moment before the start and we lingered near the back of the pack, starting very slowly as we headed up the first gentle hill of the day. It was over quickly and we were going to be heading out from Short Hills to do the 24km Eastern section of the route, come back into Short Hills and then go out West to Beamsville and return along the same route to the Scout Camp. We dive right from the road and start following the pink markers. Down a short gravelly road to a bridge at the bottom and then all hell let loose as we got our first taste of what this course was going to consist of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was actually funny as we initially were going up the hill away from the camp because people (myself included) were side-stepping puddles in some attempt to keep our feet dry! Duhhhh. At the bottom it was immediately foot soaking mud. There go the dry feet. I know this section well and you'll see how ironic that is in a few moments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is a shortish flat section here and then you cross a tiny bridge and begin your climb into the trees and the hills of Short Hills. I'm following the others ahead, in no hurry, Kim by my side and others closely behind or ahead and we come to an arrow pointing left but everybody I see heads further up the trail to the right, following the little pink flags. I heard someone comment but didn't hear and carried on with the rest of the lemmings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The funny thing is that I KNOW this section very well. I run it, I studied the map we all got and I knew I didn't want to go as far as Wiley Road because that is where we come BACK from to head back down the same hill and go back to the start many hours and km later. But here I am, at a road which I know to be Wiley Road with many runners carrying on and others grouping around me as they come out. I'm saying, um, I think we are going the wrong way. I yell out to those ahead, YOU'RE GOING THE WRONG WAY. But they don't stop! Holy crap. 5 minutes in and already the race is unraveling. I've got headlights shining in my face and runners coming up the trail asking what is going on and some are pulling out their maps and I say, listen, this is my stomping ground. We are going the wrong way. We should have turned at that arrow back down the trail. I'm surprised no wise-ass said to me, if you know the fucking trails so well how come you're standing here with the rest of us! Back down we went. . . The reason I ended up where so many others did is because a) I never run there at night and b) I never run the trail in that particular direction. Either one of those things can make a trail look completely different.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After that we get back to the arrow and head up the hill and get to the correct road, Decew. Or should that be 'Whewwww'. Anyway. Disaster averted (for some anyway). I think I made a few friends. ha ha. There was a police car at the road with blue lights flashing and it felt slightly weird and ominous but we headed out onto the road, did a left further down and disappeared into the darkness. At that point I looked around and there was no sign of Kimberly so I carried on. I'd love to give you all a blow-by-blow of the various sections but honestly it's going to be impossible. There was so much variety and so many struggles but I'll try to give you the highlights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just so you know some of the points when I mention them here is an attachment with the course map if you are interested.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dirtyrunnerproductions.com/laura_secord_100/laurasecordmap-100k-march19.pdf" target="_blank">MAP</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Eastern section of the route was way easier than the Western. I wish they took times at the various aid stations but I got back to Aid Station 4 (Morningstar) after 3 hours 5 minutes (22.7km). I can't imagine doing a 1/2 marathon in over 3 hours! Wow. Ok, so it gives you an idea this wasn't an easy course. On that section I remember certain things. I remember a lovely run around a reservoir on the flat top of the dyke. At that point I passed a few moving lights. These were obviously some of the slower runners who were smarter than the rest of us back at that arrow. I'd say, hi, keep it up, and move forward. There was a steep road section down. At that point there was some sleet/snow landing but that soon let up. It was decidedly cold however. It got light eventually and by that point I was running along a riverbank trail called 'The Twelve Side Trail'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the top of the creek there was an army tent and we were informed we had to run 1/2 way up the hill and then come back down - odd, but who am I to argue. Up until this point it was going swimmingly. I could see runners on the other side heading back to Short Hills and my spirits and strength were good. At Aid station 4 I didn't take anything which was stupid and I learned a lesson from another runner. Your mind is often befuddled when you are in an ultra. You think you need something or don't think you need something but if you write it down beforehand ON YOUR DROPBAG OR CRATE then you don't have to think. Just follow directions. Anyway, I didn't pull out my Dulse like I was supposed to or change over my energy drink like I was supposed to. Duhhhh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Middle</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got back to Short Hills and began the dreadful Western Loop. Short Hills itself was a mud bog and many sections further out were even worse. The hundreds of feet trampling through made things even more challenging and churned up. Ah yes, let's not forget the army boys and girls! They had two events going on, a relay challenge and a solo encumbered one I believe. Anyway. I'd see these army people with their fully laden bergens or packs running and walking in combat boots. That must have been bloody hard going! So we were really respectful of one another. They didn't understand how we ran so bloody far and we didn't understand how they carried so much stuff on their backs. Everybody was really friendly and supportive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had a longish road section bypassing Balls Falls but headed back into the Bruce Trail just past it and damn was it impressive! I've seen it at different times of year but holy crappola it was a mini Niagara Falls. It was roaring with all the rain water and ice melt and was very impressive. We cross a small bridge where you could watch the water on it's final journey before going over and you would have been swept away in an instant if you'd fallen in there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were many distinct sections to the trail. We were following the Bruce Trail markers and sometimes there would be little pink flags indicating where we needed to pay more attention. Trail markings are white patches on a tree. One patch means straight ahead. Two patches with the right one higher means go right and with the patch higher on the left means go left. Unfortunately there are also blue trail markings which indicate side trails off the Bruce Trail and I ended up on one of these during the race and lost about 30 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were times we were high up on the escarpment looking down towards the lake with a wonderful view. There were sections of trail with huge rocks which were flattened but had fissures and made you jump from rock to rock. There were sections which were relatively dry and manageable and there were big boggy sections which you just had to dive right in. And the section between Aid Station 6 and 7 was my least favorite. It entailed multiple climbs straight up or down the escarpment with loose rocks and mud that you got very bad purchase on and slid back down. On the way back in the dark I was almost crapping myself and took it super gingerly and I have to admit I yelled out several times things my Mother would NOT be proud to hear. In fact the word Mother was used in combination as well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was happy for a short reprieve after Aid Station 7 where I finally dumped my headlight. There was a road section and I was never so happy for some solid footing. I'll talk more about the aid stations separately but there were big army tents manned with personal. The main street crossings had really vigilant police cars with lights flashing and some even drove their cars to block traffic. They really were great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was really tired as I trundled into Aid Station 10 and was dreading the return journey but happy I was going to be on the homeward stretch. I'd seen various runners heading back towards me over the last several hours and it was great to see Steven, Henri and others and give them an 'atta boy!' Unfortunately I forget that Aid Station 10 was not the turn-around and as I started back, fortunately one of the army personal was paying attention and told me I had to go up the hill and then come back. I was crushed but headed up into a knarly section of rocks and fallen trees which was annoying. Then onto a road to an army dude by the road marking our numbers. I touched the sign and headed the 2km back to Aid Station 10. I did try a little soup broth here and it was delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back along the way I was flagging big time. I came across some runners who said they got lost and were quitting and others who were now worried they would not make the cut off. I ran across Kimberly at a really nice spot along the course and she told me about hurting her knee and pain killers not helping and not wanting to make things worse. I was really bummed for her but understood her reasons and she has many more races to finish but she did go all the way to the Westernmost point and got 62.8km on her feet. I got back to Aid Station 7 eventually and had more broth and collected my headlight. Over the following hours the light began to go and at some point I ended up on a blue trail. One moment I'd seen the white marking and then nothing. Then an army guy comes up and says have I seen any markings and I say no. He says he'll go ahead a bit more and from about 200 feet yells he sees markings and carries on. I see another army guy climbing a hill ahead of the first one. I get to the point he was at and see blue trail markings and think, SHIT. I walk back to the last white marker and look around but don't see any markings at all and by then my mind is thinking maybe part is on the blue marking so I go back and follow the trail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">30 minutes later I come across a T-intersection with pink flags and white Bruce Trail markings and it's a relief but then I'm thinking - what bloody direction do I go? Amazing timing as there is a guy at the bottom of the hill and I yell out to him which aid station did he come from, etc. and we finally get within hearing distance and I'm relieved that he is headed in the right direction. I have no idea where I was but I'll have to ask Henri when I see him. We carried on together for quite a while. I think it might have been one of the brothers I ended up finishing with but I can't remember as there were still many miles to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After this it is dark and the headlight gets turned on. Stephan runs past with another guy and I try to keep up with him for a bit but am toast very quickly. I pass the other guy he is with eventually and then it's hard to keep track of who is who. I get back to the section I'm very worried about with those multiple steep climbs and am finally passed that section. Me and one other guy are close together and our lights find each other from time to time. The coldness is really seeping into me now and my 5-finger gloves are causing my fingers to freeze up. I have little to no sensation in my fingers and simply grasping my water bottle is a struggle and as I sip I'm getting ice flakes developing so it's cold. I dropped my bottle a few times as I was navigating the hills and was getting quite pissed about the whole situation. ha ha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found another run/walk buddy and we shared stories and races we'd done and races we were doing, etc. It was nice to finally have someone to chat with and be with and I was able to prevent him going the wrong way once and he was able to help me out of one section where it looked like usual brown mud but I stepped in and immediately was in deep sucking mud about a foot deep which I could not get out of. This one glued both feet and without him tugging me from the side I would have either got a cramp or ended up on my ass. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At some point he was gone again and I was alone but after one hill I recognized I was back in Short Hills at a big hydro tower. I looked back and saw 3 lights coming up from behind me and was frustrated I had nothing left. Honestly I thought it was Maryka, Marylou and Clay as I'd seen them many hours earlier and knew in longer races Maryka always catches me. I walked on and as the 3 lights got to me asked who was there and it was nobody I knew so I stayed with them until I couldn't any longer. Then within Short Hills I came across another runner, the other brother! I told him to go ahead if he could but he said he wanted the company and I was really happy about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We walked and walked and by this point I was breathing really really heavily and struggling. My cold breathe was coming out in steaming plumes and my throat was feeling really sore. I asked him a number of times to give me a moment while I planted my hands on my knees and struggled to catch my breath even though we were barely walking. He was patient and we carried on and finally we got to the long road section in Short Hills which comes out to Wiley Road. I was never so happy. I informed my new friend what was to come. 'We go up these 6 or 7 little rolling hills, pass the barricade at Wiley Road, walk down the Road and go back into the trails downhill now. There will be a steep treacherous section near the bottom, then a tiny bridge followed by a total quagmire, then another bridge and an upward rolling hill on gravel to the Scout Camp Road. I think he was happy I knew what was coming and how close we were to the finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We got to the quagmire and see a torchlight coming towards us and it turns out it's the brother who was with me earlier. He believes he is lost. They are reunited just 1km from the finish. We walk along and it's just mud and filth. We see one pink flag and then again I'm thinking, maybe I went wrong so we backtrack to the flag but I think no, this has got to be the right way and we turn around again. We then get to a final indicator that I recognize and I'm thankful I have not lead them astray so close to the finish. Up over the bridge, onto the rolling hill to the concrete blocks and a left onto the Scout Camp Road. We walk towards the light and the finish, my arms around their shoulders; myself and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ibrahim Asghar and Sheraz Asghar, new friends. Congratulations guys and look forward to seeing you again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Aid Stations / Markings</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was really novel having the army involvement. I must say they did a really good job in so many ways. There were lone soldiers at different places on the road and they must have been freezing their asses off waiting for us. The troops out there were very friendly and enthusiastic and encouraging. It was different from other aid stations put on by ultra runners though. Some of the stations were really good and helped you fill bottles and wanted to get you everything you needed and some you would have to ask where the water was or if they had any food. A number had hardly anything out on the table where we could access the food. It was in containers behind where they would have potatoes or perogies or soup/broth and other goodies. Some did ask if you'd like anything and others would tell you what was on offer. At Aid Station 10 they seemed more interested in their army runners and were all standing around chatting. Don't get me wrong. They were friendly but I came very close to making a huge mistake and turning around thinking I was at the turnaround point. My fault also as it was all in the map/instructions but by that point I was addled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another novelty of this race was the combination of flag markings at ground level and Bruce Trail markings on trees. I know runners made mistakes out there. Some it cost them their races and others it cost them some time like me. Some finished just fine so I'm not going to make excuses. I think there could have been additional flags put out that would have made a difference but the mud also buried quite a few of them. I think overall as an inaugural event both Diane and the Army did a SUPER job and I really hope there is a 2015 race. It was my hardest race to date and while I'm going to be healing for a number of days I am really proud to have finished this event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Congratulations to everybody out there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My next race is either Pick Your Poison 50km in about 3 weeks, otherwise the end of May where I've registered for the Sulphur Springs 50 miler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until then, keep on running and thank you for your patience going through another long race report.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">:)</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-78417663067625756022014-03-26T17:43:00.003-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.653-07:002014 WINTER TRAINING AND UPCOMING RACE PLANS<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome to my first 2014 posting. I hope all of your running has been going well and that you are excited for the upcoming season wherever you may be. Perhaps some of you are going to try your first ultra and others will be looking to complete their first 100 or check off a bucket race that they've always wanted to compete in. Whatever your goals and plans I hope you achieve all of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2013 was a busy ultra season and come October I took a much needed rest. My plan to enter the winter 100 mile Beast of Burden (BoB) did not work out. A month and a half of rest is a long time and when I started training I found it tough going. I felt so slow and building up took time. I was not getting in quality runs or good mileage. I'd complete 20 miles in one week, then 30, then 15, etc. and then I'd pull a hamstring, then get a cold and it was one thing after another. I reconsidered doing the BoB 50 mile instead but realized I would probably do miserably in it also and in the last week got a cold so that made the final decision for me. My ultra friend Steven Parke won the race and I'm really happy for him. All his training paid off and he is going to be very strong this summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During the winter I found two US races that really appealed. One was the Lake Tahoe 200 mile inaugural race - I'm DEFINITELY doing this some year. The scenery looks incredible. They chose a lottery system and I did not apply but this is an ultra I have to do! Another US race is the <b>Eastern States 100 </b>[<a href="http://www.easternstates100.com/2152.html" target="_blank">link</a>]. It is a 100 mile point to point course and has about 20,000 feet of elevation gain. There are a few Ontario ultra people entered and in the winter it was already sold out so I signed up on a long waiting list and recently got accepted so that one is in mid August.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I then looked at the OUS (Ontario Ultra Series) list of races. My friend Diane (organizer of the Dirty Girls 12/24/48 hour) has put together another incredible ultra which is first on the OUS calendar called the <b>Laura Secord Memorial 25 and 100 km (<i>A Civilian/Military Ultra Trail Race to recognize the role of women in defending Canada</i>) </b>[<a href="http://www.laurasecord100k.com/" target="_blank">link</a>]. A new event this year, it begins inside Short Hills Provincial Park and takes you East along the Bruce Trail, and then returns to Short Hills and goes out West to Beamsville and finally returns to Short Hills where you finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The start is located 20 minutes from me. It is mostly single track and it is not for the faint-hearted (then again, any ultra race is not for the feint-hearted but that's why we do it) but it is beautiful. Now, many of you will know some of the history of Laura Secord, a famous figure in Canadian history. This race does not re-trace the route she took which is about 25 miles in total and is now very urbanized. The total elevation gain is 2,257 so not huge by mountain standard races but for Ontario it's pretty good and we go up and down the Niagara Escarpment a number of times. The race is April 5th which is coming up quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another race which I have entered is Sulphur Springs in May and while I considered the 100 miler as I've done the 50 mile last year, in the end I decided to do the 50 miler again. Whether I can improve on my time I don't know at this point but I feel more comfortable with the idea of doing the 50 here and ramping up the training for Eastern States. At this point those are the only races I've committed myself to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One other commitment I've made this August (a week after Eastern States) is to help one of our fellow ultra runners on a quest she has to run the entire Bruce Trail from it's northern most point in Tobermory to Niagara. I won't be doing the entire route with her but will help her over either 1 or 2 days once she gets down this way. Her name is Rhonda-Marie Avery. She'll be aiming to run up to 50km a day and will start at 4-5am each day over 20 or so days. The Bruce Trail is close to 900km in length! This would be a big enough feet (intentional spelling mistake :)) on it's own but Rhonda is legally blind. I first met Rhonda last year at the Dirty Girls 48 hour race. She had a guide runner during the day but at night ran on her own. I learned there are rod receptors in the eye that focus light - anyway, I'm not that technical but the rods that help her see at night work better and so she actually sees better in the dark - which is why she wears dark sunglasses during the daylight (she's not just a fashioneista). She will have two guide runners with her each day of her trek and I'm really happy she asked me to be one of her guides. She has a blog and the journey she has named 'Envisions' [<a href="http://envisionsonthebruce.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Training over the last 4-6 weeks has been good with a high of 83 miles but I need those types of weekly miles and long runs for about 20 weeks and there is now only 1.5 weeks left - gulp! Anyway, I'll do what I can. There are allot of good runners coming to this race and I'll be happy to see familiar faces and look forward to hearing what they think about the course. Of course I'll give you a blow-by-blow after the fact but thought I'd give you a quick update about my winter training. The usual hip problems are still there and Voltaren Gel manages the discomfort. My speed is not what it was but has improved since I got back into regular 5-7 days a week training.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm sure everybody living in Ontario is SICK TO DEATH of all the snow and icy temperatures this winter. The trails still have ice on them and so it is a guess at this point whether we'll have icy or muddy trails. I got a new pair of running shoes which were sorely needed. My two others have seen far too many miles. For the first time ever I've gone for a new company after hearing some good things about the cushioning, if not the looks. I'm talking about the Hoka One One Stinson Trail shoes. Everything prior was always Asics for me but I'm frustrated by the ankle problems, blisters and hot spots I seem to always end up with. I have tried them twice so far. One time was a 10km in the Bruce Trail and it was icy but the grip was excellent and they handled well and the other was a 10 mile road run and again no issues. I'm going to take a chance and wear them on the 100km so I'll let you know if I survive without issues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Look back soon and I'll give you a blow-by-blow of the Laura Secord 100. Good luck to all of you and I hope I see some of you out there giving it your best :) I have no time expectations. I want to finish it in good spirits and enjoy the race. Maybe I will enjoy it more if I treat it as an experience rather than a race and maybe that way I'll pace myself better. Still no GPS watch but intend to start slow. Take care everybody and wish me luck :)</span><br />
The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-25908421244839553732013-11-13T09:56:00.000-08:002016-07-24T18:54:55.527-07:002013 - A YEAR IN REVIEW FOR THE RUNNING DUDE<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello everybody. I wanted to thank everybody who took the time to visit my blog over the 2013 season to see how I was doing or learn more about the courses - perhaps with the intention of trying them yourselves in 2014. There were a wide variety of events, distances and types of races which really tested an individuals strengths and weaknesses. I certainly got spanked on a few but that is how we learn and I do mean to come back and address those failures - as I was able to address some of the failures of 2012.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2013 Race Results and Comments</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 1 - PICK YOUR POISON 50KM - April 27 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://pickyourpoison.ca/" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Time:<b> 5:34:53</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lap 1: </b> 1:12:03 <b>Lap 2:</b> 1:28:36 <b>Lap 3:</b> 1:21:40 <b>Lap 4:</b> 1:32:34</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> 24th of 88</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/10/2013-vulture-bait-50km-15-weeks-to-go.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> First race of season. Hip caused big problems and I lost up to 20-25 minutes due to it. Fitness reasonable but needed to have done more hill training. Would hope to manage 5 hours or close to next time if it goes well. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 2 - SULPHUR SPRINGS TRAIL RUN - 50 MILES - May 25 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://www.burlingtonrunners.com/index.cfm?id=5711" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Time:<b> 8:57:40</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lap 1: </b> 1:55:17 <b>Lap 2:</b> 1:56:16 <b>Lap 3:</b> 2:29:20 <b>Lap 4:</b> 2:36:48</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> 19th of 79</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/05/2013-sulphur-springs-50-mile-post-race.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> First successful 50 miler. DNF'd at Sulphur Springs in 2012. Perfect temperature and weather. Pacing much better but don't have the endurance to keep it up. If fitness better I believe could reasonably go sub 8 hours on a good day but aiming to do the 100 miler next at this course.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 3 - KINGSTON SELF TRANSCENDENCE 6 HOUR RACE - June 8 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://ca.srichinmoyraces.org/kingston/6-hour-2013" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Distance:<b> 60.04 km</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> 16th of 55</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/06/2013-6-hour-kingston-transcendence-post.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> Good first 2.5 hours but faded from tiredness and also much walking due to what felt at the time like a possible stress fracture in foot. Made my pre-race predictions but certainly felt like I should have been able to do close to another 8km in that time. Will definitely do again to try to improve on. Weather was reasonable.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 4 - NIAGARA ULTRA 50KM - June 22 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://www.welovetorun.com/events/niagaraultra.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Time:<b> 5:01:42</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> 34th of 154</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/06/2013-niagara-50km-race-report.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> Disappointed. Very warm and fell apart quickly. In 2012 completed in 4:08 and even then walked about 3 miles - this time almost an hour slower! Got salt intake wrong and got severe cramping which cost me at least 15 minutes. Could do sub 4 hours with right fitness and good conditions but next year is 100km race there (out and back 2x) which I think would be dreadful to have to go out again, but would be good ultra training for 100 miles and get good points for the series. I may end up doing the 100km rather than the 50km again.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 5 - CREEMORE 50KM - July 6 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://www.ouser.org/races/cree2013.pdf" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Time:<b> 6:19:59</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> 41st of 98</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/06/2013-creemore-50km-race-report.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> Freaking hot! Very long exposed sections of road where it is scorching. Got lost for about 5-10 minutes at start/finish after first lap. Very hilly and allot of it is gravel roads. Working on hill training would enable me to slowly run up the hills rather than walking and not fall apart. Not my favorite race and may miss it next year depending on my seasonal goals. Very bad finishing time.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 6 - LIMBERLOST 56KM - July 13 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://thelimberlostchallenge.com/" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Time:<b> DNF</b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lap 1: </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 1:38:22 </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lap 2:</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 1:58:01</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lap 3:</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 2:47:04</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lap 4:</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> DNF</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> DNF</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/07/2013-limberlost-challenge-56km-day.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> My most disappointing result of 2013. I DNF'd at this race in 2012, again after 3 laps, and wanted to finish it this time. Something about this course just beats the hell out of me. I can't get into a rhythm with all the twists and turns and the spongy surface which feels lovely to start seems to zap my energy. Hot but nothing like 2012 and flies annoying once you slow. Beautiful course though and most in tree cover.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 7 - DIRTY GIRLS 48 HOUR ULTRA - August 8 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://www.dirtyrunnerproductions.com/dirty_girls_run/" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Distance: 100 miles<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> 10th of 23</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/07/2013-dirty-girls-48-hour-race-post-race.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> My first 100 miles in timed race. Had almost 14 hours left to continue if I'd wanted but was very happy with this race and the result. 5 mile looped course with a few reasonable hills which add up when you are tired. Mostly covered forest so cooler slightly which suits me. First experience running at night with headlight. Make no mistake, I was exhausted, but felt I could definitely get to 200km or more by pushing it next time now I know what it is like. Weather was excellent. Slept for about 2.5-3.0 hours.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 8 - IROQUOIA TRAIL TEST 34KM - August 17 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://www.burlingtonrunners.com/index.cfm?pagepath=Races/Iroquoia_Trail_Test&id=5710" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Time: 3:44:27</span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lap 1: </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 1:10:56 </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lap 2:</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 1:17:39</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lap 3:</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 1:15:53</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> 32nd of 80</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/08/2013-iroquoia-trail-test-34km-race.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> Still tired after only 7 days after 100 miler but result was reasonable. Mostly tree covered and nice day if a bit warm - the rugged Canadian shield comes into play here and very technical footing slows me allot. I would do this course again but probably not next year. Having a shorter race start when I was starting lap 2 helped me not give up and try to keep up with some of them for periods and manage a faster 3rd lap which is unusual for me.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 9 - HALIBURTON FOREST 100 MILE - September 7 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://www.haliburtonforest100.org/" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Time: DNF</span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lap 1: </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 11:55:36 </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lap 2:</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> DNF</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> DNF</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/08/2013-haliburton-forest-100-mile-race.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> My second DNF of the season and first attempt at 100 mile race rather than timed race. Just didn't have the fitness and tired from the prior races. Found the course tough and was beat up after the first lap. Perfect conditions and beautiful course but definitely not easy. Sulphur Springs easier course to do a first 100 miles.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 10 - OTTAWA 24 HOUR SELF-TRANSCENDENCE - September 25 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://ca.srichinmoyraces.org/events/6-12-24hour" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Distance: 51 miles</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> 33 of 36</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/09/2013-24-hour-ottawa-sri-chinmoy-self.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> Expected allot more of myself in this one and quit after 12:5 hours. Very large blister on sole of one foot and really aching feet from track. Went out too quickly and completely ran out of steam. Not happy and know can improve on that. Should have been 80-90 miles. Might do in 2014 depending on what races have planned.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RACE 11 - VULTURE BAIT 50KM - October 19 2013</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Link: [<a href="http://www.vulturebaitrace.com/" target="_blank">link</a>]</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing Time: 5:02:51</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Position:</b> 22nd of 56</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Link to my Blog: [<a href="http://therunningdude01.blogspot.ca/2013/10/2013-vulture-bait-50km-15-weeks-to-go.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Comments:</b> Enjoyed this course. Temperature was excellent and enjoyable for first lap but then got rainy and miserable and course got wet. Course suits my running style. Hard packed single track with slight elevation changes and reasonable footing. Very pretty with leaf cover and the lake within site often. Would definitely do this again and would hope on a good day for 4:45.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Summary and Looking to 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I did all but one of the 12 OUS races this year (Off-the-Grid) and managed to place 3rd overall male for 40-49 age group with Jack Kilislian taking 2nd and Steven Parke taking first place in our age group. Gino de Carlo won the overall series doing all 12 races and finishing in some very good times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For my first real foray into ultra running and jumping in with both feet so to speak, I'm reasonably happy with my success. I have weaknesses to be sure and learned some of those lessons the hard way. I tend to go out far too quickly and I may purchase a GPS watch which will give me a better idea of pacing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was having very good training mileage in the winter with 70-90 miles weeks and then my hip started hurting and this caused a big reduction in training and caused problems in the first race badly and then I managed the pain with Voltaren gel after MRI showed that I have mild arthritis there (damn I feel sorry for people with severe arthritis!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Running ultras back to back every second or third week really affected my speed and I felt I was in worse shape near the end of the season and pretty beat up. For me personally I tend to require 4-5 days off after a hard race and then do a light 10km run and then a 1/2 marathon which gets me ready for the next ultra but this format does not improve anything. The only solution I can see would be to run fewer races and possibly target a few big ones and to have a much higher level of training going into the season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My speed is good but I need to be able to maintain it throughout the season and also not blow up and fall apart over the laps. To accomplish this I need to do more long runs during the off-season, doing at least a marathon in training once every week or two weeks and building to 30-40 miles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The BIG thing I need to work on as well as pacing is hill training. I need to do more outside during the winter and indoors on the treadmill incorporate some solid 5-10 degree running sessions. If I can stay injury free this will help tremendously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also intend to do cross training this winter and incorporate cycling, step and weights and core training and stretching. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I find I always throw up at about the same time in most races - around 4 hours and if it is a longer one of 50 miles or longer would expect to have problems a few times. I've tried salt tablets and Perpetuem this year with not much better success than 2012. I gave up the Endurolyte because I think it was making things worse. I did find that Dulce (seaweed) really helped in Ottawa and will try to get some for next season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My physiology is much better adapted to cooler running but the season is predominantly during the height of summer. I'll have to try to train outdoors more to get used to this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I would like to do at least one big US race next year if possible and choose to do some of the OUS races. I have taken a month long rest from running after the last race to rest my hip and try to help the Achilles and heel issues and will start back slowly today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have not yet entered but would like to enter the winter Beast of Burden 100 mile which is mid January in Lockport, USA. I don't know if I'll be ready for it then but it is very close to me. While I say cold weather running is more my forte, I don't think I'll be very effective when I'm exhausted and cold with 40 miles ahead - in a blizzard with a foot of snow under me but I think having a 100 miler to train for will keep me motivated and perhaps be good for the Sulphur Springs 100 miler which will be my next 100 in May.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you for following my races over 2013 and I hope your training goes well wherever in the world you are. Since I started my blog I've had 2,300 hits which is pretty neato. Thank you again and happy running! See you in 2014! ! !</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alex</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-60884607776858350952013-10-10T08:32:00.002-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.614-07:002013 - VULTURE BAIT 50KM - POST RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here we are. The FINAL 2013 OUS (Ontario Ultra Series) race of the year is 1.5 weeks away. I can't do anything to improve my chances at the race now - all the hard work is done. To be honest I'm finding it a struggle just to keep getting in those regular training runs. Every part of me seems to have niggles - shoes rub where they didn't before - I feel sluggish with no speed that I can sustain - I get winded easily and a 1.5 hour training run which at the beginning of the season felt like a piece of cake now leaves me stiff for a day. It is quite dis-heartening and to be honest I just want to finish this final race and then take a month off just to let things rest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had a poor 24 hour Ottawa result, only getting to 51 miles and calling it quits after 12.5 hours which having seen the results left me 4th from the bottom on that particular race. I was pretty disappointed with that but I guess ultra running has it's ups and downs and you have to regroup and learn from the experience and see what you need to do differently. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This race is close to London, Ontario and is held at Fanshaw Reservoir where you run 2 loops of a 25km course around the reservoir. There is a good mixture of single track and some road sections but overall, compared to many of the OUS races, it is relatively flat. I have read some bloggers say the course seems fast and that good times can be achieved but I've looked at past years results and checked out runners that I now know and looked at their times and I think this course, based on those times, is not a walk in the park. I am looking forward to it as it is another new course for me. It's a civilized 9am start and at this time of year conditions will be cooler which for me I appreciate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My goal at this race is to take it easy. I am going to TRY to contain myself and not go out fast because I know, based on how I feel, that I'll last for about 1.5 hours and then be walking which really isn't the goal. I'd rather go slower and feel good and have energy for a faster second lap and be passing people than loose it all within the first 15km. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did a quick calculation of my total mileage racing this year and was quite shocked. Assuming I complete Vulture Bait I'll have raced 457 miles this season! Holy crappola. Before I started ultras I'd run 5 marathons in about 5 years with of course 1/2 marathons and 10km races each year but what a leap - no wonder I'm feeling knackered! That's about 17 marathons in one season. My goal when I started the season was to complete 8 ultras to hopefully get the Norm Patenaude Award and in doing so get a good feeling for the cross section of ultras available in Ontario. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have definitely had some varied races and met some incredibly talented runners along the way. The ultra running community is smaller but there is a definite bond there. The race organizers are passionate about their sport and are always looking at ways to make the races better and they always have such wonderful support. I am grateful for all the people I met and those behind the scenes also. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the end of the day this is a sport and is about competition as well. Often it is a personal competition - a goal of finishing an arduous course or setting a PB. Some people are out to do as well as they can but have no expectations of placing or finishing highly and might be out there to enjoy a good long training run with friends and fellow runners. I know there are a number of races this season where I have felt out of sorts and have just plugged away with a goal of finishing, and others where I wanted to push things hard and see how I did against others, those who I would classify as decent to good club runners. I'm never going to be a top notch runner, winning trophies and scooping up the winnings, but I enjoy the competitive spirit and feel that I can improve still and I get a great deal of satisfaction from cheering on others out there, helping to motivate or sharing in the experience. Ultra running brings a unique set of challenges and I have learned allot this season and hopefully can use some of that knowledge over the training throughout the winter and come back stronger and energized.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the first several races of the season I started paying more attention to the 'leader board' and began to analyze other runners and see who was signing up and I got a bit carried away with doing as well as I could and maybe even placing by the end of the season. It was good fun to wait for the race results to be posted and look down the list of where I was, who did better or worse and remember the particular race in more detail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By about 1/2 way through I had a much better idea of who the big hitters were and who was right around my ability and that was cool. With one race to go I'm currently in line for a 3rd place finish in my age group of 40-49 if I'm reading the stats correctly. I won't place in the top 5 men overall for the series this year but I have had fun seeing them vie for the positions. Now, I'm not saying I'm the 3rd best ultra running dude 40-49 in Ontario! Wouldn't that be cool. There are guys out there who are WAY faster than me but this series requires dedication to enter up to 12 races - all the costs associated with that as well. There are many runners further down the list who could kick my butt on any particular day but perhaps only entered 4 of the races, or 1. I just wanted to give it my best shot and if I get an award to remember my first true foray into ultra running I would be well chuffed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pre Race Predictions</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honestly, I feel unprepared. My training runs are never pretty these days and I often have to drag my ass outside. I make a point of going out on Sunday with the St. Catharines runners wherever they meet up to get in a 1.5 hour trail run but I only have a bout 2-3 more runs before the race. As I mentioned earlier I'm not really that bothered about racing this one as finishing in a decent time and not feeling like road kill. With that in mind I would say a <b>5 hour 30 minute time and if it goes well 5 hours 15.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh well, watch this space! Happy running to all of you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Post Race Report</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome back. Thanks for taking the time to see how I did - or maybe you just want to know more about the course. That is fine also. Always glad to inform those that may be considering a particular race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The forecast the day before the race was for London, Ontario to be 10-12 degrees which is comfortable for me, but with periodic rain. The weatherman got the temperature right but the periodic rain - not so much. It started spitting/raining from about 1/2 way through the first 25km loop around Fanshaw Lake and as I began the second it became constant downpour. As I proceeded into the second lap the trails became a wet, muddy mess. The leaves of varying hues also mesmerized your eyes over time. You are constantly looking at the trails, what is ahead or what you are about to step on. I don't know if it is the effect of wearing contacts but over many many hours I was getting light-headed sometimes, even tingly, and I think it was a combination of being tired, wet and cold with the strain of vision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Course</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The course. What can I say. This is MY KIND OF COURSE! Of all the OUS races I did this year, I think Sulphur Springs and Vulture Bait are the two that suit my current running abilities best. I think I liked this course the best overall. It has some lovely single track trail. Much of it is run through wooded areas around the lake and a number of times you can see Fanshaw Lake below you. It is very pretty and at this time of the year with the Fall colours it is stunning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The trails are mostly hard packed dirt and elevation change is pretty negligible. There is one incline as you climb the gravel road to the dam top, but It certainly does not have any of the hard-core hills of some of the other races. There are lovely sections where you are changing directions constantly through the woods and others which are just a constant groove of single track. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is difficult to pass others, as Steven Parke found out. Within the first 4-5km of the race I heard him behind me calling out he was passing Jack Kilislian but there was some mis-communication and Steven turned his ankle badly which affected his entire race and where he normally would have killed the race and beat me soundly, I was able to keep ahead of him to the end. I saw him at the end of the race and if it had not been for the goal of getting his Norm Patenaude Award (completing 8-12 of the OUS races), he would have called it quits where it happened. If you are doing this race be aware of the narrowness of the trails and yes, there are quite a lot of roots which because of the leaves makes footing tricky sometimes. Certainly I saw a number of mud-spattered shirts where people took spills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think any cross-country runner would love this course. I hope you will give it a try next year. There is a 25km and a 50km option so if you are new to trails I can't recommend this one enough. It's a good challenge but will leave you wanting more. It was fun as you got close to the end of the first loop and those who you are approaching/passing get really concerned and try to pick up the pace. You can tell they are doing the 25km course and don't want to loose any more places. I told one guy not to worry, I was doing 50km, and he visibly relaxed. As we came into the finishing straight, 25km runners were directed over the timing mat while 50km runners were directed to the other side of the building. I saw my guy in the finishing chute and told him to race it to the finish - "GO GO GO GO", I shouted at him. I'm sure he was thinking I was a crazy idiot and deserved to do the damn thing again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Going back to the morning of the race, I left the house early and it was a fairly uneventful drive along the 403 to the 401 and then North. The only confusion came upon getting through the park entrance and going across the dam. I didn't realize how big this park is and there are huge areas with camping trailers and being dark still I really had no idea where I was going. Another car must have figured I knew where I was going and when I finally reached a dead end he pulled up beside me and it turns out he was a runner also so we turned around and at a main road I saw a small sign for the race and off we went again. Eventually we got to the place and there were a few cars parked outside the main gate and I made my way into the big building which was race HQ and there were volunteers milling about getting things prepared.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2thTZDVB-0/UmfvIXY3wZI/AAAAAAAAAg8/g63SwX_JZD4/s1600/DSC06789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M2thTZDVB-0/UmfvIXY3wZI/AAAAAAAAAg8/g63SwX_JZD4/s640/DSC06789.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milling about after collecting your race pack - with backs to you on left are Ron Gehl (always wears that wacky hat) and Karin McMillan in the pink socks who won the overall OUS series for women</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AR-OB9_440g/UmfvIbTEhBI/AAAAAAAAAhA/VtF1eQ5nKPo/s1600/DSC06790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AR-OB9_440g/UmfvIbTEhBI/AAAAAAAAAhA/VtF1eQ5nKPo/s640/DSC06790.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional runners getting their kit at race HQ</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieHO93RKNKs/UmfvH0SjRDI/AAAAAAAAAg4/IehAllkttkc/s1600/DSC06791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieHO93RKNKs/UmfvH0SjRDI/AAAAAAAAAg4/IehAllkttkc/s640/DSC06791.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out this door on left is the finish timing mat. After we got back the tables were filled with a delicious assortment of food for cold, wet, hungry runners</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I picked up my bib and the goody bag which contained a nice purple race T-shirt, a tube of travel toothpaste and a toothbrush, a Hammer Gel, some gum and I think it is dental floss. What are they trying to say about ultra runners? I saw a few familiar faces and we'd shake hands or say hello. They had about 8 port-a-potty's outside but I headed back to the car with about an hour to spare and shoved the driver seat forward, climbed in the back and started preparing my kit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was not raining at this point and it was just a cool, fresh morning but lovely for running, at least for me. Some people love hot weather running, but I'm not one of them and I think if all my races this summer had been on a day like yesterday, I would have done better overall. But this is Canada and the summer does get hot and we all have to face the same conditions and if you train in those conditions you will always be better prepared. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the race I went with my Injinji socks and heavier Asics trail shoes which have more cushioning. I think it was a good choice as my feet have no blisters and are unscathed. I wore my skimpy shorts and my usual black tight-fitting Under Armour short-sleeve shirt. Others were more bundled but that is a common mistake people make. You feel cold standing around of course, but you warm-up in no time and then you'll wish you were not wearing that heavy jacket and long-pants and gloves and hat. If it pours rain you are not going to stay dry anyway and are probably going to be more uncomfortable than if you wore something lighter. Anyway, that's my opinion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I rubbed some Body Glide on the bottom of my feet also, applied on my thighs and I was good to go. I was wearing my belt with two bottles, one with Hammer Gel and one with Perpetuem/water mix. I also took my hand-held just containing water. My belt bag I took one Advil and 3-4 salt tablets. About 15 minutes to the start I applied Voltaren Gel on the right hip and popped an Advil. I took the photo of my good luck charm and made my way back to the building which by now was a-buzz with activity. More hello's and hugs were exchanged, introductions made and the anticipation built. I'd seen some guys running back and fourth outside and pegged them for the fast 25km racers. I do no warm-up at these races. I figure start slow(ish) and get warmed up that way. The race director was telling us there was about 4 minutes to the start and we better start making our way outside so we slowly trailed out through the doors at the back which took us to a steep hill which we took in single file down to a wider area of grass with the lake on our left. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup - my good luck charm - no photo of me today - I look crap and by now I'm sure you know my ugly mug!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well-wishers stayed at the top of the hill and waved, took photos and cheered on their loved ones and everybody made their way to where they were comfortable in the line-up. I like to see this for some reason. I like to look forward and back and see the anticipation and nervous energy. I like to see people greeting one another and wishing one-another well. I am happy that I've gotten to know some of the people that run these races, some that have been doing the series for years and years (Ron, Gord, Hans, etc.). I started within the first 1/3 of runners and happened to be standing with the Boultbee sisters, April and Melanie. I had not seen them at a race since the Run for the Toad in 2012 in October. I find them to be excellent pacers and while they beat me then, they do help me along, keeping me in check and I stay with them as long as I can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race Director had a megaphone but it didn't seem to be working and I only heard 5-4-3-2-1, GO. And then we were off, a slow, steady stream of people jogging slowly, trying to get some leg room. We made our way along the lake and the hill to our right and then climbed up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were then into some single track, nothing difficult, and my intention was just to stay relaxed and enjoy, not get carried away. I know by staying with the Boultbee's that if I did stay with them it was going to be a race, not a walk in the park. Melanie was only doing the 25km because of a Hamstring pull she suffered earlier in the year which had sidelined her and April had only done one 15km run in 3 weeks so her goal was 50km but really just to see how far she could do. I think both of the are going to take the winter to get back to full strength and come back next year and do some OUS races, but also take on some big 100 mile challenges like Eastern States. Even not up to full strength these ladies are excellent runners and know how to dig deep. They were both wearing bright green tops and matching socks and hats. Oh yes, I also wore a visor ed hat which was useful when the rain made an appearance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are about 3-4 road sections that I recall. The first one comes up fairly quickly and is the dam we drove across when we entered the park. You follow it on the left hand side and then go a bit further past a parking lot and cut back into the woods. Oh, I love the woods. There were sections with pine needles and the scent that day was so fresh and clean and 'woodsy'. I love it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The second road section is a bit mind-numbing but it's all flat. You come into an aid station and then carry on and a sharp right takes you to more road and it's arrow straight. You go about 1/2km down here and then again veer back into the woods. That road section demoralised me the second time around. After that you have I think the longest road section where you come out of the woods and follow a road down to a major 2 lane highway where you turn left. There is no real verge and the traffic can come pretty close and there is a hill ahead of you. You see the lake fully to your left and I think this is the part that is the very top of the course. You get part way up the hill on the road and then back in the forest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think it is just after you go back into the forest after the road section where you get the only water soaking on the course as you cross a river. You can't avoid it. It's very cold and rocky so be careful but it's easy to get across and after 4-5 submerged steps you are on the other bank, climb up on the right and then you follow the lake all the way back through the forest another 4-5km to the start. I didn't have any blister problems with the combination of shoes/socks I wore but this could be a factor for some. You might want to change your socks if you are doing 2 laps of this course, after you get back from the first loop. See how it goes but if you feel chaffing after your soaking I recommend you deal with blisters before they become a problem and 2 minutes to change out shoes and socks isn't a big deal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first lap was mostly spent with April and Melanie. We just stayed together and we did pass quite a number of people. The twins don't talk during the race but will answer if you talk to them. Occasionally they will say something to one another about time/pace etc. but I was comfortable for the moment. I could hear Jack behind me and then he came by and it was probably just after 1/2 way as we were going down a fairly steep, rocky section that one of the sisters said I should go by and I did and that was the last I saw of them until I got back into the building after finishing. Melanie finished her 25km and April decided to stop with her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once I was on my own I tried to take it easy. Earlier I'd run passed Kimberly van Delst (she came second overall woman for OUS series this year. Well done!) and Karin MacMillan (placed first woman in the OUS series this year! Awesome job to both you and Gino) and Karin mentioned that she likes to sing and told me that if she can't sing 4-5 words without taking a breath than it is too hard an effort. I thought that was a good idea but would never sing but being able to maintain a comfortable talking effort is what they recommend you do on a long training run or your effort level is too high and you won't be able to sustain it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I like running alone in the woods in a race but I also hate it! I am always worried that someone is going to come by, how far away is that person behind me, etc. Sometimes I'd catch a glimpse of a runner ahead and that would be my motivation, to slowly narrow the gap and run with them for awhile, and then pass them. This happened a number of times. One guy I stayed with for awhile. I think his name was Roger and he had bright orange shorts on. He stopped to use the toilet at an aid station and I lost him for about 5km before he passed me again. Another guy was walking at the time but obviously got a second wind as he later caught up and passed me on one of my walking breaks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By the time it started pouring rain and I was about 1/2 through the second lap my energy was flagging big time. I threw up after about 3 hours 45 minutes and had close calls a few other times but I knew, for me, that it is not unusual, but it is unpleasant. I took another salt pill and Advil and was doing OK keeping up with the water, gel and Perpeteum. Funnily enough, on this race, I was using the thought of the finishing buffet to help motivate me and also telling myself I didn't have to see this section again. Every time things got bad I'd concentrate on being warm, eating and it would help stave off the dejection. That isn't to say I didn't walk because I did but there was never a death march. I would walk maybe for a minute and then trudge on again, my feet smacking in the puddles or getting squidgy in the mud. There were only 2-3 really muddy sections which had the tell-tail signs of other runners who definitely looked like they had close calls if the skid marks were anything to go by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was cold by now as I'd mentioned earlier and felt numb with cold in the hands and could feel some chaffing in the thighs but they were red and cold also so I didn't feel much there. Sometimes I'd feel some foot soreness but I was not concerned, knowing I only had a few more km to go. I did walk quite a bit and eventually people started passing me. Karin came by, then Roger in the brights shorts plus about 3 others that I didn't know. In the final km a tall woman came past who I recalled passing when I was with the Boultbee sisters on the first lap. I didn't know her name but I was able to hold onto the sight of her until we climbed the final hill and crossed the grass past the finishing mat so I think she won by 25 seconds. I was happy. By that point I was glad it was over and actually quite chuffed with the time although a sub 5 hour would have been awesome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was no timing mat for the first lap but I think I made it on my watch that the first lap took 2 hours 20 minutes. The finishing time I believe the timing clock said 5 hours 3 minutes 38 seconds. I was happy with that. The results are not out yet but I will guess I placed about 35th? I'll be curious now to see. If I'd not fallen apart so badly on the second half I think I could have been 15 minutes faster. I really need to work on my endurance because the course is very runnable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The official results are now out. I took <b>5:02:51 and placed 22nd of 107 entrants and 76 finishers</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was just pouring rain now and I felt sorry for the volunteers. It felt much warmer inside out of the wind and rain and I was soaked. I spotted the Boultbee sisters at a picnic bench and went and joined them. They were all cleaned up and dry in warm clothes and I was starving, spotted the food and immediately went and helped myself to a delicious buffet. There were meatballs, several pasta choices, some mac and cheese, a bun, caesar salad and another salad and about 4 choices of desert with Sprite, Coke and Ginger Ale. There was also tea/coffee and two choices of soup which was lovely as it warmed me a bit. I sat back down and began chowing down, listening to how everybody else fared, learning about others, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eating helped but sitting did not and I began visibly shaking and could not even take the cap off a water bottle so I took my leave and walked out in the downpour to the car with my medal jangling proudly around my neck. I jumped in the car, put a towel down on the seat, turned on the engine and cranked up the heat. The changing process was very slow and I swear one shoelace took more I.Q. and brute strength than I had at the time but eventually my slow mind and numb fingers worked it out in true Simian fashion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I actually began to feel warm and in clean, dry, layered clothing felt allot better. I then made my way back to the festivities and was disappointed to see Gino and Karin leaving with their trophies and plaques. They had family commitments (a parents 50th wedding anniversary celebrations) and had to leave but at least I got to see them and shake their hands and tell them what a pleasure it was running with them through the season). There were 2 large brick fireplaces at each end of the hall and I WISH they would have lit them. I think it would have made the place feel far more warm and comfortable. Maybe I'll pass on the suggestion. I'm sure even if it had not been raining, runners would have appreciated the heat after their exertions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was able to say hello to a number of runners that I already knew and a few that I met properly for the first time but had seen at previous races. I saw Marylou who did a crazy 197km at Ottawa! Wow. Tiny lady but what a runner! Some of the familiar faces I don't know if they came ahead of me or me them. It is a race but it is also a personal challenge and for me, wherever I placed, I was happy with my time. I worked hard and did learn more about my strengths and weaknesses and I take joy in everybody's performance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every so often someone would come through the door looking like a drowned rat. Having now sat for over an hour and a half I had to think, what would I have felt like being out there for another 1.5 hours. Allot colder and allot hungrier! I imagined that's what I looked like to the people that were settled as I walked through the door. Some people got claps when others knew them. You really should take up ultra running! These people are so friendly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of the other runners that won awards in the OUS series also had to leave and things were thinning out and still no awards presentation was happening. Eventually it did happen and I was able to maintain my 3rd place ranking in my age group overall and got a nice plaque for it and for the Norm Patenaude Award. With it came a blanket, I think, although I can't find the damn thing now but I'm pretty sure that's what it was, embossed with the OUS series decal.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u3fSs-cXI8g/UmfvL3QtW8I/AAAAAAAAAhY/MMw172jo7cw/s1600/DSC06801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u3fSs-cXI8g/UmfvL3QtW8I/AAAAAAAAAhY/MMw172jo7cw/s640/DSC06801.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimberley van Delst (Kim) came second overall for women in the Ultra Series and won the 50km Series. She's a very dedicated runner, a friend, and a very positive person. Your husband and kids will be very proud. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGPD9LeRlHc/UmfvOuVUDQI/AAAAAAAAAho/1rxfJ-wQT6I/s1600/DSC06802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGPD9LeRlHc/UmfvOuVUDQI/AAAAAAAAAho/1rxfJ-wQT6I/s640/DSC06802.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron Lutley came first in my 40-49 age group for the OUS series and 5th in the overall series. After putting away plates of food I"m surprised he was even able to stand to collect his plaque!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwrdWnEW19U/UmfvQrWQykI/AAAAAAAAAh0/KfrHN9z5Wvc/s1600/DSC06803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iwrdWnEW19U/UmfvQrWQykI/AAAAAAAAAh0/KfrHN9z5Wvc/s640/DSC06803.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maryka Hladki came first in her age group female 40 below for the OUS series. I have only just begun to know Maryka - she is friendly and very dedicated. Her strength is in the longer races and she can just keep going and going. Well done on a great season.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJmfRHKGxMs/UmfvP8r4SbI/AAAAAAAAAhw/JZ0AWJktdro/s1600/DSC06804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJmfRHKGxMs/UmfvP8r4SbI/AAAAAAAAAhw/JZ0AWJktdro/s640/DSC06804.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have seen Kiriam Thompson at many of the races but only got introduced to her after this race. She has a lovely smile. Kiriam came 4th female in the overall OUS series and second place female under 40.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6hGUE7B72M/UmfvS0ItedI/AAAAAAAAAiA/tD9kHTe6YTA/s1600/DSC06806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6hGUE7B72M/UmfvS0ItedI/AAAAAAAAAiA/tD9kHTe6YTA/s640/DSC06806.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the left is Steven Parke. I've looked at his results and he has steadily improved over the years and this year was fantastic for him. He came first male in my age group of 40-49. He twisted his ankle very badly on this race and it was black and blue. And of course the other happy chappie is me, Alex, who placed 3rd male in the 40-49 age group</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y56vnTQlehQ/UmfvUNyNqZI/AAAAAAAAAiI/tjk_ZZNCCqA/s1600/DSC06807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y56vnTQlehQ/UmfvUNyNqZI/AAAAAAAAAiI/tjk_ZZNCCqA/s640/DSC06807.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another one of me with my warm blanket. I could have used that out on the course today!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1p1_vebrn4/UmfvUGxkI4I/AAAAAAAAAiM/whl9mU-UgpA/s1600/DSC06808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1p1_vebrn4/UmfvUGxkI4I/AAAAAAAAAiM/whl9mU-UgpA/s640/DSC06808.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And how could I forget Ron Gehl - he's been on the ultra scene for ages and has introduced many runners to the sport who have excelled. This year Ron came 3rd overall in the OUS series and second in the over 50 category. He's passionate about his running, has alot of stories and just goes and goes and goes! And let's not forget all the straws he now needs! I'll leave it at that.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3AuS3RxWZQ/UmfvVYZa9hI/AAAAAAAAAiY/ztKreCLFUJo/s1600/DSC06810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3AuS3RxWZQ/UmfvVYZa9hI/AAAAAAAAAiY/ztKreCLFUJo/s640/DSC06810.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the OUS series winners hanging out together - Ron, myself, Kimberley, Cameron and Maryka. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Out came the cameras and either individually or in groups we had some photos taken and then it was almost 4pm and time to get a move on. We all began to leave and that is about it. The drive home was in pouring rain and I got into the house, had a VERY long and hot shower, had a bit of dinner, watched about 30 minutes of TV and at 8:30pm off I went to bed to wake at 10am the next day! I'm stiff but content and now I can have some recovery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope my blogs will inspire just one person to try an ultra, whether you are just getting into running or have been running road races for years. Try something different. I made the transition and love it. It's a completely different experience and the people that participate, organize and volunteer at these races are amazing. Go to the ous.com website and find a race that peaks your interest. Read my blogs and other blogs to see what you may face and sign up! You won't regret it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over the next few days I'll summarize my races and post photos of this race. Thank you for stopping by. Happy running!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alex</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-43244540064445010492013-09-25T18:43:00.000-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.561-07:002013 - 24 HOUR OTTAWA SRI CHINMOY SELF-TRANSCENDENCE - POST RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hi everybody.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome back. My last race is now almost 3 weeks behind me with the next one only 3 days away. I mentioned after my failed 100 mile effort at Haliburton Forest (completing 50 miles) that I was not totally bummed. I mean, it's never pleasant not finishing something you started and maybe I gave up where others would have continued but I'm still new to ultra running and learning not no quit when you feel down is something you hopefully pick up along the way through experience. I was really pleased to see many of you out there and encourage you in your races and that is always a really nice thing. I appreciated everybody's encouragement out there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This next race is put on by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. They have been organizing ultra events for many years all over the world. They seem to choose small circuits to run crazy timed courses - 6, 12, 24 hours and the big New York 3,100 mile race you have to finish in 52 days (just to let you know that means you have to run 62 miles a day just to finish in the allotted time!). You run around a square block of Queens. I did one of their 6 hour races in Kingston early this year which was quite an interesting experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is quite different running a certain number of hours rather than a specific distance. A set distance in a certain time may put off those that are concerned about finishing due to the difficulty of the course - terrain, elevation etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think the two biggest reasons why more people don't participate in this type of timed race is one, because of the very short laps these events are traditionally run on; from 1km loops or in the case of this particular race, a 400 meter indoor track in Ottawa. Not everybody can get their heads around the tedium and monotony of seeing the same people and same things over and over again. The other reason would be for the length of time we are talking about. In a marathon I'd say the majority of runners are done between 3-5 hours but the minimum time for these events seems to be 6 hours and going for 24 hours in my race. If you run 100 mile races you can fathom 24 hours but if you are just getting into ultras the thought of running for 24 hours scares the pants off people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did the Kingston 6 hour race to get an idea of what that tedium might feel like and yes, at times it got a bit mind numbing, but seeing all your competitors over and over was actually quite inspiring and nice I thought. You got to gauge how you were doing based on how often you passed others or they passed you, and you got encouragement from the people around you. You had the aid station they provide always available and didn't need to carry water bottles or wear belts with your gels, salts, etc. You could sit down and relax and get up and get on your way when you are ready. Most people will set up makeshift camps around the track. Tents are allowed but not obviously to be staked down. I'll have my aid station available every 400 meters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race starts at 8am for the 24 hour race and traditionally you arrive early to meet your personalized timer. The members of the cult are each responsible for a small number of runners and count you after each lap so you have to get introduced before the start. Also, you wear your name rather than a numbered bib so again, it feels very personal. You make sure as you go around that you catch the eye of your counter. At Kingston, my counter used to say 'Got you Alex'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is a leader board which will be updated once you get some miles under you and the top 7 men and women are continuously updated over the day and night. You can ask your counter any time what your distance is in case you are not in the top and are wondering how far you've done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ottawa for me is a good 5+ hour drive so I'm not looking forward to that - and even less so 24 hours later. I'll leave 10am and arrive approx. 3-4pm. We have a pre-race dinner at 6pm and you can camp outside the facility and set up your tent/food/aid etc. inside but you can't sleep inside the dome. After 9pm they close it and you can get back in at 6am. My intention is to set up my stuff minus my tent inside the dome, and set my tent up outside. It will be getting cooler at night no doubt but I think I have enough protection and generally I sleep better if it's colder anyway. I'll have dinner and greet friends and I believe there is someone there doing a research project who wanted to talk to me and some others about how we got into ultra running, etc. so I'll be curious what types of questions he asks and what other people's stories are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm supposed to meet the race Director of Hali at the pre-race dinner to collect my 2 drop bags I was not able to get at Hali. I really hope that works out because my race shoes are in there! Helen is doing the 6 hour race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The plan is to go get some groceries and things on Thursday and get the car packed and ready. I won't need as much stuff and it should be easier to organize now I'm using crates and zip-lock bags. I just keep all my stuff in these now and it means I just can grab them and go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have never run on a track/artificial surface so I'm most curious about this aspect. I'm slightly worried it will be slightly 'bouncy' which over a long time could suck my energy like what I think happened at Limberlost with the soft spongy undergrowth. At least I have no concerns about running in the dark or tripping over roots or dealing with the elements or monster hills. It will be a completely controlled environment, probably around 18 degrees. For those of you that are thinking, do we run around in the same direction for 24 hours? No, we don't. They are turning us around after each 6 hour segment so we don't get fatigued/injured due to the continuous left hand or right hand turns. Track etiquette dictates that slower runners stay further out and let the faster runners lap you to the inside - you can be disqualified for not following this rule.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Prior to the start we line up and have a minute's silence and then there is a very informal, GO, and we all start. I believe there are about 30 or so 24-hour runners entered with another 20 or so doing either the 6 or 12 hour races. There are washroom facilities and you are expected to leave and enter the track at the same place. If you are going to sleep or rest for an extended time it is considered good practice and polite to let your counter know this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pre-Race Predictions</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a good question. Honestly, I'm getting tired... I can feel it's been a long season. I've upped my racing and mileage hugely since last year but I've enjoyed myself. I rested for almost a week after Hali and the heel and hip have bothered me on each practise run. I'm now not limping at least but I know the right heel is going to cause problems on Saturday. It feels like somehow the pad of the foot feels like it's lost compression and gets very tender so I may consider heel inserts. The hip I'm going to gel up before the start and take an Advil right at the start and hope I have no further problems throughout. I've had a few good runs and a few terrible ones where I felt all my fitness was gone so I really don't know where I stand these days. I won't have run a single mile in the last week. I just couldn't get motivated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's look at some times/distances/past races to get an idea what I might be able to accomplish:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Haliburton Forest - hard course - 50 miles - 12 hours</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dirty Girls - hard course - 100 miles - 33.5 hours (2.5 hour sleep) so 31 hours</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kingston - 6 hour timed - 1km easy looped course - 39 miles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sulphur Springs - medium course - 50 miles - 9 hours</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what can I realistically expect on this course? If you look at Kingston I should be able to do 120 miles easily. Not going to happen. Look at Sulphur and again I should be able to do over 100 without much problem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll tell you that I'm aiming for 100 miles. I think that is realistic and achievable. If I can get over 110 I'd be really really pleased but I think it will be somewhere between the two so that's my 'guess'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, that's all I have for you now. I'll have my post-race blog up as soon as possible. It will go something like "I ran the first 400 meter lap. . . and then I did it again another 400 times!" THE END.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wish me luck and good luck to all of you - thanks for visiting again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>POST RACE REPORT</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I may have to stop these pre-race predictions. They kind of have a habit of coming back and biting me in the ass. What did I say? 100 miles? Try again Alex. All I can say is I'm glad it was not a 100 mile race or I'd be facing my second 100 mile DNF this year. I'm afraid I only managed 52 miles (good for fourth last place). I managed 50 miles in the same time as the Hali race, in 11 hours 56 minutes and was intending on quitting at that point but we were just about to do the turn-around on the track and I didn't want to inform my lap counter when it gets confusing out there so I trudged on for another 2 miles. Trudged? Actually, scratch that. I was not trudging, I was walking. I walked for so many laps I lost track. The thought of walking 11.5 more hours with an occasional burst of blistering 4 miles an hour just kind of deflated me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How do I feel about my race. For myself I'm frustrated on this one; more so than Hali. I mean what excuse can you have on a completely flat surface? How could I run 50 miles in exactly the same time as I did on a hilly, hard course? It sounds like a no-brainer - flat surface, indoor, controlled environment - of course I'd be faster. . . 208 laps around a 400 meter track. I remember saying earlier that I was concerned about the track being spongy. No worries there. It may not feel like concrete but it's pretty damn hard. My usual problems surfaced with the right heel pad, feeling like somebody pounding on me. The Achilles tendons gave me grief, my hip gave me grief, my shoes gave me grief and my damn watch decided to stop working on the trip up and didn't give me any grief at all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This race was a total unmitigated disaster for me. I did, however, get to see poetry in motion! I was privileged, as was every other runner there, to witness an American 100 mile record get shattered. Jon Olsen was the first American to run 100 miles under 12 hours - in 11 hours 59 minutes. His first 50 miles was in 5:58 and the second in 6:01. I think someone wrote that he ran 7:11 minutes/mile for 100 miles. Let me just say that there were 2 races going on. His race any everybody else's. He was at a completely different level of running than the second or third fastest person there. Even when we were all fresh he was lapping us in perhaps every 2-3 laps. When I got tired and began walking almost every lap he was coming by me. He is tall and lean and he runs so lightly it's more like he's springing. I know it's a bullshit expression to say he made it look effortless because I'm sure if you asked him he'd say he was in pain, but truly as he zipped by he looked like he could have carried on at that pace indefinitely. I shook his hand after and told him how inspiring he was and he asked about my race and he was very humble. I liked him. He flew in from California. It was really amazing to be able to watch someone of his caliber over the entirety of a race rather than in a big city marathon where you might watch the lead runners fly by and that's it. His wife was there helping/supporting him all the way. She was handing him whatever he needed and had to be on her toes - he flew by so quick there is a real knack to handing off liquids or foods without spilling or it flying out of her hands. You can read his blog report here. [<a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2013/10/jon-olsens-north-american-100-mile-record-report.html/comment-page-1#comment-140679" target="_blank">BLOG</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were informed by the race director about the inside track rule, and that it was meant for fast runners and to keep it clear and if someone calls out 'track' it means for you to get out of the way. Most runners were good about this but there were 2-3 runners, not fast, who I constantly saw hogging the inside lane. It annoyed me to think of Jon who constantly had to call out 'track'. Some moron made some stupid comment (he was one of the lane hogs) that the straight-away is a place where you can run wherever you like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, let me start at the beginning. . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I left the house at 9:45am on Friday and it was a perfect day, sunny and warm. I had a fairly restful sleep and set the odometer and set my wrist watch and off I went. Within 10 minutes my watch starts beeping at me and driving I couldn't really deal with it so pushed a number of buttons but it kept making beeping noises. Finally I got a look and it informed me of a sensor problem so I opened the glove compartment and chucked it in there, hearing the occasional muffled BEEEP over the next 9 hours. Not an auspicious start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Did I just say 9 hours! From my house to Ottawa should take about 5 - 5.5 hours and it was all going swimmingly until Brockville. At Brockville the roadside signs cheerfully told us that the East bound 401 was closed at Brockville. I don't have a GPS and I am not familiar with the roads in that part of Ontario and while the traffic was steady, it was not bumper to bumper so I figured they would have an alternate route bypassing that section of the 401 and we'd be underway in no time. WRONGGGGGGGGG. By the end of that fiasco I was completely stressed and pissed off. You know what it's like in a traffic jam. The end will be just over the next rise - the traffic will begin to flow again, anything ! ! ! So eventually, after about 2 hours of perhaps getting 5 miles along, I got the opportunity to take a left hand turn. I was trying to get north and east to hit Highway 416 which takes you straight into Ottawa. So myself and the car behind me take the gamble and off we go and things are going well and we get to a right hand turn a few miles further up and I decide to take it, hoping it will be a country lane which will keep me going east until I can hit the 416. After about 2 miles we hit another traffic jam and it is slow again but at least moving. I get to a 'major' intersection and am faced with heading South from where I came (DON'T DO IT!), an East which has traffic and is slow </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(DON'T DO IT!)</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, a North, which is flowing well and hell, I need to get moving North and if I stand still another moment I'm going to experience a melt-down, so North it is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Off I toodle-loo and begin my trek North and I pull onto the hard shoulder just to see on my big map where I might be and it appears this road will take me to Smiths Falls which will eventually get me to Ottawa. Thank goodness! I get to the Dome at 6:15PM. I was a very unhappy and sore and stiff bunny and I made my way inside to get my first sight of the dome. Some people were already there chowing down on the dinner and I saw Cameron Lutley but I just wanted to sit down and eat so apologies if I sounded a bit dismissive. Cameron is a really nice guy and a very good runner. He won the Kingston 6 hour race. I sat down next to Helen Malmburg and fortunately she had my two crates with my drop bags from Hali which was a relief considering how the trip was going so far. I had some vegetarian lasagna and some salad ingredients and a drink but the real treat was the rhubarb crumble. Whoever made that I thank you! Yum.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various tents and tables/chairs/coolers with all the gear we ultra runners need.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straight-away leading to the counter table. In the middle was a full size soccer pitch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinks table with a choice of water, coke, ginger ale or some weird honey kind of drink</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had a good chin-wag with the people around me and after the meal I began bringing in my crates and stuff into the track and set up. We seemed to have a limited amount of room so it got busy with people's tables and chairs and tents and even more so the next morning when people continued trying to cram their things between everybody else that was already there. I was not too impressed the next morning when one couple suggested they move me and the person on my right so they could fit their 8 foot table in! I think they got the hint from my furled eyebrows and moved on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I set up my tent outside right in front of my car beside a building and about 100 feet from the Dome entrance. At the time I didn't notice I had set it up directly beneath a light pole so I slept bathed in light. Oh well. It was cool but not uncomfortable and I actually prefer it being cooler. When I went to bed at about 9:30pm there were no other tents outside. Unfortunately you were not allowed to sleep inside the dome. Some people had set their tents up to use it as a place to crash or chill out over the course of the race. Some people had brought their spouses or children so over 24 hours this would be a great place to rest for them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The following morning I got up at 5:30am, ate a banana and got out of my tent which was now covered in dew. I saw one other tent set up and of course Gino and Karin's palatial motor-home. I can't say I had a brilliant sleep. I could hear the constant hum of generators meant for keeping the dome inflated and also felt the ground beneath me vibrating. I don't know what that was from but it stopped at around 12:00pm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I left the tent standing and figured I'd use it to sleep in after the 24 hours were up. After dinner I blew up a second air mattress and hauled it inside the dome. It was my first time in one and I didn't realize it is pressurized. There were two entrances inside at each corner and there were revolving doors like at some airports. Adjacent to those swinging doors was another door for bringing in larger items. You were supposed to have someone open the second door on the other side, then close the door and then they open the door on your side. I got my air mattress inside and went to push the other door but the first door was not closed yet and there was a huge WHOOSH of air like being in a wind tunnel. Ooops. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had almost all my items inside from the previous night and just took one crate inside and set up my gels and various things I'd need. I ate my cereal and relaxed, waiting for the chance to pick up my bib and meet my counter. We were due to do this 15 minutes before the start. Of course I'd had a chance by then to see Gino and Karin, Kimberley and Richard Takata who had driven up together. Also Cameron Lutley and Patrick Campbell and Helen and of course Ron Gehl and his wife Barbara. The night before I met Hans Maier, a 75 year old who is very sprightly and has a sparking mischievous gleam in his eyes. His Nephew I think it was who I believe was called Erik was doing the 6 hour race on his own. Erik was 16! He had done the 6-hour relay in Kingston earlier in the year. Kudos to you and keep it up! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gino and Karin - nice people and really good runners. <br />
Both are going to win his/hers for the overall OUS standings!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hans Maier - 75 years young!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUgeT99pVWY/UkokGLVhqJI/AAAAAAAAAgI/DyYQUm5CSdE/s1600/Picture+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUgeT99pVWY/UkokGLVhqJI/AAAAAAAAAgI/DyYQUm5CSdE/s640/Picture+019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To infinity - and beyond! Dude - get a bloody hair cut - and tuck your ass back in those skimpy shorts! And there is Kim - one lady on the course thought we were brother and sister.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sbzmj1ohg_E/UkokHZaesWI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/YvI3VEmsGuU/s1600/Picture+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sbzmj1ohg_E/UkokHZaesWI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/YvI3VEmsGuU/s640/Picture+020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another nice guy - Richard Takata</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96YCXywRaYQ/Ukoj6ypy0nI/AAAAAAAAAfI/zH59-ypDMjk/s1600/Picture+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-96YCXywRaYQ/Ukoj6ypy0nI/AAAAAAAAAfI/zH59-ypDMjk/s640/Picture+007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My table and chair and air mattress behind</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cKW-sL0MeA/UkokAspTEFI/AAAAAAAAAfo/qJWFhU7pdQE/s1600/Picture+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cKW-sL0MeA/UkokAspTEFI/AAAAAAAAAfo/qJWFhU7pdQE/s640/Picture+009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One 'tackle box'of goodies owned by Richard Takata! Between his crates and Kimberley's - they need a bigger van I think! Still, better organised than my zip-lock bags and very handy. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I was waiting for the start, this tall guy set up his chair and items next to me and his name was Charles. He was friendly but seemed a bit awkward but we had a nice talk and his thing was road running and he'd done this track race a few years in a row. He and his wife were staying with in-laws in Ottawa and his wife didn't really have any interest in his running which is a shame. Unfortunately Charles had a bad day and pulled out about 2-3 hours before I called it a day but I wished him well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I moseyed over to the tables and got my bib which was kind of awkward. There were two bibs, both large - one had your name in a particular color which was useful for the lap counters to identify their particular runners - and taped beneath that was your running number. I believe there was a 'back-up' of other counters along the track inputting your laps on a computer but I could be wrong. The bib was awkward to put on and I believe some people had wanted to switch over to chip timing. It's a hard call. It really is a lovely race and what partially makes it special is the personal attention of the race director, the cult members and the counters who help and support you. This year I think was their biggest entry field so far and I think it's possible some laps may have been missed for some runners. I believe there might have been a discrepancy with mine on a few laps so they were having to double check with the computer people versus the lap counter. It didn't make much difference to me in the end as I pulled out early but I'd be pissed if I'd run further and not been credited for my laps so I don't know the solution as the race gets more popular. It is very difficult for the counters when a slew of runners come by in the early laps and we are all running relatively quickly. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4Nba-hYPAo/Ukoj1UjMoQI/AAAAAAAAAeo/iXPH_PQL_ns/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4Nba-hYPAo/Ukoj1UjMoQI/AAAAAAAAAeo/iXPH_PQL_ns/s640/Picture+002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My counter was Prataya and then two others took over during the 12 hours I ran. See the bibs and counting cards they used</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3g8TJSgkGNE/UkokF3dzeZI/AAAAAAAAAgE/m3kTvy8Jvyw/s1600/Picture+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3g8TJSgkGNE/UkokF3dzeZI/AAAAAAAAAgE/m3kTvy8Jvyw/s640/Picture+018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various runners getting their bibs and meeting their counters - the guy on the right is Jon who beat the American 100 mile track record in 11 hours 58 minutes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkVMn9SL6RQ/UkokAmmmlVI/AAAAAAAAAfs/AeaUBd5slCk/s1600/Picture+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EkVMn9SL6RQ/UkokAmmmlVI/AAAAAAAAAfs/AeaUBd5slCk/s640/Picture+014.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My good luck charm with mega sized bib</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race director was standing on the other side of the track from the counters and was yelling out our names to the counters. I think he must have been hoarse by the end - but he was instrumental to helping us and the counters over the time when runners were more bunched together. It was very frustrating when SOME runners would stop at the tables and have conversations with their counters, blocking their view and making it difficult to know if you'd been seen. A few times I had to really wave and was unsure if I had been counted. I always made a point of waiting to ask any questions when we were spread out and I didn't go right up to the table so they still had good visibility. They changed places over the course of the race as people needed bathroom breaks or perhaps after 6 hour stints. Some counters were better than others. One guy was excellent in my opinion and I really knew he had marked me and that he'd seen me. One other seemed like she was almost looking through you and it was not registering and I had to wave and try to get her to make eye contact. She got better later on but I had doubts initially. Saying that, they were all excellent and it is a huge commitment they make. It's an ultra event for them also. They don't only tick you off on the sheet but once things spread out are supposed to input your time for that particular lap so it takes allot of mental agility over the hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race director had us line up and some photos were taken but it was not organised this time so that everybody could be seen. There were just too many of us. A few moments before the start we all got silent and reflected on the journey we were about to face and the counter informed us he was ready and the director counted down 5,4,3,2,1, GO . . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Obviously I can't remember, nor would you want to hear, about my 208 laps so I can only highlight the, well, er, highlights!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Highs and Lows</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We all started off at what felt like a comfortable pace but I did know within the first 30 laps or so that we had picked it up and were being a bit silly with our pacing. Karin mentioned it to me and yelled out that we were all being asses. ha ha. She was right. There was the usual light-hearted banter, the usual story-telling and you would chat with someone for awhile, then pass them or they you. You waved to your counter, went to your table or chair as you needed or grabbed some nibbles from the race table. The temperature in the dome was a bit warm and it did feel a bit 'close' at some points through the day and looking through the emergency doors it was bright and sunny and hot outside. At the far end of the track there were various things laying about and some people had hidden buckets or pee bottles so they didn't have to make the journey to the 'official' toilets. I had intended on doing something similar but in the end I was grateful for the extra few seconds it took to get a change of scenery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were big garbage cans dotted around the entire track which was useful if you were munching on an orange slice or had a plate of food and were walking - as happened 12 hours later. Unfortunately I needed to visit those garbage cans twice for a different reason. I had my usual stomach upset around 4 hours into the race and had to race to one of them. I didn't like to but there was nothing else for it and I felt sorry for the people having to witness my upheaval. I think news got to the race director or he saw me and asked me several times if I was OK. Thanks for your concern. He was often seen walking around the track, wishing people well, making sure everything was good. Fortunately the second time nobody commented and I just carried on. I didn't seem to have any bloating or water retention issues this time - my fingers remained finger shaped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did go through a really bad spot and the medical stand which happened to be squeezed right next to me suggested I take some <a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/dulse-healthy-nutritious-sea-vegetable-85127.html" target="_blank">Dulce </a>(dried seaweed) to get my color back. Also, after I did the dumpster dive, I think Jon (the running machine) told me to get some salt into me. He encouraged allot of runners himself. Well, I did try the Dulce and I think it did a better job of revitalizing me than the S-Caps so I'll definitely be looking to get some of this stuff again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over the following hours we got to see the start of the 12 and 6 hour races which made the track even more crowded but it injected fresh energy to the race. My fellow runner Jack Kilislian ran the 6 hour and he had an awesome race (41 miles). He never wears a shirt and is a really nice guy. He's down to earth and has a good sense of humor and he was hurting near the end and could see the strain in his face and body but he pushed for every lap and I was doing my best to encourage him. I had no idea how he'd done although if I'd looked more often at the HUGE leaders boards for the 6,12 and 24 hour races I would have had an idea. Regardless of my inattention, he held a beautiful trophy after the 6 hour awards ceremony. He placed first! Well done Jack!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Several times through the race I had a chance to chat with Cameron Lutley. His friends and people I just met this year and like very much were at an American 106 mile race called the <a href="http://www.mogollonmonster100.com/" target="_blank">Mogollon Monster 100</a></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I had a look and it looks pretty damn tough. I think there is a 36 hour cut-off time and 23,000 feet of climbing so it is no walk in the park. They are Heather Lightfoot and Dan Lightfoot. She was racing and Dan was going to be pacer and support for her. Whenever I started to feel wimpy I tried to think of them. I hope she did well. Dan sent me a text asking how I got on at Ottawa but I wish he'd said how she did. Hers was a far harder race. When she posts her blog I'll post a link and you can read all about it if you'd like. It will probably (well, definitely) make more interesting reading than this rambling report. ha ha. Hey, how interesting can I make a 208 lap journey around a race track sound? Here is her blog report [<a href="http://raceinpieces.com/2013/10/02/mogollon-monster-2013-race-report/#comment-1049" target="_blank">blog</a>]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was a really nice chap called Narcisse I believe. He lives in Ottawa and in previous years had volunteered at this race in many capacities and wanted to do the 24 hour race one day. This was his year. I believe in previous years he had done the 12 hour one. His wife was helping in the kitchen and his little 4 year old daughter was a real sweetheart and her and her new-found friends were all playing on the huge mats that are used for pole-vaulting. He was down-to-earth and had a very positive attitude. He was humbled by the runners he saw over the years running through pain but with determination. It was a pleasure to meet with and talk with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also stopped and chatted with Erik who at 16 was the youngest runner there doing the 6 hour race. His head lolled to the side and you could see he was really feeling it but I did my best to lift his spirits and tell him how remarkable he was and to keep at it and he'd achieve his goal. I'm sure he would have. Wow. What the heck was I doing at 16? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I only peed once in the first 5 hours and once more over the following hours until I stopped at 12.5 hours. I was probably dehydrated but it's not unusual for me not to pee for hours and while it was colored there were no signs I was in difficulty. I tried to take S-Caps and gels regularly but as is usual I get tired and forget. I was just nibbling on orange slices or watermelon and occasionally drinking some Hammer gels. I tried some Perpetuem but forgot after a while and thought maybe it was causing some of my stomach upset. I probably was not getting anywhere near enough food. I didn't think the selection was very good for solid food. Occasionally they put out some potato wedges but they didn't last long although I enjoyed those.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The big problem for me on this race were my feet. I have never changed shoes and socks as much as I did in this race. I started with Injinji toe socks and my lighter trail shoes with heel inserts but still my heel felt pounded and then my baby toes started feeling crushed and getting hot so I took off the toe socks and switched to regular ones. That helped the toes but didn't do much for the heel. I then tried a new pair of socks with my heavier but more padded trail shoes which are more roomy. They gave my heels some relief but I noticed a hot spot developing in an unusual place for me which was below the toes in the middle. At first when I took off the socks to check it was a fairly small blister and I tried to put on a Spenco second skin and some Kinesio tape over that but I think it just aggravated things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whenever I came around and thought about having the medical team deal with it they had their hands full with other runners doing massages or dealing with feet or electrolyte problems so I just put it off until I was in pain just walking. When I had a look after the race the little blister had grown to one that was probably 3-4 inches long. I think the trapped liquid had pushed itself further and further along the underside of the foot. Popping it may have helped but I think unless it was dealt with properly it would have resurfaced. Blisters really can end races and I would recommend in a really long race dealing with them ASAP and not ignoring them. I told the medical lady I wanted to get to 50 miles and then would have her look at it but as I got closer to 50 miles it stopped hurting as much and as I knew I was going to call it a day shortly I decided to just get on with things.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmmyHxkBDa4/UkokJX4AqOI/AAAAAAAAAgg/bo7gpw7Mels/s1600/Picture+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmmyHxkBDa4/UkokJX4AqOI/AAAAAAAAAgg/bo7gpw7Mels/s640/Picture+026.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice perfectly formed blister. I didn't enjoy running on it much</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't know at what point I knew I was going to quit - probably somewhere around 65km. I decided 50 miles would be my goal and damn but those final km's seemed to just crawl by. As I said, I was walking huge amounts and sometimes some of the friends or runners that had finished their 6 hour races tried to encourage me which helped getting me running 1/2 a lap or maybe a lap sometimes but eventually I was back to a walk. As I approached 50 miles I knew I had two laps remaining and looking at the giant digital wall clock I had 4 minutes to get those 2 laps in to try to beat the Hali 50 mile time (11 hours 55 minutes) so I started running like a crazy person and was flying around the track. I'm sure everybody was wondering what the hell I was doing. Unfortunately I think I was out by a minute but it felt fun while it lasted and I just ignored the pain. I wish I could have done that for another 11.5 hours! ha ha. Once things fell apart I found myself sitting down in my chair quite often to change shoes or just chill for 4 minutes since walking seemed like hard work by that point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My table had been encroached upon over the hours and with the medical people beside me there were a few water bottles and plates of nibbles on my table which kind of irked me but after my race was over when I was back from a shower and laying on my air mattress I was kinda pissed to see a 10 year old butterball of a girl dipping into my bloody potato chips. Goodness knows how often she'd been doing this but I'd seen her with all sorts of junk food over the 12 hours and I was like, maybe you should be out there running laps instead of eating as much crap as you can cram into your face. I'm just surprised the 2 chocolate bars were still there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I got to 108 laps or 52 miles I went over to my counter and told her I was retiring and thanked her and all the other counters there for their dedication. As this was a timed event rather than a distance race, I believe I am due the certificate and a medal but honestly at the time I didn't give a rats ass about this - and still don't although it would be nice to have the certificate in case I decide to give it another go some year. I didn't finish in my minds eye so don't feel I really deserve the medal but I gave it what I had and yes, I probably could have gone on for another few hours but I don't want to just walk so I didn't see the point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hobbled into the showers and had a BEAUTIFUL 20 minute hot shower. What a relief. After that I came and lay down on my air mattress which had just about deflated. I packed up my stuff - very slowly - and packed the car. I could have crashed in the dome as others were doing but didn't want to feel shit watching others still running so went to my tent and at 9:30pm crashed. I was going to get up at midnight and start the drive home but only woke at 1:00am. I got started and the roads were dead which was a relief. There were some fog banks but it felt like a relief to be heading home and not having the traffic that I faced on the outward journey. I passed a number of roadside signs for MacDonald's or Tim Horton's or Subway and every time I saw one of those my stomach growled and I had serious hunger pangs and had a huge craving for a MacDonalds'. I NEVER have MacDonald's but at the next exit sign for one I got off. I first got some gas and there was an attached burger joint but it HAD TO BE MACDONALD'S. I asked the guy if I was close and he said another 6 minutes down the road so off I went. Ohhhhh I was looking forward to that Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Hell, I might even have two. And a large fries to go with it! So I find the place and park and try the doors but no entrance after 12pm and have to use the drive-through. So I jump in the car and drive around and I'm told their systems are down and I should try the MacDonald's at such and such location. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! You have no idea how pissed I was. I'm literally starving by this point and I've got it in my head about this damn MacDonald's and they just dashed my hopes. When the young guy popped his head out the window to give me directions I almost pulled him out and was going to start stomping on him! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back I go and totally forgot his instructions and ended up back at the gas station and went in and had a burger and fries and it was shit - probably just like MacDonald's would have been - but I got some meat in my ravenous belly and I felt satisfied for the moment. I went off driving again and within 30 minutes I'm beginning to feel I can't drive anymore - exhaustion is setting in and my eyesight is getting blurry and I can't concentrate so I pull off at a big service station exit, find the furthest parking spot, adjust some of the crates on the back seat and grab my duvet and crash for 3 hours. When I wake it's about 8:30am and my eyes are taking time to adjust so I get back on the road and get to one of my least favorite sections going past Oshawa right where the 401 begins with all the Collectors and Express lanes. People are going at crazy speeds and I'm one of them, just wanting to get the hell home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I decide I should probably go to work and help out my business partner in case it's busy. Even if i just sit down in a chair if it's busy I can at least keep an eye on things. I have a retail business and weekends can be very busy and with one person it can be a handful. I've got this craving emptiness again and decide I'm going to stop at a little diner I've never tried before which is right by my work called Butterballs. I go in and I feel like shit and I'm hobbling like an old man and since I didn't cut my hair it probably looks like I'm some sort of crazed Einstein without the 200 IQ! I look at the menu and quickly decide on 3 pancakes with syrup and a separate main order of 2 sunny side up eggs with potato chunks and bacon and French toast! It takes about 12 minutes and people are coming and going and my stomach is making me pay for every minute and then it's here - two large plates with real fattening food! Ohhhhh bliss. I tuck in and before I know it my stomach is saying ENOUGH already. Ok, my eyes were bigger than my stomach and I had to leave 2 pancakes but it felt good not to be crazy hungry anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I drive the 2 minutes to work and just as I'm unpacking some stuff from the back of the car at 10am my business partner arrives and tells me I look like shit and to go home. I came in for about 30 minutes to the store anyway - realized I did look like and feel like shit and drove 25 minutes home where I checked some emails and then went to bed for 4 hours. I had pulled out 2 pork chops, 2 chicken breasts and for dinner ate that, plus a corn-on-the-cob and mashed potatoes followed 30 minutes later by a wedge of rhubarb strawberry pie! I had turned into an eating machine!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's my story and I think it's time to end it. It was not my best effort but it was my 2nd longest run of the season and my fitness is not where it was at the beginning of the season. I think 52 miles is still a long long way and I should not beat myself up too badly but it's not a race I'll be wanting to repeat anytime soon. I thought the track would be easier than it turned out to be and I like to be outside with hills and rain and mud and wind and heat and cold. Sounds crazy. To everybody who stuck it out well done. Thank you for coming back to read my report. I have one race left in this season which is The Vulture Bait 50km run in London, Ontario (2 laps around Fanshaw Reservoir) in about 2-3 weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All the best to all of you who completed your full times at the race. It was wonderful having you there to be with and share time with over the hours. And for all you others that were not there but are runners yourselves, keep up the training, enjoying your races and I hope to meet some of you in the future. Happy running.</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-11057683066346341042013-08-22T19:45:00.005-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.500-07:002013 HALIBURTON FOREST 100 MILE - RACE REPORT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 Weeks Out</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What did Stan say to Ollie in some of the episodes (you'll have to be a certain age to even know who Stan and Ollie were) - "Here's another fine mess you've gotten us into!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, I got myself into this mess and we'll now have to wait to see how messy it gets. I'm thinking there could be tears, maybe some blood and definitely allot of sweat. I seem to remember early in the season a few people saying that Hali was a GREAT place to do a first 100 miler. Now AFTER I've signed up I'm learning that 'something is rotten in the State of Denmark!' Those people extolling Hali's virtues have disappeared into the woodwork and doing my own researches I find that actually Hali is a pig of a course - technical, tough and demanding. In fact, one section of the course - the Normac - is also known by a far less endearing name because it's a major pain in the ass.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The good news is I now have an idea what 100 miles feels like from Dirty Girls 2 weeks ago. The rest is just bad news so I won't bore you. Ok, Ok, I will. I know how much bad news makes us feel better about our own situation. My hip pain was intense for 4 days after the Iroquois Trail Test - far too many twists and turns - but I think with some Voltaren gel I'll be good to go. The worse news is my right heel is intensely painful. I've had it since DG where they got pounded badly but the right one is worse. It has stopped me running anything since ITT last weekend. It's an injury I've had since earlier this year but it's obviously getting worse. I've looked up plantar fascia and Achilles tendinitis and yadda yadda yadda but I don't know exactly what it is. Maybe if you've had it you can suggest something. Right on the heel you can brush your finger down it (or run a feather down it) and it is intensely painful with just a breath - BARELY touching it - but push your finger harder into it and no pain - scratch that - there is pain if you press hard. It makes no sense. I find myself hobbling but I've had proper plantar fascia before and this isn't it. Anyway, I shouldn't make excuses. This is my blog and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to. . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm sorry to report that one of my running friends, Chris McPeake, had a failure at Leadville that just happened. I was really sorry to hear that for him as this is the second attempt and I know he went out there this year determined to kick it's butt. He wrote saying he will write a two-blog report about the race and the factors (other than running) which precipitated his demise. I have read about one major problem from a runner that placed very highly so I might know what one problem was. What the other runner was saying was that there were just too many people on the trails - very narrow single track, trying to pass one another - many 'newbies' that would never hit the cutoffs and didn't follow trail etiquette going up and doing the mountain passes. We'll have to wait to see what he says. Oh yeah, and a total mess-up happening at aid stations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Two other running friends that run EVERYTHING in the OUS calendar are ONLY doing the 50 miler at Hali and that gave me pause. Speaking to Ron Gehl who is a seasoned ultra runner, he is concerned about making the 30 hour cut-off. I think he has it in him but I respect his decision and having run the damn thing about a zillion times he knows. I have beat him in some of the races this season and he's whupped me a number of times also so I have to be slightly concerned. The other person, Kimberly, I think is keeping something in the tank for the Ottawa 24 hour track race which I think is where people may be selected for the worlds so if that is the case it's wise. She and Karin and Lisa are at the top of the female leaderboard and they are all very capable and determined runners.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having looked at the names of those entered in the 100 miler I am up to my eyeballs in seasoned ultra runners - more so than at Dirty Girls. There are some people I don't know from the confirmation sheet, but 20 are names I know of people that spank me regularly at races, or have been in the top 3 of this race in previous years. Swiss Miss (Iris) will be there, a seasoned Badwater finisher, Maryka who placed second at DG, of course Gino and Karin who won at DG, Cameron Lutley, Patrick Campbell, Steven Parke, etc. It could be a very lonely race out there for me and I hope they don't create too many mud puddles for me. Maybe they'll scare all the bears away before I catch up an hour or two or three later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My plan is to drive up on the Friday early morning and get there early to mid afternoon and get settled. I'll check in at the cabin and get my race kit and be able to have a relaxed pasta dinner that night and then settle in to my tent before a very early wake-up call and 6am start! That is the earliest race start of the season. I could be more comfortable staying in an Inn or Hotel but this camping thing is quite an adventure for me and it's part of the whole weekend experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The conundrum for me is aid stations and what do I drop off and at which one(s)? Dirty Girls was easy. Your tent with goodies is at the start/finish which you pass every 8km (5 miles). This one is an out and back 25 miles with 7 aid stations generally about 10km apart. You have to figure out when it will start getting dark out for your light and also some warm weather gear in case it gets cold during the night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Information About Haliburton Forest and about the Race</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Haliburton Forest</span><span style="background-color: white;"> and </span><span style="background-color: white;">Wild Life Reserve</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Ltd., or simply </span><span style="background-color: white;">Haliburton Forest</span><span style="background-color: white;">, is a unique, privately owned </span><span style="background-color: white;">forest</span><span style="background-color: white;"> located on 70,000 acres of rolling hardwood. Check out their website with photos, video, etc. at [<a href="http://www.haliburtonforest.com/" target="_blank">LINK</a>]. It's about a 3 hour drive north of Toronto and is located South East of Huntsville and sort of South West of Algonquin Park.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For information about the race itself check out Helen's Malmburg's website for the race [<a href="http://www.haliburtonforest100.org/hf100_002.htm" target="_blank">LINK</a>]. Just a note. This year is the 20th anniversary of the race.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In case you are interested in the route, here it is for your viewing pleasure:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Back to the Race</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh crap! Looking for the Haliburton Crest logo to put on this blog I came across a blogger's report on his 50 mile effort back in 2011 at Hali and he was telling us all about the various runners he met during his efforts and he just HAD to tell us that 2011 was Steven Parke's 7th attempt at the Hali 100 where he DNF'd 6 times before finishing that attempt sub 24 hours. Now I'm pooping myself. Steve is ahead of me in the points series, a better runner and now I learn he DNF'd at Hali 6 times! Ok, take a deep breathe and no more blogs!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok friends. I'm calling it a night. I'll update you when I have something to update you about. Hopefully that will mean some running to talk about. Stay well and good luck to everybody on their training and racing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>5 Days to Go</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow, the time has gone quickly. Only 5 days left before the biggest challenge of my ultra racing hobby - definitely not a career - I won't be giving up my day job because while I don't suck, I'm no elite machine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think this race is going to be harder than Dirty Girls - running 100 miles with the clock ticking down to failure. . . don't make 30 hours and it was all for nothing. I would have preferred to do a training run here prior to get a feeling for the course but it didn't happen. It isn't that far away from the Limberlost course and I have DNF'd there twice now so I think it's going to be pretty rough. Certainly from all my blog reading that seems to be the consensus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Speaking of Limberlost, I was working in my retail store on the weekend and this young Asian guy walks in with his girlfriend and they are walking around the store. He sees something he likes and comes up and asks me something and spots a shirt I'm wearing which I didn't even realize had some running crest on it and he asks me if I run. I said yes, I'm into ultra running and have a 100 mile race next weekend and then asked him if he was a runner. He says, yes, I run ultras also. I was like, coooool. How often in life do you come across other ultra runners so I say, oh, do you do some of the OUS races and he says yes, I did the Limberlost 56km race. I'm like, cool, I was there. I say, so, how did you do? And he says, 1st! I say, holy crap man. Who are you? His name is Julian Ho. So it was terrible I'm at work and it's busy because him and I are just chatting away about ultras and it's like we have never met and yet here we are chatting away freely and openly and happily about something we both love doing. ha ha. Anyway, it was really nice meeting them both. He mentioned running with some Italian guy who it turned out is Gino De Carlo, so it is a close-knit group of people out there. I hope I see him in the future. Well done Julian.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also heard that Elise has gotten over her DNF and has decided to continue running ultras. I'm glad to hear it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With regards to my running things have not been good. I did one training run almost a week after the ITT race and my right heel was very painful and has been swollen and sore. I've been icing it 2-3 times a day and have not run anything in 9 days. I went out yesterday (Sunday) for my first run, still with the heel sore but not brutal. I wanted to see if things have calmed down a bit and if I remember how to run still! Henri (race Director of Niagara ultra) added me to their mailing list and every Sunday they go somewhere on the Bruce Trail so I decided to tag along with them yesterday because I wanted to run with some people and try somewhere different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday's run was just down the road from me and started up at Woodend Park. It's up the Niagara escarpment, just a 5 minute drive from my gym club at White Oaks which is great as I was able to go there after the run and have a shower and get ready for work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was disgustingly muggy. We stuck to the trails but everybody's shirts were stuck to their bodies and the sweat was dripping. The course was almost all single track and some of the rocks were really viscous looking. They were pointed up in sharp triangle points so you really had to be careful in sections and no way I wanted to trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Henri took the lead and I followed with about 6 others behind me and then another group headed off from the car park who were going to do a hike rather than run. Henri kept pointing out poison ivy at different points of the trail and I was glad since I have not got a clue what it looks like. I had poison oak when I was a kid and remember it was not a pleasant experience and I didn't want any burning, itching going into Hali. I was running along happily and then felt a really sharp stinging sensation on the thigh and swatted away a damn wasp that had just stung me. Arrrrrrhhhhhhh. Second sting in my lifetime. The first was when I was a kid swimming in an outdoor pool and I saw this poor little fella struggling on the surface of the water so lifted him to put him on the side of the pool and he stung me. No good deed goes unpunished!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I must say I felt the lack of training after nine days without running. I'm hoping some of it was the high humidity but I struggled and was glad when the hour and a quarter was done. The intention is one more run Tuesday evening of 1.5 hours in Short Hills and then it's game time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have to admit to trepidation about this race. I really didn't give much thought to DG 48 hours and just showed up and started running. That's probably the best strategy and I'm just going to go with an open mind and run when I can and when I get tired I'll walk. People complain about the hills but as far as I'm concerned they are an excuse to walk. I mean, if it's flat and I'm shattered and I'm walking, others are probably catching me, but on a hill everybody is walking except the runners who I have no chance of catching. It gives me a chance to recuperate, and hopefully by the top I can get going again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not going to get freaked about running at night. I've at least done it once and 90% of the time it's actually an amazing experience. I have not yet packed or prepared drop bags so I'll do that on Thursday. I was glad to hear that Chris McPeake has entered the 100 also. I hope we'll get a chance to run together for awhile but if not it will be nice to share the experience. I was sorry about his Leadville race and to enter another 100 just weeks after the last one - I respect his determination.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's about it for now. My fitness is definitely down but I'm looking forward to the challenge, the amazing trails and being with the other competitors. It's a new race distance for me, a new trail and before I know it, I'll be walking down the road with the other 50km, 50mile and 100 mile racers, being led by Helen Malmburg and the bagpiper to the start line and then we'll all be off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy running and wish us all luck. I'll update you as soon as I can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh - I can't leave you without. . . YOU KNOW. . . the pre-race prediction. Where's Kimberley's mystic ball when I need it. On second thought, I don't want to know. It thinks I'm a looser! Just to tell you my aim is to finish in 30 hours doesn't really do it, does it? It's a bit of a cop out, isn't it? But if only 53% of people finished last year isn't just finishing a respectable target? So cut me some slack. Sheesh. Ok, well, I would like to get to the 50 mile mark in 11 hours and be done in 26 to 26.5 hours. If I squeak under 24 I'll be one happy camper. There you have it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Day Before the Drive Up</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here we are. It feels like this is the most important race of the season - that all of the training has led up to this race. I don't know why but it does. If I fail here it will make a big difference to my chances for points in the OUS results. I've had one DNF so far this season but this race is critical. I was looking at my success and failures over the last two years since I got into ultras.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In 2011 I attempted two ultras (both 50km) and failed at one (Run for the Toad). In 2012 I attempted four (two 50km, a 56km and a 50 mile) and failed at 2 (Limberlost 56km and Sulphur Springs 50 mile). So far in 2013 I've attempted 8 and failed at one (Limberlost 56km). I want to keep the momentum going. After this race there are two left in the series. The 24 hour Ottawa track race and the final race of the season, Vulture Bait 50km. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After my run on Sunday I did one final run after work Tuesday evening at Short Hills. I was apprehensive with the heel problem. It was a bit humid and my plan was to be very conservative and run slowly but try to run the hills. I must say I was pleasantly surprised to finish the run in 1 hour 7 minutes, 3 minutes faster than my best time there! I don't think I was super fast but I ran most of the hills, not having to take much recovery at the tops and that made all the difference. My only complaint at the end was my hip. Damn it hurt, even after applying the gel beforehand. The heel didn't hurt too badly and didn't swell up and I've continued the icing but I know it's going to get pounded on Saturday and I know with the arthritis I'm going to be taking a few Advil but hey, I'm ready as I'll be now so bring it on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I spent the day at home carefully packing, patched the holes in my air mattress, got a few groceries and a few chocolate treats. I got some zip lock bags and have divided all my gels and extra socks and all the other stuff for the drop bags and have gassed and filled the car tires. I've printed off directions, got my lucky charm and filled my water bottles. Boy this ultra running is tiring!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, it's almost 10pm and I'm going to call it a night. I even did some research on bears and for the most part they are diurnal and I feel better that they'll be sleeping while I'm running. I don't really mind coming across any during the day as long as I don't startle one. All the best everybody and wish me luck :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Post Race Report</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome back. I've been home exactly 45 minutes and have not even showered yet. I need the fresh(ish) smell to remind me about my amazing weekend and didn't want you to have to wait a second longer than necessary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not ashamed and truthfully I'm not anywhere near as disappointed as I was after DNFíng at Limberlost this year for the second time. The truth is I DNF'd at Haliburton after 50 miles. I gave it everything I had but Hali was more than I could cope with this year. I am going to revise my grading system now and put Hali as THE hardest race in the OUS calendar. If anybody disagrees I'd be happy to hear arguments for and against.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't cite weather as a factor. Those poor folks last year that had to race in almost constant downpours - I'm shivering just thinking about what the course would have looked like. It was probably as close to perfect as it gets yesterday. There were some long wet grass sections with wet logs but it's the middle of a bloody forest for goodness sakes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I drove up Friday at 9:45am and got up in 4 hours 10 minutes from Niagara with no problems. It was easy enough to find. I drove in further from the Boiler Room after grabbing my race bib and found lots of camping spots along the road on the right hand side just before the gate which is locked which takes you further into the reserve. The start is right on this gravel road and goes past the gate and down a gentle road which eventually gets you to Aid Station 2. After this you head into the trails. I heard from Helen and Gord (the chap that was compiling all our race data) that they are going to change the course next year to make LESS road (currently about 20%) and also cut out the loop.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzGD0LaT9N4/Ui3tOhqOFwI/AAAAAAAAAcU/pfpDP2JIrek/s1600/DSC06648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzGD0LaT9N4/Ui3tOhqOFwI/AAAAAAAAAcU/pfpDP2JIrek/s640/DSC06648.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To the right is the road - there were various spots for people to set up campers or tents</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yio1gAi6TNU/Ui3tSRlxguI/AAAAAAAAAco/q5XKj5X5hCM/s1600/DSC06649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yio1gAi6TNU/Ui3tSRlxguI/AAAAAAAAAco/q5XKj5X5hCM/s640/DSC06649.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little spot - the finish is up the road to the left about 200 feet - to the right is the gate leading into the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mc9V7E9T30/Ui3tSj4p9sI/AAAAAAAAAck/2qXnKBZCduo/s1600/DSC06651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mc9V7E9T30/Ui3tSj4p9sI/AAAAAAAAAck/2qXnKBZCduo/s640/DSC06651.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gate - we all ran down here on gravel road for about 2km</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAIyuyDtXzE/Ui3tXAQ1vuI/AAAAAAAAAdA/D5t4EnAC3cc/s1600/DSC06653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAIyuyDtXzE/Ui3tXAQ1vuI/AAAAAAAAAdA/D5t4EnAC3cc/s640/DSC06653.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the road to the start/finish - the Canadian flag on the left where the people are is where it was set up - further down is the Boiler Room and the Park entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv0zkDfaSS4/Ui3tbUSPv7I/AAAAAAAAAdY/RLMiehCuIQk/s1600/DSC06656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv0zkDfaSS4/Ui3tbUSPv7I/AAAAAAAAAdY/RLMiehCuIQk/s640/DSC06656.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge number of race kits for all the runners about to arrive - taken inside the Boiler Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the hoodie for 2013 - very nice. Do I have to give it back since I only managed 50 miles?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteers in the Boiler Room checking in runners - I believe one of these ladies is Helen's sister.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After picking up my race kit, later in the afternoon, I returned to the Boiler Room and had my weigh-in. I was 153.5 lbs which is 1lb lighter than at the weigh-in for Dirty Girls 3 weeks ago. I was not weighed again and not sure when or where the 100 milers would be weighed.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Outside the Boiler Room where you left your drop bags for the various aid stations - mine is the big plastic crate at the front of aid station 2.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race headquarters</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After settling in I introduced myself to a few people and then saw Chris McPeake. We chatted for about 20 minutes about Leadville and other races and I took the camera and got some shots which I'll post later. I was getting peckish (hungry) so ate 1/2 a sandwich and a few cubes of chocolate I'd brought and then lay in my tent while others arrived. Come 6pm I headed up to the restaurant and got chatting to Ron Gehl and his wife Barbara and then all us hungry runners were ushered in, relieved of our food tickets and served ourselves from a buffet of spaghetti with several sauce choices, a bun and a ceasar salad. There was a selection of cakes and pie after but I usually just have 2 main course helpings and leave desert to others. It hit the spot and I looked around and saw many familiar faces. Nobody here from Weight-Watchers that's for sure! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Introducing all the runners</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After everybody has chowed down the introductions begin with a microphone. Everybody there introduces themselves - it is very informal but most people will say stand up and say something like, 'hi, my name is so and so, I'm doing my first 100 miler or 50 mile and first Hali'. Then everybody claps. With so many runners to get through it takes some time but there were a few touching stories who got more clapping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Helen Malmburg who has been directing this race for 20 years then talked us runners through various aspects of the race. She is very soft-spoken and it was sometimes hard to hear her but we got it all in the end and she does have another awesome helper who marked out the course who is very loud and lively and sometimes he'd step in and clarify things. I believe his name is Don and he did an incredible job on the course marking. I never went wrong and I can't imagine the amount of time and effort it took into placing all those little flags - over 2,000 in all I believe! Only one runner was DQ'd - he missed passing by an aid station and obviously went wrong somewhere but he came clean - it's a shame as I believe he had run about 103 miles in total actually.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As we were eating <a href="http://raceinpieces.com/2013/09/11/haliburton-forest-50km-race-report/#comment-1030" target="_blank">Heather Lightfoot</a> came by and said hello. It was lovely to see her and she indicated where Dan, her husband was. Unfortunately Dan had dropped to 50km due to his knee not healing up properly which was a shame. I think he feels this year his running has been cursed but I'm sure he'll be back on track next year. Helen was going to run with him and then settle into her own race. She kindly offered me a bear whistle (no, not the kind that hints, 'hey sexy, over here' - or is that a wolf whistle? All I did throughout the race in the parts where it felt VERY, um, woody, was to yell out 'A-ooooooohhhhh'. It seems to have worked since I didn't see any bears but I could swear I saw a wolf once - it was through trees at the top of a hill to my left while I was on a main trail but I won't swear 100%.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the meal, around 8pm, everybody trailed out. I went to my tent and called it a night and set the alarm for 4:15am. I didn't have a restful sleep and heard all the noises of people around me and was thinking about the race. Occasionally during the night I felt some rain hit my tent through the trees but it was sporadic and short-lived. I woke before the alarm and waited until 4:30am before getting up as I didn't want to disturb people by unlocking the car. I got out of the tent and opened the back of the car and ate my cereal and banana and then walked up with a flashlight to use the port-a-pottie. There were about 6 set up outside the main toilet building which had a single toilet in it but also a shower - I'll have to remember that for next time. There are also cabins at the start line so I imagine they have bathrooms and proper beds if you don't want to set up a tent. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I then walked back to the car and put in my contacts, applied my kenisio tape and body glide and prepared everything I needed including my lucky charm and then it was time to walk up for the role call at 5:45 at the Pump House. As the role call started it was apparent many runners were not yet present but I answered to my name and then my stomach started feeling unsettled again so I left to use the toilets and of course now there was a big line-up and when I finally got in the piper was on his way down the road with the runners so I took care of business quickly and met up in the final seconds and said hello to some familiar faces and then we were off with a count-down.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5:30am. Ok, so I look like a deer in headlights. I didn't take an after photo because road kill doesn't look very good either</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No girlfriend to wish me well but I texted her before the start and have her with me in my heart.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was dark but the road was bright and only about 50% of the runners had head lamps. I had a little hand-held in my bum bag in case I needed it but the first several km flew by and I didn't need it. As we entered Normac it got a bit darker under the forest canopy but mostly it was fine. By Aid Station 2 I was feeling a bit warm and removed my long-sleeve top and put it in my drop bag and was out quickly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The trail was beautiful and I get into explanations of it later but I was feeling good initially and enjoying things. I started feeling tired after 2.5 hours and slowed it down a bit but was still making good time. I didn't pee until 4 hours into the race and felt maybe I was not drinking enough so tried to keep up with the Hammer gels, Perpetuem, salt tablets and water. It is a tricky balance. At the aid stations I would munch on orange slices or watermelon. I tried some cheesies at one and some potato which I dipped in salt but my favourite, much later in the race, was the 1/2 grilled cheese sandwich. Ohhhhh I needed that. Also, one aid station had hot soup which I loved but it was too hot and I couldn't wait for it to cool and burned my tongue and roof of mouth so that anything salty after that stung. ha ha. I only sat down at Aid Station 7 on the return journey to remove a rock and had to do that once again further along the trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">People spread out eventually and it got slightly busy as the people ahead of you started passing you on their return so around mile 23 - 26 you got to see a number of people. Otherwise, from 26-50 I only saw about 20 runners either passing me or me passing them, and then closer to 50 some of the 100 mile people on their second loop. I can't remember when the first place guy came by but he was running up a steep hill! Wow. Then there was an almost 30 minute gap before the next runner and about 40 minutes to the 3rd place runner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the first time in a race I noticed that my fingers were very puffy and swollen so I guess I was retaining water and backed off drinking and then I started having to pee every 15 minutes for awhile and eventually the fingers stopped looking like weenies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One lady, Iris Cooper, was very stylish. She had a cute little pink skirt with gaitors, her hair in her usual pig-tails and at some point I heard bells behind me. I turn around and here comes Iris. As she comes closer I say, 'Hey! I thought you were Santa Claus'. Off she went ahead, scaring the bears away for me. How awfully thoughtful of her! The only bear story I heard of any consequence was the lead woman who according to the volunteer I saw had an encounter with two. The first was easy enough to avoid but the second the bear got a little curious and started coming towards her. Now that would not have been fun. I don't want to scare you. As I said, I saw nothing much other than chipmunks and probably most other people didn't either and nobody has been hurt in the 20 years of this wonderful race but be aware there is wildlife and just act sensibly (and no, I don't mean run for your life). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also ran into Kimberly Van Delst during my race. She had dropped to the 50km and initially had entered the 50 mile. Her ankle was still not back to full strength after Dirty Girls but she looked to be flying. I'll have to check her results. Richard Takata was nice enough to drive her up. We saw each other as she was bombing down a hill on her way back from the turnaround and we had a quick hug and wished each other well. I was ahead of some of the good runners who passed me by as we got further out. Steven Parke came by looking great and also Jack Kilislian without his shirt. Steven, I had mentioned earlier, had DNF'd at 5 Hali's I believe and finished for the first time last year but this year he absolutely crushed it and came 5th overall in something crazy like 21 hours! Amazing job. I probably went off too fast (50km, 50 mile and 100 milers all start together at 6am) but honestly this was not the reason for not finishing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I tried out the Injinji socks and not a single blister. I used Body Glide on the little piggies and put on Kenesio tape around the heel which works a treat. It doesn't work well on the bottom of the foot but is way better than band aids and I've been having better luck with it than duct tape. Kenesio is breathable and although it doesn't look like it will stick and stay in place, it does. I wore my slightly heavier deep trail shoes from Asics which I was slightly concerned about, thinking they might have been the reason my heel got so beat up at Dirty Girls but this time no issues in that respect. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pain wise the big problems for me this race was the same problem I faced at Limberlost. The right heel/sole of the foot - whatever you call it! It was getting excruciating after about 30 miles. I popped an Advil and fortunately the pain there subsided otherwise it would have been a LOOOONGGGGGG walk back. It was looking pretty bleak up to this point and I was on a logging road and looked back and saw Ron Gehl with his harem. I thought to myself, there is no bloody way is he coming by me. Not that he's not a great guy but I decided to use him as my motivation to move my sorry ass and by the end I had made up 20 or so minutes. He was entered in the 50 mile. Once that Advil kicked in I found a new lease on life and actually ran really well for about 10km and reeled back about 8 people who had passed me over the last hour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One chap was an Asian fellow with walking sticks and I asked him how he found them. He thought they were good and we came into an aid station together and I guess I left ahead of him but once my surge was finished he came by me again and got to the finish before me - again, he was doing the 50 miler. Honestly I don't think I could have gone much faster even had I ONLY been doing 50 miles. I finished the 50 miles in 11 hours 57 minutes and while I had 30 hours for the cut-off, my head was not in the game anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All the competitors were wonderful. Everybody said keep it up, looking strong, well done, etc. It didn't matter if they were lead runners or back of the pack, everybody was supportive of each other and that is awesome. I love it. There were only two I'd have to say were not in my good books but it could just be they didn't hear me. I was going through a grassy section that had logs and rocks and saw them ahead of me on the single track. They were only about 50 feet ahead - this was during my perky phase. A thick branch tripped me up. My foot went ahead of it, my back foot didn't lift far enough and caught the back end of it, slammed it into my lead foot and I went ass over tit, sliding into an imaginary base. I grunted loudly as you do when the air gets knocked out of you but the two ahead just carried on. Grrrrr. I picked myself up, wiped myself down and decided they had to pay and caught them shortly and didn't see them again! Needless to say they didn't get a well done, keep it up from me. HAAAAAAAAAA. Once I got out in the clear I looked at my knee and there was blood running down. How cool is that! Well, it was good enough for sympathy at one of the aid stations. Shock horror they wanted to rinse it off. Are you crazy I said? This is a battle scar I have to carry for the rest of the race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course this blog is in no particular order. I'm just reminiscing as I remember things. Another memory just came to mind. For the first time ever I had a call of nature during a race. I think a Huckleberry Hammer gel didn't agree with me (normally I have the raspberry flavor and I had to go looking for an appropriate spot. This was about mile 22. I bushwhacked away from the main trail and of course at that particular time it was like bloody rush hour on the main trail and I'm having to drag myself through thorns and bushes to get away from anybody who might look over from two possible directions. Have you ever tried to, er, take care of business when your legs won't bend and you're having to direct your tackle so you don't piss in your shorts at the same time? I found it quite a challenge to do all this and not fall over since there were no big trees to lend a hand. Fortunately I had come prepared and had some tissues in my BUM bag. Hmmm, maybe that's where it got it's name. So there I am, making big efforts to be discrete and unfortunately I'm farting at about 100 decibels so I apologize if you happened to pass by me at that point and just have to tell you it was NOT a flock of geese!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The most cruel section, but not the hardest, is by far Aid Station number 7 when you think you are finished your outward journey. You arrive there, stuff your face with all the goodies and then they tell you it's 'just a bit further' up the gravel road there. Fucks Sake! So off you go and the road goes on, and on, and on, and all the other runners coming back towards you all try to encourage you with 'you're almost at the turn-around'. I almost thumped the 5th one that said that when it was clear the damn turnaround was nowhere to be seen and it was obviously some malicious pleasure everybody was having at my expense being a newbie to Hali!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, that damn turnaround did finally arrive and I promised I wouldn't try to encourage anybody in the same manner upon my return. Ok, I did once and smirked after but I promise it was only the once!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, hey, another cool moment - well to me anyway. I'm doing a slow shuffle on a gravel road on my way back, maybe at mile 42, when a guy running the opposite way looks over and slows and says, 'hey, are you that runningdude guy'? I say yes, and he says, I read your blogs! I say thanks and good luck and carry on but it really perked me up for awhile. So whoever you are, thanks for reading all my verbal diarrhea - actually some of it is OK. I even spell-check it on occasion. It was nice to meet you and I hope you had a good race. I see the blog 'counter' rise and know there are people out there but to meet someone in person that I never met before is cool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love reading other people's running blogs. I learn things from them - about a particular course, about training, about their lives and you get a feeling for some - what they might be like as a person. Most are really humble and it's really cool to get some insights into their races and experience their highs and lows. Sometimes I'll be like, hell yeah, I know exactly what they are talking about. Sometimes I'll burst out laughing when they are all serious and then they throw in some bizarre, hilarious story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I only threw up once in this race and it was mostly dry heaves. I was walking allot on the return journey. I got to the turn around in 5 hours 27 minutes and I didn't get to the start/finish until 11 hours 57 minutes so the second half took an hour longer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The weather throughout the race was pretty good. It stayed overcast throughout the day and there were occasional spatterings of rain but nothing serious. It did feel a bit muggy but that was probably more that you were wet and hot from running rather than it being unbearably muggy which it has been in a few races this year but September is perfect - hardly any mossies or black flies to worry about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now let's have a discussion about the course. If you ran this race you know what I'm talking about and if you didn't then maybe you'll be interested. The 20% road sections are all gravel, mostly very tightly packed so not allot of really mushy course gravel but hard-packed dirt. It was very runnable and I think there was only one real hill on the road which was on your way back to the start, going up and past the Normac loop. Maybe it wasn't steep but by 48 miles it felt it. Other than that it was all just pretty gently rolling and a good place to make up time if you were able.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The trail was pretty much all single track and it was hugely varied which was awesome. It beat the crap out of me and it's very hilly. All the big hills that you faced on the way out you faced on the way back in reverse and my personal feeling was that the return hills were worse - again, possibly because by that point I was exhausted. There were several long sections with tall grass which you had to be careful on because it hid rocks and at some points wet logs had been put down and there were sometimes gaps between them and sometimes it looked like parts were rotting so you had to be really careful about your footing because the grass and logs were wet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There were only two boggy sections but by being careful you were able to get around or over without getting a soaker but last year it would have been deep under water. There were of course sections with roots and rocks and some sections where you got into a rhythm and felt awesome, cutting through the woods, changing direction, feeling like you are a skier slaloming between the trees. Honestly I can't remember all of it but the 80% trail is extreme trail mixed in with nice moderate trail. The course is made up of about 6 different trails and they are all graded. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is NOT a course for beginner runners so I'll just give you that tip. If you are contemplating your first 100 miler then Sulphur Springs is a much more manageable looped course to do a 100 on. I'd say Hali is about 3x harder than SS because of the elevation changes and the toughness of the course. Similarly, Dirty Girls is easier than Hali but Dirty Girls is a great place to go for 100 miles. That's my two cents worth. If anybody has questions about any of the races just ask. I'd be happy to provide any insights if you are contemplating any of the races.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The race was extremely well managed and organised and I met some wonderful family members who were there supporting their son or daughter or father or mother. It was a great feeling at the start/finish and at the different aid stations where people were helpful and enthusiastic and I think many think we are a crazy bunch but they have allot of respect for us. I think that is cool. I like a challenge and a marathon certainly is but I never failed in a marathon and I think that's one reason I like ultras - being pushed to the limits of my strength and knowing that there is always a chance of failing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had one thing which frustrated me and it's the drop bag situation. It was my first true 100 mile race effort (rather than my 100 miles at DG which was a timed race). There were 7 aid stations and 7 places where runners could choose to have a drop bag. By placing your bag which was to be well labelled and left at the Boiler Room when you arrived, they transported it to the aid station requested. As you know I DNF'd in the 100 miler. When I finished 50 miles after 12 hours I let Helen know I was dropping, gave my bib number and informed her of my drop bag locations and asked how I could get them back. I was told that over the course of the evening drop bags would be brought back to the Boiler room as trips were made to the aid stations to drop off supplies or volunteers or whatever. I gave her a big hug saying thank you for an amazing race and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">headed back to my tent. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was starting to shiver badly now that it was 6pm and my body was in a state of shock from the exertions and I took a towel and wet it and wiped all the sweat and dirt and blood off and got into some PJ bottoms and a shirt with sweatshirt over that and jumped into my tent and I was very uncomfortable for a long time. Before I slept/rested I consumed a big salad I'd prepared and had some water and 1/2 bar of chocolate. Then I tried to settle and get comfy but the legs were very unhappy with me but the feet were in great shape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By 9pm I had decided I wanted to drive home. There was lots of noise from the family/friends who were waiting for runners to arrive up the road and I knew I was not going to get much sleep and felt after my 3 hour rest I could probably cope. I didn't want to face traffic jams the following day with weekend cottage owners coming back down Highway 11 and the 400. I hobbled up to the Boiler Room and saw some drop bags but neither of mine so I went to the start where there were about 9 of the volunteers and I asked one and I didn't get any real answer. It was annoying. I wanted to go and it seemed that nobody knew when the drop bags were coming back - it seemed to be the one thing that was not thought about. What about the 50 mile runners who used drop bags and were going to be leaving right away? Were they also supposed to wait until 12pm the following day to get their bags? What about the 100 mile DNF's? Again, did we have to wait until noon the following day?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I sat in the dark on a picnic bench beside the volunteers feeling very pissy. The volunteer said that Helen would take back the drop bags to her place in Toronto but I didn't want to have a 2.5 hour drive after the fact to collect drop bags and needed some of these items for other races and training runs. As I sat there a lady came up and asked if there was any food going and was told there were all sorts of goodies there to help yourself. I didn't realize I was sitting so close to food! I asked if I could have some and if I needed a food ticket and she said they were taking them earlier but not now so I took a Styrofoam container and opened it and there was a corn on the cob, a jacket potato and a big chicken breast. It was cold by this point but damn I tucked in. I didn't realize how hungry I was. As I'm sitting there another runner joins me - he had come from Pennsylvania and had run the 50 miler I believe. I think his name was Mike so we had a good chat in the dark while we chowed down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I decided I'd spend the night and collect my drop bags when I woke so I headed to bed, put on my iPod and fell asleep to music with the sound of night revelers and clapping as worn out runners came in to finish their 50 milers or turn around to do it again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Waking at around 7:30am I stumbled out of the tent and walked up to the Boiler Room and again, no bags for Alex. Aid station 6 bags were now there, but no sign of mine. I again went to ask one of the volunteers and the lady didn't know. I asked where Helen was and was told she was gone to get some more chairs for the volunteers and would be back shortly so I followed a guy into the Boiler Room and it was nice and warm and cozy. That is where I met Gord who was on his laptop compiling the times and results and I asked him how people were doing, etc. I spent about 45 minutes there, pet his lovely dog who was a real softy and then headed outside again where I saw Helen. I asked about the drop bags and said I wanted to get going. Again, it didn't appear there was any plan in place to get things back to runners so I have no idea how some drop bags were getting back and not others. Helen said she was taking the bags to her place if they were unclaimed but I said I don't get to Toronto often and she mentioned a friend in Welland which isn't too far from me. Being tired and wanting to go I said that would be great and I'd send an email. I know she had a zillion things on her mind probably so apologies but I think this is one aspect that needs to be addressed. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gords' dog - Chester or Chelsea or something. Real cutie - loved being pet</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ran into Steven Parke at the Boiler Room and a branch had caught him across the bridge of the nose and under his eye - ouch. But he came 5th overall in an amazing time and I congratulated him heartily. He's having an amazing year. I saw Gino de Carlo and congratulated him also. I think he came 4th and just as we were talking his girlfriend Karin was coming into the finish and he was standing right on the finish line and gave her a huge hug and kiss. It was really touching. It's moments like that that I'll remember.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Off I headed once I got the drop bag news and began the long drive back home. My race didn't go as planned but even so I had an amazing experience and I'm really happy that I had a chance to do this course. I highly recommend it as a challenging but awesome course in some amazing Ontario natural beauty and I'll definitely be returning with a bit more experience and knowledge of what to expect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, there is your race report. A long race so a long race report. Thank you for taking the time to visit. My next race is in three weeks - the 24 hour track race in Ottawa. I hope your running is going well and wish you the very best. I didn't get any race points or a medal but I had an amazing time and learned more about my strengths and weaknesses and had great pleasure sharing the race with all of the other runners.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until next time, this is Alex (aka the therunningdude) signing off.</span></div>
The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-92066573739964321912013-08-16T13:49:00.002-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.694-07:002013 IROQUOIA TRAIL TEST 34KM - RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Day Before</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome back. The print has only just dried on my Dirty Girls 48 hour race report. Tomorrow I attempt (no attempts - I will do it!) the ITT 34km race just up Guelph Line. I went to Guelph University many moons ago in another life and at the time studied Microbiology. Did I ever use that in the real world. Nope. Instead, after University I moved to the UK and worked in investment banking. No, I didn't bring down Lehman's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">34km after a 33 hour 33 minute race seems pretty doable. I'm glad I went two weeks ago to the training run there because there is no way I'm going to be cocky about this one. It is a true challenge and I intend to treat it with respect or I'll end up with something broken or sprained. The good news is that the OUS race series results have been updated since Dirty Girls and I moved up a place in my age group and overall. I'm in 5th overall and 2nd in my old fart age group of 40-49. Gino is definitely going to take it overall for the guys if he keeps it up and his girlfriend is doing very well also. I had a chance to run/walk with her a tiny bit at DG. She is nice but was faster than me and I told her to get going. Allot can still happen between now and Vulture Bait as there are still 5 races left in the season but congratulations to everybody so far. There have been some very varied races.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have not run anything since DG and my heels are still bruised and sore but I've got out my kit and will be toeing the line tomorrow. The legs are definitely 'heavy' feeling. The forecast is to get up to 25 degrees but most of the race is tree covered. I'm going to try the Injinji toe socks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This weekend I'll be signing up for Halliburton 100 mile. I wanted to do the 100 earlier in the season but after my DNF at Limberlost and 24 hours into Dirty Girls I thought I'd do the 50 miler but what the hell. I've read all about the pain and suffering in other blogs and figure I need a little more whimpering. Sorry Ron! I'm going to make you work to keep your placing! ha ha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, time to go make a pasta dinner so stay tuned. Oh, I had Diane (race director at DG) come into my retail store (<a href="http://www.beautysafari.com/" target="_blank">Beauty Safari</a>) during the week. What a surprise. I learned at the race that she lives in St. Catharines which is very close to my store and she popped in with her mother and we had a nice chat about her and the race. They have added me to their email distribution for the runs they do on Sunday's around here so I'm looking forward to going out on one of those. I'm sure they know some great trails.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is the map of the course at ITT for 2013</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 course map for ITT 34km race - part of OUS series <br />
even though not a true ultra because it is one of the longest that has been around - <br />
only the 34km counts for points in the series </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, wish me luck please. Oh, we can't forget the all important Race Prediction! Um, I don't have a clue. Previous years were a different course so I can't really make an educated guess based on my training run since I got lost. Let's just hope it's not 24 hours! </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Post Race</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome back! You didn't have to wait long for another blog entry. This race seemed to be ages coming and then Bam!, it was here and gone, and here I am the day after writing to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went to the training run two weeks ago where I mentioned I got lost on-route (er, does that make sense? How do you get lost en-route?) but I now had a good notion of the course and the terrain. They are quite right to add 'test' in the title of this race - they are not kidding. You know those obstacle courses you see with the tires that football players practice on? Well, it's like that but with giant leg-breaking rocks dotted all around with fat roots interspersed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the most technical race on the OUS calendar. If you like trail you're going to LOVE this puppy. There was no shortage of blood to be had but fortunately I didn't see or hear any ambulance sirens carting off anybody but if you trip, the likelihood is you're going to see the stuff you're made of! Not really enjoying the sight of my own blood I was quite careful and the closest I came was kicking a stump. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My legs held out pretty well considering my 100 miles last weekend and I had no expectations other than to want to finish and I did. <b>I placed 32nd of 80 runners in a time of 3:44:27 (8th of 22 in my age group)</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My 3 laps of 11 and a bit km were:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 1 - 1:10:56</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 2 - 1:17:39</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 3 - 1:15:53</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm very happy with those splits. My usual splits are a fast first lap, followed by a sliding second, followed by an abysmal 3rd. There were three races taking place; a 7km, 18km and 34km. Personally I wouldn't get out of bed for a 7km but Ok, I'm sure there are many that would rather stay in bed than run 34km! ha ha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I woke at 5am, had some cereal and toast and was out the door by 5:45am. I got there a bit before 7am and parked in a field some marshals were directing us to. I popped into the big cabin and got my non-descript bib number and technical T-shirt. I saw Gino and Karin in the car park and congratulated him on Dirty Girls and inside I saw Ron Gehl and then I saw Joe Hewitt who is the race director at Sulphur Springs. I don't see him often at the races but he runs a crazy amount. I think he celebrated running 100,000 miles in his lifetime! He keeps a log so he would know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Milling around the start I saw some other familiar faces from the ultras but looking around and at the confirmations it seems this race had many names I never see. 34km is not really ultra ultra but it's in the series because it's been around so long and I'm glad it's there. It is very different from the other races around here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't take a big assortment of photos this time. Time did not permit. I was putting on my Injinji socks and applying Body Glide. The shoes I went with were my light-weight Asics trail shoes which are only just worn in. I contemplated wearing the heavier shoes I wore at DG but I think they are a 1/2 size too large and that is the reason my heels were and are battered and bruised. I took a photo of my good luck charm, a lock of hair, and of myself just in case I forget what I look like. I applied my Voltaren gel on my problem hip and had my belt with Pepeteum drink and a few Hammer Gels plus salt tablets and one Advil if i needed it and of course had my hand-held with water. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta have my charm</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Course</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I believe this course has changed over the years but the race Director mentioned he hopes it stays at the current location for many years and I hope so also. It seems a great place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We started in the furthest parking lot and there is Champion Chip timing on your bib. We got started with a count-down and were off into the trees. The initial half km is on a forested car path but covered in grass with twigs. The grass was dewy but not too deep and you curve to the right and have one tiny uphill and then a marshal directed you left down a steep - very steep - single track. Down here was dirt with big rocks and you had to watch your footing. This continued to the bottom which led to a series of narrow but well-maintained ladder style bridges which had a few steps up or down, crossing a boggy area. At the other end of this was an equally steep uphill, this time covered in roots everywhere but very few rocks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the top of this hill you were pretty pooped and many people walked this short but challenging section. It then turned sharply to the right and was single track but nice and easy. I then get confused but don't worry, you won't. It was well marked. I think there was another uphill with a marshal directing you a sharp left if you were in the 34km. If you were in the 18km he directed in another direction and he had to keep a careful eye on the bib colors to direct people the right way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I then remember a long section which was mostly downhill but not at a crazy down but it was very technical with many cambers and trees which you dodged left or right and then another steep down hill right and then a long lovely section which was more or less flat, maybe just a slight uphill but with many 'bridges' along the way where were allowing water drainage - but they are the same level as the path so you run smoothly. This section was well maintained and more like double track with two runners easily running side-by-side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the end of this section you turn left and again I get slightly confused as to the order of this but you end up at a BITCH of a section on the Bruce Trail. Holy crappola this section is tough. It is just knarly rocks and roots. Since there is a giant drop to your left you just forge ahead. You can pretty much always make out there is a path but it's just NASTY. I became like a little girl wanting my Mommy (or was that a grown male wanting my Mommy). Eventually the rocks and roots and crap ends (I mean the fun) and you have a path again which goes up and down and finally leads you back to a wide truck path which is again grassy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You breath a sigh of relief and it winds through the trees for quite a while and there are only a few minor ups and the final up leads you to a taped off area which directs you left into deep grass which has been trampled by the gazelle's ahead of you. Almost immediately you enter the forest again where some nasty rocks and roots wait, making you groan, but very quickly the path appears again and widens and all the rocks are a distant memory and it's smooth sailing again. It's lovely double track and then opens even wider to nice hard packed gravel paths going through the woods. You come to a sharp left and then come to Crawford Lake itself. There are some wooden walkways for the day trippers but you are directed right, away from the lake. All this is gravel and you get some great speed after all the pussy footing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After this you can hear the people at the car park but you dive back into single track going a sharp right and it's hard packed dirt which has a few rocks and roots but seems pretty good compared to my earlier descriptions. It does get a bit hairy again further in but you are almost done. I'd say less than 0.5km of this and you are back out on the wide grassy section that you began when you started. You pass other runners who are making their way back so you can see who is ahead of you. You then enter the car park and are directed left and and back around over the timer mats. There is an aid station here with the usual Heed/water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The course is about 11km long but while there are some truly nasty technical sections, there are also some extremely runnable sections. I would highly recommend this and if you are new to trails it may be too extreme but if you are familiar with single track then try the 18km as a good test. There are no time limits so go out and enjoy yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>My Laps</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap one I went out too fast - what else is new? I started getting passed on the first steep hill but then tried to be more sensible and while a few people passed me it was not a landslide. The legs were a bit heavy but the hip was a big factor. The Voltaren gel wasn't doing a great job - probably because there is so much extreme movement rather than regular running action. I stayed on top of hydration and took a salt tablet but didn't stop at aid stations other than to top up my hand-held and then move on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I saw some of the fast runners going out for their second lap as I came out of the trees and I was at the start and around and back down for lap two. I wanted to stay ahead of Ron Gehl who has been beating me at some of the longer races and is ahead of me in the points right now but I figured my more youthful legs and better looks (er, maybe not) would get me around faster. Just to let you know. Ron is 67 so I better start beating him soon or I'm giving up running. He is a kick-ass runner and his faithful wife Barbara is always by his side. Anyway, the thought of him breathing down my neck kept me going and I was relieved not to see him come out of the woods. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I cross the start/finish line after lap 1 all the racers are waiting for the start of their 18km race which is only 5 minutes away from starting. The second lap my hip was really hurting so I popped an Advil and was relieved when it kicked in about 15 minutes later. As I start the really steep downhill into the boggy section the first of the 18km runners goes whizzing past and I continue to get passed going up the other steep incline by those runners. I yell up ahead to a group of them something witty (or at least I hope it was - or maybe it was - bastards! on their fresh legs). I waited for a sprightly young lady to catch up to me on the nice long downhill section and stayed with her, using her speed to keep me going and I held on as long as I could and then she was off. I was then caught up by Vlad (fortunately not the Impaler), another runner I met last year at the Run for the Toad 50km. We chatted for a little while. He is from Slovakia and he had a good race and beat me again soundly. I had a chance to congratulate him after the race. Running by yourself is very tiring, especially if you are tired. It is too easy to start walking or slow further but I was quite motivated by these faster runners to use them to my advantage. It was a good strategy for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I got to the technical section on the Bruce Trail and got worried. I seemed to be going and going and couldn't remember any of the trail. The lap before I'd been tagging behind another runner and not really paying attention so I got to a big tree stump and sat down, thinking, damn, if i have to walk back my race is over. Fortunately I had only sat for 30 seconds when I see another figure coming through the woods and who is it? None other than Joe Hewitt. I say "Joe, is this the right way? I don't remember this". He says "yup" so I tag along after him and I'm still thinking, I don't remember this and he tells me I can turn around if I want but I trust him. Then, finally, we come to the grassy section with markings and I'm back in business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have lost some motivation and energy and Joe gains on me a bit but I keep him in my sights and reel him in closer to the finish and as we hit the open grassy section and back to the start/finish area we are there together. I grab some water and walk over the mats and expect him to be there with me but he's not so I think, Ok, let's keep ahead of him if I can and I start running, using the thought of him gaining on me to keep me going. It works and I feel I'm running this lap well. I'm tired but I keep thinking, Ok, I never have to see this section again. Nobody is passing me after the various aid stations and I'm thinking if i can get to the gravel section I'm home free and not a single person passes me. I pass others but I'm sure they are from the shorter races or I'm lapping some of the 34km runners. It feels great to be passing people rather than being passed but I always offer encouragement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I get to the grassy section and I walk to the top of the last hill, conserving my energy for a last burst of speed into the car park so people think I'm ready for a 4th lap if necessary (I'm not!). I hear some people calling out 'Well done Alex" and then I'm over the mat and receiving my medal and Freezie! Oh yeah baby! I walk a few more feet and find some fellow runners sitting under a tree on a hillock and we chat about our races and watch some other runners come in. Joe came in about 5 minutes later and I clapped him in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not wanting to seize up, I got up and hobbled over to the big field where there was a food company they hired which had some nice food. They marked your bib and you then got a fruit cocktail and a choice of two yogurts and then a ham burger. I grabbed my selection and hobbled over to a picnic bench in the shade and watched all the comings and goings. Eventually 3 ladies came over to join me and we chatted for awhile. After finishing my food and realizing I had to get my sorry ass to work I hobbled over to the cabin and checked the results. My name only had 2 of the laps posted but I deducted I was around 34th place and allot of runners were still out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got back to the car, took a medal photo, soaked a towel and washed myself which was a relief as I REALLY stunk. Feeling more human I started my drive to work which was a disaster. The whole freaking world seemed to be heading Niagara bound on the QEW and I think it took close to 1.5 hours. It was a beautiful day and got up to 25 degrees but we started 7:30am which meant it was not too hot and the woods were always cooler.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I passed the test!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>State of my Body</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't like taking Advil during or after a race but sometimes the pain or discomfort I find just too intense. An Advil will sometimes let me get some rest when my legs and feet are in too much pain. During this race I had to take an Advil for the hip and while it helped during the race, the whole afternoon and all day today the hip has been extremely sore. I'm hobbling around and it's not very pleasant. My legs are stiff and sore but I know in a few days that part of me will be up for a little shuffle out on the trails. The Injinji socks worked a treat - no blisters or hot spots, just a little blister which tried to come up where I got one at DG - and the heels are still bruised but I don't think I made them any worse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I signed up for the Haliburton 100 mile on 7th September. I think this one scares me almost as much as Dirty Girls - maybe more and in different ways. There are a few good runners who are doing the 50 miler instead of 100 miler. One of them is worried about the cut-off - 30 hours. I've heard horror stories about the Normack Trail and how terrible the conditions were last year (about 70% of people DNF'd). I am much more aware that we are in the deep North and are definitely in bear territory. I was able to keep that thought out of my mind at Dirty Girls being only an hour North of Toronto but I'm hoping it doesn't spook me. This one is two laps of 25 miles out and back and I wonder how I'll feel getting back to the start/finish knowing I have to do the same thing again - in the dark. Oh well. Bring it on! If nothing else, at least I'll have an interesting blog to write when I get back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stay running my friends and I'll drop you a blog closer to Haliburton. Leadville was yesterday/today and one of my running friends, Chris McPeake, is looking to finish it this year with a very close DNF last year. I hope he was successful. All the best everybody.</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-27899448465873829662013-07-20T17:45:00.000-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.542-07:002013 DIRTY GIRLS 48 HOUR - RACE REPORT<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Entered 2013 Dirty Girls 48 Hour Race</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello all. I have paid my dues - without paying my dues - if you get my drift. I've entered and paid for the 48 hour Dirty Girl race and my ''dues'' will be paid IF I complete this Herculean feat. It is a mad mad world we live in. . .and sometimes we do mad mad things. This is definitely one of them for me and I wouldn't have it any other way!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I considered my race selection this year the 24 hour DG was going to be the crown jewel of the season. I'd read about it from others people's blogs (<a href="http://www.dirtyrunnerproductions.com/dirty_girls_run/" target="_blank">here you can read four other runners race reports from 12 to 48 hours</a>) and last year contemplated the 12 hour but decided I didn't want to do a night run on an unknown course. With that in mind I decided that I would do the 24 hour Dirty Girls this year. As the season got underway I began to have a little more confidence my ability to complete a 24 hour race - after all - unlike a specific distance race where you can DNF (as I did in my very last race - which leaves you with no reward, no finishing time, no points awarded to the series, no recognition you worked your smelly little socks off and ONLY did 27 miles), there is no real pressure on you in a timed race other than the pressure you put on yourself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Go as fast or as slow as you want. Sleep if you need to, chat to friends, hang out at an aid station for awhile, sit down and deal with those hotspots, rehydrate, refuel, walk. Leave the course and go for a burger as long as you come back and start where you left. Do whatever you want. It's just about you and the clock and how far you can run/walk or crawl in 24 hours on that looped course. Simple</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After reading all the blogs I could find and all ready to sign up for the 24 hour DG race I then decided, well, for $60 more I can add another 24 hours. I don't know if I was stupid as hell to sign up for 48 hours or sly like a fox. Think about it though. If I tried to do a really good 24 hours and failed - in that I didn't complete as far as I wanted - I'd be really disappointed. But really I'm getting twice the amount of time to do a respectable amount of distance. I mean, even if I walked 2 miles an hour for 48 hours I'd complete almost 100 miles. 100 miles is a hell of a long way. I think whatever distance I got in I would be well chuffed with and I'll have some really interesting experiences to share and remember. Isn't that what life is for? To experience things and feel you really lived? Yes, there is going to be pain, discomfort, tiredness, extreme fatigue, blisters, nausea and whatever else comes my way - but there are also going to be some amazing highs; making friends, going through a shared experience, helping each other, running through the night and realizing what my body and my mind are capable of doing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have no idea - yet - about what I'm taking, what I need to take, what my intentions or goals are, etc. I know there are quite a number of other people I've met in the OUS series this year also doing this event. I wonder how they are all feeling. Some are seasoned veterans who have many 100 miler and 24 hour races under their belts and others will be like me, I hope, and complete novices. I have allot of respect for everybody who participates in these races regardless of their speed and always try to encourage and praise. So far it looks like 24 hardy souls have entered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I placed an order for my headlamp and some new shoes. My Asics from last year are totally beaten up so I need to get these new ones worn in within 2 weeks. And I am getting some new Body Glide. Ahhhh, my private parts thank you. They say you shouldn't do anything new in a race but trust me - this race is going to be filled with 'new'. Well, I'll update you closer to the day. Keep well everybody and I hope your running is inspiring you. . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>A Week to Go</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">OK. I'm starting to realize what I've gotten myself into. Can I have another 2 years to train please? I'm going to try to stay calm but holy crap. So the good news is that my two new Asics shoes are broken in pretty well. I've tried my <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmmJcyw7dl5R9RgmbP0lS5Y6Y0nCwheXtWhLC3kEy3E7Nv7zoR" target="_blank">Injinji toe socks</a>. They feel weird but seem to be OK but I'm certainly not sure about putting them on throughout the race when my feet are going to be sore as hell and just bending over is going to hurt. You have to separate your toes and force those little piggies into them and let's face it - that ain't gonna happen 18 hours into a run.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had an A-HA moment. I read some people talking how they put Vaseline or Body Glide onto their feet and figured I'd give it a try on a few training runs on the hot spots I seem to be developing on the pads of my feet. Wow! Body Glide did me proud. Seriously folks - try it out. Apply liberally on heel and toes/feet and see how you get on. I didn't get any chaffing or hot spots. I'll definitely be applying multiple times over the course of this race. I also read that Duct Tape on your feet probably isn't a great idea (not breathable) for a long race so I'm going to avoid tapes if I can but research a bit more. I've been reading up on all the blister prevention methods and the ways of dealing with blisters if (or should I say when) I get any. I've never lost a toe-nail yet but certainly had my share of black toenails on the second toe. I'm hoping there is enough room in the shoes to prevent my feet getting beat up too badly but we'll see.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last week I managed about 53 miles in training with my longest run at Sulphur Springs on Sunday of 18 miles. I met Elise there at 7am and we did the course in reverse which left me asking 'which way' a few times. She told me about many of the other runners and seems to think I'm going to get my ass handed to me on a platter in this race and her opinion of my chances are that I'll be last. Thanks for the mental boost! Sheesh. She asked me how I felt after the 50 mile Sulphur Springs run and I said, 'like shit!' - yes, I know this race is going to be, um, considerably longer than 9 hours. But hey, the people entered are hardcore ultra runners so if I get eaten alive then it will be by some very good runners and I have no issue with that as long as I give it my best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have my new <a href="http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/upload/530736/images/Myo%20XP.jpg" target="_blank">Petzl MYO</a> head light which in the house in a dark room seems pretty good. I wanted the NAO but can't afford that. Elise says I'll regret not having one at Haliburton during the night. Oh well, I can't imagine I'll be running at speed during the night and hope mine copes but I'll get a chance to try it at DG.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've also gone three times to the <a href="http://www.uppercanadaequestrian.com/images637/ShortHillsMapprint.jpg" target="_blank">Short Hills Provincial Park</a> close to St. Catharines and it's darn good training. It is more technical than Sulphur with more single track and some good short sharp hills, rocks, etc. I am not as familiar as I'd like with the different trails but it's coming. I've done 3 x 1.5 hour sessions there, trying to get strengthened on the trails rather than road running. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have started to compile a list of things I need for this race and am toying with things like 5-hour energy drink. Not being a tea/coke/coffee drinker I'm wondering whether it's a good idea. I've read about some instances of people having heart attacks and don't know if this is going to affect me in the wee hours after being on my feet 18 hours. Maybe I'll just take a swig or two to see what it does. I've got two tents, a 2-person for myself if I need it and a larger one which is just going to be for 'stuff'. It is larger and I can fit chairs in there and get my supplies organised. I'll head up Thursday afternoon and set up along the start/finish line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Predictions</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What a tough one to predict. It really depends on how I hold up with sleep deprivation, what the weather throws at us, and the minor matter of running/walking a huge number of hours. The key for me is going to be the feet and making sure I look after them. Another key is what is it going to be like trying to get up and get moving again after I'm totally shattered. I've never finished a race, rested for a while and then gone back out again and once I seize up I have no idea how I'll be able to mentally handle that. There are only 23 runners spread out over 5 miles so much of the night I could be completely on my own. That is going to be weird. I spent tonight syncing a mini iPod and it will be the first time I've run with music as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So let's cut to the chase. Mileage predictions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I honestly hope I can get to 100 miles (162km) in 48 hours so that is my minimum goal and to be honest I'd be annoyed with myself if I only managed 100 miles in 48 hours unless I got injured. If I have more in the tank I will try for the 125 mile (200km) super-duper medal and I doubt I'll have any energy left for more than that but if I did get to 200km and had enough time I hope I'd push myself to do just 1 more lap because I think other people will be satisfied with the medal and quit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The strategy I'm going to employ is initially to walk ALL hills going up and be very gentle coming down and where things are flat/easy just do a light jog. I'm going to take a salt tablet each and every lap and make sure to hydrate constantly. I'll visit the aid stations regularly and stop at the end of every lap, perhaps taking the shoes off and socks and making sure they are dry and grabbing a bite to eat. I will rest as long as I need in the big tent and if I need to crash for a few hours I will. I will massage my legs and hopefully be able to do some laps with other runners to pass the time. I don't have any pacers or support coming along like some others but maybe they will have some pacers who want to get in a lap or two. I might need it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, there you have it. I'll post one last time before the race with any last minute updates. I hope everybody is doing well and appreciate you stopping by to read my pre-race preparations. . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tuesday (3 days prior to race day)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After work I went for groceries. It felt strange selecting all this junk food - salt and vinegar chips - chocolate bars - donuts - Monster Energy Drink - cheesies - chocolate chip cookies. Not my every day choices. Alongside that was an assortment of smoothies, orange juice, oranges, apples and bananas and I really want to lay my hands on some <a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRY8_MXjzmeJsSnHC7r_DSd-ODGA-fWpU_eFZFNNbb52RDz6-If" target="_blank">Mr. Freezies</a> Do you remember them as a kid?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got some Imodium just in case (I was a Boy scout). My second last run was on Sunday at the final training run for the Iroquois Trail Test (34km race the week after Dirty Girls). I wanted to see the course in person since that knowledge could help allot and it certainly did. Damn, the first 1/2 seemed reasonable with a few rocky sections and a few reasonable climbs and the lead group of four guys and I stopped at an intersection to look at our printed maps and I said it seemed reasonable so far but then it got REALLY technical. Full on Canadian Shield rock with roots. Very serious stuff. Get it wrong and you will break a leg or arm. The rocks on the day were fairly dry but I 'd be crapping myself on a wet day with the moss on those rocks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you'd expect I went too fast and couldn't keep up with the lead guys and then found myself on the trail by myself. I carried on and got lost several times but met up with Simon, who was running with his Golden Lab. Then we found ourselves back at a point we'd already been with 3 women who were wondering which way to go. I decided to re-due the part I'd already done with them and Simon headed back where we'd come to get to the finish. Off we went and got lost again, ending up yet again at that same point. We did finally get back to the start/finish. It is a lovely course, some lovely fast sections but some very tough ones. I'll now know what to expect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did try a <a href="http://www.biokineticspt.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/kinesiotape.jpg" target="_blank">Kenesio </a>type tape on my ankle and on the pad of one foot to try it out on the training run. It stayed perfectly on the ankle but was less successful on the pad of my foot but it is very breathable and sticks on very well. On the other foot I tried on a 'spray-on' skin. I applied it the night before and it really stinks and does take about 10 minutes to fully dry so it's not something I can really apply on the day at DG but I thought it did an OK job although after only a 2 hour run when I pulled off the socks I could see some little 'balls' of the stuff so I imagine it would get stuck in the socks eventually and potentially cause blisters. I think the best solution in DG is just to do a lap or 2 or 3 and then change socks and clean everything off. The <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25WeKrXJ94g/TzM5bXSGZLI/AAAAAAAAAyc/fLRb_ABScq4/s400/BodyGlideSkin.jpeg" target="_blank">Body Glide</a> was excellent - no hot spots.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My final run took place at Short Hills Provincial Park the day after. I was really pleased with it. I had more energy and although it too is technical in parts, I got to the tops of most of the hills. Now it's rest time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have to work tomorrow and after will grab a few more supplies and on Thursday morning pack and get my sorry ass up to Mansfield for 3pm to start setting up my 2 tents, have dinner, chat to other runners, weigh-in, collect my kit and have an early night. The weather forecast looks awesome - no rain and reasonable temperatures. Damn, that's one less excuse for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm really really really nervous about this one - more than any race I've ever done. I hope I don't need the Imodium before the race because right now I feel like I may crap myself! I'm trying not to get overwhelmed. I just don't want to let myself down but all the ultras this season have let to this point (like some 50k's and a 50 miler and a 6 hour timed race are going to help soooo much for this one - yeah, sure) so I hope I have learned some lessons along the way (obviously not - I bloody well signed up) and I hope to be writing you a detailed and interesting race report. Wish me luck and good luck to all of you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>LIVE DIRTY GIRL RESULTS</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dirtyrunnerproductions.com/dirty_girls_run/" target="_blank">[LIVE RESULTS]</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We got an email from Diane (Race Director) today indicating they are going to post results live over the course of the 48 hour race (and for the other 24 and 12 hour races) at different points so if you are interested check it out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>POST RACE REPORT</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello everyone. Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm sitting currently (a welcome relief to running I might add) the morning after the race. My legs are angry with me and my feet are really, really pissed. To put it succinctly, I hurt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What an experience. I got my 100 mile medal! I'm so pleased. I worked my ass off for that buckle and it was my FIRST 100 mile effort. Hats off to you 100 mile junkies. 100 miles is a long long long way. At least I had a tent to enjoy after every 5 mile loop. I think doing a point to point or out and back race would have been allot harder but I'll let you know if I do Haliburton 100 mile in about a month which is 2 loops out and back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I finished in <b>10th of 23 runners (unofficial) with 100 miles and it took 33 hours 37 minutes</b> which meant I could have run another 14 hours to get more laps but I'd had enough and I honestly was pretty shattered. I knew if I could have gone out for one or two more laps I would have placed higher in the standings because people like me would have stopped, but I was very happy. I'm happy with my placing. I held my own with some really dedicated runners and for my first foray at this distance I have nothing to be ashamed about considering 50 miles was my longest race ever back in May.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First and more important than anything else, I want to thank Diane who was race director and Henri who was co-race director. There is a hell of a lot that goes into organizing something like this and it was awesome to meet her and she surrounded herself with fellow runners at the aid stations and start/finish line and she always had a smile, never looked phased and it was a genuine pleasure to take part in her race. Thank you so much.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-my4Rw19HGqA/UgrVGYKL3nI/AAAAAAAAAWY/cebl1WbE8g0/s1600/DSC06587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-my4Rw19HGqA/UgrVGYKL3nI/AAAAAAAAAWY/cebl1WbE8g0/s640/DSC06587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diane (Race Director) - always smiling and put on a great Dirty Girls Race - Thank you so much. In Race Headquarters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmcWrzHQlgQ/UgrVGcfuOSI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/eRyns9UkmJ0/s1600/DSC06586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmcWrzHQlgQ/UgrVGcfuOSI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/eRyns9UkmJ0/s640/DSC06586.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henri - Diane's partner and Co-Race Director - setting up the start/finish line -<br />
he is also the race director at the Niagara Ultra</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuHaTyiowf4/UgrU5_9hbZI/AAAAAAAAAV4/NJ-dWeP9HO4/s1600/DSC06572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuHaTyiowf4/UgrU5_9hbZI/AAAAAAAAAV4/NJ-dWeP9HO4/s640/DSC06572.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabin with race supplies</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I drove up at about 1:15pm on the Thursday afternoon and got there by about 3:15 and Diane showed me where I could set up my tent. I proceeded to do that and you can see I was pretty well set up with my two tents. I had tonnes of room and when Kimberley Van Delst arrived I invited her to bring her chair and supplies in and use it to to hang out during the race. I only saw her back at the tent 3 times during the entire race. Everybody runs their own race. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iI8Izgp734/UgrU4xt3p1I/AAAAAAAAAVw/yzmcHHdb_Hg/s1600/DSC06569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iI8Izgp734/UgrU4xt3p1I/AAAAAAAAAVw/yzmcHHdb_Hg/s640/DSC06569.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My set-up. Tent for sleeping, tent for supplies and recovering and my RAV</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-omyqzxk-HdA/UgrU4R5cTII/AAAAAAAAAVo/dFOQAzMidpU/s1600/DSC06570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-omyqzxk-HdA/UgrU4R5cTII/AAAAAAAAAVo/dFOQAzMidpU/s640/DSC06570.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casa del Alex - couldn't resist - thanks to my sister for loaning me this. It was amazing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEjYzdj3fMQ/UgrU6jsgi9I/AAAAAAAAAWA/05R_8Bbb7dU/s1600/DSC06575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEjYzdj3fMQ/UgrU6jsgi9I/AAAAAAAAAWA/05R_8Bbb7dU/s640/DSC06575.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Dirty Girls 2013 shirt with race bib and my home-made lap counter which I marked my times each lap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gYpTK46sfDg/UgrU61byTjI/AAAAAAAAAWE/PWAi2wrUPFg/s1600/DSC06576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gYpTK46sfDg/UgrU61byTjI/AAAAAAAAAWE/PWAi2wrUPFg/s640/DSC06576.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I certainly did! And I enjoyed every minute of it being a dirty boy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03UJ_i56Bjo/UgrViatSRrI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ghb7rgBrP2c/s1600/DSC06582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03UJ_i56Bjo/UgrViatSRrI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ghb7rgBrP2c/s640/DSC06582.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before the start - I was VERY apprehensive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOTIVEuMM0A/UgrVe6QDWBI/AAAAAAAAAYI/VbD5czru1Us/s1600/DSC06579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOTIVEuMM0A/UgrVe6QDWBI/AAAAAAAAAYI/VbD5czru1Us/s640/DSC06579.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good luck charm - helped when I was tired thinking of someone I miss</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDOIhJq6X9k/UgrViNQV1BI/AAAAAAAAAYo/Y9cQbRfSNIs/s1600/DSC06583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDOIhJq6X9k/UgrViNQV1BI/AAAAAAAAAYo/Y9cQbRfSNIs/s640/DSC06583.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex, Kimberley van Delst and Jack Kilislian - all great runners (well, two of them are! I'm a newbie)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pptS8RBHnY/UgrVlKP4CeI/AAAAAAAAAY8/EXVGiAQRUtI/s1600/DSC06585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pptS8RBHnY/UgrVlKP4CeI/AAAAAAAAAY8/EXVGiAQRUtI/s640/DSC06585.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim and Jack - messing around before the start</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JV-9VF-zPCw/UgrVXpJb2UI/AAAAAAAAAYA/XTzuaZPsti0/s1600/DSC06608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JV-9VF-zPCw/UgrVXpJb2UI/AAAAAAAAAYA/XTzuaZPsti0/s640/DSC06608.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many more tents along the field along the start/finish - you dive into the woods at the end and take a right</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unfortunately for Kim, and I know she was really upset, her race finished early after she diagnosed crepsis in both feet. I don't know allot about it but it's inflammation of the sheath that the tendons run down for you to lift your toes. She was only 3 laps from getting 100 miles but she was smart enough to know when to shut it down. She has a number of big races still to come and wants to recover and she is an awesome runner so sorry Kim. Plus she had a pretty juicy blister on the bottom of one of her toes that looked very painful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>State of My Body After</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what is the state of my body? Well, my newly broken in Asics did very well. I didn't change them out for the whole race and only got one nasty blister in the usual spot to the side of one heel. Besides that my heels are bruised and very sore and my two toes which always get beat up didn't do too badly. During a sock change I did notice an air pocket or blister pocket under one of the toenails but they don't feel sore today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just to let you know that in a 100 mile run you need lubrication EVERYWHERE. That includes your butt! Never had butt chaffing before but will remember it for next time. No thongs for me thank you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Body Glide on the feet worked a treat. I ran about 4 laps and then would take off the shoes and socks, get rid of all the sand that accumulated, wash my feet and get all the grit off from between the toes, dry them and put on a new pair of socks. It worked great. I didn't wear the Injinji socks to give you my thoughts about them in a race but I think they would be better to use in a race that you don't need to change socks to get into.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sorest parts of me are my heels and the backs of my legs. I had a very poor sleep and was restless (have needed to take an Advil each night to reduce the shooting pains down my legs) but all things considered I think my body held up very well. As other ultra runners have said, your body never goes above a pain threshold during running. You get waves of pain - one lap you feel you have energy again, the next you are slogging it and walking. I don't hurt 2x as much as my 50 mile effort so give that some thought if you are contemplating an ultra or a longer ultra. I was really worried about what state my body would be in but if you take care of your feet and your food/hydration you won't feel worse and worse and worse. My longest race before this was 50 miles so you can do a 100 miler if you have 50 miles as a base.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Weigh-In</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had my weigh-in at about 7:30am on Friday morning, just before the start and was 154lbs and 24 hours later was 156 which was caused by fluid retention - also possibly caused by too many S-Cap salt tablets (I was taking 1 each loops and perhaps during the night I didn't need to take them so much). I'm usually one to pee maybe once in a 5-6 hour event. This race was crazy for me on the second day. I must have peed once every 15 minutes over 4 hours or more. It was really frustrating. I'd be slamming down some hills and my bladder would tell me, OK, time for a pee. It was clear so all good but definitely weird. They do a weigh-in to monitor your physical condition. Some runners loose weight and some gain. Best if you stay the same. It is just as dangerous to get over hydrated as it is to become dehydrated but it's nice they take a runners condition seriously. They had a St. John's ambulance man at the aid station and no doubt medical support at the start/finish line. Nasty blisters I'm told were taken care of by Kinga who is a big ultra runner also but she is suffering an injury and needs to rest for a bit longer. Her husband, Stephan, was out with us on the course and was also instrumental in helping set up the night illumination on the course with the flashing LED lights.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Packing Up and Setting Off Home</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I should have stayed the second night but after finishing my 20th lap (100 miles) I wanted to get home and have a shower and crash in my bed. The air mattress in my tent wasn't holding air and the noises of cars along Airport Road throughout the night were very loud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It took me about an hour to tear everything down and trust me, there was no thought in it. Poles and stakes and clothes and food and everything got tossed in the back. I tried to drive bare-foot but gave that up after 1 mile - my blister was right on the floor and it was very uncomfortable. Then I switched to flip-flops but after 10 minutes of that I didn't find them working very well for me either. I was exhausted and realized there was no way in hell I was going to get home OK in that state. I found a closed diner and tried to crash in the car but there was no way to sleep in the back and bending over was not working so I gave up and carried on. I eventually found a Church and parked the car near the back and got out my sleeping back and pillow and crashed on the asphalt. I was not sleeping but my legs needed to get the pain out of them and I tossed and turned like a purple worm. I was getting shooting pains down the legs and in the feet which made driving very uncomfortable. I stayed there for about 1.5 hours as it got darker out and then carried on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The rest helped and I was OK for about 1 hour but once I got into the fast QEW and 403 highways things got worse and I wasn't falling asleep at the wheel but I could not focus on the headlights. It was rather scary. I tried opening the window, blasting me with cold night air - I tried listening to the radio but it made no difference and I was never so happy to get home. I know now I was stupid to have come home immediately after I did that race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Aid Station Food and my Food</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was a good selection I thought and Diane was interested to hear from runners if there was something in particular people wanted. I liked the pancakes and bacon and scrambled eggs and oatmeal they had early in the mornings and sometimes they had hot soup which hit the spot. The french fries with salt went down a treat and the 4km aid station had the standard assortment of things - pretzels, salted chips, worms (like gummy bears), orange slices, watermelon slices, etc. I took a crap load of food with me and many items I didn't even open the container. I don't think I ate enough over the 33 hours but did use the porta-potties twice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hard-boiled about 7 eggs and salted them and cooked up 4 grilled cheese and took some Tupperware with ketchup. I ate most of them and had about 2 of the eggs. I didn't get a chance to have or share any of my Freezies because they refused to freeze in my ice buckets which sucked. My 2 thermos with soup kept it warm for about 20 hours and I only had one cup full - once it got cold I didn't want any. I bought 3 bags of chips and chocolate chip cookies and Cheesies but didn't open any of them. I also cooked up a big helping of mash with salt/chopped tomatoes/milk and butter and had a little of it but again, being cold it was not as palatable. I bought 4 smoothies and had about 2 swigs only and just was not wanting any of that stuff. I drank my Perpetuem and Hammer Gel which becomes pretty disgusting after hours and hours of it but I think it does give you some energy back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Running at Night in the Woods</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What a freaky, cool, exhilarating and sometimes spooky experience. It is very strange focusing your attention on the small amount of light coming from what your head light illuminates. I never felt I didn't have enough light but everything is so pitch black around you. Sometimes you are just concentrating on your steps and sometimes your mind starts to mess with you. You hear a noise out in the dark and then your adrenalin pumps in and you start to run faster or sometimes I used to yell out WHO THE F*@#k IS OUT THERE in my angry voice. Really silly but I read somewhere that you should yell out like you are the baddest creature out there. They had little flags marking the trail and sometimes flashing LED lights which were rather nice to come across. I did see once or twice a few head lights around me as the course is very loopy but for the most part I was all on my own. You do feel very isolated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you have never trained with a head light or run at night or in the woods like I had, I don't think it's essential you train in those conditions before your race unless you like a bit of peace of mind. My head light was a <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/headlamps/performance/myo-rxp" target="_blank">Petzl MYO RXP</a>. It cost about $80 and I was happy with the quality of the light. The far brighter (and more expensive at about $180) is the Petzl NAO which I would have liked but could not justify the expense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Course</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dirtyrunnerproductions.com/images/dgirls-map-2013-big.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.dirtyrunnerproductions.com/images/dgirls-map-2013-big.jpg</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is a tough course and everybody that got their buckle worked hard to achieve it. To give you an idea, my 50 mile Sulphur Springs time this season was 9 hours and I'd definitely get under 22 hours there for 100 miles. This 100 miles took me 33 hours 37 minutes and I did sleep (or rest anyway) for 2 hours in the middle of the night. Plus I did loose time at the start/finish over the course of the 20 laps getting food, changing socks, resting a few minutes. But it gives you an idea that it is a hard course. It is far more technical that SS and far more hilly. I loved it though. Almost all of it was in the forest with shading and there was a great mixture of single and double track. You can go to the Dirty Girls website to get a full km by km break-down of the route but I'll give you my quick and dirty from what I remember.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was a 2km marking (which I didn't notice until about lap 15), then the 4km was at the aid station. 6km marking was at the very top of one of the bastard hills on the course and then there was the start/finish at 8km.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had a count-down to the 8:00am start from Diane after her race briefing and then we were off, passing our assorted tents and then immediately you head into the woods on single track. There were two short hills which got you to the top of a section and then down to a gravel road. This went up at a gradual incline, turned a corner and then went sharply up. It didn't feel too bad for the first 10 laps but it felt like a bear later on. Oh, and another thing. The km seem to take ages and ages on this course. I'm thinking, 2km, I can do that in no time at all. Uh uh, it takes a long time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the top of that crappy hill you get flat again and weave through the trees and can see various runners. It gets a bit foggy here but eventually you start a nice section down through the trees on very single track, always heading down but not sharply and crossing a few gravel roads and diving back into the woods. At the bottom of this section you see the 2km marking and then you do a turn and head back up into the woods. Again, it's all kind of the same to me now but there are some mean hills here which are sharp and short but get you out of breath. Then you exit the trees and hit a wide section which is obviously a path for vehicles but is grass covered mostly and turn left. You take a right shortly and then after 100 yards you have a sharp steep left which leaves you tired. Again back onto single track through the woods and eventually you come to the 4km aid station which is a welcome sight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After you leave the aid station you are on a road section with grass and bear to the right, following the top of the escarpment and then you take a quick left and come across a bench overlooking the amazing view from the top of the escarpment. I decided on my very last lap I'd take my camera and shoots some pics of the trail and the view from here. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you look down you will see a big barn or something which is where you are headed, way down. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bX61CdxVRC4/UgrVUgpWkDI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Al_XKMkXpso/s1600/DSC06605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bX61CdxVRC4/UgrVUgpWkDI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Al_XKMkXpso/s640/DSC06605.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from single bench overlooking the barn below. You ran down to it and then cut back up to the top of the escarpment again at a different point</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You cut right into the woods and allot of trees have been cut and you hit single track which is hard packed sand and follow this slowly down. You can look down below you and see two trails below you. One is the steep wide track you take to the base of the hill and the barn I mentioned earlier, and the final lowest level is the gravel road which you cut back up immediately.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After following the hard packed sand you eventually come out to a very wide open space and take a quick left which is a bit washed out and very sandy where they've tried to fill it in. Then you have a huge open space on a gravel road and there is some garbage to your right. This section is steeply down and then you take the left fork which leads you very steeply down to the base of the escarpment. It is probably 0.25 to 0.50km long. There are a few little rises along the way down and then a long finishing run to the bottom where you immediately turn back on yourself and head back up the escarpment. This is the longest and steepest part of the course. It starts easy enough but the last bit near the top forces you to dig deep and most people walk this section. Most people actually walked from immediately turning the corner. This section was hugely washed out with 2-3 feet deep sections washed away but by staying on the right side there was no issues (unless you were a vehicle - then you can forget it!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The final climb up to the top of that hill left me winded but then you had some flat sections and then got into single track again with some climbs and eventually get to a very steep section where you have to really slow down and it kills your legs. You hit a nasty camber in the trail and then another nasty steep down and you are back on a wide double track section. You take a quick right up this gravel road which is short and sharp and no fun, then a sharp left and within 5 strides you are faced with a VERY sharp downhill which leaves you braking hard for the first 100 yards. Then the pitch reduces but still a lovely downhill which lasts almost to the start/finish. In all my 20 laps I never walked this section. It is lovely and wide and you feel like you are flying. Then you get to the bottom and sigh sadly, knowing you are 5 miles away from doing that again. It's a quick left along some sandy section and grassy/gravelly/road section, slightly uphill, and then a sharp right and you can hear the traffic and see the open field where you camp. A quick run across the grass and you are back at the start/finish and ready to do it all over again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, all this means nothing unless you were there or unless you are planning on doing the course but hopefully it helps somebody and here are some other photos taken on my 20th lap to give you an idea.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EH72aE1G-Bs/UgrVJnzjBzI/AAAAAAAAAWo/3caXl8m1Hyo/s1600/DSC06592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EH72aE1G-Bs/UgrVJnzjBzI/AAAAAAAAAWo/3caXl8m1Hyo/s640/DSC06592.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st nasty hill but the photo doesn't really show it. The first few hundred feet of it are fine, but then it goes up steeply. This is about 0.5km into the run</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q05ljcv0cU8/UgrVLUVpAwI/AAAAAAAAAW4/zMIWloE1F9g/s1600/DSC06595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q05ljcv0cU8/UgrVLUVpAwI/AAAAAAAAAW4/zMIWloE1F9g/s640/DSC06595.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the single track - very flat here - lovely little section</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F19B9kJl-Y4/UgrVNt3hWHI/AAAAAAAAAXA/sJTK0KgMfPA/s1600/DSC06599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F19B9kJl-Y4/UgrVNt3hWHI/AAAAAAAAAXA/sJTK0KgMfPA/s640/DSC06599.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grassy/road section which turns right, then a sharp little hill and eventually to the 4km aid station</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIV9fRqSY5E/UgrVQ0xph_I/AAAAAAAAAXU/a2IrrP5kNcc/s1600/DSC06602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIV9fRqSY5E/UgrVQ0xph_I/AAAAAAAAAXU/a2IrrP5kNcc/s640/DSC06602.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a short nasty steep hill, just after the photo above</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCBNuNztDOo/UgrVPX4w_fI/AAAAAAAAAXI/yGZTEVddoro/s1600/DSC06600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCBNuNztDOo/UgrVPX4w_fI/AAAAAAAAAXI/yGZTEVddoro/s640/DSC06600.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a photo I took from the course</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxZApximX4E/UgrVTjt5viI/AAAAAAAAAXg/jE_gCVTEorY/s1600/DSC06603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxZApximX4E/UgrVTjt5viI/AAAAAAAAAXg/jE_gCVTEorY/s640/DSC06603.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another nice single track section</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brpTqE2GAEk/UgrVVt50vwI/AAAAAAAAAXw/ygqwKrsZ2Vo/s1600/DSC06604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brpTqE2GAEk/UgrVVt50vwI/AAAAAAAAAXw/ygqwKrsZ2Vo/s640/DSC06604.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure of either name but they were at the 4km aid station on my 20th lap. The middle lady is the wife of Pierre.They are the race directors at Creemore 50km ultra. They were really friendly and helpful.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSOx8XhMII4/UgrVGTFWU_I/AAAAAAAAAWU/s-kNe2PNwWY/s1600/DSC06590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSOx8XhMII4/UgrVGTFWU_I/AAAAAAAAAWU/s-kNe2PNwWY/s640/DSC06590.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, I look shit I know. How would you feel? :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5isnDiN8Zc/UgrVK4yh-YI/AAAAAAAAAWw/S3GaU26Lpbo/s1600/DSC06591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5isnDiN8Zc/UgrVK4yh-YI/AAAAAAAAAWw/S3GaU26Lpbo/s640/DSC06591.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim and I after our respective races. Kim is just on her way home after calling it a day with an injury</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Diane took a photo of her and I with the 100 mile buckle so I'll try to get that from her so you see I did actually get my buckle :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Loop Times</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Incredibly I didn't trip once in the 33 hours. I had a few stumbles and twice a stick poked me sharply in the front of the shoe but I got off without a scratch on this one. Did I walk any of the course? Er, do bears shit in the woods? Hell yes I walked. Initially I'd walk the hills as I learned the course and really late in the race I was walking probably 5km of the total 8. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In case you are interested in my lap times they were:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 01 - 1:05:24 (8am Friday) (weigh 154 lbs)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 02 - 1:08:07</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 03 - 1:10:27</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 04 - 1:12:53</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 05 - 1:07:39</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 06 - 1:18:18</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 07 - 1:34:47 (threw up)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 08 - 1:23:35</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 09 - 1:17:51</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 10 - 1:37:58</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 11 - 1:33:21</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 12 - 1:28:12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 13 - 4:26:33 (slept in tent for 2 hours)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 14 - 1:52:53 (threw up)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 15 - 1:39:25 (8am Saturday) (weigh 156 lbs)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 16 - 1:39:41 (peeing like crazy from now until lap 18)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 17 - 2:03:15</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 18 - 2:02:48</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 19 - 1:56:42</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 20 - 1:57:56 (took photos on course)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That's about all I can think of. Sorry this race report is a bit jumbled but I think it gives you an idea of the course and my experiences on it. I was sorry not to see Dan and Heather Lightfoot for their 12 hour race but you can read their blog here if you'd like [<a href="http://raceinpieces.com/2013/08/" target="_blank">BLOG</a>]. The Dirty Girls is a wonderful race and I would highly recommend it if you want a challenge. The 12 hours would be a good test and a 24 hour a true challenge. The 48 is for nutters - I've always been a bit of a nutter. Thank you to the wonderful people I met and the wonderful people I already knew and got to experience this race with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stay well people and my next race report should be in another week where I'll be running on sore/tired legs at the Iroquois Trail Test 34km.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy Running.</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-45830834463005017912013-07-12T09:03:00.002-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.578-07:002013 LIMBERLOST CHALLENGE 56KM - RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Night Before Limberlost 56km</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here I am, having just posted my last race blog about 3 days ago on the Creemore 50km - which took place last weekend. Foolishly or not I convinced myself on Thursday that it was a good idea to race this one also. The blisters I received at Creemore I've dealt with and I'm hoping duct tape will do the job. I really want to lay all the DNF ghosts to rest this year and this is the last one to conquer. Last year I said I'd probably not do this race this year but I've had a year to have a change of heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a stunning course, albeit a 4 hour drive, and even if it's a crappy day for me I intend on getting this done. This year I'm driving up at about 2am rather than camping. I'm even considering staying overnight up there to do the training run at Haliburton Forest on the Sunday so I'll have an idea of the 100 mile route I'm undertaking later in the season. Well, let's see. . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last year I dropped after the 3rd loop (each loop is approx. 14km) - this year they have substituted a road section making it 200m longer on each lap. Last year was extremely hot - like Creemore last weekend. The only good thing is you are mostly within tree cover. It is interesting statistics. The 2012 Limberlost report has received far more 'hits' than any of my other blog reports. I wonder why that is. Hopefully not because people like failures more than success stories. ha ha.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This course is deceptively challenging. From last year I remember you never get into a comfortable grove because it is constantly changing. I remember how ill-prepared I was last year with all my road training and to be honest, this year is not much different. My training sucks because I've had niggles and then, bam, the season was here and I started off OK but as the races have happened every two weeks (or one week like this one after Creemore) I'm virtually getting in no real training, just a modest single longer run and then it's time to race again. And it takes it's toll on you - legs that never really get their kick back, blisters and niggles from racing and general overall tiredness. I do look forward to seeing the familiar faces.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, I won't write any more - it's Friday afternoon and I need to pack my camping stuff, go get ice and supplies so wish me luck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pre Race Predictions</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Looking at last year my lap times were: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 1: 1:34</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 2: 1:44</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 3: 2:37 (talk about a melt-down)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">for a total time of 5:55</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year my goals are to go slowwwwwwww. Yes, you read that right. Slowwwwwww. I"m going do my best to really relax on the first 2 laps, save my energy and not do the death march at all, or much closer to the end if needed. I will hope for an average of 2 hour laps which makes 8 hours. If I can do 7:30 I'd be amazed, but sub 8 I really hope to get. And if it goes amazing then, we'll see. 8 hours is still a respectable time on this course. You'll have to trust me. Please do enter this race. It is awesome. Well, wish me luck and I'll let you know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome back everybody. The race is over. I came, I saw, and. . . I FAILED :(( AGAIN! ! ! ! Arrhhhhhhhhh. Somebody put me out of my misery on this bloody course. Well, read the full report below if you want the details or bail out and wait for my next race report. I feel pretty low right now about running and ultras. I'm hoping after a few days I'll perk up but I am so very frustrated about my races lately. My times are getting worse and I'm suffering allot after them. Well, nobody said it was easy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Night Before</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't enter this thing until Thursday (race on Saturday) as I wanted to see how the legs felt after last weekend's 50km at Creemore. The legs I thought had some pep in them and the two big blisters on the heels had been popped but were still sore and I hoped that duct tape would stop additional friction on those points.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went to the grocery store and drug store and got some supplies, came home, packed the car and tried to have a restful day. I had a nice pasta dinner and went to bed at 8:30 - setting the alarm for 1:30am. That worked well and I actually got some sleep. I got up and was out the door for 2:00am and was expecting a 4 hour drive. Unfortunately the bloody highway 400 entrance was closed from the 401 and I wasn't sure what to do so I got off at the next ramp and headed North but it got closed with more construction so had to get out my mobile and look for entrances. This wasted a good 30 minutes trying to get back on but eventually I did but I was now slightly stressed out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The drive up the 400 and then onto Highway 11 was fine but for some reason I missed the highway 60 exit in Huntsville and ended up going another 10km North. Arrhhhhhhh. Finally got back, found the exit and the rest of the drive was en-eventful and drove into the open field where there were many other vehicles and tents set up. I was there at about 5:50am and I just jumped in the back seat. There were already some of the race organisers setting up the big marquee and I knew the set-up from last year. It was sunny and a nice temperature. On the way up the lowest the temperature read was 11 degrees which is cold but by the time I got there I think it was closer to 19. It did get allot warmer as noon approached but didn't get to the heat levels of Creemore or Limberlost from last year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Pre-Race</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had a guy next to me who slept in his car and when he roused we got talking about different things, etc. I headed to the port-a-potties before it got busy. This year they put them away from the field where the tents were which was good as last year during the night you heard the doors opening and closing through the night. I got my race bib but because I registered so late I couldn't get a T-shirt although she said after I could pick one up. I didn't bother, not because it was not nice, but because of my failed effort. I didn't feel I deserved one. The goody bag had a small local coffee bag, a hammer gel and some other little things. I saw some people I knew and said hello but mostly I was back at my car organizing my stuff.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eH05pL45QM/UeXa3Lh4x6I/AAAAAAAAAVM/p-dHAYwxh6A/s1600/DSC06449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eH05pL45QM/UeXa3Lh4x6I/AAAAAAAAAVM/p-dHAYwxh6A/s640/DSC06449.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimberley Van Delst - awesome runner and always has a smile. Her husband is equally friendly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAxJHZipPTk/UeXa0YGwT5I/AAAAAAAAAUk/pmxNnrLS9Ew/s1600/DSC06447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAxJHZipPTk/UeXa0YGwT5I/AAAAAAAAAUk/pmxNnrLS9Ew/s640/DSC06447.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">56km runners listening to pre-race announcements - this was start/finish line behind marquee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VO0NV5-2A3I/UeXaycveznI/AAAAAAAAAUY/S_AMUpausEw/s1600/DSC06445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VO0NV5-2A3I/UeXaycveznI/AAAAAAAAAUY/S_AMUpausEw/s640/DSC06445.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People picking up their race numbers and T-shirts and goodies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bd5YGd81m38/UeXaxCGoU6I/AAAAAAAAAUM/bQNIl8mmxkg/s1600/DSC06444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bd5YGd81m38/UeXaxCGoU6I/AAAAAAAAAUM/bQNIl8mmxkg/s640/DSC06444.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the 56km runners listening to race director and sponsors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tc_xDWw6PhI/UeXaz1HAUVI/AAAAAAAAAUg/_7bt5zZvgl4/s1600/DSC06446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tc_xDWw6PhI/UeXaz1HAUVI/AAAAAAAAAUg/_7bt5zZvgl4/s640/DSC06446.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last few minutes before the start - lovely day</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took allot more salt pills this time and had 2 Advil's as back-up if I started feeling pain. I applied my Voltaren gel and pinned my bib to my shorts. I took a photo of my lucky charm (I'm going to have to recharge the luck - I seem to have run out today) and then took my camera to take some shots as the pre-race announcements were happening. After that it was race time. We all gathered at the start line and were off in no time. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ooLEQoJtz_U/UeXaxFhHgiI/AAAAAAAAAUE/IzBtrfwZXLA/s1600/DSC06442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ooLEQoJtz_U/UeXaxFhHgiI/AAAAAAAAAUE/IzBtrfwZXLA/s640/DSC06442.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You gotta have your lucky charm!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lap 1 (of 4) - or 3 if you happen to be me</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is about half a km down the dirt/gravel road and then a sharp left into the woods properly and besides two other tiny gravel road sections the rest is entirely in the forest. In that respect it is lovely because it stays cooler here but this is a true off road ultra and not for the faint-hearted. Creemore is tough because of the toll the steep hills take on you and being exposed to really hot temperatures and direct sun. This one beats you up in different ways. Of course it is 56km making it longer and many people think that it is actually longer than that. The race Director did say they had added about 200 meters to the course this year which makes almost 57km but even without that added it feels like each 14km loop is longer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've mentioned it before but you never get into a rhythm in this course. It is lovely underfoot when you run and I'm not sure if the sponginess maybe sucks some of your energy over the long-term. It is constantly changing, you are up and down and turning. You have to be so very careful with your lines of sight and watching out for tree roots and rocks. It follows the contours of 4 or 5 lakes and is beautiful. You are up and down and I believe there were 2-3 more major hills but nothing like Creemore. There are enough downs to keep you happy as well and there were a number of muddy spots and one two which were quite brutal. One of those was within the woods in a pretty flat area but the one which was worse was just before a foot bridge with a big ugly old tree stump right next to it. I say ugly because it beat on me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was leading a group of 3-4 guys and saw the mud but misjudged how deep it was and sank to above my calf and fell forward and my left arm slammed down on top of the stump and really grazed me badly. I got lucky because if it had been hard and dried up rather than wet it probably would have punctured my arm and being right on where you give blood you know the veins there are pretty close to the surface. I was shocked but tried to laugh it off and get cracking but I kept looking at my arm expecting to see the blood flowing. You know that feeling when you look at a cut, thinking, oh, this isn't too bad, and then the blood starts. I was not sure how deep it was but I was glad that it didn't start to bleed.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNrvHGG53hM/UeXa3PUQcVI/AAAAAAAAAU8/azWLH3XczlU/s1600/DSC06450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNrvHGG53hM/UeXa3PUQcVI/AAAAAAAAAU8/azWLH3XczlU/s640/DSC06450.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, it doesn't look so bad there once I rinsed it off but 5 hours earlier it didn't look so pretty</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself. We were all pretty closely packed to start with of course. I was probably in the top 15 going into the trails and the pace felt good but I could tell by 3km that I was probably going too fast and should back off but as usual thoughts of people catching me and of feeling OK made me just keep at it. I figured also that if I got tired near the end, so what, I'd do a walk/run strategy. The temperature felt really good. There was an aid station in particular where you could hear them yelling and screaming encouragement to a runner as he/she came in and that was nice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't really describe the course in any details better than last year's report. There is just so much of the sameness in the woods that it's hard to say what stood out. There were 2 cabins in the woods, one that had a small climb leading up to an aid station, and then another which was further into the course and seemed much more isolated - almost more of a log cabin with no electricity - no roads leading to it. There were a few groomed sections in the woods which had recently been cut about 5 feet wide. The last 3km had a number of wooden walkways which were rickety and narrow, taking you over a boggy area. There were volunteers directing you at the points where you might have gone wrong. At one point a big guy was sitting in his chair in the woods with a bug helmet on and because he was so quiet it was kind of startling when you realized he was human. But if you said hello he was friendly right back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I heard the bullfrogs in the boggy sections again but this year knew what they were. No angry chipmunks this year making noises but I did come across a garter snake by the time I was walking on lap 3. That's all the wildlife I saw but I know full well with this type of ruggedness there would be plenty more around. I shadowed a guy for quite a while, probably for 1/2 way and I had my own shadow or two also. He was keeping a good pace and I was comfortable with him and we run across the start/finish mat after 1 hour 38 minutes. Too fast by far considering I'd suggested trying to keep closer to the 2 hour mark. Maybe if I had I would not blown up so badly but at the time things were not falling apart although by lap 2 I was already starting to have to walk sometimes. I lost my shadow and left the starting aid station ahead of everybody. I ran slowly down the road and looked back as I approached the wooded section and there were 2-3 making their way down the road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lap 2</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 2 was more lonely. We were more spread out and I was starting to regret my fast first lap and knew it was going to be a slow 3rd lap. My duct tape seemed to be doing the job on the foot pads but was less successful on the heels and I could feel those blisters resurfacing. I also found the heel itself was quite painful which I don't understand since it was such a spongy, forgiving surface. Again, I can't stress enough how many times you have to spring to the right, bounce left, jump forward, jump over big tree stumps. You are constantly shifting/moving/adjusting. What a great workout! I was almost out of steam already. My bib number had fallen down over my leg because as I moved my belt around to get some salt tablets it popped the safety pins off so that was now cutting into my leg and pissing me off. I was also having to stop for walking breaks more often and people began to pass me. A few I recognized.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I tried to take my salt tablets but forgot to take the hammer gels I had and I did remember my Perpetum powders on my belt for the first one and then I forgot to take those. It's a problem with me being consistent with all of that. It makes allot of sense when you pull it out and you figure out your game plan but once you are tired and hot and in a position where accessing anything on the go becomes difficult, then you tend to forget and over time that makes a difference. The good thing is I was drinking regularly and topping up my water bottle regularly but even so, in 6 hours 20 minutes I only managed to pee once so I guess I should have been drinking more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I walked to the starting line after lap 2 I was really really tired. Kimberly passed me just before the finish line and wished me well and looked strong but I knew I wouldn't see her again. I got to the aid station and asked for safety pins but the lady simply told me she had none and that was the end of it. I was like, well geez, can you ask somebody or do something? I couldn't run another lap with that bloody thing flapping all over the place. I found a familiar face that had finished his 1-2 laps and he kindly gave me 2 of his. Thank you! Lap 2 I don't remember the time for the lap but my watch said 3:42 or something I believe</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The aid station people were really helpful except for this one woman but I guess she got so focused on her one task that she didn't realize that aid means aid, not just handing out a drink of water or heed. And that aid station had lots of people on it. Anyway, that was my one moan. Something else which I noticed is there didn't seem to be much of any selection at the stations. They had a good amount of water or heed but for anything nourishing I thought there was a fairly poor selection. They had gummy bears or whatever those things are. I found potato chips at one but not really salty ones. I saw watermelon slices at a few but only one had orange slices. They had some chocolate chip cookies and that is really all that I remember. Maybe I"m being over critical but I just knew I craved something and whenever I got to the aid station they didn't have anything that appealed to me. I tried some watermelon and that was refreshing. Oh well. Maybe by the third lap I was just tired and cranky.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Lap 3</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lap 3 was terrible. A reminder of last years performance. I left the start/finish area and I was walking up the road. In fact I wanted to quit just as badly and almost did. I got to the entry point into the woods and thought, I don't want to do this anymore. I'm shattered, I'm going to have to walk most of this, my blisters are painful as heck, my heels hurt with every step and I am not in a happy place in my head. I convinced myself to head into the woods and was thinking about turning around for 2km by which point I said to myself shut up and do it. I knew lap 4 was out of the question. I didn't care about it anymore. I just wanted to not hurt anymore. I walked for probably 3km and I did my best when I could to run some sections. I sat down 3 times to just collect my energy but if you sat too long the mossies ate you alive and now that I was walking the horse flies in sections were unbearable - chasing after you, biting and trying to lodge in your hair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I came across 2 other runners suffering from cramps and gave them 2 salt tablets each and they were grateful. I chatted shortly to a few people but always told them to go on, to run their race. Elise came by me on lap 3 and looked strong. She had texted me the day before asking if i wanted to go for a training run at Sulphur Springs and do 50km ! ! ! And she did Creemore last weekend like I did. Where the hell does she get her energy. And she was going to do the training run at Haliburton Forest the following day. That was my plan also - had the tent and all. Haliburton Forest is quite close to Limberlost and since it is a 4 hour drive up there it made sense to get a feeling for the course - but that was a pipe dream - I'm truly wondering if I have what it takes. Anyway, she passed by and said to me - YOU NEED TO PACE YOURSELF ALEX! ! ! All I could do was grunt and wish her well. Maybe if I'd listened I'd still be running but the blisters on blisters were really making me miserable and she is right. I need to learn that lesson once and for all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I passed runners from the shorter distance events who were also walking but managed to get some running spurts in there. The 7km marking seemed to take FOREVER to show up. And then 10. And then 12. By then I could taste the finish for finish is what it was going to be for me. I got to the last lap and told one of the race marshals I'd had enough. I got to the finish tent and put my hands on my knees and tried to get my breathe back from all that walking! ha ha. I saw Helen who is the race director at Hali and she asked if I was doing the training run. I had to laugh at that :) Sorry Helen.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyT9gM2F8kQ/UeXa4impGbI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/z_pmq3jvtXM/s1600/DSC06452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QyT9gM2F8kQ/UeXa4impGbI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/z_pmq3jvtXM/s640/DSC06452.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've looked better - honestly. 14km to go and there was no go left</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHwXBrgB9s/UeXa5MwyHqI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Vi69Sbbbe-g/s1600/DSC06453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHwXBrgB9s/UeXa5MwyHqI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Vi69Sbbbe-g/s640/DSC06453.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least my tongue was still working. This is what I was thinking of myself</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I saw some people I now knew. I saw Dan Lightfoot at the finish. I think he had either dropped out of one of the races or had been pacing his wife Heather. I just read her blog. It seems poor Dan got a bit lost out there. That sucks. But he helped his wife through lap 3. They passed me on lap three and I high fived them. Great going <a href="http://raceinpieces.com/2013/07/17/limberlost-56km-race-report-2013/#comment-936" target="_blank">Heather</a>. I headed to the car and just felt kind of clueless. Everything I wanted to do seemed to take forever. Eventually I got my lawn chair and sat down with a cold drink of water. I tried to encourage runners going out for their 4th lap but when some I knew came and asked if I was done already I felt shitty when I had to tell them I'd quit. I didn't want to discourage anybody and so I left the starting chute and slowly got packed up. I saw Ron come by and his wife was there with a drink for him and he soldiered on and headed out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I changed into a fresh shirt and put pajama bottoms over my shorts and changed my shoes but not my socks. I didn't want to see what state my feet were in. I took a few photos of my sorry self showing you how I felt and turned on the A/C. My legs were twitching like crazy and once I cooled off I began the drive. I filled up with gas about 15 miles away and behind the gas station I parked and ate a supermarket sandwich which I wolfed down hungrily. I stayed there for about 25 minutes and then carried on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I only got about 45 minutes into my journey but I knew I wouldn't make it home. My eyes were drooping and I was exhausted. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I found a side road off the highway and found some shade but it was now above 30. I put the windows down a bit and jumped into the back and tried to sleep for 30 minutes which made a huge difference and I was able to make the rest of the drive home without incident.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took a shower to clean off all the mud and filth and had a look at the feet and the two friends I made at Creemore (blisters) are back and bigger than ever. I missed you both sooooo much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it. It's not a happy report. I guess they can't all be. I'm just really really disappointed with myself. I hoped to finish this race and now have 2 strikes at it. It's knocked my confidence allot. I thought I could walk the fourth lap if I had to and a few lovely racers wanted me to join them, saying they were just going to have a nice 3 hour walk - but I had nothing in the tank and after sitting for 20 minutes everything had seized up. Thank you for asking though. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll post some photos over the next day or two - there are not that many of them. Don't let my report put you off. This is a wonderful race but come prepared and don't go fast. Use the first lap to get a feeling for the course, and the 2nd to gauge your strength and endurance. If you have energy going into the 3rd lap use it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take care and thanks to all of you that tried to encourage me out there or to those I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time. I hope all your races went well. Congratulations to all of you on a challenging course. And double congratulations to those of you that ran Creemore last weekend. You guys are hardcore! No wonder they give you an additional medal if you complete both. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is last year and this year's lap times:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Lap 1 Lap 2 Lap 3 Lap 4 Total Time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2012 1:34 1:44 2:37 dropped 5:55</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2013 (200m longer) 1:38 1:58 2:47 dropped 6:23</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I seem to be getting older, slower, but not much wiser! ha ha.</span>The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8944712927132559559.post-20496395291588458132013-06-29T13:06:00.001-07:002016-07-24T18:54:55.513-07:002013 - CREEMORE 50KM - RACE REPORT<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I just signed up for the 50km Creemore ultra which takes place at Creemore which is South of Collingwood and South West of Barrie. I'll do another 2:00 am or 3:00 am drive up, crash for a few hours and hopefully be ready for my 5th race of the season and the 5th on the OUS calendar. The races are coming along thick and fast these days but all the REALLY hard ones are after this one. I've almost decided I"m going to do the 48 hour Dirty Girls run. I was going to do 24 hour but for an extra $60 I can double the agony! How could I resist. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've never done the Creemore course before which is 2 loops of 25km but by all accounts it sounds like it's going to be bloody tough. It's a mix of technical single track and long country road. It's hilly, hilly and then hilly. I believe each loop goes up the Niagara Escarpment twice. It's not mountains but for Ontario it's the hilliest thing we have. And it's always hot and sunny (well, mostly) and as you know by now I hate the heat/humidity. I am enjoying getting to know the different races and testing myself in different conditions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got a call from the doctor with my X-ray and MRI results and the news is mostly good thankfully. The foot X-ray didn't show a fracture which I'm happy about. The bruising/intense pain I got on the foot during Kingston I have no idea how it came about. I told the doctor I didn't want to follow up with an MRI on the foot. I'll continue to ice it and hope it was a one-off thing. Very strange. The MRI on the hip area didn't show a stress fracture either. It did show mild arthritis however and also fluid in the abdomen. I said, huh? What kind of fluid. He said it's likely blood plasma (blood without the red blood cells). I said, OK, and? He started asking me all sorts of questions and he wants to do another collection of bloodwork and an ultrasound. He poked and prodded me but I've got no problems with pain on the abdomen. So that was that. Nothing that is going to stop me running in the next few weeks at least.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went for a 9.5 mile run on Thursday which was 5 days after the Niagara ultra. I was stiff/sore for 4 of those days and the run was not pretty. I really felt winded/knackered and walked allot but at least I got out there. I'll probably do 2 more runs before Creemore, one a gentle 6 miler and then a 12-13 miler early in the week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's about it for now. I hope all of you are getting out there and that you are remaining injury free. I've learned quite a few things so far this season with the running and no doubt will learn many more things (the hard way) before the season is over. Still to come is this crazy 48 hour Dirty Girls - how the hell do you prepare for something like that? After that is the 100 mile Haliburton run - my first 'proper' 100 miler. And then the second last race of the season will be a 24 hour indoor track race. By the end of the season I'll have really gotten a flavor of many different terrains and distances. Well, I'll sign off on this report for now. Oh wait! I can't leave yet without a pre-race prediction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At Niagara I was 11 minutes behind my prediction and was disappointed not to crack 5 hours - the cramps just wouldn't leave me. This Creemore looks like a really tough cookie so I'm going to say<strong> 5 hours 45 minutes</strong>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Take care everybody. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>THE NIGHT BEFORE</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I did my usual race prep, getting all my gels and creams. I applied duct tape to the balls of each foot as I have a few deep blisters and I'm hopeful the tape stays where I put it and gives protection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I had an early night and intended to get up and leave by 3:45am. I didn't sleep well at all which is a shame since my Thursday night was restful. It wasn't that Creemore and an unknown race was on my mind and was causing anxiety, just many thoughts about a woman who was in my life until recently. Be that as it may, the alarm went</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> off and I got up, had my cereal, had my morning constitutional and out the door I went with my directions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>RACE MORNING</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The drive up was very uneventful - I do like to leave in the middle of the night. It took about 2 hours and as I headed up Highway 410 and then Highway 10 the rolling hills started and as I got further up into Hockley Valley and Mansfield (the site of the 48 Dirty Girls I signed up for happening in August) it was apparent why they call this the Vertical Challenge! Holy crap. I was now starting to worry! I had no problems finding the parking lot and some cars were there with people in the back. I couldn't see any tents but found them later - there is a big open area with trees at the finishing line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I lay in the back of the car with the back windows open and there was a nice little breeze coming through and while I didn't sleep, I just relaxed and felt comfortable knowing I was now settled. A short while later I heard another car and the vehicle after that was a mini-van with Richard Takata. I've run into him over the last few races. A really nice man. He loves his ultra running and has an arsenal of creams/balms/gels/tape at the ready. Here is a photo of him and I after the race.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufbvKCgnDAA/Ud1yRF6pEJI/AAAAAAAAASc/k6I2M4tPR5Q/s1600/DSC06427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufbvKCgnDAA/Ud1yRF6pEJI/AAAAAAAAASc/k6I2M4tPR5Q/s640/DSC06427.JPG" height="480" nya="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard Takata and I after the race</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I eventually got up to pick up my race number and bib. No timing chip. They call out the numbers as you go through the laps. Our race, being the longest of course started before the others, at 8am. With the race bib we also got a lovely bright T-shirt which was technical material. It was lime-green. I love funky bright colors so this one will stay in the collection longer than some. I had a clean out of T-shirts a few weeks ago and said goodbye to of them.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMwHpTHDucM/Ud1ywKM9VtI/AAAAAAAAASk/-trCGpgKLKU/s1600/DSC06419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMwHpTHDucM/Ud1ywKM9VtI/AAAAAAAAASk/-trCGpgKLKU/s640/DSC06419.JPG" height="480" nya="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race Pick up - 25km or 0 km? ha ha. I'll register for that one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm2ndmX7JOU/Ud1y3zsoLKI/AAAAAAAAASs/EkdXG163NPE/s1600/DSC06420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm2ndmX7JOU/Ud1y3zsoLKI/AAAAAAAAASs/EkdXG163NPE/s640/DSC06420.JPG" height="480" nya="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start/Finish line / clock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv5qdYCdVr8/Ud1zMFKg4tI/AAAAAAAAATE/hOoKdt5xBNQ/s1600/DSC06417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hv5qdYCdVr8/Ud1zMFKg4tI/AAAAAAAAATE/hOoKdt5xBNQ/s640/DSC06417.JPG" height="480" nya="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race start on this driveway - everybody getting ready</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPxFzzgnels/Ud1zR2ZJeEI/AAAAAAAAATM/KbujT5rg-ko/s1600/DSC06418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPxFzzgnels/Ud1zR2ZJeEI/AAAAAAAAATM/KbujT5rg-ko/s640/DSC06418.JPG" height="480" nya="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the trees at the end of this driveway on the right side - all the country roads much like this one</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_I-_mjWL_o/Ud1zbWDT3sI/AAAAAAAAATU/j9PPVCR-c9A/s1600/DSC06423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_I-_mjWL_o/Ud1zbWDT3sI/AAAAAAAAATU/j9PPVCR-c9A/s640/DSC06423.JPG" height="480" nya="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sleeping quarters for a few hours - looking ready for the challenge</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I visited the port-a-pottie again and headed back to the car, chatted to Richard and then began to see familiar faces and said hellos or waved. People were milling around, getting organised, saying hello to friends. I saw Elise McGuire and gave her a hug of congratulations on her excellent showing at the Canadian Death Race in Alberta. It was a staged 5 day event and was extremely tough. I followed her progress each day and here she was 2 weeks later. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAmneP9yLT4/Ud1y99KTMYI/AAAAAAAAAS0/tM_-iBPpeJs/s1600/DSC06422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAmneP9yLT4/Ud1y99KTMYI/AAAAAAAAAS0/tM_-iBPpeJs/s640/DSC06422.JPG" height="480" nya="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elise McGuire 2 weeks after her Dessert Rats 5 Day Stage Race - beat me by one position. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I saw Ron Gerhl handing out straws to 'his' girls. It's funny. I'll have to find out more about what it all means. I ran into Kim and her husband again and her bright smile is infectious. I got to have a few words with Pierre, the race director. I've seen his face often at the races but didn't know who he was until recently. He often runs with Helen Malmburg who is race director of Haliburton Forest. She's not been at the last two events but looks like she has entered the Limberlost race next weekend. It is really close to her (I think she has a cottage up in Haliburton) although she lives in Toronto.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">With all the chatting I realized I only had 15 minutes before the start so headed back to the car and sorted out my kit, bib, took a few photos with my lucky hair charm. Well, not lucky, but sentimental to me although I wish she was in my life and I didn't need a lock of hair to remember her by. But I digress. You want race information!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGy8OocP9wU/Ud1zjAMkLZI/AAAAAAAAATc/l_B7CvogjxM/s1600/DSC06415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vGy8OocP9wU/Ud1zjAMkLZI/AAAAAAAAATc/l_B7CvogjxM/s640/DSC06415.JPG" height="480" nya="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming along for the ride - and what a LONG ride it was</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>THE START</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Loop 1 of 2 (25km each)</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">There was very little fan-fare. Pierre made a few quick announcements and the 50km runners lined up. I was with the first 30 I guess with many more behind. People were looking about for familiar faces to wish each other luck, or keen to get this thing under way. It was warm but not horrible yet but I thought when the sun got up and the morning got burned away things were going to get positively toasty. We started with a bang - literally - with a shot-gun blast. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The start was just down the driveway and then little flag markers had us turning a sharp right into the trees. At the time there were no cars parked on that side of the road and I was not tired and was simply following others which hopefully explains why I lost 5 minutes on the second loop after coming through the start. All the racers doing the shorter distances had arrived and turned things into a car park and I missed the turn-off into the trees and found myself on the road. I had to throw up at that point and a few cyclists asked if I was OK and asked if I was in the race. I said yes and he told me I was going the wrong way. Damn. . . he had done the race a number of years ago and was really thoughtful, offering me water from his supply but I told him I was OK just a bit tired. He walked back up the road with me and pointed out where I needed to go. I was a bit pissed that two ladies sitting in the shade right next to the turn-off hadn't yelled out for me to turn but am grateful to the guy that helped me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The first 1km or so follows the little river and was fairly twisty but a nice way to start things. Definitely going too fast considering what was coming but trying to enjoy it while that feel-good factor is with you. We then popped out on a main road and took a right, following it for about 1/4km before taking a sharp right onto a gravel country road and there before us was a first hill - probably not even one of the nasty hills which is mentioned in the Creemore ultra website but damn, it looked steep. Like so many of the country roads up in that part of the world they are cheeky, with a little rise, then a BIG rise, then another little rise and sometimes another big rise just to demoralize you a little more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I didn't mind too much. Yes, they are pigs but most people walk them unless you are extremely well-trained for hills which I was not. All the speed-demons were up there and I was following along in the next grouping. We were spread out and you could look up and see the people walking and so I got to a point and began to walk also. At the top I remember another sharp right and after this my report is going to be slightly fuzzy. I can remember main things on the trail but not all the twists and turns so bare with me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I remember heading back into the woods and there was a lovely little section through pine trees with the needles on the woodland floor. We then came out in an open field and followed that. You could feel the heat already rising from the tall grasses. Boy it was getting hot. . . This woodland and grass section you did on the way back but there must have been a part that you didn't do because on the way back you had 2 VERY steep gullies with water at the bottom and one of them you needed to pull yourself up 2 ropes. This was hard when you were knackered and bloody hard when you're carrying a hand-held and wearing dark glasses and everything is muddy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">After coming out of the open fields you take a sharp left and that takes you on the country roads again and this road was bloody never ending! It was steep steep steep. There was an aid station right at the top of it thankfully and the aid station had the usual fares but these also had a big rectangular bucket with water, ice and sponges as well. You have no idea (maybe you do!) how welcome those stops were. It was enough to perk me up for another 1km at least. The volunteers are wonderful at every race but I did feel they made a great effort to help us at Creemore. They were running out to meet you before you got to them asking what you needed and sometimes they don't do that at other races and simply stay in their marquees and hand you things. When you are tired and they will take your handheld and fill it while you are still getting to the aid station, that is extra service and it was greatly appreciated.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Then I can't remember the course in detail but there were more times in the trails which were single track. I do remember one horrible section which came at around 15-18km and was in the woods. You had to climb and it was all rocks and sometimes mud and clay and again, it just went up and up. The second loop I had to stop 4 times just to get my breath back.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now don't get me wrong. There were some downhills and they were a welcome relief although they could pound the hell out of your legs - gravity can be a bitch! There was a short(ish) woman that every time there was a downhill came flying by me on her little legs and I marveled I really should lengthen my stride on the downhills and I am normally a sprinter downhills but in ultras I am very conservative, not wanting to create hotspots or blisters but they are a good way to make up lost time if you have the energy. On the first loop I did have some energy but near the end of the second loop I was having to walk downhills also sometimes. I'd use the evenly spaced electrical poles my incentive, walking one, running one or two and back to walking again. It worked quite well to motivate me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I was at about the 17km mark which had taken us to the top of the escarpment and you take a right turn onto yet another gravel road, this one completely exposed to the sun. At that point Kimberly van Delst was with me. This worked out well for both of us I think. She had headphones and I kept ahead of her and would indicate when a vehicle was approaching and she helped me from going too quickly. I like people who have a good sense of pace and she is chipper and enthusiastic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We passed by a silo and got a good whiff of manure - ahhhhhh. After being fairly flat for about 1km we go down a relatively steep hill and a 20km sign greets us - yeah, only 5 more to go. At this point we take a sharp right into a big field of something and then came out to a road with the last aid station and you have an awesome view down and across all the escarpment. The last hill is the one we initially climbed and damn it's steep either way. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Kimberly and I cruised down that last steep hill and then you are back in the grass fields. Kimberly went ahead to start but then wanted me to take the lead so I did but I was really beginning to flag. We got to a grassy downhill after than and she left me for dust. Shortly after that you get those two bastard steep gullies and then you are flat and pass by a rubbish dumb with some appliances and some bikes and then a little more downhill and you are out at the finish area. First you have to cross a wooden bridge which at the top bounces up and down with your steps making you feel like rubber. I believe you can run across the stream but I choose the dry option. On the other side of the bridge you pass by where the people were camping and then you are at the finish/start. Ahhh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Time 2:43</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Well, how was I feeling? Pretty shattered truth be told. I Had set out my chair and empty powder bottles with fresh water by my car so I ran to it and spent about 2 minutes refilling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Lap 2</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">After filling my bottles I shuffled down the road and that's where I made my wrong turn, threw up, and found my way back onto the trail with some help. I was now walking allot along the river and by the time I got to the road I was pretty sure allot of the route was going to be walking. Just as I got to the road Ron came past me and he looked allot more chipper than me. He was helpful in suggesting I get those salt tablets in me which I had been doing pretty faithfully but at that point I didn't think much would stay down so I nibbled some ginger. I wished him well and watched him carry on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Most of the second lap for me was a slug-fest, with some running when I could but with allot of walking sections up all the hills with some spurts down the hills. By now people were well and truly spread out. On a number of the road sections people were running/walking downhill and they were the 25km runners I believe. I'm sure based on the course and the heat many of them were looking at our sorry asses thinking, thank jeez I don't have to go out and do another lap! Poor bastards. But despite feeling sorry for myself I was always positive and upbeat to anybody coming past me in either direction and most people gave it back. It does perk you up to cheer someone else on and have their encouragement.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I was playing over in my head the tough sections to come and was groaning internally. The really steep rocky section in the trees I was definitely dreading and the steep road sections at least I knew I could walk - but some I could just feel the sun beating down on me and wondering if my thick application of sun screen would do the job. I'm as white as they come. At one point I ended up running with a man who was the race course director at Sulphur Springs for 4 years before Joe Hewitt took the job over. He was a nice guy and I think I passed him after a bit. People come and go. Some you play tag with once everybody is wrecked, others you never see again. Kim was long gone as was Ron and I was hoping their race was going well.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The only person still to see was Elise. Normally she would have passed me by earlier but she had done that stage race 2 weeks prior and after speaking with her told me this was going to be a training run (turns out she placed 2nd female in her age group :) So we're going up a steep hill and I have just passed another young man - barely. I had to stop and put my hands on my knees a few times going up. Then I hear a yell - 'GO ALEX'. :) I look back and there is Elise in her bright neon green running outfit. She's still quite a way down the hill but I yell back Hey Elise! I know it's just a matter of time before she catches me up and eventually she catches me at the point where you are on the pretty flat road that goes by the manure smell. She tells me not to give up and I tell her she's looking good and she runs about 100 yards more, walks and then I loose her over one of the rises.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know it's on the home stretch now and this is where I'm running between hyro poles, using them as markers of when to stop and start running. I am still not at the mental toughness where I can push my body with my mind when things get tough but I'm working on it. Even a shuffle is faster than a walk and I do loose places because I just can't force myself along at a shuffle. At this point I think the finishing positions were pretty much decided. I knew I'd only pass one or 2 more or get passed by one or two more. I got down the moderate hill to the turn-off into the fields and saw the 5km sign. It was through there to the aid station at 3km. We were at the top of a HUGE hill which we'd come up earlier and after a lovely cooling sponge bath and a top up of water with ice and even some ice in my hat (ahhhh - brain freeze) it was time to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Running down was painful but the view was magnificent I could see Elise for a short while and then lost sight of her. I saw another man who was walking and slowly reeled him in. I remembered him and his friend passing me by earlier looking really strong. He looked like I felt. His name was Sebou and we spoke after his finish and I met his friend. He had lovely skin and was from </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Niger</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang="EN-US">. He was a marathon runner and this was his first ultra - he picked a hell of an intro to ultras. By this point he was just someone to try to pass if I could although to be honest I didn't really give a rats ass by that point and just wanted to see the finish line. I wanted to immerse myself in that stream.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">We get to the grass fiends and my new 'target' is still ahead of me but now I get up to him and stay behind him for a little. He is struggling and it turns out he was have leg cramping issues – I remember those from two weeks ago in </span><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Niagara</span></st1:place><span lang="EN-US">. Not pleasant. I didn't have allot of heart left but when we got to the top of the section I managed to pass by and offer some encouragement. We then headed down into the woods on our way to those steep gullies. This time I tucked my glasses inside my shirt so I could see what was coming. Down the first gully allot of people had made the mud slick and I tried to skirt to the left and managed to catch my shorts on a thick branch which wedged my shorts up, jamming my testicles sharply. Oh thank you for that moment Gods of running. This time I held my handheld in my mouth and had slightly more success using the rope on the other side. At the top I had to stop for breath but now I didn't want to be passed and was waiting for sounds of pursuit. None reached me and off I went, determined now I knew how close the finish line I was.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Along came the rubbish tip again and then the open field. I knew the finish line was almost upon me. I got to the wood bridge which this time around wobbled me around even more. A few spectators clapped and then I was up through the tree cover and past the finish line and was rewarded with my hand-made ceramic medal. Job done!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Actual Finish 6:20</span></b><span lang="EN-US">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Predicted Finish – </span></b><st1:time hour="17" minute="45"><b><span lang="EN-US">5:45</span></b></st1:time><b><span lang="EN-US"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">How do I feel about it? I feel really proud I finished this course. The results were not published in time for me to see where I placed but I don’t care. Anybody finishing this course on that day deserves a medal. I expect there will be quite a high DNF rate. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Pierre</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US"> extended the finishing time to </span><st1:time hour="8" minute="30"><span lang="EN-US">8:30</span></st1:time><span lang="EN-US">. I stood for about 4 minutes with my hands on my knees just getting my breath back. I spotted some comfy looking chairs in the shade and sat down, chatting with a guy I’d played tag with in the final stages. A first aid medic asked me if I’d like a cold bottle of water and I jumped at that. Thank you! He wanted to take my pulse and it was 113 so my heart was starting to recover. I must have looked a bit rough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I wanted to get to the pizza and walked down a short path and there was a nice open marquee with a few picnic tables put together and a lovely spread of </span><st1:stockticker><span lang="EN-US">HOT</span></st1:stockticker><span lang="EN-US"> pizza in several flavors along with grapes, pineapple slices, cherries and other things but I grabbed pizza and sat on the bench and between that and the cold water in my hand – I was overjoyed. I never found the beer and to be honest I didn’t care. I had what I wanted. All the people I’d met over the series to date were there and we hugged, shook hands, shared stories, congratulated each other and asked about finish times. It was hard to see others finishing their races on this particular course. I finally met Jack Kilisian who I recognized from many of the other races. He is shortish with a cheeky grin and generally runs without a shirt. He is going to place well in the overall standings and I am keeping my eye on him. Ha ha. Let’s just say if he does more races he’ll beat me overall. He’s a fast runner. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Pierre</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US"> then announced it was time for the awards presentation and we sat there and cheered while the winners picked up their honey, syrup, home made ceramic bowls and coffee I think. I’ll have to try to win some time to find out! Ha ha. I knew a number of the winners and that felt good. The overall male winner broke the course record and it was his first ultra! Holy crap. . . we’ll be seeing him again.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since I've now done 6 of the OUS series races (5 this year to date) I’d like to give you MY placings from hardest to easiest race courses. </span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><b><span lang="EN-US">Creemore</span></b><span lang="EN-US">50% trail, 50% country road – 2x up and down escarpment – very hilly and usually hot</span></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span dir="ltr"><b><span lang="EN-US">Limberlost</span></b><span lang="EN-US">Almost all tree covered, beautiful course – most pretty for me to date – spongy underfoot, boardwalks, many ups and downs but nothing crazy, hard to get into a rhythm, many roots, lovely lake scenery, woods. May be longer than 56km.</span></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span dir="ltr"><b><span lang="EN-US">Pick Your Poison</span></b><span lang="EN-US">I found it tough. There are a number of flat sections but also this course is all within the ski hills so you know it is hilly. Some technical sections with trees/logs to clamber over. A few places of tight single track with switchbacks.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">4)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="ltr"><b><span lang="EN-US">Sulphur Springs</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><br />The course is undulating but only 2 quite tough hills which are nowhere the scale of Creemore. Well groomed and wide with no scrambling over logs or real worries about foot placement. Great course to attempt 100 miles.</span></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">5)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><st1:place><b><span lang="EN-US">Niagara</span></b></st1:place><span lang="EN-US"><br />My home. There are some hills going in and out of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Niagara Falls</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US"> which hurt more on the way back but besides that there is only one nasty hill going up the escarpment. It is all paved and is flat in many places - a good place for a fast time - can be hot.</span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">6)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><st1:city><st1:place><b><span lang="EN-US">Kingston</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US"><br />6 hours around a 1km paved path around a Fort, along the water and back through the Fort. It may sound like a total drag to run round and round such a short loop but you get far more close to your competitors and I enjoyed the experience. It is completely flat except for a tiny rise as you get inside the Fort. You get a personalized lap counter and the aid station is never far away. No need for handhelds.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once I've finished the season I’ll expand on my rankings and give marks based on toughness, beauty, organization and anything else I can think of.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, after the presentations they had spot prizes of shirts and there must have been about 80 handed out and I got one of the last ones. Thank you. I was desperate to experience that stream and asked the way, hobbled down to the bank and there were about 5 others already there soaking. I believe earlier there had been about 30 in the water. I couldn’t be bothered to go back to the car to get my camera so you’ll just have to take my word how lovely it was sitting in the stream after the intense sun and heat and exertion. It was fast enough flowing and cold enough to be delicious. It had a rocky bottom so I left my stuff at the side and waded in, sitting on a rock and initially washing the muck from my shoes, then began to immerse myself slowly until the current was washing over my entire body. Ahhhhh, wash away that deep sweat.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very happy to have earned this medal</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Elise and Richard Takata came to join me and for about 20 minutes we just relaxed and then I started to feel a little chilled and decided it was time to head home. I got out and went to the car, first stopping by to see Chris McPeake and his wife Kim. I got to the car and changed and Richard was there, kindly took a photo of my finishing medal and then we said we’d catch up soon. My feet, when I took off my shoes were in fairly good shape I thought to start. No black toes and the duct tape had done the job well, protecting my foot pads, but unfortunately I got very bad blistering on each of my heels and 2 days later they are still very painful. I tried popping but blood was squirting out so I’ve decided to let some of the fluids absorb before attempting to prick them again. Ah, the life of ultra running. . .</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">After Creemore I was absolutely sure I would not do Limberlost because I’m shattered and because it’s a long drive. But then there was a guy from </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-US">Ottawa</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US"> soaking his feet and his drive was closer to 6 hours so why am I whining. Sitting at work now on Monday I am really stiff, hobbling around and the blisters are causing me concern. Fortunately the limit has not been reached at Limberlost and I’m going to see how the next few days go. I really do want to crack this course after failing really badly at it last year (dropped after 3 laps in 6 hours!). We’ll see. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you as always for reading my very wordy race report. Stay well and if you have the time and inclination you should definitely do Limberlost. It’s tough but beautiful.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, I just looked at the results posted 3 days later and I placed 41st of 98 - 13 of those DNF'd. I seem to be slipping fast. Oh well. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'd like to do Limberlost but it is now almost Wednesday and my legs are still sore and my blisters kinda smart. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JpTa8Z9sxRI/UdzXKntj8SI/AAAAAAAAASM/o5-HX3Znl8g/s1600/DSC06440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JpTa8Z9sxRI/UdzXKntj8SI/AAAAAAAAASM/o5-HX3Znl8g/s640/DSC06440.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm, I love ultra running. Anybody hungry? Not anymore! Wait until after the 48 hour Dirty Girls!</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">See you soon.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alex</span></span></div>
The Running Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10770401290247073598noreply@blogger.com0