2013 - PICK YOUR POISON 50KM - RACE REPORT

10 DAYS OUT

Hello everybody. Thank you for dropping by. It's now Wednesday 17th April with only 10 days before my first 50km race of 2013 and possibly many of yours if you do any of the OUS events.

Presently it is sunny and fairly mild; a nice change from all the up and down weather we've had this Spring. I had a look a few days ago on the PYP website and the race director walked the course and posted photos. It looked very bleak and still very snow covered and I'm hoping we get a few really warm days to melt everything and harden it up. I'm not whining and whatever comes on the day we'll all deal with but I'm hoping for as pleasant a day as possible.

Start/Finish Area 10 Days Before Race

Training To Date - Injuries

So, how are things looking? Time to pull out my tarnished crystal ball. Let's examine the facts. I was doing swimmingly well in November through February with training and then it all seemed to go up the creek. I had over a week off training in March as we had an intense refit in our retail store which entailed 12 hour physically demanding days and left me with no energy. Then I got a large blister on the pad of the foot on my first outside run which resulted in another 5 days off and then, and most worryingly, some completely out of the blue injury which I'll be damned if I can figure out what it is but that has plagued me for almost a month now.

Sometimes it hurts so much I can't even start running, other times it comes on after 5-6 miles and other times it is always there, in the background, waiting to pounce, but just reminding me and making me worry, but not enough to make me quit. Sometimes when I walk I don't feel anything and sometimes when I turn a certain way or try to lift my leg a certain way there is sudden pain. And the frustrating thing is I can't press any part and feel pain or when I can move a certain way and feel the pain even then I couldn't say what exactly is the problem. It seems to be right groin/hip/ass problem. I've googled it and the worrying thing is my self-diagnosis seems to possibly point towards a possible hip fracture :( I'm hoping I'm completely off-base but I've not had a similar injury in my running so it's a new one on me. Maybe with a hip fracture there is no way I'd even be able to run at all which is not the case. I did manage a 15.5 mile run followed two days later with a 17.5 mile run and a 1 hour run of 8.1 miles. I must say while the fitness is definitely not there, I can at least run but I am not enjoying my runs.

My plan is to get a 10 mile run in tonight followed by a 20+ miler tomorrow (post script: the long run didn't happen - just wasn't feeling the love) and then just taper it down for next week with perhaps a 10 miler and a few 6.2 milers. I am not happy with the quality or quantity of my runs leading up to this but I hope I get through this race unscathed but I'm certainly nervous.

I have an order of Raspberry Hammer Gels coming along with S-Caps which I've never tried before. Last season I had constant issues with throwing up and I'm hoping the S-Caps may be the answer and that it was a salt problem. I'll let you know. I also ordered a new pair of insoles. Damn these insoles are expensive! I was shocked to see some insoles costing almost as much as a new pair of minimalist shoes. My blister was caused rubbing through one so I need to get this addressed. Of course my watch battery croaked but fortunately I have time to get it replaced before next week.

OK, so get to the chase! What are my expectations/goals for the race. Well, I think I'll simply say that my primary goal is to finish. I am going to take 2 Advil's before the race starts and I think I'll say that I hope to be finished in 5 hours 25 minutes or less. I'm not going to hope for anything better than that as my injury, lack of off-road training and new course makes me less than optimistic. The only good news is that I tend to run better when it's cooler and I doubt it will get into the high 20's. 

I look forward to meeting some of the runners I met last year and making new acquaintances. It looks like a fairly challenging course in the ski hills of Horseshoe Valley and it will be a good training run for the 50 mile Sulphur Springs course a month later. My intention is to drive up at 4am on the Saturday morning. Yuck. Well, wish me luck. I think I may need it. And best of luck to all of you who are participating. I hope all your winter training went well and I look forward to seeing you all out there.


THE DAY BEFORE THE RACE

I'm now writing this the morning after the race. I had Friday off and spent the day leisurely gathering my race kit. I had decided I'd go to bed at 10 pm and leave the house at 2:30-3:00 am for a quiet drive up and then just crash in the car when I arrived until registration opened. With that in mind I put the rear seats down and laid out some duvets and a sleeping bag and pillow. It's not the Hilton but it actually isn't too bad. 

Packing for a race is like packing for a vacation. It takes quite a bit of time. You wouldn't think that and maybe if I had everything in one place it would be fine but because of the season I was unsure what clothes I'd need until I was there, plus there is the preparation, laying things out on the bed and deciding what needs to be in which bag, what food do I need in the cooler, how many shoes do I need, what medical supplies, etc.

I headed out to Shoppers Drug Mart for some Voltaren cream (no smell to it unlike A5/35 cream) for my hip and then to the local supermarket for a pre-made sandwich, salt/vinegar chips, bottled water and a treat of O Henry chocolate bars. Then it was home to make up a salad and pre-heat the thermos flask which I was going to put in some soup broth. After tasting it cold I decided it was a horrible idea and instead opted for hot chocolate. I also prepared my belt pack with Raspberry Hammer gels, S-Caps, Advil's and I found some ginger candies which some people say is helpful when the stomach starts rebelling and decided to have some with me. 

The hard calloused blister on the pad of my foot I decided to duct tape and ran a length from the big toe half way down the foot and formed it so there were as few wrinkles as possible and put on socks so I could walk around the house and leave it on to the race. I think that is a better option than applying on the morning of the race because it settles in better. All I can tell you is it worked. A quick shower and shave and everything was either in the car or waiting for me by the door for my 2:30 am departure.

PYP Logo

RACE MORNING

I had a fairly restless sleep from 10 pm until 2:00 am and decided to get going. I made some toast and by 2:35 was on my way. It was dry and about 5 degrees. The weather forecast for Horseshoe Valley was 15 degrees and a combination of sun and rain. The roads were quiet and I was quickly on Highway 400. Just as I got into Barrie the rain started and continued until I arrived at The Heights at just before 5 am. There was one other vehicle camped out in the lower parking lot and I parked some distance away so as not to disturb them. I settled down in the back with the rear window down a crack to get some ventilation and slept restlessly with the rain coming down in various strengths until it got light out.

At 7 am I got out and drove up to the upper parking lot where the lodge is and the rain had mostly stopped by then leaving a very water-logged parking lot. I headed into the lodge and they were just getting out all the kit. The one runner there before me was entering the 12.5km race and it was his first ever cross-country run. I wished him well. I got my number, 55 (50km runners got numbers under 100, 25km runners and 12.5km runners got higher numbers). With the kit came a raspberry Hammer gel, a bottle of PYP branded Honey, a yellow PYP T-shirt and your running number with pins (no tracking number - they manually walkie talkie the times from the finish gate into the ski chalet where the volunteers do their stuff on the computers) - they have a full view of runners coming down the final ski hill - which - by the way - is a total bastard to run down when your quads are shot and there is snow and slush and ice. How I didn't end up in a face or ass plant I have no idea!

Muddy Parking Lot At Chalet

Find the Runner on the ski hill - gives you an idea of scale. It isn't Western States but it was challenging for me!

I found the toilets and took care of business and headed back to the car to rest as people arrived in dribs and drabs and the race director and crew set up the finish area and got things set up inside. With about an hour to go I headed back in for another pit stop and said hello to some familiar faces - Ron Gehl with his trademark hat (no Laurie today), Swiss Miss (aka Iris Cooper), and Helen Malmburg, race director at Halliburton Forest 100 miler and keen ultra runner in her own right. I am contemplating that race but we'll see how the season goes. Elise McGuire unfortunately came down with an ear infection so I'll see her at the Sulphur Springs 50 miler. 

Runners talking in the chalet after getting their race kits

Line up of runners getting their race kit

This side looks up the ski hill and is the start/finish. People leave their drop bags along here - aid station was at little hut

I headed back to the car and began to organize myself. It was quite chilly and I decided on gloves for a lap. I had shorts on and a black Under Armour top and on top of that a lightweight fluorescent yellow long-sleeve top and then a long sleeve jacket. I applied my Body Glide to friction points and my cream to the hip/ass area and filled my handheld with water and one of my belt bottles (the other I have just powder and fill at aid stations when I need to save on weight). I packed up my drop back with things I might need coming through the start/finish area and dropped it off and then it was inside the chalet to stay warm.

Home Sweet Home

My good luck charm. Miss you. . .

People were milling about, coming inside, going out, saying hello to old friends. This is the first OUS race of 2013 so many people would be seeing each other for the first time in 2013 and the ambiance was friendly and there was a buzz of voices and activity. About 12 minutes before the start the race director, Adam, got on his sound system and told everybody to start forming up outside. We got out there and it was cool but not raining and everybody was chatting and getting ready. I think I lined up about 3/4 of the way back  but it was hard to tell really as it was just a big thicket of people rather than a line. I saw Chis McPeake and Kim, his wife, and he was telling me stories about a killer of a race he'd done in the USA a week or two before which, from my Google searches, made our ski hill look like an ant hill. The race director had taken his mike outside but whether it was not working properly or because people were talking, I didn't hear a thing he was saying other than there were 2 minutes left, 20 seconds, GOOOOOOOOOOOO!

And that's how it started. . .

THE RACE

LAP 1 (OF 4) - EACH LAP 12.5KM - TIME 1:12

It took a moment or two for the sea of runners to get going. You have to remember that everybody set off at once (12.5km, 25km and 50km runners). I don't know how many there were all together but I didn't want to get caught up at the front with runners doing one lap and try staying with them accidentally. It felt good and because of chatting and the start coming so quickly I didn't really have too many nerves. You pass to the side of the ski chalet between it and the ski hill and then it is a short down into the parking lot and then a few hundred feet and a sharp left onto wooded track which is very wide. It was boggy in parts but for the most part comfortable with some leaf cover and very straight. Down here for about 1/2 km and then a sharp right into weaving single track through the forest. There was a conga line here but it was fine and I tucked in. After a few hundred feet you come to a stream crossing and here people were clustering, trying to either cross it on two small logs or 3 boulders. I decided to hell with this and ran across and got one foot soaked but passed 8 Muppets waiting their turn politely. The forest trail continued and remained pretty flat. You come out of the single track onto wide forest trails again which were leaf covered and wet but not horribly muddy.

It's after this part that it gets a bit blurry but I'd say the first 4 km of 12.5 km is relatively flat. There was a left turn and you were obviously on part of one of the ski hills and it was down steadily but across a field of snow which was our first experience of this on the course and it made footing difficult and challenging and slippery but near the base it was a little muddy and then volunteers directed you right, almost V shaped, and you begin a steady accent up another ski hill. Half way up there was a ski lift and again, another small snow field and getting steadily steeper until you were walking - at least I was. At the very top there was an aid station and I found eating a few orange slices really perked me up. I filled any water bottles I needed and then you carried on to the right along the top of that hill and then joined a larger ski hill which you had to walk across a big snow line which was hard packed and narrow. Then I recall a steep hill of about 30 feet and across another ski hill and then another section of snow and up you went with two very friendly onlookers and volunteers who pointed you to the left and into technical single track.

The course was extremely well marked with bright orange tape. On my 3rd lap I did come across a guy who said he'd gone 1 km in the wrong direction but I honestly don't know how he did it. We chatted for a bit but then he left me behind. Getting back to lap one, however. . .This section was by far the most technical. It was very narrow and had allot of undulating ups and downs (hmmm, is that redundant?) and switchbacks and precarious logs at 45 degrees which were slippery as hell on the first and second laps. After this you had a long long bastard of a hill. At the top I think you then had a long relatively flat stretch and you could hear a road. Just before you got to the road there was another aid station and then you did a compete U turn and were 25 feet from where you just ran down. After getting through this again it gets blurry but I think there was some open trail which was relatively flat, then a short hill which took you up to a sort of wide trail which took you gently up. 

There was a section which was out in the open and was rock strewn and a short steep rocky section between that took you to a sharp left and back down into the last section of single track through the woods. The thing about the single track is it wasn't always on one side. Sometimes the hill down was on your left, sometimes on your right. It was very varied. Anyway, this last single track section was fairly short and then you did a sharp right and you had a last long hike up to the very top of the ski hill which had the gondola tower which was the top of the ski hill you see from the chalet. 

You come along the side of the hill and then you can see the ski chalet and it looks so small. You come down the hill for awhile and then it got steeper and steeper and part way down there was a big field of snow and holy crap this was torture. Your legs are spent, you are flailing all over the place trying to maintain your footing, trying not to loose control and sometimes you slide 2 feet in snow on a foot landing and sometimes stick fast. It was really goofy. And then at the bottom of the snow field it turned to mud. Then you were on hard packed dirt with a small loop which took you down one last really steep hill into the finish gate. You did a sharp left around flags and then you were at the chalet again. I looked at my watch and it said 1:12. Based on the way I felt and that I had 3 laps to go I was worried I'd gone too fast yet again. Pacing is VERY difficult on a new course and first race of the season and being with other runners doing various distances but at least I had one lap under my belt.


LAP 2 - TIME: 1:28

I visited my drop bag to loose my thick jacket and gloves and quickly stopped at the aid station just past the finish line to fill up my water. Then it was off again. By now I had fewer runners around me and as I started up the flat straight section I began very quickly to feel pain in my groin/hip. It twinged a bit on some of the single track sections in lap one but now it was hurting big time. I was wincing with every step and tried slowing down but it was not having it and I was 90% sure I was going to DNF and really pissed about it. I stopped and tried stretching it in different directions, massaging it, doing what I could but nothing seemed to help and the only pace that didn't make me wince was walking. I was cursing and deciding whether to just walk back to the start and announce that I was done. I popped 2 Advil's and an S-Cap and a Hammer Gel and hoped the pain would dissipate if I could just keep at it.

I decided to walk the damn lap if I had to. I tried to pick it up and was limping with every stride. I tried not to grimace at the volunteers as I hobbled by into the first single track but I was in allot of discomfort. I was able to increase the pace somewhat but it was a punctuated by a continued set of profanities "ouch ouch, fuck fuck, ouch ouch" with every step. I hoped the numbness would come and I must have looked quite a sight going up the hills. It was comic actually with me hobbling/dragging my right leg up after me and the steep single track sections with log cover were the worst. 

Somehow I got to the end of the second lap and went to my drop bag to get some more Voltaren gel but stupidly had left it in the car. I was really annoyed at myself and just found myself staring and rummaging around the drop bag with no real idea of what I was doing. I was having a bit of a mental funk. The pain had lessened somewhat and I decided to just pick up a new belt bottle with my mix and head off so that's what I did. . . plus, when people clap you on and yell encouragement you really don't want to stop.

LAP 3 - TIME 1:21

I wasn't flying anymore but because of having completed 2 laps I now knew what to expect somewhat which is good. Knowing a course gives your head a chance to process what is coming up and get you through the tough times. Plus you can pace yourself better and this is probably the key factor. That could be why I did well in my Niagara ultra last year. I train there all the time and even though it is not cross country, I know every undulation, every turn, every km marking and it gives me an advantage. Anyway, back to lap 3. . . I was running alone now but did spot a woman runner a few hundred feet ahead and did work my way up to her after getting through the wooded single track section. I am terrible with names but I did slow a little to chat and it was helpful to me also. She was suffering somewhat and she did have a big race coming up in the Alps I believe, later in the summer. Ah, looking at the results her name is Cathy Gallagher. 

I could tell my pace was a little too aggressive for her and tried to encourage her to get to the hills and then we'd walk but I did end up outpacing her and then I had to concentrate on getting up the hills myself. I think this is the point another runner caught up to us who had said he got lost. I thought he looked familiar but I could be wrong. Anyway, I latched onto him and while he was stronger on the downhills because I was really favoring my groin/hip and trying not to worsen it, I was stronger on the ups and kept catching him. I never took the lead or wanted to and was huffing and puffing but knew at some point he'd drop me and thought it was better to keep behind him. 

We got to the aid station at the top of the ski hill and made our way across the ice sheet and back into the extended single track and it's here that he pulled away from me for good. By this point the sun had come out and it was getting very warm out there in the open sections. I'd guess low 20's and I didn't like that feeling. I popped another S-cap and gel and continued. The reflection on the snow was really strong and I'd wished I'd worn my sun glasses. I continued along and really don't remember allot about this lap. I think of all of them the third lap is the toughest mentally. By this point you are really tired and know you have another lap to do. I tried just to look at the trail directly in front of my feet and not to look up and in the distance to see how far something was and just keep the momentum going as long as I could. My goal was to stay running while it was flat and plod up the hills and try to feel the grove in the single track sections. Coming down the final ski hill was very painful and the quads were really shot. I could feel my toes slamming into the tops of my shoes and at points in this lap I could feel hot spots developing in one shoe on the pad of the foot but overall I felt they were in pretty good shape.

I passed the finish line and made my way to my drop bag and collected another belt bottle with powder in.  I topped up my water at the aid station, had a few slices of orange which did help allot. Note to self. I like orange slices in an ultra. They had gummy bears and Heed and pretzels and banana slices and water but your body tends to choose something it thinks it can deal with. It's hard sometimes when you are exhausted to focus on your body and it takes practice to force yourself to get something that will help you, even when you don't want anything. That's why pacers are important. They can watch for signs and see that you are not hydrating, or eating, or peeing, or whatever.

LAP 4 - TIME: 1:32

FINAL FINISH TIME: 5 HOURS 34 MINUTES - 24th PLACE OF 72 FINISHERS

Somehow I'd come to the end of lap 3 and now I was here I knew I'd finish. 37.5 km done and my longest run of the year. As I'd mentioned in earlier blogs, my training much of the winter had gone really well until March and then this hip thing came up and I didn't get my long runs done at Sulphur Springs because it was a sheet of ice with the long winter we had. I was still favouring my hip but didn't have any more Advil's and don't like to keep popping pain killers. And stupidly I'd left the Voltaren gel in the car but I figured I could carry on and my limp was far less than it had been. I got out of there as quickly as I could, gobbled a few more orange slices and thanked the volunteers. 

I came across one guy on the long single section. We ran together for awhile and he told me this race an injury had flared up on him and we commiserated together, discussed our various upcoming race plans and then as we were running along he said he needed a pit stop so I carried on and I didn't seem him again until the finish line. It turns out I was talking with Bill Lovett and he normally places very well - he did an 8 hour 24 minutes at the 50 miler in Sulphur Springs. About 2 km after I left him I felt the need and stopped for a quick pee also which is a good sign after 4.5 hours of running. I was paranoid someone would come flying out of the woods and catch up to me. It's kind of stupid but you are aware of the lost seconds and by the fourth lap when you are so spread out and see so few runners, you'd rather they were runners you caught rather than ones that caught you.

I tend to loose it in the last sections of a race and I think it's been partially mental and partially just running out of juice, and partially when the heat gets to me. I was happy this race was cooler and while the sun and heat had begun to bother me on lap 3, there were long periods when the sun was behind clouds on lap 4 and it cooled somewhat. I know I should not have tried anything new on the day but I think my new insoles were far more comfortable on my feet even though they added some weight and I think the S-Caps really injected much needed salt/potassium preventing my stomach from revolting. I did have one brain fart along the way when I reached for my belt bottle with mixed drink and accidentally pulled out one that only had powder in it only. Nothing like sucking back a big wad of powder.

I think I was conscious about keeping up with my gels and drinking water and Perpetuem at regular intervals. I didn't mentally quit at any point in this lap and begin the dreaded death march when you know you've got nothing left and just plod on to get to the finish. Although I was slowing, I just kept looking down, focusing on keeping moving. There were only two points I stopped and both were on the really dreadful steep hills. I was gasping and needed to just collect my energy and I did begin to feel queezy in the stomach here but was able to go on. I totally forgot I had ginger candies with me but hopefully will try those out on another occasion. 

I walked up the long steep hill to the aid station and saw one runner ahead and then looked back, expecting to see the other guy who had stopped for a pit stop, or a new runner, but there was nobody and I was determined not to loose any more placings. I caught up to the guy on the section across the snow field and I'm not sure if he was doing the 25 or 50 km. I told him to keep it up and entered the single track. After this section I passed a few other runners who I believe were struggling on their second lap and to each I congratulated them and made my way. I had a close call heading into the single track section when I got an intense foot cramp begin when I landed a certain way and it was touch and go whether it locked up and became agony or not. I stopped and tried to move it in ways to make it go away and was rewarded. I've never had a foot cramp in a race before but don't imagine it would be very pleasant.  The calves were constantly twitching madly when I bent over for a breather on the two hills but thus far they had behaved themselves. It is usually after I finish that I have to be careful and I've learned that if I sit or lay down I will always get calve cramps that leave me writhing on the ground and trying to get the damn things to unlock. The best thing for me is to stay standing, even if I have to bend over, and after a few minutes of gentle walking I'm able to sit and the cramps stay away.

So, I finally got to the boulder field and knew I was entering the last short section of single track which would reward me with a view of the backside of the final ski hill. I knew I was almost there and didn't have anybody breathing down my neck. Half way up I took a final rest to collect myself and then tortured my legs one final time on the steep decent. I didn't make any effort to sprint at the end and was just so damn relieved that it was over. I crossed the finish line and there were some spectators who clapped and congratulated me and then I believe Adam, the race director, came over and gave me a pair of funky running socks with the skull and cross-bone logo of PYP on them. Cool. No medal and that's OK. I shook hands with a number of the other runners that were at the finish line and we swapped some stories and cheered on the next few runners, one of whom was the guy who went for the pit stop, Bill. I was glad to see him and high-fived him. Of course you are always glad to finish in front of someone but somehow it seems you are all part of the same experience and that becomes even more important than your placing. He played a part in me getting to the finish line how I did. Had he not been there, right at that time, maybe I would have had a different 4th lap. Each person you come across shapes your race either directly or indirectly in the later stages I think. Lap time for fourth lap 1:32.

I hobbled over to my drop bag and then made my way to the car where I sat on the back and sipped hot water that had been sitting in the car. I assessed my feet which felt pretty good and only had some gashes and cuts on one leg from a section which had thorny vines which caught me up. I recovered for a few minutes at the car and then grabbed my camera and Bar-B-Que ticket and made my way inside the chalet. I got directed to the plates and food outside and my hunger had definitely not returned but I knew I needed to get something in my belly to get it going again and choose a giant sausage with bun and put on some lettuce and ketchup and a tiny bit of cold pasta. I sat in the chalet in view of the big hill and watched tiny specs appear periodically at the top which resolved into runners as they made their way down the slopes and come through the finish gate.

Proud finisher of 2013 Pick Your Poison 50km - now in possession of a fine pair of running socks

Happy to be done. Got the socks - now let's get the hell outta here.

I struggled to eat at first but kept at it and eventually began to feel human. I didn't know where the water was and had no energy to find out. Someone had left a half filled bottle of water at the table so I helped myself. Ahhhhhh. I looked around and saw the computers they had set up which were scrolling through the names of the racers in each of the races and as the director communicated with the timing crew, they updated it on the computer. Cool. So when I had eaten part of my sausage I hobbled over and had a peak and it showed me as finishing in 24th position. At that point I had no idea how many had entered or finished. I guessed that almost 100 had signed up and maybe 80 had not DNS or DNF so that would have put me in the top 1/3. I can live with that. In fact I am very happy with that. What a course! It had everything. We had wet conditions to start, some great single track, some really nasty hills, snow fields, a creek crossing, some wide open trail and some sun also.

POST RACE SUMMARY

Lap 1: 1:12
Lap 2: 1:28
Lap 3: 1:21
Lap 4: 1:32
Total Time: 5:34 
Placing: 24th of 72 (16 others DNF'd)

Making comparisons to other ultras I've done which include Niagara, Sulphur Springs, Limberlost and Run for the Toad; my personal feeling is that thus far, PYP is the hardest. I'm hoping to do a number of other races OUS races this year and maybe I'll change my mind but for now PYP ranks as the hardest with the best combination of terrain.

I went outside after my sausage and took a few photos and ran into Kim McPeake and just at that moment her husband, Chris, was making his way down the hill so I took a few photos and we cheered him on. I headed over and congratulated him and then decided to head home. I got back to the car and had grand plans of washing with soap and water and towels and changing to get more comfortable but then decided to jump in and get going. I opened a bag of salt & vinegar chips and chugged a little water and then began the 2 hour journey home which was substantially less going home due to taking the 407 toll road. Highway 400 south was crammed but never came to a standstill and when you are tired I hate stressful drives but I got home in one piece feeling good about the race.

I unpacked everything and had a shower which was a relief and then had a well-deserved pizza. I stayed up to the wee hours of 8 pm and went to bed, waking again at 9 am the next morning. During the night I know for the most part I was sleeping and restful, but I do recall times when my legs were screaming at me and turning over was very painful. Still, that is part of ultra running. There were some there talking about doing a marathon today after their 50 km! I'm not one of them. Let me recover for a few days. 

My goal is to go to Sulphur Springs this following Sunday and get a 25 miler training run under my belt before that race. I don't think I'm up to 3 laps (37.5 miles). I want to keep the laps to two hours and hope this hip/groin thing doesn't crop up but we'll see. My feet were relatively unscathed with no blisters and my two toes (next to big toe) on each side were very tender but don't seem to be discolored so should be good. A few cuts and scrapes. Legs sore as hell today and very tender to touch and likely will be worse tomorrow but it's all good.

The PYP volunteers were amazing and the race Director and his team did a great job all around. Thank you for everything!

And thank all of you for reading my race report experiences. I hope they help inspire or motivate you and it was lovely to meet some new runners and say hello to some faces from previous years.

Happy Running everybody and look back to my next race report on Sulphur Springs. It and I have some unfinished business! 

Alex Campbell (aka The Running Dude)

2013 - MARCH - RUNNING UPDATE

Hello to everybody. I hope your various winter training has gone well and you're looking forward to the 2013 running season. 

It's been a few months since I last updated you with how things are going for me. The retail store where I make my livelihood has been closed for 1.5 months due to landlord renovations which has been highly frustrating although this is the quietest sales time of the year so it's best it happened now and it has given me extra time to put in some miles. 

Now, on to the running. . . unlike some of you, I probably don't do enough cross-training through the winter months. I used to cycle allot as well as run but my thoughts are that leg strength will develop from off-road running and with high mileage I don't really have the energy or time for additional cross-training. I read about people that keep up their core strength with weights and other activities but honestly I can't really get into weights - it bores me too much. 

Mileage has been good and consistent. I've been racking up 60-82 mile weeks for the last two months and my long runs are up to 21 miles, sometimes twice a week. I find any longer than this on a treadmill and I'm ready for a padded room. I went to Sulphur Springs on my own one weekend recently and ran into Elise McGuire, another OUS ultra runner who had just finished the course with her training friend. They said it was like a sheet of ice and I concur. It was extremely icy and although I only wiped out once giving my elbow a delightful crack, I was in constant trepidation - once you get tired your reaction times go down and you are more at risk of slipping. It was a sunny day and having to stare at the ice just ahead of you for two hours is a real mental strain. Since then I've decided not to go back until things warm up a bit. I don't mind running in the snow and went to the course a few times with snow and loved it - it's great exercise - but ice is a different matter. I was very sore from that run the next day.

I figure there is another week or two left of snow and by the start of April hopefully things will be nice enough to do most of my runs outside. Then I can get to the off-road trails and build up the mileage to a marathon before my first race. We did have a mild few days last week and I went out for a 10 mile loop from my house and it went very well and had me feeling good about my level of fitness. The only problem was a dollar-sized blood blister which developed on the pad of my foot which has left me now limping around and finding training runs extremely painful. It resulted from the running shoe insert wearing through at that particular spot. I was near the end of the run and rather than addressing it carried on which was a mistake. I'm glad I was not in the middle of an ultra race.

Speaking of races, after researching a bit and looking at the upcoming 2013 OUS (Ontario Ultra Series) races and listening to some of your thoughts, I have entered the first OUS race of the season, Pick Your Poison (PYP) 50km at the end of April at Horseshoe Valley. It is four laps of the skiing hills and no doubt will be challenging but hopefully a good training run for Sulphur Springs 50 miler in late May. I want to treat PYP like a race but I think I should start easy, get a few laps done and evaluate my energy levels so I have something in the tank. It is a new course for me so I'm really curious about it. The last thing I want is to start the season with a DNF or a big bonk on the 4th lap. 

I'm hoping that this year my cross country ultra times improve. I guess each one you do you learn from and I guess I'm at that stage where I still have many OUS runs to try for the first time, re-visit some others and try to correct past faults or set goals. While I have dreams of completing some of the big USA ultras, for now I'm setting my goals closer to home. After PYP is Sulphur Springs 50 miler as I mentioned, then I'm contemplating the 6- hour Kingston run put on by Sri Chinmoy, followed by the Niagara 50km ultra and then the big one (for me), the 24 hour Dirty Girls. For some reason this race holds allot of appeal to me. I had considered doing the Sulphur Springs 100 miler this year but after DNF'ing the 50 miler last year I want some redemption. Plus, I think it would be good to complete this distance before moving up. And, I also like the thought of completing a long race which is based on time rather than distance. That way I don't have to run scared, worrying about if I'll make the 100 miler to get a buckle and can run how I feel and take one loop at a time. 

After Dirty Girls I have no set races and will see how it goes. I really want to do the Run for the Toad but depending on how it all goes this summer I may want to consider the Haliburton 100 miler or the 24 hour indoor track Ottawa Sir Chinmoy race with the Vulture Bait 50km race in October as the final race of the season. Anyway, there is a long time between now and then and anything is possible.

I've been reading many running blogs, watching YouTube videos of ultras and getting inspired. While I enjoy reading the blogs of the winners in these events, my true inspiration is from all the other participants because I feel more like them. I'm not saying that the winners are any less deserving or don't hurt just as much at points of their races, but somehow I feel more of a connection to someone like me who is just starting at these ultras, making stupid mistakes or just underestimating the challenge and somehow bounces back. I like to hear the race from their perspective, their preparations, the journey to the start line, the atmosphere and how it unfolded for them. I also love scouring the past results of races I've been in and looking at the names and times, cross referencing and seeing if I remember a particular person from their name or big or any photos I come across. I obviously have far too much time on my hand! I don't know why you come visiting my blog but I hope it inspires you to try a new race or distance or set a challenge for yourself. 

Well, I think that is about all you want to take in now so I'll leave you until my PYP pre-post race report. Happy running and thank you for visiting.

Alex

2012 - DECEMBER - RUNNING UPDATE

Hello everybody. I thought I'd keep you up-to-date with my training since the Run for the Toad in September and share my thoughts for the 2013 season.

This morning (December 2nd) I went back to Sulphur Springs at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area (where the Sulphur Springs 25km, 50km, 50mile, 100 mile and 100 mile relays take place). I have not been there since I DNF'd in the 50 miler in May 2012.

We meet up the first Sunday of every month starting in December at 8am in any weather conditions so if you are close enough and are thinking about entering you should. It's a great course and if you are getting into ultras it's a great one to try. Today there were 20 of us and myself and a group of about 5 others headed up the front group but I faded 1/2 way through and ran with a guy who was coming up behind. Joe, who is the race director, helped some of the slower runners around the course. It's got lots of turnings and is very easy to get lost so it's good to stick with someone that has done the course before.

It's about a one hour drive for me but it gets me out and I like to run with other people sometimes and I probably would not have driven an hour to run on my own, especially since it was pouring rain. It was very mild but the wet leaves and my steamed up glasses caused me to go very cautiously. I did the loop in 1:49. Each loop is 12.5 miles. We were soaking wet and I just quickly got into the car, changed my top and then drove to work. I feel very stiff/sore from it as there was lots of slipping and sliding around and of course because trail is allot harder than the treadmill.

I have discovered a new training route which is great. Again, if you are living in the Niagara area you should definitely check out the Short Hills Provincial Park. It's not as extensive as Sulphur Springs but there are 5 different marked trails and the hills are challenging. I wish I'd discovered it sooner but I've gone twice so far and run all the trails at least once. I found it very slippery but when it's drier or when the snow finally falls it will be great.

My mileage has trailed off since the Toad 50km. I have done:

September: 174 miles
October 158 miles
November 148 miles

I will ramp up the mileage after December, hopefully getting in some 100 mile weeks in the Spring and will also try some 2 a-day sessions. My Achilles problems continue and do hurt after the trails but I guess I'll have to live with it. Besides a long lay-off I don't know what else to do.

As to what ultras or races I have my eyes on for 2013, I am considering the Around the Bay but not really that bothered. I would like to get the silver medal if I did that one which is a 30km in less than 2:15. I know I could do 2:20 but it would depend on hills and other factors whether I'd pull that off or not. I'd probably rather go run the trails but I suppose it is in March and gives you a good measure of your fitness. Plus this race gets filled VERY early so if you are considering it don't delay.

I'm definitely doing/redoing Sulphur Springs but the question yet remains; do I do the 50 miler again and actually try to finish it this time using a bit of common sense and tactical pacing, or do I attempt my first 100 miler. I'm very tempted but it scares me. I know other ultra runners seem to be able to grit their teeth and emotionally plough through the tough times but with me it seems when (not if) I fall apart that's game over. Still, I've not tested myself in this way - to take a really long race and slow it down ALLOT and just walk and run when you can. I love the thought of running in the night. Again, we'll see how the training goes but I'll have to start playing with some long walking stints in my training. Walking for long periods is different from running long periods and if you're going to walk far you want to know you can when it comes to race time.

I would like to do the Niagara Ultra again and so the question is either do I re-run the 50km and attempt a sub-4 hours this time (4:07 in 2012) or do the 100km. Niagara is where I live and this course is my regular stomping grounds and the course is pretty but it's like anything, if you do it too often it gets boring. I can wrap my head around the 50km out and back but when I'm back I think I'd be groaning if I had to turn around and do it again - but if I'm contemplating 24 hour and 100 mile races later in the year then it would be good training. We'll see. . .

What else. Well, the only other NEW race I'm considering this coming year is the Dirty Girls. It sounds fun (from behind my desk sitting on my ass that is)! I've spoken to a few people that have done it and I was considering the 24 hour. I like the idea of a race that isn't a specific distance but to go as far as you can in an allotted time. So you can go chill in your tent for awhile if you are feeling rough or need a break. I considered the 12 hour but it starts at night and although I'd like to run in the night, I'd rather not start a race in the dark - especially since I don't know the Mansfield course at all.

I think I'll give the Limberlost a miss this coming year. It was a disaster for me last year but is a lovely course. It is a very long drive there and back and so I'll have to try to redeem my DNF another time.

And of course there is the Toad in the Fall which I definitely intend on running at again. I love this course. The first time was a DNF (my first off-road ultra - all my training was on road and I paid the price of failure because of that), in 2012 I managed 5:09 which was kind of disappointing since the first 3 laps went amazingly well thanks to great pacing by April and Melanie Boultbee, but then I blew it. So I think I can work towards a faster time.

That's what I'm looking towards for next year so we'll see.

Kit-wise I think I'm going to invest in a pair of compression socks. My calves tend to do a very merry dance for hours after long runs and I'd be curious to see if it helps in recovery or to feel better through the actual race.

I'd love to get a Garmin watch telling me pace so I wouldn't crash and burn so often. I have an old Polar which does the usual but back then GPS and pace were not so big it is more of a HR monitor and watch than anything else.

Let's see. What else do I hope Santa brings me. Well, I think my Under Armour shirts are getting 'pongey' so maybe it's time to invest in another one or two and I definitely need a new pair of trail shoes. I have my light-weight Asics Fuji's but need something a bit more supportive I think.

I've also been researching what head-torch to get and will look into that some more and ask around but Pezl seems to be a good brand. I have a clunky one I bought for camping many years ago but it's a weight on your head with 3 big +++A's.

I also want to buy some S-tablets and try them out and hopefully stop throwing up in these ultras. I'll carry on with the Hammer Gels and Perpetuem but I think the Enduroylte doesn't agree with me so maybe I'll try another product.

And of course there is the need to experiment with foods and drinks over these extended training runs and see what works. There is always something to learn and you learn something new each time you have a race.

Well, that's about it for now. I hope all your training is going well wherever in the world you are. Keep at it and keep learning and enjoying :) Until next time. . . The Running Dude

2012 RUN FOR THE TOAD - RACE REPORT

Introduction

Welcome back. If you were at the Toad this year I hope you had a great race. I think we can all agree that the organisation is extremely good. The volunteers were plentiful and couldn't help enough - just catching their eye and they were asking if they could help direct you. Peggy & George do an amazing job and I think it's a race where you get excellent value for money (a lovely medal, great organisation with all the volunteers, nice sports bag, some yummy goodies in the grab bag, the Gatorade and nibbles at the aid stations and of course the delicious food after your race). I think my 50km race was $80 - compare that to the Niagara Falls Marathon which after 1st October is $120! I think that is outrageous and won't be running it this year for that reason. .

Course Map (12.5km loops - 4 for 50km route)

Course map - very useful

The Drive and Race Course Set-up

The day was dry and sunny. I left my house at 6am and managed not to get lost this year -and was at the parking lot by 7:30am. There were already many cars present but I still got one of the last places closest to the marquee. I got out, had a stretch and wandered over to the huge marquee where they had Tim Horton's and a number of booths selling goods for all your running needs. There were long parallel lines of tables with chairs in preparation for all the hungry runners and their guests and at the very top the organisers were giving out the goodie bags and your timing chip.

Oddly, you picked up your running number at the other end of the tables - I thought it would  make more sense to get your timing chip with your bib number and actually I forgot to pick up my chip the first time. I like the bibs where the timing chip is on the back. Anyway, I remembered to head back to get my chip. By then there was a longer line of keen runners. Oh, and while I remember, all the bibs were the same. I like races where they distinguish between race distances - perhaps it's a minor consideration but I think for the runners out there it can be nice to know who you are competing against and as it is a loop course and the majority of the spectators are at the start/finish they too would like to know.

I walked around with a camera and snapped some photos of the marquee and the start line and the facilities which I'll post in the next few days. It was sunny as I said and around 16 degrees and perfect for running. I headed back to the car where I had a few duvets and a pillow and got comfortable and lay down, listening to the commentator back in the tent. I saw lots of runners by their vehicles, getting ready attaching bibs, etc.

Start/Finish matts. We all line up behind the fence. Lake is to the right of this photo - bleachers/marquee to left

Bandstand where race announcements made and where my trophy awaits! Er, maybe next year. . .

Some personal touches which make this race special - a real Fall theme

Pinehurst Lake - we run by this at the start line and head into the trees - one guy I spoke to after race had jumped in. Brrr

Alex fresh and ready for the challenge

In the marquee I saw a number of sweatshirts from the Niagara ultra and struck up a conversation with a few runners. Everybody seemed in good spirits. The setup at the start/finish was slightly rearranged this year with the bleachers moved to the other side and a big bandstand where the race directors made their speeches before the start.

I was still in my car at 9am when they sang the US and Canadian National Anthems and the bagpipers began but I took a few photos of them while they rehearsed in the parking lot.

Bagpipe band preparing in the parking. They were great. Another nice touch

After checking out the toilet facilities I got my caboose over to the starting area 15 minutes before the start wearing shorts and a singlet but I was not too cold as long as I was in the sun - in the shade I found myself shivering a bit but no doubt some was due to the nervous tension I feel before the start.

Preparation

At the car I had applied sun screen on my arms and head/ears/nose and sun factor lip gloss. I wore my Nathan belt with two bottles, one filled with Perpetuem and the other just with powder. This race I decided not to use the Enduroyte powder hoping I would not throw up - more on that later. . . . In the pocket I had 4 Hammer Gels and some toilet paper in the other compartment just in case. I've never had those problems but you never know. Then I had my handheld water bottle which held my car keys and a lock of hair from someone special to me. Last year I wanted to run well for her and DNF'd so I meant to make amends this time and let her run with me so to speak. 


I wear an Under Armour black shirt which I like very much although damn it gets stinky!  Maybe it's just me or maybe after hundreds of miles it doesn't matter how much you wash them, you just can't get rid of all the perspiration scent. I wore my skimpy shorts and my shoes are the purple Asics lightweight trail shoes. I put a heel gel in each to help with my Achilles issues. These things invariably move around by the end of the race but I like the extra cushioning.

Pre-Race Speeches and the Line-Up

I heard from the race director that there was some competition going on between Canadian and American relay teams this year. Having looked at the entries last year it was apparent that this year there were quite a few less runners entered in the 50km race. The post race stats were:

                          2011
             Entrants         Finishers
Total         210                145
Male          132                 87
Female        78                 58

                         2012
            Entrants          Finishers
Total         149                111
Male          104                 75
Female        45                 36


All the competitors were lined up in front of the bandstand and then with 7 minutes to the start the race director suggested we all line up. It is always interesting to see where people place themselves. I did my usual placement, arranging myself around 1/4 of the way back. People look around, some nervously, others sizing up the competition, others looking for a familiar face. I felt good and stood next to a older French woman who had run the 50km 13 times I believe. We chatted good-naturedly and ahead of me I saw two women who I'd seen the year before. They are sisters (I found out later) and were wearing bright pink/purple knee-high socks with matching hyra-packs. George walked through the runners shaking hands and I was pleased to be able to thank him personally. That was a nice touch. I saw this volunteer who was tall and dressed with this big weird had and funky coloured clothing - I guess he was supposed to be 'the Mad Hatter'. We saw him a number of times around the course shaking this big cow bell and encouraging us.

There is no whistle, shot-gun, gong, or whatever. A minute before the race people move to the starting line, crowding together for the first time and then there is just a 'ready, set, go' and we're off. . .

Lap 1 (Steady Does It)

Time for lap: 1:05:30 (last year lap one was 1:03:03)

If you read my lead-up to this race you'll know I had no great expectations. I've had enough failures this summer on ultras to temper my hopes and I knew with my Achilles problems and lack of training (one 22 mile training run on pavement 2 weeks prior), most of my running done on a gym treadmill and fewer miles than I'd have liked, that I'd be lucky to finish this run and certainly would not be placing as well as say, Niagara 50.

Anyway, I was not thinking that as I ran over the timing mats, listening to all the well-wishers and spectators who were clapping and taking photos and looking for their friends and family members. You have to enjoy those moments and savour them. I think it's really nice people coming out and cheering you all on. It was a comfortable temperature and the sun was out and here we all were entered in a tough physical and mental challenge and enjoying the moment.

We ran past the lake on your left and then entered the trees and there are various patches of pavement, a few more trees and then you are steadily on pavement that takes you past camping sites for probably 1-1.5km. You hear a busy road on your left at one point and then there is a sharp left and then you are into the trails properly. We all begin to stretch out over the first bit, getting into our various paces and at some point along the pavement stretch I found myself with who I came to think of as 'The Twins'. I remembered that they had blown me away last year. Watching them from behind I could tell their rhythm and pace were excellent and felt it was a good pace for myself so I tucked myself in. It felt like 6.5-7.0mph that we were doing. There wasn't any talking going on but even as we entered the trails it felt good. We flew down the hills and ran up the hills. There was another lady that had joined our little group. I didn't get a good look at her or catch her name but she said she tries to keep up with the Twins for 2-3 of the laps. She is obviously familiar with them and respects them.

I honestly don't remember much about the lap. It went smoothly, the pace felt good and we all got through the lap comfortably. There were a few runners that came flying by who were obviously the lead 25km runners but I don't think any of the 50km runners came by. Our pace was excellent - some people just have that and I don't. If it had not been for the Twins I would have blown it I'm sure. The lady behind me or myself would call out 'runner on the left' and the Twin on that side would move over so it was a good little arrangement and I was going to be sad when our little group fell apart as I knew it would at some point or another.

Lap 2 (Repeat of Lap 1)

Time for lap: 1:07:08 (last year lap two was 1:07:38)

We passed through the start/finish line and I was surprised to see the clock. I was only 2 minutes off last years time and feeling quite fresh. I remember last year I was pretty winded even after 1 lap. I guess knowing the course helps allot. This course is very deceptive. It is well groomed and there are only a few spots which are single track and these are not technical. There are hills - lots of them. They are not grand affairs except the one at 11.5km which on the 3rd and 4th laps become a dreadful thing to experience. The hills come frequently, they are constant and while they don't seem much the first or second lap, they 'grow'. I swear, they do! I'll be getting to the 4th lap story soon enough but as I'm describing the course I want you to have an idea.

The 4th lap, unfortunately was a death march with perhaps 3km actually 'run' in total. The rest was walking and holy crap there are allot of hills. I determined that I'd walk all the hills and try to run on the flats and down sections but I was walking a hell of a lot and it seemed one moderate hill after another and when you are fresh the hills don't seem that bad but when you are 'spent' they are there, constantly. So be aware. If you are going to do this course for the first time, it is lovely. You definitely should come. But take the first lap gently, ease into the race and don't blow up.

So, where was I? Ah yes, lap 2. Well, there is not much to report, again. It went by much like lap one. Yes, there was the beginning signs of fatigue at some points but thanks to the Twins and their steady comfortable pace we were all still there although there had been one change. The lady that was behind me began to breath harder and harder and it was obvious she was struggling which is a shame. I know that feeling well. The Twins I could never hear and I breathed hard for awhile on the first lap but then seemed to find a comfort level where I could breathe easily. I turned my head and saw the woman back around 50 feet and then she was gone. Oh, I'd almost forgotten. On lap 1 there was a guy also with our 'pack'. He had really long hair and a baseball cap. I didn't catch his name but he was with us about 3/4 of the first lap and then off he went ahead. The first time he went ahead we almost caught up. He had obviously run into the bushes to relieve himself but even as he came back to the trail he took off. I don't remember passing him but at some point we must have because I think on the 4th lap he came by me again. I never got his name.

Having been together quite a while by now we introduced ourselves. Hi, I'm Alex. The left Twin was April and the right Twin was Melanie. Looking at their results they are April and Melanie Boultbee. It was nice to meet you both :) They placed 1st and 3rd for their age groups so congratulations. One of them had bowel problems on the 3rd lap but she got through it. Their times were 4:46:18 for April and 4:42:30 for Melanie. Had I not fallen apart on the 4th lap I could have realistically anticipated a time of around 4:40 but I'm not begrudging my results. I did the best I could on the day. It would have been lovely if our group could have finished together but you enjoy the camaraderie while it lasts and you see those familiar faces in future races.

Melanie, April and I about 1/2 way through lap number 2

As some point on lap 2 I tripped up on a root. I was probably too close on the heels of one of the Twins and missed it and landed palms down. No harm done and I received the usual calls of 'are you alright?' I got up, dusted myself down and resumed my place. We all got through the lap much as we started. Last year, after 2 laps, I knew I would not finish but struggled on for another lap. I was getting tired by this point, as you'd expect after 15.5 miles, but I didn't feel 'wasted'.

During the second lap you begin to have to navigate your way around the 25km walkers. They are giving it their best also but it can be frustrating those that wear earphones and don't keep to the right. They are very apologetic when they get in your way but if they were more aware of their surroundings they wouldn't have to be sorry in the first place. But for the most part it was all good and some would yell out to others 'fast runner'. That made me laugh because I didn't feel very fast by that point and you try to pick up the pace just a bit so at least it feels like you're going by quickly. ha ha.

By this point it was getting very warm out. I'd guess 24 or so. The sections in the sun it beat down on your head. I had decided not to wear a cap and had sunglasses mounted on the top of my head which I never wore. They would slip down sometimes so I was constantly adjusting them and it was silly to have them really. They are Bolle's I got in the UK and are ancient. One of the lenses was broken and I glued it together, the nose guards are almost chewed off, and they really look like they've gone through the wars but they are sentimental to me, having been all over the world and in many races so they came along for the ride.

During lap 2 we had picked up a new runner who tucked in behind me; a guy. I didn't catch his name but I think he was wearing a red top. So that is how lap 2 finished.

Lap 3 (The 'Pack' disintegrates)

Time for lap: 1:10:23 (last year lap two was 1:24:46)

We all got over the timing mats and I was really surprised to see that the pace was still very good. I have a watch but I don't like to look at it and save the 'surprise' for the clock at the next cycle. We carried on around and then got on the pavement part in amongst the camping ground and it's here that it all fell apart for our group. One of the Twins moved away from the other and seemed to be struggling and slowing down. Sometimes it might be a way of breaking up the pack or sometimes it's a way of saying, OK, someone else take the lead. Either way, it happened pretty suddenly and I was concerned. We were all over the road and so I decided to forge ahead, going a bit slower to see if she could recover.

I found myself going into the trails alone and so just put my head down and carried on. I was very worried I might go too quickly but tried to be consistent and sensible and I think the guy came with me for a bit but then I was alone again although I looked back a few times and saw the red shirt not too far back.

There is a part that has a sharp left up 4 or 5 rudimentary 'stairs' which after the terrain comes as a nasty surprise and you are not used to having to actually lift your feet. So of course I tripped up there and was lucky not to hurt myself. At the top there is a very tempting white bench with a glorious view into the distance. A guy happened to be there when I tripped and said he'd really hurt himself there in the past, pulling a hamstring I think.

I was starting to feel it now, getting tired but still didn't walk anything but the huge hill and maybe one of the larger small hills. Besides the two tumbles which go with trail running I was feeling remarkably well. The Achilles was not hurting much but the calves were getting tight with all the steep downhills and then ups. This is much tougher on your calves than a treadmill or paved footpath and I think they were letting me know they were getting unhappy.

I'd fully expected to see the Twins again during the lap but I wasn't looking at my watch and was not sure my pace. I just remember passing a number of people. Oh, I do remember we had stayed with a tall guy earlier on who had a 'radioactive' black T-shirt on. He stayed at our pace for awhile and then the Twins passed him on one of the uphills.

I had tried to keep the drinking/hydration/gels going and it had seemed to work until now but I was forgetting to take the gels and I'd finished my powder drink and kept forgetting to fill the other one that had powder waiting to be mixed, so I was soley on water now.

It had been fun being with the Twins. Because they stand out people really cheer them on and of course I soaked up the encouragement. 'Go Charlie's Angels'! Hey, weren't there 3 Angels? I hope they were not confusing me! sheesh. There were a few places little boys and girls were waving and cheering and that was nice. I always make time to wave or say thanks to those people and a little boy I told him I hoped I'd seem him at this race in a few years. He seemed to like that.

I want to thank one of the volunteers in particular. He was within the parking lot area at around 12.2km steering you to the right and every lap he was clapping and being encouraging. I thought that was really nice of him. His hands must have done a marathon themselves.  I also ran by Henri a number of times, the race director from the Niagara ultra. He wasn't running but I said hello and said thanks for your race.

So I finished lap 3 and was getting pretty wrecked. I was not quite 'done' but I had run 37.5km without stopping which, considering my 22 mile training run on pavement 2 weeks prior when I'd walked lots, I was quite encouraged.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end as they say, and it was just into lap 4 where it all fell apart. . .

I think this is me completing lap 3 just before the 'meltdown'

Definately looking less 'chipper'

Lap 4 (Here Comes The Barf Monster)

Time for lap: 1:42:28 (last year lap Four was DNF)
I got through the start/finish line and wanted to walk for the first time but didn't want to do it right by the cheering section so carried on to the aid station about 100 feet further when that familiar sensation came on that heralds the emergence of the 'barf monster'. I choose a big tree out of the sight (but not the hearing I'm afraid) of the aid station volunteers and up it came. This really annoyed me but it usually comes on in these ultras when my pace is too fast for too long or I'm pushing myself too hard. I just can't seem to get the gels/powders to work with me or maybe forgetting to drink enough was the problem. I don't know but it is very frustrating.

I got that out of my system (so I thought) and carried on and unscrewed the cap to my hand-held and had them fill it up. Unfortunately my 'end' came on very suddenly and I found myself walking at around 1km along the pavement before you get back into the trail. From there I really don't remember much running because every time I put in an extended effort (which by that point was not very extended) the barf monster put in another appearance. In total I yacked 5 separate times and some I must say were quite impressive shows. Sorry for the graphic picture but wanted you to get an idea of the whole race - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I shouldn't be that surprised really. The training isn't where it should have been and I am happy I kept it together as long as I did. I'm just disappointed that I couldn't keep it together a bit longer, maybe get to 7km before I felt rough, and then soldiered through it for the last 5.5km. It was on this lap that I realised how many damn hills there are and I was frustrated to see people passing me. After a while one of the Twins came past, I guess Melanie as she finished first. I wished her well and then 'red shirt' came past, and then April came up. She stopped to say hello and encouraged me so thanks. I told her not to wait and off we went but I quickly realised her pace was more like mine on lap 3 and I just couldn't do it and keep the barf monster at bay so I began walking and wished her well. After that some more women came past and the radioactive dude. I mean, it was not a 'flood' going by me but in total I'd guess 25 came by over 10km.

I never got to experience this final lap last year having given up after 3. By this point it is much quieter. You don't pass the walkers any more and you are by yourself for long periods. I would have liked to be in a 'pack' again and don't always do well on my own when I'm exhausted. Some points I put my hands on my legs and just zoned out for a few minutes and at one of the picnic benches I sat down for close to 5 minutes just to try to get a second wind as my heart was pounding in my chest just from walking.

My calves and quads were shot and walking was an effort. I just wanted it to be over with. I got to the top of that nasty hill at 11.5km and at that point there were two walkers and one runner. It was a girl and after a tiny recovery at the top she ran on and after gaining 20 feet I decided I'd try to grab onto her for motivation. I'd been passed so often over the last 8km and being almost finished I wanted to try to 'compete' again.

I caught up to her and then there was a little hill which winded me and she got away. Then I recovered enough to carry on and caught up to her. We both knew we were getting close to the finish and it was turning into our own private competition. I passed her just before you get to the main gate house and saw my faithful volunteer clapping and encouraging us, even now after 5 hours. About 50 feet past him I had to stop again and she came by and I was almost ready to call it quits but then the competitive spirit arose in me again and I sucked up the last reserves I had and gave chase. She had definitely picked up the pace and I was cursing her under my breath for making me work so hard. ha ha.

We got past the final 'crossroads' that leads down and then a sharp right for a final small incline on dirt to the finish line. I caught up to her and managed to say 'you're going to make me work for this, aren't you?'. She acknowledged that she was and I smiled and then we both did what we could. I managed to outpace her as we got to the bottom and ran over the finish line. She finished in 5:05:32 and I gave her a hug after we got our medals.

My Finishing Time: 5:05:20
Placement: 13/23 for my age group
Finishing Place: 42nd of 111 that finished
Lap times again: (1:05:30, 1:07:08, 1:10:23, 1:42:28)

Michelle Leduc and I in a battle for the finish line

 

Enjoying some healthy competition - we're both smiling after 31 miles!

 

Michelle looks like she is enjoying herself but she made me work for that win!

Post Race

I was wiped and grabbed the closest seat I could find on a picnic bench. I saw the woman I'd narrowly beat and she came over and we sat and talked for about 20 minutes. I found out her name is Michelle Leduc, from Ottawa. She told me about her race and I told her about mine. After we'd recovered I began to feel a bit chilled as you do after a long race. By then we were hankering for some food and fortunately the marquee entrance was close and there were no line-ups. Our walking was as you'd expect after finishing 50km and after having seized up after sitting. We did the two-step shuffle until the feeling came back and as you entered the marquee the temperature went up a notch and it was quite warm and smelled of multiple bodies. Not bad, just maybe a little more stuffy than outdoors. There was a guy playing guitar and a woman doing a dance along with the music. People were seated at the long tables listening to the music and eating and no doubt sharing experiences.

Michelle and I grabbed what caught our eye. I had a chicken breast with some coleslaw and some Asian noodles with a Chipolata sauce, a bottle of water and for dessert a rhubarb strawberry pie. I asked for small servings as my appetite was definitely not high but I knew it is important to get food into your system after such an effort.

We sat down together and ate and I found out more about Michelle. Unfortunately her husband had not been able to come down to see her and she was new to the ultra running but has definitely caught the 'bug'. I'm sure I'll see her again at future races and well done to you. It was a pleasure to meet with, and compete, with you :)

Part way through the meal the Twins sat down at the next table over and I said hello and asked how their races had gone. I thought their times were very good although one had done better the previous year and one had done worse. I remember one saying she had stomach problems so perhaps it was her whose race was not as good as the previous year but last year April had run a 4:33! Pretty impressive and she only narrowly lost to Laurie MacGrath, a runner who I spent a fair share of time with running at the Limberlost with this summer. Last year at The Toad Laurie narrowly beat April to place 1st in her age group; April coming in a few minutes later to place 2nd in her age group.

After finishing my meal I said goodbye to Michelle and wished her well and then headed back to the car where I spent the next 30 minutes organising myself, cleaning myself off and washing off my body and putting on a new shirt. I drove home and reflected on the race and when I got home hobbled into the house. Stiffness had definitely set in. I tidyed everything up, washed my shoes and unpacked my bags and then went for a glorious hot shower. I then came out and crashed for 30 minutes before wolfing down a lasagna and more strawberry rhubarb pie.

Proud to FINALLY be wearing this medal

No feet problems this time and the shoes are relatively clean

That concludes my narrative of the 2012 Run for the Toad. It was great to meet some new people and compete in my fourth ultra of the year. I failed to complete the 2011 Toad and so I can now rest easier. I don't know if the strands of hair helped or not but I was glad to have a part of her with me at this race.

I learned more lessons and hope to come back stronger for 2013. I'd definitely do this race again. It is close enough and is a great course and challenging. If I am fit and injury free and have done the proper training I don't see why I could not achieve a sub 4:38 but I have a year to contemplate and work towards that. I'll post some photos over the next few days and once again thanks to all of you that took the time to read about my experiences. Please do come out and run it next year. It's an amazingly well-organised race.

The Day After

Ouch is all I can say. Calves in agony and stairs a major challenge. Thankfully, so far, no cramps but I think I'll take another shower or maybe an Epsom salts Jacuzzi. Ahhhhh. What's next? I don't know. As I said, there is the Niagara Falls International Marathon but for $120 I have better things to do. I'll see what there is on the calendar of events but I'll keep you up to date. . .

All the best for now.

The End

Post Race Development

I emailed Peggy and George a few days after the race to give them my thanks for organising such a lovely race and offered a few suggestions which they were kind enough to take on board. Chances are they had already determined what they were going to change for 2013 but I thought I'd pass it on to you.

1. They are switching over to an integrated chip on the back of racing numbers (except the relay teams which will have the chip and that will be passed on to the next runner.
2. They will have different coloured numbers for the different races.
3. After two (that I've been there) kit bags they will be looking at possibly changing to something different for next year.