Weather was a factor a couple years ago in this DWD race in Gnawbone, so I was happy to hear the forecast the morning of the race. The humidity was very high once again at the start, but the temps remained very reasonable the entire day. There was a very nice cool breeze too, which I really enjoyed!
Coming into this race, my goal was to improve on last year's time. But as I started to warm up pre-race, I realized my body/legs were not responding as they should have. As I was trying to figure this out in the dark, I heard someone counting down the race start . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . Go! There I was, 50 yards from the start line at 6:15 a.m. as I just plain lost track of the time. No worry though with chip timing this year, but it made for an unsettling start. I couldn't get my GPS watch set right either, as I was caught off guard, which was disappointing as I was hoping to check my pace.
The first part of the race started with a gravel road. I knew after the first few minutes that it would be a very long day as I didn't have the leg turnover. Usually I'm afraid of going out too fast -- that wasn't a possibility this time! What was on my mind the entire race: how was my approach to the race different this time??
The organizers mixed things up & changed the course for the 3rd time in 3 years. I didn't concentrate on the markers and got off course for a while (along with a few others) a couple times -- absolutely no excuse -- course was marked fairly well. I recognized alot of the trails from last year, but there were also a couple major changes. One was the added 4.3 mile Hoosiers Nest loop which was a fairly narrow trail with a segment of paved road. I really liked this technical trail that wound thru and around some pretty steep hills, but never went straight up or down them. It would have been a little more enjoyable had it not been for having to get out of the way of the relay runners. With the trail pretty narrow most places, a runner was not going to pass unless there was some cooperation -- and I did a lot of that even though I sped up the best I could each time I did this loop. This was the only speed change for me as it seemed I was trudging along the entire way at a 100 mile pace. I didn't walk any, other than the uphills & real muddy areas, so the "running" pace was pretty s-l-o-w.
Coming into the Ogle Lake aid station at the 50k/50m split at about 24 miles, the few runners who were slogging along with me decided to drop down to 50k. Although we had a 45 minute headstart, quite a few 50k runners had already passed us by this point. I didn't feel I needed to drop down -- my only concern was if they decided to cut off the slower runners. I did not note any cutoff times in the pre-race instructions, but coming into the last 2 aid stations, the volunteers did impose conditions on those who wanted to continue, including myself. I knew there were several runners behind me who were not going to make it. My official finish time: 12:55 WO! (last year 11:06)
On a positive note, I finally did get to sample some of the smoked pork after missing out the last 2 years. I sure didn't realize how hungry I was till I started to eat solid food! It sure hit the spot.
As for my next race, I've been debating for some time now whether to drive down to Georgia near the end of the month to try the Sweet H2O 50k , or trying something new on that date: the Run Under the Stars 10 hr run around a horse track in Paducah, KY. Right now, I'm tentatively planning on staying in Kentucky. The way I look at it, the positives could be: the race is at night; it's a 3 1/2 hour same day drive vs. a 6 1/2 hour drive with an overnight stay for the trip to Georgia; it's directed by a great fellow - Steve Durbin; and running a "set time" race is something I may like. Negatives could be: a totally flat, gritty track surface and the same scenery.
Looking further ahead in June, I would like to attempt to finish Mohican this year, especially after my shutdown with back problems at 73 miles last time. Of course, the forecast (temps) will probably determine whether I make that attempt or not.
Coming out of McNaughton, I knew it would be tough getting my legs back the next race -- just as last year. What I didn't expect at the John Bryan 50k this year was the summer weather! Having run with temps no more than 50 degrees for the past several months & running in sleet earlier in the week, race day came with the temps starting at 65 !! and reaching 85 !! My body didn't get the transition it needed, although I've never grown accustomed to heat anyway.
I could predict the outcome of my race as I've learned it the hard way over the years: at about 75 degrees my body starts to shut down & I have trouble keeping hydrated; if the humidity is high, I have trouble catching my breath; at about 80 degrees I can take in fluids, but can't absorb them faster than my sweat rate (fluids always sloshing in the stomach but still very thirsty); and walking or stopping are my options as temps rise above 80. Everything held to form as predicted & I struggled to finish this race -- it took about an hour longer than my slow time of last year. The humidity was low & there was a breeze, so it could have been worse. I do have some sunburn on my head, shoulders & on the back of my neck.
The most enjoyable part about this low key race is the Little Miami River in the Clifton Gorge. The sound of rushing water over the rocks was soothing & the gorge area was very scenic. As slow as I was going, I was able to take in more of the sights this year -- wish I had taken a camera with me.
Sample Google Earth flyover video of the course (low resolution, 4 MB):
Next up is Dances w/Dirt (DWD) 50 miler in Gnawbone, Indiana. I received a race packet in the mail last week with instructions & maps of the NEW course. I was surprised that they were changing the course for the 3rd straight year, especially when the biggest fuss each of the 1st 2 years was the course marking. Two years ago at this race I overheated & got sick . . . . sure hope there's more Spring weather this year!!
A direct quote from my race report last year: "Would I run another race in Pekin in the mud - NO." Well 6 days after that post, I signed up for the 150 miler at McNaughton. Yes, I had a complete memory lapse! Apparently I recovered from the race after that time & had only remembered the good times. Maybe I thought I'd get lucky & there wouldn't be any mud - Nah! Well, anyway, the short of it is this year I DNF'd after 100 miles. I honestly believe if the weather had halfway cooperated, I had a good chance of completing the distance. But with 12 hours of steady rain before the race started, the chances of finishing were close to zero. Hats off to Ryan Dexter who ran a SUPER race and also congrats to all those who toughed it out the entire 150 miles.
prerace:
I arrived in Pekin & set up a tent at the start/finish. At that time, I decided to stay in a motel as the forecast was for wind & rain. My old tent leaked last time, so I decided to use it just as a staging area.
I took a room on the top floor of the Holiday Inn after my experience with thin floors at the Super 8 last year. Of course my luck was not any better: the top floor was being renovated & my room smelled like formaldehyde! I didn't sleep well either because of the whistling wind & rain pelting my window all night.
I picked up my packet & prepared for the race in my car as it was raining steadily & it was very windy. As it turns out, in the cramped quarters, I missed lubricating all my critical areas . . .
rainy packet pickup:
race:
I was hoping to follow the same game plan as last year: start very slow & walk ALL the inclines the 1st loop. I didn't have trouble doing that on the splishy splashy trails. It did stop raining about halfway thru the loop. The 1st creek crossing was almost at my waist & the current was fairly strong. I thought if the creek was up another foot with a stronger current, it would be a dangerous crossing without a rope. For the 1st loop, I finished a couple minutes slower than last year, but felt I had used quite a bit more energy this time.
The course conditions really deteriorated by the time the 2nd loop began. The runners had worked the surface water into the trail & it became very slippery. In my opinion, this was the worst condition that the trail would ever be in. I slipped down several times (the only times I did so the entire race) & strained a muscle on my inner thigh. I also stumbled & fell in the 1st creek crossing with my knee finding the only big rock in the creek! The creek had gone down about 6 inches since the 1st loop, but I still managed to get everything below my neck wet! Somehow the S-caps I kept in a capsule on my waist stayed dry & my watches were both still working. By the end of this loop, I felt like I had used twice the energy I should have used.
Halfway thru the 2nd loop, the clouds cleared off & the sun came out. All my 3rd loop was in the bright sun -- nice! With the wind & sun, I noticed a difference in the course conditions immediately. The biggest surprise of the entire race was "where" the course was the most difficult to run. Last year, the hilly 1st half had a layer of "peanut butter" mud that made it like a mud ski resort -- this year I only noted ONE small downhill like this!! Also last year, the 2nd half was a good place to make up some time -- this year it had a few extra mud holes.
It became dark on my 4th loop. Ever since my stumble in the creek earlier, I seemed to have a chill that I couldn't quite shake. Normally I would run with less clothes but not this race. The fact that I was hardly moving fast enough to generate any heat was probably the cause for keeping a long sleeve on most of the race.
There were the usual numerous deer sightings here from late evening to early morning just as last year & I had a couple close encounters: one deer just casually walked off the trail to let me by & stood just 15 feet off the trail; another jumped out of the woods & crossed in front of me & "snorted" -- the snorting is what startled me!
The night was cool & as I was running I was thinking if it would just continue to dry up & with a sunny day, I would get some good miles in. But the drying wind stopped during the night & I noticed the course drying only very slowly each loop. As I had noted before, the hills on the 1st half were not like last year -- most of them were already dry by morning! I think if the hills were peanut buttery, my race would have ended in less than 50 miles.
When morning came, I was ready for the 50 & 100 milers to pass me. Last year I was 5.5 miles into the loop when they started, this year only a couple miles. I saw Bill, Paige, Brian & several others I recognized cruise on by, all looking so strong!
Nearing the finish of the 8th loop is when my legs decided they would not cooperate anymore. My shoes felt like 5 pound weights. The trail was in it's best condition & improving, but it was all too late for me at that point. I did not like the thought of only completing half of the race though, so I decided to just walk it in the 2+ loops (to 100 miles). I thought, at least in my mind, I would have then completed 100 miles within the specified time limit (34 hours) so I did complete a race -- much like I did when I dropped down from 50 miles to 60k or marathon at LBL a couple years back. Official finish time 32:53 (last year 29:25).
other notes:
I did have a couple issues during the race that kind of reduced my fun this year:
I developed a strange & scary looking "rash" on the back of my legs -- I noticed some pain when I got mud on them & it felt better when I washed it off at the creeks. It was like small stickers were rubbing against my legs. I did not have this problem last year.
diseased/corroded/McNaughton legs:
Also, I developed some chafing. The best medicine for chafing? -- don't let it get started!! No matter how much vaseline I used (tons) once it started, I was never able to stop the pain completely. My shorts soaked up so much vaseline they may have looked like I peed in them, but believe me, with that chafing, that was the last thing I wanted to do!
The Heaven's Gate aid station is second to none! Brian, Ellen, Gregg, Bill, Jeff and EVERYONE ELSE there -- you're the best! I felt like I had my own personal attendant each & every visit. Brian & Gregg -- Thanks so much for going the "extra mile" with my drop bags -- you guys are SUPER! Ellen -- I don't have the words to express all my appreciation -- Thanks so much!
Also I would like to give Thanks to Andy for his dedication to this event for so many years. It's incredible to think about the logistics for such a long event. I've heard rumors -- maybe someone will be able to take on the monumental task next year.
Next up -- I'm going to see how I feel later this week. Right now I'm tentatively planning to go back & re-trying the John Bryan 50k, a race which I was disappointed in the way I ran last year. However, if I'm still in recovery mode this weekend, I will likely point to the Dances with Dirt (DWD) 50 miler next month in Gnawbone, Indiana -- a race that I've already registered for.
Coming into this Clinton Lake 30M event, I was hoping to have a solid run in preparation for my target race at McNaughton Park -- now in just 11 days! I felt better than expected after the extended effort 2 weeks ago in the 50 miler at LBL & I ended up reaching the goal I had set last year of sub-6 hours. This time I did not have the intestinal issues that sidelined my effort last year. However, I did end up pushing it more than I probably should have the last 4 miles as then I realized my old goal was within reach.
the race:
Chris Migotsky (RD) & all the wonderful volunteers pulled off another great job this year! I didn't mind the weather, although it did keep any socializing before & after the race this year to a minimum.
A change from last year was the clockwise direction around the lake to prevent the quick entry into the single track trail -- the backup of last year was averted -- and it also felt like a whole new trail going in this direction. With near freezing temps & very windy conditions, I wore shorts with a technical long sleeve over a singlet & also wore sleeves, gloves & a buff.
Chris sent us off on time at 8:00. With the road section before entering the trail, I apparently picked my spot well as the group I was with on the single track was at an 11 minute pace, just what I was hoping for. The trail was in great condition -- soft & damp with no obstructions.
An enthusiastic bunch welcomed us at the aid station at the midpoint of the loop. Gregg was my cheerleader here all day! Jeff, who greeted everyone as he trekked on the trail (here and at LBL 2 weeks ago) in the opposite direction, was my cheerleader on the course -- Thanks guys!
Keeping the same pace for the remainder of the loop, I finished it with about the same time as last year -- around 1:50 or 11 minutes per mile. Chris had said there were 33 hills on each 10 mile loop & I really didn't notice that many -- but I did notice they seemed to grow in size as the day wore on. I dropped off my long sleeve & buff at the car & headed out for the 2nd 10 trying to maintain the same pace. Also new this year were the mile markers -- great for keeping track of your progress.
By the time I reached the aid station this time, a light rain had started. I'm glad I had already ditched the long sleeve as I hate running with it when it's soaked. The sleeves I wore worked perfectly (Thanks again Jeffro for steering me to these!). I had alot of "Aren't you cold?" questions, but no more than usual -- I felt just right. With no intestinal issues at this point like last year, I finished up this loop at an average of just under 12 minutes per mile.
As I started the last loop I noticed this gal (I later learned her name at the finish to be Juli), who I frequently saw in front of me, was pretty much running at the same pace as I was but we approached the course quite differently. Apparently she did not believe in walking! She ran up ALL the hills as I walked, but somehow I managed to catch back up each time.
With 4 miles to go, I realized that I was within reach of the sub-6 hour goal I had set for myself last year. I was slowing down though and the rain was coming down harder, so I put out a little extra effort. Juli was still just within sight & she made me laugh as I could hear her let out a "cheer" as she passed each mile marker! With a mile or so to go I was close enough to talk to her -- she was going for the same goal! We pushed it the rest of the way -- finished with a minute or so to spare. Juli is one tough gal!
a couple surprises:
There were alot of Buffalo (the human kind) on the course, as usual . . . . and one COYOTE! When it crossed right in front of us, I initially thought it was a wolf. It had a winter coat that was bushy & multi-shaded -- he looked fearless and right at home.
Also, I was plodding along as I came up on two runners that looked very familiar. Could it be Don Frichtl & Ellen Erhardt? I thought, NO WAY!! But yep, there they were. Usually, the only time I see them is at the start or when they lapped me! In fact, Ellen easily won the women's event here last year! As I soon learned from them, they were taking an "easy day". They sure could have picked a better weather day for a "stroll" at the lake!
next:
My focus for the next 11 days will be REST. I'm really looking forward to this upcoming challenge -- to run in a race that will go thru 2 entire days & nights is going to be exciting -- I wonder how my body is going to react? My goal for 150 miles: finish! The countdown continues . . .
After 4 straight years of disappointment & progressively worse performances at LBL, I'm happy to buck the trend! 50 miles - 10:32:43
With a most tiring February, my focus since the ice storm cleanup & LLTH was getting some rest. With 4 weeks between these 2 races this year, it was just what I needed. The other big factor this time was my new race strategy: start near the back & not pass anyone the first 13 miles (road segment + 1st loop). I was very determined to keep to this plan & I was surprised that I ended up having the discipline to do it. I fought the urge to pass every step of the way -- with only a few exceptions (passed runners who were walking or close to it).
the weather & the course
Driving down from Louisville on I-65 & the Western Kentucky Parkway Friday, it was incredible to see the aftermath of last month's ice storm. I witnessed 180 miles of continuous destruction! There were still trees bent over onto the shoulder of the 4 lane -- some pine tree sections were completely decimated. Arriving at Grand Rivers at LBL, the damage continued to be extensive. You could clearly picture what the course looked like before it was cleared. Having firsthand experience at clearing trails after the ice storm, I fully appreciated the tremendous effort it took to make the race possible this year. SUPER JOB!! THANKS!!
Watching the forecast from a week out, it changed everyday -- from no mention of rain up to a 70% chance. By Friday the chance for race day had been lowered to 30%. I fully expected it to rain anyway. Waking up early Saturday the rain had already started although it would not last all morning. I didn't mind getting wet, but with 40-45 degree temps & the gusty winds off the lakes, a wet shirt made it a little chilly at times.
With the cloudy & drizzly weather, the course was muddy all day. I would best describe the mud initially as being the "soupy & splashy" type. With the well established course normally being a very hard packed dirt surface, the muddy trail did have a "solid" bottom -- not one where your shoes would disappear completely or get stuck. The trails are shared with bikes, not horses & that makes a difference too. I handled the mud fairly well until the 3rd lap when I turned my ankle on a root in a puddle -- splash!! I fell mostly on my hip & one entire side of my body was soaked to the bone! Luckily I shook off the light sprain within a couple miles. As the day wore on the mud became the "sticky" type.
the race
Seeing so many familiar faces at the start, I was busy jabbering & oblivious that the race had started. Keeping to the plan I started off slowly with a couple hundred or so runners ahead of me. I felt like running with my brakes on as we entered the trail, but as I finished the 1st lap, for once in 5 years I felt like I hadn't used much energy at all. In order to make the cutoff time to get to the 50 mile race though, I needed to average a 13 minute pace for the 1st 36 miles. With mile markers all along the course (great!), I was able to check my progress the entire race. Keeping a fairly steady pace I was able to reach my goal of making the cutoff. I then set my sights on breaking 11 hours for the 50 miles. Feeling pretty good at this point, I set off on the last lap really pushing myself. It was fun to turn the tables & pass other runners so late in a race! I was only passed by 3 runners in the last 15 miles: 1 young runner who I played leap frog with for a while & 2 (Brian & ???) just a mile from the finish -- I had passed them earlier at an aid station with 8 miles to go, but was unable to hold them off once we got on the road. It's not often I feel like "racing" near the end of such a long run!
other notes
Land Between the Lakes is one of the most organized events I attend all year. Always alot of goodies given out too! I was also awarded a monogrammed waist pack from Steve Durbin (RD) for having attended LBL 5 of the first 6 years. Thanks Steve!
Shared an "Executive Cottage" at the Kentucky Dam State Resort Park this year. Huge for a cottage (more like a house) with 2 stories & about 2000 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 4 TVs, a deck & located right alongside the lake! Thanks Ken for the invite & for securing this "house" for an amazing $104!!!!
Ran into Bob Engel, Brian Young & Robin Meagher at the start line. Little did I know then Robin would lap me on my third loop & easily win the Women's 50 miler (2nd Overall !!) -- an impressive performance! -- & even more impressive considering the course conditions -- Congrats! Other familiar faces I ran into: Alan, David, Brenda, Kathy, Ken, Jeff, Tom, Paige, John, Steve, Cassie, Garret, Logan, Margaret, Mike, Troy & Kara, Chris, Brian K. & Ricky.
With my extended effort at LBL, I've probably compromised my next race at Clinton Lake in 2 weeks. Regardless, my target race for the past year has been the McNaughton 150 (in 4 weeks), so I wasn't planning to push myself very hard at Clinton anyway. The 10 mile loop format & the small hills at Clinton Lake were a good prep for me for the McNaughton 100 last year.
GREAT event Cynthia! Headfirst Performance did a wonderful job! I thought there were plenty of volunteers & the course was in great condition. Had fun! It was a good turnout & there was a very friendly atmosphere all day!
my race day:
The electric was finally turned on late Friday, so my house just got warm enough so that I could take a shower & not freeze the morning of the race. Frustration was running very high but I'll have to take part of the blame as I didn't purchase that backup generator as I had planned after Hurricane Ike last year.
I was striving to make this race one of my better efforts, feeling in pretty good shape after Mountain Mist. But the weather changed everything & I shifted my priorities. My favorite race was in question of being run at all !! So I decided "making it happen" had top priority -- if I could also run a good race, that would be a bonus ( I think hiking & marking the hilly 2nd loop on Thursday probably removed the last chance for a bonus).
Arriving at the start early, I ran into many familiar faces & it was great to chat with everyone! Names that I can remember pre-start: Susan, Matt, Cynthia & Todd, Ken, Brenda, Jeffro, Tim, Cassie, Steve, Kim, Josh, Thomas, Mike W., Mike A.
I felt OK at the start, but I knew that was just my adrenaline pumping. That feeling lasted about 3 miles! In previous years, I had no trouble running up part of the 3 hills on the first loop, this year, I could not run any part! This held true the rest of the day. I think the better condition you're in race day, the more fun you have. I had spread my fun out for this event over the previous 2 weeks, so the amount I had on race day was limited, but it was enjoyable! I had a half dozen people, who I didn't know (& still don't), comment (including during the race) that they had read my LLTH blog -- that made me feel good that it had a small following!
At the 15M/50k split, my legs were completely gone. After having looked forward to this race so long, I dismissed the thought of cutting the 50k short even though finishing the entire distance was in question. I'm glad I kept to it! Even though I walked most of the next 8 miles, I got to see & give encouragement to all the runners who were ahead of me -- which by the time I got to the turnaround on the out & back, it was most everyone in the race! Going so slow, my legs did get some feeling back in them & I was able to jog slowly on most of the flats & all the downhills the last 8 miles to the finish. Final time 7:29:21. Already looking forward to next year!
No electric once again since Wednesday's wind storm, so I'm posting this from another computer. Having no power can have a very depressing effect:
Sour/Whine Time:
I feel worn out from everything that's happened these last 2 eventful weeks. I've not done any running on the trails for quite a while now & my annual tempo run on the LLTH course before the race didn't happen this year. Good/Fun Time:I AM very happy that LLTH 50k will go on as planned -- that's been my top priority as I love this race. It's been very satisfying & rewarding working along side such dedicated workers & volunteers. Much of the work required teamwork & it was FUN, even though it was exhausting! Looking back even now, I would not trade that time for training time. So I'm not sure how I will fare tomorrow, being so unprepared compared to years previous. But first things first -- another cold night in the dark?
