This was my second ultra and I had been training much better and consistent then before my first in July (Psummer Psycho Wyco). I had been logging between 20 and 30 miles a week for the past two months. Most of those miles have been on trails but given work and family schedules have succumbed to a few road runs a week (Arghhh).
My main mistake during Wyco was not staying hydrated. This has gotten more difficult for me to regulate since loosing weight. First of all, it took a while before I realized it was an issue. I guess there just isn’t as much space to store water. During Psycho, I started cramping around mile twenty and ended up walking far more then I had planned. So I was bound and determined that I was staying hydrated for this race.
I asked “Bad” Ben Holmes, the renowned ambassador of trail running, veteran of many ultras and a good friend, if he minded running Rock Creek with me. I needed some experience with setting a pace that could be maintained throughout the race. You couldn’t ask for a better coach. The great thing about running with Ben is that our interests are much the same (almost eerily). We both have a love for great handcrafted beers to the point of building our own garage breweries. Not to mention other interest that makes for nearly limitless conversation. The only thing I was worried about was not being able to keep up with him and ending up running by myself.
Got more miles, hydration plan, coaching, conversation……What the heck else does one need for an ultra?
The trails at Perry Lake are wonderfully designed single track through the woods and along the lake. When we arrived the sun was just starting to rise. The red hue across the lake was really a wonderful sight to take in. Even with all the rain the week prior to the race, the trails were in nearly perfect condition. I like the trails a little tacky but not so muddy that it packs on your shoes like ten pound weights. These trails are relatively technical in many spots and most of the hills are very run-able. Willie Lambert, the Race Director and his crew did a great job marking the course and staffing the aid stations. This was a real fun race with a festive atmosphere.
We started out on time and a little faster then I had anticipated. It took about three miles before I really felt like I was getting into a rhythm. Ben’s neighbor Ray also ended up running with us. I was carrying a Nathan hydration pack filled with water and a 24oz bottle of First Endurance EFS (electrolyte fuel system). So when we reached the first aid station I decided to keep going while Ben and Ray stopped to refill their bottles. Of course it didn’t take long before they reeled me back in. I decided to keep this up through all the aid stations, as well as, run the gradual hills. My main goal was not falling behind. I ended up coming into the bag drop and the end of the first loop a few minutes ahead of Ben and Ray. I knew I would need more time and I’ve always heard Ben doesn’t linger in the aid stations.
Ben’s wife Vickie had perfect timing bringing the drop bags from the car just as I was getting to the drop zone at 2:38. I was getting a hot spot on the ball of my right foot so I applied a “Blist-o-ban” patch. Rick Mayo came over and offered help by shagging me some gels. It’s really great that the Trail Nerds are so eager to help each other out. I had a 24oz bottle pre-filled with more EFS and another hydration bladder full of water. Rick reloaded my Nathan while I was fixing the hot spot.
Fixing my hot spot, Rick loading my pack - Photo by: Vicki Holmes
Just as I put my shoe back on, Ben was in and out of the drop zone like greased lighting. I rushed getting my stuff back on and took off hoping he didn’t get to far ahead. Ray and I got out of the turn together. It took about a mile to get caught back up to Ben. We all got back into our rhythm fairly soon after that. The good news is that I felt much better making the turn then I did at Psummer Psycho. I must be in better shape and there is nothing better for preparing for an ultra then running. On the second loop, when we came to aid stations, I walked until I heard Ben and Ray coming up behind me which seemed to work pretty well through the rest of the race.
Ray ended up taking off around twenty miles and ended up finishing ahead of Ben and me. Ben and I ran together pretty much most of the way back. The last three miles were the toughest for me. I really just wanted it to be over. Other then a little abdominal distress after the race, I felt pretty good throughout the race. I had regulated my hydration well and kept a good steady pace. I probably could have done a little better on fuel during the race but other than that I felt real good about it. I ended up setting a PR of 5:47:28 which was 45 minutes faster then my 50K at Wyco.
Ben and me - Photo by Stuart Johnson
I have to thank Ben for the coaching and Vickie for crewing us. The volunteers were all friendly and helpful and deserve big thanks for spending their Saturday out at the race. Many of the Trail Nerds were in attendance and did very well. Caleb set a new course record of 4:14. You can read more about how the Trail nerds faired at “Bad” Ben’s Blog.
