Why a photo from many years ago to represent last weekend's race? It was the first time I reached the podium at an ultra - intentional hard work, maniacal preparation, and 100% control as the day unfolded. It was probably one of the most rewarding races I've had. When I say "glory days," it isn't bullshit fast times, reminiscing about legs I never had. It was about the discipline, the preparation, and the control put forth before an event. I've always relied on this to do well.
And Friday? Well that was another story. I worked later than I wanted, realized I forgot my nutrition half way through the drive, and stopped at a cool shop in Rochester. They had a packet pick-up going on and asked if I was picking up a bib. Ummm... what race? Chester Woods they said. Oh, then yes, yes I am. They looked at me like an idiot when I said 50k, completely unprepared to the point I didn't know about the packet pick-up. This isn't my first go, but what a shit show. Top it with first time nutrition choices (Huma Gels) and you have a winning combo or more likely a stop in the bushes.
We arrived at our campsite close to dusk. The kids loved it and we were immediately happy to be there. Never mind the heat, humidity, zero wind, tent and water shut off. The kids were happy and it was fun to experience their joy outside while eating dinner. I wouldn't exchange raising them to love the outdoors for a single thing. Well, it didn't last that long as we literally WWF wrestled them to bed for what seemed like hours. But really, they didn't stop tackling each other until about 11 PM in the still and humidity filled tent. Somehow I slept until the 4 AM alarm undisturbed and we made quick work of the morning for a 6 AM start. Ana, our three year old was so happy when we woke her up that she talked all the way to the start. Literally, we couldn't have been in better shape despite a fairly sleepless night.
I wasn't nervous, but God I felt like a shit show of thoughtlessness for 31 miles on a pretty modest training schedule. Did I mention I ate Thai food and a plethora of odd packaged shit for dinner? Did someone mention controlled training build? Not a chance - I looked and saw 10 weeks of shallow miles outside of the last three weeks. Maybe that's what lead to a calm approach as I ran into some familiar faces, had fun catching up, then lined up without the thought of a warm-up to the relaxed start. We took it out pretty easy at 7's and just warmed into the day. God bless ultras AND all the folks that show up to them!
Just as I heard the race was well marked, we ran up to an unmarked T. No one was pissed - or even frustrated - we backtracked and picked up the whole conga of folks behind us. Who cares, now we were over 50K for the day. There after, I just focused on myself and slipped into a rhythm, separating from the pack for what would be the last time of the day. I knew nutrition and awareness were going to carry me to the finish - it sure as hell wasn't my preparation. I rolled the hills, put in some strong digs, and kept eating and drinking on a rhythm. The lack of company and lack of people weren't a bother. I was simply happy to be racing after thinking my ankle would never allow it again. First, last, bonked, crawling, there wasn't a single thing that could make the day a disappointment. So, I ran with abandon and focused on the only truths I know in ultras - keep eating | it will suck |always move forward | be thankful for the journey.
Chester Woods isn't the most gorgeous race in the world, but it is put on well, has enough scenic vistas, and allows you to just roll on auto-pilot. There's something to be said for a straight forward early season (or return to ultra) race like this one. It's old school, no bullshit, and no frills. Bring your own nutrition for the most part - otherwise you get water... and sometimes a Gatorade. I loved it and so would you if that's your style.
As the day unfolded, my splits looked pretty even despite my stomach going to shit by 20 miles. The sweet gel I chose was providing energy, but making my gut sour. The one bottle of Skratch I had was long ago finished and only water sounded good. I stuck to eating because I had yet to puke from my terrible choices. By 23 I was a little desperate and drank pickle juice to stop the oncoming cramps. I could tell my legs didn't totally have the distance, but surprisingly I didn't have too many low moments from 24 to the finish. At the crest of the last hill overlooking a dam and a farm field for the last time, I briefly stopped and took in the views. What a day filled with gratitude for being able to trail run again. I never want to stop doing this shit - ever.
Turns out, it was good I only reflected for 30 seconds. The second place finisher had an extremely strong closing game and came within a minute of my time. The watch stopped at 32 miles and 3:54:XX
It's hard not to get overly ambitious this week and ramp the training up like years past. If I was honest, my knee hurts a bit and my ankle needs to rest. I'm looking forward to racing 50 in July at Voyageur and running far in the Tetons in mere weeks. A 50K PR of 24+ (reached the 50K just under 3:48 according to the markers) minutes and a victory has certainly lit the fire - but less so than just returning to a sport and the environment that I love. Trail running is about the freedom, the people, the extreme highs, and crushing lows.
Cheers until I take some rad' grams in the Tetons.
Gear:
Nutrition:
And Friday? Well that was another story. I worked later than I wanted, realized I forgot my nutrition half way through the drive, and stopped at a cool shop in Rochester. They had a packet pick-up going on and asked if I was picking up a bib. Ummm... what race? Chester Woods they said. Oh, then yes, yes I am. They looked at me like an idiot when I said 50k, completely unprepared to the point I didn't know about the packet pick-up. This isn't my first go, but what a shit show. Top it with first time nutrition choices (Huma Gels) and you have a winning combo or more likely a stop in the bushes.
We arrived at our campsite close to dusk. The kids loved it and we were immediately happy to be there. Never mind the heat, humidity, zero wind, tent and water shut off. The kids were happy and it was fun to experience their joy outside while eating dinner. I wouldn't exchange raising them to love the outdoors for a single thing. Well, it didn't last that long as we literally WWF wrestled them to bed for what seemed like hours. But really, they didn't stop tackling each other until about 11 PM in the still and humidity filled tent. Somehow I slept until the 4 AM alarm undisturbed and we made quick work of the morning for a 6 AM start. Ana, our three year old was so happy when we woke her up that she talked all the way to the start. Literally, we couldn't have been in better shape despite a fairly sleepless night.
I wasn't nervous, but God I felt like a shit show of thoughtlessness for 31 miles on a pretty modest training schedule. Did I mention I ate Thai food and a plethora of odd packaged shit for dinner? Did someone mention controlled training build? Not a chance - I looked and saw 10 weeks of shallow miles outside of the last three weeks. Maybe that's what lead to a calm approach as I ran into some familiar faces, had fun catching up, then lined up without the thought of a warm-up to the relaxed start. We took it out pretty easy at 7's and just warmed into the day. God bless ultras AND all the folks that show up to them!
Just as I heard the race was well marked, we ran up to an unmarked T. No one was pissed - or even frustrated - we backtracked and picked up the whole conga of folks behind us. Who cares, now we were over 50K for the day. There after, I just focused on myself and slipped into a rhythm, separating from the pack for what would be the last time of the day. I knew nutrition and awareness were going to carry me to the finish - it sure as hell wasn't my preparation. I rolled the hills, put in some strong digs, and kept eating and drinking on a rhythm. The lack of company and lack of people weren't a bother. I was simply happy to be racing after thinking my ankle would never allow it again. First, last, bonked, crawling, there wasn't a single thing that could make the day a disappointment. So, I ran with abandon and focused on the only truths I know in ultras - keep eating | it will suck |always move forward | be thankful for the journey.
Chester Woods isn't the most gorgeous race in the world, but it is put on well, has enough scenic vistas, and allows you to just roll on auto-pilot. There's something to be said for a straight forward early season (or return to ultra) race like this one. It's old school, no bullshit, and no frills. Bring your own nutrition for the most part - otherwise you get water... and sometimes a Gatorade. I loved it and so would you if that's your style.
As the day unfolded, my splits looked pretty even despite my stomach going to shit by 20 miles. The sweet gel I chose was providing energy, but making my gut sour. The one bottle of Skratch I had was long ago finished and only water sounded good. I stuck to eating because I had yet to puke from my terrible choices. By 23 I was a little desperate and drank pickle juice to stop the oncoming cramps. I could tell my legs didn't totally have the distance, but surprisingly I didn't have too many low moments from 24 to the finish. At the crest of the last hill overlooking a dam and a farm field for the last time, I briefly stopped and took in the views. What a day filled with gratitude for being able to trail run again. I never want to stop doing this shit - ever.
Turns out, it was good I only reflected for 30 seconds. The second place finisher had an extremely strong closing game and came within a minute of my time. The watch stopped at 32 miles and 3:54:XX
It's hard not to get overly ambitious this week and ramp the training up like years past. If I was honest, my knee hurts a bit and my ankle needs to rest. I'm looking forward to racing 50 in July at Voyageur and running far in the Tetons in mere weeks. A 50K PR of 24+ (reached the 50K just under 3:48 according to the markers) minutes and a victory has certainly lit the fire - but less so than just returning to a sport and the environment that I love. Trail running is about the freedom, the people, the extreme highs, and crushing lows.
Cheers until I take some rad' grams in the Tetons.
Gear:
- V2 Hoka Challenger ATRs
- Nathan Mirage Belt & waist bottle
Nutrition:
- 24 oz Skratch Hydration Mix - hydration
- 5 Huma Gels - calories
- 6 salt tabs - cramp busters
- 6oz pickle juice - cramp busters
- 2pks of Shot Bloks - calories
- 30oz of water - get the shitty sugar taste out of my throat
- 3 AltRed beet tabs - prevent muscle damage & lower exertion