Last weekend, I was provided the opportunity to race Black Hills 50 thanks in large part to Hammer Nutrition. Leading up to this race, I was extremely excited to run new terrain that featured longer climbs, descents, and scenery not often experienced in the Midwest race offerings. Coming in, my training was solid with multiple weeks hovering within the 70-80 mile range. Realistically, this is where I can still achieve quality workouts twice per week with much longer runs bookending the weekends. To be honest, it may be the first race I have entered where I had confidence in my preparation and ability.
Wednesday prior to the race was a blur as I exerted a ton of effort into business travel to Chicago. Upon jumping in the car to drive, I was exhausted but glad the whole "job" thing was behind me for the week. Dog, wife, a weeks worth of supplies and open road were the only things on my mind now. Turns out, all of the rain we have experienced in MN made for a frustrating and slow drive towards the SD border as many sections of 169 / 60 were closed. Eventually, we arrived to a beautiful campground and the promise of a great family trip. The next two days were full of light running, hiking, and general exploring around the area.
Two ridiculous storms rolled through the Black Hills on Thursday and Friday. The fury of these, electricity wise, was something I have only witnessed once prior. With the lightening came heavy rain, hail, and wind. At one point on Friday, we had inches of water rolling past our cabin. I knew this would translate to a mess on the trails, but we were simply thankful for shelter that evening.
Wednesday prior to the race was a blur as I exerted a ton of effort into business travel to Chicago. Upon jumping in the car to drive, I was exhausted but glad the whole "job" thing was behind me for the week. Dog, wife, a weeks worth of supplies and open road were the only things on my mind now. Turns out, all of the rain we have experienced in MN made for a frustrating and slow drive towards the SD border as many sections of 169 / 60 were closed. Eventually, we arrived to a beautiful campground and the promise of a great family trip. The next two days were full of light running, hiking, and general exploring around the area.
Two ridiculous storms rolled through the Black Hills on Thursday and Friday. The fury of these, electricity wise, was something I have only witnessed once prior. With the lightening came heavy rain, hail, and wind. At one point on Friday, we had inches of water rolling past our cabin. I knew this would translate to a mess on the trails, but we were simply thankful for shelter that evening.
At 3:45am Saturday I awoke to the patter of rain hitting the window. Though slightly maddening, I shelved the negativity and quickly downed breakfast. We arrived to Woodle Field amazed by how awesome the backdrop was. The track was completely lit and the rain was slowing to a light mist. With cool temperatures and overcast skies, it looked like favorable conditions for the day. Even with slower trail conditions, cool is better than oppressively hot. Sometimes you just have to choose your battle for the day.
After a few quick words of wisdom, the gun went off. Since the 100, 100k and 50 were all mixed in, it was fun to spend early moments with fellow MN runners, shaking out the morning energy. A couple people jumped early off the front for a moment before taking a wrong turn and immediately falling behind our group. With a smaller participant field, and an even smaller truly competitive field, we led out without further shake-up. The first couple climbs into AS1 foreshadowed the days trail conditions. Wet, slippery, and sometimes maddening trail would greet us frequently. Overall, my legs felt fresh and snappy, unlike the impending dread I was met with a few miles into Superior 50k. After a long steep descent we cruised in and out of AS1 without stopping roughly 6 miles into the race.
Out of AS1 the trail was a disaster through the meadow. The battle was staying upright and not wasting early energy in a panic to catch the two lead runners. With a lot of miles to go, I was content on just continuing to warm up and encountering what the day had in store with an open mind. After crossing under the highway, the trail snaked consistently up for the next four or so miles. The climbing felt great as it was gradual switch backs and not too taxing after the amount of hill preparation I did in training. Early morning company made the effort light and consistent, with the chatter and scenery passing the time. After a brief and steeper descent, AS2 came and went in a desolate and heavily forested section of the trail. From here, steeper climbing commenced which spilled into a gorgeous, higher elevation meadow. This section was probably one of my favorite parts of the trail. At this point, roughly 13-14 miles in, I could tell the day would be great, but much different from MN racing. With the longer climbs, I took extra caution with my fueling, eating 1-2 gels every hour with additional gel blocks when needed.
AS3 came after a long sweeping descent that was full of switch backs and soft trail. My stomach wasn't feeling particularly good at the time, but I was holding out for the real deal...not leaves. Also, I was looking forward to seeing my wife and refilling my hydration bladder. I spent possibly one minute in the aid station before continuing down the trail. Somewhere before the stop I took a hard fall, completely barrel rolling and hitting my left knee hard. I could only laugh at my footwork, but my knee continued to throb. From AS3, the trail became a true mess. After a short descent, 5 river crossings gave way to complete grease on the single track. Once again slowing slightly, I figured the soaked trail would soon pass and didn't want to waste more effort.
Somewhere in the middle of this frustration, mountain bikers began to appear from the 100 mile race that started at 5am on the same trail. From the last aid station, it felt like mostly a slow slog to the last aid before the turn around. Somewhere after AS4 I stopped to relieve my angry stomach, now comfortably in 2nd without another person in site. Without much time wasted, I continued to slowly ascend and power hike most of the climb to the turn around. Unfortunately, my shoes were completely laiden with mud which amounted to poor traction and multiple pounds. During this time, some of the negative banter swept in and I questioned why I was out fighting this "dumb trail." Hilariously, I even chastised myself for participating in ultras, mostly in four letter grunts. The funny part is this always happens somewhere in each race and is mostly brought on by a low point or section of struggle. After 8 races, I have learned this passes and the remainder of the time is spent in absence of this darkness.
Upon hitting the turn around, I estimated I was around 15 minutes down with runners three and four only 10 minutes behind. Thus, I descended with a new urgency and energy to see my wife and dog around mile 33. Even though the mud was still a factor, the running was quicker down hill and boosted by seeing my TC Running colleagues who were running the 100. Quick exchanges and encouragement can do wonders, but I was still pretty low at the moment. Once I reached the section riddled with river crossings, I had hit rock bottom energy and attitude wise. I even considered dropping as the slick and unstable trail had riddled havoc on my sore knee and spring injury. Luckily, encouragement and the rest of the participants behind me felt differently. I continually met happy faces and exchanged greetings on my way back to the next aid station. Knowing that I was still only 10-15 minutes behind was also very empowering. From others, I heard the leader wasn't looking fresh and I had finally pulled out of my low somewhere around 30 miles. Back to turning quick splits the river crossings were a welcomed relief.
Out of AS1 the trail was a disaster through the meadow. The battle was staying upright and not wasting early energy in a panic to catch the two lead runners. With a lot of miles to go, I was content on just continuing to warm up and encountering what the day had in store with an open mind. After crossing under the highway, the trail snaked consistently up for the next four or so miles. The climbing felt great as it was gradual switch backs and not too taxing after the amount of hill preparation I did in training. Early morning company made the effort light and consistent, with the chatter and scenery passing the time. After a brief and steeper descent, AS2 came and went in a desolate and heavily forested section of the trail. From here, steeper climbing commenced which spilled into a gorgeous, higher elevation meadow. This section was probably one of my favorite parts of the trail. At this point, roughly 13-14 miles in, I could tell the day would be great, but much different from MN racing. With the longer climbs, I took extra caution with my fueling, eating 1-2 gels every hour with additional gel blocks when needed.
AS3 came after a long sweeping descent that was full of switch backs and soft trail. My stomach wasn't feeling particularly good at the time, but I was holding out for the real deal...not leaves. Also, I was looking forward to seeing my wife and refilling my hydration bladder. I spent possibly one minute in the aid station before continuing down the trail. Somewhere before the stop I took a hard fall, completely barrel rolling and hitting my left knee hard. I could only laugh at my footwork, but my knee continued to throb. From AS3, the trail became a true mess. After a short descent, 5 river crossings gave way to complete grease on the single track. Once again slowing slightly, I figured the soaked trail would soon pass and didn't want to waste more effort.
Somewhere in the middle of this frustration, mountain bikers began to appear from the 100 mile race that started at 5am on the same trail. From the last aid station, it felt like mostly a slow slog to the last aid before the turn around. Somewhere after AS4 I stopped to relieve my angry stomach, now comfortably in 2nd without another person in site. Without much time wasted, I continued to slowly ascend and power hike most of the climb to the turn around. Unfortunately, my shoes were completely laiden with mud which amounted to poor traction and multiple pounds. During this time, some of the negative banter swept in and I questioned why I was out fighting this "dumb trail." Hilariously, I even chastised myself for participating in ultras, mostly in four letter grunts. The funny part is this always happens somewhere in each race and is mostly brought on by a low point or section of struggle. After 8 races, I have learned this passes and the remainder of the time is spent in absence of this darkness.
Upon hitting the turn around, I estimated I was around 15 minutes down with runners three and four only 10 minutes behind. Thus, I descended with a new urgency and energy to see my wife and dog around mile 33. Even though the mud was still a factor, the running was quicker down hill and boosted by seeing my TC Running colleagues who were running the 100. Quick exchanges and encouragement can do wonders, but I was still pretty low at the moment. Once I reached the section riddled with river crossings, I had hit rock bottom energy and attitude wise. I even considered dropping as the slick and unstable trail had riddled havoc on my sore knee and spring injury. Luckily, encouragement and the rest of the participants behind me felt differently. I continually met happy faces and exchanged greetings on my way back to the next aid station. Knowing that I was still only 10-15 minutes behind was also very empowering. From others, I heard the leader wasn't looking fresh and I had finally pulled out of my low somewhere around 30 miles. Back to turning quick splits the river crossings were a welcomed relief.
By the river, the day was heating up quite nicely. I scooped water in my cap multiple times to ward off the sapping humidity and direct sun. Soon enough, I was back into the AS, greeted and encouraged by my wife. Like a seasoned pro, she had me reloaded and out before I could argue. I briefly told her I felt like shit but her only reply was see you soon. I couldn't argue, it was mile 33 and time to harden the f' up as I always tell myself. The hike back to the meadow was laborious but I knew it meant the start of multiple long descents. During this time I kept looking back as I had heard (incorrectly at that) that runner #3 was only 10 back. Given both were from Colorado, I figured they had a little better climbing strength that me. Guess that was an incorrect assumption. Upon reaching the meadow, I took a moment to capture the memory before descending towards the 2nd to last aid station of the day. The descents were killing my knee at this point and I would have actually rather climbed all the way home. I kept the pace consistent and effortless, trying not to completely char my quads for the last few climbs. In due time, I reached the greasy meadow and the last opportunity to see my wife. Somewhere prior, I lost my stomach and stopped really eating for the day. This usually happens, but I still wanted to leave enough to finish the last 7 miles.
Rolling into the last aid station, I downed a couple cokes for liquid calories. Poor choice as it immediately came up. I was told that #1 was 15 up at this point and that the race was still close behind. I didn't waste any time, threw up and moved on. It was time to put this race to bed.
The last climb was horrendous, as I was correctly warned earlier from my friend that won it last year. Power hiking with urgency, it was over before long, leaving a few rolling ascents and descents to cap the day. My knee was killing and I just wanted it to be over. Energy wise, I felt great which was a major win fueling wise. My wife surprised me between the aid station and finish. Clearly I surprised our dog as well as he barked aggressively as I bombed out of the woods. All I had to do was hold it together for another 4 miles and hit the pavement to bring it home. My legs hit the pavement with joy and I turned out the last two miles in just under 7's. I obviously over-exerted the finish as one of my friends hilariously noted "dude, there is NO ONE behind you." I kept running hard as I just wanted to be done already.
Rolling into the last aid station, I downed a couple cokes for liquid calories. Poor choice as it immediately came up. I was told that #1 was 15 up at this point and that the race was still close behind. I didn't waste any time, threw up and moved on. It was time to put this race to bed.
The last climb was horrendous, as I was correctly warned earlier from my friend that won it last year. Power hiking with urgency, it was over before long, leaving a few rolling ascents and descents to cap the day. My knee was killing and I just wanted it to be over. Energy wise, I felt great which was a major win fueling wise. My wife surprised me between the aid station and finish. Clearly I surprised our dog as well as he barked aggressively as I bombed out of the woods. All I had to do was hold it together for another 4 miles and hit the pavement to bring it home. My legs hit the pavement with joy and I turned out the last two miles in just under 7's. I obviously over-exerted the finish as one of my friends hilariously noted "dude, there is NO ONE behind you." I kept running hard as I just wanted to be done already.
I crossed the finish in 8:27, 2nd for the day. Though not my fastest 50 to date, it was my smartest run race in my short ultra "history" if you will. Energy wise I only experienced one low point, negatively split the course (ran a faster 2nd half), and remained within 10-15 minutes of 1st the entire day. The 3rd place male came in roughly 50 minutes after I finished and fourth followed somewhere there after.
A special THANK YOU to my wife for crewing yet another race like a veteran and putting up with what has been coined my "pre-race day a-hole mode" which takes place 1-day before each race. Thank you to Hammer Nutrition for fueling me properly through the entire race, Fitsok for producing the worlds best wool socks that withstand heavy water, mud, and heat without a single blister. Additionally, a huge thank you to TC Running for the wealth of ultra knowledge, race community involvement and good company. AND...for those that don't already know in Minnesota, Chris Lundstrom is a heck of a coach!
Voyageur Trail 50 is coming up in a few short weeks. The goal is to recover quickly, get healthy again, and hopefully put in a little effort prior. If all of the above sorts out, I look forward to racing this classic and competitive ultra before a short break in August. I am excited to then switch gears, training for Twin Cities Marathon and the Door County Road 50 in October.
Fuel Used:
10 Hammer Gels, 16 Endurolytes, 8 Anti-Fatigue caps, 6 Pre-Race Boost caps, 1 Hammer Bar, 2 packets of Stinger gel chomps.
Gear Used:
Nike Zoom Wildhorse shoes, Mountain Hardwear shorts, TCRC Nike shirt, Fitsok ISW wool socks, Ultimate Direction AK pack with hydration bladder.
A special THANK YOU to my wife for crewing yet another race like a veteran and putting up with what has been coined my "pre-race day a-hole mode" which takes place 1-day before each race. Thank you to Hammer Nutrition for fueling me properly through the entire race, Fitsok for producing the worlds best wool socks that withstand heavy water, mud, and heat without a single blister. Additionally, a huge thank you to TC Running for the wealth of ultra knowledge, race community involvement and good company. AND...for those that don't already know in Minnesota, Chris Lundstrom is a heck of a coach!
Voyageur Trail 50 is coming up in a few short weeks. The goal is to recover quickly, get healthy again, and hopefully put in a little effort prior. If all of the above sorts out, I look forward to racing this classic and competitive ultra before a short break in August. I am excited to then switch gears, training for Twin Cities Marathon and the Door County Road 50 in October.
Fuel Used:
10 Hammer Gels, 16 Endurolytes, 8 Anti-Fatigue caps, 6 Pre-Race Boost caps, 1 Hammer Bar, 2 packets of Stinger gel chomps.
Gear Used:
Nike Zoom Wildhorse shoes, Mountain Hardwear shorts, TCRC Nike shirt, Fitsok ISW wool socks, Ultimate Direction AK pack with hydration bladder.