McNaughton Park Trail Run: 50 miler
I'm searching for the best way to start this blog o' mine. What words could best convey how I felt attempting to complete 50 miles at McNaughton? Fear, anxiety, pain, humility, awe, joy. Yep, those are good. So, I was a bit anxious and quite fearful as I milled around at the starting area. Last minute questions for myself like "what in the world have you gotten yourself into?" "what will people say when you drop out at 30 miles?" "how are you going to deal with the added extreme temps?" "FIVE MINUTES TILL THE START!" Andy yells, giving me little time to answer any of my qualms. Well, here goes everything.
So the first mile or so was a bit bottle-necked even with the added prairie loop before the first hill. That was fine by me, it gave me time to work out the nerves and remind myself that in an ultra, especially your first, there is no need to hurry. I had heard there was a bagpiper playing tunes last year and had hoped he'd be here this year. When the race started without the calling of the pipes, I was a bit disappointed. But just as we started up the first hill, I could hear that sweet melodious sound in the distance. Was I already experiencing one of those famous ultra marathon hallucinations? I know I'm a newbie, but come on, after only one mile!? Sure enough, after cresting the hill, there he was in the middle of the prairie giving us an Amazing Grace salute. My heart rate was already up from the climb, but this really got it going. There's just something about the pipes that bring tears to my eyes. What a magnificent way to start a race.
I won't bore you with a loop by loop analysis of my race. I'll just hit the high notes, and low notes, of my experience. I ran the majority of the race with my new training buddy of the last month or so, Mike Klopfenstein. We stuck together for probably 46 of our 50 miles only separating here or there depending on aid or bathroom stops. It was crucial for me to have someone there to help keep my mind off of this monumental task.
The first three loops felt surprisingly good. I felt strong and had taken the advice of local ultra veterans of taking it easy for the first two so you have something to give on the last three. On the first loop, I made an attempt to keep my feet as dry as possible. After that, I realized you are supposed to get dirty while running an ultra. I had hoped to get through three loops before the day started to heat up, but after the second loop, the sun was making matters a bit toasty. In other words, it was stinkin' hot. I've since heard that it reached a high of 87 degrees. I can believe it. I'm pretty sure towards the end of my third loop and start of my fourth, I experienced some heat stroke. Chills, tingles, and occassional desire to pass out.
Luckily, God smiled down on our insanity and gave us clouds and cooler temps for our last loop. He also gave me three friends to keep me company. I don't know if it was the high from being on my last loop or the cooler temps, but my 5th loop was easier than my 4th. I also had inspiration from my three kids and wife who were waiting for me after mile 1 of that last loop. One thing that brings tears to my eyes faster than a good bagpiper belting out Amazing Grace, is my family cheering for me. After a few hugs and a snide comment from my wife as to why I was walking when this was a running race, I was off to complete my final loop. This loop also held another experience for me. I got to meet Marty. I knew his name because he had it plastered on the front of his shirt in size 300 font. He evidently is a regular ultra marathoner. He definitely had experience. He pulled no punches in letting me know that he was 63, doing the 100 miler, and was about to pass me like I was standing still. What a character. Lots of those at these events. A very welcoming hodge podge of nomads.
Throughout the tougher, more painful last two loops, I had a growing desire to punch the race director, and my friend, Andy. There he was after each loop cheering me on, telling me I could do 50 miles, and that I looked great. Come on, even when not having ran one mile I don't look "great". If he wanted me to be successful at this, why did he have to put so many massive hills on this course? I shared my wish to inflict pain on Andy with my running buddies. I admitted that with the amount of energy I had at that point, it would probably hurt me more than him. And then, coming in toward the finish of my 50 miles, there he stood clapping and cheering for me and my buddy Mike. I ran up to him, yes, I was running at that point, and gave him a hug. If it hadn't been for his dream of creating a magnificent ultra marathon at McNaughton Park, I wouldn't have accomplished a goal of a lifetime.
Lessons learned in no particular order: 1. Life is beautiful-try some things outside the comfort zone. 2. You can always do more than you think you can. Yes you can. 3. Friends are necessary. 4. My family is awesome. I knew this one, but it's great to be reminded. 5. Everywhere is within walking/running distance. 6. McNaughton is extremely tough. 7. Bagpipers can fit into any occassion. 8. It's OK to hug a guy, but only after a major life changing event.
Mad Props go out to Curt W. for completing his first 30 miler even after a day long battle with the flu. You da man Whisk!
So the first mile or so was a bit bottle-necked even with the added prairie loop before the first hill. That was fine by me, it gave me time to work out the nerves and remind myself that in an ultra, especially your first, there is no need to hurry. I had heard there was a bagpiper playing tunes last year and had hoped he'd be here this year. When the race started without the calling of the pipes, I was a bit disappointed. But just as we started up the first hill, I could hear that sweet melodious sound in the distance. Was I already experiencing one of those famous ultra marathon hallucinations? I know I'm a newbie, but come on, after only one mile!? Sure enough, after cresting the hill, there he was in the middle of the prairie giving us an Amazing Grace salute. My heart rate was already up from the climb, but this really got it going. There's just something about the pipes that bring tears to my eyes. What a magnificent way to start a race.
I won't bore you with a loop by loop analysis of my race. I'll just hit the high notes, and low notes, of my experience. I ran the majority of the race with my new training buddy of the last month or so, Mike Klopfenstein. We stuck together for probably 46 of our 50 miles only separating here or there depending on aid or bathroom stops. It was crucial for me to have someone there to help keep my mind off of this monumental task.
The first three loops felt surprisingly good. I felt strong and had taken the advice of local ultra veterans of taking it easy for the first two so you have something to give on the last three. On the first loop, I made an attempt to keep my feet as dry as possible. After that, I realized you are supposed to get dirty while running an ultra. I had hoped to get through three loops before the day started to heat up, but after the second loop, the sun was making matters a bit toasty. In other words, it was stinkin' hot. I've since heard that it reached a high of 87 degrees. I can believe it. I'm pretty sure towards the end of my third loop and start of my fourth, I experienced some heat stroke. Chills, tingles, and occassional desire to pass out.
Luckily, God smiled down on our insanity and gave us clouds and cooler temps for our last loop. He also gave me three friends to keep me company. I don't know if it was the high from being on my last loop or the cooler temps, but my 5th loop was easier than my 4th. I also had inspiration from my three kids and wife who were waiting for me after mile 1 of that last loop. One thing that brings tears to my eyes faster than a good bagpiper belting out Amazing Grace, is my family cheering for me. After a few hugs and a snide comment from my wife as to why I was walking when this was a running race, I was off to complete my final loop. This loop also held another experience for me. I got to meet Marty. I knew his name because he had it plastered on the front of his shirt in size 300 font. He evidently is a regular ultra marathoner. He definitely had experience. He pulled no punches in letting me know that he was 63, doing the 100 miler, and was about to pass me like I was standing still. What a character. Lots of those at these events. A very welcoming hodge podge of nomads.
Throughout the tougher, more painful last two loops, I had a growing desire to punch the race director, and my friend, Andy. There he was after each loop cheering me on, telling me I could do 50 miles, and that I looked great. Come on, even when not having ran one mile I don't look "great". If he wanted me to be successful at this, why did he have to put so many massive hills on this course? I shared my wish to inflict pain on Andy with my running buddies. I admitted that with the amount of energy I had at that point, it would probably hurt me more than him. And then, coming in toward the finish of my 50 miles, there he stood clapping and cheering for me and my buddy Mike. I ran up to him, yes, I was running at that point, and gave him a hug. If it hadn't been for his dream of creating a magnificent ultra marathon at McNaughton Park, I wouldn't have accomplished a goal of a lifetime.
Lessons learned in no particular order: 1. Life is beautiful-try some things outside the comfort zone. 2. You can always do more than you think you can. Yes you can. 3. Friends are necessary. 4. My family is awesome. I knew this one, but it's great to be reminded. 5. Everywhere is within walking/running distance. 6. McNaughton is extremely tough. 7. Bagpipers can fit into any occassion. 8. It's OK to hug a guy, but only after a major life changing event.
Mad Props go out to Curt W. for completing his first 30 miler even after a day long battle with the flu. You da man Whisk!
posted by stinky pants malone at 12:25 PM
2 Comments:
Welcome to the blogging world!! A GREAT BIG CONGRATULATIONS on your first 100!!!! Great report...hopefully someday I'll post one too!!
Whoops---50 miles I meant!!
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