Original posting date: 11/17/2014
I am FINALLY getting around to writing some type of race report..
Before I get into details, WTF happened to integrity? I understand the *want* to win, but damn! During Saturday's race, I saw one man and two women cut the course SIGNIFICANTLY short in two different places -- one turn alone shaved over 2km off of the total race distance. There is no telling how many times theses "shortcuts" were taken and all three of these "racers" placed high in the standings. Nothing can be done about it and shit happens I guess.
Race Statistics
Instead of writing the normal verbose report, I thought a fairly straightforward highlight reel of the day's events would be more interesting. I have already written a detailed report on the course itself in my previous post.
The official (but not entirely complete) results are in. As most all of you know, I had to finish my race at the 50k option and could not power up to the 40M or 50M. This was due to an ankle injury that began at 16km and got EXPONENTIALLY worse at ~27km split.
Saturday's race by the numbers
- Total registered racers: 130 (last known count)
- 50K finishers: 86
- 40M finishers: 4
- 50M finishers: 3
- Number DNFs / DNS: 37
- Official time: 5:46:22
- OA Placement: 20 / 86
- I'll provide detailed statistics when UltraSignup has the official DNF/DNS numbers. I like math.
Back Flare-Up Prevention
My "back flare-up prevention" theory proved to work for the second time in a row. The idea was to keep the temperature around my back as constant as possible to avoid drastic temperature fluctuations. In theory, if the temperature/exposure conditions are constant, the arthritis flare up should not occur OR be greatly minimized. AND. IT. WORKED. AGAIN. BOOM!
Recipe
- Two coats of Icy Hot Arthritis rub (or anything that has both Camphor and Menthol), let dry between coats
- On coat Tiger Balm, let dry
- One ThermaCare heat wrap surgical taped to/around lumbar spine (the 16 hour wrap) underneath my tights. Change if needed. Use wide, waterproof surgical tape in as few places as possible (the heat pad is air activated) -- just to keep it in position.IMPORTANT: BODY GLIDE NON TAPED AREAS FIRST TO PREVENT CHAFING.
I changed my wrap one time -- it never moved and was not uncomfortable, cumbersome, and never chafed. I only changed it because the first one became very saturated with sweat and I wanted to keep proactive heat on the area. I may test this with a back brace to help secure the heat wrap in position firmly to see what happens.
Weather
BRRRRR!! Starting temperature: 23 deg F (-5 deg C) and didn't get much warmer. No real direct sunlight on the trails, we were nice and sweaty, and there was a steady wind most of the day. I would say that I froze my balls off, but my boys told me to go to hell and decided to stay in the car.
Pacing
I settled into the second pack about 25 runners back and slipped into my groove -- planning to go ALL 50 miles.
After losing my pacers at the 10-11km mark when they made drop bag/bathroom stops, I was caught in "no man's land" for over 90% of the remainder of the race. That was actually mentally taxing. I'm used to running alone, but when you race on the trails with THAT many runners and see NOBODY, you start to question your sanity and/or if you are on the right route.. I KNEW I was on route -- it was VERY well marked. Very odd feeling.
Started with (and maintained) my pace strategy & felt great until..
About Mile 10: initial ankle injury (caught a hidden root underneath heavy leaves). Slowed my pace to work it out and see how it felt. Started feeling better over time employing a run/walk strategy and keeping as much weight off of it as possible. Worked my way back up to mostly running. During this time, I actually had hopes of leveling up to at least the 40 mile race.
About Mile 16: ankle was blindly caught between two rocks underneath heavy leaves and REALLY screwed it up. I actually yelled "MOTHERFUCKER!" in pain and had to just stand for a bit. Started slow walking and transitioning to jogging to keep going. At this time, I knew that powering up is NOT an option, but I refused to quit. I will finish at least 50k and keep my Grand Slam alive.
After mile 16-17: bit the dust a few four more times trying to keep weight off of my ankle. Bone bruised left hand/thumb and I think I dislocated my right pinkie finger. It popped back into place pretty easy. Hurt like hell, but not nearly as bad as breaking my collarbone or big toe.
Forced to change my stride to that of an overpronator to take the pressure off of the outside of my ankle and force the inner ankle to support and the muscles there fire more. Both ankles are sore now because of this, but it did the trick. I guess those muscles are not used to that!
Started getting very confused.. Not due to lack of nutrition, hypothermic, or being glazed over -- but because I'm wondering how in the fuck can people be beating me to the aid station (one man, two women) and NOT PASS ME on a SINGLE TRACK trail. I witnessed their "shortcut" a little later (mentioned above) that reduced their out-and-back distance by approximately 2.1km.
About 4 hours in: my ankle almost gave out on a very technical section directly in front of our resident racing photographer! We both got a pretty good laugh out of that :). It would have made for an interesting picture!
Shortly afterward: I actually ran into two old friends that I hadn't seen in forever (husband & wife) while they were hiking out on the trails. I knew I couldn't power up and that the top 10 was well out of reach, so I stopped for a few minutes to shoot the shit and catch up with them :). That was very cool! It's always good to see old friends!
Exactly 5:46:22 after the double barrel shotgun start, I crossed the 50k finish line! I didn't give up! I was somewhat deflated that I cold not power up, but I finished and my Grand Slam hopes are still alive! Don't get me wrong, I would have preferred a better time, but considering the circumstances, I have ZERO complaints.
The rest of the weekend: recover, ice, hot Epsom salt soaks, compression, spend quality time with the family, and rest. Live to fight and race another day!
So, what's next? I will probably try to take a slow run either tonight or tomorrow and assess the ankle. If it's not good, I'll hit the elliptical or bike at the gym and keep on moving until it is. When it's ready, I have to start dialing in my target pace for the Rocket City Marathon on 12/13!
Bring it!
Hope you enjoyed the highlight reel and happy racing!
-Randalll
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