F the race - live the experience
I am currently sitting in my little camper, AC cranking and rain pelting down on the outside. It was well over 80 today for my first trip of the year. It was such a treat. I am six days post DIY50K and have spent a fair amount of time processing the experience. I am finally ready to give the rundown on "Fuck the race, live the experience."
Why I chose the DIY Route:
Rolling into 2021, I knew I wanted to accomplish two goals -
Thru hike the Cohos Trail
Race a long distance race
Timing being what it is, I didn't want to roll into my August thru hike exhausted, so late spring or fall it would be the best place for me to sneak in a race. There simply wasn't a race still on the calendar that got me jazzed up, so I decided to create my own. With access to miles of dirt, class VI, single track and little mountains within 20 minutes, I decided to start piecing together a route in January and went into training in February. Using a break through training plan created by David Roche, I developed my 16 week plan, incorporating my style of heavy lifting and spinning. I went for time on legs, rather than miles for the big runs because I know this works for me. This was the first year I have been sans coach for racing since my 2017 100 mile run. I give kudos to two coaches I have worked with in the years since I have gone long. They did an incredible job of teaching me how to listen to my body, push when I'm tired, let off the gas when the time is right and have a mantra to live by.
I spent the first month working on strict Zone 2 fitness and acclimating my body to moving again. I didn't come into this with no fitness, as I was logging miles on the bike, lifting and hiking. I started this plan with 15,000 feet of hiking on my legs in the month of January alone. I also had a trio of friends happy to get us all out the door in snowy weather. I often recall this amazing storm on the little mountain. This brings up an excellent point. I truly believe it's important to be present in the run. I do that by reminding myself I will draw on the experience when shit gets tough on race day... or in my case... the DIY50K. The bowed branches, sticky snow and belly flops all added to the experiences I would draw on when the miles got long.
To say training went well is an understatement. At 42, I am simply happy I can get up and move every day in this way. To be able to put in 50,000 ft of gain in a sixteen week training cycle makes my heart sing. Things certainly aren't getting easier but I am listening to my body daily. I took very little extra days off, but wasn't ashamed when I did. I told a friend that I was no longer beating myself up if my legs felt heavy or it wasn't "easy." I dialed it back, listened and worked with what I got. What a fucking freeing feeling. Just be. Most of the time, I would work out of the funk and have a badass day. How cool is that?
So after month one, it was on to structured workouts. Thanks to Roche's plan, I had some hill and speed work to execute. This is where I suck and need guidance when self-coaching. Having a concrete workout to execute is helpful in this circumstance. I can do long slow miles all day long, but need a little help (still) when it comes to working on turnover and stamina. These workouts are always surprisingly challenging to me, even if they seem easy on paper. There is a sense of accomplishment when I get halfway through one of these structured workouts. It gives me the confidence to empty the tank and finish the damn thing. And I am here to tell you they HELP and you need to mix it up.
Month two saw longer runs. I did the bulk of my training on the very "course" I would later string together. This may become boring for some, but these trails and roads are so beautiful and in many cases desolate, that I always see something new. Again, I was thankful to have my trio within my bubble to share miles with. They would often join me for some of my run. One particular run, M literally found me, parked and started running with me from where I was!
I rolled into month three managing the twinges, giving myself extra rest or using the bike as a sub when needed. I stayed on track with my chiropractor and massage appointments. I have old horse related injuries that require maintenance, so these appointments are critical to my spine health. I also fall. Mostly when I am not paying attention on the easiest terrain! My chiropractor asks at each appointment "did you wipe out since the last time I saw you?" He made such a great point during this last training cycle. He pointed out that football players get hit and fall all the time. Not every fall results in an injury. They TRAIN for the impact. I take good care of my body and expose it to a variety of stressors, appropriately, so a fall doesn't necessarily break me (more on this later!)
I peaked exactly where I wanted to, with a 26 mile weekend. I ended that weekend sore, but quickly recovered. I knew I was ready. Before getting into the race recap, I wanted to point out what I did this time around that really worked for me:
Weekly spin sessions - I was averaging 1/3 of my weekly overall mileage on the bike. I also used the bike to flush my legs after hard efforts.
Monthly Belknap Traverse - This was a new tactic. I had decide, separate and aside from the DIY50K, to do a traverse a month for the entire year. The technical terrain is around 12.5 miles and 4000 ft. of gain. It was a great way for me to gauge my fitness. My favorite one so far was February with my trio. My BRT in early May was my strongest this year.
Six weeks of Kettlebell Workouts (2x week) - THIS made the biggest difference to my fitness. Despite lifting heavy all winter with my barbell and free weights, I was lacking the strength I needed in my core. Working on one sided movements is magical for me. Not only did my core improve, but so did the responsiveness in my legs.
Sleep - Not to be forgotten, I slept. A lot. I went to bed when I was tired and I woke up without an alarm. I also stopped the early AM workouts in favor of sleep. Magic.
Down Weeks - Those who train for long distance understand the value of down weeks. I was writing my plan weekly, so it was incredibly dynamic. My down weeks came after two hard weeks or three hard weeks depending on how my body was responding. It was fun watching the plan evolve.
I try to remember there is no such thing as a perfect training cycle. For instance, I struggled a bit with my left quad as the mileage increased. That situation just causes me to put on my problem solving hat and figure out what I can do to work with my body. Bulldozing through this warning signs is a sure fire way to invite an injury that derails the training. This is where time and experience, which can only be gained from doing the process, helps an athlete know the difference between soreness and potential injury.
DIY50K Recap:
I chose to train for sixteen weeks, because why not? Time was on my side. I chose May 16 or 17, depending on which day presented me a better weather window. I wasn't opposed to running in the rain (hell, M came and joined me during a downpour on the mountain because we both NEEDED to run) but if I didn't have to, that would be ideal. Turns out, the 16th was going to work. It was going to be in the 70s and sunny, so I knew I would have to manage keeping my temp down. Not used to this shit yet! I am going to break down my day by 10 mile segments as I think it paints the clearest picture!
Mile 1-10:
I arrived at the Blue Job Mountain parking lot around 6:45. Since I had already obsessively packed my pack and rear cargo area aid station, all I had to do was throw on some bug spray and sun screen and wait for G to join me. He was planning on taking me from Blue Job, over Parker Mountain and perhaps Evans Mountain if time allowed before he had to bail for his kid's lacrosse game. I was happy to have the company and G was used to my paces.
My goal for this section was to settle into a manageable pace of strong, sustainable climbs and easy ultra shuffles on the flats and downs. It was going to be hot so I was careful to not start sweating it out too early. The miles went by pretty fast. This section is cruisey Class VI and some of my favorite. Once we started the climb to Parker, I began to feel the heat. I reminded myself to drink (Skratch was my go to for the day) regularly. G needed to bail on the other side of Parker, but he got to experience a brand new trail that was put in over the winter. We bushwacked the shit out of this last year, so this was a nice treat. Once I gave him directions back to the road to meet his wife, I stopped and took my first real snack break. I was just over 8 miles in. It was warm. I already smelled bad, but I was feeling good. No complaints. T was harassing me over messenger since he couldn't join in today.
After snack, I headed up the climb for Evans Mountain. This is a nice section of closed to vehicle Class VI. It affords a sweet view of the lake before ducking into the trail to the summit. I was thankful for poles today as I knew they would keep my legs fresher longer. I was starting to get low on water, but I knew I had some opportunities to fill my Katadyn filter bottle and replenish my supply. I am thoroughly enjoying using this device when I know I can locate water, rather than having to carry a full bladder.
As I left Evans Mountain, I headed down a grade I typically love to bomb down. It's a 13% grade and super fun on the downhill side. I was thrilled to be able to see the snowy peak of Mt. Washington from the top of the grade... so thrilled I stopped paying attention to my footing, tripped on a rock and went airborne down the hill. I knew the second I lifted off it was going to hurt. As my face plummeted towards the gravel I relaxed and braced for impact. I think all those years of being tossed off a 1000 lb. beast perfected my landing skills. Upon impact, I slid a good ten feet. I lost skin on both knees, my right quad, my left elbow and my right hand. The bleeding started immediately and knowing there wasn't much to do in the moment, I started running down the hill. Fuck it. I hit the stream crossing at the bottom and started washing away the blood. I was not going to let this derail my day. Hell, I fell worse and lost more skin as a sweeper on the NH 100K course at the start of my ultra career.
So there I am, 10 miles in, standing by a stream and washing the blood off. The bleeding stopped quick, so I took the opportunity to use my filter and replenish all my bottles. I also dug out my hot weather wrap to soak it. This thing is fantastic. I used it at the VT 100 and swear its the key to keeping body temp down. Once dunked in water, it stays cold for about an hour. It can be refreshed by "snapping it". I wrap it across the back of my neck and tuck it under the straps of my pack... heaven.
Miles 10-22:
I made my way out of the stream and towards the only long stretch of pavement for the day (2 miles). I am not going to lie, the wounds sucked a little. They stung. I focused on eating my 400 calorie waffle (with crystalized sugar) and drinking more skratch. I knew from experience I had to let the discomfort pass. I shuffled along, until I hit the dirt again. By then, the bleeding stopped completely so I dug out the all natural wound stick I had in my pack and treated everything. This stick took the rest of the sting away. I hit the woods again and was happy to be back on a stretch of Class VI I had only explored once. This section would be taking me to a great stream for another water resupply and I was amped to get there. I was snacking and shuffling away, making really efficient time. Once at the stream, I drank my fill from my Katadyn and replenished my Skratch bottles. Dunking my wrap was amazing too!
M was going to be joining me around mile 19 or so, which helped motivate me through the hardest section on my whole course, Snackerty Road. This jeep road is a bitch. I was running it on it's uphill section (nearly 2 miles of gradual up). I had planned on throwing in an earbud and a podcast here but found I didn't need it. I focused on watching the trees, as they change in species the closer you get to Crown Point. I could taste my aid station too! So close! Once I hit Crown Point I got a little bit of downhill to stretch out my quads. I had no significant complaints at this point, just a little fatigue. I was ready for my lunch.
M met me near the end of the unmaintained section of road. In classic fashion, she dumped her car on the side of the road to come find me. I was so happy to see her. I told her how bad I smelled and how happy I was to be 2/3rds done. She told me I was moving well (thank you for the reassurance). When we got to her car, she gave me a cloth to wash my face and offered me ice, which I promptly stuck down my bra. It was hot, but there was a little cloud cover and I was still managing well. We climbed the last section of pavement I would see for the day (less than a mile) and arrived back at Blue Job. To my surprise, G was joining us for the last 9! They went to get M's car while I ate my Beefaroni, refilled my bottles and replenished my snacks. This last section is a regular training loop so I knew all the contours. My lunch was delicious and I capped it off with some watermelon lemonade. I hope my iron stomach continues to stick around!
Miles 22-31:
I was ready to kick this things ass! We left Blue Job parking lot, making the shirt climb to Little Blue and taking in the day. This little peak kicks ass. From here, I got to play on a long downhill and stretch out my legs again. I love where we live. T was checking in on progress throughout the day. That was nice to get the encouragement from afar. All of this keeps me moving.
Out on Meaderboro, I let myself be tired. I reminded myself that I am "strong, capable and prepared." This was my mantra for the day. I listened to G and M chat away, often times just focusing on the click of my poles. I saw the tiniest baby turtle along this stretch, which I made M save! This stretch of dirt allowed me to just dig in and relax. Ultras are hard work man, no need fighting it. I had the single biggest climb of the day ahead (900 ft. in 2 miles), affectionately called Red House. I told the guys I wanted to stop and stretch at the reservoir (base of the climb) as my ass hurt. M said her ass hurt, no wonder mine did! We watched some baby geese for a few minutes while I stretched and then we were on our way. From here it was steady effort. No need to leave anything in the tank, I had just 3 miles left of my day.
Here I spent my time being so grateful... grateful for my friends who gave up part of their day to hang with me. Grateful for my aging body. Grateful for these roads and trails. I could not stop smiling! What a great day! For the final ascent up Blue Job, I asked George to get in front so I could watch his feet. There is something nice about giving yourself a short window of focus. M gave me encouragement as we got close to the top. These guys were so great! I absolutely could have done this day alone, but the joy they brought to my course made it that much better.
We hit the top of Blue Job at mile 30.4. All that was left was the down. I let G pick, and off we went. My quads still worked so I let loose on the last .2 of a mile. Another 50K down! 31.07 miles, 4475 ft. of gain and such a nice day! I traveled through three towns and two counties on my course. I also climbed five little mountains.
Final Thoughts
50K is such a fun distance for me. The training is attainable, no matter how busy my personal life gets. I find I can recover quick from long efforts and didn't really taper much. In fact, I did a BRT traverse 13 days out and we did Mt. Monadnock three days before my event. I wouldn't consider this much of a taper and I had a super successful day. I wouldn't change a thing! Fuck the race... live the experience!
