Race Recap: Oriflamme 50K Ultramarathon

On April 10, 2014 By greggrunsIn Race Recaps29 Comments

The Old West Trails race did exactly what it was supposed to: get me back on track. With a several good weeks of training in, I was excited to see how things would go for me at Oriflamme.

We arrived at the race start at about 6:30 a.m., got checked in, and then went back to the car to stay warm. While we were in the car talking, I noticed C start glancing around, looking behind the seats, in the back, etc., but didn’t think much of it. I didn’t think much of it until she turned to me and said “Where’s your hydration pack?”

Oh, shit!

After a rather intense 2-3 minute freak out, I came to the realization that in my zombie-like state at 3:30 a.m., I had left at it home and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. Luckily, I saw my buddy Mark at the start and he said he had an extra vest with ONE 20-ounce water bottle that I could use. (I usually carry 2 20-ounce bottles AND a 70-ounce hydration bladder).

So, with a borrowed vest and some scrounged-up food (one Pro Meal bar and a single GU) I went up to the start line, knowing full well I had no idea what I was in for.

It was cold and rainy at the start and all I could do is think about how my pack was doing at home, resting in the warm apartment on the back of the kitchen chair. I couldn’t think about it for long, though, because before I knew it – we were off!

A cold and rainy/snowy start – but you can see the sun coming up in the desert below.

111 — My friend John (left) and the rest of us heading out.

The first five miles were on some rolling single track that’s part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Everyone fell into line and we all marched along. We caught word at the start that the aid station that was supposed to be at mile 5.4 wouldn’t be there. Apparently the car got stuck, so the first official aid station wouldn’t be until mile 13.2.

Once through the first would-be aid station, we started our roughly 5-mile descent to the desert floor. Part of my strategy was to take it relatively easy on the downhill, as I still knew I would have to climb back UP this trail on the way back (about 2,000 feet).

Once at the bottom I picked up my pace on the fire road and ran it all the way into the first aid station at mile 13.2. By the time I got there I was starving (I was saving my bar for the climb out – as I KNEW I’d need the calories). I dined buffet-style at the aid station, grabbed a few gels and took off toward the turnaround.

My new Dirty Girl Gaiters really performed well!

C was waiting for me at the turnaround, and I could tell she was a bit worried about what shape I was going to be in. All in all, I had managed to refuel pretty well at the 13.2 aid station, so at the moment I was feeling pretty good! I hit the turnaround in about 3 hours 10 minutes and knew the toughest part was yet to come.

I cruised through the desert, reloaded at the aid station and started heading toward the big climb up Oriflamme Canyon. I ate half my bar and started powering up the hill – but not for long. I bonked. Hard.

The run hike out was long, slow, hot and generally miserable. I was WAY undernourished and it was really starting to show. Regardless, I knew this was a good mental test for me to gut it out and keep moving forward, which was exactly what I did.

After what seemed like an eternity I FINALLY got to the top and reached the final aid station (Mason Valley, mile 26). As soon as I got there I took some electrolytes and started pounding shots of Coke like it was closing time at the bar. I woofed down 2 cookies and some chips, hung out for a few minutes and then took off.

The last 5 miles were some of the strongest of the day for me. The weather was good, my stomach was full and my mind was at ease. Oh, and the views were plentiful.

I finished in 7:11, and in 96^th out of 136 runners who started. While I was physically and mentally ready for a stronger finish, I was incredibly happy with my time – knowing that I had overcome (and improvised) A LOT on that run.

After the race I had several people ask me if I was upset that I forgot my pack. Now, during the first part of the race – you bet I was! But once I got done, and had time to reflect on how NOT having it really challenged me to adapt and make the best of an unforeseen problem, I said no.

Would having my pack have gotten me a stronger finish at Oriflamme? Probably. But forcing myself to walk up to the start line and take on a course I had NEVER run, without the comfort of my own nutrition and hydration pack, did more for me mentally than a strong finish with my pack could ever provide.

Note: Hydration packs apparently don’t pack themselves

Up next: the PCT 50. Time to get back to it!

-G

Race Recap: Old West Trails 50K Ultramarathon

On March 17, 2014 By greggrunsIn Race Recaps22 Comments

With a lot of big races coming up— and very few miles on my legs—I decided I needed to do something drastic to get me jumpstarted in the right direction again. So, a week before registration ended, I decided to throw my hat in the ring and run the inaugural Old West Trails 50K yesterday.

The race contains roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain/loss

Luckily the race was only about 70 miles away, so we were able to get up at the reasonable time of 3:30 a.m. and head to the start, which was at the Stagecoach Trails RV Resort & Campground near Julian. When we pulled in, we noticed that a lot of people had camped out the night prior and were starting to crawl out of the tents and RVs to get ready for the day’s fun. We parked and I went into the mess hall to grab my packet and then started getting ready myself.

At 7:00 a.m. all the 50K’ers took off into the desert for what was sure to be a hot, fun day!

The first five miles of the course were relatively flat, with beautiful views of the Borrego Desert surrounding you on all sides. The runners seemed to “fall in line” and just enjoy the views on the singletrack trail before we started our descent into Plum Canyon.

View from the highest point of the course (2,700 feet).

After a quick descent through Plum Canyon we reached the first aid station. To my surprise they had a portable porta-potty (yes, you read that right – it was on a little trailer), which made me a very happy runner. C had gone off-roading in her Jeep (she’s getting really good at that) so seeing her was a huge boost to me mentally.

Knowing that I was using this race largely as a training run, I decided to fuel up, take it easy, and hike it out of Plum Canyon. Once out of the canyon, we followed the course back the way we came until it was time to hook with up the 30K course to finish out the run.

By this point in time it. was. getting. hot. The water drop at mile 13.1 offered an ice bucket with a cold sponge, which felt absolutely AMAZING. Shortly after this, the singletrack we’d been running on turned into a sand-based trail, which was a real treat. But before I knew it, I was coming into the aid station at mile 15, and not a second too soon. Both handhelds and my bladder were empty. The heat was really starting to make itself known now.

I wasn’t feeling too hot coming out of here so more walking was in my future – but there were no complaints coming from me. The scenery of Anza Borrego is absolutely beautiful.

Fireroad just outside the aid station at mile 15

I doubled-down on my electrolyte consumption and continued plugging away until I hit the water drop at mile 19. While I started feeling better physically, my legs were starting to hurt (see: lack of training). I fueled up on some chips, cookies, HEED and pretzels and hit the road again.

From 19-22 were probably the longest miles of the day. The best way I can describe seeing the aid station at mile 22 was that it appeared as an oasis, but a really, REALLY far away one. Kind of like a hotel a few buildings down on the Las Vegas strip. Anyways, after running with a nice guy named Jim for a bit, we finally got there.

I immediately went for a potato with salt, chips and (more) cookies. C was here and was having a great time chatting and helping out other runners. I think she had as much fun as I did!

The oasis IS real! Coming into the aid station at mile 22

Once I left the aid station I took my time getting back, stopping to walk when I wanted needed to. I cruised through the water drop at mile 25 and continued chipping away at the miles, because, sometimes, that’s all it’s about … chipping away. So that’s what I did.

Coming down into the aid station at mile 28, I was starting to feel rejuvenated. Now, if it was because there was an aid station in front of me, only 3 miles to go, or a downhill, I’m not exactly sure. But after a quick top off of my handhelds, and a shot of Mountain Dew, I was outta there!

The final few miles back were some of the most enjoyable of the day. I thought back on all of all the mental highs and lows that I had hit throughout the day – and believe me, there were a lot. That’s one of my favorite parts about running ultras; the mentality that they require to finish.

Before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line of my third ultramarathon – something that, just a year ago, wasn’t even something I was considering.

Most importantly, finishing this race gave me the spark I needed to get back in the saddle and resume training for some big, big goals that I have set for myself yet this year. It also reminded me that sometimes a good, long run needs to happen for the soul, more than anything else.

Take care,

My First 50-mile Ultramarathon: The San Diego 50

On January 23, 2014 By greggrunsIn Race Recaps38 Comments

Last Saturday I ran my first 50-mile ultramarathon: The San Diego 50. I had committed to running this race last September, and I’m so glad I did … because it changed me for the better.

Race morning

My alarm went off at 3:30 a.m. and after a relatively decent night’s sleep, I rolled out of bed, had my obligatory cup of coffee and tried to wrap my head around what I was about to do. Then I ate some breakfast (bagel & eggs) and started getting ready for race day. By 4:30 a.m., me and John – one of the guys I had trained with – were on our way out to Escondido. We met Carlos – another guy I trained with – at mile 10, where he dropped off his car, and then it was off to the start.

It was still dark when we pulled into the San Pasqual Valley Trailhead parking lot. The lot was full of runners staying warm in their cars, so we did the same until it was time to head to the start. After a brief speech from race director Paul Jesse, roughly 150 of us headed off onto the trail for what was sure to be a long, long day.

25-mile out and back course, 5,588 feet of climbing

Start to Raptor Ridge 1 (0.0 – 5.7)

The start was cold, probably somewhere in the 30s. The first part of the course was predominantly flat, which allowed for runners to easily “find their pace” and settle in. For me, that was towards the back of the pack. Part of my race strategy – since this was my first race at this distance – was to walk the uphills and conserve as much energy as I could.

Once I hit the base of Raptor Ridge, I walked it up, and then ran it down on the other side, straight through the first aid station. All things considered, I was feeling great.

Raptor Ridge 1 to Sunset 1 (5.7 – 10)

Things started to warm up a bit, as the sun started to make its appearance for the day. This stretch was pretty flat, so I just settled into my pace and enjoyed the miles. At about 8:30 I rolled into Sunset 1, where C was waiting. I ditched my fleece, thanked her for coming out (she spent all day cheering on runners from all the aid stations – what a trooper!), ate some oranges and bananas, downed some electrolytes and headed back out.

Sunset 1 to Del Dios Park 1 (10 – 15)

This is where running the whole trail “out” on a training run really paid off. Because of that, I was actually looking forward to this section of the course. The relatively flat, smooth trail overlooks Lake Hodges and the views are breathtaking. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as I quickly realized I was running out of water and was only 2 miles into this stretch – I was so excited that I had forgot to fill my Nathan hydration pack at either of the previous aid stations. Whoops.

My favorite stretch of the trail (Miles 10 – 15)

Del Dios Park 1 – Bing Crosby 1 (15 – 20.25)

By now it was getting pretty warm; luckily these miles provided a slow, steady decline, right into the next aid station. During this stretch, I ran into a lady named Jerry who was also running her first 50-miler. We chatted about how our races were going, why we were running, etc. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that the runners and volunteers – and the trail running community in general – are some of the nicest, down-to-earth people I’ve ever met. I felt privileged to be a part of it. Before I knew it Jerry and I were rolling into Bing Crosby 1.

Bing Crosby 1 – Turnaround (20.25 – 25)

As I left Bing Crosby 1 and headed out to the turn around, I could tell the heat was really starting to get to me. Though I’d been taking in electrolytes every hour and eating 3 Cliff Blok Shots every 30 minutes, as well as eating at every aid station and drinking as much water as I could handle, I could tell that it wasn’t enough. I simply wasn’t getting enough calories, which made for a very, very, tough next 8-10 miles.

I slowed dramatically and ultimately ended up walking a lot of this section. Once I hit the top of the switchbacks and started the descent on the other side I ran into Carlos, who was on his way back and looking strong. It was great to see someone you’d trained with killing it – and it gave me just the push I needed to keep moving forward.

As I approached the turnaround, I ran into my other training partner, John, who was also on his way back. We chatted for a minute and then both went our separate ways, leaving me feeling completely re-energized.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s the turnaround!

Turnaround – Bing Crosby 2 (25 – 29.75)

After leaving the turnaround, I settled in mentally for what I knew would be one of the toughest parts of the course (for me). While I’m not sure what it is, that stretch from Bing Crosby 1 to the turnaround (and back) is mentally crushing for me. It had been in all our training runs, too. However, KNOWING this going into race day helped substantially.

Once I got to Bing Crosby 2, I changed socks, sat down and ate a bagel with some peanut butter. Unfortunately, I think it was too little, too late.

Bing Crosby 2 – Del Dios Park 2 (29.75 – 35)

KABOOM! I’ve heard a lot of people talk about “blowing up” during a race. Well, this stretch is where I spontaneously combusted. I walked almost all of it. Looking back on it, this was due to a combination of things: the heat, nowhere near enough calories and probably not enough electrolytes, either. At the time I was bummed that I had to walk the majority of this stretch, but after a few days to reflect on it, I’m glad it happened. I was able to pinpoint what went wrong, experience a true “blow up” and, most importantly, keep pushing forward.

Beautiful trail leading into Del Dios aid station

Del Dios Park 2 – Sunset 2 (35 – 40)

Hallelujah, he has risen! After taking some time to “put myself back together” at Del Dios 2, I felt much better. These were some of my strongest miles since the start and It. Felt. Great! It didn’t hurt that this was my favorite section of the course, either. As the afternoon was winding down (it was about 4), it made for some beautiful views of the lake, and allowed me to really get in my head and reflect on so many things. It may sound a bit strange, but it was a very profound 5 miles for me.

Sunset 2 – Raptor Ridge 2 (40 – 44.3)

As the sun began its descent, I took off from Sunset 2. Christina could tell I looked a lot better, but was still banged up from the fact that I’d been running for 10 ½ hours. By this point, there was NO ONE else around, just me, my thoughts and the few miles ahead that lead to Raptor Ridge 2. I arrived there with 10 minutes to spare (they were beginning to pack up). It was a little before 6 p.m. I had 90 minutes to get back to the start, something that sounds a lot easier in theory, than after 44.3 miles. The sun was now gone and it was dark. I put on my headlamp, and headed out to start the ascent of Raptor Ridge.

My headlamp sure came in handy on Raptor Ridge

Raptor Ridge 2 – Finish (44.3 – 50)

Climbing Raptor Ridge by the light of my headlamp was surreal. It was at that moment that I really knew I’d found something new that I loved (trail running). Though the last 5 miles were incredibly, incredibly long, I didn’t mind. I was in my own world, and I loved it. However, before I knew it, I heard a few faint cheers coming from the finish line. I couldn’t believe it – I was almost there!

Finish

I crossed the finish in 12 hours and 47 minutes, helping me hit my “C” goal (I had set 3 goals for the day: A) < 11 hours, B) < 12 hours & C) to finish). As I watched my A & B goals go up in flames, I knew I still had a shot at my C goal – and I got it.

Carlos had an incredibly strong finish and John got in just a few minutes before me. I was incredibly proud of all of us – and thankful that I had the opportunity to train and run with such great guys in the months leading up to the race.

To say that this recap does this experience justice would be incorrect. This is just all I can remember. For most of the day, I was in my head like never before – and I loved it. I was tested both physically and mentally and came out a better person because of it. This experience was so much more than just a run.

I’ve taken the last few days off, but now it’s time to get busy and focus on hitting my “A” goal (<11 hours) at the PCT 50-miler in May.

-G

The OTHTC High Desert 50K: G’s First Ultramarathon

On December 3, 2013 By greggrunsIn Race Recaps21 Comments

On Sunday I completed my first ultramarathon: the OTHTC High Desert 50K. While I’m still wrapping my head around the experience, I’d like to get this recap down while it’s still relatively fresh in my mind.

We arrived in Ridgecrest at 4 p.m. on Saturday. After picking up my packet (note: great pre-race goodie bag), it was off to dinner at Red Bowl, a restaurant located right across the street from the hotel. The menu was extensive and the food was great. After dinner, it was off to bed … or so I thought.

I tossed and turned, and thought most of the night. Looking back on it, I think that was one of my favorite parts of the experience … everything you think about before, during and after an event like this. It puts you in a unique frame of mind, that’s for sure.

I finally rolled out of bed at 4:15 a.m., ate a bagel, drank some coffee and water, and then headed off to the start.

Honestly, the 30 minutes prior to the start are a blur. I was pretty “in my head” at that point – second guessing myself, my training, my nutrition and anything else that could be second guessed. However, once the race began, I smiled, settled in, and most of that doubt subsided. I knew I had done all I could to prepare for the race and it was now up to me to find my way through 31 miles of the high desert.

Start to Hubcap (miles 0.0 – 5.5)

Felt great through here. (I know, I know … I better have, right?) It was fun because we were all packed together on the trails; everyone was chatting it up and getting loose for the day ahead.

Hubcap to Haystack Turn-off (5.5 – 8.5)

I wasted no time at Hubcap, since I knew I would slow drastically later. There was a nice downhill before a slow, steady incline the two miles leading up to Haystack. Since this was my first ultra I didn’t want to over-do it too early, so I walked it. C had essentially gone off-roading in her Jeep and I got to see her out there, which was great! We chatted for a quick minute and I was off. I could feel the sun coming up and I wanted to get ahead of it as much as I could.

Haystack Turn-off to Saddle Turn-off (8.5 – 11)

Straight up. I’d looked at the elevation map prior and trained with a lot of hills, but once I saw this, I knew what I would be in for the rest of the day. I attacked it as hard as I could without over-doing it, which resulted in me being pretty wiped upon arriving at Saddle. Once there, I filled my hydration pack, ate some pretzels and Snickers and continued on.

Saddle Turn-off to Highway Crossing (11 – 13.6)

This was a nice downhill stretch that I just pounded away on; however, I don’t think I realized how much that prior uphill killed me. Once I got to Highway Crossing I took 2 Scaps, had 2 cups of Gatorade, an orange, and some little cookies. Off-roader C managed to get here, too, which was a huge boost. As I walked away from Highway Crossing, I was beginning to realize just how different this was from the races I had run in the past.

Highway Crossing to Wagon Wheel (13.6 – 16.9)

Bring on the uphill! It was good thing I ate a bit more at the previous station because I needed the fuel to get up this. More and more desert started separating each of the runners. I think everyone was starting to settle in at this point.

Wagon Wheel to Double Rocks (16.9 – 20.6)

I felt good coming out of Wagon Wheel and ran this one all the way in. Passed a few … got passed by a few dirtbikers who all nodded or waved as they buzzed by me, making my already glacial pace seem completely stagnant. That was fun.

Somewhere between Wagon Wheel and Double Rocks.

Double Rocks to Pack Rats’ Right Hand Turn (20.6 – 22.5)

Once at Double Rocks, I took another two Scaps, washed them down with some Gatorade and went face first into the cookie tray for a while before taking on what would be that last “big” uphill of the course. I gave that climb everything I had, and it was probably my “strongest” section of course running all day. Even though I was tired, I was still moving forward.

Uphill between Double Rocks and Pack Rats' — Uphill between Double Rocks and Pack Rats’

Pack Rats’ to Gracie’s Mansion (22.5 – 25.7)

Things were quiet out on the trails now. The scenery was beautiful … and it was getting hot. I doubled my water intake and paid extra close attention to how I was feeling, which allowed me to cruise on into Gracie’s Mansion at about 12:30 … 5 ½ hours after I took off from the start. As I walked out of Gracie’s, my nerves kicked in again … I was getting into a distance I’d never run before and I had no idea how it would go.

Gracie’s Mansion to Last Turn (25.7 – 29.4)

I got a nice surprise on this leg of the journey. Remember Off-roading C? She plowed her Jeep up to mile 26 to cheer the runners on their final leg of the journey. What a great sight that was. As I got to Last Turn, I took in some Gatorade, a handful of pretzels and keep on going. I was almost there.

Coming down from Gracie's Mansion — Coming down from Gracie’s Mansion

Last Turn to Finish (31)

Slowly but surely … the finish line came into sight. What. A. Feeling. And after 6 hours and 24 minutes of running through the desert, I had done it. I had completed my first Ultramarathon.

My first ultra marathon - COMPLETE! — My first ultramarathon – COMPLETE!

I was very lucky to have C come with me as I chased this dream down. I was also lucky for her ability to expertly navigate the desert in her Jeep, just to catch a few glimpses of me out there.

I think that’s one thing that can often get overlooked; the support, commitment and understanding that significant others offer up while those close to them train for events like this. So, thank you C!

Couldn't have done it without her! — Couldn’t have done it without her!

Furthermore, thank you to everyone I interacted with throughout the weekend. Everything about it was great. The course, my fellow runners, the aid stations & volunteers … it was all so, so great.

This was great practice for the San Diego 50 in January. I learned a lot about myself, my abilities and became aware of a few things I need to work on before I race again.

… I guess it’s time to get busy.

Life Through the Miles

Tag: Ultramarathon

Race Recap: Oriflamme 50K Ultramarathon

Race Recap: Old West Trails 50K Ultramarathon

My First 50-mile Ultramarathon: The San Diego 50

The OTHTC High Desert 50K: G’s First Ultramarathon