We made it to the park around 0700 and got one of the last parking spots next to the start/finish. I was particularly happy about that since the bathrooms were also nearby. The coffee I drank en route to the park was doing its job, so I headed to the closest port-a-jon. On my way back to the car I heard some rustling coming from the port-a-jon area, but I didn't think too much of it.
Back at the car my photographer was struggling to stay warm. Meanwhile, I was stripping half naked in the parking lot preparing for the race.
Glide on nipples, check
Glide under armpits, check.
Glide under my junk, check.
Socks, check.
Shoes, check.
Gloves, heck yes!
Water bottle full, check.
Gels, check.
Salt, check.
Ready to run, double check.
We hung around the car for another 20 minutes or so to stay warm. Ultrarunners are generally entertaining to watch anyway, and this day was no different. Around 0615 a man jogged by with his fuel belt around his waist, full with everything he desired for the day, running tights, hat, gloves, and a jacket. Heading the other direction was a woman, tall and slim, equipped with her hydration system and calf compressions, going for a warm-up lap around the state of Maryland I presumed. It suddenly occurred to us that there were many marathoners and road runners at the race. The abundance of "26.2" bumper stickers finally gave it all away. There would be lots of fast runners on the course, and probably lots of trash on the trails. Both would prove to be true later in the race.
After getting our fill of people-watching we departed the warmth of the CRV and began walking towards the start line for the race brief @ 0645. On our way we stopped at a car full of fellow VHTRC runners! It was refreshing to know I wasn't alone. After some words of encouragement, and a funny story about a dog eating too much cheese, we continued to the start line. Just then, as we walked past the port-a-jons, I noticed something was way off...they were missing. I knew I wasn't crazy - I just did my business in there not 20 minutes ago! What the heck? Normally, the race director ensures there are multiple jons around before a race, for obvious reasons. How did they disappear in such a short amount of time? Where was I going to pee? I started looking around the parking lot and noticed they were in the back of a truck. I put two and two together, and uncovered the truth. The rustling I heard earlier was the sound of men, picking up the jons by hand, and placing them in the back of an F-150. Now my business was in the back of a truck... I laughed at the thought of it and we kept walking towards the start. We stopped for a quick photo:
Selfie (word of the year for 2013, by the way)
The race started just after "and the home of the brave."
Looking lost, as usual...
My goal for the race was simply to finish - something I failed to accomplish in the previous three races. Off the gun, two gentlemen sprinted out to the front. I recognized one as Alex Hetherington, a local runner and retired Marine, not to mention a very fast marathoner. He ended up winning the race. I kept him in sight for the first three-quarters of a mile on the road section, but lost him quickly once we hit the trails. The course consisted of three 9.8-mile loops, with the short road section at the beginning and end. Like a lollipop - up the stick, three loops around the sucker, then back down the stick.
The first loop I took pretty slow, enjoying the scenery and talking to other runners. A fella named Brad ran the first 4 miles with me, then I decided the pace was too slow and ran ahead and stopped to pee behind a tree. He held his pace almost the entire race, but I ended up passing him around mile 26. He wore a black wife-beater and a small black hat, and was otherwise not effected by the cold.
After Brad left me alone and afraid in the woods, I somehow got between two groups of runners and ran the rest of the loop by my lonesome. I could hear laughter and carrying-on both in front and behind me, but never was able to catch up or slow down enough to join either group. I saw a pair of sweet Brooks running gloves on the ground and stopped to pick them up. They were red and had my name written all over them! Being the ultrarunner I am, I passed them off to their rightful owner at the next aid station.
The main aid station was at the trailhead, which is where my photographer and crew would meet me. After the first loop I was still good on water, but needed a gel replacement. Kari tossed me a gel and gave me a quick kiss, and I was off for loop two.
There were a few park rangers hanging out in the woods in their lawn chairs. I'm not sure if they were policing runners for trash or simply making sure nobody got lost, but they were great! Each of the three times I ran past them they all shouted motivational slurs. I love motivational slurs. One even cracked on me when he said "There's still three young ladies ahead of you, son" on the last loop. Because I'm a man, this should have hurt my feelings. But because I'm an ultrarunner, I'm used to chasing the faster female runners. In fact, most times I don't mind following them, if you know what I'm saying...
Eventually, I did catch the third-place female. She was only about five feet tall, but man could her legs move quick! I think her name was Elaine. She was great to talk to, motivating and giggly, and she also wore her Hokas for the race. We ran together at her pace for a few miles, and even linked up with another gentlemen for a mile or so. At the next aid station I picked up the pace and asked them to come with me, but they were feeling the hills more than I was, so I pressed on.
I really enjoy running with music, especially 50k races since they are relatively short. Unfortunately, this race did not allow music because the entire 9.8-mile loop was single-track trail. There were a few times when I ran alone for 3-4 miles without encountering anyone. Initially, it was peaceful, but it got boring on the third loop as the trails became familiar and I memorized turns and roots and which trees I needed to duck under. Some Michael Franti or Mac Miller or "Back That A$$ Up" would surely have kick-started my legs for one final push to the finish.
Strangely, I kept the same pace the entire race. I completed each loop in roughly 1:25:00 and was able to maintain just under 9-minute miles. Since my goal was simply to finish, I wasn't focusing on my pace at all. It was really nice to enjoy the woods without constantly worrying about things such as pace, mileage, time, etc. I couldn't have cared less about my time or what loop I was on - I felt great and my legs felt like they did last winter. I love cold weather! The jello-like feeling I suffered from all summer was finally gone. My lungs were strong again. My calves were strong again. My hip flexors were strong again. I was a new runner.
Coming off the trail and heading down the final stretch of road to the finish...about 7-minute mile pace...huge smile on my face...waving to people I didn't know...singing some random song...I was back!!
Finishing strong and feeling good
Staring at the catering truck as it loaded the tables with rice and beans
It turns out I actually ran a new PR at the 50k distance, 4 hours and 32 minutes. I find it comical that I have random spurts of success at times when I don't give a hoot. Yet another reason to run without a watch, GPS, Runkeeper app, or any other electronics.
Leading up to this race I did quite a bit of running with only a watch, caring not about mileage or pace or elevation or the like. I had some great training runs in Prince William Forest Park, the quarry trails in Fredericksburg, and the trails on base in Quantico. But this race really helped me remember how to run free and separate myself from the madness and chaos. No music, no GPS, no nothing. Just a watch to remind myself to drink water occasionally. Today, I am thankful that I am healthy and capable of hitting the trails whenever I want, and for however long I want. I have a beautiful and caring wife who supports my strange habits and is willing to freeze her butt off in the woods for a few hours while I run around like a kid. I am thankful that I have the energy to focus on my job for hours and hours each week. But most importantly, and even more so on Veterans Day, I am thankful for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom...or else I might be speaking German...
End of recount...
