- Site:
- http://www.lastmilefastest.com
- Miles:
- 5289 total / 300 in 2013
- Goal:
For 2011: 10K and Half Marathon PRs Set distance PR (>26.52 mi) Run at least 100 mi per month Run <1500 miles Help others achieve goals http://bit.ly/gqlelh
Marty ran: Despite the hot weath...
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- 26 miles
- 06:43 time
- 15:15 pace
- 3397 calories
- details
Despite the hot weather and tough course, overall this really was a lot of fun. It seems like any time I run with this group we have fun, so extending the run to almost 7 hours... even better!
I met Matt J. at Goerke's Corners, so we could carpool to Devil's Lake. Timing worked out perfectly for Rochelle, Annie, Tracey G. and Amy K. (who were also carpooling together) to meet us there as well, and we caravanned to the campground... where we met up with Krista and Evan Z. We went out for a quick pasta dinner in Baraboo and then headed back to go to bed. Those of us that camped enjoyed a "campfire" (two candles set on the grate of a grill, since fires weren't allowed) and a few beers before retiring to the tents.
I woke up early on race morning to catch the 5:30am start of the 50K and 50 mile races. I knew a handful of people running in those races, but when I got to the start they were already in the chute waiting for the race to begin. After cheering the runners on, I headed back to camp to grab some breakfast (pop tarts and chocolate donuts). Before I knew it, we were nonchalantly walking to the start line as the starter announced that we had one minute until the start (reminding me that I really enjoy the laid back nature of the couple of trail races I've done). Annie, Krista, Rochelle, Tracey and I entered the start chute and Matt, Evan and Amy cheered for us at the start (Matt and Evan ran the half marathon, Amy the 10K).
"Runners take your mark. Go!"
At 6:30am, we started running. And, except for the occasional stop at an aid station or for a photo op, we kept going... until just after 1pm. We ran on single track trails, gravel roads, across streams, through mud, up and down bluffs, along the lake, through a campground and even through the middle of the woods (where no trail existed... because running a marathon on pre-worn trails would be too easy?!).
There were bright spots (literally and figuratively). We laughed and joked the first few miles and met and talked to a lot of other runners on the course throughout the race. But, as the day wore on and the sun rose higher in the sky, the sections where we'd run through prairie land between trail sections seemed like a furnace. Where the canopy of trees provided relief, the prairies seemed to try to cook us. There were times when I was physically incapable of running flat sections of trail because it was so overbearing. But, large portions of the race were done with some amount of cover.
There were also some low spots. At times, it seemed each of us had some trouble. But, whether it was physical or mental trouble, we buckled down and did what we needed to in order to keep moving. And, we did what we could to pick each other up and help them get through the tough times, whether it was a word of encouragement or advice or a sip of water after another's water ran out between aid stations (thanks again Krista!). Throughout the race, I (and others) commented about how lonely it must be for solo runners. I won't speak for any of the others, but though the race results show an individual time for my race, but this was definitely a team effort.
As we approached the finish line, we could hear people cheering. Then, we spotted Matt waiting for us at the top of the last hill. And, as though he could read my mind, he handed me a Guinness. I took it from him just as we linked up for our pre-determined "Red Rover style" finish (interlocked arms, all crossing the finish at the same time).
Just after finishing, Matt wanted a photo of me drinking the beer he was so kind to provide for me. Then Evan wanted a photo. Then Amy. Before I knew it, the beer was over half gone. I looked over at the finish clock and we had crossed the finish line 47 seconds earlier. And here I was slamming a Guiness. It was OK, though... I felt I had earned it (as well as the rest of the beers consumed as we sat and cheered at the finish line for the next few hours).
During the post-race celebrations, we realized that Annie, Krista, Rochelle and Tracey all won age group awards! So, of the 5 of us, 4 won awards. I didn't feel left out, though... I gave myself an award (witnessed and certified by Rochelle): Most trash removed from the course. ;-) (Seriously, though, if I *ever* witness a runner dropping a GU packet on the trails, they are going to get an earful about it... for as long as I can keep up with them. You obviously had room in your pack/pockets/etc to carry it INTO the woods, so I *know* you have room to carry it out.) Add that "award" to the fact that I got to spend the day running with friends, and that's enough to make this a great race to me!
Photos from the day:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2271922840777.136518.1329834731
Splits:
14:45, 17:17, 12:11, 12:39, 13:07, 14:23, 11:46, 12:02, 11:49, 19:04, 21:16, 19:14, 17:18, 13:12, 10:42, 12:58, 20:09, 21:58, 17:04, 12:21, 17:08,14:20, 18:50, 15:56, 13:04, 13:10, 0.44 @ 12:58
And, for Evan ;-):
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/98339404
Great race report Marty! I TOTALLY agree with you on the course littering. Not only Gu packets, but people throwing their cups in the woods long after the aid station. Dude, who do you think gets to clean that up? Very frustrating to see. Anyway, congrats on an outstanding race! So glad you didn't get DQ'd for accepting that Guinness. ;-)
almost 2 years ago • Like
Great job Marty. It was definitely a team effort, as I had my lows and couldn't have come back without support from our 'team'. And Congrats on that Guinness chug and good job picking up other people's trash.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Look at that elevation chart! Frickin awesome!
almost 2 years ago
Great race and report, Marty. Sounds like you all had a great time and definitely danced with some dirt!
almost 2 years ago • Like
p.s. Holy shit low AHR... good stuff!
almost 2 years ago • Like
I love reading everyone's recaps. Makes me smile all over again. I love all of us.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Very very nice Marty! I loved reading this recap. How could you go wrong with running buddies like that?! Congrats on yet ANOTHER marathon in the books!!
almost 2 years ago
Marty, you SO deserved an award too. We all experienced the same things and you were the one keeping us on track (I don't think I would have remembered to take a single salt if you hadn't been reminding us every hour!) Plus, we slowed you down making you take pictures of us being silly. I'm so glad we all teamed up to do this one together. That finish was better than any award they could have given out.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Thank you guys so much! Matt - At that point, I would've taken the DQ for that delicious nectar of the gods. ;-) Annie - If we ever all hit a low spot at the same time, we might be in trouble. Otherwise, it's nice to have others to pick you up when you're down... we all made a great team! Evan - Thanks man! Aid station stops and occasional walk breaks helped keep the average down. Diane - It was a blast! And yes, dirt was danced with for sure. Krista - Me too! Let's go do it again tomorrow! ;-)
almost 2 years ago • Like
John - Thanks bud! When are we going to run together again? Tracey - Thank you very much, but I was just kidding. If i *ever* win an award, it means either everyone else in the race died, DNF'd or I'm the only one registered to run it. ;-) I agree, though, that finish was one of the coolest things I've ever done.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Amazing, Marty! Just read Krista's report + have to say you all represent what's good about trail running, helping each other thru. Course sounds insane challenging + the weather, too. You're RIGHT ON re: the wrappers, too. Cheers!
almost 2 years ago
Amazing job. you guys are crazy awesome. I saw the pics of you crossing the finish line with your arms linked...love it! And I love your environmental side :)
almost 2 years ago • Like
Just linked to your report on Krista's blog! I just love reading about your team runs....what a great group. I know, I've said it before. All of you are so lucky to have each other! I really, really, wanted to be at this race, but my kids came first. Their triathlon was the same day, plus with some back issues, I'm not sure I could have done even the half---plus, I'm a heat wimp. Would have loved to see how they covered the area. We've been hiking there a few times and love that lake.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Thanks Ilona, Alyssa and Adina! Ilona - I never saw myself as a trail runner before, but now I get almost giddy when I get to go running on trails. Alyssa - That "Red Rover" crossing was discussed about 6.5 hours before it actually took place. Pretty cool to run the entire time with the group. Adina - I definitely do feel lucky to have such a great group of people to run with. Sorry we didn't get to see you out there and also sorry about your back issues. Get back to 100% soon!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Great Race Marty; congratulations on another success story. Really good race report too.
almost 2 years ago
You make it sound like so much fun! Some day we'll be watching the documentary about you and your running adventures with Annie, Tracey, Rochelle, Krista, Amy and Matt...
almost 2 years ago • Like
Another amazing accomplishment!!
almost 2 years ago
Marty you have been an inspiration once again. What are some of the differences between a trail and a road, besides the obvious?
almost 2 years ago • Like
Thanks Tim, Jane, Katie and Ryan! Jane - It IS so much fun! I can't believe how lucky I am to get to run with such tremendously awesome people. Ryan - The biggest difference is the lack of solid footing. Obvious, sure... but, what you might not realize is that it's harder on your ankles (stabilizing your foot) and core (balancing the rest of your body). For that reason, it's best to EASE your way into trail running, as you would any other new activity.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Very nice job Marty, you continue to impress
almost 2 years ago • Like
I don't think we had enough beer on Saturday. So great to read all your recaps! your races were so different from mine! and I'm jealous you were all together!
almost 2 years ago