 posted Apr-22-2007 12:46 PM
   
So, kind of got into this one at the last minute (well 10 days in advance) when there was a call to fill out a team. So, Brian and I jumped in even though it was 5 days post Boston. Plan was to kind of take it easy and hoping to go sub 60 for the 12.5 k trail run (which includes an up and over of a ski hill).Here's the elevation profile:
 Short version: Our team finished 11th out of 103 total teams with a time of 3:57:34. No complaints there! Fashion report -- decide to switch it up a bit. White MN RED hat
HRM Strap
White with Black Stripe Race Ready singlet
Black Garmin
Black Asics compression shorts (stolen from KeeMan)
Black Target running shorts
White and Grey Balega Socks
Grey with Orange and Black Nike Waffle XC Shoes Longer version... The is the last race of the day -- the 25 and 50k ultras had started at 7 and we would be running the same course. For the 50k it's four loops!  So, we line up and I back off the starting line probably 5 or six deep (less temptation)... All of a sudden, someone yells go -- and we are off. The start is somewhat downhill on paved road and then we turn left onto a dirt road and head uphill. On the paved portion, I am trying to find some free space so that I don't have to chop my stride. I pass a few people and then finally find some space when we hit the turn. Lots of people who went out too fast are already starting to fade. So, I am passing people, but don't feel like I am really hammering it. I look down at my watch and am surprised to see I am running around 6:30 pace. Hmmm -- back off or go with it? The heck with the brakes, lets see how long I can last. Pass a few people and hit mile 1 in 6:18 @ 158 bpm. As we head into a little downhill, I see the lead pack and they are MOVING!!! The pack appears to be at least 10 thick and running together. Can't tell how many people are between me and them (remember the other races are going on at the same time). No worries, just shut up and run!!! Now we start coming into the fun areas -- read HILLS!!! I pass a couple more runners on the first fairly decent climb and then hit mile 2 in 6:17 (161) after a nice little downhill to recover. I pass two more people as we go through the first water stop. Too soon? YEP! They take me back as we go up the single track up the back side of the ski hill. I grunt nice job to them, but I am HURTING! Will the top ever come? Finally, we crest the top. As we start the decent, they really start pulling away. My quads are calling me names not fit for printing and I almost lose control going down the hill. Mile 3 comes in at 7:14 (163 avg -- maxed at 171). Now we head into the rollers -- it's generally downhill, but some good short ones are in there and then there is the prairie hill -- I know it's lurking out there from training runs this summer. Mile 4 -- 6:44 (162). Mile 5 -- 6:33 (163) Just after the second water stop, I take back one of the guys that passed me at the ski hill and put some distance on him as we get to the prairie hill -- it seems to go on forever and I have to grunt/scream several times just to keep going. As we finally crest the second peak (it has a false hill top), I see another runner out there to catch. I need the motivation!!! During mile 6, I pass some MN REDrs who are running the ultras and encourage them on. I also pass the person that I saw at the prairie hill. Mile 6, 6:56 (165). Legs are really starting to tire and I am just trying to keep it together. Don't see anyone else, to pass. I just want to FINISH! Now I am swerving a lot because we have runners going in two directions on the same trail -- .75 to go! ARGH!!! Mile 7 -- 6:46 (165) Cover the last portion in 4:31 (6:09 pace) and attain my max HR of 173 right at the finish. Avg HR for the last portion was 165. HR Data:  Finish time of 51:24 (6:38 pace) nets me 11th overall out of 433 runners. No AG awards given, but I was definitely the first master across the line (the 10 before me were 27 or younger -- including 2 women). Winning time was 43:26 by a very fast young lady!!! Run like a girl indeed!!! All, in all a very fun event. But by calves are killing me from running in the waffles.  Thanks for reading!
[This message has been edited by hermosaboy (edited Apr-22-2007).]
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