Mohican Trail 100 Miler 2004

June 17

It is Thursday, June 17, and I am two days away from making my fourth attempt at finishing 100 miles.  Three years ago, I went 68 miles at the Vermont 100.  Two years ago, I went 69 miles here at the Mohican Trail 100.  Last year, I staggered through the darkness all the way to 2:30 in the morning before dropping out at 76 miles.  This year, a couple of things are different.  First, I have a pacer who will be with me the last 35 miles.  Last year, my nephew was with me for about 12 miles before I dropped out.  That was all the farther he was going to go.  Another difference this year is that my family all came up with me today because Nathan’s baseball season ended last weekend.  Finally, I am currently devouring about two dozen Buffalo wings.  We brought the sauce with us from Buffalo Wild Wings, and Martha cooked them up to perfection.  I determined about a year ago that eating Buffalo wings two days before a race was advantageous.

June 18

It is now Friday morning, less than 24 hours from the start of the race.  I am driving down to Columbus to pickup my pacer, Brad King, from the airport.  My goal today is to stay relaxed and make sure I have everything planned and prepared.  After picking up Brad, we drive back to Mount Vernon and eat lunch at Arby’s.  I have two regular roast beef sandwiches and curly fries along with lemonade.  Then we head over to Kroger to stock up on all of our caloric needs during the race.  Here we meet our first problem—Kroger’s is out of Nestle chocolate milk.  This is a key part of my race eating as each pint delivers 400 calories.  Therefore, after going to a couple of other places, we finally find plenty of Nestle chocolate milk at a Sunoco convenience store.  We purchase 11 pint bottles.  We also got bagels, Cliff bars, Powerade, and a bag of chips.  Half of this stuff is for Brad.

We arrive at my parents’ house, put all of our stuff in the refrigerator, and take up residence on the couch and recliner.  About 5:00pm, we all pile into the Expedition and go up to Mohican for the pre-race meal and briefing.  The meal is the standard spaghetti and meat balls with bread and salad.  The pre-race briefing is a never ending stream of useless information.  The only thing I learned that was not know already was that the river crossing would not be happening this year because the water level is too high.  However, the various other stream crossings will provide plenty of wet feet opportunities.

June 19

I have my alarm set for 3:30am, but I wake up at 3:00am and go to the bathroom.  So, now I am up, and I start to fix my breakfast.  This morning, I am having oatmeal.  This is another change from previous year’s cereal.  However, I think it won’t hurt anything.  My dad, Brad, and I get into the Expedition about 4:10am and head for the start.  On the way to the start, we stop at Dave’s Place (a 24-hour convenience store) to buy ice.

We arrive at the race headquarters, and I check-in.  There isn’t much time to do much more than take another leak and put some sun screen on.  Then I saddled up my Camelbak and say good-bye to my dad and Brad.  I am wearing my oldest pair of trail shoes (Asics Traverse), shorts, and Cool-max shirt.  The temperature is slightly warm at about 60 degrees.

Mile 4.5    51:53 (11:32 avg./mile) Camp Walhonding

I am cruising along around midpack, just running the downhills and walking the uphills.  I take off my shirt at this aid station, and that is all I do here.  I think my excited crew is disappointed that I don't need more help yet.  Strangely, I have a slight hot spot just in front of my left heel.  I don't know why this would be happening, but it sort of works its way out soon, and it never causes me any problems.

Mile 10.7    1:19:31 (12:50 avg./mile) Rock Point

I am running smoothly, and I don't think it is too fast.  Most people are walking uphills faster than me, but that is quite okay because nobody is running down the hills as fast as I am (at least not the people around me).  I meet Brad at this aid station.  My dad is parked down the hill and his asthma is not allowing him to walk up steep hills.  I drink a pint of chocolate milk and grab a bagel.  It is always time to eat, and I need to stay ahead of hunger.  I also refill my Camelbak at this point.  The weather is cool and humid somewhere in the mid-60s, I guess.

Mile 15.0    50:33 (11:45 avg./mile) South Park

This is the first section on the trails, and as advertised, the trails are wetter and muddy than usual.  At one large mud bog, while a couple of runners were skirting the outside of it, I ran right through the middle and passed them both.  Some runners lose a lot of time trying to avoid mud.  On this day, avoiding mud will be impossible.  I don't think I got anything from my crew at this point.  I am cruising and making great time.

Mile 19.3    48:47 (11:21 avg./mile) Fire Tower

Wow!  This time is really quick.  It doesn't feel too fast to me.  I just think that maybe everything is coming together for this race.  I grab a cup of Conquest and change my shoes.  I am now wearing Asics Eagles.  Both my crew and I forget to have me drink a pint of chocolate milk at this point.  However, it doesn't even cross my mind until I am halfway between the Covered Bridge and Hickory Ridge.

Mile 21.7    27:25 (11:25 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

This is an easy mostly downhill section.  It feels as if the course is just coming to me.  I am still taking the uphills easy, and when I start to go downhill, the other runners let me pass easily.  Already in this race, I have gained the reputation as a hard downhill runner.  At this aid station, crews are not allowed, but I get to wave at them as I pass through a campground on the other side.

Mile 26.5    1:05:31 (13:39 avg./mile) Hickory Ridge

This section is about 3 miles of trail along the river and then a tough uphill.  I am really pleased with my time, and I still feel great.  This is another aid station sans crew because the race officials won't allow it.  I grab an apple, a bag of Fritos, and most of a PB&J sandwich.  I am hungry and wishing that I hadn't forgotten my pint of milk back at the Firetower.

Mile 31.9    1:07:27 (12:29 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

I get to see my crew twice on my way to this aid station.  However, before I get to them the first time, I roll my right ankle for the first time today.  It is not serious, but I rolled it on a root while I was eating my apple.  On most ultras I roll my right ankle, but I don't think I had ever done it here at Mohican before.  I am still feeling pretty good with nothing to complain about yet.

Mile 35.9    58:55 (14:44 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

This is the blue loop.  A single loop that brings us back to the Covered Bridge.  Every year this loop has been slightly different because of the access to the Big and Little Lyons Falls.  This year, I get to literally run up the creek bed of the Little Lyons falls and then climb up the falls themselves.  There is also a portion just above the dam that is pretty steep, and the sun is shining brightly on us.  I am feeling hot now, and my legs are starting to feel tired.  I hope that I am not losing my edge with my legs this early in the race.  This pace is slower, but I am still glad to keep this section under an hour.

Mile 38.4    43:47 (17:31 avg./mile) Bridle Staging Area

Being one of the shortest sections on the course, this is the toughest with this section being 90 percent uphill.  We climb and climb up from the river until we finally get a brief downhill before getting a little more uphill.  I am really happy with this time because it is the fastest I have ever covered this section.  At this aid station, I drink another pint of chocolate milk.

Mile 45.7    1:36:49 (13:16 avg./mile) Rock Point

Now the fun really begins because this is the longest, muddiest, and wettest part of the course.  We course the same stream three times and get to navigate through tons of mud.  Most of this is on horse trails.  I did not lose my legs from the last two sections, and near the end of this section, I get to run with a couple of other runners.  For being this early in the race, we are very well spread out.  As I come in to this aid station, I have beaten my crew up to the aid station.  However, my brother, a couple of his boys, Nathan, Amy, Martha, and my mom at this aid station to cheer me on.  They of course don't know that my dad and Brad are just down the hill.

Mile 50.0    57:35 (13:23 avg./mile) South Park

Halfway at I am under 11 hours.  Dreams of running a really fast race begin to creep into my mind.  However, I force them back out for fear that I might start pushing things too fast.  My time through this part for the second time is a little slower, but still right on target for where I want to be.

Mile 54.3    56:40 (13:11 avg./mile) Fire Tower

The elevation chart shows this section to be uphill, but it always goes quicker for me than the previous section.  I am making a definite conscious effort to stay smooth.  I am starting to think about a sitting restroom break, but I decide not to do it at this aid station.  I grab a slice of pizza and my chocolate milk.  I also change shoes for the second time into my third pair of the day.  I am now wearing Asics Eagle IIs.  The whole gang is here, and it is really cool to have a large group for me at this aid station.  Shortly after leaving the aid station, I realize that I should take my Advair medicine for my asthma now, so I come back up the trail and get that.

Mile 56.7    36:18 (15:07 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

Due to back tracking slightly to get my Advair, this time is not as fast as it would have been, but now I am almost set to run into the night.  I still feel good, and my legs are not worn out yet.  I know I am slowing down slightly, but I still have a little bounce left in my legs.  At this aid station, I get a bite of PB&J and some Conquest.  I also get a couple of pieces of paper towel to take with me.

Mile 61.5    1:31:29 (19:04 avg./mile) Hickory Ridge

The reason for the paper towels is for my stop in the campground on the other side of the Covered Bridge.  However, the outhouse is well stocked with TP, and I don't need to use the paper towels for that.  I spend over 12 minutes emptying my large intestines.  I am sure I am now five pounds lighter!  Now, I have to get my legs moving again after sitting that long. Getting started again isn't too bad.  Taking out the almost 15 minute stop, I completed this section is an hour and a quarter.  I sit down at this aid station and eat two slices of pizza along with a bag of Fritos and a couple of cups of Conquest.

Mile 66.9    1:26:02 (15:56 avg./mile) Covered Bridge

Fueled up and ready to go, I run down to the pacer meeting point around mile 64.  Now, Brad is running with me, and we start off making good time.  When I met Brad, I put back on a short-sleeve shirt.  However, I am soon sweating profusely, so I take it off again.  My stomach is revolting slightly, so we walk a little more than I would like.  We now leave the Covered Bridge for the last time in this race.

Mile 69.4    59:30 (23:48 avg./mile) Bridle Staging Area

Starting out from the Covered Bridge, Brad gets a feel for the thick, deep mud on the course.  This portion is also the steepest uphill section, so he gets to experience the best of both soon in his pacing shift.  We get into this staging area just before dark.  I eat two cups of soup to try and settle my stomach, and it seems to help.  Even with the sour stomach, we still made good time coming up the hill to this aid station.

Mile 76.7    2:14:33 (18:26 avg./mile) Rock Point

This is the really fun section with three stream crossings and a lot of mud.  We make good time considering it is now dark.  I am now at the aid station where I dropped last year, only this year I am here 3 hours earlier than last year.  It is still only 11:30pm, and I am not sleepy tired yet.

Mile 82.5    2:16:43 (23:34 avg./mile) Giffen & Beck

Setting out from Rock Point, Brad and I take it easy because I don't want to push anything and burn out.  We walk almost this whole section and coming into this aid station, we talk about climbing in the truck and warming up.  I also have convinced Brad that I should try and take a quick cat nap.  After 12 minutes, I give up trying to cat nap and try to get up to resume my trek.  However, my stomach feels worse than before, and I crawl back in the back seat of the truck.  I am laying there wanting to drop when Martha says that I better be really hurting if I am going to drop.  As a matter of fact, she says that I better not feel good enough to water ski tomorrow.  This puts things in perspective for me, and I try to get up again.  My dad hands me my first cup of Coke, and it helps do the trick of settling down my stomach.

Mile 88.3    2:12:57 (22:55 avg./mile) Turkey Ridge

We manage to get out of Giffen & Beck and keep moseying down the road.  The climb up to Turkey Ridge is steep, but the biggest thing is that it is now really cold out.  The temperature will drop to 49 degrees tonight, and this is really cold after your body is as tired as mine is.  I think I took in another cup of Coke, and we head on down the road.

Mile 93.3    2:01:29 (24:18 avg./mile) Brinkhaven Rd

This is my most tired stretch.  First, I keep nodding off and waking myself back up, all while continuing to stagger forward.  Then as the morning is just starting to show its first light, I keep thinking that I see a vehicle or two parked along side of the road up ahead.  But, each time, it turns out that I was just imaging things.  At this aid station, I am searching for some solid food while I munch on a couple of M&Ms.  Then one of the aid station workers says that he can cook me a grilled cheese sandwich.  I jump at that and also drink a cup of coffee.  Both of things are the perfect items for me at this point.

Mile 96.9    58:00 (16:07 avg./mile) Big Hill

Soon after leaving the last aid station, Brad encourages me to run some more.  We start slowly and amazingly I am still able to run for stretches.  Brad and I think we have made really good time, but the 3.6 miles still takes us 58 minutes.  At this point, we are not concerned because the finish line is almost in sight.  At this aid station, Martha is there handing me another cup of Coke, but my dad is fast asleep in the truck.

Mile 100.3    1:03:06 (18:34 avg./mile) Finish

The last aid station is called Big Hill, but the hill comes after the aid station.  This hill is not misnamed as it is one of the largest hills we get to tackle on the course.  The uphill is tough, but the downhill is even steeper.  I cannot run down it, and I realize that I will not be finishing in less than 27 hours.  However, after getting down the hill, we start to run again and then see the finish.  I round the final turn, do a 360 spin, and cross the finish line.  After 3 years of trying and 4 attempts, I have finally finished my first 100 miler.

Official Finishing Time  27:09:06

38th out of 110 starters (only 64 finished)

Amazingly, 38th is the same place I was in at the Hellgate 100k last December.  It is just after 8am on Sunday morning and brunch is being served.  I grab some home fries, eggs, and pancakes, but I am only able to eat about half of what I get.  I am really tired, but it is an awesome feeling, and I think I could sit for a long time.  I am still on the chilly side.

Brad and my dad head on back to the house, and Martha and I wait on my buckle.  I talk with a couple of people, cheer on a couple more runners finishing behind me, and then I get my buckle.  Martha and I hop in the car and head back to my parents' home.

Until next time, never stop running, or at least moving forward,

Darin

Bull Run Run 50 Miler 2004

April 16

My dad and I leave Richmond about 2pm today.  He is visiting from Ohio in order to crew for me during this race.  We arrive at Hemlock Overlook, the race headquarters slightly after 4pm.  After checking in, we head to the dining hall.  While at dinner I talk with David Hughes from Indiana.  I met him last summer at the Mohican Trail 100.  For dinner, I feasted on lasagna, bread, salad, and some desserts.  As we were leaving the dining hall, I met Gary Knipling, who ran the Hellgate 100k in December with me.  My dad and I decided to stay right at the race headquarters in a bunkhouse, so we hang out for the rest of the evening, listening to the race brief and meeting other runners.  I went to sleep around 9:30pm.

April 17

I wake up at 4:30am and get out of bed around 4:45am.  The temperature outside doesn’t feel as cool as what was predicted.  At the race start, the temperature is 44.8 degrees.  I eat a bagel and drink a pint of chocolate milk for breakfast.  Several trips to the bathroom, and I am now ready to run.  It is supposed to get hot, but the weather is nice and cool right now. 

Mile 7.0      1:12:01 (10:17 avg./mile) Centreville Road

The race starts with 301 runners.  We circle around the camp once before heading down the single-track trail.  I am just cruising along, taking it really easy.  At this aid station, we turn around and head back to the start.  The temperature is still really cool at 44.1 degrees. 

Mile 13.0    54:55 (9:09 avg./mile) Hemlock Overlook

On my way back to the start, I run for most of the way with Marty Sullivan from Massachusetts.  I am running the down hills really hard, while walking up the hills.  My dad is at the start line, which also serves as this aid station.  I drink some Conquest and trade out my Camelbak bladder for a full one.  My Camelbak holds 50 ounces of water, and I am drinking liberally as the temperature is going high today.  The temperature is up to 52.3 degrees. 

Mile 17.5    45:31 (10:07 avg./mile) Bull Run Marina

Most of the course is easy rolling hills.  None of the hills are very long, most are less than a quarter of a mile.  I was told by almost everyone last night that the course is easier than the JFK50.  At the Marina, my dad is there again, and I drink a pint of chocolate milk and a little bit of Conquest.  The temperature is now 55.6 degrees. 

Mile 22.0    49:19 (10:58 avg./mile) Wolf Run Shoals

Another 4.5 miles in the books, and things are going smoothly.  However, the temperature continues to climb.  It is now 61.5 degrees.  When the temperature goes above 60 degrees, the conditions cease to be ideal for me.  This aid station is in the middle of nowhere and crews are not allowed to meet their runners here. 

Mile 27.0    48:29 (9:42 avg./mile) Fountainhead

Now the temperature is climbing quickly and stands at 66.4 degrees.  I am sweating profusely and will have to begin to think about slowing down.  I meet my dad and change out of my first pair of shoes.  My shoes and socks were slightly wet from running through some mud.  I drink some more conquest, and change out my Camelbak again. 

Mile 29.5    30:50 (12:20 avg./mile) Do Loop (start)

I am finally at the infamous “do loop.”  Three miles around this thing and then I will be heading straight back to the finish.  The temperature is now 69.3 degrees.  Kevin Sayers is at this aid station checking in runners.  He is the race director for the Catoctin 50k.  I was hoping to see Phil Young at one of these aid stations, but maybe I missed him and will see him on the way to the finish. 

Mile 32.5    33:45 (11:15 avg./mile) Do Loop (end)

Probably the most talked about portion of the do loop is the Nash Rambler that sits out there in the woods on this portion of the course.  I take the opportunity to relieve my bladder on the Nash Rambler.  The temperature continues to climb, now at 72.1 degrees.  I passed a couple of runners on this loop and feel like I can pick it up to the finish.  However, I am hungry so I eat several pieces of cantaloupe and a few squares of grilled cheese sandwich. 

Mile 35.0    30:23 (12:09 avg./mile) Fountainhead

I get back to this aid station, and my dad is waiting for me.  Crews weren’t allowed at the Do Loop.  I trade out my Camelbak and drink a pint of chocolate milk, which I hope will solve my hunger issues.  The temperature is just plain hot at this point, and there is no relief in sight.  The thermometer reads 74.2 degrees.  This is the hottest day so far this year, and I know that the sun isn’t even quite overhead yet. 

Mile 40.0    55:32 (11:06 avg./mile) Wolf Run Shoals

This portion loops around and back almost to itself.  Mentally it is tough because I know that a straight shot between the last aid station and this one would have been about a mile.  The temperature is now in a very high range as it reaches 80.5 degrees. 

Mile 44.5    1:00:46 (13:30 avg./mile) Bull Run Marina

The high temperature is really taking its toll on me.  Slowing down is not an option, it is essential to survival.  I meet my dad for the last time at this aid station.  Although there are only 5.5 miles left, I trade out my Camelbak one last time.  My dad also hoses me down with some cool water.  The temperature has now reached 82.7 degrees.  I figure out that I can still finish in under 9 hours if I can run the last 5.5 in less than an hour.  On the way out, I did this section at a 10-minute average, but that was almost 30 degrees cooler. 

Mile 50.0    1:13:40 (13:24 avg./mile) FINISH!

I manage to keep everything together over the last five miles.  The coolness from the hose wears off within a mile.  My thighs are cramping because of the heat, but nothing severe.  I am even motivated to push it into the finish because right behind me is a Marine Corps Colonel from Quantico.  The temperature at the finish is 83.9 degrees. 

Official Finishing Time 9:15:12

57^th out of 301 starters (257 finishers under 13 hours)

This is my first effort at the Bull Run Run, and I am satisfied with the run.  The heat was even worse than what was predicted, but I managed everything well.  Now, I get to try and recover and begin focusing on my next race.

My dad and I collect our stuff, I grab a piece of pizza, and we hop in the truck to drive back home.  My son Nathan has a baseball game that starts at 5:30pm, and it is 3:45pm when we drive away.  We make it to the ball field right at 5:30, but the game before is running late so my son’s game doesn’t start until 6:10.  My next run will be my fourth attempt at completing a 100 miler at the Mohican Trail 100 in June in Ohio.

Never stop running,

Darin

Shamrock Marathon 2004

Here I stand on the starting line for my one and only marathon this year. Sometimes I wonder why I keep running the marathon distance. Why don’t I just focus all of my efforts on my latest challenge—finishing a 100 miler? I guess as long as I can race this distance, it is good to see what I have to give in this race. The marathon is the distance I have raced most often, and therefore, is the best measuring stick for historical purposes. This year, I have hit all of my training marks in the past two months. Things have been going well. Now it is time to see how much “pop” is left in my 35 year old legs.

March 20, 2004

Start    0:06

This is a chip race, so technically, I get an extra 6 seconds off my race time because that is how long it takes me to cross the line. The temperature is 44 degrees, and the wind is almost still. It was cold this morning, some where in the low 30s, but now it is warming quickly and is supposed to reach into the mid to high 50s—almost perfect weather for running a marathon. I am wearing shorts, a Coolmax t-shirt, and Asics DS Trainers.

Mile 1    7:14

I start right beside Brad and Francois, who are trying for a 3:10 or better. Francois has yet to qualify for Boston, and he is still under 35. We are also right with the designated 3:10 pacer. I quit relying on pacers after one named Adam Beam from Runner’s World took us out way too fast. Anyway, I think I am running about the right speed, but Brad and Francois have taken off, and everyone else is just flowing past me. Either I am running slow today or everyone else is feeling good with the ideal weather conditions. When I hit the mile mark, I am relieved to see that I am right on pace for a 3:10. My personal best time is 3:10:44, so it would be nice to beat that time.

Mile 2    7:13

Things are going well. I feel good, and I think I am running well within myself. Now, the challenge is to be patient.

Mile 3    7:30

We round a turn and get onto the boardwalk. The ocean looks beautiful, and I just need to stay focused. This mile is a little slow, but I want to make sure that if I error that I error on the slow side early on.

Mile 4    7:22

The family and I stayed in a hotel on the boardwalk this year. So, around this mile marker, I see Martha and the kids. I am running fairly close to the 3:15 pacer, who obviously is slightly ahead of his pace.

Mile 5    7:23

I run another mile within reach of the 3:15 pacer. I am starting to really get the legs warmed up, and it will only be a matter of time until I push on ahead of them.

Mile 6    7:07

After passing the fifth mile, I begin to notice a couple of guys, who seem to be running a very smooth pace. So, I leave the 3:15 group and pick it up in order to run with these two guys.

Mile 7    7:22

I catch the two of them and fall in behind them. They are fairly young, and I find out later that they are seniors at JMU. One of them is named Matt, and he has it written on the front of his shirt. Almost every time we pass a group of spectators, they yell, “Go Matt.”

Mile 8    7:22

I always take salt tablets on ultras, but have never done it for just a marathon. However, this year, I have wrapped two salt tablets in plastic wrap and stuck them in the key pocket on my shorts. I manage to get one out and unwrapped and swallowed with some water at an aid station.

Mile 9    7:20

These two guys really have a smooth pace. They are hitting 7:20 miles like machines. Even as we begin to leave the ocean front and head uphill slightly, they maintain their pace.

Mile 10    7:21

The only reason all of my miles aren’t exactly 7:20 is because sometimes I am a little farther behind them than the previous mile. I am drafting slightly off of them as there is a slight headwind, but definitely nothing really to be concerned about. I am only trying to maintain a good pace.

Mile 11    7:12

Another guy comes up behind us and asks Matt and his friend what time they are shooting for. They say, “3:10.” This guy says something about that being the qualifying for Boston, and I mention that it is if you are under 35. Hee, hee, I get an extra five minutes now that I am 35. This mile is a little bit faster because I took the lead as we went into Fort Story.

Mile 12    7:24

Matt sticks with me, even as his friend does not pick up the pace to stay with us. We talk briefly about picking up the pace for the second half in order to get a 3:10, but we are waiting for the second half.

Mile 13    7:17

The wind is starting to pick up, and Matt and I take turns with the lead when there isn’t someone else to draft off of. The field of almost 2,000 runners is fairly spread out at this pace and place in the race.

Mile 14    7:16

My halfway split is 3:15:43. I am right where I need to be. If I can run a negative split today, then I will have a new personal best. I feel like I will really be able to take off with about 10 miles to go. I am very confident after running into the wind the last two miles and maintaining this pace. I eat my Access bar a little early, just after halfway.

Mile 15    7:13

I am still with Matt at the turn around point just past 14 miles. However, soon thereafter he pushes on ahead. It looks like he is feeling good and taking advantage of the wind at our backs right now.

Mile 16    7:12

With the wind still mostly at my back, Matt’s friend catches up to me. I will try to hang with him and see if we can catch Matt. With the wind at my back, I am starting to feel warm, while the sweat just pours out of me.

Mile 17    7:01

Matt’s friend is really moving also, and I think I will let him go. We really haven’t gained any on Matt. The wind is now starting to be in our faces again, so the warmth I felt last mile is leaving.

Mile 18    7:20

With Matt and his friend having gone on ahead, I will have to set my own pace. The bigger problem is that as I leave Fort Story, the wind has picked up and is fully in my face.

Mile 19    7:20

Each runner that comes by me or is slightly ahead of me is a possible wind blocker. I follow one woman for awhile, but she is only doing the relay and ends up passing me. Then another named Amanda comes by, and I decide that this is the person I need to race against to the finish (or as long as I can).

Mile 20    7:17

We trade the lead between us several times, and there is no intention from each of us to work together. While the marathon is a race of attrition, it is still a race, nonetheless.

Mile 21    7:20

We get back close to the ocean front, and it is becoming obvious to me that this lady isn’t going to fade anytime soon. I will just try and see if I can stay around her until the last mile or so.

Mile 22    6:50

Well, my strategy goes south when I decide that I can leave her in my dust. This mile is definitely fast, but I know I cannot maintain this due to the headwind I am facing.

Mile 23    7:53

Sure enough, I don’t maintain my pace from the last mile, and the lady catches back up to me and passes me. Then this older gentleman comes by, and I start to tuck in behind him. As I do, he swerves and tells me to go find another runner to draft off of! I have never seen such a dramatic response from someone who I was drafting off.

Mile 24    7:22

I trade “the lead” with the old man a couple of times being careful to never be accused by him again of drafting. Just as we turn back onto the boardwalk for the last time, a strong runner comes by me, and I decide that he is the one for me to draft off of along the boardwalk.

Mile 25    7:37

The wind is really blowing hard now, and it is all I can do to stay with the guy I am drafting off of. About three-quarters of the way down the boardwalk, I lose contact with the guy, and then I am left battling the wind all by myself.

Mile 26    7:37

I am not sure what my time is going to be, but I push hard to the finish. My legs are pretty well tired after the headwind, but I don’t feel too bad. Right about halfway through this mile, I hear Nathan yell at me from behind after I have passed. I also hear Amy blow her whistle thing they got yesterday at the race expo. I find out later that they were in buying me a Coke for after I finished when I ran by.

Mile 26.2    1:25

I make the final two turns and see the clock. It looks like I will be under 3:12. I take a quick look around to make sure that no one is coming up on me and then I do my 360 spin before crossing the finish line.

Final 3:11:44 officially.

I was 93rd of 1,842 runners. I finished 14th of 225, males 35-39.

I am really happy with my time, but I know that the headwind kept me from a new personal best. However, it has been 4.5 years since my personal best, so it is good to run close to that fast again.

Now my focus shifts back to the ultras. Next month, in April, I am running the Bull Run Run 50 Miler. My dad is coming down to crew for me. Then I will take May off from racing and then in June make my fourth attempt at finishing a 100 Miler.

Never stop running,
Darin

Holiday Lake 50k 2004

On Saturday, February 14, 2004, I ran the Holiday Lake 50K++. The “++” means that it might be a little further than 31.2 miles. Here are my thoughts on my experience at this race. I hope that you enjoy reading them.

Holiday Lake is part of the Lynchburg Ultra Series and is directed by David Horton. I ran my first David Horton race in December at the Hellgate 100k. This race is in the middle of Virginia and isn’t really close to anything, so most all of the runners stay at the 4-H camp at Holiday Lake in bunk houses.

I arrived at Holiday Lake around 5pm after spending about an hour looking around Appomattox Courthouse. I registered and got myself and my gear settled into a top bunk in one of the bunk houses. There would be a total of 14 of us in this end of this bunk house. After dinner and the pre-race dinner, it was about 8:30pm. Most of us relaxed and read, and I went to sleep around 9:30pm. The starting time of the race is 6:30am and wake-up is at 5:30am.

I woke up at 4:30am and went to the bathroom. At 5:30am, I got up and drank a pint of Nestle chocolate milk and ate a bagel. This allowed me another trip to the bathroom before the start of the race. Things were all falling into place for a good run today. My plan was to run conservatively and basically use this as a nice hard training run, but definitely not to kill myself.

3.5 miles    1:29:19 (25:31 avg./mile)

Now, a few things I need to explain before you conclude that the course must be very difficult if it takes Darin an hour and a half to go three and a half miles. First, the course is gently rolling, easy to run on trails. Second, around two and a half miles into the race, I missed a turn and just followed the person in front of me. By the time I figured it all out, I was two and a half miles from the missed turn. So, I sprinted back to the missed turn, totally upset with myself, especially after I saw the turn and the course markings, and wondered how anyone could miss this turn. So, now I am at the first aid station, no other runners in sight, and I now only have two hours to go over 12 miles to the halfway point and the 3.5 hour cut-off. Losing 50 minutes and running an extra five miles is not going to help my race time any. At the aid station, I grab a cup of Conquest and move on out quickly.

6.3 miles    24:32 (8:46 avg./mile)

My original plan of running conservatively is now out the window because if I don’t run as hard as I can to halfway, I will not make the first cut-off. This 2.8 mile split is encouraging, though, and I think that if I keep my miles under 10 minutes each, I just might make the halfway cut-off. I grab another cup of Conquest and a couple of pretzels at this aid station. I have my Camelbak on along with a couple of Access Bars, so I don’t need anything else from the aid station.

9.0 miles    25:25 (9:25 avg./mile)

Another sub-10 minute miles split, and things are going well. However, I don’t even stop to say hi at the aid station because I know that I don’t have time to spare.

12.1 miles    28:28 (9:11 avg./mile)

Just before I reach this aid station, I meet the front runners coming back around for the return loop. This is a good sign for me because I think that I should have enough time to make it to halfway before the cut-off. I don’t know how this was figured in my mind, but it made sense to me. Later, one of them will mention that it looked like I was running as hard as they were, but I was totally at the back and it didn’t make sense to them. I also pass two people, who probably won’t make the cut-off. I again do not even stop at this aid station, but I think that I will make it.

15.7 miles    39:54 (11:05 avg./mile)

I ease up a little as the cut-off looks within reach. I also have to meet and pass by every runner coming back from the halfway turn-around to start their return trip. This race is a two-loop race in which the loop is retraced in the opposite direction for the second loop. Meeting another runner on a single track trail does not lend itself to keeping my tempo up. This in addition to the fact that I think I have a little time to spare probably contributed to the slower time for this segment. I roll into the halfway point at 3:27 and change—over two minutes before the cut-off! I pop the trunk of my car, which is parked close by, pull out a stool, sit down and drink a pint of Nestle chocolate milk. I also managed to choke down a bagel. The temptation to quit and call it a good training day is there, but the challenge of finishing after tacking on five miles onto the course is even more inviting.

19.3 miles    54:44 (15:12 avg./mile)

I slowly get my rhythm back as I allow the milk and bagel to be absorbed by my body. Also, this section is mostly uphill, and my legs need some time to recover after almost 16 very hard miles. I pass a few people, and the motivation starts to return. At this aid station, I stop and drink a cup of Conquest and thank the aid station workers.

22.4 miles    39:23 (12:42 avg./mile)

This aid station is the second and last cut-off point for the race. After barely making the first cut-off, I am over 20 minutes ahead of the time for this one. I drink another cup of Conquest and head on down the trail. I am passing people about every couple of minutes now.

25.1 miles    37:08 (13:45 avg./mile)

While my legs and energy feel better than before, I am still taking things easy. I am walking up most of the hills, even though all of them are not too steep. I continue to pass people, and my count for people I have passed is now over 20 for the second half of the race. One of the people working this aid station has two questions for me, 1) why am I not breathing hard? I was walking up the hill to this aid station, and 2) am I cold at all? No, I am only wearing a single long-sleeve t-shirt and shorts. I started the day with another t-shirt, hat, and gloves, but I left the rest at halfway.

27.9 miles    29:31 (10:33 avg./mile)

Talking to the aid station workers picks me up, and I also see a slew of runners up ahead that are just ready to be passed. I pick the pace up and begin my race for the finish.

31.4 miles    38:32 (11:01 avg./mile)

As I near the finish, I continue to pass people all the way to the finish. I even manage to pass John Rainey and Craig Penrose. My legs are definitely dead at the end, but I still have energy left in the tank. I finish looking decent and complete a 360 spin before crossing the line. I passed 33 people during the second half of the race.

Official Finishing Time 6:51:55
135th out of 178 starters

I am happy with my effort today, but definitely sorry I had to push my pace so hard during the first half. I hang around long enough for the door prizes and then head for home.

It is now time to recover and adjust my training plan for my next race—the Shamrock Marathon on March 20 in Virginia Beach. I am also registered and planning on running the Bull Run Run 50 Miler on April 17, and then I will make my fourth attempt at completing a 100 Miler at the Mohican Trail 100 on June 19-20.

Until next time, never stop running,
Darin

Hellgate 100k 2003

December 12

It is 2:30pm on Friday, and I am picking up the latest person who will be my crew for this race. His name is Rex, and he goes to my church. A week and a half ago when I finally decided I was going to run this, I put out an email to several guys from church to see if any of them would be interested. Rex said he would love to help out. After picking up Rex, we drive out to Camp Bethel, which is serving as the race headquarters (this is just north of Roanoke, Virginia). It takes us over 3 hours because there were two accidents that slowed down traffic. However, we arrive right on time for the start of race check-in at 6pm. After checking in, most of the runners and crews just sit around watching as other people show up. While I recognize some of the names of people at the check-in, I really don’t know anyone. David Horton is the race director, and he talks every now and then. At 7pm, we eat dinner. Rex and I are sitting at a table with a couple. She is the runner, and he is her crew. After dinner, we move over to another building where the pre-race briefing will occur. When Rex and I get over there, only a couple of people are there. One of them is Bethany Hunter, who is not running this race. She is helping to mark the course for the night portions and will also be working at the last aid station. The pre-race briefing starts right on time at 8:30pm. David Horton spends most of the briefing describing in detail about all of the sections on the course. Also, whenever someone asks a question, he introduces this person to the group because they are someone everyone should know in the ultra community. The pre-race briefing ends at 9:15pm, and we are told that we can sleep until 10:30pm if we want to, but the caravan to get to the start is leaving at 11pm sharp. I lay down for about an hour, but I don’t get any sleep.

December 13

The trip from Camp Bethel to the start takes about 35 minutes. I finish my pre-race routine, and then walk from the truck to the starting line, getting there 2 minutes before David shouts go. The temperature is cold about 30 degrees, and I am wearing a pair of tights, a long sleeve Cool Max shirt, a long sleeve heavy cotton shirt, a wool cap, thin cotton gloves, my Camelbak with 50 ounces of water, and Asics Traverse trail running shoes. Let the adventure begin!

Mile 3.5    45:39 (13:03 avg./mile) FSR 35

The first two miles are totally uneventful. The pack from the start spreads out very quickly. Although it is cold, the wind is near still, and I start to feel comfortable with the amount of clothes I am wearing. David Horton has told us that near the end of this section will be the one place on the course where we will get our feet wet. With less than a mile to go to the aid station, the trail becomes very wet, and there are several places where my feet get wet. However, this is not yet the place that David was referring to when he said we would get our feet wet. Finally, I come to the Belfast Creek crossing and the water is at least knee deep in most places. Coming out of the water, my feet are soaked, but for the most part I am doing well. I come into the first aid station, which crews were not allowed in, and I grab a cup of Conquest, some potato chips, and head on up the road. I am told that we stay on this gravel road until the next aid station.

Mile 7.5    1:00:51 (15:13 avg./mile) Petites Gap

As I leave the aid station, the road goes uphill, gradually at first and then more steeply. As the road climbs in elevation, the temperature drops and the road becomes covered with snow and ice. My feet are cold, but I make it into this aid station, and Rex is there waiting for me with a dry pair of shoes and socks. Changing my shoes was not easy because the shoe laces are frozen. I am able to get them off without untying them all the way. The dry pair of shoes is dry and nice, but they were cold, and it will be a couple of miles before my feet warm up all of the way. I also drink a pint of chocolate milk.

Mile 13.1    1:35:27 (17:03 avg./mile) Camping Gap

This third aid station is the other one where crews are not allowed. There were no interesting things happening to me on this section except to say that the snow was covering the trail in most sections. Also, there was a spot early on where I once again got my feet wet. I think the streams are all a little higher than when David ran this in November. I was thinking at one point that it would have been very useful to have a set of skiis. My time isn’t great, but in the dark I am just glad to this much closer to seeing daylight. As I got to the aid station, I smelled soup, but they were just starting a pot of Ramen noodles, and I decided not to wait.

Mile 21.9    2:33:59 (17:30 avg./mile) Headforemost Mtn.

Now the section from Camping Gap to Headforemost Mountain was billed by David as the toughest section on the course. Therefore, I was prepared to be in for a serious challenge. It is still dark and heading uphill means it is going to get colder. Even though I am only early in the race, I will go a couple of miles without seeing anyone. Near the end of this section, a lady named Marty runs with me. I don’t know if she came up behind me or vice versa. Anyway, I think I hear sounds coming from the aid station, but each turn only reveals more trail ahead. Finally, I make it into the aid station. Rex is there with some chocolate milk. I go over to check-in, and I ask for some soup or something, but they don’t have any ready. So, I drink a pint of chocolate milk and head on down the trail.

Mile 27.6    1:47:27 (18:51 avg./mile) Jennings Creek

Now, let me warn you that if you are eating or just ate or are about to eat, you might want to just skip ahead to the next section and not read the rest of this one. Okay, still reading? Don’t say I didn’t warn you! I no more than got away from the last aid station, and my bowels decided it was getting time to move. So, I am slowing running along the trail trying to figure out what to do. There aren’t any leaves on the trees, so that won’t work in place of toilet paper. I think, maybe I can just maintain the status quo until the next aid station, but I soon realize that this is not a viable option if I want to keep running. Finally, I decide two things. One, I should do this while it is still dark, and two; I need to find a place where there is snow and just use that to clean things up as best as possible. So, that is what I do. As I am taking care of business two guys, who I passed before the last aid station, pass on by, but they don’t see me off the trail about 30 feet. After taking care of this issue, my spirits rise because now this is just one less thing that I will have to worry about the rest of the day (hopefully). Over confidence though, usually comes before the fall—literally. About a mile before reaching this aid station, I take my first tumble. I land on my left shoulder and skid several feet. Fortunately, I fell on some nice soft dirt and nothing else. After dusting myself off, I then make it into the aid station just thankful to be done with this section. The sun is now up, and it is a new day. Rex is here at the aid station, and I grab a bagel and a cup of Conquest before starting up the trail.

Mile 33.3    1:35:39 (16:47 avg./mile) Little Cove Mtn.

As soon as I leave Jennings Creek, I come up on Fred Pilon, who used to be the editor of ultra running magazine. Now he is an editor emeritus. We talk for a while going up this next hill. He has done a lot of these ultras, but he says he hasn’t been training enough for this one. When I get to this aid station, it really surprises me because I didn’t think I was going this fast. The original distance to this aid station from the last was 6.9 miles, which means I averaged 13:52/mile. However, as you can see, I only really averaged 16:47/mile. This isn’t bad; it is just I didn’t know at the time that the aid station wasn’t where it was supposed to be. At this aid station, they are cooking breakfast. As I am changing in my third pair of shoes and socks for the day, Rex goes over and gets me a sausage and egg sandwich. It is absolutely delicious! I wash it down with another pint of chocolate milk. I also take my Advair medication for my recently diagnosed asthma. This doesn’t have a dramatic effect, but it will keep the oxygen flowing in my lungs and prevent the fatigue that was starting to occur from getting less oxygen. The clock now stands at 9:19, so I have over three hours to make it the next 8.0 miles to the next aid station and the last cut-off time before the finish. I am feeling good (relatively speaking), the sun is shining, and I have a couple of old guys (Fred Pilon and Gary Knipling) around me to keep me motivated.

Mile 42.5    2:56:36 (19:12 avg./mile) Bearwallow Gap

It was reported at the pre-race briefing by David that this was the second hardest section of the race. However, when he said this, he didn’t know that it was going to be 1.2 miles longer and all of that additional mileage was uphill! The really bad part is that I am just coasting along fat, dumb, and happy because I think I will most likely roll into the next aid station well ahead of the 12:30pm cut-off. About an hour and a quarter after leaving the last aid station, Marty Lindemann (who I ran with some in the middle of the night) comes back past me. Not being really competitive, but just trying to break up the boredom, I decide to keep her in sight. Soon the trail turns rough (hence the reason David said it was the second toughest section), and I am motivated to push the pace because nothing gets me going than running downhill over technically difficult, rocky terrain. Soon I am flying down the hill, but Marty is right behind me. We pass Fred like he is standing still (actually he was at the moment we passed), and we don’t know how far we have run or how far we have to the next aid station, and we definitely don’t know that it is 1.2 miles further than we would have thought anyway, but we are definitely making great time. The only problem is that two hours after leaving the last aid station, we are nowhere in sight of the next one. Marty and I start up this series of rocky switchbacks, which both of us assume will lead us to the aid station at the top of the hill. It is not to be and soon after this, she passes me. It will be almost an hour more before I arrive in the aid station. When I am about 15 minutes out of the aid station, I meet a woman walking out from the aid station, and she mentions how much farther I have. I can’t believe it, and she says it was over 9 miles from the last aid station. Needless to say, by the time I get into the aid station, with the clock at 12:15:40pm, I am little heated up because now I really want to finish this tough, longer than advertised race. Rex reads me quickly and tells me just to check-in and not to think about the time. He checks the mileage after I say something, but the sheet says that it was only 8.0 miles from the last checkpoint. Now, I know that I need to really crank it up if I am going to have a chance to finish under the 18 hour cut-off. I grab a bagel and head up the trail quickly.

Mile 49.5    1:50:18 (15:45 avg./mile) Bobblets Gap

I blast out of the aid station and practically run to the top of the next hill. It is mostly uphill at first, but I am only walking when it gets too steep. On the JFK 50, I have really gotten good at having a good finishing kick over the last 8 miles, but in this case, here at the Hellgate 100k, I have 20 miles to go. I don’t know if I can maintain my edge for that long or when my body will say it has had enough, but at this point all I am trying to do is get to the next aid station in order to give me a chance. I quickly catch up to a guy by the name of Tom Corris and pass him. One of the things motivating me is all of the good runners that are behind me that I know don’t have much of a chance to finish in time. I start to fade slightly, but I am able to maintain momentum on the downhill portions. I roll into this aid station in a really good position. Rex is here to meet me, and I decide with only 13 miles to go that it is time to start drinking some caffeine. I down two cups of Pepsi and scarf down another bagel. One of the people at the aid station says that it is all downhill to the next aid station.

Mile 56.1    2:18:55 (21:03 avg./mile) Day Creek

Heading out of Bobblets Gap, I run downhill on a rocky, but wide trail for almost 30 minutes. As I cruise down this hill, I start to think that I can nail this section in about 1:30 if it keeps going downhill like the aid station worker said. After the first 30 minutes, the route heads back onto single track trail that wanders around going up and down hills. I was not expecting this, but I still think that I will make good time because I probably did 12 minute miles coming down the hill, so that means I have less than 5 miles to the next aid station. However, after another hour and a quarter, I begin to wonder if the aid station is ever going to get here. Marty and another lady pass me as we near the aid station. Finally, after over 2 hours and 15 minutes I manage to finish this supposed 6.6 mile stretch and make it into the last aid station of the race. The overall race clock stands at 16:24:54, which means I have 95 minutes to make it through the next 6.3 miles. As I am getting my Camelbak filled up by Bethany Hunter (the female ultra runner of the year) and drinking some Coke, Marty Lindemann and Tom Corris start up the hill before me.

Mile 62.4    1:25:35 (13:35 avg./mile) Finish

With all of my remaining effort, I try to maintain eye sight of Marty and Tom. We all know that the time cut-off is close and that we need to have a good time on this section if we are going to be an official finisher. The first 2.8 miles of this section are directly uphill. There isn’t even a switchback where the trail levels out for a brief moment. Marty seems to still be very strong as she is in the lead most of the way up the hill. It appears that Tom is hobbling slightly, but he is still ahead of me going up the hill. We reach the top at 43:17. I am very confident that I can make it down the hill before the cut-off now. There are almost 52 minutes left to cover the remaining 3.5 miles. Hopefully, the information that it is now all downhill back to Camp Bethel, is accurate. As we reach the top, Marty and Tom pause, and I push on down the hill. It is starting to get dark, and I forgot to get my light from Rex at the last aid station. The first two miles are on a wide, rocky trail. Then we turn onto the final stretch and a nice smooth, gravel road. Marty briefly goes back ahead of me, but I re-pass her for good when she stops to tie her shoe. I push into the camp and head for the finish. There are all of two people at the line when I cross—Rex and David Horton. David thinks that I might be the last official finisher, but I tell him that Marty and Tom should make it. They finish 2 and 3 minutes later.

Official Finishing Time 17:50:31
38th out of 71 (only 40 finished within 18 hours)

For the record, I made it the last 3.5 miles in 42:20. This works out to a 12:05 average per mile. After finishing I take a quick shower, and Rex and I hop in the truck and drive back to Richmond.

This effort and accomplishment are very high on my list, and I think this ordeal will help me in my next 100 mile attempt. My recovery seems to be going well. I haven’t run yet, but I am planning on trying later this morning. I hope that your Christmas holiday is a blessed one.

Never stop running,
Darin

JFK 50 Miler 2003

On Saturday, 22 November 2003, I competed in my sixth JFK 50 Miler in a row. Here are my thoughts and insights from this year’s effort. I hope you enjoy reading them.

The course begins with an uphill climb on pavement of about 3 miles. Then for the next 13 miles or so, the course follows the Appalachian Trail, which could not be rougher if someone planted the rocks in the ground.

The temperature is around 40 degrees at the start, and the forecast today is calling for highs in the mid to high 60s. The temperatures at the start are just about right for the Polarbear (me), but the highs later in the day will probably slow me down. On the bright side, I have applied sunscreen to my face and shoulders to be ready when the shirts come off. I am wearing shorts and two shirts at the start (a short-sleeve and long-sleeve). Also, the wind is predicted to be basically nothing.

4.0 miles    34:46 (8:42 avg./mile)

This is all uphill, but it is mostly on a smooth surface, and I am still fresh. I see Vic Culp from Fredericksburg, and we talk as we make our way up the big hill to the start of the Appalachian Trail.

9.4 miles    1:00:10 (11:09 avg./mile)

These five or so miles are run on some of the roughest parts of the AT. The rocks literally grow out of the ground! I am in a pretty good position and nobody is holding me up. Passing is very difficult because of the rocks, but I only have to pass a few people during this section. My dad, who is crewing again for me this year, is waiting for me at this aid station. I drink a pint of Nestle chocolate milk, take off the long-sleeve shirt, and grab a bagel before heading down the trail.

15.7 miles    1:18:06 (12:24 avg./mile)

It is interesting running along, trying not to twist your ankles, and listening to all of the stories as people talk around you. There is a midshipman at the Naval Academy a couple of runners behind me who wants to take her commission in the Marine Corps. I also meet again, Rob Duryea, who was in my class at Quantico when we went through TBS. I eat my Access bar around the 2 hour mark. I manage to slightly twist my left ankle twice, but it doesn’t hurt anything, just sort of a little stumble because this is my good ankle. However, right after I bend my left ankle for the second time, I roll my (bad) right ankle. Fortunately, the twist isn’t bad at all, and I barely even break my stride. Coming down the Weaverton Cliffs, I start to catch some of the 5:00 AM starters. The race allows very slow people to start two hours early, so that they will have 14 hours to finish. So, here is a group of us, all bunched up behind two people (I won’t even call them runners) who think they shouldn’t let us by. Finally after several switchbacks, they move to one side, and all 7 or 8 of us that were stuck behind them, quickly pass and move on down the switchbacks to the aid station. I drink another pint of chocolate milk and grab another bagel to eat on the run. I also get a re-fill for my Camelbak water carrier. It holds 50 ounces, and I am most of the way through the first one.

16.4 miles    7:07

Now running this for the sixth time, I have almost figured out how the miles stack up in accordance with the trail markings every mile on the C&O canal towpath. Therefore, this is the first trail marker, and I think it is about at the 16.4 mile mark. It is always an interesting transition switching from running on the trail to running on the mostly flat surface of the towpath. Running on the trail puts a lot of strain on the inside and outside of the knees and ankles. Whereas, on the towpath there is just the strain of continuing to run for another six hours.

17.4 miles    9:50

Until the heat overtakes me, and I have to slow down, my plan is to try and run 10-minute miles. Therefore, I will start my meter by adding 10 seconds to the plus side since this mile is 10 seconds faster than 10:00. The mile markers on the trail aren’t exactly one mile apart, so this method will allow me to sort of average over the miles.

18.4 miles    9:57

This is another positive mile, and now my bank is up to 13 seconds! At this rate, I will have a little to give back on those “longer” miles.

19.4 miles    9:15

This is clearly one of the “shorter” miles based on the trail markers. However, I will take it along with the 45 seconds added to the plus side. My bank of seconds now stands at a whopping 58 seconds! I am feeling good at this point, but the temperature is probably already into the 60s. For those of you not familiar with me, I like the temperature on the JFK50 to be in the 40s!

20.4 miles    10:05

In the past without my bank calculations, I would see this split after the last one and have to decide whether this was a “longer” mile or whether I had actually slowed down. Now, I just will subtract 5 seconds from the 58 seconds, which leaves me with 53 seconds. This is a nice cushion, and I have nothing to worry about pace-wise, at least at this point.

21.4 miles    9:25

Obviously, the last mile was one of the longer miles because I am sure that I am not speeding up and slowing down this much. Give me another 35 seconds, and the balance stands at 88 seconds. I better slow down or else I will have to take off my shoes to keep track of all of this time. I am thinking that maybe this will be a great year for me even though the temperature is warm. In ’99 at the Pittsburgh Marathon, I set a personal best when the temperature climbed to 76 degrees.

22.4 miles    10:22

This is definitely a long mile because in past years, I have been slow on this mile also. However, this still isn’t bad, and the miles will balance out as the towpath continues. While we are on the towpath for over 26 miles, so far it seems like things are going by quickly. My dad was supposed to meet me at this aid station, but he misses me just as I am running by. The plus side is reduced to 66 seconds.

23.4 miles    9:31

So far all of the “long” miles have been evened out by the next mile. This is really good because it makes it easy to put the slow mile behind me. It is warm, and I think it is just a matter of time before the heat slows me down, but until then I will just keep putting one foot in front of the other. The plus side now stands at 95 seconds!

24.4 miles    11:15

After almost 9 miles on the towpath and building a good solid pace, most of the seconds on the plus side get wiped out by this one mile. Next year, I think I need to write down and carry with me the “longer” miles so that I don’t get discouraged by these slower mile times. The plus side is now down to 20 seconds. I am still ahead in the game, and I will ensure that I don’t slow down on the next mile.

25.4 miles    10:14

Well, this is better, but it really would have been nice to add time to the plus side as opposed to taking more away. Therefore, the plus side stands at a mere 6 seconds. Also, I am definitely feeling like it is getting too warm out here, and I need to get rid of my shirt the next time I see my dad.

26.4 miles    9:54

I push the pace after the last two miles in order to get back on the plus side. My efforts pay off, but in pushing I realize that the temperature is just too hot. The bank now doubles to 12 seconds.

27.4 miles    15:09

Now before you get upset about this slow mile and quit reading, let me explain. There is an aid station at mile 27. I take this opportunity to drink a pint of chocolate milk, change my shoes and socks, take off my last t-shirt, and eat a bagel. I also probably started to slow down because of the heat. The change in shoes and socks helps a lot because I was starting to get hot spots on the balls of my feet. Also, the shoes change from trail shoes (heavy) to my light weight training shoes. In addition, I make the strategic decision to slow down a bit so that I won’t overheat.

28.4 miles    11:38

The slower pace keeps me cooler, and when the trail is out of the sun, I actually feel cool. The time bank is shot, but there is no doubt I will finish. I mentioned to my dad at the last aid station that a personal best is out of the question today, but that I would try and keep my time under 9 hours.

29.4 miles    12:04

One of the slugs (affectionate term) that started at 5:00 AM is a friend of mine (Rob Chappell), who has run 8 of these in a row. Last year, I passed him around mile 25, but this year, I think he is moving faster and I just now pass him. I stop to walk with him for a minute, and he is looking good moving along at a nice walking pace.

30.4 miles    10:54

Even with slowing down, I think my pace is staying consistent proving that these darn mile markers aren’t very consistent. I start talking with the midshipman that was close to me up on the AT. She is in her last year at the Naval Academy, and we talk a little about her desire to become a Marine.

31.4 miles    11:14

At this nice and steady pace, I am not sweating too much, and I am glad that I put that sunscreen on this morning. Since I have given up the time bank, I am not really thinking about a time at this point. Believe it or not, I am not even trying to figure out how close I am to finishing under 9 hours.

32.4 miles    11:08

These 11 minute miles are good right now, and it just might be fast enough to bring me in under 9 hours. All of the people around me are basically about the same pace. Nobody is passing me and staying ahead of me. Instead at this time in the race, people pass each other numerous times.

33.4 miles    11:55

I am glad I didn’t set a goal of running 11 minute miles after I realized this wasn’t going to be personal best because I would be on the negative side. Well, a few more miles until the end of the towpath is within reach. We exit the towpath at mile 41.8 or so.

34.4 miles    12:19

I will just stay slow and steady so that I don’t overheat. It really is a beautiful day, but it is not a perfect day for running a 50 miler.

35.4 miles    11:03

The ebb and flow of the mile times continue. It will be nice to keep these around 11:00. I decide to push slightly to try and hold this pace.

36.4 miles    11:10

Holding my pace is going well, and I am starting to psych myself up for the kick to the finish after I exit the towpath.

37.4 miles    11:05

The excitement is building as another 11-minutes mile is in the history books (or at least in my log). I am continuing to suck down the water, and I have been drinking a cup of PowerAde at each aid station.

38.4 miles    10:25

The aid station at mile 38 is called 38 Special. For those who aren’t Rush (the band) fans, they have a song called this. I think the excitement of reaching the last aid station before leaving the towpath has caused me to pick up the pace a little bit. I also see my crew (dad) at this aid station, and I give him my Camelbak. It is empty, and after we leave the towpath, the aid stations are every two miles.

39.4 miles    10:14

After handing off my Camelbak, my pace picks up without much additional effort from me. The race time now stands at 7:10:14, which means I have to average about 10-minutes miles over these last miles to finish under 9 hours. Now for the dirty little secret, the JFK50 isn’t 50 miles. It is 50.2 miles!

40.4 miles    9:54

This mile really surprises me. I better not over do it, or I won’t have anything left when I get up on the roads after exiting the towpath. Just under 1.5 miles until dam #4, which is where we exit the towpath.

41.8 miles    15:44

In case you didn’t realize, this split is for 1.4 miles. It is a little slower because there was a runner who fell over the bank and into the river. I don’t know how that happened, but the ambulance is driving down the towpath, and I have to move to one side. Of course, I do a little rubber-necking as I pass the runner who is about waist deep in the river and clinging to a tree branch. The Potomac is higher than I have ever seen it. There is another runner in the water with him and several emergency personnel are already on the scene. At the aid station, a volunteer asks how I have run 42 miles and my hair is still in place. I tell him just to watch my finishing kick. I grab a cup of water and a cup of Coke as I head up the hill.

42.2 miles    5:58

When we finally get to leave the towpath after over 26 miles, there is a little uphill section. It is actually quite steep and all of us walk up the hill. The race time stands at 7:41:50 when I get to the 8 miles to go sign. This means that I will have to average about 9:45 per mile in order to finish under 9 hours. No sweat I think, putting the fact that I haven’t run a mile that fast in the last 18 miles out of my mind.

43.2 miles    8:41

Let the good times roll! As I begin passing people, I let them know that the warm-up is over, and it is now time to race. However, none of the runners I pass seem to be ready to run yet. I guess they need some more time to warm-up.

44.2 miles    9:20

The first mile ATT (after the towpath) was maybe a little too fast, so this mile is more in line with a conservative approach to getting under 9 hours. The thought crosses my mind that I could try and finish in 8:59:59, but I am not confident that I can just turn on and off this kick, so I better keep pushing as long as I can. There is another aid station here, so I drink a cup of water and a cup of Coke. I am now sweating profusely because the kick is heating up my body. I hope I can hang on and keep running fast.

45.2 miles    10:00

This mile is more uphill than down, and I am shepherding my energy for the last few miles. I am still passing people like they are standing still, which some of them actually are. Others are hobbling along. A few of us are running, but nobody is passing me.

46.2 miles    9:41

Back under a 10-minute mile. This is good, but I need to stay focused to bring this in less than 9 hours. My right forearm is starting to cramp, and I can feel my hamstrings, although they aren’t cramping yet. Another aid station and another cup of water and another cup of Coke go down my throat. The race time is at 8:19:32, so I now just have to run 10-flat minute miles.

47.2 miles    9:35

Do I have enough left in the tank to bring this in? I gain another 25 seconds on the 10-minute mile, but both forearms are cramping, and my stomach is pretty queasy as I continue to try to take in enough water and Coke to run this body to the finish. Running on fumes with a gas tank that might explode at any moment is a great analogy for how I assess things right now.

48.2 miles    10:20

Have I lost the bubble and the last fade of the race is beginning? Or do I have one more “match” to burn before I keel over? The last aid station is just around the corner, and from there I will be able to see the town of Williamsport where the finish is.

49.2 miles    9:07

I power myself up the hill, grab just a cup of water from the aid station, drink the cup on the run without even slowing down, and turn the corner to head into Williamsport. Half of the water makes it into my mouth; the over half down the front of my chest.

50.2 miles    8:36

With the “barn” in sight nothing is going to stop me now. There is no greater feeling than finally getting to see the finish line over 8 hours after leaving the starting line. I pass two more runners just about 200 meters from the finish. As I near the finish the announcer calls out my name, I check over my shoulder for anybody close behind me, and then perform my patented 360 spin just before crossing the line.

Official Finishing Time 8:57:10
127th out of 829 finishers

My finish is great! I am very satisfied with my effort on this warm day in late November. This is the third year in a row that I have had a good kick at the end. I guess repetition does make me better. My personal best still stands at 8:36, and it will last at least another year.

My upcoming running plans are not firm yet. I was considering running the inaugural Hellgate 100k on December 13, but Nathan’s and Amy’s first basketball game is scheduled for that day. This race was intriguing because it starts at midnight, and therefore, I would get almost 7 hours of night trail running practice. So, my next long race will probably be the Shamrock Marathon in March.

Until next time,
Darin