Race #2/17 Chippewa Ice Age 50K

It was a great day to be out on the trails. The weather was perfect for a day of running the trails. Sunny and about 40 degrees. I went into this race very anxious. Four months of training for my third 50k. I would like to think that all those miles on the snowy/icy trails out at Lebanon Hills helped me to have a very good race.

I drove with another trail running friend, Pam, and her husband Andy to the race. This was nice in that I did not have to find my own way to the race.  Knowing the lines at the Porta Potties are always long at the race start we stopped at the gas station a few miles from the start. We arrived with plenty of time to pick up our registration packet and even get our picture taken with some of the UMTR members running that day.

Even though I know better I started out with Pam towards the front of the start line. Within the first few miles I was passed by lots of runners but this was to be expected as I should not be starting toward the front. I was mentally prepared to be passed by many as it has happened to me many times. The first part of this race starts with going down a very large hill which is happy to greet you again at the end of the race as a very large hill that you must go up in order to finish.

Mile 2 of the race. Happy to see a friendly face. Photo by Les DuCloux

My race strategy was to run the flats and the downhills and walk up the hills. I figured I would get enough walking as the course included may 100-200 feet hills. The trails were mostly dry with more than a couple areas that were muddy and wet. Walked around a few of these areas but still got wet and muddy. I also planned on spending very little time at the aid stations to try to make up for my slower time on the trails. First 2 aid stations I just refilled my water bottles and ate mostly just bananas and peanut butter jelly sandwiches. I had my supply of fig newtons which is where I wanted to get the majority of my fueling from. I was counting on heed at the aid stations so was surprised when the drink for the day was gatorade. I had not trained with gatorade so was leery to be drinking it too much. I had one of my bottles filled with 1/2 gatorade and 1/2 water.


After leaving aid station 2 at the 10 mile things went well for a few miles, although this was the part of the trail with the most mud. Once I was about 2-3 miles from the halfway point the returning runners started coming through. We were supposed to yield to the returning runners so this really messed with my rhythm of running and walking the hills. I would say this final section out to the halfway point was my lowest point in the race. I did enjoy seeing my running friends Pam, Mike and Sarah on their return trip. It was at this time that I started to feel some discomfort on my toes of the right foot and was not sure what was happening in my shoes. I was very relieved to make it to the aid station as I then knew I would no longer have to yield to the returning runner.

I made it to the turnaround aid station at 11:45 with only about 15 minutes to spare until the cutoff time. I located my drop bag and debated for way too long on whether I should change my socks. I was afraid of what I might find and wondered if it would have been better to not know. Now I am glad I did as I had hole in my sock by my big toe. Change of socks became necessary and it fixed my feet right up. I was glad I had brought the mini can of Dr. Pepper as it tasted very refreshing and perked me up. I broke open the bag of Pringles and munched on those after leaving the aid station. Total time in the aid station was 15 minutes which was too long.

I had a few runners pass me by after leaving this aid station but not many. I found myself running alone for the second half of the race. I popped in my mp3 player and found this a welcoming distraction at this point in the race. I had found a resurge of energy after the halfway point and felt great running to the next aid station at mile 21. This section was mostly downhill. Had a few near misses for falling on this section but otherwise I felt great. I started to pass runners and I think that actually gave me a needed boost. It is not often that I get to pass runners in a race. Coming into the aid station I saw Karol whom I had met for the first time last year running the 10K at this race. It was nice seeing a friendly face.

Leaving the 28 mile aid station I knew that this race, while most likely not a PR race for me, was definitely doable in 8ish hours. I gave myself permission at this time to just continue on and not worry about my time as long as I was continually moving forward. After that final aid station with only about 3 miles to go I fell on the trail after tripping over a root. I could feel my right foot got wrenched a little bit but not bad. Just an extra niggle that was not there before.

The last three miles was rough. I had not remembered that the first 3 miles of the race were mostly downhill in the woods. I was cursing these hills as I was so close to being done. I was glad to finally break out of the woods and catch a glimpse of the finish line with still 1 or so miles to go and the thought of that last final hill. Wow, I don’t remember that hill being so long. I remember the steepness but not the length of it. I finally hit the top and saw some more familiar faces as I turned right to finish up my 31 mile run. I glanced at the timer and noticed it said 7:54 and picked up the pace as much as I could to make sure I crossed the finish line before it ticked over to 7:55. I completed it in 7:54:17. New PR for me. Not by much, only seconds but I am still counting it.

There were several moments during this race that stuck out to me.

#1 Seeing my favorite people on the trail as they were returning to the finish line and I was still heading to the turnaround aid station; Pam Wright, Sarah Potter (even got a hug!) and Mike Madden.  I tried not to let the fact that I was still headed to the half way point and they were several miles ahead of me put me into a negative place.

#2 Seeing a friendly face at the 21 mile aid station that I was not expecting; Karol Roseman

#3 Being able to pass runners on the second half of the race. This was quite a boost as I am so used to getting passed all the time.

#4 Not feeling any pain other than the normal aches and pain associated with running such a long distance.

#5 Knowing that I ran the entire race by myself. Sure, there were many other trail runners on the trail, but I was able to run all 31 miles without needing to stick with any particular runner to keep me company. This is quite a boost to my confidence level as I love to run with others on the trail but now know that if necessary I can do it solo and be just fine.  

#6 After finishing the race all my friends were waiting for me at the finish line, but most importantly Pam's husband Andy, had brought my bag to the finish line from the car. This was just so awesome as after running 31 miles the thought of walking any distance to the car to get my bag for dry clothes to change into is not pleasant. I think only runners truly understand the significance of this.