May 14th, 2016
Ice Age Trail 50 wasn't initially on my race schedule; however, i was asked to run the race. With it being the 35th anniversary of the race and a $5000 bonus for a course record and $200 for age group records, I decided to take part. Max King set the course record and my age group record in 2014 with the insane time of 5:41:07. Two years ago I ran just under 5:28 at TNF-WI which is on the trails just north of IAT50 so I figured on a good day I'd have a shot at the record.
The race started off great. In the first 9 mile loop I was clipping off miles well ahead of record pace and the race was feeling almost too good. On the next out and back loop, things continued to go well and I felt great. At the 30.5 mile aide station Jess said that I was ~5 minutes under course record pace (I made a cheat sheet for her that had what time I had to be at each aide station for the record... yes I'm a runner nerd sometimes). Mile 33 I had a little rough patch where I got light headed. My legs felt great, I just got starry vision so I backed off a little bit and it clear up. Fast forward 3 miles and the same thing happened. This time I had to walk for almost 3 miles before I felt comfortable enough to run without fear of passing out. At this point the 5 plus minutes I was under CR pace was wiped out and I was actually well behind pace to even make it up in the last 10 or so miles. That being said I jogged it into the 40 mile aide station and called it a day (best aide station I've ever been to which was put on by Flatlander ultrarunners... they had beer, shots, music, dance party, cold pizza, etc).
Unfortunately this was not the first time I experienced lightheadedness in a 50 mile race. At Fall 50 last year in Door County, I had the same thing happen around 30 miles as well. Both races I was taking plenty of fluids and nutrition. Both races my legs felt fine and I was injury free. Looks like I need to experiment with some different electolye mixes, sugar mixes and race fueling.
All in all, I'm new at this ultra stuff yet and will take these races as learning experiences to improve for the future. I finally have my injuries in check and I am developing specific strength in order for this mid-western guy to compete with the best on the mountains (thanks to my PT wife)! The first electrolyte mix that I am going to experiment with is Tailwind Nutrition. I will have to find something else with higher natural sugar and good absorption in order to prevent glucose depletion between 30-40 miles.
I did have good success with my new FITS socks, which provided just enough cushion and moisture wicking to prevent blisters from forming! Definitely my new favorite sock! Plus they are made in the USA!
Next up US 50 mile trail champs at Cayuga Trails in Ithaca, NY on June 4th. The race has a solid list runners, can't wait for the fun.
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