The Hamsterwheel 6 Hour Race Report

To be honest, I had no business entering this race. The chronic musculoskeletal condition that kept me from running for over three years has limited my training to 1 - 2 days per week over the past two and a half months. Averaging just 13 miles a week and having run between 2 -3 hours only 3 times does not prepare the body to run for 6 hours. But the Ultra goddess is a temptress and I found her siren call impossible to resist. I stood at the start line of The Hamsterwheel 6 Hour Ultra determined to go the distance, or in this case, do the time.

My first ultra race bib since the 2011 Wakely Dam Ultra.

The race consisted of three miles (1.5 miles out and back) on the New Boston Rail Trail along the south branch of the Piscataquog River, and one mile of dirt roads around the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, creating a lollipop loop course. The rail trail section was basically flat, although it dipped in the center creating a very slight incline/decline in both directions. The fairground section had the only hill, which was short but sort of steep, taking you to the high point on the loop before dropping back down the the start/finish line in the center of the fairgrounds.

That's a sad looking lollipop but you get the idea.

Elevation profile or my EKG during the race?

I'm usually not a fan of out and back, multi-loop races but I actually enjoyed this course quite a bit. It was interesting to see the race leaders (making it look easy) and other runners lap after lap, offering encouragement, a smile or a just slight nod of the head as the hours wore on. The views and sounds of the rushing river offered a distraction along the rail trail and the hill in the fairground provided an opportunity to work the leg muscles in a different manner. Plus, it's comforting knowing what to expect lap after lap when you are out of shape and in over your head!

My friend Wendy cruising to a 28 mile finish.

The rail trail section parallels the Piscataquog River.

Looking upstream from the rail trail.

I knew I would have to use a run/walk system in order to go the full 6 hours so I settled on a 0.7 mile run/0.3 mile walk ratio. I thought if I could keep moving for 6 hours I would have a shot at completing marathon distance. Once the race started I began my 0.3 mile walking segment through the fairgrounds and was dead last in no time flat! When I got to the rail trail section I was disappointed to see the trail surface was crushed stone. Ugh! Not having seen the course I made the incorrect assumption that the rail trail was an unimproved dirt rail bed. I had to quit a run on a crushed stone rail trail a few weeks ago when it caused considerable plantar fascia pain so I felt like my race was over before it even started. 

What evil lurks beyond this sign?

Leaf covered rail trail concealed my nemesis.

Damn you crushed stone!

After running the first 0.7 mile segment I knew my feet wouldn't survive for long if I stuck to the 0.7/0.3 run/walk plan. I would have to walk the entire three mile section of rail trail and run the one mile loop on dirt roads around the fairgrounds. I felt discouraged knowing it would be impossible to reach marathon distance running only 25% of the course. It was better than quitting though so I pressed on. I completed the first loop in 54 minutes despite walking more than planned. 

As I started my second loop I thought why not flip the run/walk split and go with 0.3 run and 0.7 walk on the rail trail section? Although not ideal, it was far better than walking all of it. From this point on I ran approximately 50% of the distance covered in the remaining 5+ hours. This run/walk ratio proved very effective as I ran very consistent splits for the next four loops.

Loop 2: 52 mins
Loop 3: 52 mins
Loop 4: 50 mins
Loop 5: 52 mins

Energy conservation was on my mind. It was the only way I would survive.

As I was nearing the end of my 5th loop I started getting severe pain in my right knee. I knew immediately it was caused by my tightening IT band, a chronic problem that hampered my running throughout 2010 and 2011. With 20 miles down and another hour and forty minutes remaining in the race, I had no thoughts of quitting. After refilling my water bottle I headed out for my 6th, and possibly last loop.

The pain in my knee seemed to affect my stride and I felt like I was running with a slight limp. At least I was still running, albeit even slower than usual. I needed to do some running no matter how painful if I wanted to have enough time on the clock to go back out for a partial 7th loop so I could reach my goal of 26.2 miles. Although slowing to 58 minutes on loop six, I had about 42 minutes left to run or walk the 2.2 miles needed to complete a marathon.

My knee pain worsened and I was forced to walk most of the final miles. The weather conditions, which were pretty brutal all day, had not bothered me at all earlier in the race. Now that I was walking, a wind chill temperature in the thirties and occasional snow had me questioning my decision to run in a short-sleeve shirt and shorts. It did made me walk with a purpose! I caught up to a woman using trekking poles who was doing her first ultra. (Sorry I didn't get your name.) She was having a great time and we talked the remaining mile(s) away. As we approached the end, I could see many runners who already completed the race standing at the finish and cheering us on. It was an awesome sight to see. My new found friend convinced me to "run it in" and we crossing the finish line together in 5 hours, 58 minutes. I'd say we got our money's worth.

Oh, and I "ran" 27ish miles and received congratulatory hugs from three young ladies to boot! Not too shabby for the oldest person in the race. 

I can't thank RD Bill and his enthusiastic volunteers enough for making this a great experience for me. I highly recommend The Hamsterwheel to newbies looking to run their first ultra and to experienced ultra runners looking to lay down some serious miles.

OK, time to rest.

Ultra Marathon Race Report Index

November 2015 - The Hampsterwheel 6 Hour

August 2011 - TARC 12 Hour (26.2 in 6+ hours)

July 2011 - Wakely Dam Ultra (32.6 Miles)

June 2011 - Bay Circuit Trail (30 mile training run)

April 2011 - TARC Spring Classic (32.8 Miles)

April 2010 - Traprock 50K 

February 2010 - What's My Age Again? - (45K training run)

November 2009 - Stone Cat (50 Miles)

August 2009 - Green Lake Endurance Runs (50K)

Countdown To TARC Spring Thaw

Only four weeks to go until the TARC Spring Thaw 6 hour run and I'm beginning to think there will be no spring in New England this year. Well, maybe not until June!  With three to four feet of snow pack on the ground and another one to two feet on the way, this trail race could turn into a snowshoe race. Either way, I've done virtually zero training but that doesn't scare me. In true TUG (The Ultra Gang) fashion I'll show up untrained but very well rested at my first race in over three years.

So much snow and still a long way to go.

Walk if I must. Run if I can.

UPDATE 3/12/14: I haven't been feeling well the past 3 weeks so I decided to pass on the race. I'll be looking to make the Merrimack River Trail race in April if I'm feeling better by then.

Umstead 100 - Not This Year

Last September I was one of the lucky ones that helped the Umstead 100 reach its entry limit of 300 runners in a mere six minutes! At the time I had no reason to believe I would be ready to run 100 miles in March. I had been bothered by chronic injuries all year and there was no sign of any improvement. I had a better chance of being struck by lighting than getting healthy enough to train seriously for a 100 mile race. But I entered anyway and hoped for the best.


Four months later I’m feeling somewhat better but still not healed. The minimal amount of running I’ve done has helped reduce my knee pain significantly but has not eliminated it. The foot pain (ligament?) I’ve had since November is also better but I still feel a dull ache most of the time, even when not running. And my plantar fasciitis just won’t go away. Yep, I’m a train wreck.


So I did the math and didn’t like the results: Low mileage + no long runs + multiple injures = DNS (do not start) or else become a DNF (did not finish).


I emailed Blake, (the Race Director) and withdrew from the race. The decision was an easy one and it’s nice to know I’ve made someone on the waiting list VERY happy today.

TARC Summer 12 Hour Race Report - Back To The Drawing Board

First off let me say that the TARC 12 Hour Run in Medfield MA was an awesome race.  Co-RDs Chris and Josh and all of the race volunteers did an amazing job and were as supportive, friendly and helpful as any I have met in my years of running ultras.  Josh was so supportive, he would have convinced me to continue to run another loop even though I felt like a pile of poo.  The only thing that kept me from continuing was a family commitment that necessitated an early exit from the race.  Thanks for trying Josh.  

The second point I'd like to make is this race confirmed what I had been thinking about since running Wakely Dam last month.  My minimalist training just isn't cutting it any more.  Looking over my training log for 2011 revealed how little running I've actually done in the past 32 weeks.  My total so far this year is a paltry 565 miles.  If I back out the 120 miles covered in the four long races/runs I've done, that drops the total to 445.  That's a weekly average of about 14 miles per week!  That training can get me through marathon distance but I suffer greatly once I cross that threshold.  I think it's time to come up with a new plan if I want to continue running ultras.

OK,  now a little bit about the race itself.

The race course was a convoluted loop on the Trustees of Reservation property know as Noon Hill.  Although the course looked confusing on paper, it was very clearly marked and easy to follow.   Many people dislike loop courses for long races but I don't mind them if they aren't too short and the terrain is varied.  The TARC loop was approximately 6.3 miles long with technical and smooth trail sections and a moderate amount of elevation so I never felt bored during my 6+ hours of running.  I never felt good either.

Pre-race meeting of TUG.

TARC mascot.  "What you looking at?"

A "crazy" loop but easy to follow.

About 600 feet of gain per loop.

A long climb up 370 foot Noon Hill on right.  The view was not worth the climb.

Nothing but trees.

I started out by walking the first 15 minutes with Emily and Steve.  This has become somewhat of a tradition since doing this at Stone Cat last year with Em.  It's a good way to warm up and catch up with friends I don't see very often.   During this time I met fellow Blogger "Run Home" Pam from CT.  I've been reading her blog for a couple of years now and it was cool to meet her in person.  I also met two other online friends Wendy and Mark, who were very nice.  But then again, aren't all ultra runners? 

It didn't take long for me to figure out i was going to have a bad day.  I stubbed my toe, tripping about five times ON THE FIRST LOOP!  This is something that usually happens to me in the later stages of a race when I am fatigued.  The trend continued throughout the day until I finally went flying through the air like superman, landing prone on the trail.  I hadn't noticed how humid it was before the race but now I was sweating profusely. Humidity is my kryptonite.  I knew I was in trouble.  The fall just proved it.

These two cute chicks chased me all day. 

And I chased this big dude until he dropped me like a bad habit.  I think he finished in second place.  Was it my whining that made you run so fast?

Steve and I finished the first loop under 1:30 which was just about where I wanted to be.  That turned out to be my fastest of four loops even with the 15 minutes of walking in the beginning.   It's funny because I felt like I was moving much faster on the second loop but that too was about five minutes slower than the first.   My slowest loop was around 1:44.  I guess you could say the wheels came off after loop number one.  I'd like to blame the humidity but I believe the lack of any serious training had finally caught up to me.

So, now I'm standing at the crossroads.  Do I continue to run ultras with insufficient training, suffering at every race and running ever slower finishing times?  Do I find the time to train more, spending less time on other things I like to do?  Or, do I stick with minimal training, avoid ultras and run shorter races like those on the Grand Tree and North Shore Trail Race Series? 

Decisions, decisions.

"Unrelenting" - 2011 Wakely Dam Ultra Race Report

After cresting a steep climb around mile 19 Kevin and I saw a runner sitting in the middle of the trail on the downward side of the hill.  He was sitting up and leaning back slightly against a fallen tree limb.  When we asked if he had fallen or was hurt he turned his head slowly and looked back at us.  He did not speak. His eyes were glassy and he looked confused and uncertain of his whereabouts.  Finally he spoke. 

He said he was not hurt but had bonked hard and was very tired and nauseous.  I asked if he needed a drink but he said he still had half a Camelbak of Gatorade.  This led me to believe he was not drinking enough during the race and that his electrolytes were out of balance due to severe dehydration.  I gave him 2 S-caps to take now and a few more for later and told him to start drinking.  After sitting with him for about 10 minutes he was talking coherently and seemed in better spirits.   He said he would be OK and we could leave him now. He said would walk the remaining 14 miles to the finish. 

Welcome to the Wakely Dam Ultra!

Runners who enter the Northville-Placid trailhead on Haskell Road know there are only two ways to get to the finish at Wakely Dam.  Either you get there under your own power on your own two feet, or you take an expensive ride in a Search and Rescue helicopter.   You see, there are no aid stations with helpful volunteers filling your water bottle and handing you snacks.  There are no crossroads to be used as bailout points for the weary runner.  There are no pretty pink ribbons marking your way so you don't get lost. Understand this, there are no DNF's at the Wakely Dam Ultra because the only thing between you and the finish line are 32.6 miles of unrelenting wilderness.

Only one way out. 

Race day was hot and humid.  Not my kind of weather but at least the high for the day was "only" 90 degrees.  It was close to 100 on the drive to the Adirondacks the day before.  As I stood at the back of the pack waiting for the race to begin, one thing was clearly evident to me.  My CamelBak was way too heavy!  With three liters of Heed in the bladder, two 24 oz water bottles in the side pockets, several gels, PB&J crackers and two Cliff bars stowed for fuel, a medical kit, a blister kit, a space blanket and several other assorted items I thought indispensable (but were not), my pack weighed well over 20 pounds.  What the hell was I thinking?

The few, the brave, the crazy Wakely runners! (photo credit: Rob Jacob)

 

The first mile at Wakely is flat single-track and those who were actually racing this thing were quickly out of sight.  In fact, nearly all the 60 other runners were gone faster than a sailor's cash on shore leave.   No worries here.  Kevin and I weren't planning on racing for different reasons.  He was coming off a fast 30 miles of pacing at the VT 100 for a 21 hour finisher and I was just plain out of shape, running about 60 total miles in the past five weeks. We were just out for a long run in the woods......a bit longer than expected.

Don't get use to this. It won't last. (photo credit: Kevin Z)

The next eight miles or so involved a series of climbs taking us ever higher in elevation.  None of the climbs were extremely long or steep but there were plenty of them.  There were also many, many blowdowns on the course making it difficult to get into a good running rhythm.  This would be the theme for the day, constant changes in elevation and tree hopping with very little flat running until the final 4.5 miles of the race.  Kev and I decided early on to walk most of the uphills because that's what Bill H. would have wanted us to do. We missed you Bill!  And did I mention the bugs?  They were as unrelenting as the hills of the NPT. The deer flies were so bad Keven stopped and put on his mosquito net about two miles into the race. The boy got gear.

This is more like it. (photo credit: Rob Jacob)

If only all the blowdowns were this small. (photo credit: Rob Jacob)

The trail took a beating with heavy flooding this spring. (photo credit: Rob Jacob)

At mile five we saw one of the Wakely runners standing in the trail.  She asked if we were running in the race to which we responded in the affirmative.   She told us she was thinking about going back to the start.  She said she was fine physically but her head just wasn't into it.  Kevin and I went through the pros and cons of turning back vs. continuing forward and even welcomed her to join us if she wished.  In the end she decided to turn around while she was still close enough to the start.  Wakely Dam had claimed it's first casualty. 

I can't fault the woman for returning.  If you're having second thoughts about this race at five miles it's best to go back.  It doesn't get any easier the next 28.  Also, I can see how a woman running alone on the NPT could get wigged-out.  It's very isolated.  Hell, there were a few areas during the race where I would have felt a bit uneasy had I been alone.  I guess I'm not as tough as I look. Or am I? 

WFF?  This is one of the places that freaked me out. (photo credit Kevin Z)

Reaching the Jessup River at seven miles I decided to fill one of my water bottles and treat it with iodine.  While I was filling up, the two course sweeps that left 1/2 hour after the race started arrived at the river.  I can't remember their names but they were cool and we joked around while they filled their bottles too.  The water level was low enough so we could rock hop across without getting our feet wet. We weren't so lucky at some of the larger rivers later in the race.  Some of the bridges were washed out so wading across was the only option.  Soon the sweeps were out of sight and Kevin and I were on our own again.

The water wasn't always this low. (photo credit: Rob Jacob)

 

More climbing and more blowdowns to maneuver over, under and around and soon (OK, not really soon, more like eventually) we were running along the edge of Spruce Lake.  It was here where I heard a loon call out to me.  It said, " You people are carrying heavy packs in 90 degree weather and running 33 miles over rocks, roots, trees, mud and water, all the while getting eaten alive by deer flies and they call ME a loon?"  OK, Mr. Loon, I get your point.  After passing the second lean-to it was time to eat.  Kev gets cranky when he goes 30 minutes without food.  The man can eat!

Spruce Lake. (photo credit: Kevin Z)

We don't take these "races" too seriously.

I don't remember much about the miles between Spruce Lake and the West Canada Lakes. I do remember stepping off the foot bridge across the bog and sinking ankle deep in mud, nearly losing my shoe. There was a nice cooling breeze when we entered the clearing near the lake and I wanted to stop here to enjoy the beauty of this place. Unfortunately, there was this business of completing a race before darkness so it was time to move on. I felt great when we entered the old caretakers clearing on West Lake which meant we had reached the half way point. My sense of relief was short-lived.

I almost lost a shoe here. (photo credit Rob Jacob)

Cool breeze and beautiful views. (photo credit: Rob Jacob)

Bug man gets his groove on. (photo credit: Kevin Z)

Half way point! (photo credit: Kevin Z)

"Where did the trail go?"

Leaving the caretakers clearing the trail was re-routed due to beaver activity, or was it because of spring storms? I'm old and can't remember.  Anyway, the narrow trail was twisting and turning and badly overgrown.  Our pace slowed to a crawl.  Well, our pace was already at a crawl but it became a slower crawl when we entered this section. This re-route went on for about a mile (at least it felt that way to me) before the trail opened up again and running became a little easier.

Around mile 20 the course starts to lose elevation.  There's still plenty of climbing to be done the the descents are longer and the running gets somewhat easier over the next 10 miles.  Kevin and I didn't talk all that much during this time.  I think the constant ups and downs and climbing over blowdowns had finally worn us down. We alternated pace setting duties with Kevin leading when we wanted to move faster and me taking over when we needed to slow down and rest a while.  I'm good at slow.

At least we had ample warning.

The water level dropped a lot so the rope assist wasn't needed. 

 This was the deepest and widest water crossing. (photo credit: Kevin Z)

"You first." "No, you first!"

With 4.5 miles to the finish the trail dumps onto a grassy dirt road.  Kevin got his fourth wind here and really picked up the pace.  I had a difficult time staying close and would lose sight of him every time the trail would bend or turn.  This was good motivation for me so I continued to run hard to keep Kev from escaping.  The grassy road connected to a wide Vermont-like dirt road and Kevin said we were only one mile from the finish line.  I think he told a white lie in order to light a fire under my butt because that road felt way longer that one mile to me.

Kevin could have easily dropped me here but he stayed with me so we could cross the finish line together.  Kev would run a few steps ahead, turn back and yell at to me get a move on. Oh, and also to ask me to consider running the Vermont 100 next year.  Yeah, I'll have to get back to you on that one Kevin. When I looked back at my splits I saw the last two miles of the race were my fastest!  I was either dogging it for 31 miles or I have an incredible finishing kick!  Thanks KZ for getting these old bones to Wakely Dam.

I saw the finish line about the same time I heard the cheers of encouragement from Co-Race Directors extraordinaire, Kim and Doug who did an excellent job in their first year as Wakely RDs.  I sure ten year RD Jim H. feels his race was left in good hands.  I felt a sense of relief and accomplishment (and immense fatigue) when I crossed the finish line at Wakely Dam.  This race was more difficult than I thought it would be, and more amazing.

The Wakely Dam is what ultra running is all about.  Self-reliance, difficult terrain, hard effort, raw nature and personal victories.  Wakely Dam Ultra is unrelenting.

Note to readers:  Most of you know I like to take numerous quantities of pictures when I'm on these adventures.  This time I stowed my camera in my backpack where it was difficult to reach so I didn't get any photos.  My bad.   KZ was the cameraman on this adventure run and contributed to this post with his fine photographs. Also thanks to Rob Jacob, a multi-time Wakely finisher. I "borrowed" some of your pics.  

If you like flat, don't come here.

TARC Spring Classic 50K (32.75 miles) Race Report - Déjà vu all over again.

The TARC Spring Classic was held this past Saturday under less than ideal conditions. Unfortunately, the meteorologists got it right this time and the rain, wind and cool temperature arrived as predicted.  That didn't stop this inaugural event from being a complete success.  Close to 200 runners in four different races ranging from 10K to 50K (50K measured in Crowley miles) enjoyed the pine covered forest trails of Jericho Woods in Weston, MA.  And let me not forget to mention the mud and water which increased in depth and viscosity with each passing loop.  The harsh conditions proved to be the undoing of many 50K runners as indicated by the 68% finishers rate.  That's more reflective of a 100 mile race than it is for a 50K.

Pre-race gathering - Rob, Me, Emily, Steve. (Photo credit: Unknown Runner)

TARC mascot fires up the ultra crowd! (Photo credit: Steve L)

I made the drive to Weston with my friend RunninRob who was looking to bag his first ultra finish.  He couldn't have picked a worst day to attempt it.  Actually, he could have but why would he?  Rob ran a strong race (I knew he would) and officially joined the ranks of "Ultra Runner."   His journey to the dark side is now complete and there will be no turning back.  Congrats man!

Rob, #25 was all business and got it done. (Photo credit: Kevin Z)

I, on the other hand, was not expecting to break any records.  I have only been running three days a week averaging 18 miles per week during the past two months.  This was not done out of laziness but more out of concern for my ailing IT band.  I was hoping by keeping my mileage to a bare minimum I would be able to run pain free.  This worked well when I kept my runs under 10 miles but I have experienced some knee pain during my long runs on the Bay Circuit Trail.  I was certain the pain would return at some point in the race. I just wasn't sure how early, or late it would occur.

Since my bud Steve L. trains even less than me but still manages to finish 100 mile races, I figured I would try to hang with him during the race for as long as possible. This worked out very well as both of us were very comfortable running the same (ridiculously slow) pace and with taking walking breaks as needed.  Our friend Paul, who started the race a little late, caught up with us and ran a few miles with us before disappearing off into the woods.  I manged to miss a turn on the first loop even though it was clearly marked with multiple flags and tape.  I didn't realize my mistake until we ended up in someones back yard.  Yay, bonus miles!

 Steve and I should take these races more seriously but then we wouldn't have as much fun. (Photo credit: Kevin Z)

Snack time. (Photo credit: Emily T)

My running mate for the day. (Photo credit: Kevin Z)

The rain held off during the first of five 6.55 mile loops but started soon after Steve and I began loop two.  At first it was light and steady but soon became heavy.   I'm not sure if this motivated us to move faster but loop two was our fasted split of the race.  We actually ran very consistent split times, except for the last one which was our slowest.   The slow final loop was a function of fatigue, more mud than previous loops and seriously aching knees, mine and Steve's.

By the third loop my knee pain had become pretty severe and was effecting my stride.  I was expecting some difficulty with it but not this early in the race. Steve's knee wasn't doing much better.  I was a little bummed about the knee but decided there was no way I was taking a DNF.  I knew Steve was thinking the same thing even though he did mention the word "marathon" once.  I'm sure he was just testing me to see if I would bite.  No way Stevo!

One of the few climbs. (Photo credit: Rob Mac)

It was almost one year ago to the day when I first noticed symptoms of ITBFS while running in the Traprock 50K in April 2010.  I skipped Traprock this year even though I had registered for the race.  I wanted to give myself an extra week of rest before taking on a 50K.  It's sort of ironic that had I run Traprock last week I would have had the severe pain return in the same race that it started in. April is not a good month for me.

After many hours of running side by side, Steve and I battled it out for the title of "Dead Last Ultrarunner."  In the end I was victorious based on my incredibly slow time and the fact that "S" comes after "L" in the alphabet.  Hey, I'm not proud. I'll take a last place finish any way I can get one. Take that Steve!  Oh, and thanks for pulling me through loop number four.  You were moving so fast I was sure you miscounted and thought you were on your last one.

The last two finishers.  We received loud cheers from all the volunteers.  They were so thankful we finished and they could finally get out of the rain and go home! (Photo credit: Rob Mac)

Co-Race Directors Bob Crowley and Josh Katzman and all of the volunteers did an amazing job of marking the course, staffing the aid station and having someone on the course directing runners.  Events like this can't happen without the support of many people willing to give up their day so that we can play.   If you've never volunteered at an ultra event give it a try some time.  You'll find it can be just as rewarding as running.

Super crew of volunteers!  (Photo credit: Kevin Z)

Thanks to all for a super day!.......Hey, where's my ice pack?

Traprock 50K Report In July Issue of Ultrarunning Magazine

I was happy to see the article I submitted to Ultrarunning Magazine was published in their July issue.  I know editing is something that must be done due to space constraints but I was disappointed that the last paragraph of my article and none of my photographs were included by the magazine.  The omission read like this:

"Co-Race Directors Steve Nelson and Kevin Hutt and all the volunteers did a fine job in providing a much needed spring ultra to the New England area. The course was adequately marked and the aid stations were well stocked and staffed. All the runners I spoke to during and after the race were very positive about their Traprock experiences. This is definitely a race I’ll be running again in 2011."

And the photographs looked like this:

Elaine Romano (3rd female) on technical descent.

Runners working their way up the steep "Stairway to Heaven"

Here is the published article:

Ultrarunning July 2010