Last year I decided it was time to set a new distance goal. I had planned about a half dozen distance runs (Savannah Marathon, Blue Mountain Beach Half, Ragnar, etc.) and decided to cap off the season with a personal challenge.
With a total of three 50k races under my belt, I wanted to push the envelope and try a 50 miler.
Conveniently, Destin Ultra races are practically in my neighborhood. I had finished 2nd place in my age group the two previous years doing the 50k, but I kept thinking about seeing the runners doing the 50 mile run while I was out there and thinking "they must be crazy, 50 miles?!"....but secretly wondering if I could do 50 miles, on the beach sand too.
I think that is the way it starts for most of us. I can recall about 10 years ago hearing a friend talking about running a marathon, and thinking they were crazy. But then the seed is planted. I think those of us who run have a healthy level of admiration for those who train, and can complete these higher distances. We wonder to ourselves if we could ever do that.
Then the mental exercise begins. We think about our schedule, how much training is needed, how many miles each day, and what about the long run on the weekend? How am I going to get that done with work, school, life...
Can we possibly do this?
Like our first 5k, 10k, marathon, we are not thinking about winning- or even placing for that matter. We simply want to finish. The real competition is with ourselves, not the other runners. In fact, even though everyone who runs a long distance race would like to win, they will also turn to you before the beginning and wish you good luck. These are also the people who pass you in mile 28 and say "good job!" or "you are doing great! You're an animal dude!".
And secretly, we want to know our names have been added to a list of runners who can complete a race of 13, 26, or 50 miles. The longer the distance, the shorter the list. That appeals to us.
Instead of training just for this run, I felt the other races I was doing would be the training. Within 4 months of this race I would complete a few halfs, a full marathons, a 50k and participate in a Ragnar. This kind of worked, but clearly more training would have been helpful and down time between runs would have been beneficial.
The week prior to this race I had done 24 miles along the overseas highway in the Florida Keys Ragnar. This was not a good way to do a taper. I had a discussion with a friend about the 50 miler and she asked if I was still going to do it. I told her I had three options- 1) pass on it this year and train more, try it again in 2016, 2) change my distance to the 50k race, or 3) give it my best shot and go for the 50 miles.
In my heart I knew there really was only one option- do the 50 miler. The thought of regret outweighed any concerns about fatigue, training, etc. Decision made, execute.
The race begins at 5 AM. This may be one of only a handful of ultras that are planned after considering a tide chart. It seems the goal is to get it on the calendar so it can begin with a low tide. When thinking about running on a beach, I divide the running surface into 3 categories.
1. The sand that is more compacted near the water. Not as firm as pavement or a trail, but still pretty good. This is the most desirable surface. The slope varies and a ledge can form between the harder, compacted sand and the soft sand. If you are running on the firm area and a wave comes up you have to decide to get wet or jump up on the ledge into the soft sand.
2. Any surface that has been compacted previously by rain or vehicles. Some of this category may still have a hard crust unless it has been broken by runners in front of you. Much softer than the first category.
3. Soft sand not in the first two categories. This kind of sand moves easily with a good wind. Least desirable surface.
With a low tide, or one that will be low soon, category 1 surface is available for a longer period of time.
A great feature of this race is the support. Volunteers are genuinely happy to be there and encourage the runners. Local restaurants cater the aid stations, which are located every 5-6 miles. One in particular at mile 38/42 has an added bonus.
Bacon! Breakfast burritos and fruit are among the offerings at the first couple of stations. Gels are just not enough to keep a runner going at these distances. I top off on fluids. As part of the rules to ensure our safety, we are required to carry water in between the aid stations. I generally use a Camelback or similar. Many other ultra runners opt for the the handheld hydration bottles that have a strap that wraps around your hand to help with carrying it. I generally don't like the sloshing that goes along with these bottles. An alternative I have used in the past during marathons is a disposable water bottle. As you empty them during the race you can squeeze the bottle to remove the air and eliminate the sloshing. when empty, I re-inflate the bottle by blowing in it, then squeeze it in the middle, I can then slide it under my race belt in my lower back and run with my hands free. Refill the disposable bottle at aid stations and repeat.
The course is a 15 mile out-n-back heading east, followed by a 10 mile out-n-back heading west. Drop bags can be placed at mile 15 (Seagrove), mile 30 (start/finish at Tops'l Resort) and at mile 38/42 (The Back Porch in Destin).
Extra socks and shoes are recommended. The area has several dune lakes and their outflow into the Gulf of Mexico results in many water crossings. Depending on environmental factors, these can be narrow, ankle deep, and a good jump will get you across. Other times, they can be 20 feet or more wide, knee deep or better, and a current that could take you off your feet if you are not careful.
The first 30 miles were pretty much as expected. Continuous running with hydration and food breaks. Change of shoes, but beware of the chair. The volunteers, shade, and food make it extremely easy to just sit there for a while. They're all sirens- don't listen.
I arrived back at the 30 mile mark about the same time as previous 50k runs, which meant I was probably going to fast (fast in this context is a relative term) and needed to save some energy for the next 20 miles.
This is where things really started getting tough. Energy levels were dropping, and the tide had arrived which inundated the category 1 running surface. Between mile 30 and 38 the effort was best described as run, run, walk.
I arrived at mile 38, thirsty, hungry and tired- but still determined. I ate bowl of rice and beans while hydrating. This stop is supported by The Back Porch in Destin. If it is on their menu, you can have it. If it's not on their menu and they can still make it, you can have it. This is true of food and beverage. The process is to order at mile 38, run 2 more miles west, turn around and pick up the food (now at mile 42). Mile 38 to 42 can best be described as walk, run, walk. The only option was running in the softest of sand.
I felt like this could be the only time I did this race, so at mile 38 I chose to ask for a "greasy cheeseburger" and Wild Turkey. It was waiting for me when I returned. I tossed down a double of the WT, and walked away with my burger and a topped off Camelback. Funny thing, after a double shot of bourbon you would think you would feel it. Nothing- I guess I was already have in the bag from the run, so....
The last 8 miles were done in soft sand. I didn't meet my time goal, but I had finished my first 50 miler with more than an hour to spare before the course closed. And even better, I was not last- in fact there were more than a couple of folks in behind me, all were between 5 and 27 years younger.
Lessons learned-
1. There is no substitute for training. All those movies you watch were people do a marathon with no real training, only depending on strength of will are not accurate.
2. Train like any other long distance race, but double up on the long runs. Meaning do a 20ish race on Saturday followed by a 20ish on Sunday.
3. Nutrition is critical, as is your electrolyte balance. Some of the best advice I got was someone telling me Gatorade doesn't have enough salt for an event like this. Supplement with salt tabs or something else.
4. Take advantage of the drop bags, better to have too many shoes than not enough. A fresh shirt is nice too. Don't forget the sunscreen on the backs of your legs or pay the price.
5. Having a support crew is a big plus. The volunteers are great but having someone you know who will dedicate a day to support you and have the stuff you want is priceless. This is the first ultra I have done without a support person and I really felt it. Make it worth their while.
Was it worth it? Oh yes. Will I do it again? Don't know yet. If I were faster and could finish more mileage before the tide comes in, running on the category 1 surface, maybe. Will I do another 50 miler? For sure- in fact I am already eyeing one in Santa Rosa county next year. I think doing a couple 50's on a firmer surface will be a good next step.
So the next step is running the other 50's. I can say my name is on the list of those who have completed a 50 mile run and I am happy about that. But you know, I can't help thinking about some other folks I saw that day. Their race began the night before. They ran all night on the beach, on a 2 mile course, over and over again. If they completed 50 miles by the time our race started they would joins us and do another 50 miles, in addition to what they had already completed. Of the 19 people who started this race, only 5 runners finished. That would be a pretty short list to be on.,...
With a total of three 50k races under my belt, I wanted to push the envelope and try a 50 miler.
Conveniently, Destin Ultra races are practically in my neighborhood. I had finished 2nd place in my age group the two previous years doing the 50k, but I kept thinking about seeing the runners doing the 50 mile run while I was out there and thinking "they must be crazy, 50 miles?!"....but secretly wondering if I could do 50 miles, on the beach sand too.
I think that is the way it starts for most of us. I can recall about 10 years ago hearing a friend talking about running a marathon, and thinking they were crazy. But then the seed is planted. I think those of us who run have a healthy level of admiration for those who train, and can complete these higher distances. We wonder to ourselves if we could ever do that.
Then the mental exercise begins. We think about our schedule, how much training is needed, how many miles each day, and what about the long run on the weekend? How am I going to get that done with work, school, life...
Can we possibly do this?
Like our first 5k, 10k, marathon, we are not thinking about winning- or even placing for that matter. We simply want to finish. The real competition is with ourselves, not the other runners. In fact, even though everyone who runs a long distance race would like to win, they will also turn to you before the beginning and wish you good luck. These are also the people who pass you in mile 28 and say "good job!" or "you are doing great! You're an animal dude!".
And secretly, we want to know our names have been added to a list of runners who can complete a race of 13, 26, or 50 miles. The longer the distance, the shorter the list. That appeals to us.
Instead of training just for this run, I felt the other races I was doing would be the training. Within 4 months of this race I would complete a few halfs, a full marathons, a 50k and participate in a Ragnar. This kind of worked, but clearly more training would have been helpful and down time between runs would have been beneficial.
The week prior to this race I had done 24 miles along the overseas highway in the Florida Keys Ragnar. This was not a good way to do a taper. I had a discussion with a friend about the 50 miler and she asked if I was still going to do it. I told her I had three options- 1) pass on it this year and train more, try it again in 2016, 2) change my distance to the 50k race, or 3) give it my best shot and go for the 50 miles.
In my heart I knew there really was only one option- do the 50 miler. The thought of regret outweighed any concerns about fatigue, training, etc. Decision made, execute.
 |
| Race starts well before sunrise, headlamps are essential. |
The race begins at 5 AM. This may be one of only a handful of ultras that are planned after considering a tide chart. It seems the goal is to get it on the calendar so it can begin with a low tide. When thinking about running on a beach, I divide the running surface into 3 categories.
1. The sand that is more compacted near the water. Not as firm as pavement or a trail, but still pretty good. This is the most desirable surface. The slope varies and a ledge can form between the harder, compacted sand and the soft sand. If you are running on the firm area and a wave comes up you have to decide to get wet or jump up on the ledge into the soft sand.
2. Any surface that has been compacted previously by rain or vehicles. Some of this category may still have a hard crust unless it has been broken by runners in front of you. Much softer than the first category.
3. Soft sand not in the first two categories. This kind of sand moves easily with a good wind. Least desirable surface.
With a low tide, or one that will be low soon, category 1 surface is available for a longer period of time.
 |
| Sunrise near Grayton Beach |
A great feature of this race is the support. Volunteers are genuinely happy to be there and encourage the runners. Local restaurants cater the aid stations, which are located every 5-6 miles. One in particular at mile 38/42 has an added bonus.
 |
| Burritos from Another Broken Egg in Grayton Beach |
The course is a 15 mile out-n-back heading east, followed by a 10 mile out-n-back heading west. Drop bags can be placed at mile 15 (Seagrove), mile 30 (start/finish at Tops'l Resort) and at mile 38/42 (The Back Porch in Destin).
Extra socks and shoes are recommended. The area has several dune lakes and their outflow into the Gulf of Mexico results in many water crossings. Depending on environmental factors, these can be narrow, ankle deep, and a good jump will get you across. Other times, they can be 20 feet or more wide, knee deep or better, and a current that could take you off your feet if you are not careful.
The first 30 miles were pretty much as expected. Continuous running with hydration and food breaks. Change of shoes, but beware of the chair. The volunteers, shade, and food make it extremely easy to just sit there for a while. They're all sirens- don't listen.
I arrived back at the 30 mile mark about the same time as previous 50k runs, which meant I was probably going to fast (fast in this context is a relative term) and needed to save some energy for the next 20 miles.
This is where things really started getting tough. Energy levels were dropping, and the tide had arrived which inundated the category 1 running surface. Between mile 30 and 38 the effort was best described as run, run, walk.
I arrived at mile 38, thirsty, hungry and tired- but still determined. I ate bowl of rice and beans while hydrating. This stop is supported by The Back Porch in Destin. If it is on their menu, you can have it. If it's not on their menu and they can still make it, you can have it. This is true of food and beverage. The process is to order at mile 38, run 2 more miles west, turn around and pick up the food (now at mile 42). Mile 38 to 42 can best be described as walk, run, walk. The only option was running in the softest of sand.
 |
| Mile 42 |
I felt like this could be the only time I did this race, so at mile 38 I chose to ask for a "greasy cheeseburger" and Wild Turkey. It was waiting for me when I returned. I tossed down a double of the WT, and walked away with my burger and a topped off Camelback. Funny thing, after a double shot of bourbon you would think you would feel it. Nothing- I guess I was already have in the bag from the run, so....
The last 8 miles were done in soft sand. I didn't meet my time goal, but I had finished my first 50 miler with more than an hour to spare before the course closed. And even better, I was not last- in fact there were more than a couple of folks in behind me, all were between 5 and 27 years younger.
Lessons learned-
1. There is no substitute for training. All those movies you watch were people do a marathon with no real training, only depending on strength of will are not accurate.
2. Train like any other long distance race, but double up on the long runs. Meaning do a 20ish race on Saturday followed by a 20ish on Sunday.
3. Nutrition is critical, as is your electrolyte balance. Some of the best advice I got was someone telling me Gatorade doesn't have enough salt for an event like this. Supplement with salt tabs or something else.
4. Take advantage of the drop bags, better to have too many shoes than not enough. A fresh shirt is nice too. Don't forget the sunscreen on the backs of your legs or pay the price.
5. Having a support crew is a big plus. The volunteers are great but having someone you know who will dedicate a day to support you and have the stuff you want is priceless. This is the first ultra I have done without a support person and I really felt it. Make it worth their while.
Was it worth it? Oh yes. Will I do it again? Don't know yet. If I were faster and could finish more mileage before the tide comes in, running on the category 1 surface, maybe. Will I do another 50 miler? For sure- in fact I am already eyeing one in Santa Rosa county next year. I think doing a couple 50's on a firmer surface will be a good next step.
So the next step is running the other 50's. I can say my name is on the list of those who have completed a 50 mile run and I am happy about that. But you know, I can't help thinking about some other folks I saw that day. Their race began the night before. They ran all night on the beach, on a 2 mile course, over and over again. If they completed 50 miles by the time our race started they would joins us and do another 50 miles, in addition to what they had already completed. Of the 19 people who started this race, only 5 runners finished. That would be a pretty short list to be on.,...
No comments:
Post a Comment