Pineland Farms 50k

I will start out by giving high fives to all whom put together the race today..  For organizing 3 races at once, all were done efficiently and without confusion.  Live music, BBQ, and Ipswich on tap, were  just a few the events following the 25k, 50k, and 50 miler races.  It was great to catch up with members of the Trail Monsters, some of whom I ran a great majority of VT100 with last year.   Now to the race…

I guess I should add that since completion of Vermont in July, my life has been somewhat chaotic, and finding the time, or shall I say, the will to train has been few and far between.  My longest run over the last few months was Northern Nipmuck, which was  suboptimal in regards to proper training for an ultra. With the intensity of my recent job, I have been lucky if I could squeeze in 15 miles of running a week.  So to tally up my total mileage over the last few months, it is good enough to say that I really shouldn’t have been out on the course today.  But I am always up for a challenge so I said what the heck, and  decided to take part in the 50k.

The 3 races were all 2 hours apart, with the 50 miler starting at 6am.  A side note: About halfway thru my 50k I would be blown away by the 50 mile winner who went on to complete the race in 6:02!

Just before I gathered my gear and headed out towards the starting line.  About 110 runners came to hear the RD give us his pep talk.  Short and sweet , the cowbells rang and we were off.  The 50k course would consist of 2 loops, both 15miles each. Each loop consisted of a 10 mile loop which would bring us to the start/finish, then an additional 5 mile loop.  Pineland Farms, which once served as a mental institution, was now used as a diary farm, YMCA, and cross country skiing course.  The loops featured only one BIG climb, but rarely did I come across flat sections.  The course was constantly going up or down, which come loop 2, was pretty exhausting..  The terrain in the woods was flat and compact and without any distractions like rocks or roots. Also featured were recently cut grass throughout rolling hills.  I remember having the feeling like I was never covering ground due to the course looking the same.  With 4 aid stations with in the 15 mile lap, there was plenty of food and drink handed out to the runners.  Pineland would also be a first for me where I did not eat any solid food during the race.  My nutrition consisted of  blend of honey/spring water and goji berries.

Within a mile or so if the race, I came side by side to lady who was curious to know of my pre-race meal, which consisted of the following ingredients: soaked chia seeds, blue green algae, maca, deer antler extract, kola nut, and honey.

We exchanged stories as we motored through the first 12-12 miles together, never bringing ourselves to walk any uphills..  As much as I would of loved to stay side by side, around mile 14, i realized I needed to slow up a bit if I wanted to make it through this race.  She would end up finishing the race around 4:30, a time I was not ready to take on.

As I consciously decided to slow my pace down a bit, I came to the end of the 1st lap at 2:18, somewhat tired and weary and uncertain of my ability to continue the race. Once back into the woods, I came to a stop.  Here I was certain that I could not carry on for another 15 miles.  I paced back and forth wondering what the hell I was doing out here.  My body ached and my mind was not thinking in a very positive way.  After  a minute or so, the real reason for being on the course came clearly into view.  It wasn’t about placing or a PR, but more the ability to div deep into the soul and to commune with nature in a positive and uplifting way.  I took a deep breath and set forth to complete the race.  The 15 miles would be had at my own pace and I would simply run in alignment with my body.  I was a quite a bit slower in the later half of the race but felt I got more joy in the race simply by “being” out there with no expectations.

A slow cool drizzle would consistently fall throughout the second lap and would make for my ideal running conditions.  I spent most of the second lap alone but would randomly catch up to some of the 25kers and offer my support and a smile.  With the last mile approaching I kicked up my legs to finish strong and sprint past through the finish line.  My body happy to see the race come to an end and although this wasn’t the performance of a lifetime, I was was pleased with my time.

Finding the balance in life has been somewhat of a struggle for me.  I tend to go full force with most of what I do, and although that has its benefits, sometimes it ends up being “all or nothing” .  I plan to run more ultras in the future and will look forward to the Pemi Loop in early June as well as possibly regretting taking part in the MMD50k in August.  I am happy to know that my body has reached a point where it can just go out and run 30 miles, but to fully support my endeavors, I wish to be a bit more consistent and skill full in my training practices.