Early last week I got a reminder email from the RD about the upcoming MMD 50k (Magnus Gluteus Maximus).  After a brief “oh shit” moment, I made plans to take the weekend off from work and get myself out  into the White Mtns…

Summing up the email were maps, turn sheets and specs of the 34 mile loop that featured over 14,ooo feet of elevation gain.  Runners were expected to finish around 14-15 hours, meaning that this would be more of a fast paced hike than a running race.  Every year RD, Jonathon Whitehead changes up the course and always does his best to make  the route harder than the year before.  This year, was considered a bit easier, but the midnight start added a twist to the now fifth year of the MMD 50k.

With the kitchen taking up most of my time, preparing for a wedding, and most recently making a deal to become owner of Katrina’s Organic Market, it is pretty easy to say that training has not been a top priority.  So, taking all this into account, i would be lucky to survive the “race”.

The race was planned to start at 12:01 am Saturday, from a local campground just north of the Mt Washington Auto Road.  19 runners gathered there, and spent the early evening napping, eating, and sharing ultra stories.  In the mix were Hardrock 100 finishers, Barkley runners, Pemi loop speed record holders and a few others who simply loved to spend long periods of time in the mountains.  After a brief nap, the grounds were buzzing as we made out final preparations for the start.  Looking back, I must say that I really enjoyed the midnight start.  well rested from the day before and taking it easy the day of the race, I felt ready to go 6 or so hours in the dark.  In the past, getting not so much sleep and having to wake at 3-4 am for a rest always makes for a groggy start.  Looks like I may have to get into Hellgate if I want another late start!

Afterwards, I returned to the Dolly Copp campsite to kick back and watch the finishers come in.  Around 1pm, we saw the first finisher make his way to the camp.  Just over 13 hours would be the winning time.  Although I left before the final finisher came in, the last runner to finished did so at just over 24 hours.  A loong day for a 50k

For a more detailed report from Steve Pero, check out  http://perogoats.blogspot.com/

All in all, I had a great time, met local trail runners, and became inspired to get out THERE!!!

So, that’s my report, peace out!

Mayor

]]> http://mrbimble.com/WordPress/2009/08/the-mmd50k/feed/ 1 http://mrbimble.com/WordPress/2009/05/pineland-farms-50k/ http://mrbimble.com/WordPress/2009/05/pineland-farms-50k/#comments Wed, 27 May 2009 14:28:38 +0000 Mayor http://mrbimble.com/WordPress/?p=1658 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.

Ahhhhh…..the half marathon. A whole other beast in the racing world. Despite 2 1/2 years of running, a few ultras here and there and a marathon to boot, I guess it was time to take on the half. Yesterday was my first day back on the trails in close to 2 weeks and I don’t think I have done any roads over 10 miles in a year or more. With that I was excited to push myself.

The morning was far short from dull, since Iggy met at a different meeting point then she had originally posted on the BS. I found my was to exit 57, which she posted. Glen meandered off to exit 59, not to sure why, and Iggy patiently waited at exit 58. After a few phone calls, the crew of Donni, Suresh, Glen, and I piled up in Iggy’s car and made our way up to the race.

Pre race was your typical day on the roads. Runners stretched, tightened laces and tried hard to figure out how to use the new plastic strip disposable chip timer. After a little instruction we were all ready to roll.

At the start was many BS runners including:
Mayor, Iggy, Suresh, Steve(flash), Sarah V, Donni, Glen, Quiet Man, John Steele, Downhill, and Ultra. Did forget anybody???? Ultra really doesn’t count cause he pirated the race. Maybe he was smarted than us, but we won’t get into that.

The race started and all runners quickly tried to make their way into the thin tunnel that lead out of the parking lot. With a 10am start, the sun would warm things up a bit, but decent amount of shade and water were found throughout the course. 2 laps would make up the course that wound its way through the park roads, along some beach and into a small residential area.

Like always I hit the start quicker than I needed to but was able to get myself into a smooth comfortable pace. It was nice to see the other runners along the course and lots of fans cheered me on. On a sour note, I was hit in the chest by a group of bandit children with pellet guns. At first I was ready to go smash the gun over the stone wall but thought things over and realized it was best to keep going.

I came into the half way mark at around 50 minutes. A knot in my hamstring kept me from picking up the pace, so I tried to just ride out the course and enjoy the moment. Suresh would tell me he tried to quit 5 times, but after some beating from other runners, he kept moving forward.

I found my way past the finish line at 1:39:15ish
QM followed, J Steele, and not too sure how the rest finished because I was busy getting a massage from a cute red head. Life is good!!

After downing a few bananas we headed over to Iggy’s car to celebrate the 29th birthday of Donni. The Mimosas flowed like the mighty Branford River and we gave thanks to a beautiful day on the race course. Of course I had to pick out a beautiful vixen to join us for a drink. Turns out she live in Hawaii for a few years, so I was trying to get her to join me. Her super 1:35 finish was a bit of a disappointment to her, but I think the BS crew was quite impressed. Suresh really enjoyed her unique piercing on the bridge of her nose and she even took it out for him!

After downing about 10 bottles of champagne, we once again loaded up Iggy’s car and headed home. All in all, great day with great friends! I love this life!