by Bob Dion

I was ready for a really good 30 mile race…unfortunately, it was 32.6 miles. A few mistakes (or miles) can really make a difference.

After 25 years of racing, you start to forget the basics:

1. Know your opponent:

I heard Clark Zealand was entered. I had planned on trying to stay with Clark  as long as possible and run a strong second place effort. He didn’t show, after running a very fast time at Vermont 100 the week before, no surprise.

Tim Seaver seemed to have plenty of endurance and hill strength. I assumed that the course wasn’t hilly enough to help him, and without racing experience, he wouldn’t have the speed or experience to last. That was wrong…He went out hard and held it. Every time I tried to take the lead, he sped up. When I finally got by him, at around 22 miles, he complained about cramps. I went by fairly quickly and he went right with me. I couldn’t shake him. I did however manage to pass the places that I had planned to fill my bottles. When I stopped to search for water, he took off.

Dan Dominie went by at around 8 miles, while I made a pit stop. I went by him at around 12 miles, while he made a pit stop. Dan’s a good road marathoner. I knew he would be there to pick up the pieces if the leaders had problems. I wrongly assumed that the trail (roots, mud) and the distance (time) would be a problem for him. I found out later that he HAS been racing trails AND ultras!  He picked up the pieces (mine) at 31 miles.

2. Know the course:

Living 3-1/2 hours from the course didn’t allow for training on the course. I had to rely on maps, course description and advice from Inge (she could probably run the course in dark). I tried to compare what I found out with other courses that I’ve run and get an idea of pace, time, food and drink needs. I decided to travel light and re-fuel along the way. Note: It’s easier to find a brook on the map than behind some bushes. Late in the race when everything matters MUCH more, it is very important t be able to relax and know where to get water and where the trail is AND just how much farther it is to the end. After I ran out of water, I decided to just push for the finish and drink there. With several miles to go, it was a BAD idea. I should have stopped and looked at the map. Instead, I cramped, got lost and walked the last few miles.

I really enjoyed the trail. It was very scenic and remote. The footing was slightly technical in spots. It was well marked (except for a few stretches at around 28 miles). I was really amazed at the quality and support of the race organization. I was expecting a “fun run” or training run, instead it was as good as (or better than) many large expensive races. 

Thanks Jim and gang!

 Bob Dion