2014 DC North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Miler

Bit of a last minute decision to run this one! Western States 100 preparation has been going well, but in the back of my mind I couldn’t shake the thought that I needed one final, long training run. Of course, some actual trail experience with a modicum of incline/decline would sure to be beneficial too.

Aside from the typical Friday afternoon traffic, the drive to the DC area was fairly uneventful – there was even enough time to meet good friend Andy O’Brien at The North Face Tyson’s Corner store for packet pickup. One less thing to do on race morning if nothing else. Dinner was enjoyable at the local Sweetwater Tavern, and with all my gear laid out by 9pm, it was soon time to set the Saturday morning alarm and turn in for the night.

As expected, 3:30am came all too quickly. Breakfast was a couple of scoops of Sustained Energy – enough calories to eliminate that hungry feeling but without having to force down any solid foods. 20 minutes later, dressed and bags loaded, it was time to head to the race.

The start area was unlike most typical Ultra events – music blaring, DJ making announcements and many of the vendor tents bustling with excited runners. I just wandered around with Ally; chatting, sipping water and counting down the minutes to the off.

A few minutes before 5am, runners were ushered to the start line, and after a brief speech by The North Face athlete Dean Karnazes, we were off and running. Four young kids took off like it was a 10K but I settled into the pack and concentrated on taking things nice and easy.

The first few miles took place on a grassy field (perfect for getting the feet wet early in the race!), a golf cart path cutting through several fairways, before finally reaching the Potomac Heritage Trail. Pace was in the low to mid 8:00s and everything (as it should at this early stage) felt good. My plan for the day was to keep things under control and run a steady, even-paced race, without getting sucked in to the usual race day madness. I was also keen to test out a shoe/sock combination (Merrell Bare Access Trail/Injinji TRAIL 2.0) and practice consistent fueling with my planned Western States nutrition. As we continued along the winding single-track trail I forced myself to check my heart rate reading every once in a while to ensure the effort level stayed easy.

I was amazed how quickly the first 15 miles passed, and as I approached the Great Falls aid station where Ally was patiently waiting, realised I was almost one third done with the race already. I topped up with water, dumped in a serving of Tailwind and headed out on the first of three “Great Falls Loops” in 15th place.

With 3 out-and-backs per 6.9 mile loop, it was an excellent chance to see how far ahead the other runners were. The 3 or 4 “fast kids” were nowhere to be seen, but I counted at least 10 other guys ahead of me – some looking good, some already struggling. I told myself to stick to the plan, maintain the steady pace and make the most of what ups and downs there were on the course. I made it back to the Great Falls aid station with Loop 1 completed right on 60 minutes. Ally was nowhere to be seen, but I figured she was probably out logging some miles of her own. After a quick Tailwind top-up and serving of Island Boost, I was off and running for Loop 2.

With some of the 50 Mile runners starting their first loop, the course was definitely more crowded now. I just kept the steady pace going; feeling strong on the ups and swift on the downs. I got back to Great Falls in 59 minutes, with Ally waiting at the drop bags to find out what I needed. I stuck to the Tailwind/Island Boost combo, but made a point of telling her that at the end of the next loop I’d be ditching the Ultimate Direction AK Vest and just carrying a handheld for the final 15 miles. The temperature was rising and I looked forward to getting some air around my upper body.

The final 6.9 mile loop passed quickly. Once again, I focused on consistent fueling and steady pacing, and managed to overtake a couple more runners on the return to the aid station. Ally was ready with my supplies and after ditching the AK Vest, I was soon on my way. I didn’t realise at the time, but Loop 3 took exactly an hour – giving me splits of 60, 59 and 60 minutes for the 3 loops. Happy with that!

With just about 15 miles left to run, my main goal was to keep on top of hydration/nutrition and stay as strong as possible. I knew there were a few rollers on the way back and wondered how my legs would react to the ups and downs. Frustratingly, I managed to miss the left turn onto Bootlegger Trail and probably wasted at least 4 or 5 minutes backtracking to the short, steep incline. I’m always amazed how a momentary lapse in concentration (this time I was looking down at the rocky terrain to make sure I didn’t trip) can potentially cost you a lot of time and wasted energy. Thankfully, on this occasion, I quickly realized my mistake and was able to head back to make the correct turn.

Last time I ran this race I remember struggling somewhat with the heat and distance between aid stations. The final half marathon distance seemed to drag on forever, and the steep little inclines as the trail ventured away from the river really took their toll. This year I felt much stronger and in control. I power hiked the ups and was able to negotiate the downs much more fluently.

The trail was also quite busy with marathon runners heading out towards Great Falls for their race, and 50K runners heading back to finish off theirs. I guess saying “Good job!” at least 100 hundred times helps pass the time, and it was nice to receive several “Looking strong!” comments too.

Eventually I reached the Mile 47 Sugarland aid station where I heard someone shout “Look who it is!”. Turns out local guy Aric Martinez had showed up to watch the last few miles of the race and offer his support. It was cool to see Aric but I didn’t want to hang around, so after downing a few cups of Coca-Cola and a quick water bottle top-up, I set off on the 2.2 mile out-and-back which would bring us back to Sugarland.

The out-and-back was a little muddy but not bad enough to slow me down, and aside from dodging a few flying marathon-relay runners, it was quite uneventful. To be honest, I just wanted to close out the race and get some proper food inside me. However, as I entered Sugarland for the final time with approximately 1.6 miles to go, Aric informed me that the 3rd place guy (really?) was just 90 seconds ahead. Apparently he was 4 minutes ahead when I started the out-and-back so I’d gained 2.5 minutes in just 2.2 miles without picking up the pace at all.

All through this race I was proud that I’d stuck to my plan and avoided getting sucked into race mode, but with a podium slot now within striking distance, a switch flipped, and I was off doing what I love to do – chase down the opposition. It took about 3/4 of a mile to reel him in, and from that point on there was no looking back. I crossed the line in 7:21:42 (about 15 minutes quicker than my 2011 race) and was confirmed as the 3rd place guy by the race announcer.

Ally was there at the finish, and after enjoying the best post-race beer ever (a Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA) and a quick bite to eat, it was time to change into dry clothes and head home.

Favorite stat of the race – in the first 48 miles I ran just two sub-8 minute miles, but with someone to chase and the race-mode switch flipped on, I closed out the last 1.5 miles at a crazy 6:40/mile pace. Nice to know there was something in reserve…

Gear/Fuel:

• Merrell Bare Access Trail [performed flawlessly!]
• Injinji TRAIL 2.0 socks [Happy feet!]
• Pearl Izumi Ultra Short Tights
• Salomon EXO S-Lab Zip Tee
• Saxx Kinetic Brief Fly
• Garmin Forerunner 910XT
• Ultimate Direction AK Vest
• Ultimate Direction Fastdraw 20
• Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp
• MISSION Athletecare Sunscreen
• Tailwind Nutrition
• Island Boost
• Endurolytes Extreme