Last weekend’s 50 Mile Night Run at Prince William Forest Park was one of the most surreal races I’ve been fortunate to take part in. My goal, as stated in last week’s blog post, was simply to have fun, enjoy the rare opportunity for some night running and to hopefully finish the 50 miles in as good a shape as possible. Of course, in the days leading up to the event, my mind [foolishly] started to consider potential finish times and therefore goal race pace.
With just two 50 mile races behind me – The DC North Face Endurance Challenge (7:34:23) and The Gibbett 50 (6:56:53) – I planned to set off at a conservative 9:00-9:30/mile pace for the opening loop, and then see what happened on the slightly longer 2nd loop. I’d either feel good and be able to pick up the pace, or my lack of fitness/training would kick in and I’d struggle through to the finish. Of course, there was also the possibility that my hip/glute would flare up and I’d be left stranded in the woods.
Well, to cut a long story short (feel free to read my more detailed race report here), I didn’t manage to maintain 9:30/mile pace for very long. Actually, I couldn’t average 10:30/mile for the 50 miles either. After starting the race promptly at 7:30pm, I was still out on the trails until just past 5 in the morning – 9 hours, 34 minutes and 41 seconds later to be precise. And you know what? I’m ecstatic about my finish time, and really proud of the average pace. So.Much.Fun.
The Night Run was awesome, and one of the coolest experiences of my running days. I challenged myself to the max and survived to tell the tale, but not before learning several valuable trail running lessons. Here’s some that I remember, in no particular order, intermixed with a few random trail running thoughts:
11. Forget trying to hit a goal pace on the trails. There are too many factors that can influence your speed, so don’t stress it, and just run based on effort. If it feels like you’re running too fast, then you probably are. Slow down.
10. Know the course. Maps are provided for a reason. Memorize the major turns and know where the aid stations (both manned & unmanned) are located.
9. Look after your feet. Get used to your chosen shoes and practice if possible on terrain and in conditions similar to those of race day. Note: feel free to pack several other pairs “just in case” you chose the wrong race day shoes.
8. Fresh strawberries taste amazing in the middle of the night! Okay, so you have your nutrition plan all dialed in. You have your gels, bars, chomps, waffles all packed and ready to be consumed. For me though, nothing tasted more refreshing or picked me up better than a handful of fresh, juicy strawberries. An unexpected nutrition twist perhaps, but something I’ll remember for the future.
7. There can’t be too many races where you see more deer than runners on the course. Aside from a mile or two with Olivier “The Flying Frenchman” Leblond, the last 25+ mile loop was SO lonely. Don’t judge, but I’ll admit I found myself talking to the animals on at least more than one occasion.
6. A good crew is invaluable. Big thanks to wife Ally for rearranging her weekend long run, driving me to the race, having everything to hand at my own mini-aid-station when I needed it, and for being awake to see me at the halfway mark and the 5am finish. I won’t mention the fact that you or Olivier didn’t recognize me exiting the trail head though…
5. Handheld water bottles are not only the best way to carry fluids (in my opinion), but they also double as a great fall protector. I’m pretty sure I’d have two broken wrists if it weren’t for the excellent cushioning properties of the Ultimate Direction Fastdraw Plus! Who knew I was so clumsy?
4. Don’t forget your Nipple Protectors! Of course, I forgot mine, but thankfully my singlet choice was good and no chafing took place. Phew!
3. Thank a volunteer. I can’t speak highly enough of the fantastic group of volunteers and aid station workers. How many people would unselfishly give up their entire weekend to support a random bunch of crazy ultra runners out doing their thing? Amazing!
2. Breakfast IPAs are definitely the reward of champions after a long night battling the singletrack. Thanks, Andy O for the tip!
And finally…
1. In a night race, you’re only as fast as your headlamp! Be sure to carry spare batteries, or even a spare lamp/flashlight. Running for 3+ miles with little to no light is much more challenging than it sounds. Ask me how I know.
Several other online race reports:
“OSS/CIA 50 Race Report” by Josh Glazer
“Recap of the OSS/CIA 50 Mile Night Run” by The Sockless Runner
“OSS/CIA Nighttime Trail Race” by Slipping Slowly Into Pain
“OSS/CIA 50M” by Go the Distance
“The only thing better is Chipotle” by Patrick McGlade
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