2013 Stone Mill 50 Mile Race Report

Run your own race. 

That is something I have been advised to do ever since I started running ultras.  I've been offered that piece of advice with increasing frequency ever since my MMT experience.  I almost said unsuccessful MMT experience but that may not be the most correct description of what happened at MMT because my experience at MMT taught me more about ultra running than anything I've ever been told or read however I digress.  Run my own race.  That was the plan for my third running of the Stone Mill 50 mile endurance run.  Little did I know that I had already set into motion a series of events that would completely shape my race day into something that was much better than any number I thought I could have gotten on my own.

 

 

The Start

 

The moon had decided to stay tucked under a thick blanket of clouds as I found myself in the cold morning picking up my bib with Nicole and her BF after sharing a hotel room to save everyone from having to wake up even earlier than we had.  The school that would serve as our "after party" was closed in the morning but the field house bathrooms were open and heated a nice perk for a $35 ultra race.  I'll take a heated bathroom over a race tee any day.  I chatted with the many trail friends that were already there while Nicole checked on the status of her bib which had been picked up for her by friends.  With only a few minutes to spare Nicole's race bib finally arrived and we made our way to the start line.  We chatted with many friends in the minutes before the race, Charlie, Ron, Gary, Janet, Adam and as with every race many more whose names were lost among the effort in the miles to come.  Then we were running.  Running around the school after instructions and a command to go that it seemed no one heard or listened to.  We rounded the school and slid down the steep hill and slipped into the woods to enjoy some single track running in the dark.

 

 

Charlie photo bombed us on the dam

 

  I doubt you wondering about that plan I had made to run my own race seeing how Nicole and I had only just started running but I had already forgotten that pledge to myself.  That silly notion was a foggy memory.  Nicole had graciously shared her first Mega and first 50k with me, how could I give up the chance to share another milestone with this amazing new ultra runner for two silly letters. 

 

 

 Early in the race enjoying the foggy morning

 

The course was a bit congested as we hit the trails but we were moving well thanks to the very runnable trails.  Usually the train of runners that the single track creates is a point of frustration for me but the everyone moving well the frustration we offset by the benefit of shared light.  We were moving well finding our place in the pack, passing and being passed.  Unfortunately this seems to be an increasing mention in race reports; poor trail etiquette.  The course's out and back section is run in the morning which means a lot of passing on a narrow section of muddy single track while runners are still jockeying for position.   Since this only deserves a mention all I'll say is why is it so hard for passing runners to say, "on your left"?

 

Having fun cheesing for the camera

 

Nicole and I chatted as we made our way to the first aid station.  Knowing we needed to avoid losing time at each aid station, I didn't stop.  I had my pack and knew the next station was only a few miles.  I nearly forgot to drop my headlamp in the box but thanks to a very observant volunteer who offered to take it for me, I avoided having to carry it for 23 more miles.  The volunteers were awesome!



Around Mile 22 can't wait to see the PennyLock aid station

 

Throughout the first 20ish miles we were moving at a steady pace and keeping each other entertained with chatter.  We came through an aid station and were uplifted to hear that "their" mileage was 2 miles more than we thought.  After grabbing some coke and banana we headed out towards Quincy Orchard with renewed enthusiasm.  It was great to hit Quincy and hear Matt and Larry cheering as we ran in.  Of course I gave them big sweaty hugs which were far better than any fuel I could eaten.  With introductions kept brief we grabbed another round of coke and bananas.  As I grabbed a couple olives I noticed Alyssa and Kara running into the station behind us.  Hellos were quick with the long push to the Penny Lock half way point. 

 

The delicious trail...with skinny trees

 

Nicole was carrying a handheld and nothing else but I kept my "trail mothering" under control during these early miles and focused on keeping our pace strong and attitudes positive.  The only issue I pushed was nature calls which at times were an effort since modest still runs strong until the miles add up.  There were lot of trees to choose from if you are a twig but I need a tree with a few more years on it to cover my backside.  Finally we found several uprooted trees to avoid to much exposure. 

 

Rt 28 Aid Station

The section from Quincy and Penny Lock seemed to hold the most challenge for Nicole.  I tried to keep the chatting going.  I tired focusing her to lead.  I tried pulling a head a bit and giving her a break from my cheerful chatter.  I know that having to listen to an upbeat happy runner while you are struggling can sometimes bring out the wrong emotions.  So I just kept our pace up.  I knew that there were only two options.  The Penny Lock aid station would either be a recharge for Nicole or it would be the beginning of a drag through the canal miles. 

 



Loving my fresh dry YMX shirt

 

We ran into the aid station with a few other runners.  I woohoo-ed and cheered as we ran the short gravel road into the station.  This would be one of our longer stops.  Nicole used the port-a-potty while I visited with everyone at the aid station.  We had seen Janet at an earlier station changing her shoes but didn't stop to talk.  She didn't look like she was having the best day so I offered a bit of encouragement but remembered that cheerful runners sometimes do more harm than good in their efforts to rally a struggling runner.  Still it was great to see her giving the course everything she had and looking so great while she did it.  Nicole was refueling and told me to try a piece of lemon cake.  OMGosh.  I think I ate two.  It was so amazing.  I drank coke and ate some banana.  My pack still had water in it so I still did not refill it wanting to keep it as light as possible since I had been running every thing.  Just as I was trying to get out of the aid station we heard the phenomenon that is Bob Gaylord coming into the aid station.  (I just have to say that I am incapable of creating through words the experience of sharing the second half of this race with Bob.  What follows is my attempt and it will fall very short of the actual experience.)

 

Where as I am a cheerful chattering trail runner, as anyone who knows him will testify, Bob is a running heckler.  And capable of running vast distances while talking nonstop.  You can see why I'd like him so much.  He was running with Kelly and I saw the perfect opportunity to distract Nicole's struggling mind from the temporary aches and pains that invade while running long distances.  Introductions were made and let's just say that it was love at first sight.  I knew that Bob was going to make the difference in the second half of Nicole's 50 mile experience.  The four of us left the aid station, Nicole running with Kelly and I with Bob.  I usually try to "gain some time" over the canal miles but Bob kept me reeled in.  The slower pace was probably just what Nicole needed.  It seemed that her attitude and posture were improving

 

 

Hard working volunteers serving up HOT food

 

 

Over the next miles we would be entertained by Bob and his vast repertoire of stories and remarks.  The canal section whizzed by and Bob told us we had 5 minutes to use our drop bags, refuel and get out of there.  I only wish I could have hear the thoughts inside Nicole's head as General Bob barked out his orders.  Our bags were at the Stone Mill aid station and so was something else.  Grilled cheese sandwiches.  It's an amazing running moment when you are sick of bananas and chilled to the core to bite into a gooey warm sandwich.  With Nicole's socks changed and my fresh shirt on we headed out of the station headed toward Rt. 28 and another big boost for Nicole.

 

 

All the salty sweet you could want plus a few little surprises

.

What about me? 

 

I'm having the running day of my life.  Well at least the near best running day I can long remember.  Yes, my hamstrings a talking but it is a lively conversation they are having.  It is not like the call the cops domestic dispute they sometimes have on the Massanuttens.  Yes, I've had a few nature calls that wasted more time than I wanted.  And yes there is that issue of wanting previously wanting those two little letters.  (pr, duh! If I actually had to tell you) I am filled with such giddiness that even my low moments are not actually low.  While Nicole and I have been together the entire run, there have been many moments when other runners have joined us and I pulled away to steal a moment somewhat alone to listen to the crunching of the leave under my feet.  This day was a reminder that for me ultra running is rarely about running my own race.  Running for me is about sharing something so simple that it has almost been forgotten.  It's about stripping away the pretenses and doing something for the sheer enjoyment of doing it...with no other incentive or reward. 

 

A breath taking day at the feet of trees

 

RT. 28 aid station holds family for Nicole and warm food for me.  Several of the aid stations have had broth or noodle soup which hit the spot on the damp day.  We snap a few photos, thank the volunteers and hustle on our way.  I'm eager to capitalize on the energy surge Nicole might get from seeing family but Bob reels me in.  The "to push the pace or not" debate will continue to the finish line.  We laugh.  We talk.  We run inching our way closer to that finish line.  Along the way we gather KC and Toni who had been running with Bob earlier in the race.  We find what might be the only two shirtless guys running the race.  We debate about getting across the finish line before the darkness sets in.  Then Riffleford Road aid station is there.  There is music, of course I dance.  More coke.  Burritos for the brave.  Hot soup for me.  More pace debates with Bob but with only 7ish Stone Mill miles to go the debates were pointless but fun banter.

A great crew to finish with

 

Those last few miles always seem to be the longest and often they are the quietest.  The light was leaving the sky and the day had almost come full circle as we could hear the cheers from the finish line.  I joined in the cheering to get Nicole across that line first but missed seeing it when Bob tripped right before the finish.  Ironically making it all day unscathed only to stumble at the end.  Bob was up just as fast as he went down and we crossed the line right behind Nicole and cheered as Toni and KC crossed.  It was a great feeling to share so many miles and finish together. 

 

Stone Mill 50 Miler - 11:36

 

My experience this year at Stone Mill was a great way to end my 2013 racing season.  Getting to be part of someone else's big moment as I have with Nicole is really a gift.  In helping someone else I was actually helping myself.  I think back to the goals I used to set and remember that somewhere along the way my focus got a little skewed.  I definitely hit my A Goal;

 

Finish Feeling Fine Having Fun.

 In the end I did run my own race.  I just chose to run it based on more than just myself which turned out to be exactly how I run at my best.

 

Thanks to Doug, Bob, Kelly, Toni, KC, Charlie, Larry, Matt, Gary, Ron, Jonathan, Janet, Gary K, Alyssa, Kara, the countless name that I am forgetting and Nicole for giving some of their day to me and helping me create the best Stone Mill adventure...so far.



Something Old, Something New...

 

Something Old

 



 

As I celebrated another in the growing pile of birthdays recently, the list that can be filed under 'Something Old" grows longer.  My running streak would be one of the items on that list.  Today marks day 1286.  There are days when I feel every one of those 11,330+ miles but the majority of days I can't imagine missing a day.  Another biggie on the 'Something Old' list is

 

 

This will be my third running of the Stone Mill 50 Miler.  I'll make no predications about what the clock will say when I cross the finish line this year.  While I'd love to finish in daylight I have to set my expectations in reality.  Experience has taught me that many things come into play over ultra distances and the added pressure of time goals, at my current fitness level, would do nothing to improve my performance. 

 

Something New

 

 

Filed in the drawer, 'Something New' you will find that I almost missed out on my holiday motivation!  The Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge.  Since Stone Mill is usually my last real race of the year I tend to backslid a little but with the support and accountability of the HBBC I have been able to survive the past three holiday seasons without gaining weight or losing any fitness.  If you want to join in the fun click the image above to hop over the Amanda's Run to the Finish.  Make sure you let her know Shelly referred you to the challenge and we can help keep each other on the right trail or at least a little closer.

 

A look behind to see ahead

 

As a trail runner one thing you quickly learn is to not look back.  Looking behind almost always causes you to stumble and fall.  Then you lose momentum and, at times, have trouble starting back up again.  But there are times when it's safe and even beneficial to look back and take in the path you have already traveled.

 

 

 

As I was running this morning I was in a nostalgic frame of mind because today is my firstborns  birthday.  It was difficult to reduce to a few words what I wanted to say to him.  Those words were something like the first words he and I shared together, private.  Because I'm old fashioned like that.  But the walk down memory lane got me thinking about where I've been in different aspects of my life.  Of course, running was one of them.   

 

With that it's time for a numbers update: 2095.4 miles for the year. Day 1195 of the streak. 10,497.6 streak miles.

 

Now that I've looked back it's time to look forward.  Often I remind the biggest of my littles that he needs to remember where he has been but have a plan for the direction he wants to move forward in.  The same is true for me.  Let's see where I'm going in the days ahead.

 

In 15 days I will be running The Ring.  This is 71 miles on the Massanutten trail.  The reason I am running it three fold.  1.  I need to get past a mileage barrier I feel I have created for myself.  2. It will be the first on many runs to prepare myself for another MMT 100.  3.  The Massanutten trails are calling me back.

 

In 42 days I will be running the Mega.  The Mega is about a 27ish mile climb in PA.  It is a course like no other I've ever been on.  It offers an element - boulder climbing - that I don't get anywhere else. 
 

 

In 71 days I'll be back again for FOTM.  That's the 50k in MD that has an unexpectedly challenging course.  It's low key, real ultra trail running feel always makes me feel like a bada## when I finish it.  Plus this race was one of the first races I really found trail running peace during.  I go back year after year to find it again.

 

 

In 91 days I'll be back again for the Stone Mill 50 miler.  This could be the year that Lesley at Racing It Off joins me for some very supported fun.  Although with those long legs of hers and her killer racing lately she may been at the finish before me.  If she is she'd better get some great finish line photos of me. 

 

Sprinkled in between these dates are a hand full of training runs for different races and of course my daily running streak continues.  So it's a trail without end.  It's a race without a victory.  There will be no finisher's medal or golden buckle for reaching an end point.  I have not ultimate destination.  The trails just continues and as long as I keep feeling that pull to see what is around the next bend or over that hill, I will continue to run forward.  No matter the pace I will continue to see what draws me to those place that are just beyond where my eyes can see.

So Now What?

You wake up and you realize that the high you've been riding on since your A Race is fading.  That eagerness that you greeted each day with isn't quite as bright and when the alarm goes off, rolling over and sleeping in seems like a great idea.  I mean, why not?  Your race calendar is clear for awhile.  Why not?  You trained hard for months.  Why not roll over and relax your body deserves the break, right?  But now it's two weeks later and you wonder why you ever thought all that hard work was so appealing. 

 

Can you identify with that little "after race" scenario?  Most of us can.  It's completely normal to take that break, to let up on the self-inflicted pressure to always push.  But it is a slippery slope into an all day popcorn eating, snuggie wearing all day movie-fest as your ass grows attached to the couch.  So how do you give your body, brain and spirit that much deserved and needed rest while maintaining your momentum towards dreams to come?

 

Here are a few ways I avoided or at least lessened that slide into couch potato-ism.

 

 

 Reconnect with family. 

During all that training I often had to tip the scales to time budgeting towards my training and sacrificed time with family to get those needed hours on the trails.  Post race make it a priority to spend time with your loved ones, sharing your race tales but also letting your family know just how much their support meant to you.

 

 

Play with your kids.

Okay you probably had to squeeze this in during your training too but after your race move that fun kid time up on the priority scale.  Color, blow bubbles, play Barbies, ride bikes, paint or jump on the trampoline because you asked them to do it with you instead of waiting for them to ask you to join them.  It's amazing how great you will feel simply playing.

 

   

 

Visit places you love.

Everything takes time.  We each only have a limited number of hours each day and when we are training that time is limited even further.  Once your race day is over use some of that extra time to see those places that you hurried through before and enjoy looking around.  Take a walk through your neighborhood or hike those trails you were running on.  Breath in all those little things you might have missed on your way to that race day goal.  Make time to go to that restaurant you avoided while training and enjoy a great meal or visit your mom who still lives in your hometown.  Where ever  or whatever those places you love are take the time now to enjoy them.

 

 

 

Get outside.

Simple enough.  Mow the grass, plant a garden, hand wash the car, pull weeds, fly a kite, use your kid's swing set when they are not looking.  Just get outside.

 

 

 

 

Go for a Run.

 

Of course in the days and weeks following you big race you are going to go for a run.  Duh!  But as you work towards moving past your latest challenge give yourself time to remember that there were other reasons why you run, aside from that race that seemed to consume your life.  Remember that you love to run.  Maybe you love being outside.  Maybe you love feeling closer to nature, or God or yourself.  Maybe you love pushing your body and feeling it respond.  Or maybe you just love being able to eat an extra cupcake and not have it show on your waistline.  Whatever that reason get out there and remember it.  Run with no plan other than to enjoy doing it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make a New Plan

 

Whether your new plan includes more racing, a year full of the joy of running, focusing on your family or furthering your education; moving forward should include a deliberate plan to help keep you working and avoid that tempting snuggie. 

 

For me, I've packed that snuggie away in exchange for a bathsuit since the littles and I will be spending a lot of our time in the pool and I've penciled a new plan to carry me through May 2014.  But for now I'll just stick to running because I love it, eating healthier and keeping the squirt guns loaded.

How'd November Go?

November 2012
Finally

Monthly Miles Ran: 322.7

10.8 avg miles per day   75.3 avg. miles per week

Year Total: 3198.4 ~  Daily avg 9.5 ~ Weekly Avg.  66.8



Highest Mileage Week: 11/12- 11/18

 

Rest Days Taken: 0

The Streak: November 30th was Day # 936 of the streak ~ 8,070.6 miles

Runs ~ ave. 8.6 miles per day/ 60.4 miles per week

Races:

Stone Mill 50 Miler

Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:

Chocolate covered Ritz sandwiches

 

Non-food Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure:
Stalking race websites to set up my spring schedule

Which Outfit did I Wear the Most:

What We Are Watching:

With the Kiddos:

Every Christmas show many, many times over.



My Viewing:

On the mill, I'm watching the UK version of Being Human

Funniest/Best Kid Quote:

 

LBM calmly came to me in the morning and said his eye was stuck shut.
I love how kids can be so brave.

Current Triumph:

Finishing another great 50 miler and rocking my workouts and eating habits for the Holiday Booty Buster Challenge.

 

Current Goals

Personal:

To better balance the responsibilities I hold.

Running/Fitness:

Include regular cross training

Current Blessing:

Every breath I take.
 

Current Excitement:

Family:

BIL was just released from another stay in the hospital

the blessing is that all his tests are coming back amazing even his doctors.

 

Running/Fitness:

I'm on the wait list for this
MMT 100
again

Current Concern:

Family:
The Oldest being too grown up.
S'ghetti girl growing up too fast.
at least LBM still wants to be little.

Running:
Improving my fitness
Get to my racing weight
Stay sane

How'd your November Go?

Stone Mill 50 Miler Race Report

 

2012 Stone Mill 50 Miler Race Report

 

The week leading up to Stone Mill had been a stressful chaotic one.  The plan for the kiddos wasn't worked out until two days before the race and it would require me to drive an additional 3 hours and go to the race solo.  But the peace of mind knowing the kids were set for a great weekend with family helped set the stage for a less stressful race day. 
 

After a five and a half hour drive I was finally at my hotel which was a quick 15 minutes from the race start.  I made final decisions about race day gear and slipped into bed for what little rest I would get that evening, thanks to a nagging chest cold.
 

 

At dark o'thirty I found myself that the start and finish line of my repeat Stone Mill date.  I quickly got my race pack and returned to my car to put on my chip and pin my bib on.  With 30 minutes until the start time, I stayed warm in the car and ate some granola bar and sipped tea.  While I waited I took some cold medicine to hopefully keep my coughing under control.  This turned out to be one of the smarter things I did in preparing to be able to enjoy running 50 miles.

 

 

 

Being a looped race the start and finish were at the Watkins Mills High School.  Although the school wasn't open before the 6 a.m. start, the track bathroom facilities were...and they were heated.  It was nice to be able to chat with fellow runners after a final bathroom visit without my teeth chattering.

 

 

If there were final instructions, I missed them.  In fact I'm not sure what was said to actually start the race but a minute after snapping this photo, we were running around the school heading out into the dark and what would be an amazing day of running.

 

One of my favorite views during this race is this short stretch covered in frost

 

THE SUN COMES UP

After the quick loop around the school we headed down that steep frost covered hill in front of the start/finish line and into the dark woods.  A single shining line of runners.  We weaved through the woods, along a short road section and back into the woods.  I passed the first aid station without really realizing it was there.  This year we did a short out and back early in the race instead of at the end of the race.  The course changes also included cutting out the deep creek crossing that I had enjoyed so much but I wouldn't have loved getting quite that wet so early in the day.

 

After about an hour of running we came out into an opening were we could see the rising sun and the frost on the ground.  It is one of my favorite views at Stone Mill.  It reminded me that I wanted to take photos along the way what else is new and send updates to my family who couldn't be there cheering me on.  So prepare yourself for photo overload.

 

Diane cheerfully greeting runners

 

RT 355 AID STATION

Right on schedule I hit the Rt 355 aid station and ultra runner friend, Diane was there to cheer us all on.  Unfortunately she was nursing a sore foot back to health or we may have been cruising the trails together.  She and all the volunteers were super helpful even at the chilly early hour.  I drank a cup a gatorade, ate a quarter of a pbj and chatted a little but quickly got back on the move.

 

 

MEN DON'T TAKE DIRECTIONS

After Rt 355 aid station there is a short stretch across an over pass and then you hop the guard rails to return to the trails.  I was busy sending off text message updates when I came to the frost covered yellow and green ribbons.  Ahead of me two men had continued going straight.  I yelled that I thought we hopped the guard rail.  Of course being geographically challenged I didn't really argue with them when they disagreed and continued.  I just knew that this was the spot.  I hopped the guard rail and told the others coming behind me that they needed to do the same.  Funny how later in the race I would get off course three times but at that point, I was certain that we needed to hop the guard rail.  Luckily for the men who didn't heed my advice the group following me sent some men to get the others to double back.  Men simply don't take directions from women, do they?

About 12 miles in and still feeling strong

 

 SPEAKING OF DIRECTION

In my defense the dog was really big that was coming at us so of course our eyes were on the dog and not so much on the trail markings.  That was course edit number 1.  When the two ladies I was running slightly behind took a turn that we were not to take thanks to the distraction of a charging dog and an owner who did little to restrain the animal.  Luckily the dog turned out to be friendly.  Unfortunately we and another runner went off course.  Eventually backtracking and finding our error.  Edit number 2 was again with several others when we simply missed a ribbon and continued out of the trail onto a road.  After trying the trail across the road and both up and down the road we again backtracked only to find the then obvious ribbon.  Edit three I scored all alone.  I wish I could blame it on poor trail markings but this time it was simply being lost in my own thoughts on a beautiful trail.  I share my errors in hopes that they will remind me in the future to be more aware of finding my own trail and not following others.  But I also share it to hopefully help other trail runners to remember that same and to know that it doesn't ruin a race day to "lose" time taking a wrong turn.  It's just adds to the adventure.

 

Beautiful scenery

 

TRAIL BRETHREN

Ultra trail running really is about being part of a welcoming family of like minded, mildly obsessive brethren.  When you first enter it's a little like being that wet kitten a kind soul found along the road and took pity on.  They bring you in, clean you up and try to guide you as you grow.  But in no time at all you are a familiar face in the pack.  When I ran into the Quince Orchard aid station I hadn't been really watching my time or mileage so I honestly didn't know exactly where I was.  I was just having fun playing with my proverbial ball of yarn, when a cheering voice started yelling my name.  It was Larry.  You might remember that Larry tolerated my company this past spring when we ran the majority of a 50k together to secure my still standing sub-6 50k PR.  If you know Larry, you know he has just one of those smiles that is instantly contagious.  So of course that meant poor Larry got a sweaty hug and I got a boast to my energy levels.  But the fun wasn't over, Matt was there too.  Too bad I couldn't drag them along with me for a while.  But nothing beats having friends at aid stations to greet you. 

Quince Orchard Aid Station - Larry and Matt's smiling faces made this aid station

THE LOWS
 At a little more than 4 hours in the course hit a slight road section.  The sun was out, my cold medicine wasn't working nearly well enough and my earlier surge of energy was waning.  I knew that I had been fueling at aid stations so I knew that it was merely mental fatigue.  I was bored.  I felt as though I had been running alone and needed much more chatter.  So I did what any one would do I checked FaceBook, I sent text messages, I played DrawSomething.  And it worked.  I was quickly off the boring road and back on trails and in no time my phone started to chirp with replies.  Every time my phone would chirp it helped me quicken my pace.  Those little tweets told me that someone was out there encouraging me even though they could be there with me. 

A short  struggle on a brief road section

 

Pennyfield Lock Aid station - half way

 

A NEW RECORD 

 For those looking into whether Stone Mill is the right 50 miler for you there are a few things you should know about the course.  No.  Not that it is the - surprise - 55 miler like last year.  What you need to know is that it is runnable.  What does that mean?  Well, in my experience that means that yes you are on single track a large portion of the distance but the length and grade of inclines and declines are not as challenging as a technical course.  It means that the amount of roots, rocks and creeks is minimal and you can run without having your eyes glued to the ground as you have to do on the Fire on the Mountain course.  This year I was much more aware of just how runnable the distance was and I paced myself so that I could run the distance.  I may have taken that "don't have to glue your eyes to the ground" point a little too far because I did set a new record at Stone Mill.  I set a PR in the number of times I fell.  My new falling in one race PR is now at 6.  Well that's when I stopped counting anyway.  I am also super excited that I did not utter a single curse word when I hit the ground either. 

Half way - about to start the tow path

MUSIC AND THE TOW PATH
Having made it to the halfway point at the Pennyfield Locks aid station I ate 4 olives, drank a cup of gatorade, a piece of something sweet kind of cake and a piece of pbj.  I had only gotten my pack topped off once throughout the entire race since I was drinking at most aid stations after the first two.  But then I was hit by a bit of dread.  I knew that the next section on the tow path had been incredibly hard for me last year.  But that was last year, this year I had come with a plan.  And the plan called for loving nearly every step of this race.  So I did something I rarely every do.  Something I've never done in a race.  I listened to music.  While for some runners listening to music is a no brainer to help "get them through" long miles, for me I don't want to "get through" a run I want to enjoy the running.  That is why I run because I like it.  Love it even.  But after 25 miles and  my history with the energy sucking sun baking tow path I was glad I brought some tunes.  And just like magic, they worked.  In fact I would run the majority of the second half with one ear bud in singing and dancing to the songs. 

Singing on the tow path

 

DEJA VU

  If you read at least one other race report of mine, you will know that I suffer from trail brain. One of it's many symptoms includes the inability to string together distinct points along a trail. I can vividly remember sections of trail just not what order in which I ran those sections. So even though I ran Stone Mill last year and have ran the Seneca 50k three times does not imply that I "know" my way around these trails. Infact it is almost a perfect recipe for disaster. Since I did have such a feeling of familiarity with much of the course I kept having a feeling of Deja vu.  While that feeling might have contributed to me getting off course, it also had the positive benefit of filling me with great memories while running on the Seneca portions of the trail. 

 

This aid station was at the Stone Mill about mile 29 which is also the site of the finish line for the spring 50k.  Even though my family wasn't there I could clearly see my daughter running on that road just as she had done during my first visit to this trail.  It is amazing how different things can carry you through a run.  I quickly got a cup of gatorade, a couple chips and a piece of pbj and headed done a short gravel road section.

Loved the surge of energy being at the "finish" of the Seneca 50k course

REMEMBERING WHY I RUN
The road section went quickly.  I ran off and on with several other runners chatting briefly but not finding a pace that fit with anyone else, I hit the trail ahead of the other runners and headed in alone.  I spent the majority of the race running alone.  Granted I ran briefly with Joe, Alan and Ed.  I shared several miles with trail brethren that I had only just met.   But for the most of the day I was alone with my thoughts.  The day was amazingly beautiful.  The quiet of running through the woods lost in my thoughts helps remind me why I do this.  Like the nut case that I am I prayed for loads of people while I was running.  It's amazing how the simple act of thinking of others can take your mind off your own temporary discomforts.  The woods was filled with inspiring views around every turn.

 

That "being home" feeling I have while running through the woods fills me with far more satisfaction than any road race PR has ever given me.  I know how blessed I am to be able to do these things.  Running trails reminds me to take time to focus on things that actually matter.  Its about more than just the distance.  It's about that connection with the simple things around me and how those things add joy to my life.  The sound of my feet on the fallen leaves, the smells of the forest, the frost on the morning trail as the sun rises and the lengthening shadows as the sun sets.  The ability to do this thing is not based solely on hours spent training, it stems from something inside each of us that carries us through and allow us to enjoy what others find difficult or seemly impossible. I am endless grateful that I am among those lucky few who get to be a part of this amazing journey.

AID STATIONS
Stone Mill has some of the very best aid stations.  While the goodies are fabulous and much appreciated and needed, it is really those faces and kind voices that make Stone Mill such a special event.  Every single aid station I went through someone was standing ready and asked me "what can I get for you?"  Seriously, I often was so caught off guard that I didn't know what to say.  Just the exchange of a few kind words sometimes was all I really needed.  But I also appreciated the cups of gatorade, one accidental cup of Mountain Dew, a cup of soda, a piece of banana, quarters of pbj, 4 olives, a handful of chips, 2 ginger cookies, a piece of cake, a cup of noodle soup, a cup of pasta veggie soup and 4 salt tabs.  There were so many more kinds of treats.  This year even bacon...some of it chocolate covered.  Saying thanks barely suffices to show my appreciation of the efforts volunteered by the over 70 volunteers. 

More hot soup, drop bags and wonderful volunteers.  Riffle Ford Rd Rocked!

STONE MILL - THE SECOND HALF

Another highlight was running by the lake and remembering Sceneca 50k

One notable difference in my running of this year's Stone Mill 50 miler would be that nature never called.  During last year's extra long running as during most ultra length events I've done, nature always gives me a ring.  But this year, my cold symptoms aside, I felt great the entire time.  Every runner knows those "tummy" issues that can turn race day into a dash to find the nearest bathroom or large enough tree but Saturday I was the sitting by the proverbial phone because it never rang.

One of several deer that were sharing the trail with us

RIFFLE FORD ROAD AID STATION
I ran into the Riffle Ford Road Aid station knowing that there now I only had a single digit count down to the finish, my drop bag was there, and there was again warm soup.  Two wonderful volunteers came up and offered to find my bag for me, while others offered me whatever fueling options I needed.  The mental boost was amazing to have the flood of interaction.  I only pulled my flashnight from my drop bag and then grabbed a cup of gatorade and a cup of soup.  Then I began the count down to the finsh.
 

I love all the different underpasses we run through

GOALS
Before the race my mother was asking how long this race was. I told her it was 50 miles. She asked about how long to would take me to run. I started to attempt to explain how I really didn't know and speed wasn't really what I was doing it for when she said, wasn't the point to do it faster than the time before?  The conversation really got me thinking about what goals I really had for this race.  Frankly for nearly every ultra I run.  I'd love to go out and be able to run each 50k or 50 miler faster than the last one but there are just too many differences between courses, weather conditions, my own conditioning and my determination on any given day.  So although I had a plan to attempt to PR the distance and was on schedule to be within striking distance of that time goal at the halfway mark, course edits and two slow miles during the second half had pushed that goal out of sight. 

The look of a former road runner when they know their time goals won't happen

RT 355 AGAIN AND THE FINISH
With strong miles to the RT 355 AS I arrived there with the sun up but knew that I still had 3 trail miles to go and would probably not make my "finish in day light" goal.  Diane was still there volunteering, she would end up putting in a 14 hour day.  Volunteers are the best!  We chatted briefing and she said all the right things to help encourage me to keep moving and stay positive.   

Thanks to everyone who stood in the cold just to document my day of fun

The last three miles went by so quickly as did the remaining daylight.  It felt at the time like I was pushing my pace but eventually I had to stop and pull out my light.  I ran alone with another runner close behind.  The day couldn't have gone much better.  It had been a reaffirming day on the trails.  And then with cheers filling my ears and a final push up one last hill, Stone Mill 2012 was done.

 Didn't quite beat that sunset

 

ATER THE RACE AND THANKS
After chatting with friends briefly, I gathered my things and headed into the school to change and grab a bite to eat.  And share a few stories from my day on the trails and hear a few.  I was great to be able to clean up a bit and put on fresh clothes.  This really helps when you are running an ultra solo and have a long drive home after the race.  Many thanks to the RD, the many volunteers, MCRRC and sponsors for making Stone Mill a true ultra trail runners kind of event. 

2012 Stone Mill 50 Miler

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