50 mile Archives

Race: Mt. Si 50 miler – http://www.mtsirelay.com/ultras.html

Runner: Matt K

Date: 4/24/2016

Location: Snoqualmie, WA

Results – 7:55:12 3rd Overall

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

First, the race feels like a fun, small, old school event. I like that you can just focus on having fun and running a good race. Second, the ultra race passes through the relay exchange points several times. Seeing and hearing the relay-ers cheer on the ultra race was a a lot of fun and a big mental boost. Finally, I liked the course route itself. While the scenery wasn’t always the best (see below), the out-and-back nature made it easier for me to take the course in bite-sized chunks and reduce the total amount of logistics and stuff I needed to keep in my head. Made things easier on crew too!

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The only part of the race I didn’t love was some of the scenery. Most of the first 8 miles are on trails through suburbs, and in a few places you pass close to or look down on I-90. Not a big deal, but the rest of the scenery is the foothills and so beautiful that the blemishes stand out.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

There’s a relay race going on simultaneously, so you get to see and talk to new people often, but it’s also easy to get sucked into a group running a very different race.

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

The highlight for me was definitely my even pacing. Given that this was my first attempt at the distance, I didn’t know what to expect and had a hard time staying conservative in the beginning. At the turnaround I was 7th overall and decided now was the time to start slowly reeling people in. A big contributor to being able to catch other racers was my limited time in aid stations; my wonderful crew got me in and out every time in around 30 seconds. As a result I caught two of the four runners at aid stations.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Pacing is critical in this race; the first half is all gentle uphill and the second is all gentle down. You need to be conservative enough in the first half to avoid blowing up, and then you can race the whole second half.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Mostly, but with the blemishes noted previously.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

This was my first 50 miler, so I don’t have a frame of reference, but the course seemed easier than many trail races. The course is an out-and-back with the whole first half a gentle uphill that keeps you working but is totally runnable. The second half is much easier to push a faster pace. The downhill is gentle and doesn’t blow out your quads.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

I heard of others having a bit of confusion, but I thought the race was executed well. Pre-race info was thorough, aid was well stocked, and the course was clearly marked. I didn’t use drop bags but it appeared they were there on time and easy to find. I was also near the front of the pack, so it’s possible mid- or back-of-the-packers may have had a different experience.

Competition – is there a strong field?

The field was composed mostly of locals. Past years have had some fast times, but the event generally doesn’t attract well-known names.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

Signup is simple on www.mtsirelay.com. Neither the 50 mi or 50k sold out, though the relay did after a few weeks. I chose to stay in nearby Falls City (North Bend is also good) the night before to make the race morning drive shorter, but driving in from the Seattle metro area is totally doable.

Aid Stations

Aid was standard grub (chips, potatoes, pretzels, cookies, gu) but was well stocked. Stations were 5 – 8 miles apart which was nice. The only oddity was a missing water station at the turnaround according to pre-race info, but that section was short and I didn’t really need it.

Weather and typical race conditions –

Weather is typically 40 – 60 F, and rain is 50/50. For my race the weather was the high 40s and light rain the whole time.

Be warned that in the foothills the temperature tends to be about 5 degrees colder than online forecasts.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

The course itself is all wide rails-to-trails with medium to big gravel. I wore more responsive shoes since I was in “race mode” and I think a cushy shoe would save some wear-and-tear on your feet.

Otherwise aid is roughly 5 miles apart with stocked aid stations and 3 drop bags along the course so gear is pretty straightforward.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Not particularly. All but the McClellan Butte aid station were open to spectators, but the Garcia aid station required a 1 mi hike in, and there wasn’t much time to drive between aid stations. My crew ended up missing me at a station and skipped another because there was no way to make it in time.

The finish was a small gathering of people and vendors in the parking lot. It was enough to get me rested and fed for the trip home, but it wasn’t like the more elaborate finish-line parties like you see from Rainshadow Running. People generally didn’t seem to hang around long after finishing.

Awards –

Awards for the top two in each category

– Men’s Open (under 40)

– Women’s Open (under 40)

– Men’s Masters (40+)

– Women’s Master (40+)

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

Score 3/5

Now this score isn’t as bad as it sounds. 5 stars is reserved for one-of-a-kind events like Western States or Hardrock. 4 is then for fantastic races that are just a step below that. The Mt. Si ultra is a solid race that doesn’t require a lottery and makes a great stepping stone for the distance. I recommend it, I just don’t think it’s one you’ll feel the need to race year after year.

Race: American River 50 – http://www.ar50mile.com/

Runner: Daisy C

Date: 4/2/2016

Location: CA

Race starts at Brown’s Ravine on Folsom Lake and ends in Auburn at the top of the dam outlook. Fitting.

Results –

This was my first 50 miler and my finish time was 10:56:18. I was nervous about being in the first wave, but it worked to my advantage, because the tighter single track was never crowded and I was able to pass people easily throughout the day. That was a huge confidence builder! If I had been in wave 2 the trails were crowded from reports of other runners. I was able to stay in that awesome place between large packs. Serious bonus!

I went into the race with an “A” race plan to try for 10 hours. Getting a sub-eleven result was awesome. I felt good all day.

3 Bests:

Seeing my family at aid stations.

The ability to have a pacer at mile 32.

The gorgeous single track that winds along the river during the second half of the race. I grew up in the area and it was so nostalgic.

Not so much:

The amount of road/asphalt bike trail you run on during the first third of the race. But since it let me PR my marathon time I won’t complain too much.

The start area gets closed to cars at 5am, so you have to get dropped off before then for a 6am start or catch a bus from the finish at 4am. Logistically it wasn’t a problem for me, because my parents dropped me off. However, if you don’t have that luxury the early arrival can be hard. It was cold and dark, so I walked/jogged around for 45 minutes to keep warm and peeled off my puffy, stuffed it into my last drop bag before the start.

Highlights:

There were so many highlights during this race. First, the fact that I felt good all day was fantastic. I got my groove early on and just stuck with my plan. The weather was nearly perfect. It warmed up considerably, but the aid station staff were quick to cool you down and load you with ice. Ice in the bra at mile 40. The best!

Having my sister join me at mile 32 to pace was a blast. She was all business. I feel very fortunate to have had her experienced eye and wisdom with me. She kept me on task, never asked me “how are you?” Instead she made sure I was eating, hydrating, laughing and moving.

Lessons:

Do the training leading up to your races. If you show up prepared, you’re less likely to have a bad experience.
Keep your head in the game and don’t let the mental garbage get the best of you.
Know your gear. If you train with Matt, enough said.
Fuel early and fuel often. Drink. A lot. I sipped every 15 minutes, and drank big at stations. Hot races require your utmost attention to this or you will suffer!
Smile. All day. No excuses. Have gratitude that you have the physical strength and mental fortitude to run ultras. Thank the volunteers. Hug other runners. Share your enthusiasm, because it might just help someone who is struggling get to the finish and not doubt themselves.
Watch out for poison oak and wipe down at the finish.

Aesthetics:

The American River canyon is gorgeous. Once you get past Beal’s Point the trails are lovely. There were wild turkeys, Hawks, tons of wildflowers.

Difficulty:

This is a great novice course. The trails are in good condition. The last 10k is all climb. This is only difficult because you are tired. There is a section between miles 32-40 called “meat grinder.” Many local folks and beginners think it is pretty technical, but compared to PNW mountains trails and races I’ve done, it’s pretty straightforward.

This is one of the oldest 50 milers in the country, so it is well run with friendly staff, plenty of aid stations and no major kinks. It isn’t as popular as it used to be and frankly, that’s fine with me. They give you a nice Patagonia jacket at the finish.

Competition:

I’m only competing with myself. ????

It does attract some strong runners! I was quite happy to have Nikki Kimbal in my age group!

The race typically sells out a month or so after it opens in the fall. Go to the AR50 website for details. There are local hotels in Folsom that will shuttle you to the start. You would need to fly into Sacramento, and rent a car to drive about 45 minutes east. Packets are picked up in Folsom at Fleet Feet.

Aid Stations:

Pretty good. My favorite one was before the last big climb and had disco blaring. This totally got me hyped. We danced. I typically don’t eat any junk at the tables, and stick to bananas and filling my bottles. But they are stocked with the usual stuff.

Weather and typical race conditions:

Early April in this part of CA is typically warm. Temps can range from 60’s-90’s. That said, early morning temperatures are usually in the low 40’s. There have been rainy conditions in the past, but this is rare. There are some great tree shaded trails, but large sections are exposed and hot.

Gear:

I always take a cotton bandana to soak with icy water and tie around my neck. Good sunglasses, your favorite wicking shorts and tank (that you’ve been training in!). I wear a pack with a hydration bladder, but you can run with handhelds too, because aid stations are usually every 5-8 miles at the longest. Sunscreen or you will get burnt. I saw a ton of people wearing gaiters, but I find them annoying and they make your feet too warm, the dirt is gritty, but it wasn’t a problem for me.

Spectators:

None allowed at start, but plenty of opportunities along the course. Granite Bay can get crowded, and it requires a $12 day pass for folks to park. Otherwise, I was able to see my peeps at 4 stations. That was fun!

The Overall Score:

4 stars (out of 5). Only because the start is wonky due to gate closures and the high percentage of road/asphalt early on. This is a great race and I am planning to race again next year and PR!

Mt. Si 50M – Matt K

American River 50 – Daisy C