Race: Midstate Massive Ultra Trail 100 miler
Runner: Coach Keith Nadeau
Race Date: 10/08/2022
Location: New Ipswich, NH
Results: 8th place – 22 hrs 4 minutes 23 seconds
Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/TX6ExnGr6tb
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
3 bests are the course, community, and season. The course has very diverse terrain ranging from technical steep trail to flat road. Between the race directors, volunteers, crews, and runners met along the way everyone is helpful and friendly. On top of all that the race is run in peak foliage during the fall so proper leaf peepin!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
No complaints!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The staggered start is a bit weird. 100 milers start in waves every hour / half hour from 8am to 12:30pm. The quicker runners are started later in the day meaning lots of seeing other runners, and not knowing anyones time.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
My race went very smooth! I managed fueling/hydration well and only felt nausea for a few minutes overnight before eating some broth that settled my stomach. It was chilly overnight getting into the mid 30’s and I balanced my body temperature well enough to make it through the night. Mentally I felt focused most of the time and had a positive mood, enjoying the experience more than ever in a 100 for myself.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The navigation can be challenging on this course, so be sure to have the gpx file uploaded somewhere (watch, phone). I used my watch for navigation the last 3 years on this course and it is incredibly helpful to have it on wrist to check. There are so many moments of uncertainty out there not knowing if you are off course or not.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Patience! I kept on thinking through the night and next morning about the reality of the situation on long runs/ultras. When the miles feel long and the mind wants to drift into negative thought it is easy to slide into a slump. Instead of thinking of the miles I channeled thought into the moment and practiced being patient. No checking the watch for mileage and staying present.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The course is most challenging for the first 30 miles. Many miles of rock, roots, steep ups and downs that provide a good challenge even when fresh from the start. This section can really put the legs in some fatigue if blasting too fast through.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty! Lots of vistas and with the fall foliage it is stunning. This year was also a clear night with a full moon so the night was fairly lit up.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
It is not an easy course, but it is also not hard. I would put this somewhere in the middle for difficulty level considering it is a trail ultra. There is a good amount of challenging trail but also a lot of easy trail and flats.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This event has improved every year and noticeably again this year from last. They added reflectors on some markers through the night, aid station food was better, and logistics seemed dialed in for the most part. Excellent job!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The competition was more deep this year, but still not highly competitive. Very talented local runners crushing the front of the field!
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.
There are certainly some logistics to dial in for this race but all within reason. They have good info to make it easy on crew / pacers.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Food was much better this year! More options and yummy things to choose from. Fresh espresso made in front of me at 2 am was my favorite. Cheese quesadillas, bacon, potatoes, watermelon, gummy bears, cola, pbj, and some fig newtons I also ate from aid stations.
Weather and typical race conditions
It’s the fall in New England so chilly temps is the norm. Most years have been 50’s to 60’s in the day, and 30’s to 40’s at night. Very nice! So far all 4 years have been clear, no rain.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
More than adequate lighting for the night I recommend. I use a Kogalla waist light, and Fenix headlamp and with the two it is easy to navigate and have light all around instead of a little dot in front.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Fairly good for crews with access to about half the aid stations. Other than that you are in the woods mostly!
How’s the Swag?
Good swag! This year an athletic long sleeve top, hat, mug, and HUGE buckle for the finish.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I would give this race 5 out of 5 stars! Excellent race and adventure you will remember forever.
Keith Nadeau is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.