The Stone Mill 50 is in it's second year and what started out as a "Fat Ass" race for JFK 50 orphans (JFK is one of the lonest running ultras in the country and has become extremely difficult to register for) has turned into a fine event of its own. Race director Doug Sullivan and all the volunteers did a remarkable job of turning this smaller race into highly enjoyable, competive ultra. A first class event and thank you Doug and all the volunteers who stood out in the cold, met every need of each runner and listened to our complaints about GPS milage. (More on that later)
My goal was to break 11:00 for this race and with a 6:00am start and daylight savings time I wanted to minimize my night running time. Both goals pretty much went out the window but not for lack of trying. Stone Mill is a highly runnable course and definitely a PR course (I believe) for a 50. What kept the goal out of reach (mainly) was a slightly longer course than expected (more on that later) The course itself is mostly single track with a bit of road thrown in and some time spent on the C&O Canal, which was really a nice touch as our spiritual running brothers and sisters out at JFK would be spending some 30 odd miles running north of us along the canal as well. Nice to feel connected to a larger community (those suffering along with us)I have to say that I enjoyed every aspect of the course with my favorite being the pine forest area in the later miles. If anyone wishes for a tast of the course Seneca Creek 50k runs along the same trail and is held in March.
The more ultras you run the more each event feels like a reunion and it was great to see my runing buddies and play tag with a few (thanks Judith!)
and run into others later (nice seeing you Hai and Grace) as well as those who attend with you (Moca, Matt and Melissa who all ran great races!)These friends really help the miles fly (sort of)and a big thanks to you all.
On a note about gear I wore my NB 101 after a long debate with myself about going more minimal (Merrell Trail Gloves) After a few miles in I really regretted not having my Merrells. Not because of any shoe problems but that it's such a runnable course that the Trail Gloves would have handled perfectly. So next year I know. I also wore the Nathen Running Vest and it was great! Highly reccomend it and I'll find a link later to post for all to see. It held everything I needed and was completely comfortable. Also my Garmin GPS (305) lasted, remarkably, the entire race. Very often it gives out on 50ks so this was a great surprise. That covers gear. Along these lines let me add that since it was cold I started out with an Under Armour long sleeve top and a polyester shell over it (I was in shorts and hat as well - don't wan't you to think naked thoughts) and this was a fine combo to start with but I ditched the jacket around the halfway point as I was on target for time goal, it was warming up and I didn't see the need to keep it any longer. This was a mistake and where the mileage mix up comes in. It's also my only (minor for me) complaint. The race proved longer than the 50 (an email was sent out saying 51.5 the night before and it was longer than that as well)so I spent more time running in the dark than planned. After one major stream crossing (crossed it twice actually) a chill crept in and I really wished for that jacket, especially as it was hard to gather any speed in the dark with my headlamp offering a dim view after only a few feet. I ahve heard the milage reported anywhere from 54-56 with my GPS saying 55. Either way it's a distance PR for me and I'm happy - no complaints. I got to prctice night running along the trails and it gives me great confidence for longer races in the future (100k in March?)Others however felt a bit mislead about the distance as they were unable to plan for the longer time. Not really sure how this all came about but I'm sure it will be explained and the bugs further worked out for next year. These events are tough to put together and over all everyone connected with it did a excellent job. Again a big thank you!
So it was a great race altogther and one I'll be back for. Two days out and I'm feeling more recovered (Vegan power bitches!) and ready to rock another event. Maybe a Turkey Trot 5k Thursday!
Thanks for reading everyone.
Peace,
Eric
2 comments:
Great report! You have such a good attitude about the extra five miles. Can't say I was quite as positive :) Congrats on finishing!
I read your review and thought it was great! Thanks for stopping by and congratulations to you too. I wouldn't mind hearing an explaination on the additional miles though - I keep checking the site but nothing yet.
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