Race Review - Mid Maryland 50k

I really hope that I can say that this was the 1st Annual Mid Maryland 50k abd that there will be many more to follow. Race Director Phil Lange and his team of volunteers did a terrific job on a cold and wet day. Thanks guys! Phil even went so far as too lace up and lead the first lap after a coat of snow covered the white spray paint used to mark the trail course. Once tracks were established it really wasn't an issue. Phil went the extra mile (6 actually) in assuring that no one would get off track.
Of course there wasn't a thing he could do about the mud - and there was plenty. The course consisted of five 10k loops and each loop grew more slick and deeper in mud with use. It really was a mud fest and everyone was covered by the second or thrid loop. It kept the focus on the trail but made for wet feet. Which was really by only issue (save for skimping of fuel and hydration which has become my trademark ultra mistake)I wore my NB Mt 110 which is essentially a "sockless" sure along the lines of Merrells barefoot collection and other minimal shoes. The first two, even three loops felt fine but then the mud began to pull and my feet grew raw and then bloody and quite painful. Not to mention cold. Next race I'll go up a side and wear some Smartwool socks (a commercial plu in hope of free products)
Phil's race production enterprise is Bullseye Running lined up some great sponsors - Davids Natural Market, Vega Sports (my favorite "go to" gels and bars) and Uno's who brought warm food for everyone (non vegan but smelled great!) and this was all under a pavillion and made for a nice stop and gathering between loops which really added to a community feel to the race.
Despite the mud, wet and snow, abd the bloody feet and poor fueling I managed a 5:54:14 and I'm pretty happy with that. Except for the final loop where some walking took place I ran fairly strong and steady and excpet for some quad tightness from slipping around in the mud and the tender feet I feel pretty good today. I now have two weeks to recover for Hashawa Hills 50k (where I'll wear socks - maybe Injinji - another plug) with Seneca creek after that. Lots of fun on the horizon!
Another big thanks to Phil and Bulleyes Running, the volunteers and all the other runners and freinds who came out to add to the day. Phil is also a great coach and if you're looking to up your game (or just start your game) he's the man to see. Check his site out here - http://bullseyerunning.com/

Thanks for reading!

Eric