This was my third running of the Washing DC North Face Endurance Challenge and by far the hardest - and that's saying a little something as the first running was the 50 mile event. Saturday we race the 50k and due to violent storms the night before much of the trail was turned into a mud bath. Running in mud can often be fun but not during a 31 mile race - it just sucks too much strength and energy from the legs. At least for me. This was my sixth ultra for the year and my fourth mudfest and I'm just a bit fed up with mud. Having said that I did set my 50k PR in Mud back in February so I guess it's not too bad sometimes - but yesterday it kinda sucked.
I entered the race thinking it might be a PR day - time on the track, lots of races so far for the year and running with Dr. Randy for his first ultra event made it seem promising. Randy is much faster then I am so I thought if I hung with him through the first half I could coast in for an easy finish and my PR but that was not to be. Actually it backed fired as the faster pace and no walk breaks during the beginning did lead to a fast for half but with my leg drive given to the mud I faded a bit towards the end. This was a different strategy for me as I usually hold back at the start, conserve my strength and try to pass as many people as I can in the second half. That's the approach for me and it's a lesson (re)learned. Still it was great to run with Randy and be part of his first 50k that he rocked in a sub 6 hour finish! If it wasn't for the mud I think he would have brought it in at 5:30 and I do believe that he has a sub 5 hour 50k in his (near) future. Along with Dr. Randy Matt and Moca ran the 50k as well. Matt had some trouble and called the day short but still had a solid run and it leads into some stronger racing for the summer. North Face is such a well organized event with so much to offer that it's fun just to attend - so even of the race is cut short it just doesn't seem to matter as long as you're happy with your effort. So great job Matt and we were happy you were there and running! Moca ran a (very) strong race. She had hopes for a PR too but again the mud defied our efforts. Most importantly she ran strong and happy throughout and that's what ultra running is all about (for me at least) This was the third anniversary of Moca's first ultra so a strong showing here meant a lot to her - she got it and she should be proud. I am of her.
So I told my story above - not my best race but fun just the same. My training could have been better. It seems that it always can be for this race and I think it's the frequent spring racing (of mostly shorter distance) that leads me to feel a little under trained for this event. Conversely I could have used a bit more of a taper to allow my legs to regain some drive. I haven't run my best race at North Face (yet) but I've always had fun and I'll keep coming back and trying. And that leads me to a bit of a negative - there was no real vegan options this year at the after race party. Every year they have offered something (two years ago a vegan burrito after a 50 mile run was heaven) but this year there was nothing and if it wasn't for some fruit being offered we would have been completely out of luck. Even the smallest races we have attended have at least served Boca Burgers so this came as a surprise and disappointment. And when Moca asked of she could have a soft pretzel instead they told her she would have to pay $4.00. Of course the after race meal is part of the race fare so we were both sorry to hear this - especially as we didn't have $4.00. So we were hungry. We made up for it later with a feast at Great Sage. But it was a long drive home. Aside from that North Face may be the most professionally run ultra out there. They're a big outfit and they give a lot to make the runners happy (except for pretzels). There is so much food at each aide station that it's hard to hurry through. And like virtually every ultra I have raced the volunteers and staff were awesome - friendly and encouraging. Thanks guys!
So another year in the books - and CAT is looming on the horizon.
It will be a great summer!
Thanks for reading.
Eric
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