While I’ve run a 50 miler, plus a 50K as a training run to prepare for that, the Tecumseh Trail 50K was my first official race at that distance. I was kind of all over the place during this race. I enjoyed a lot of it, but I also hit some dark patches, and I never hit a stride.
We decided to drive to Yellowwood that morning since the race didn’t start until 9 a.m. I really appreciated this later start, as it provided ample time to wake up, get down plenty of coffee and eat first and second breakfast (oatmeal, then a bagel with peanut butter), and to drive there with plenty of time to spare. On the way down, I felt a little off and not super excited for the race. I actually flirted with the idea of not doing the race at all. There was none of the typical pumped up, ready-to-go buzz I wake up with most race mornings. I hoped I was just tired from the 5:30 a.m. alarm.
When we got to Yellowwood, we found that everything was organized right together: parking, registration, the start line. Easy logistics are such a gift, because it’s no fun getting stressed about the basics with a big effort ahead. Between the gorgeous scenery and the vibe and camaraderie, I was feeling better. Maybe not pumped up, but glad to be there. Just to be at a real race at this point in 2020 filled me with gratitude.
Yellowwood Lake and the surrounding hillsides and forest are quite lovely. The perfect setting for a fall ultra. The leaves were showing off their autumn colors. There was a considerable carpet of leaves on the trail, which can be tricky hiding roots and rocks. It was muddy in spots, but considering the recent rain, wasn’t as soupy as I was expecting.
The temp at go time was 42º, and it stayed relatively cool and overcast, with a little wind. Now and then, rays of sunshine made their way through the canopy. Never enough to make it feel hot. Perfect racing weather in my book.
The organizers did a nice job of adding COVID safety precautions like limiting the field size, staggering the start times for the various distances, and requiring runners to mask up at the start line and at aid stations. Everyone I saw readily complied with their guidelines. It felt about as safe as public event could, but if I’m being honest, still a risk. Since much of the course is single track and relatively narrow, there were bottlenecks and passing runners put you in close range with others. That may have been part of why I felt off. As much as I craved the normalcy and community of being at a race, I felt guilty too.
There was also some uncertainty about the course. It was modified from a point-to-point to a looped course to avoid needing to shuttle everyone to the start line. They were tweaking the course right up until the day before the race. The actual distance and elevation were unknown, but it was clear at least that the elevation gains would be harder than anything I’ve tackled. I tried to focus on gratitude for the chance to race and to convince myself the mystery was a fun challenge, but the not knowing cast a shadow on my confidence.
I signed up for this race with a short window to train. I’d been running mostly flat roads, and I did my best to squeeze in some long trail runs and hill repeat workouts. I wouldn’t recommend trying this. An ultra deserves a more dedicated training cycle. So on top of my mental game being off, my legs just weren’t ready.
The terrain beat me up quite a bit. Overall, there was about 4,600 ft of elevation gain. My training runs at Eagle Creek seemed skimpy compared to some of the climbs. There were long rocky stretches where I couldn’t get a single solid foot fall. I needed to relax more on the downhills, but the leaves made me put on the brakes and it was punishing. At mile 12 I knew I was in for a rough day based on how fatigued my legs already felt.
At mile 19, I got a mysterious knee pain and had to stop running. I haven’t had any knee pain leading up to the race, so this was unexpected. It entered my mind that this could be my first DNF. My friends Cindy and River came to spectate, and they found me on the trail right at the start of my knee pain. They gave me a much needed distraction and saved me from giving into the negative thoughts creeping in.
After a short break to chat with them, I pushed myself to keep moving and see what happened. I walked most of miles 19-21. Just when I accepted walking for the final ten miles, I started feeling better and luckily was able to run/walk (albeit slowly) the rest of the way.
Two people on the course helped me rally. First, a guy said he wished he was as strong as I on climbing. I was passing people on the climb even walking, but I was NOT feeling strong, and that gave me a little boost. And then, a woman running with a friend said as she passed: Come with us. That propelled me forward, even if I couldn’t keep up with them for the long haul. It would have been a lot longer time on foot with just walking, so I was really grateful for these encouragements.
The volunteers at the aid stations were all super supportive too. I had planned to be as self-sufficient as possible, just to limit contact. I had my hydration pack all stocked up. Water in the reservoir, lemon-flavored Tailwind in an extra bottle, blueberry fig bars in one pocket, Cheez-Its in another, and a sleeve of strawberry Clif shot bloks. I ate everything I packed, nothing more. I think I took the last shot blok at mile 29 or 30. This was the best I’ve done in a race as far as sticking to my nutrition plan. At least I knew I didn’t hit a wall because I didn’t get in the calories.
I enjoyed the race more once I let go of the pace and alternated run/walks. The field was pretty spread out by then and I had whole stretches of quiet forest time. The slower pace allowed me to soak up the beauty surrounding me. I took walk breaks when I felt like I needed them, and if someone passed me running, I tried to channel their energy to get moving again.
The last half mile of the course was on a trail lined with pines, and it had the ultra soft, pine needle carpet that is such a joy to run on. I dug deep to finish strong and actually passed a few people in that final stretch. I didn’t know how close the finish line was until I was right up on it. The emotions welled up. To think I’d considered taking my first DNS or DNF, and here I was, crossing the line.
The race took me 7:28:49, which was close to the end of the range I gave to my husband. Based on my current fitness and the training I’d gotten in, I guessed if I had a great day, I might be able to do 6:30, or a bad day, 7:30. Part of me wants redemption and a re-do (with a more focused training cycle), part of me is just glad this is done. Ha! That is ultra running for you.
Some of the very best parts of the day: my husband and doggo greeting me at the finish, and pizza after with friends at Griffy Lake!
At the end of the day, I feel gratitude. For a real race experience, for being able to finish, for those who were there to support me. And I’m glad for no plans for a while. Time to soak up this really satisfying post-race exhaustion and the coming rest days!
The details:
Tecumseh Trail 50K in Nashville, Indiana
October 24, 2020
Ultra #2, 1st 50K
Weather: 42º at the start, overcast
Finish time: 7:28:49