Loss of Control

Race Report: Badgerland 24 Hour Run 2014

The idea of a 24 hour track race was intriguing partially because it is a situation where I am in much more control and can have a plan rather than being in the mountains for 12 miles between aid stations. Well, the day before my 24 hour race I lost all control by getting the stomach flu. I was not able to eat or drink much on Friday and on Saturday morning I was getting sick before the race even began. I thought it was worth giving it a shot since 24 hours is a long time and I could start to feel better.

By 45 minutes into the race I was already in a very bad place with my stomach. I will spare everyone the details. It took me about 9 hours and 40 minutes to complete a marathon between all the breaks that I was having to take and the severe stomach cramps that now also left my back in a world of pain. The remainder of the 24 hours was walking when able. I slept a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes during the race and did plenty of sitting/laying down. Any attempt at running resulted in an immediate unpleasant situation with my stomach and left me in a worse state. I was able to finally run about 25 minutes when there was about 75 minutes left, but once again it ended abruptly. Some people call ultramarathons eating contests with some running. These events can be brutal on your stomach when starting off at 100%. Starting with the flu is a disaster.

I was able to log 51 miles over 24 hours for an average pace of 28:04 per mile. That is not even as far as I went on my last long training run of 8 hours. I finished in last place, by a good margin. Ultramarathons are about managing the high and lows over the race. This race only had lows and it was tough to manage. Kendra walked with me for many miles and I appreciate that she was there to try and keep me sane. If I knew I would have felt that bad the entire race I would not have started it, but I would have not been happy with myself if I did not try.

I did learn about one large benefit to running on a 400m track for an ultramarathon. You get to know the other racers very well. There were ten people doing the 24 hour run and we became very familiar with each other and you get to watch each other’s races unfold and encourage one another, it is pretty cool. Also, the race staff see you just as often to provide encouragement and support. I was able to watch the event record be broken that had stood for 29 years. Greg ran just under 139 miles and the consistency he had with his pace was incredible. He kept going steady just about the entire time with very little walking. He even ran it wearing sandals!

So what is next? Two days after the race my legs were 100%, the same as a normal weekend workout. I have worked so hard training this year that I want to still do a long race. Unfortunately Kendra has school now and the schedule of a 100 mile or 24 hour race just does not fit in so I will be going by myself. Since I normally rely on Kendra to be the best support crew ever I decided another 24 hour track race would probably be best where I can set up my stuff and access it every 400m. I will be heading to Ottawa to do another 24 hour track race September 27 and 28.