Confessions of a NEW VT50 Junkie!
Vermont 50K 2011 Race Report-WOW!
The Vermont 50- what a day. I am so glad I was able to do this race and SO excited to have finished my first ultra.
The morning was about 63 degrees and humid. Ug. That’s not the weather I was hoping for in Vermont at the end of September! I had attempted the Afton 50k Trail Run in Minnesota on July 2 of this year and dropped out after 25K. I figured the Vermont 50 would be easier because at least it wouldn’t be 95 degrees, sunny, and humid and we wouldn’t be running up, down and sideways across a ski area as we were at Afton. So I was a little apprehensive about the weather. But I packed a bunch of S-caps and reminded myself to be vigilant about drinking.
The start was so wonderful. After an inspiring talk by Zeke and an introduction to Mike Silverman, the race director, and the woman who founded the race (I’m sorry, I forgot your name), everyone counted down together: 10, 9, 8, ..GO! And we were off. Initially we were on dirt roads. The course was rerouted due to Irene and I wondered if we would hit any trails. Well, there were tons of trails, singletrack and wider, through lovely areas. There were so many beautiful places we were able to run through. Some people were taking photos of the foliage, which was not peak, but was hinting at what is to come. There were lots of times I was surrounded by people and bikes and lots of times I was alone. There was no problem being with the bikes, In fact, it made it even more fun. If I had to describe the trails, I would call them continually changing. Up, down, twist left, right, down, up. I think the bikers had a lot of guts to do the course. I found myself almost constantly having to adjust gait, pace, etc. There were few times I could get in a groove for long periods. There weren’t a lot of rocks and roots, but there was always something new around the bend. I reminded myself to do what I’ve heard Scott Jurek say, which is to take short, quick steps. I never fell and only tripped once despite doing the downhills as aggressively as I could.
There were some stunning sites. At some point, we were running down a dirt road and then turned left into a field of grass and right smack in front of us was Mt. Ascutney, shimmering in the sun. I felt like I was in the opening scene of “The Sound of Music”. One of the later aid stations was at such a beautiful place that instead of rushing through, I sat on a stone wall for a while and inhaled the view and the camaraderie around me. It was such a pleasure and privilege to spend the day running through these beautiful areas.
The people were so wonderful. While I was running I was struck by all of the effort it took to put on this event. The huge amount of trail reconstruction, those wonderful aid stations with the kind volunteers, the people giving us our numbers, the drivers waving from their cars and the huge generosity of the land owners to let us tramp around. Amazing!
I didn’t find the weather too bad. I think the humidity actually decreased once the sun came out. At one point, I was really hot and so just walked for a while, until I felt better. I did down the S-caps and water. I think most people were handling the heat well and keeping in good spirits. There were a lot of positive vibes and a general feeling of fun and happiness to be there.
The biggest problem I had? The dreaded blisters. I’ve been having problems with them all summer, despite different shoes, socks, bandages, etc. Maybe I need new feet! Along with blister control, I’m also going to try and learn to walk faster. I would repeatedly pass people going downhill and they would pass me walking uphill. So along with being nimble and having strong legs, I would add walking quickly to be good skills for this race.
The finish to this race is so cool. After the last aid station, you have to go up, up. It’s only 3 miles but seemed a lot longer. But then, you start hearing music and talk and you start to zigzag down the ski slope until, at last, you’re headed into a chute at the end. There are people everywhere and it’s fun! That’s the closest I’m getting to being Bode Miller. After I crossed that glorious finish line this is what I thought: How can I get faster so I can do the 50 Miler?
Thanks for the memories!
Susan
Comments
:)
As a fellow new VT50 Junkie... well said, what a great day. See you next year!
VT50
I agree Susan with all you said about VT50! it was my first 50 mile Mountain bike! It was FUn , Muddy and Hard in spots! As a triathlete it is hard to figure out if I want to run or bike it! Maybe run next year! Now I know why so many people come back to this event! It is a great time and beautiful! :)
Karen
Well Said
I love reading race recaps, this speaks beautifully of your day and the event.
While racing a 50k is never going to be in my sites, I have volunteered for them and will continue to do so. See you next year!