This weekend I ran the Loopy Bunny 12hr fat ass event. It was billed as a fat ass, only it wasn't. We were given a race shirt, water bottle, and a buff. They had one fully stocked aide station, timing, and awards for top finishers. It was so much more than a fat ass. This was an overall very positive experience for me.
The race description was 100% accurate:
"It is also ideal for those who are starting out on their path to running longer distances as they can choose among three different timed race events, experience running on an easy trail course but is not completely flat, and train other aspects of your ultrarunning skillset -- heat training, fueling schedule, pacing strategy, etc. Each loop has 413 ft of elevation gain, so do not expect to get your mountain running training out of this event, but do not expect to run your PR times here either."
The course: A 4.5mi loop in a state park in PA. It included crushed gravel, single and double tracks, paths along a stream, a few bridges, and was 95% shaded. There were three to four climbs that slowed me down to a walk. The course was very runable, with nice views throughout.
Weather: the temperature stayed pretty constant at around 85°. It was cloudy, hot and humid throughout. At the 11th hour into the race a storm rolled in.
Fuel/hydration: I brought my own food and refreshments for the race. I figured that I could supplement my food with whatever was at the aide station. I ate a cliff bar and two Hydroxycut an hour before the race began. I carried ice water with me, and noshed on food at the one turnaround point. I had some Tailwind after my first loop and some strawberries. After the second loop I ate more fruits and noticed that my hands were shaking. I made myself drink a serving of Tailwind before getting back at it. I felt much better after completing the third lap. I refueled with Tailwind, water, and fruits. I tried to eat some pb&j, but could only manage one bite. I downed ice water each time, and took a half bottle of ice water to go. I kept this pattern up and ate a couple potato chunks near the end. On my 9th loop I felt like I was starting to tank. I was running with someone else, and asked him what he used to fuel. He mentioned Carbo pro. I think on the prior loop I drank Gatorade in lieu of Tailwind. I could feel that difference in my stamina. I traded Gatorade because I was worried that I wouldn't have enough Tailwind to get me to the finish.
I didn't feel nauseated, nor did I have any gut bombs. I urinated regularly and sweated normally. Afterwards, I noted that my sports bra reeked of ammonia. I read that this is due to your body using protein for fuel in lieu of carbs.
Gear/clothes: I used a handheld water bottle after having a good experience with it at WS. I think the key is to talk only what you need at the time. Filling it halfway was sufficient. The ice melted pretty quickly, and the bottle caused a sore neck/should muscle following the race.
I wanted to use my iPod, but the battery was less than 50% at the time. I ran without music for the duration of the race. My Garmin died after 9 hours or so. I charged it between laps, and it recharged to about 52% in an hour.
I used Brooks ghost 7, and they worked well. The drawback was that they produced a blister on top of an old blister. I put Vaseline on my feet, and wore Injinjis. I cursed myself for not wearing my new gaiters. I had to stop to dump out my shoes 3x.
I wore the half buff as a sweatband. This worked well. Initially, I wore a trucker cap. One I realized that direct sunlight would not be an issue, I lost the hat. The hat retained heat, so it had to go. I wore another buff on my wrist to collect sweat. I ended up wetting it in the stream several times and this felt great. I used my microfiber wash cloth as an ice towel. I wet it and kept it cold in the cooler. When I stopped by my aide station, I used it wipe my face and cool my neck. This was heavenly.
Lessons Learned:
1. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. I used to think that trails were for other runners, not my thing. This was runnable and enjoyable.
2. Don't worry if your tech gear fails. Just let it be. Run.
3. Keep up with Tailwind consumption. Use it even if you feel great.
4. I can tolerate strawberries, watermelon, and potatoes. The potatoes especially seemed like a good idea for carbs. Watermelon is so refreshing, and strawberries are a sweet pick me up.
5. Don't complain. Negative thoughts make for a bad race. No whining or feeling sorry for yourself.
6. It's okay to change your goal as the situation changes.
7. Lube!! Body Glide, Vaseline, Aquaphor, all of it!! Reapply when you are sweating. Reapply when you are running and you've had to drench yourself with ice water. Lube!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
