2017 Chippewa 50k #rundate
A week before the Chippewa 50k, Sarah and I decided that we were going to run the race together. We never get the opportunity to run together, or do much of anything just the two of us without the kids. It was her 50k, and I was excited to share the experience with her.
We drove the four hours to my parents’ the night before the race. One of the reasons we picked this race was because they live less than an hour from the start. This would be a great opportunity to have them watch the kids while we raced.
The race starts at 8:00am, and we arrived shortly after 7 to pick up our packets and get ready for the day. The temps started in the upper 30s but climbed into the 50s by the end of the race.
Pre-race selfie
The race starts at the Chippewa Moraine Info Center. The course is an out and back course ran mostly on the Ice Age Trail.
We settled into a nice grove averaging around 13 minute miles. Our plan for the day was to run all the downs and flats, and to walk the hills. We both decided to wear hydration packs so we could carry most of the gear and nutrition needed. This allowed us to minimize time at the aid stations, and at the turnaround.
Beautiful WI single track
The course was almost entirely single track trails with constant ups and downs. There weren’t too many long stretches of flat running. During the first half, we ran with several different groups of people, and mostly just let them set the pace.
We hit the turnaround around 3 hours and 17 minutes. The first half went really well, and we were both feeling great. We got a bite to eat, restocked the hydration packs, and headed back out at 3 hours and 21 minutes. While Sarah didn’t have a time goal in mind, I figured if we executed our strategy well we could finish around 6:45.
Sarah cruising by one of the many ponds along the trail
We ran most of the second half of the race just the two of us, which was a great experience. We chatted about this and that, ran in silence, and enjoyed the time together alone in the woods. The final 5 miles were a bit of struggle, including the large hill right before the finish line, but we were able to finish hand in hand with smiles on our faces.
Crossing the finish line hand in hand
We finished with official times of 6:45:05. The race was one of my favorite running experiences. To be able to spend several hours together running in the woods was amazing. I’m so proud of all of the hard work and hours Sarah put into training, and was so happy to share this experience. We hope to run more races together each year.
Gear Used
Shoes: Merrell Trail Glove 3
Socks: Injinji
Shorts: Brooks
Shirt: C9
Calf Sleeves: Smartwool
Hydration Pack: Ultimate Direction TO 2.0
Nutrition: Tailwind, Clif Shot Gels, aid station fare.