After a great experience at last year’s Kettle Moraine 100k, I knew I wanted to come back again this year for another go. While last year’s race went mostly well (weather excluded), there were some things that I knew I could improve on to have a better performance.
After a solid amount of running over the “off-season”, my training started in full in February. I decided to use a combination of training plans this time. While the old stand-by Relentless Forward Progress plan works well, I was looking for a plan that had more weekly miles while still running five days a week. I decided on a modified version that combined aspects from RFP and Hal Koerner’s Field Guide to Ultrarunning.
Winter trail running in Wisconsin
After many early mornings, and many miles in the cold and snow covered roads and trails of Wisconsin winter, I felt strong and prepared to have a great day. While I didn’t get as many trail miles as I’d hoped for, I ran 1004 miles for the year leading up the the race, which is the most that I’ve had in a 5 month stretch. I luckily didn’t have any major injuries or issues during training.
We drove down the day before, picked up my packet, and checked into the hotel. Unfortunately we had a second floor room, without an elevator, with a daughter in a wheelchair. Since they were booked solid we couldn’t switch, but luckily she is still small enough to carry up and down the stairs. Consider it extra strength training for the impending hills of the Ice Age Trail. After a restless night (typical) I woke up at 4:15 to shower, eat, get dressed and make final checks of my drop bags. There are two drop bag locations on the 100k route, and we pass one of those twice so we have access to our drop bags three times. I packed my drop bags with the standard items; extra socks, gels, Clif-Bars, Squirrel’s Nut Butter, S-Caps, blister kit, bug spray, sunscreen, and an extra shirt. The forecast called for almost perfect conditions, overcast and 60’s-70’s. Much better than the rain and heat of 2017!
Pre-race pic
I decided to use my new pack, the Salomon Adv Skin 5 Set. That way I could carry enough hydration and nutrition with me and not have to worry about it. I elected to use a bladder full of Tailwind to start the race, and then use the two front bottles for water.
We arrived at the Nordic Trailhead about a half hour before the race started. The kids decided to just hangout in the car for the start, apparently spectating at the start line isn’t exciting for a 13 and 10 year old.
And we’re off!
My goal for the race was to run under 12 hours. With several solid months of training, and good weather, I thought that was a good realistic goal. I’m often too conservative in my race strategy, choosing to take it easier to make sure I don’t blow up instead of pushing for a great performance. I looked at my splits from last year to try and find some places that I could improve. I wanted to start out a little faster, and then hopefully be able to hold on at the finish. Last year I faded the last 10 miles because of the heat, humidity, and some foot issues due to all the mud.
On the first section on the Nordic Loop, I ran towards the front of the middle pack and settled into a nice pace. Just before the Bluff aid station I caught up to Ryan, Annie, and Jason who were all running the 100m race, and are much faster runners than I am. We started talking and settled into a similar pace. Little did I know that I would spend the next 40+ miles with or around them. We had a few others join us off and on, but we ran mostly as one group for the next several hours.
Hanging out waiting for me at Scuppernong
After a few hours up and down the rolling hills, through the open meadows, and down the beautiful single track, I reached the turnaround at Scuppernong in 5:04, 40 minutes faster than last year. I texted Sarah a few updates along the way, and she and the kids met me at Scuppernong. I was feeling great so I quickly talked to Sarah, restocked my gel supply, put on some sunscreen, and headed back out.
Ryan, Annie and Jason took out of the aid station ahead of me so I figured they’d run off ahead and I wouldn’t see them again. Planning on some alone time, I put in my headphones and started listening to some music. Running felt harder than it had all day, and I was dreading running alone after spending the first half with a solid group. Much to my delight, I caught up with them half way between Scuppernong and County ZZ. Wil had also joined the group around this time. I instantly got a boost of energy and settle into a steady pace again. My goal from here on out was to keep up with that group as long as I could because they are super talented, and great, friendly people to run with.
Coming into County ZZ
Thank you to all the friendly volunteers!
The race went so fast in my mind. Miles just clicked off quickly and smoothly. What a difference running in a group makes! I ran with Ryan, Annie, Jason, and Wil until the Emma Carlin aid station. Jason needed some extra time at the aid station so the rest of us took off without him. We ran together until Horseriders, then Wil and I went up ahead. Since I was “only” running the 100k and they were all running the 100m I wanted to push it a little until the end so I eventually went ahead of Wil before we reached the Bluff aid station.
Bluff Aid Station, 7ish miles from the finish
After refilling my bottles and getting some food, I headed out for the final 7 miles of the Nordic Loop on my own. The only other runner I saw during this stretch was a guy on a relay team, otherwise it was solo running. I made a quick stop at Tammarack, the final aid station, and made my way to the finish. My hamstrings were starting to get tight which is a common issue for me. I’d been focusing on stretching every few miles by doing some squats and toe touches at the aid stations. This seemed to work well because they felt great most of the day.
Just about to finish
I crossed the finish line in 11:11:39 for an 8th place finish and a huge PR. I can’t thank Ryan, Annie, Jason and Wil for allowing me to tag along with them during the race. Their companionship and collective strength allowed me to have an amazing day. Ultrarunning takes a lot of mental strength, and I definitely benefited from and fed of their energy. I’m so grateful that I was able to run so many miles with them.