Training Log Archive: ebuckley

Ouch. No, seriously, ouch. Last time I hurt anything close to this was post-Chicago marathon 1993.

Event: UROC (Ultrarunner Race of Champions)
 

No updates until I get back, but if you want to follow along, you could always check out the online UROC coverage.

C • Something weird must be goi... 2

Ultra Race of Champions. Total train wreck.

Course was exactly what a championship course should be: one that exposes every possible weakness. Blistering fast road sections, super-technical trails, tons of climb, and the severe difficulties came both early and late, so you really had to be careful with your output so you could make time on the relatively easy middle section of the course.

I, on the other hand, was completely exposed as the non-elite fraud that I am. Blew up my quads on the first big descent (which was paved) and by the time I got to the lake at 17 miles I knew my race was over. Had no idea just how bad it was going to get though. Oddly, despite the fact that my quads hurt more than I ever recall, I was able to keep running for another five hours. At that point, they gave up and I had to walk it in.

I had a feeling that the bill for Howl and Flatlanders would come due at this one, but I sure didn't expect a collapse of this magnitude. I wasn't the only one caught out by the course - the DNF rate was over 50% for both the elites and the field at large.

This was an exceedingly tough course. I really don't know how you get through the first ten miles without killing your legs, but I wish I'd got it right because the next 45 were tailor made for me: moderatly technical single track with some rolling roads thrown in. Too bad I was in no shape to take advantage of it. The finish was brutal, but I'm sure I could have found a way to do it if I was having a good run. I certainly wouldn't have won or even placed, but I think something between 11 and 12 hours would have been possible if I'd done it right.

Anyway, the stated goal of not finishing last in the elite field was met (I was the last elite to cross the line, but three of them were behind me when they bailed). 44th overall, which sucks, but some days are like that.

Even if it was a bit humiliating, it was a truly great experience to be lumped in with such great runners. Full report to follow.

C • Train wreck 2

Between traffic and weather, we (my college roomate Kevin and I) didn't get to Wintergreen Resort until just before the "Meet the Elites" panel. I wasn't too upset about that, though I would have preferred to get in just a bit more than an easy 15-minute jog back to the condo afterwards. The panel itself was fun, though there obviously weren't many questions directed at me when people like Dave Mackey and Geoff Roes are sitting there.

Back was a bit stiff last night for reasons I don't know. Rather than take the day completely off, I went for an early morning jog to loosen things up.

Moved the weigh in to its usual day since I was so busy yesterday I didn't have time to eat much. Need to get on that - 100K through the mountains is a long way.

Legs felt great this morning. Really wasn't pushing, but got in quite quickly. Might be able to salvage a decent effort this weekend after all. A little lingering congestion, but the cold seems to have run it's course.

I'm weighing in a day early because it's time to start eating for Saturday.

Very long and not particularly rewarding day at work. Took the direct route home so I'd get there in time to make pizza with Yaya. At least one thing came out right today.

Worst seems to be behind. Head is clearer and it doesn't appear to be moving into my chest. Rode in easy via Forest Park.

Felt pretty good by afternoon. Was having no trouble turning the 75. Not that that should be a problem, but it's been a while since my legs have felt fresh, so it was nice to be able to do that easily. Still blowing an awful lot of snot, but I could breathe through my nose easy enough. Good thing, too, because the gnats were really bad on Grant's trail.

After about an hour of that, I decided I was well enough to hit a few hills in South/West county. Nothing big or particularly hard; just enough to lift the HR to around 90% for a bit.

Feeling a bit better, but still not up to riding to/from work.