The temperature was near perfect, hovering right around mid to low 40s for the majority of the race. The wind was another story. Every time we rounded a corner and entered into one of the gorgeous bays, a gale-force wind struck us head on. At least it was scenic!
Running for 7+ hours, I presumed that I would be adding/removing layers throughout the day. Nope. I stuck with the same pair of Brooks Infinite Short Tights, Craft Concept base layer top, and a Nike 1/4 zip Dry-wick top. A broken in pair of Brooks Pure Flow shoes and Drymax Run Hyper Thin mini crew socks made for a perfect 40-degree ultra outfit.
Along with back-to-back long runs on the weekend and mentally preparing myself for this endeavor, I was able to cross the finish line thanks to the outstanding support from a certain support crew. Laura, Tom & Leslie, Kelly & Debbi, thank YOU for everything you did. From handing me 1/4 PB&J sandwiches, Kwik Trip glazers, and salt tablets to holding signs of encouragement and support, they were great.
I did stop 3-4 times to stretch and about 5 minutes for soup and a pretzel at mile 28 (the lunch stop). My total fluid intake was right around five 22 oz water bottles (hammer electrolyte). For fuel I consumed 1 PB&J sandwich, 3 packs of Clif shot blocks, 1 honey stinger waffle, 3 cookies, 1 glazer, 1 pretzel stick, 3 salt capsules, chicken broth and 1 GU at mile 45.
Mile 41 was Monument Hill- a new addition to the race this year since it was supposedly "too flat" after Egg Harbor. I found two racers walking up the hill and decided to use that to capitalize on their strategy by running up. Most advice you'll find on the Internet suggests walking up a hill. Solid advice, especially if you're running your first ultra. Nevertheless, I ran up, past both gentlemen and never looked back (well once just to make sure they weren't gaining on me).
Conclusion: I had a great race, mainly due to good pacing, an awesome support crew, decent weather and the mentality that I would run all of it. That is one part I am especially proud of- all forward progress was running.
