Fall 50 Ultra - Gills Rock to Sturgeon Bay in Door County, WI

Ran my first ultra on Saturday. It just so happened to be the “most scenic distance run in the Midwest”, also known as the Fall 50. Averaged 8:51/mile with a total time of 7 hours and 22 minutes, finishing 18th overall, 15th for men and 11th in my division (0-39, 40-49 and 50+). The solo field was 132, averaging 9:08:28.

Garmin splits

Fall 50 Slideshow

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.