Bib #333 DNF: Jay Challenge Race Report

DNF. Did not finish.

Don't feel bad for racer #333. She had the most awesome racing experience of her life.

Listen up people. You must attempt the Jay Challenge at least once.

Really.

Put it on your bucket list. Near the top. Its that good.

Sorry for the suspense leading up to this post, but I really had to come to grips with everything that has shaken down since Saturday at 8:00 am.

My day started out with high spirits. I actually slept well the night before, had my oatmeal and banana breaky, and headed to the start line in good time. Hubs and I met up with our Durham group, and we all wished each other well. I am on the far right hand side in the picture. We were ready.

Little did we know, only 5 of the 11 racers in this picture would cross the finish line in this picture.

Here is my story:

The days leading up to the race had been extremely rainy. This had brook levels extra high, and conditions extremely muddy. Come race day however, the weather Gods were smiling down on us racers, because there were sunny skies when we started out. A little humid, but nothing extreme weather-wise.

We reached the rope section rather quickly (in the first 20 minutes or so). There was a large line up for the ropes in which many runners, including myself welcomed as a nice little break before we got going in what we knew was to be a long day. Many took pictures and introduced themselves to fellow runners. Spirits were very high. We waited for about 10 -15 minutes to clear this part. Hubs took these pictures. They are blurry due to mud and the fact that he was carrying a waterproof disposable camera.

Jen and I running in the woods.

Ropes to help our first climb

After the ropes, we ran to Aid Station 1, the first of seven Aid Stations, reaching it in a little over an hour. I thought a little slow, but I wasn't worried because I factored in the rope section, and was thankful for a slow and steady start.

Shortly after AS #1, we were dumped into our first brook run. It was then that I realized just how special this race was going to be. My friend Jen who I was running with, mirrored my thoughts when she expressed out loud. "This is a life experience, I am glad I have someone to share it with". I felt exactly the same way. Many took pictures. Hubs took these:

(The pink ribbons are the course path)

The water felt amazing. It was very slippery in parts and you had to be careful. What we were quickly discovering was that there were many parts of this race that were not running, rather maneuvering, but it was awesome fun. The brook water felt awesome on my tired calves. The scenery was beautiful. We also went through two culverts during this section.

Awesome adventure.

Again. Bucket list people.

We reached AS #2 in 2 hours, 30 minutes. We were beginning to worry about time, as aid station 5 had a cut off of 51/2 hours, and a fellow runner had mentioned that an hour per AS is a good rule of thumb. In many parts we were going as fast as we could, given that they were more technical then running oriented. AS #2 was at the base of the mountain, Jay's Peak. I opted not to change shoes or socks. I was ready to conquer the mountain. Here are some summit bid pictures:

(the white chalet at the top is the Summit)

Hubs near the base of the mountain pointing at Jay's Peak

Final Summit Bid (almost at the top of Jay Mountain)

Jay's Peak is roughly 5000 feet above sea level. It is a mountain, not Everest sure, but it certainly felt like it. We went up the mountain on an access path, and it was straight up. Not up and then flat section, and up again, as it had reportedly been in previous year.

We went straight up.

Now it was impossible to run up the mountain, even the elite runners could speed walk at best, and just hiking had my heart pounding. The higher up I went, the more difficulty I had with keeping my heart rate stable. The peak was in front of me, and it was very intimidating up close. It seemed to be taunting me as a mere mortal.

The only thing that kept me going was that the view kept getting better and better. Eventually I had to stop and take breaks. I don't know if it was the altitude or the climb that was getting to me at this point, but I felt like I couldn't breathe. I told Jen to keep going. I have never been pushed to my limit physically like this before by just simple walking.

Life altering, awesome experience. What humans can accomplish with determination is amazing.

I continued my way up. I would take little breaks to try and get my heart rate under control. One woman told me to drink more, I tried, but I was having that swooshing in my tummy feeling. Eventually I threw up.

Oddly it seemed to help, and I made it up to AS #3 at the Summit. I am not sure of time, but it was well over 3 hours.

On the peak, it was beautiful, breathtaking, really indescribable at the top of the mountain. Sorry if this sounds like a cliche, but I felt like I was on top of the world. It was sooooo tough to get up there, but somehow I found the power in my legs to make it to the top. I think that is why the view was so sweet. My only regret is that I didn't get my picture taken. Thankfully Hubs took a few pictures. Enjoy.

The awesome volunteers at the top of the mountain were very kind. They were concerned that I was dehydrated, and they gave me lots of water, salt pills, and oranges. I felt rejuvenated and ready to continue.

The run down the mountain was tough on the knees. I slowed to a slow shuffle, because I had read that alot of reports that you can really damage your IT band on the way down. I knew the race was far from over, so I slowed down. Here are some descending the mountain pictures:





At the base of the mountain was a bush marked section that was extremely muddy, made worse by the torrential rain that had occurred for a week straight prior to the race. The mud went past my knees in some parts. I almost lost my shoes many times (the race director warned us about this phenonmon he calls "shoe sucking" happening). It was hard to run. Some elite half runners passed me and I tried to follow cues from them on how to successfully maneuver through the mud in a more efficient manner. It seemed to help, and I even managed to catch up and pass a few of the full marathoners (not the half elites -Ha!) that had passed me on the Summit bid. Mud pic:




When I reached AS#4, 5 hours had almost passed. I knew I was likely to get cut at Aid station 5, the half way (19 miles) point as it was 8K down the road. It seems incredible that it was taking me this long, but the course conditions were brutal. Still, my spirits were high, I wanted to finish strong and as long as I was allowed to continue, I was ready and willing. I actually felt energized at this point.

When I arrived at AS#4, the volunteers asked me how I was, and I told them, much better thanks.

Then the they informed me that they were concerned about me and were pulling me from the course because I had been sick on the ascent to the Peak. I told them I was fine. Yes, I had been sick, but I was fine, and I knew I wouldn't make the cut-off, but could I please run in the half (basically AS #5)

I was told no.

That's it. This race is over for you, Bib #333.


What had started as a amazing experience suddenly felt like I had the rug pulled out from under me. My best experience suddenly turned to my worst. I fought back tears. I wasn't going to cry, but I was utterly disappointed. They took my blood pressure. It was normal. 120 over 70. I watched other full marathoners come into AS#4 and go onto AS#5. I felt helpless

Now hopefully you understand why its taken me a few days to come to grips with this. At first I'll be honest. I was pissed!!! Angry. I swore. Really, really badly. And I'm not exactly a potty mouth type. I felt if the RD was so worried about me at the Summit, why hadn't they pulled me then? They had also shortened cut off times despite worse conditions, and extra add on's to the course. I felt oddly betrayed.

Now strangely, I am grateful.

Its taken me a few days to realize this, but we live in such an instant gratification society that we automatically feel entitled to achieve everything we attempt. I expected to finish this race. I was certain I would. I was all ready to post a huge complaint/whine session about how I was wronged on my blog, and I'm glad I waited.

I was wrong. I can only work harder to achieve the goal of this amazing adventure race. Being new to trail running I attempted the hardest race put together for its distance in North America (according to RD) I will train harder next year, and I am determined that I will conquer this course. I will improve my fitness. I will finish this race. No excuses. Its all me. I will exceed whatever cut off there is.

That's what makes Jay special, to me at least.

293 runners started that the Jay Challenge marathon that day. 218 crossed the finish line. I wasn't among them. But I did share the experience of this race with the finishers. Among the 70 odd DNF'ers were 100 milers, Boston qualifiers, and overall amazing runners. Most were pulled at AS#5 and #6 due to not making cut off times. I felt lucky to have have ran with them and the finishers.

To all of those reading that completed or did not complete the Jay Challenge, congratulations on your accomplishment. I'll be back!

Thanks for reading!

What to Say About Jay....

It's been a few days since I posted, but I haven't been doing a heck of a lot to blog about running-wise. I have been busy stuffing my face with carbohydrates and running less in an attempt to taper. I loved the zucchini pasta BTW, and at P.O.M's suggestion, I also made some sweet potato fries. Yummy!

The Jay Challenge is this Saturday so its time to talk about preparations. I plan on packing my race drop bags today. The race director sent out a detailed pre-race newsletter in which he suggests to have two drop bags packed that include the following items:

Drop Bag One
-socks
-shoes
-Gu's
-Shot Blocks

Drop Bag Two
-socks
-shoes
-change of clothes
-Shot Blocks

I'm also adding to both bags:
-Advil (lots)
-bandages
-Vaseline
-bug spray
-rain poncho
-sunscreen
-fresh Gatorade and water (just in case the stuff along the course tastes bad)
-To drop bag one- a light weight shell for the Summit!!
- a towel to wipe my sweaty feet

If anyone can think of something I'm missing, please let me know. I will be out on the course for a long time!

The race director also reported some new course changes:

1- once you reach aid station 1, you will be 95% OF THE TIME on a NEW brook until aid station #2. This will allow us to avoid crossing route 242 since You will go underneath the road in a 50 foot culvert that is 6 feet high. This section is fairly technical, you will be slow but it is so beautiful you should enjoy it

2- Because of the 1st change you will reach the base of Jay Peak on the state side instead of the main lodge, You will then climb Jay peak to the top via a completely insane( STEEP) new route. So if you look at the mountain from the village you will climb on the ridge line on the left to the top

3- For the first time in 7 years, you will actually reach the top of Jay peak on the ledge to the top. (Marci here: so excited about this!!!) In the past 6 years we were always short of the top by about 50 feet... this year you will be at the absolute top. Consequently you might want to have a lightweight shell in your drop off bag in case of bad weather at the summit. (Marci again: What is this Everest or something?..)

4- Beautiful new singletrack section on the Christmas tree farm.

The race director also made the following comments about training:

I have been asked many times over on how to train for such a race. The real answer is that you CANNOT. If you are a fit athlete and have completed several races and regularly play in the woods you will be all set. However if you think that this race is a cool race and you are attracted by the craziness of it, unfortunately you will not make it. This race is for animal only and is considered the hardest 33 miler in the world. As for the ½ , you better be trained for a full and then you will really enjoy the race.

Animal only?! Hey I take offense!! ;)

My Time Prediction:

As I mentioned previously, this course is the supposedly the toughest for its distance in North America. According to the RD you should double or triple your worst marathon time. Its also 33 miles, or 11K longer than a full marathon. That said, I really have no idea what to expect but I am going to predict between a finish between 8.5 hours and 10, but I am prepared to stay out longer if needed. My goal is truly just to finish.

Warning: chest pounding moment to follow:

I am ready, bring it on!!!

(Clears throat) I am not an animal...

This week, I have the following planned for "training"
Monday -bootcamp and yoga
Tuesday - 6K tempo (no Yasso's this week)
Wednesday -7K easy
Thursday -REST
Friday - REST
Saturday - Jay Challenge, 53K
Sunday - RECOVER and celebrate!!!

Have a great week and thanks for reading!!

Lovin' The Carb Loading....

Well folks, the big event, the Jay Challenge is next Saturday!! Gulp. Sounded so cool when I signed up. According to the race director, this race is the hardest "marathon" (33 miles) put together for its distance in North America.

Help, I need.............

Training advice? Naw, its too late for that.

I need.........

Course information?................. I have that, but why lament over impending pain?

I need..........

I need............

I need what every girl craves during stress......

CARBOHYDRATES!!!

LOL. Really. I need carbohydrates, now!

Next to running blogs, cooking blogs are my most favourite daily read. I love to pore over the pages and dream of the day when I will find the time to trudge over to the grocery store and find all of the rare ingredients for fancy recipes and go home and cook up the perfect meal for Hubs and I.

Truthfully, the cooking rarely happens throughout the school year, but a whole lot of dreaming goes on, and then I settle for Shake and Bake for dinner.



Hey, its kinda tasty....

I was perusing my very favourite cooking blog the other day, Smitten Kitchen, when I came across this very perfect carb loading dish, zucchini strand spaghetti. In fact it was so perfect it made me gasp with delight. This dish I will make!! Tonight!! I even made my own fancy basil oil last night, and it turned out awesome. This is what the dish should look like (Deb's from Smitten Kitchen's, not mine).




Mine will likely look less perfect. I even bought a mandoline for the occasion to julienne the zucchini. Hubs and I watched videos on You Tube last night trying to figure out how to use it without cutting off my fingers.

Oh sorry..... Did you come here to read about running?

Alright then, the training plan for today is a short 6K recovery run and a 20K bike. I have seemed to have snapped out of my lethargic stage. I may cut back mileage this weekend though in favour of tapering and more carb loading.

Happy training and thanks for reading!

Hitting the Trails

In preparation for our next adventure, The Jay Challenge, Hubs and I decided that we needed to incorporate more trail runs into our training, so we decided it was time to invest in some trail shoes in addition to our regular running shoes.

Here's Hubs and I sporting our new trail shoes:

Snazzy, huh?! Hubs are the fire-engine reds ones, which also came in what he referred to as "Hulk-Green", but much to his disappointment, the Hulk green ones were not available in his size: )

I love my new trail shoes, and I find them so much more comfy than my regular shoes (Asics Gel Kayanos). They feel like pillows on my feet and I really like the additional lateral support. These shoes were also much less expensive. Maybe its time to switch up my regular running shoes...

This past Wednesday night I went for a trail run in the new shoes at a conservation area near our house. Unfortunately Hubs is nursing an IT band injury right now, so while I ran, Hubs walked, and took some photos for you to enjoy.

This is me taking off in search of the group we were supposed to meet (we were unfortunately late!)




Sadly, the trail shoes are no longer new....




The route had an elevation of approximately 1000 ft, which felt hilly. Apparently Jay's Peak has an elevation of 9000 ft! Yikes!




More random shots..




A bubbling brook. So relaxing...




Stairs to a lookout and now-deserted campground.




I absolutely love trail running! I find I am so much more relaxed as a runner being surrounded by the beautiful scenery. It is also more challenging than road running as well, which is a plus.

I suppose I should get out for my run. Its manky here in Southern Ontario, and I have a 10K road for planned for today, and 20km trail run tomorrow. Happy running and thanks for reading!

Jay's Peak Mountain Marathon: My next "race"

The next event that I signed up for is the Jay's Peak Mountain Marathon at Jay's Peak in the state of Vermont. Now this event provides an extremely challenging and ambitious goal. In fact the race website includes the following warning from the race director:

Racer Director's Warning: The Marathon, (33.0 miles), is considered by our own participants to be the hardest marathon ever put together for it’s distance; This is a trail marathon, and using the word trail is stretching it. One section is actually a bushwhack from flagging tape to flagging tape, and another section will take you on a deer trail leading to a mountain brook. You will run in the brook for about 3 miles. At mile 20 you will cross a 50-foot wide river in order to reach aid station # 6. Only the adventurous, experienced trail runners and fit athletes should sign up for this race. You will get wet and very muddy, and you are likely to end up with scratches on your legs.

I'm not crazy.

Really. I'm not.

Obviously this is not a race where you expect a PR, so I kinda of like a marathon where speed is not part of the equation - rather finishing is the main objective. Last year the winning times were well over 5 hours, and they tell people to double or even triple their marathon times to estimate expected finishing times. I want to run a marathon in every state and province, so this will knock Vermont off of the list. There is a group of runners going that Hubs and I know, so that should make it really fun. And of course, why not run it? :) Hubs is of course good to go!

Here is a video about Jay's Peak I found on You Tube:





This marathon is taking place on July 26th, in less than two months, so my plan is hit to the trails for my runs two or three times a week, including my LSD run on Sunday. I will also run 30K back to back in a few week to prepare as this event is more of an ultra than a marathon. I suppose I should also do some hill training :). I can't wait to knock this one off. I've heard the view at the top of the mountain is awesome! Thanks for reading!