Vermont 100 Race Report

The Vermont 100 Endurance Challenge is an ultra marathon (and horse race at the same time on the same course) held in and around the Woodstock, VT area that includes over 14,000 feet of elevation gain on approximately 70 miles of dirt roads and 30 miles of trails. This course that contains incredibly beautiful views and picturesque farms would be the setting for my first attempt at a 100 miler.

Amie and the kids checked in at a local B&B while I checked in at the race with the medical staff who performed a mandatory pre-race check of my weight and blood pressure. Both were unusually high. There are three locations throughout the course were I'd be weighed, and allowed to go on as long as weight loss didn't exceed 7% of my pre-race number.

I met my pacer, Dave, and then caught up with Mark, Scott, and Mary who would be running the race and Clint who would be crewing and pacing Mark. After a good dinner in Woodstock and ice cream for the kids we headed back to Silver Hill Meadow to camp for the night while Amie, Amy, and the kids headed back to the B&B.

The forecast called for overnight rain that would continue through race day and diminish in intensity as the day continued. Sleep was intermittent as the sounds of the night included rain dancing on the tent, the cries of a baby, snores through the camping area, a relentless frog's croaking, and even a car alarm around midnight. While getting prepped in the tent after a 3am wake up we welcomed Keith who was sidelined from the race due to injury but made the surprise trip from Boston to support us...very cool. After making our way down to the starting area to check in my next surprise was seeing Amie wearing a huge smile of excitement, a welcomed sight indeed. The race folks honored my request to be re-weighed and the efforts were fruitful as my new pre-race weight that would be referenced through the day was 4 pounds less than previously recorded.

Mary, Scott, Bruce, Mark

At 4am the countdown from 10 ended at one and the race began with hooting and hollering as 249 individuals, with lights to shine the way, were on their way to tackling 100 miles. I carried a pace chart on me to track my progress towards a target of 22:15, which would give me almost a two hour buffer to hit 24 hours if needed. Mark, Scott, and I moved steadily along putting time in the bank as we comfortably moved ahead of pace. We engaged others in conversation and at one point were running in a group of about 8.

The course has 29 aid stations where runners have access to water and sports drink, and many also have a variety of foods including oranges, bananas, pb&j quarters, watermelon, soda, candy, etc...9 of the stations allowed handler access which allows runners access to items in drop bags and help from "crew" members. These handler stations are typically where spectators congregate, many waiting to assist their runners.

Mark moved slightly ahead prior to the first handler aid station at Pretty House, mile 21. As Scott and I came into Pretty House I felt like a rock star with all the cheering and support from those gathered around, simply incredible. Dave filled my bottles as I changed my shirt and reloaded my supply of gels and salt. I found going through the handler aid stations incredibly uplifting the entire day(s).






Scott and Bruce arriving at Stage Rd

At this point the clouds cleared, sun came out and I was about 30 minutes ahead of pace so Scott and I settled into a nice rhythm taking us down to the next handler station, Stage Rd at mile 31. Life was good. The crowd was large, loud, and impressive and once again, left me feeling like a rock star. Dave was right there filling my bottles and Clint and Keith were helpful in assisting with our drop bags. I had not realized that I was starting to fatigue until I left with incredible energy after seeing these guys and coming through the aid area. Shortly after this Scott and I parted and I was solo, but not for long.

I didn't expect to enjoy myself as much as I did during this race. The countryside was beautiful and the people were incredible. I had a great time joking with the aid station volunteers. I found myself with a heightened sense of gratitude the whole time. I met and became friends with Mark and Scott a couple years ago as they were starting their quest into ultra marathons. They've been a great help to me and you couldn't ask for better guys to train and enjoy these events with. Keith surprised us with a trip from Boston to help out and his encouragement along the way was priceless. Clint's been a great training partner as well and made some adjustments for the greater good. My wife, Amie, is simply awesome. She's been so enthusiastically supportive, I'm so fortunate. She surprised me at the start, and I saw her several times along the way, and of course at the finish, beaming with pride. My daughters even seemed to enjoy seeing daddy "looking so strong" (their words) as mom dragged them around to see dad. I was the recipient of several calls and texts from friends the day before the race wishing me well. The aid station volunteers gave their time, asserted their assistance, and were encouraging. Mark's family cheered and helped care for the kids. Dave, a stranger who agreed to pace me. Dani came over to the race to show her support as I came through Margaritaville. Seeing Shannon later in the race was refreshing. And of course, there's the other runners.

During this next section I had the pleasure of meeting Brian from San Diego, Brian from Oregon, and John from Virginia. They are amazing guys and it was great to hear of their past ultra adventures, future plans, and personal lives. Running and talking with these guys and others I would meet were a big factor in my enjoyment level throughout the day. At one point I was running alone and experienced delirium recognition #1 - the Christmas song "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" kept playing over and over in my mind.

The primary handler aid station, Camp 10 Bear, is used at mile 47 and 70. I came in with John 30 minutes ahead of schedule, feeling strong, and once again the crowd was uplifting. As the head physician pulled me aside I remembered Mark's words of advice "keep on your running pack and water bottles for extra weight". The conversation went something like this:

Physician - "We need to weigh you, can you please take off your running pack and water bottles".

Me - "Wow, you are good, you know all the tricks"

Physician - "What's your name?"

This is where delirium recognition #2 took place.

Me - "#81..(no, that's my number..I know this one, oh yeah)..Bruce"

Physician - "What did you weigh before the race?"

Me - (I know this one too, oh yeah) "164"

Physician - "And that's what you weigh right now. We're done with you"

I felt like I just aced a final exam. The attention I received at the handler station was impressive as Amie, the girls, Clint, Dave, and Keith helped with a change of shoes, socks, shirt, and band aids for my bloody nipples. We shared some laughs, I grabbed some food and kisses and off and running after a quick stop.

Just up the road, near the B&B I had the pleasure of being cheered on by Mark's family. Still strong, I was holding up fine with the exception of some skin irritations that I attended to with applications of Vaseline. Was alone a bit during the next 23 miles, but spent some time with John from Colorado, an experienced Leadville 100 runner (8 times) and Ramon who's competed in several Ironman triathlons. Our paces were similar and our finishing times were somewhat close. Delirium recognition #3 occurred during this section. I had finished applying lube, wiping my hand on my shorts, and headed into an aid station where I quickly grabbed a delicious half turkey sandwich and moved along. When I was done I realized I was eating with my lube hand, no mayo needed on that piece.

The rock star with his number 1 fan at Margaritaville

At mile 69 I came upon the B&B and was welcomed by Mark's parents, his wife Amy, and all of our kids who ran with me a bit. Another mile down the road I hit Camp 10 Bear and came in feeling surprisingly well and 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Amie helped with a change of socks, shoes, shirt and shorts. We made arrangements for my pacer, Dave, to meet me at mile 77. I grabbed some food and off I went to tackle the final 30 miles at about 6:30.

I was alone for the long and steep ascent out of Camp 10 Bear. The first thing I saw at the top of the climb was a runner vomiting and his pacer waiting with empathy. The next thing I saw was another runner vomiting on all fours, and his pacer waiting patiently. This was a reminder that even though the day had been going very well and I was 70% done, I still had 30 miles to go and anything could happen.

I made it to West Winds, mile 77 at about dusk, said hello to Shannon, Amie, the kids, had some laughs with the aid station folks, grabbed some food and pacer Dave and proceeded on the journey. We moved along well until we hit mile 84 and my pace slowed as my quads were suffering and we hit some steep ups and downs, giving up the extra 30 minutes I'd been carrying most of the day. It was dark now and we were treated to a beautiful star filled sky for the remainder of our race.

We came into Bill's at mile 88 and chatted with Shannon as I was weighed again (still at 164, sweet). A large contingency of runners had gathered and seemed to be taking their time before leaving as the atmosphere was celebratory with the scent of the finish line in the air. Had some chicken broth, other food, and moved on.

Even though our pace slowed we were moving strong and were able to pick up the pace a little at mile 95 as the terrain was flat. With a couple miles left you could hear the roars of the spectators at the finish line. This caused the pace to pick up and after some zig zagging through the woods, I could see a clearing up ahead and was asked by a stranger in the night, "What's your number?", "81", he announced "#81 coming in". I let out my victory yell as I entered the clearing then ran to the finish to the cheers of those gathered waiting for their runners. My official time was 22:57. As Amie and Clint congratulated me, Amie asked "How do you feel?", my response "DONE". After some food and a change of clothes is was back to the B&B for a couple hours sleep.

Done

Clint and Mark at finish

Mark ran strong and finished just over 21 hours.

Scott was on pace for his 22 1/2 hour goal until mile 70 when he started having some major issues that ended up leading him on an amazing experience. He overcame much and persevered to finish in 27:20.

After a fantastic breakfast with Mark and his family we headed over to the awards ceremony, chatted with those we met during the journey to hear the rest of their stories, received our awards and headed home. What a weekend.

100 miles is a long way.

Vermont 100

I recently arrived home from the Vermont 100 and will work on a race report to share. It was a great experience and the enjoyment far exceeded my expectations. My goal was to finish in less than 24 hours and my official time was 22:57.

Nipmuck Marathon

On Sunday I ran the Nipmuck marathon, which is considered the preeminent trail race in the area. It's been months since I've run single track trails, and running the Nipmuck race was a good welcome back.

After parking on the access road I was making my way to check in when I saw someone bent down and liberally applying lube to his inner thighs. "He should be well protected, he looks familiar, it's Mark." I checked in, dropped off my gallon of water (entrance requirement) and briefly looked for Dave who would be pacing in the VT100. I was looking for the opportunity to meet this stranger who will be guiding me 30 miles through the darkness of VT. The registration folks gave me his bib # with hopes of connecting later. As Mark and I finished prepping, Clint came through and it was time for the race director's pre-race instruction and warnings. Nipmuck Dave does not let the opportunity to entertain pass by, as this year he, and his back up singers, performed a parity of Michael Jackson's "Black and White" called "Fast or Slow".

Photos courtesy of Nipmuck Dave. Unexpectedly received via email. Thanks Dave.

The race starts with about 50 yards of pavement to spread the pack a bit before hitting the trails. Mark, Clint and I cruised the early section to avoid the impending bottleneck. We ran right along, my breathing heavier than expected, not sure if the pace was quicker than I realized or just some struggles. After a few miles we moved well at a comfortable pace and found ourselves behind the lead pack and in front of the remainder of the field, so not seeing others except for some time running with and sharing plans and experiences with Frank. We hit the 6 mile mark and first turn around at about 55 minutes and started retracing back, going the opposite direction of oncoming runners, which is fun stuff. We continued to cruise and I fell off the pack which was fine as there were still many miles ahead. I came through the start area at about 1:54, refueled and headed out the next out and back section of 7 miles. I moved along fairly well without others until about the 17 mile mark when the slight inclines seemed to a challenge to climb. My pace slowed and I started to see others now headed my direction so the next turn around could not be far. I made the turn and the course continued to slow my pace more than I thought it should. I continued to look for Pacer Dave by his bib #, which was 246. or was it 234, or 242? Mental capacity waning, I'd get passed every once in a while, but pressed on to the finish at a diminishing pace.

Nipmuck is a challenging and fun course. I came into the race feeling strong, expecting to shatter last year's time of 5:04, I left with a time of 4:54 wondering what happened....Regardless, it was Nipmuck, great to be back on the trails, running trail races, and having a great time. Mark finished at 4:01 and Clint at 4:50.

PS..Dave...Look forward to meeting you in VT. Thanks in advance..

Training Run

I've been pleased with my recovery since Sunday's race. The slight soreness experienced going up and down stairs was gone by Wednesday. The rains kept me from running on Wednesday and I ignored the alarm clock and slept in on Thursday, forgoing my planned run. I can't remember the last time rain or the comfort of my bed successfully tempted me into avoiding a workout, but I didn't think twice this week. I ran a short trail run on Friday to test my ankle and legs and both held up fine.

Saturday's run had something for everyone. Mark looking to get in about 30 miles left home about 5am and ran the 7 plus miles to my house, in blazing time. We continued on the roads of Tolland to Shenipsit Lake Rd where we ran into Clint who joined in for the remainder of the run which took us on dirt and paved roads up and down some good hills through Ellington, Somers, by Soapstone Mtn, Crystal Lake and finished off at Mark's house. Refueled at a convenience store in Somers and bio break at Soapstone. Our pace was consistently strong throughout. The legs felt fatigued but held up well and actually felt better as the miles clicked away.

About 23 miles for me and a good training run for all.

Pinleland Farms Trail Challenge

Last week I registered for the Pineland Farms Trail Challenge 50 miler in New Gloucester, ME, located about 15 miles north of Portland. Amie made arrangements for our family to stay in Freeport and make it a Memorial Day weekend getaway.

We made the 3 hour trip to Portland on Saturday and stopped by the Maine Running Company where I picked up my race number, race shirt and the kids were given rub on tattoos of the race logo. After lunch on Commercial St in Portland, checking in at our hotel in Freeport and a walk through LL Bean we met up with Clint who arrived from CT to run his first 50 mile ultra race.

We went to a local Italian eatery for dinner to carbo load and discuss the next day's plans. While talking about the race and my upcoming plans for a 100 miler this summer, my daughter Lora asked "Daddy, what if you die?" My response was "It'll cost less for the family to go out for dinner." I assured and promised her that I would not die while running ultra races, and I hope it's a commitment I can keep. Then my daughter Emma had a question for me that she was a little hesitant for other's to hear, but eventually let it out. "Can I run the race with you tomorrow?"

Clint and I checked our drop bags and made final preparations so that we could get out the door quickly in the morning. During this process I recalled that when Scott and I ran an aid station at the Northern Nipmuck trail race earlier this year we recognized that many of the front runners had "ink", and now it was my time. Lora, experienced at the art of press ons, skillfully applied the race logo tattoo on my bicep..perfect, now I was ready!

After a 4:45 wake up, stop at D&D, and short drive we had arrived at Pineland Farms. A quick pre race briefing by the race directors and we were off and running. I felt comfortable and strong heading into the race and focused on using it as training for the VT100 with plans to:

• make stops at the aid stations as quick as possible
• try eating a variety of foods from the aid stations to determine what's best for me
• run a steady pace throughout and not go out too quick
• complete without compromising my ankle/foot that has given me issues
• use my Go-Lite double water bottle pack the whole time, even though unnecessary

The first 10 miles or so Clint and I talked with several of the other runners and learned that many were using the race as training for upcoming 100 milers...many for Vermont 100, one for Western States 100, and another for Cascade 100. We ran comfortably and finished the first loop, at 19 miles, and re-loaded with supplies from our drop bags and I grabbed some kisses from my "crew" of Amie, Lora, Katherine and Emma. Clint and I parted about the halfway point as our paces were starting to vary. A couple of miles later I had a pleasant surprise, I ran into Steve Nelson (finished 4th last year) who was there in support of another runner, we ran a bit, chatted, and moved on.

Clint

19 down and feeling good

To this point everything was falling in line. I was quick at the aid stations. I tried all foods offered including PB&J, oranges, watermelon, M&Ms, Skittles, boiled potato with salt, Coke, Mountain Dew, pretzels, etc...and didn't have issues with any of them but tended to favor oranges and PB&J. My ankle felt really good and my pace was steady.

As I finished my 2nd of 3 loops and came by the start/finish line my energy levels increased as I was greeted again by my crew who helped me re-load with salt and gels. After another round of kisses and being told that I smell, I moved on. 35 miles down and 15 to go.

At this point I had not seen another 50 miler in 10 miles so I decided to turn on my MP3 player and enjoy some freshly loaded tunes. I inserted the buds, turned on the player, enjoyed about 10 seconds of music, and it went dead. After fussing with it for too long I gave up on it. Oh well...I opened up my pack to take out a package of Accelerade to mix into my water and realized I didn't grab any out of my drop bag on the way through....Oh well, time to adjust, Gatorade and water to drink and PB&J for protein.

As delirium started setting in I heard dogs barking and some one yell "get em". As I turned I saw a couple of dogs back on the path flying towards me. I increased my pace as I thought I was an escapee on a prison break in an action thriller and was being hunted down by guards and their dogs. The dogs were harnessed to their masters almost pulling them along, and they cruised right by me. A second came by, then a third, etc..I learned that this was part of the 4K Canicross race happening the same time. Very interesting..

Now on my third lap through the rolling hills were becoming more of a challenge and my pace started to slow. At this point I still felt fairly good and pushed but my legs didn't seem to be moving as quickly as I had thought they should be. With a couple of miles left the rains stopped, clouds cleared, and it was sunny for the first time in the race. As I neared the area before the finish line my crew cheered for me and Lora, Katherine, and Emma ran with me.

Emma stayed with me right to the end as we held hands and ran to the finish line. She got what she wanted, to run the race with dad, and I couldn't have been happier.

Total time was 8 hours and 39 minutes.

85 runners started, 76 finished, I was 22nd.

Coming through the finisher's chute I (actually Emma) was handed a golden cowbell for finishing, as well as pint glass with the race logo and a very comfortable Innov 8 running hat. We enjoyed the post activities with some grub, live music, and a great time talking with others.

Clint came through at about 9:30 for the completion of his first 50 miler, great job.... We shared our experiences of the day, watched the awards ceremony, showered, and called it a day as Clint headed back to CT and we went out for a seafood dinner and then back to the hotel for some swimming with the kids and time in the hot tub.

Hats off to the race directors as the race was very well organized, the course was well marked, aid stations were well stocked, aid workers were enthusiastic and helpful, post race activities were right on, and the swag was exceptional.

Monday ended up being such a nice day we decided to head to Old Orchard Beach on the way home for a few hours of fun at the shore. All in all, a great weekend.

A Look Into Ultras

50 Miler --- DNS

There are two well known acronym's in endurance races....DNF, Did Not Finish, for those who start and don't finish and DNS, Did Not Start, enough said. My list of DNS's is starting to grow more than I"d prefer. Yesterday was the North Face Endurance 50 Challenge at Bear Mtn in New York. Scott and Mark made the journey without me as I made the decision that it would be in my best interest to "DNS". I've had some issues with my right foot, that with attention has brought me from walking with a limp 4 weeks ago to being able to continue running on stable surfaces, including a 30 mile training run just yesterday. The North Face Endurance Challenge is a 50 mile race on single track trails over some good elevation changes and has a reputation as one of the more challenging races in the area. Last year 18 of the 86 starters finished the race. As my foot issues have improved I've gone from running slow on the flats only, to being able to run the hills at a quicker pace, but it's wasn't quite ready for 50 miles of single track. Keeping my eye on greater challenges planned for this year, it was in my best interest to "DNS" (not an easy decision, look at me mature).

I've been training about 50-60 miles per week and continue making progress. The Vermont 100 Endurance race is just over 2 months away and my weekly miles will continue to increase. I expect to run in a 50 miler in the near future and march on.