Lean Horse Ultra Marathon

Ulli the Walker 2009

Posted on 05. Jan, 2010 by admin in Ultra Tales

The race, in general:

The day dawned clear and bright, almost too clear. The fifth annual Lean Horse ultramarathon was set to be a scorcher. Over 220 participants lined up for distances of 50k, 50 miles and 100 miles. The day promised to be hot, with a forecast high of 93 degrees. As with most things ultra related, that would also be surpassed. The 50 and 100 milers left the Mueller Center at 6:00 am, passing through the town of Hot Springs along the river, as the
sun rose.

The course makes its way out of town on paved roads for a few miles on its way to the first aid station, then onto the Argyle Road, at mile 4.6. The Argyle roller coaster will lead the runners out to the 16.7 mile aid station, cresting and flowing up and down a series of small hills for 12 miles.  Then comes the Mickelson Trail, miles and miles of smooth, groomed 12 foot wide path. The course travels the trail all the way to the turnaround at mile 50.  Total climb on the outbound leg is around 4,500 feet, followed by around 2,500 feet on the return. Once past the Argyle Road, the climbs are very moderate (around 2-3% grade), because of the old railroad bed. But, it is a consistent climb all the way to around mile 41, where the runners pass by the Crazy Horse Monument. Once they pass under the bridge, it’s all
downhill to the turn.

The race was very well run. RD Jerry Dunn (sp?) does an excellent job. The town of Hot Springs and all of the local volunteers were very helpful. I think it shows in the fact that 80% of the first time 100 milers were able to finish. Given the heat that all had to contend with, they all put out a superb effort.

I particularly liked that the same venue was used for the start/ finish, as well as the pre-race meeting, dinner and brunch afterwards. It was easy to get a room within a block of the venue and be car-free for the weekend, always a treat when travelling.

My Race:

My race started well. I ran an average 10-11 minute pace through mile 25.  Then, the heat hit… hard! I left mile 25 with 1.5 liters of water. I was empty in 40 minutes. Most of the other runners I encountered had the same problem. One volunteer told me that the temperature had hit 100 degrees on this stretch. The only confirmed temp I could locate said 96. No matter, it was hot! Plus, there was virtually no breeze. The afternoon temperatures continued hot, until around 5:00 pm. I believe that I dropped an hour, or more from my finish time in this stretch. I went from 11 minute pace to around 16 minute pace for a few hours. Better to bide my time, than to dehydrate and drop.

As night neared, the temps cooled and I decided to turn on the speed.  Once I crested the Crazy Horse hill, I knew I had over 20 miles of downhill ahead.

I clipped off some 9:30 miles, then got into a steady rhythm of a 12:00 minute pace. I was making good time and really enjoying the night. I ran without a light through the first hour of darkness. Temps were perfect, around 60 degrees. I carried a jacket, but only used it once, at an aid station stop.

I passed about a dozen runners during the night. I think that my strategy of slowing down in the heat had paid off. Most of those I passed had put a substantial lead on me at the 50 mile mark. As I made it to mile 95, I knew that I would be 15 minutes short of breaking 24 hours. I decided to stop and fuel up at the last aid station and enjoy the last few miles.  I always have a sense of bittersweet as I near the finish of a race, knowing that the whole experience is about to come to an end. The weeks and months of training, the days of travel and planning, all about to come crashing
to a halt in a few more miles. But, physically, and also mentally, I’m exhausted. I just want to get it over with! I crossed the line at 24:36.

Next, I have the Heartland 100 in seven weeks. That will be my fourth 100 miler, and fourth finish, this year. Then, a nice long rest!

What I did right:

I added speed work in February. It paid off. I felt like my effort was always very sustainable. In truth, I had more to give.  Good fueling. Real food, in small amounts, at every aid station. Very little sugary junk. Mostly fruit, soup and sandwiches.  I slowed down during the heat of the day. I had lots of energy for the second 50 miles.

What I did wrong:

I slowed down during the heat of the day. I could have easily broken 24 hours, probably could have finished between 22-23 hours.  Should have carried more water from mile 25-30. Hard to tell at the time,  though.  I took a couple of stops at aid stations that lasted 10-15 minutes. While it helped me feel more rested and fueled, it cost me a sub-24 buckle.

Watch out, Heartland. The gloves are comin’ off!