Paul E. Stofko BS, CSCS
Exercise Physiologist
Coming into the 150 miler I had some serious doubts about myself. My training in my new home state of Colorado had not been the greatest. But my wife, Pre's Posse, and family would be there to motivate me to an overall victory.
McNaughton Park Trails Runs is one of my favorite races and this would be the fourth year I have been there. I know the course very well and I believe RD Andy does a wonderful job putting on the races. Below is a lap-to-lap account of my experience at McNaughton.
0-10 Mile Lap 1: Starting at 6 pm on Friday us not my favorite time to run. I felt very tight so I took it easy and ended up about a 1:41 loop time. The time a little fast but OK. The course was in good shape and the two water crossing were ankle deep. There were some muddy spots but I actually enjoy dirty, muddy and hilly courses.
10-20 Miles Lap 2: Night time so that means head lamp time. I still was feeling tight and little tired but the water always wakes me up. I slow down this lap to 2:02.
20-30 Miles Lap 3: Ran with some people at times then by myself. Started to loosen up and get into a comfortable run. I see the leaders of the 150 miler and I think they are out too fast. It is very early in the race and you must respect the course. Conditions will change and you can pay for it later in the race.
30-40 Miles Lap 4: I use my first pacer Dustin on this lap. It was great to have the company and to keep me focused. Dustin is a member of our Pre's Posse running group. He kept me running the flats and power walking the uphills. Lap time 2:12
40-50 Miles Lap 5: Back to running without a pacer. I try to keep focused. I have been eating mostly fig newtons and taking in liquids constantly. The water crossings are beginning to numbing my feet for a mile or two. Lap time about 2:10
50-60 Miles Lap 6: My second pacer of day joins me on this lap. Sommer brought much needed company and laughs. This race has proven the value of pacers and I am very happy to have them here. I am more in the zone now. Sunrise is coming and I look forward to it. I have been getting very tired on this lap. Lap time 2:14
60-70 Miles Lap 7: Sunrise has brought me back to life. The mud is very caked up on my body and some of it washes away in the water crossing. But it returns each section I run through. This lap I was back on my own. I have limited number of pacers now but more will arrive this afternoon. Lap time 2:15
70-80 Miles Lap 8: Here comes the rain and this trail get very sloppy when wet. Dustin is back for another lap. I was praying the rain would stop but alas it did not listen. The rain causes problems for me and Dustin on the steep downhills. I landed on butt many times and this reminded me when it down poured the last two laps of last year 100 miler. My shoes were pretty nasty looking but I dare not take them off. Lap time 2:24
80-90 Miles Lap 9: My friend Scott decided to come out and pacer me this lap. I have run with Scott before but he has never paced me. He did a great job of keeping me focused and leading me through messy spots along the course. The rain had stopped and the wind was picking up. The sun popped out a few times. The trail was started to dry out a little by mile 85. I was eating and drinking very well. Felt pretty good. Lap Time 2:30
90-100 Miles Lap 10: My friend Carensa was the pacer for this lap. I had heard people were dropping out or dropping to a shorter distance. But I have no doubt in my mind I would finish what's another 50 miles. Right? About mile 93 I caught up with the leaders Dave and Ryan. I wish them the best and passed them. It was a great emotional boost. Lap time 2:17. My total time for the race was 21:40 about an hour faster than my winning time in the 100 last year.
100-110 Miles Lap 11: This lap was uncharted territory for me. My long run ever was about 105 miles. Scott was joining me for his second lap. I thought I would be very tired and talking crazy but I wasn't. I thought to myself to keep moving and that all. I made sure not to stay at the aid stations longer than 2-3 minutes. Get in get out. Lap time 2:24
110-120 Miles Lap 12: Are we there yet? This lap I brought to pacers Ben and Christa. The felt slower and mud was getting old. In some sections the mud was shoe sucking and had an interesting smell. Lap time 2:20
120-130 Miles Lap 13: I was looking forward to hot shower and bath at this time. My crew found a pacer for me at the start/finish area. My pacers were getting injured and beat up out there. 16 years old Eric joined me for lap 13. My mind was getting a little fuzzy but at least I was seeing anything. I felt old this lap running with a 16 years old but he was doing a great job. Lap time 2:41
130-140 Miles Lap 14: Carensa was back and Bruce (RD Andy's college roommate) joined the fun on lap 14. Bruce had helped mark the course the week before. The only thing I kept thinking is one lap after this one. I was a little cold at this time and I was a little I felt this good. But I was slowing down. Lap time 3:02
140-150 Miles Lap 15: HOLY CRAP!! This is it! Sommer and Ben joined me for my last lap. I just wanted this thing over with. I think my crew was thinking the same thing. Day was coming in a few hours and I think I need some sleep. Sommer and Ben kept me moving and brought me home. Finish time 35 hours 22 minutes
Check out my web site at www.paulstofko.com
Wow..It sounds like you have great enjoy in 150 mile race. You are good racer. I can't imagine a race of 1 mile for me..:-)
Posted by: sourceoutdoor | August 27, 2010 at 05:46 AM