Aproaching the Horsetooth Aid at 10.6 mi The season is fully under way! At least it feels that way with two early trail marathons: Run Through Time in March, then Desert RATS in April, already in the books. Its now the middle of May and here I am writing another race report.
Quad Rock was the first ultra on my race schedule this season, and with an increase in this years prize money, CR & time bonuses, and Nick Clark heading up the race organizing (along with Pete Stevenson), I knew there was going to be some legit competition this year. Check out Ryan Burch's Race Preview. I just hoped that my legs would be up to the challenge.
Going into the race I was questioning whether or not my body would hold up and if my legs were race ready. Over the previous 3 weeks I had spent a great deal of time traveling and unable to maintain my normal routine. My legs felt a little flat all of race week, but never sore and I had been dealing with a uncooperative right hip flexor / groin. The later only flares up when I over do it or don't get enough rest, which is what happened around the time of Desert RATS and was on and off after that due to my busy schedule. My third and final issue was the vert. I knew there was going to be nearly 11,500 ft of climbing and my legs had been trashed after bagging a single peak in Salt Lake City just two weeks earlier. So needless to say, Quad Rock was going to be a legitimate test.
The Course: As noted above, it was full of climbing and descending. There would be 6 major climbs during the 51 (ish) miles, that consisted of two loops. The first running clockwise, the second would be that same loop in reverse. I had made an effort to preview the course 10 days before the race, but was denied the opportunity when a late spring snowstorm left a blanket of white nearly 15 inches thick. Luckily for everyone racing, that next 10 days were warm and sunny, melting all of the snow, and with making the hillside lush and green on race day.
The Race Plan: After studying the race profile, I knew it was going to be a tough day and there was a chance that it would be a warm one as well. Combine that with my lack of trail vert this spring was enough to make me think twice about going out too fast. The first half of the race I just wanted to cruse. I planned to stay on the conservative side, while still keeping the leader(s) within range. In my opinion, the start of the real racing would not happen until the second half once we hit the turn around. Stay controlled, float the ups, stay relaxed on the downs, and don't blow out the quads. Thats what I had to keep repeating to myself the first half. Then (hopefully), it would be game on. Ryan's CR and the time bonus that Nick put up was also in the back of my mind, but would not matter unless I had the lead and was still feeling good at the end. So those thoughts would have to wait for now.
Quad Rock was the first ultra on my race schedule this season, and with an increase in this years prize money, CR & time bonuses, and Nick Clark heading up the race organizing (along with Pete Stevenson), I knew there was going to be some legit competition this year. Check out Ryan Burch's Race Preview. I just hoped that my legs would be up to the challenge.
Going into the race I was questioning whether or not my body would hold up and if my legs were race ready. Over the previous 3 weeks I had spent a great deal of time traveling and unable to maintain my normal routine. My legs felt a little flat all of race week, but never sore and I had been dealing with a uncooperative right hip flexor / groin. The later only flares up when I over do it or don't get enough rest, which is what happened around the time of Desert RATS and was on and off after that due to my busy schedule. My third and final issue was the vert. I knew there was going to be nearly 11,500 ft of climbing and my legs had been trashed after bagging a single peak in Salt Lake City just two weeks earlier. So needless to say, Quad Rock was going to be a legitimate test.
The Course: As noted above, it was full of climbing and descending. There would be 6 major climbs during the 51 (ish) miles, that consisted of two loops. The first running clockwise, the second would be that same loop in reverse. I had made an effort to preview the course 10 days before the race, but was denied the opportunity when a late spring snowstorm left a blanket of white nearly 15 inches thick. Luckily for everyone racing, that next 10 days were warm and sunny, melting all of the snow, and with making the hillside lush and green on race day.
The Race Plan: After studying the race profile, I knew it was going to be a tough day and there was a chance that it would be a warm one as well. Combine that with my lack of trail vert this spring was enough to make me think twice about going out too fast. The first half of the race I just wanted to cruse. I planned to stay on the conservative side, while still keeping the leader(s) within range. In my opinion, the start of the real racing would not happen until the second half once we hit the turn around. Stay controlled, float the ups, stay relaxed on the downs, and don't blow out the quads. Thats what I had to keep repeating to myself the first half. Then (hopefully), it would be game on. Ryan's CR and the time bonus that Nick put up was also in the back of my mind, but would not matter unless I had the lead and was still feeling good at the end. So those thoughts would have to wait for now.
The Bread & Butter - Race Day!: Race morning began with a 4:00 AM wake up, a small bowl of oatmeal, and a small caffeinated beverage to jump start the system. The weather was near perfect. Cool temperatures, clear skies, and calm winds. We arrived at the start around 5:00, a good 30 minutes before the start. We had to pick up our bib numbers, and I had to get my new VFuel gear since they just designed a new, and much more visually appealing, logo. Once I picked everything up, and got it back to the vehicle, it was time to get to the start line.
The race started at 5:30 AM in the pre-dawn glow. The opening miles were on a dirt road and a large group of us settled into a comfortable talking pace, catching up with one another. Once we hit the first single track section, the group strung out into a single file line. Trent & Mike took to pace setting and it was not long before they had a 30 second gap on the rest of us, myself sitting in 3rd with Ryan close behind. Coming into Horsetooth, the first major aid station, we were back to a group of about 6 as we started the second ascent. It was on that climb that Mike began to open up a gap, and I moved up to second in an attempt to keep him close. Paul remained close behind me, and this is how it continued to play out through the majority of the first half.
The race started at 5:30 AM in the pre-dawn glow. The opening miles were on a dirt road and a large group of us settled into a comfortable talking pace, catching up with one another. Once we hit the first single track section, the group strung out into a single file line. Trent & Mike took to pace setting and it was not long before they had a 30 second gap on the rest of us, myself sitting in 3rd with Ryan close behind. Coming into Horsetooth, the first major aid station, we were back to a group of about 6 as we started the second ascent. It was on that climb that Mike began to open up a gap, and I moved up to second in an attempt to keep him close. Paul remained close behind me, and this is how it continued to play out through the majority of the first half.
At the half way point, Mike had about a 3-4 minute lead on me. I stopped just long enough to refill my bottle and pick up some more have VFuel gels. As I left the turn around, my focus changed from conserve to race, and the chase was on. Over the next couple miles, as I worked my way up climb number 4, I was able to take into account the race going on behind me. Paul was still close, but not looking so hot. Ryan, looking comfortable, was 5 or 6 minutes back. Trent straight up said, "legs are shot" so my focus was dialed in on the race ahead of me. It was time to close the gap on Mike.
I could see mike on the climb and clocked him at just under 4 minutes ahead before he disappeared into the woods. I continued to work the climb, and once I reached the summit, let loose as I descended towards Arthur's aid. I was hoping to bring him back within sight. When I reached the aid station, I capped off my water bottle and quickly continued on. Thats when I saw Michael (Co-Owner of VFuel) and asked how far behind I was. He said I was leading! I couldn't believe it, I had to ask the next 5 or 6 people just to be sure.
I had no idea what happened to Mike, and I didn't fully allow myself to believe it until nearly half way up the 5th climb. (Apparently mike took a wrong turn, adding on a few minutes, and was just seconds behind me as I left the Arthur's aid station. As a result, "according to Burch", went into Beast Mode and put on a chase resulting in him redlining and blowing up before the top of the climb and nearly calling it.) All of that was going on behind me and I had no idea. Eventually though, I decided to ease up and not risk over heating and blowing up myself. While still maintaining a descent pace, I was able to relax a bit and enjoy not having make up ground.
The last two climbs definitely took their toll, regardless of my more relaxed effort. It was getting hot, and my water bottle always seemed to be empty. Every dark cloud that passed got my hopes up for a rain shower, but unfortunately that never happened. That did not matter though, because once I crested the top of the 6th and final climb of the day, I was confident that I had the race won. It was still a good 5+ miles to the finish, but I was still feeling descent and could finally let myself start thinking about the CR & time bonuses. I began picking up my pace, but still running comfortably on the steep road descent, then opened it up on the flatter single-track at the bottom.
I could see mike on the climb and clocked him at just under 4 minutes ahead before he disappeared into the woods. I continued to work the climb, and once I reached the summit, let loose as I descended towards Arthur's aid. I was hoping to bring him back within sight. When I reached the aid station, I capped off my water bottle and quickly continued on. Thats when I saw Michael (Co-Owner of VFuel) and asked how far behind I was. He said I was leading! I couldn't believe it, I had to ask the next 5 or 6 people just to be sure.
I had no idea what happened to Mike, and I didn't fully allow myself to believe it until nearly half way up the 5th climb. (Apparently mike took a wrong turn, adding on a few minutes, and was just seconds behind me as I left the Arthur's aid station. As a result, "according to Burch", went into Beast Mode and put on a chase resulting in him redlining and blowing up before the top of the climb and nearly calling it.) All of that was going on behind me and I had no idea. Eventually though, I decided to ease up and not risk over heating and blowing up myself. While still maintaining a descent pace, I was able to relax a bit and enjoy not having make up ground.
The last two climbs definitely took their toll, regardless of my more relaxed effort. It was getting hot, and my water bottle always seemed to be empty. Every dark cloud that passed got my hopes up for a rain shower, but unfortunately that never happened. That did not matter though, because once I crested the top of the 6th and final climb of the day, I was confident that I had the race won. It was still a good 5+ miles to the finish, but I was still feeling descent and could finally let myself start thinking about the CR & time bonuses. I began picking up my pace, but still running comfortably on the steep road descent, then opened it up on the flatter single-track at the bottom.
For a few minutes I thought that I had a chance at the CR, but knew that the 7:30 time bonus was out of the question. I miscalculated the distance to the finish after reaching the final road section though. Once I realized that it was two miles and not one, I knew it was not going to happen. After taking a final glance back and with no one in sight, I eased up and cruised into the finish. My legs were tired and fully satisfied with the effort, so a minute either way was not going to make much of a difference. I crossed the finish line in 7:44:54, winning my first Ultra and increasing my win streak to 3 for the year. It was an awesome course, and an awesome day. Probably the highlight of my ultra career thus far.
Giving Thanks: A huge thanks to Nick & Pete for putting on such a good race! The aid station crews were on top of it, quickly filling bottles and keeping the energy high. With the $350 I received for winning, I can now eat for a few more weeks while traveling. A definite plus! Since I won a free entry for next year Quad Rock 50, and after just missing the course record by a mear 4 minuets... I might just have to come back.
Until next year.. Run Pure!
Race Gear & Nutrition:
Nutrition: VFuel (19 Gels), S-Caps (8), Water (Aproximately 200 oz)
Hydration: Ultimate Direction 20 oz Handheld & SJ Essential Belt
Footwear: Altra's The One (Road Flat)
Apparel: A New VFuel Tech T, Cheap Pair of Running Shorts, and Swiftwick Socks
Post Race: Luna Sandals for Keeping the Feet Cool & Comfortable!
Splits: Horsetooth 10.6 mi (1:26), Arthur's 17.8 mi (2:29), Turn Around 25.2 mi (3:32:23), Arthur's 32.6 mi (4:41), Horsetooth 39.8 mi (6:01), Finish 50.4 mi (7:44:54). --- First Half (3:32:23) & Second Half (4:12:31)
Race Links: Website - Preview - Results - Photos
Race Reports: Ryan Burch, Mike Hinterberg, Eric Lee, Silke Koester (W25 Winner), MORE!
Giving Thanks: A huge thanks to Nick & Pete for putting on such a good race! The aid station crews were on top of it, quickly filling bottles and keeping the energy high. With the $350 I received for winning, I can now eat for a few more weeks while traveling. A definite plus! Since I won a free entry for next year Quad Rock 50, and after just missing the course record by a mear 4 minuets... I might just have to come back.
Until next year.. Run Pure!
Race Gear & Nutrition:
Nutrition: VFuel (19 Gels), S-Caps (8), Water (Aproximately 200 oz)
Hydration: Ultimate Direction 20 oz Handheld & SJ Essential Belt
Footwear: Altra's The One (Road Flat)
Apparel: A New VFuel Tech T, Cheap Pair of Running Shorts, and Swiftwick Socks
Post Race: Luna Sandals for Keeping the Feet Cool & Comfortable!
Splits: Horsetooth 10.6 mi (1:26), Arthur's 17.8 mi (2:29), Turn Around 25.2 mi (3:32:23), Arthur's 32.6 mi (4:41), Horsetooth 39.8 mi (6:01), Finish 50.4 mi (7:44:54). --- First Half (3:32:23) & Second Half (4:12:31)
Race Links: Website - Preview - Results - Photos
Race Reports: Ryan Burch, Mike Hinterberg, Eric Lee, Silke Koester (W25 Winner), MORE!
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