On Saturday I ran the 52k Seaton Trail Race.
This race is put on by the local group, the Seaton Trail Mud Puppies.
Very appropriate as the trails today were a sea of mud.
Last year I ran this race as my first ultra, in a conservative time of just over 7 hours.
Today I was hoping to break 6.
The first change from last year is they moved the start time up by two hours. The 52k started at the same time as the companion 50 miler, with a 29k starting the 2 hours later.
The second change I made was I carpooled with one of my running group to the race.
Forecast was not good, temps 39F and rain for the entire race. I had heard the rain would start when we did, my buddy heard two hours later. I was hoping his forecast was more accurate, but it was not to be, although warmer at 41F, the rain started before we did.
I started out in shorts, arm warmers, my RunningFree long sleeve tech t, RunningFree jacket, ball cap and light gloves. A little cool while waiting for the start but I was fine once we got moving.
About 2.5k in, we hit a water crossing, a river 30ft across and with the odd knee deep spot. River is pretty clear and you can pick your way across easily enough. But damn it was cold.
I warmed back up quickly enough, but then my race started falling apart. The trail started getting muddier and the footing a little slick. I went through one bog and my shoes immediately became 5lbs heavier. On top of that I was having trouble seeing roots with my glasses fogging up/rain spotted. Finally took them off and put them in my pocket and picked a little time back up.
Went down in the mud twice, but not badly.
Once we topped out on a rise and into a trailing wind and heavier rain.
As I passed through the second aid station (turn around point for our 2nd loop), I started running into more bogs and getting slowed up again. My buddy passed me shortly after this, on his way back in, so I thought I still wasn’t doing too badly.
I worked my way back through the bogs, but there seemed to be more of them and everyone wanted to suck my shoes off.
Back through the 2nd aid station and trails that were a little muddy before are now bogs themselves. Each one ankle deep and weighing down the shoes as you pass through. The weight didn’t last though as there were now flooded sections to wash the shoes off. At one point the trail was nothing but a fast flowing ankle deep stream.
And places where it was bog before were now under water. Ankle deep water over ankle deep mud still trying to suck your shoes off.
Where it wasn’t bog or water was still pretty slippery, and although I slid a few times, didn’t go down again. I did have one close call though, as I came down a hill with a sharp turn at the bottom, naturally, my feet started to go out from under me. Fortunately I ran myself into a tree at the side of the trail. Fortunately because straight ahead, less than 2 feet past the turn, was a twenty foot drop to the river/riverbank below.
Topped the rise again, now into an even heavier head wind and still more rain.
As I got closer to the end of the first loop, met my buddy heading back out again. Very discouraging to hear his first loop time, knowing that I had dropped back even farther. He had changed some clothes and was feeling a little better. I figured I would do the same at the end of the loop.
Shortly after that, I went off trail and probably added another k to my run.
Back through the river, which was now deeper, faster flowing and brown. A struggle to keep your feet, when you couldn’t see where you’re placing them (the race places several marshalls there to aid runners if need be).
Finally made it into the end of the loop in a poor time of 4:20. Completely forgetting this was a long loop.
Went to grab my spare socks and shirt from my kit to change and found my shirt must have fallen out in my buddy’s car. I thought no problem, I would just go get it and grab my spare shoes at the same time. One problem, I couldn’t remember the access code to unlock his doors.
Very much aware of the potential of hypothermia and with other races coming up, I decided at this point to withdraw from the race.
My first DNF since 1986 and about 125 races, still not a bad record.
2nd problem, all my dry clothes are locked in my buddy’s car and I don’t expect him back for 1½ – 2 hours. Still went and had a hot shower, just put my wet clothes back on. Got some hot food, lasagne and pasta and waited with some friends for my buddy to return.
While waiting, I watched the paramedics haul away one guy with hypothermia. So I think I made a good call.
Finally my buddy got in, more than an hour behind his worse time, and he’s usually more than an hour faster than me.
Got my clothes, another quick shower, a little bit more to eat and the drive home.
Unofficial time: DNF (4:20 for 29k)
Some quick stats: 2010, 54 starters in the 53k, 2 DNF. 2011, 66 registered for the 52k (do not know how many DNS), at least 20 DNF.
I also learned of 47 running the 50 mile race only 3 finished.
While disappointed with the DNF. I’m satisfied with my performance, considering the conditions (temps had dropped to 28F with the windchill by the time I stopped) and decision to withdraw.
Next race: Pick your Poison 50k April 30th. Redemption time? (it rained for that one last year).
