It is hard to imagine a race day playing out better than it did for Ghost Train. I signed up for Ghost Train (GT) in August with plans to run 45 miles (the trail is a 7.5 mile out and back so runners can choose any variation of 15 miles). However, during the Vermont 50 weekend I learned that the Vermont 100, which I plan to run in 2017, requires a 50 miler qualifier. After swapping a few emails with Amy Rusiecki, the VT 100 Race Director, I bumped my mileage up to 60. I didn’t give much thought to this until about a week later when it dawned on me that I was going to run 60 miles!
I had a strong VT 50k run and my legs felt decent the last
few miles and the week following. So although only 32 (the course had a 1-mile
bonus!) I was hoping to bank on a nearly flat and runnable GT trail to allow me
to essentially double my mileage. Mind over matter, tight?
I got in a few road long runs after VT 50 and also cranked
up my weekday mileage. This combined with 2-days a week of physical therapy for
my ankle had me feeling pretty optimistic going into GT.
I lined up four amazing sighted guides, rested the week
before, and set my three goals. A) sub 12-hour (picked rather arbitrarily but
it sounded cool). B) under 15 hours for VT 100 qualifier C) get to 60
My only small concern leading into GT was my guides. I had
run with two of my guides before but neither of them had guided on trails. And
Amy Rusiecki stepped up big time to guide me but she had never guided before. Thankfully,
all three are super strong runners and very quick learners.
Jeff Dusek and I arrived at Camp Tevya in Brookline, NH
around 8:15AM for the 9:00AM start. Jeff and I have done a few shorter runs
together and he has a ton of guiding experience through Achilles Internal
Boston. Unfortunately, I kind of forgot to get a bagel and coffee on the way up
so two bananas were my only pre-race food. We tucked my bag under a tent someone
had kindly put up, hit the porta-potty (always a nice physical & mental
relief), and were lined up with plenty of time.
Numerous trail runners told me that GT is incredibly
runnable. It is mostly an old rail trail, with a roughly ¼ to 1/3 mile of
single track that was technical and also represented the only true climb. There
was also a section of old rail ties sticking out to keep you honest.
The first few miles were flat and except for a few small
driveway and road crossings very runnable. I was starting to get excited about
being able to keep up a good pace. We blew by the mid-point aid station and
came into what I think is the most beautiful section of the trail. The forest
was perfect-big trees, pine needle covered footing, with just a few roots and
rocks. So quiet out there.
Of course the first runner who knew me actual knew my
daughter Lucy! We shared a few miles with Paula, who volunteered at the TARC
Blue Hills 12k and Lucy hung out with her at the registration table. Paula
looked strong the entire day.
The first loop was a chance to check out the terrain so we
were keeping the pace manageable. We came across a hanging skeleton which
pointed us sharp right and we began to hit the first and only real climb. This
was nothing compared to VT 50 and the terrain was not too technical. We power
hiked up, ran a small flat section at the top, then slowly walked a pretty
technical section coming down. Overall I think this was 1/3 to ½ a mile. We
began to run again and I knew were pretty close to the turnaround.
We shared a few miles with Davina who was also running the
60 miles plus two more to get a 100k. I really enjoyed chatting with her and it
was nice to say hello to her throughout the day.
We hit a few road crossings here including one that had
steps going down and back up and one that was a pretty steep down. Very short
but something to be mindful of as the day continues on.
We then came upon the infamous “culvert” which we ran
through (it passed under a road). There were a few big steps into and out of
the culvert then you could run the 100 feet or so. There was always a nice echo
so I got to practice my famous beat-boxing skills!
Somewhere around mile 13 the 100-mile leaders passed us on
their return trip. Man, they were blazing fast!
A few short sections of trails and we came across a very
narrow (maybe two feet wide) asphalt dam/path that had water on both sides. All
I could think about was falling into this at some point. I stumbled onto the
path, walked behind Jeff while holding onto his shoulder, and we were across!
 |
| The Culvert |
 |
| The Narrow Bridge |
This led into the turn-around station so it was nice to see
a bunch of folks. I needed to catch up on fuel so I grabbed a few cheese
sandwich squares while Jeff re-filled his hand held. I had a 2-liter Nathan
pack filled with Tailwind so I was set on hydration. Overall this was a quick
stop and we headed back on the loop.
We continued to make good time on the way back and had a
better sense of which spots to push it on. We stopped at the mid aid station
looking for coffee but no luck so we kept on running. A mile or two after that
I started to get really tired and I could feel a low point setting in. The fact
that I was about 11-12 miles in was alarming. We slowed the pace a bit for the
pesky rail ties and Jeff did a great job calling them out.
 |
| Jeff & I (back to photo) on the first loop. |
However, this section seemed to drag on forever and I kept wondering when we would get back to the start. We passed a random orange cone so I knew we were getting closer. Finally, we came upon the lake, hit the pavement, and ran into the start area. We ran through the timing tent, called out our number, and were instructed to continue on for a couple of hundred yards, run under a small covered bridge, do a 180 around another orange cone, and ran back to the start/tent where my stuff was.
We finished the first loop in 2:37 so we were right on pace.
Jeff filled my pack while I greeted and updated my next guide Kim McCraken. I
left out the part about me feeling so shitty.
We walked a few hundred feet while I drank the coffee and
within a few minutes I was feeling better. I was trying to take in a Clif bar
or gu every 45-60 minutes to compliment the Tailwind.
We hit the small climb, cruised along the flat section, had
fun in the culvert, then arrived at the turnaround. I grabbed a handful of
food, a cup of steaming hot broth, which I ingested while we walked cautiously
back over the concrete dam.
Other than it starting to rain, the return trip was
uneventful and very disciplined. We fell into a nice rhythm and held a steady
pace the entire way.
A few miles out Amy R. was there ready for her “sighted
guide training!” I was now running behind Kim so Amy ran alongside Kim to get a
sense of what she was calling out and when.
 |
| Kim, Amy, Lucy and I coming in after loop 2. 30 miles down. |
As we came into Camp Tevya my wife Jill and Lucy were there
cheering us on. Lucy jogged with us for a hundred or so feet while I gave her
and Kim instructions on what gear to pull out. As Amy and I passed the timing
tent I saw Randy and Tracy Pierce on the side cheering us on. What a wonderful
surprise and pick me up. We circled back around to my drop bag and I was a wee
bit manic. I needed dry socks and shirts as well as a complete fuel overhaul.
For the only time during the race, I sat down to change while simultaneously
getting updates from Lucy about her morning soccer game and chatting with Randy
and Tracy.
We completed two laps in 5 hours and 32 minutes so we were
right on pace. Which was good because this pit stop was going to eat up a few
minutes.
I filled my pockets with Gus and bars, a baked potato, and
PB and banana wrap. I was still a little cold from the rain so we grabbed a cup
of broth on the way out. The aid station worker was kind enough to cut up my potato
so I could soak it in the broth. Seriously, these folks rock!
Amy and I took off running side-by-side on the pavement and
wide dirt path. I had swapped a number of emails with Amy regarding the VT 100
and met her at the VT 50 start line but we really didn’t know each other all
that well. We had 15 miles to change that. We settled in to a solid pace and I
immediately felt comfortable with Amy’s guiding. She was spot on with the step
up calls and left/rights. I was at the mile 32-33 mark so I was trying to
conserve as much energy as possible so my feet were getting a little extra lazy
than normal.
We came upon a long straight-away with a small bridge and
volunteers were out lining the trail with jack-o-lanterns.
We entered the rail tie section which I had begun to dread.
Amy stepped up her calls and notified me of upcoming ties. However, my legs
were still dragging so the next thing I knew I was face down in the dirt with a
runner coming the other way asking if I was OK. I hoped up, brushed off my
hands, and kept going. The thing with guiding is that the sighted guide is only
responsible for letting me know what is coming up, which Amy did. It is my job
to respond and actually pick my feet up. So this fall was on me.
After the mid aid station, we both agreed that the second
half was so much more enjoyable than the first half. There are so many
landmarks/smaller sections (the climb/technical area, culvert, smooth fast
section) that makes that section click by.
The rain was still coming down a bit so the climb was a bit
muddier and therefore trickier than before. We passed this section and were on
our way to the turnaround.
At some point we shared a few miles with Matt who like Amy
was from Western Mass. Matt was gunning for the 100 and looking strong. So
strong that I busted out my regular “hey, so you want to give me a piggy back”
joke.
At the turn-around I looked at my knee and was surprised
that my knee and leg were covered in blood. It looked like just a few scrapes
so nothing to worry about.
We were cruising on the return trip and right on pace for
another solid and consistent loop. The trail picked up some more mud in a few
sections but not enough to slow us down.
My watch battery ran out during loop two so Amy was
incredibly patient with my numerous pace/time requests. I grabbed more coffee
at the mid aid station and kept moving forward. By this time, I was starting to
feel incredibly surprised on just how strong I felt. I was working hard to keep
on pace but not to the point where I was breathing heavy and using a lot of
extra energy. I kept reminding myself that there was plenty of miles to go.
I took another spill on the rail ties (again, my fault and
not Amy’s) and landed in a nice mud puddle. A little mud in your mouth will not
hurt youJ
Around this point Amy started to coach/encourage me in
addition to guiding which was perfect timing. I trusted her pace and just vowed
to stay behind her. A few miles out, as the sun was setting, I yet again asked
her what the pace was. She laughed and said “Do you really want to know?” Well,
now I do. We were at 9:15 minute pace for that mile. I felt good so we kept at
it.
We arrived back at the start at 5:34pm which was right where
I needed to be. When you factor in three start aid stations/gear swaps each
loop was exactly 3 hours. I had a small cushion form my first loop so for the
first time I thought I could finish under 12 hours. Jill did a great job making
sure I grabbed my stuff as quickly as possible and got back out there.
Michelle Becker, my fourth and final guide, and I started
the fourth loop at 5:50pm. We had 3 hours 10 minutes to run 15 miles. Totally
doable.
I had my headlamp on and Michelle was decked out in her
reflective gear. I slid behind her and we took off. I felt fine energy wise but
could kind of feel that the first few miles were a bit slower than previous. I
think I was getting complacent and not pushing. I also wanted to make sure I
didn’t trip over the rail ties or other roots.
 |
| Photo Credit to another runner. |
Shortly before the climb Michelle called out that is was
“smooth sailing” for as far as she could see (not very far seeing she had a
headlamp on) so we pushed the pace. I caught a second (third?) wind and we
really pushed that section to help bank time for the climb. I was tired and
slower than normal going up but I kept moving forward. We passed a number of
runners going the opposite way and the 100s were looking strong.
I made a commitment to not ask Michelle about the pace and
just go off of feel for the final loop. I am not that good on this so I think I
may have run a bit slower than previous loops. I was also 50+ miles in so there
is that.
We came upon a few volunteers near the culvert who had a
radio playing dance music. I broke out a very slow “running man” for a little
dance party action. I may have done a few loud woo-hoos running through the
culvert, too.
I needed something warm and ginger ale at the turn-around
but wanted it to be quick. An aid station volunteer said it was exactly 7:30
which confirmed the slower pace. I was too tired to do the math but knew I had
90 minutes to run 7.5 miles. I can do that.
We walked over the narrow dam bridge for the last time
(unless I go for another loop…) and we saw Matt again. He was looking strong
and in good spirits. He wanted to run with us so the three of us took off
together.
I was in full blown manic mode and told Michelle to go as
fast as she thought was safe. I did not want to barely miss my 12-hour goal and
felt like I could hang on for 7 miles. We cruised to the hill, slogged up that
shitty section. I was moving slow and a runner came up behind us and joked that
he too was benefiting from Michelle’s guide calls. It turns out that he ran the
VT 50 miler and passed me right before the finish (yup, he finished before I
did my 50k). He looked good and I’m sure he got his hundo.
I needed a small sip of ginger ale so we flew into the mid
aid station, quickly filled a cup, and I slow jogged while drinking it. Then we
were back at it.
My legs were still feeling strong but I knew the rail tie
section was coming. I asked Michelle to slow down a bit but go faster than the
out trip. I whispered my first “Let’s Go Robidoux” and high stepped it like I
was in high school football high-step rope. We made it through, were mesmerized
by the long stretch of jack-o-lanterns, and the countdown truly began. The
miles clicked by as I continued to ask Michelle if we passed the orange cone. Finally,
we passed it and now every 15 feet or so I asked her where the camp cottages
were.
We were laying it down now (my last mile was 8:46 which is
the fastest mile of loops 1,2, & 4-I don’t have loop 3 data-and likely my
fastest all day.
We hit the pavement, heard people starting to cheer, blew
past the timing tent, did the small little loop, and back to the timing tent to
say I was 60 and done! I couldn’t hear the time so Michelle went over to ask a
second time.
 |
| Michelle & I. 60 miles & done!!! |
11 hours and 53 minutes!!! We did it with very little time to spare.
There are so many things I am proud of from this race:
·
My guides were incredible. They drove all the
way there, guided and at times paced me, helped me get in and out of aid
stations quickly.
·
I ran incredibly consistent loops. When you
factor in the start aid stations, every loop was within a 10-12 range.
·
I was not exhausted which I think is a testament
to my pace, fueling, and training.
I was surprised to learn a few days afterward that I placed
fifth overall on the fourth male for the 6-0-mile race!
As always, TARC put on a first class race. Thanks to Steve
Latour, the RD, for your support from day one and all of the pre, during, and
past race volunteers. Simply amazing people. Biug thanks to Jill and Lucy for
schlepping to yet another race (partially in the rain) and cheering me as well
as helping with aid stations etc.
Bring on the Vermont 100! So ready to dive into the training
(hills, hills, hills) in preparation for my first hundred.
See you on the streets or in the woods!
Gear
·
NATHAN Pack
·
Clif energy gu & Tailwind
Post-race beer: Bissell Brothers Reciprocal
