Race Report from LPTRunner Joe Fitzgibbon...
On Saturday I
made it back to the start line of my favorite marathon. I love running
the Birkie. Here’s why
1. Tough - With
4500 ft of elevation in 26 miles, it is not too different from running 4
consecutive black loops at Lapham.
2. Small - The
race is growing in popularity. Now in its 4th year, there were
around 130 runners at the start (and 109 that would cross the finish).
3. Point to point - I just like a straight line
course. Start in Hayward, first one to Cable wins.
4. Beautiful - I
wish I could spend more time in the Chequamegon Forest.
5. Well run - Good
aid stations, bike patrol on the course, multiple events plus a kid’s race,
great food and beer at the end.
In short, I had
a great race for the shape I am in.
I ran this race faster in 2011.
This year I got a late start on training due to a foot injury in
spring. I ran the race in 4:51
with a very even pace. Here are
the highlights;
What worked / what went well
Pacing - I
started the race with the mindset that I was racing a 10k – and the starting
line is 20 miles down the trail. It worked for me. I held as even a
pace as I ever have in a marathon or ultra.
Ice Bath – I am a believer. 6 minutes
of soaking in a tub full of ice after the race, and my ankles felt springy
again.
What didn’t go well / what to improve for
next year
Hill Training -
Didn't get nearly enough. I ran about 9 black loops total in the weeks
leading up to the race. More would have been better. Next year I plan to
run 40 in the 18 week span between Ice Age and Birkie.
The Taper - Like always, I screwed it up.
I just have a hard time passing up a ride, or run, or Spartan-fit class.
Lucky breaks
Weather - Starting
line temperatures were in the 40’s and there was cloud cover most of the day.
Chafing - It started mid race and not every aid station
had petroleum jelly. Fortunately I found a tube of brand-name healing
ointment on the trail around mile 17 (dropped by some unfortunate faster
runner).
Door prize - I won a subscription to a
reputable trail running themed magazine!
Favorite Moments
The last 6
miles - I am going to paraphrase a quote from one of the LPTRs, and I really
believe this. "We put in all the hours of training just for that
brief feeling of invincibility that you sometimes get late in a race."
I got that feeling this time and it was AWESOME!
Crossing the finish - My daughters were
waiting for me, and we all crossed the finish together.
The feeling of competition - anticipation at
the start, the lift you get when someone cheers for you at an aid station,
utter exhaustion lying on the ground 10 minutes after the finish, and the reborn
fervor for next year as you mind turns over ideas to do it better next time.
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