Beavers '16

I usually go on and on in my race reports, but after several failed attempts at creating one, I've lost of a lot of interest in this one and focused on writing on my Blessing report (which is finished, but I still need to edit and add photos). It's almost two weeks late (which is still better than most WTAC runner's race reports), but I finally got it done.

This wasn't a big race for me. Just a fun RI event that I had been wanting to run for a while and a good place to race with fellow WTACers. Couldn't resist not running it and jumped in at the last minute. I ignored the weather forecast because I usually run well regardless of temperature and felt ready to give a hard effort for the ten-miler race, even though I wasn't looking forward to the ten-mile format. The warm-up went a little long and had far too deerflies in our company, but we were soon on the line, awaiting the start.

Trying to get a good starting position next to trail master Steve Brightman.

But then making the mistake of going out too fast right behind him.

Lap 1
I had been given advice to run harder than usual at the start to get a good position going into the singletrack. It was a good idea, but I didn't really think it through. Steve Brightman took it out hard and the pace was around low 6s for the first quarter mile. I tailed right behind him but then realized I had plenty of room behind and that I still had the whole race ahead and backed off a tiny bit. We entered the woods 1 and 2. I was a little surprised how rocky and technical some of the trail was but felt pretty good the first mile. Brightman had about 10-20 meters on me, but eventually that gap disappeared and I was close behind. Shortly after, another gap closed- there were people right behind me and a pack had formed. Before eventually exiting single-track at about 2.5 miles in, I was starting to feel tired and I dropped to fourth but we were all pretty close to each other. At the waterstop, I saw Brightman pour water on his head and I did the same. It was some nice relief but also soaked my shirt. Orange Singlet and Brightman got a little ahead before going on another singletrack, and I took the opportunity to surge ahead and grab third place as yellow singlet was slowing a little. The trails weren't as hard now (if I remember correctly), but I started to feel really awful. It was hot and I was weak. The rest of the lap was awful- we all maintained the same positions except yellow singlet was swapped out by another yellow singlet (I didn't realize it until looking at Scott Mason's photos). My favorite part was the non-technical section by the pond, but that fun was ended with a steep climb. I felt pretty horrible (and was off the pace I should've been running) at the end of lap 1 and starting lap 2 wasn't fun at all.

(Miserably) starting lap 2.

About to slow down on this hill.

Lap 2
Brightman was far ahead now, but the yellow singlet guy wasn't too far behind. I eventually lost sight of Brightman as I was fading in the heat with my lack of strength, so eventually the yellow singlet guy passed me and ran away from me. The entire lap was horrible. I kept slowing down more and more and felt like I was in hell. I couldn't wait to get to the waterstop but it was a grueling mile and a half before that. During that mile, I was able to spot Muddy not too far behind. I finally got to the waterstop, barely even moving at that point. I looked back at the sharp turns and it seemed like Muddy was catching up quickly. I crossed the log bridge slowly and with the caution then looked back at the turn into the woods. Now it looked like Muddy was way behind (and had possibly fallen off the bridge). In the last mile, I was just waiting for him to pass. I felt like I was running 12 minute pace. He finally came up behind me, but much later than I anticipated and he wasn't making much of a move. I was able to pick it up the final quarter mile and hold him off, but that and the first quarter mile were the only times I was actually running somewhat fast.


I don't even remember my time because it was pretty pathetic and not even close to what I originally anticipated. I guess it made sense I'd be a little off when it's this hot but I felt like I completely died out there. I've run many 3Ks that felt terrible, but this was a new experience. The last eight were just completely suffering as I melted and my soul was sucked out of me while it seemed to take ages to finish. After finishing, I took a few moments to catch my breath and not topple over. I enjoyed the shade around me, but it was not fun to see that I had to walk over to a hot spot to get water. It was worth it- ice cold refreshment to the head, mouth and body.

I actually didn't plan on writing this much, but my original idea was to do a brief summary and have a list of pro and cons, so I'll conclude with that.

Pros

• Variety of Terrain
• Extremely Well-Marked
• Easy Bathroom Access
• Cold Refreshments

Cons

• Extremely difficult to keep going
• My Performance
• Two Laps

Considering how painful and unenjoyable this race was, I can't say I want to come back anytime soon. On the other hand, I also have a slight interest in establishing a much better course PR for myself so maybe in a long time, I'll be ready for this one again.