Vulture Bait was the last race of the Ontario Ultra Series and it turned out to be a glorious sunny day. The drive to the race was a bit stressful as we almost ran out of gas and then we drove past the entrance to the park. Argh! This was our first time at the Vulture Bait and we were expecting to see better signage to Fanshawe Conservation Area. Oh well. Got to the start, picked up our bibs and chips and race kits (nice loot bag!) This race is a very well run event!
I had a good pre-race, had good breakfast, coffee and was well hydrated. No bowel issues, everything felt good and I was feeling great about this race. I had no particular time goal, just hoped to run as fast and as well as I can. I wanted to run a great series finale, leave almost nothing on the course.
I started out fast, running behind a few speedy ultra runners. It was a mass start, not sure where I was in the pack, but I was glad it was moving well. The first section was busy, but then things started to settle and the trails became more roomy, if you can say that about trails. I was wearing my long sleeve black compression shirt with my blue tank top on and black tights. It was cool at the start, but then it warmed up and at times I was just hot and sweating too much. Definitely could have run in shorts and one long sleeve. I ended up popping 3 electrolyte pills all in all and drank mostly Heed. I passed a lot of runners on my first lap, caught doonst near the finish of his 25k. I ran my first loop in 2:20 and I knew my second lap would be slower and tougher.
I was running on the heels of a fast ultra guy, followed him. Somewhere around km 27-28 we went off course about 200 m, ran out of flags, so we had to retrace out steps to the last flag. We added about half a km or 2-3 minutes. Oh well. Meanwhile another pack of runners caught us and we ran in a group for a little while till the first aid station. I walked that hill and had the last of my 3 salt pills and ate a gel, then went on chasing some runners ahead of me.
This course is a mix of a bit of gravel roads, a bit of paved stuff, some grassy areas and nice crunchy trails with a timid roll. I loved the forest bits, ran every hill and never once tripped or fell. (I stepped funny once, but it's not swollen or hurting, so it doesn't count.
) There was a nasty rocky downhill, but very short. The paved road sections were tedious and slow for me. I was trying to run them as fast as possible just to get to the next bit of trail. The last 10 km were tough, especially the last 3k where my hamstrings were threatening mutiny and were about to cramp on me. I wish I had one extra salt pill in this race. Dang! The viking caught me with 2k to go and wanted to help me to the finish, but I asked him to go ahead and let me stay focused on keeping my cramps at bay. I also had this weird side-stitch that may have been the combined result of slight dehydration, electrolyte depletion and too many gels (6 or 7 in total). This is the fastest I've ever run a 50k trail race (5:33 at Toad 2 weeks ago). I finished in 4:57:38, fifth female and took home a really cheesy trophy of a turkey.
Best of all, I ran hard, ran every hill, except 2 on my last lap while trying to pop a salt pill and eat/drink. I made little or no stops except to refill my handheld at the aid stations and grab a handful of peanut M&Ms, pretzels or chips. I ran mostly on gels and hated it, but they are quick and easy fuel to handle. I finished slightly dizzy and sick, but recovered a little later and enjoyed the post-race lunch and award ceremony. The viking and I took home some awards from the Ontario Ultra Series. 2009 was a busy year.It was great to meet up with maniacs and friends at Vulture Bait! Saw NatureGirl who toughed it out to the finish battling injuries and a cold, rabidchipmunk took photos and provided sound effects for that evil rocky downhill section
, mini-t provided post-race cider to the viking and I (much appreciated), westgreyrunner was looking happy and content with his race. Another fine day for trail running! The series ended, but we've still got a few races left this year and are already making plans for the cold dark season.
And, what an awesome prize, 'Bringin' Home the Turkey ... " 
So, was/is the turkey alive ?? 
50k blows me away, and your time is just amazing.
and I still don't know what to say other than