Sulpher 50 mile finish

[cbaker1]

Great day for a race near Hamilton yesterday. 4 laps of around the Dundas Conservation area running along side many 100 milers, 50 km and 25 and 10km runners.

Race started at 6 am, so that forced me up at about 3:30 am to get ready and be on the road around 4 AM. Arrived at the site just after 5 am and picked up my sandels and shirt. Loved both and wished it was a tech shirt as I could see me wanting to wear it quite a bit.

Race was off at 6 am and having never run this race I had no idea what the course would throw my way. A steep down hill at the begining got us off to a good clip. The course was easy to run, not too technical and was a great environment to run. During the first lap, it was only the runners on the trails. Mountain bikes, horses and hikers would join us throughout the day. Trails are fairly wide in most spots allowing for easy sharing of the trail. There was about 100 meters of single track and a few area where the services was a bit rutty from the bikes but overall laps were easy to get around. Aid stations seemed close together with the first one at 3km almost coming up too quickly. The longest we would have to go was about 7km, once we entered the lollipop.

I ran a little fast on my first two laps, which caused me some pain on laps 3 and 4. I ran 2:16 2:14 2:30 and finally 2:49 on my final lap to finish in just under 10 hours. I left nothing on the course and as I look forward to the Niagara 100km I have to review my eating and pacing strategy. I think that was my down fall. Near the end, I was a little weak and probably need a bit more food throughout the day. It cost me dearly on the final lap. Salt intake has improved now that I take salt tabs. Great to see Viking, Kinga, West Grey Runner, Chainsaw Baby and Curley and probably said hi to a few other maniacs as we past one another.

[jamix]

Looks like you were able to hold your pace together fairly well, considering the insane distance. Congrats.

[West Grey Runner]

That’s a great result Chris , you played the fade and won!

See you in Niagara.


How did Christa make out?

[cbaker1]

Hey Ron,
great job on your run. Christa finished the 50km in about 5:56 she thinks and was very pleased with her time.

See you in Niagara

[Robinandamelia]

That's a great result, wow...50 miles..well done! Congrats.

[Doonst]

That's a lot of fine running!

[carm]

Congrats Chris! Wow, 50 miles. That's pretty wild! It sounds like you had a great race.

[Sandra]

Congrats on completing 50 miles! Sulpher Springs is a great course!

[Chainsaw Baby]

Way to go, Chris! I think your splits were quite good. There is always improvement for nutrition, hydration and salt intake (usually more is the key, especially as the temperature climbs) but you didn't fade much between laps 2 and 4. Nice to see you, wine tasting at Niagara is next! (of course during the race, nutrition and hydration with an smooth, lingering finish)...

[UltraQueenga]

Good job, Chris!
It's not easy figuring out nutrition and salts in the hot weather and most people end up struggling. Niagara will definitely be a hot one, so drink lots and watch the salts and the food. Good luck!

[orleansrunner1962]

Great job -- looking forward to crossing paths with you 100 k'ers in Niagara as I attempt my first 50 km...... hope you recover well from this weekend!!