Sulphur Springs, 25K, Doonst
Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 10:45 am
I did the Sulphur Springs 25 K trail race in Ancaster yesterday, and I found it a little tougher than I expected. I had done the 10 K in last years race, and ran 22 K on the course 2 weeks ago, so i thought I knew what to expect. But every day is different I know.
Saw lots of Maniacs, good to see them out on the trails. Met Snowrunner, also doing the 25, and actually talked to him for the first 1.5 K before he scooted off.
It was muddier than last year, but mostly on the low spots, not the hills themselves. There were some though. The 25 does a 5 K loop, then the main 20 K loop that the long distance runners do over and over. There is a steep hill, the "gultch", that we get to do twice, at 4 K and at 24 K. I was hoping that this would be the only one that I would walk. Rounded the first loop in 27 minutes, seemed slow to me at the time. By 10 K the humidity was kicking in, and i saw that the times would be slow today. There was a weird out and back section in the middle, with a water stop. I think it was around here that I noticed how bagged i felt, after just half way. I started walking up the hills, admittedly so did everybody else. Its infectious! At first I felt guilty, but by 20 K I couldn't wait for a hill, so I could walk! Perceived effort is funny in a race like this, I knew I had to save enough energy not to crash too soon, but felt bad that I couldn't "master" the course. Back on the first loop around 18 K, I saw the big Maniac gang running the 10 K coming towards me, and i even managed to seem cheery(I hope). It was a pick-me-up for me for sure. Then the biggest hill, and 20 K water station. I made sure I was drinking 2 gatorades each time to keep hydrated. Takes time though. From here on I knew the course pretty well, and I picked it up a bit. Even passed 2 or 3 people on the big downhill, and then a couple more on another downhill. Posed for the photographer on Martin Road (strided a bit) and then the gultch again. Coming downhill after that back onto the main trail, I felt better than i had for an hour. With only 300 metres to go, i picked it up a bit, but its a gentle uphill, and my legs threatened to cramp up! Ended up shuffling up to the finish, with just enough energy for a big wave.
So I did find it tough, thats my word for it. Time was 2:36:21, came in 68 out of 152. Last year I did a Vulture Bait 25 trail race in 2:25, and I think I'm a lot faster now. This was slower going for sure. I think that the times were noticeably slower that last years race here, partly mud, partly humidity. It was my slowest pace of any race that I have done, took longer than my last 30 K. I am more sore now than any road race this year, mostly my back and even shoulders. Not bad though. Another race that I need revenge at!
Saw lots of Maniacs, good to see them out on the trails. Met Snowrunner, also doing the 25, and actually talked to him for the first 1.5 K before he scooted off.
It was muddier than last year, but mostly on the low spots, not the hills themselves. There were some though. The 25 does a 5 K loop, then the main 20 K loop that the long distance runners do over and over. There is a steep hill, the "gultch", that we get to do twice, at 4 K and at 24 K. I was hoping that this would be the only one that I would walk. Rounded the first loop in 27 minutes, seemed slow to me at the time. By 10 K the humidity was kicking in, and i saw that the times would be slow today. There was a weird out and back section in the middle, with a water stop. I think it was around here that I noticed how bagged i felt, after just half way. I started walking up the hills, admittedly so did everybody else. Its infectious! At first I felt guilty, but by 20 K I couldn't wait for a hill, so I could walk! Perceived effort is funny in a race like this, I knew I had to save enough energy not to crash too soon, but felt bad that I couldn't "master" the course. Back on the first loop around 18 K, I saw the big Maniac gang running the 10 K coming towards me, and i even managed to seem cheery(I hope). It was a pick-me-up for me for sure. Then the biggest hill, and 20 K water station. I made sure I was drinking 2 gatorades each time to keep hydrated. Takes time though. From here on I knew the course pretty well, and I picked it up a bit. Even passed 2 or 3 people on the big downhill, and then a couple more on another downhill. Posed for the photographer on Martin Road (strided a bit) and then the gultch again. Coming downhill after that back onto the main trail, I felt better than i had for an hour. With only 300 metres to go, i picked it up a bit, but its a gentle uphill, and my legs threatened to cramp up! Ended up shuffling up to the finish, with just enough energy for a big wave.
So I did find it tough, thats my word for it. Time was 2:36:21, came in 68 out of 152. Last year I did a Vulture Bait 25 trail race in 2:25, and I think I'm a lot faster now. This was slower going for sure. I think that the times were noticeably slower that last years race here, partly mud, partly humidity. It was my slowest pace of any race that I have done, took longer than my last 30 K. I am more sore now than any road race this year, mostly my back and even shoulders. Not bad though. Another race that I need revenge at!
That "gulch" is crazy- i can't believe you had to do it two times! 
bravo, bravo ... great job ....
