Once again, Doonst Baits the Vulture

[Doonst]

Today was my third time running the Vulture Bait 25 K trail race, around Fanshawe Reservoir near London On. In 2005 it was my first ever 25 K, taking 2:25. In 2006 I did it right in the middle of the Fall Tour (10 races of 20-25 K in 10.2 weeks) and my time was 2:11:02.

It was a beautiful day for running, after worrying about the cold all week. Sunny and bright, started at about one degree. Cold mostly on my ears for the first 40 minutes. Maybe a third of the people in shorts, I wore light loose running pants. Short sleeve over long sleeve RM shirts, mime gloves and ball cap. I also chose to wear street shoes because it has been dry all week, my lightest ones- Mizuno Elixers, worked out fine.

Saw lots of familiar faces and some new ones, before during and after. Viking, Ultra Queenga, Nature Girl and Bgroot, then West Grey on the course, and Jono after. Also some acquaintances from other OUSer and 5 Peaks races. Old home week for Ontario trail racers, last big splash.

I was a little nervous about today because all my recent pains have been in attendance in the last week. Sharp knee pain that cursed me for the last 6 K of the Toad 2 weeks ago was my biggest fear.

Its a great race, easy going yet well organized. Fast course and always well marked, as it should be, job one. The first 8 K are mostly on grass fields, fast straight trails, or campground roads. I kept up a good pace here, running by feel. So far I was happy, feeling good and averaging sub 5 pace. Not a lot of aid stations, but it was cool so it was fine. I think they were at 5 K, 11.5, 17 and 22. My only real complaint about the race: after serving Heed ( which I like just fine) at the first 3 stations, the last one had Gatorade? I don't know if I've seen that before, mixing drinks, I took water at the last one.

There was a new section or altered, that they called the lollipop. Out, loop, then back. More about that later. Still feeling good in the single track starting around 8 K. It really is a fast course for a trail race. Still some rolling starts here. Nice views of the lake from all directions as you run. In the neighbourhood of the 11.5 K aid station I ate a gel, ditched my gloves, and peed. That all wasted a good minute. I had slowed a bit but that was due to terrain. I was just glad I was cooking along with no real pain/injury issues. Of course I had several varied time goals but I was running by feel. Up to about 15 K I was pleasantly surprised by my pace. Then go figure I started to fall off the pace. I still felt fine, just less snap in the legs. I could see it happening on my Garmin, increasingly as the race went on.

About 19 K the Viking passed me (yes doing the 50 K) and we had a brief chat. After that it came to me, that I had hoped in the spring to make this my first ultra. Oh well, it didn't happen, maybe next year. I did notice that he disappeared quite quickly, I guess I was really slowing down. I did know by this time that I wasn't going to break any records today. I got a few good splits in near the end, but they took their toll. I would get down from seeing my pace, pick it up, then slow down again because I was tired. Ultra Queenga passed me just before my finish; again disappearing quite smartly, and again she was doing 2 loops.

Then I was done. Time of 2:20:55. Or almost 10 minutes slower than in 2006. I have to admit that didn't beat any of my 3 time goals. But it was such a beautiful day, I finished, and without any significant pain or injury. Everybody was so friendly, the food was great, the pavilion was warm. But 10 minutes slower! Than '06, when my half time was 5 minutes slower than now. I have to admit the numbers were as disappointing as the experience was fine.

At home comparing the distance and maps from my Garmin and SportTracks, I can see the difference in the course. It was changed, I show it 0.27 K longer, or about 90 seconds at my pace. Somehow that makes me feel a bit better about the numbers.

So I had a good time, feeling good, not nearly so beat up as after the Toad, and I'll get that endurance back I promise!

[Robbie-T]

atta boy Doonst, you make me proud every time, that is another race I need to show up at some day.

[MINITEE]

Sheldon, so sorry that I missed you out there. Rabid was taking pics on the first loop just past the rowing club so I hope you were wearing something that made you stand out?

You've pushed through an injury this year and you're coming back, just not as quickly as you would like. See you in Sulphur in May

(Hopefully before that though)

[Doonst]

Sheldon, so sorry that I missed you out there. Rabid was taking pics on the first loop just past the rowing club so I hope you were wearing something that made you stand out?

You've pushed through an injury this year and you're coming back, just not as quickly as you would like. See you in Sulphur in May

(Hopefully before that though)

Oh yes I saw him and he called out!

[ian]

No pains, no wardrobe malfunctions, no wonder it was sort of an enjoyable day...

[chunkymonkeymelonhed]

Nice one Doonst. Glad the knee was alright.

[West Grey Runner]

Your report is a great read Doonst. After all the troubles you have had this season finishing this race pain free is a real triumph.

[richie-rich]

Your report is a great read Doonst. After all the troubles you have had this season finishing this race pain free is a real triumph.

my thoughts exactly. your times will improve with your endurance. the main thing is you ran that far without pain.

[VeloCarrie]

Your report is a great read Doonst. After all the troubles you have had this season finishing this race pain free is a real triumph.

Ditto. Exactly what I was thinking. It's a win if you finished this race happy and with no pain after the injury difficulties you have had this year.

[Kristen]

Awesome job! Definitely a great day for the trails. My hat goes off to you, Doonst - racing 25k on trails is no easy 'feet.'

[trixiee]

Glad that it ended up being "not so bad" afterall! This one is on my radar too...
Congrats on finishung pain free!
-There's much to be happy about there!

[Ken B]

Great report Sheldon! If I was ever to run a 50 km distance, this would be the one. Your description of the course is gexcellent.

Congratulations on finishing without any further problems!

[dgrant]

I have to admit the numbers were as disappointing as the experience was fine.

With all your '09 aches and pains, it's good to dwell on the positive experiences. Screw the numbers. Next year the pendulum might swing completely the other way and you set PB after PB. You've had those years before as well. That's the way she goes, eh?

[Jo-Jo]

I'm proud of you. And not just cuz I get paid big bucks to be your Official Fan

Seriously...Sheldon...you've struggled with some injuries this season and the fact that you ran pain free for 25km on trails is just pretty darn awesome

Well done!

[scrumhalfgirl]

Seriously...Sheldon...you've struggled with some injuries this season and the fact that you ran pain free for 25km on trails is just pretty darn awesome

Well done!

I was just about to post the same thing. Celebrate the success!

[HCcD]

Even with your injuries plaguing you this season, Sheldon, way-da-Go, to be out there in the trails and enjoying the moment ...

Anyone ever tell ya that you race too much ?? Now rest up, will ya ...

[UltraQueenga]

Nice report, doonst! Congrats on a good time and finishing pain-free!! That's all that matters.

[jonovision_man]

Hey good stuff! I saw you on course at that short out-and-back part early on, wasn't 100% sure it was you though so didn't say anything until after the race (which you finished way before me!!! )

jono

[Garrett]

Nice to hear you had a good day, sorry you couldn't hit any of your time goals.

[Nature Girl]

It was nic to meet you finally... re: Gatorade - I think the dude was just calling it gatorade when it was, in fact Heed.

[BaldGuy]

Sounds like a great day for a run, Sheldon -- no matter the outcome. Glad to see you out there and doing your thing, and surviving to run another day. Glad you finished pain-free -- and I'm still a huge Doonst fan, no matter when you finish.

[QuickChick]

Hey, you finished and you felt good. When you ran 10 minutes faster, surely you were pushing a lot harder and didn't have the same injury worries. You'll get it back, don't worry. Good job!

[ultraslacker]

Every day on the trails is a good day, right? :)

[BaldGuy]

Oh, and I forgot to say: "Baiting the Vulture? Is THAT what the kids are calling it these days?"

[blank]

But it was such a beautiful day, I finished, and without any significant pain or injury. Everybody was so friendly, the food was great, the pavilion was warm.

That's a happy ending!

Nice run Sheldon, glad you're feeling pain free.