This is even NUC, since I just ran the 25K one loop race.
We had a little over 70 starters including the six little loop (5.1 mile) non-finishers. This was about twice our previous high, so I guess word is getting around that this is a fun race. We also had a good weather day, always a gamble at this time of year. As a matter of fact, it was warm enough so that the course actually ran a little slow because the sand didn't have that firmness that comes with sub-freezing temps.
As usual, there were all kinds of stories. The pleasure I get out of knowing so many people is that I get to participate with them emotionally in their races as well. I always end up so inspired, especially by the challenged ones. But four-time champion and race winner Greg Stone frequently flatters me by asking for training advice. Then there is the Cape Cod Ultra Society, about 18 of us at the moment, and they all share their races with me.
And this winter I have had this loveable crew of 10-12 hardy beginner runners who meet me at the Osterville Historical Society two nights a week. We use an open-end boat shed for the ten minute roll call and talk from the ancient coach. And I must say, this is a very, VERY diverse group! BUT TOUGH ! Enthusiastic! Most are beginners but two decided to try the whole 25K - a ten year old boy and a 64 year old man. The little guy Lukas Janulaitis flew through the initial little loop, then waited ten minutes for his mom to come in so he could ask her permission to continue. I had stayed out of it, even though I knew how much he was hoping to do it. He has been in my running classes since way back in May, never missing a session; very shy and quiet, a model student. But after all, it was a parent's call, though I had a hard time not chatting up about other ultra little guys (Gavin Wrublik always comes to mind). A few hours later I had the joy of watching a memorable family portrait as Lukas jogged to a proud finish in the blue and gold day. Smiles and tears. A photo framed by the immense sand dunes and the blue white caps of the Atlantic. His dad had trudged out two and a half miles on the beach to meet him.
There were so many other great stories, it is just that Lukas had the best of them. My good friend and Volstate finisher Fred Murolo was his usual steely self, completing the 50K for the sixth time in a row to keep his record perfect. Legitimate tough guy Special Services Koa Hasegawa slogged through the deep sand to carve out a finish, and promptly declared it "was the toughest thing I have done lately!" Considering he has been dropped in the middle of the Everglades and other jungles in survival training sessions, that's saying a mouthful. Colleen Murphy was first woman in the 50K and beat all but eight of the guys.
Jamie Zschau won the 25K in a new course record 2:07, and Molly Alesch was first woman in 2:19. (it is generally estimated that running these dune races are about 40 minutes per half slower for the distance in the deep sand.) Mountain and Hardrock runners Julian Jamison and Jeff List used the event for bigger and tougher prey (Julian for another try at that elusive finish at the yellow gate in the backwoods of Tennessee).
There were great mug shots fore and aft, many of them displaying the classic rear view -- a bent over position that illustrates just how shapely the distaff anatomy becomes from running all these fatasses. Race director Bob Jensen conducted the whole thing with ever-smiling wife (and head timer & cheerleader) Fiona, replete in his colorful new court jester outfit and top-fashion Tibetan cap fresh from California. The quohog chowder got the triple A review, and we got to use the new bath house as headquarters, a step up from the 8 by 12 camper of previous years.
My race was one that I'll remember for a long while. I have been training my ass off this winter in hopes of a decent Boston and Self Tran six day, but a 17 minute p.b. for the course at age 70 was something I would never have predicted. 12th out of the 40 runners in the race, and I managed to edge out a few guys on the beach homestretch (you will never know what it meant to an old gaffer by coming up afterwards so graciously and shaking my hand and calling me "Sir. Oh you machine Sir.") Everything just clicked, and I kept thinking of Karl King's advice, "when all else fails, try training." I've put in 80 and 90 mile weeks despite a week crowded by opting for opera courses, Big Brothers, ten minute play lectures, and high school basketball games. The key has been yet another diet that has shaved another four pounds off my previous starvation routine. I have yet to discover where losing weight is not cost-effective even when I am now 25 lbs. less than the weight I played football at in high school. Also, reading the National Master's News and the incredible Earl Fee and his three times a week interval sessions. (amongst other exploits, Fee at age 80 has run 400 meters in 71.24 seconds) His books reflect the intellect of the retired nuclear physicist he is -- he does not accept previous perimeters. I love that; we all can tag along and get dragged to new vistas ourselves.
The Fatass was a good start. For direction, for inspiration, I used a ten year old boy and an 80 year old that I have never met.
Pete Stringer