Four Fast Trackers experienced their first ultramarathon today at the Hump 50k at White Clay State Park ... Tom Chaves, Marissa Crocco, Jen Erickson, and Donna Radl joined 'veteran' ultra athletes Ethel Cook, George Hughes, Sylvie Laquerre, and Keith Straw.
What we learned ...
* distance in an ultra is not an exact science ... The course was actually about 2 miles long. At the last aid station, which we were told was 1 1/2 miles from the finish, was, according to the helper at the aid station, 3 to 4 miles from the finish ... Go figure
* you need to be more self sufficient with drinks, snacks, etc. Although there were aid stations, they are not enough to get you through ...
* make sure you bring a screw driver so that when someone (Ie keith) locks the door to the only bathroom at the start, it can be opened again
* the awards given are around 'first blood drawn' or 'best blood drawn' (of which marissa won the first one in the first quarter mile)
* garmins are not a valuable device when you are under heavy tree cover. Time/splits have little meaning
* hands, feet, and anything you need get wet and dirty as you cross streams, climb hills, and slide down slopes
Quite a different experience from other races including a marathon.
Thanks to Sylvie for rallying the troops in Fast Tracks to experience a great day on the trails.
