2013 Badger Mountain Challenge Race Report

2013 Badger Mountain Challenge 100 Mile Race Report

by Ras


     Overall, I ran well at Badger and I was happy with my performance. I got off course for a 2 mile or so out and back following left over paint markings from last year. This was just after I playfully mocked Matt Hagen for carrying a course description, maps, and a GPS, so I'll content myself with the thought that it was cosmic retribution, rather than a fault in my navigation.

     Despite that, after I got back on course I ran well all day and slowly reeled in most of the people that had passed me during my off-course escapade. There were also some nice improvements to the course, eliminating a scary run along the shoulder of a highway after dark. 

     This race has what to me is a lot of asphalt, about 15 miles by my count, and last year it left my feet swollen for a week. This year, running faster but wearing Altra Lone Peaks instead of the Inov-8 Roclites I wore for so many years, I had no swelling afterwards, as well as no blisters or hot spots. The midsole really made a noticable distance for me on all that blacktop.

     As with the Fort Ebbey Kettles Trail Marathon in February, I didn't feel like eating during the race. I did consistently eat a little bit while I was running, but I was mostly sustained by half-sandwiches (soy slices, sprouts, tomato, & onion on ezekiel bread with veganaise) Kathy was giving me at the various aid stations where there was crew access. I ate far fewer calories than I would consider normal for a 100 miler, and far fewer than I had planned on. Since last summer I have been making efforts to train my body to metabolize fat as its primary fuel source, so I am concluding that my body was metabolizing more stored fat and demanding fewer bulk calories.

     The weather was perfect for the whole race, warm during the day and temperate at night. Just before and after dawn it got pretty cold, but I was able to just run through it until things warmed up again. My layering was right at the minimal end of perfect.

     I finished with a 100 Mile PR of 27:17:00,  a big improvement over last years 29:51:08.

First race in my Ites, Gold, & Green running kit for 2013

Physically and mentally prepared to grapple with this course

     

A rare photo of me paying attention at the pre-race briefing. Although it looks like Matt Hagen is paying closer attention

Once again, it begins. I love the excitements at the beginning of a 100 mile race.

George Orozco not giving any indication of the gigantic
blister that was devouring his foot

About 18 miles deep, and enjoying my first sandwich.
I always eat heading into big climbs, to allow time to
digest before I'm running again.

Linh Shark on the way to finishing her first 100 mile race, paced by her husband
Jonathan, and later by Deby Kumasaka.

Greg Manciagli doing what has to be done to George Orozco's blister blighted foot. Yes, that splash of fluid on the blacktop was drained from George's blister.

I was craving fat and salt and this did the trick. Seventy nine miles in, and Kathy had just come on to pace me the rest of the way.

A welcome sunrise after running through the night.

Allowing myself a one minute sit break. My Woolrich wool shirt with a sSmartwool neck gaiter, two fleece hats, and cross country ski gloves made a perfect layering system through the night.

Kathy was pushing me to keep moving, choosing landmarks for us to run to in between walking breaks. She said, "Let's run to the end of that irrigation line." I agreed. Then we came around a slight curve and I realized it was the longest irrigation line I had ever seen. "Nicely played, Kathy," I thought to myself.

Landing my customary 360 at the finish line.

With Jacob Puzey, winner of the 50k

Complete 100 Mile Results