Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon

Wow, this marathon is one of a kind. It’s small and informal, run by Maniacs for Maniacs (although others are welcome). The big appeal of this marathon is a 2 mile run through a totally dark tunnel. That combined with the fact that it is on a trail and all downhill made it too appealing to pass up, even though I’d just crashed and burned at Haulin’ Aspen last week.

I decided to take the early start. I’m becoming more fond of early starts for my “easy” marathons. I get done earlier, I get to run with people that I ordinarily would not even see, and I feel no pressure to run a certain speed. I think my switch to early starts (and a more relaxed attitude) is the reason I’ve been able to run so many marathons this year without feeling much fatigue. Anyway, back to the marathon….

I hit the road at 4:00 a.m. It was an exciting drive through rain and lightning. I was happy to see the rain and hoped for cooler temperatures… we had been in the 90’s during the week. I made it to the finish area where we boarded buses for the startline. The rain had stopped by the time we started the race. We ran an easy mile, then hit the tunnel. I was equipped with a headlamp and small hand-held. The footing in the tunnel was amazingly good, though we had to swerve around a few puddles. It was a surreal experience, especially since the rain had turned the tunnel into a steam sauna. It was hot and very damp. At the end of the tunnel we were greeted by a self-serve aid station before continuing down the trail. I felt like running by myself, so I quickened my pace enough to gain sometime on the rest of the pack. Once alone, I turned on my Ipod and enjoyed a nice, gentle trail run through some spectacular scenery and over a hand full of high tressels. Somewhere around mile 16 the trail passed through a mecca for rock climbers. They were everywhere for several miles and added a lot of interest to the run. By mile 18 the heat and constant downhill were taking a toll. I was still having fun, but also amazed at how much I was sweating. I made sure I was taking electrolytes every 5 miles although I wasn’t able to eat much since the heat made my stomach turn sour. I had brought some ginger crews and that seemed to help a bit (plus they taste great). By mile 20 I was slowing down and walking a bit “just because”. Mile 24 found me with a second wind and I was able to push a little harder to the finish. I didn’t stick around the finish area long. I was feeling sticky and dusty and just wanted to get home to a nice shower and clean clothes.

This really was a great marathon and I will definitely add it to my calendar for next year.

Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon

This has to be the toughest and most enjoyable marathon that I have run. Last year I had a real problem staying upright during the 12 mile single track downhill. I think it was partially due to my inexperience running technical trails and partially to shoes that were a little too big. Since I knew I would be running this course again, I spent a good part of my winter and spring working on my downhill running technique, sometimes in the dark to really sharpen my balance. I also bought smaller shoes.

Sunday morning I was up at 4am getting dressed, eating and rushing off to catch the 5 am shuttle. The shuttle driver managed to get us to the start line in record time and a group of us huddled together trying to stay warm in the sub-40 degree temperatures. The Race Director took pity on us and announced that anyone who wanted start early could: at 6:00. I decided that was better than shivering for the next hour so I made my way to the start line. Unfortunately, things were delayed a bit, but they finally allowed us to start at 6:30. The pack was running nice and easy, taking time to warm up cold muscles. After the first mile we heard shouts from behind. Somehow the pack had gotten off course and we had to double back. Finally we were on course again and starting the 14 mile climb. I was struggling with cold muscles and high altitude, finding myself short of breath within the first few miles. I think it was the early fatigue that was my downfall, literally. Right after mile 5, going uphill, I stumbled on a rock and came crashing down. I landed on lava scree and completely knocked the wind out of myself. It took me a few minutes to get up and access the damage: bleeding from my shoulder, elbow and lower leg. Cuts on both hands and a very sore hip. I walked a bit and actually felt pretty good. I picked up a run and my hip immediately started to collapse. I slowed back to a walk and again felt fine. The next aid station was 3 miles away so I would wait until then to decide what to do. I had to make a choice: I could quit, take the turnoff for the half marathon, or keep going on the full course and walk the whole way if needed. By the time I hit the mile 8 aid station I was alternating ¼ mile walks and ¼ mile runs. This seemed to be working fine. I decided to try my best and finish the full marathon, even if I ended up walking most of the way. I continued to alternate running and walking until mile 10 when the real climbing started. I walked the next 4 miles, keeping the fastest pace I could manage. I think that 4 mile walk did me more good than anything else I could have done. By the time I hit mile 14 and turned onto the most delightful single track imaginable, I was ready to run. I ran well, too. My downhill training really paid off as I floated down the trail, wide stance, arms spread like wings to balance. I didn’t trip once! I did throw in a couple of walk breaks when my hip would suddenly collapse on me, but a few strides of walking was all it took to set things right again. I finished strong with plenty left in the tank (last year I really struggled the last two miles). I quickly found the medics and had them scrub all the dust and rocks out of my wounds, then grabbed a beer and some lunch. My finish time was 5:27, 22 minutes slower than last year but I was happy with my results. I think most people would have dropped out, but instead I pushed through and finished my 30th marathon.