Wildwood 12-miler race report

RUN: 12 miles 1:41:26 for an 8:28m/m pace.

Compared to last year’s 1:42:?? for an 8:33m/m pace. Goal this year—beat last year’s time.

I started the week with what was probably a head cold, atypical as it was with chills and muscles aches (I don’t think it was flu, not severe enough), so it was an unplanned rest week. Although I didn’t rest much…only in swimming…

Either way, it was sunny, clear, low 40’s, and expected to warm up. There was some wind but along the trails the wind would be blunted. The only concern was ice—it did freeze overnight and the recent melts and light rains left a slick layer in some areas.

Breakfast: banana, sweet potato, dates, egg whites, not a good planned breakfast. Very random. Pre-race: a banana.

I didn’t warm up much, just jogged 30s or so to make sure my Brooks trail shoes were comfy. I choose those shoes because this wasn’t really a trail run, but had enough trail segments that I worried about mud getting through the meshes. Then for more warmup I talked to JP and kinda hopped around to stay warm. I knew I was overdressed (yellow windbreak coat, tech T, craft layer) but I couldn’t help myself. I hate being cold.

I was in wave 4 with about 20 others. The first mile was on paved trail—slick but flat. I kept a high pace as I warmed up. By mile 2 we were on limestone trail and more spread out so I could keep my pace and not follow another’s. The slick trail was gone until mile 6.

I had the garmin set to show average pace and I kept an eye at each mile mark. The first 4 miles on the path/trails were low 8 mins. This was encouraging, but I knew that the big hill was ahead. Right around mile 4 the course jumped onto single track along the river. I think I could see the Chubb trail area!

Mile 6 marked the half way point (50 mins) and the return to pavement. I was able to see the runners returning to the start and avoided the temptation to count women. It was a wave start race, the number of womens ahead of me was a worthless number, other than to keep my mind occupied. This was a pretty part of the course—little bridges, creeks, trees—other than the fact that the little bridges were SLICK. Just had to slow up a little and step careful.

Mile 7-ish marked the start uphill, a sustained 1 mile climb with varying grade. My pace dropped to 9m/m and the legs started to burn. Right at the top, the grade kicks up higher before a turnaround in a parking lot. Some water…then go. For some reason I expected the downhill to be faster! Where was that entire grade I just climbed?! When do I get to go fast!?

Faster it was, but not blazing. Especially since this side of the trail had a little more ice. Saw my friends on the way down, grabbed some water at the 10mi mark (my 3rd cup of the race) and headed back to the start. At this time last year, I remember having eaten a gel or two already but then still losing energy at the 11 mile mark. I distinctly remember that problem. This time around I was tired but not out of energy. But the last mile was definitely a push to get done fast. I knew the time was close! I crossed the line after a good push.

Post race- another banana! Later some veggies and chicken. Didn’t stretch much and didn’t foam roll until the next day. My right upper quads were a bit sore, other than that I was OK. I felt the race fatigue on Sunday, but was still able to train and walk.

So overall, a great effort over a long distance. Makes me wonder if I should get a 13.1 PR in this spring!? Maybe I could do a sub 1:50 without that hill in the middle of the course! And it's notable that I ate NOTHING during this race.