Notes
12 hour race on 2 mile loop. Hi-goal was 100k (62 miles), training seems to point to a finish around mid-50 miles (did 40 miles in 8 hours, and 44.5 TM miles in 9 hours). Minimum-goal was 50 miles. Weather was unexpected and did not dress properly, no rain but very cold. Quads gave up after about 36 miles (about 6.5 hours), walked the rest. Course is 1 mile pavement north-south out-and-back (2mi total) with a few slight inclines. South end extends out toward the lake front and had cold and gusty wind. 1 aide station near the start line.
Cold front came through 2 days before race. Started 9AM ~37F, wind chill ~28F, 90% humidity. ~4PM high moved up to 43F, wind chill ~35F, 65% humidity. Finish at ~40F, wind chill ~32F, 60% humidity. Borrowed some winter gears from coach the day before the race, would not have survived without the long tights and gloves. Wore thin Injiji toe socks, pulled up my open-toe compression socks to use as calf sleeves, long tights (probably not the warm thermal kind), and running shorts. For tops, had long sleeve thermal compression top, 2 long sleeves tech shirt, 1 short sleeves tech shirt, 1 thin jacket (removed after a few miles), 1 thin plastic rain/wind jacket. 3 layers of gloves (removed the cotton work gloves after a few miles). Head: Wool beanie to cover head and ears, bandana around face which kept slipping off to around my neck, and became very useful as snot napkin.
Was hoping to run for 9-10 hours and then walk, but disappointed that I had only run about 6+ hours. Did go out too fast, although it felt easy then. Ate 1 gel every 2 laps, ate 9 packs but stopped that routine after I started focusing on walking. Drank some ensure and ate some Z-bars too. Always walked through aide station and drank 1/3 to 1/2 cup water (twice every loop). Did not feel that I had energy or hydration issue.
Quads were dead day after the race. Hamstrings too, although they didn't have problems during the race. Calves and shins were surprisingly unaffected, maybe the compression socks did help.