Notes
Wakely Dam Race Report
From a very interesting campsite to mud and bugs, the Wakely run was a memorable experience. We were near the race start so we got a little more sleep then some of the other participants. This was our first ultra so we were a bit apprehensive about the distance and started slow. It wasn't long before the main pack disappeared as we settled into a slow comfortable pace to be sure we'd have something for the end.
After tiptoeing around the first few black mudpits already stirred into a fine stew by the previous 50 pairs of feet I sucked it up and ploshed merrily through, hoping with each mired step to emerge with shoe-still-on-foot. I had a good guide. Watching another woman sink repeatedly above her ankles I quickly learned to avoid any path she chose!
I chose to run 9 walk 1 and start slow and easy and was relieved to still feel great at the halfway point. Passed some beautiful scenery along the way, and somehow we missed the rain that others reported. The call of the loons and one lone snake were the only wildlife we encountered. At the 25 mile point fueling and hydrating was still holding up well, and we got ready to crank up the pace for a strong finish. I used a Nathan's pack with a bladder for water and 2 bottles with Accelerade, with bars and shotblocks. I'm glad I chose to carry most of the water I would need. My partner had a little trouble with timing refills and then having to wait for the tablets. The lack of markers along the last section was a little worrisome and my knee started to refuse to function at a run at all with about 4 miles to go, so despite having plenty "in the tank" we were reduced to walking. Hitting the road I tried running again and was able to limp/shuffle run in sputters to the finish. I went in expecting to do about 9 hrs so very happy with time of 8:41. Because of my injury we never really went into push mode and felt pretty good at the end. It took a romp in the lake and 2 more showers to remove all the Adirondack mud! I am still sporting about 30 little red badges around my inadequately bug sprayed neck, but legs and body feel great with very little soreness.
Lessons learned: Training on hills steeper than the race and on rocks was very helpful in keeping this first ultra a comfortable experience...I will have more confidence to push harder sooner next time.
bug spray liberally and then reapply! Wear a hat... the deer flies go straight for the hole in the top of the visor. The straightest and shortest path is straight through the water and the mud.
Thanks to all the wonderful people who made this day in the woods possible!