It was a hell of a long run and as predicted, the footing was nasty. I finished in 3:58 I think. It was brutal. Most definitely the most challenging physical endeavour I've ever taken on.
The light was very strange. Ultra low contrast and many places where the sky blended seamlessly into the snow cover. When we were in the middle, it was sometimes an odd enough effect to interfere with ones equilibrium. It felt as if you were running through a tunnel or something like that. Very strange to be without a horizon.
There was little wind to speak of and the temperatures were just below the freezing mark. If the big bombardier hadn't chewed up the track it would have been much easier going, but it wasn't billed as the easiest race so I should shut up. Everyone was saying how this year was the best footing ever. Some years they have to detour around open water. Yikes! Having done this one once I think is enough for me!
I was happy to make a strong showing and I finished looking strong so I was pleased. Many didn't look so good coming to the finish. It was a very demanding run. I nailed the fluid and calorie requirements to a tee too, which is always handy. Over the four hours I consumed a liter and a half of straight Gatorade and a gel (powergel) every 45 minutes. I got a pint of chocolate milk into me the minute I crossed the finish line hoping to help recover tomorrow in the best way possible. The body plays some interesting tricks in endurance running. There is a twenty minute window after finishing a long run like this where the body will replenish it's spent stores of glycogen very rapidly. Chocolate milk provides a poor mans recovery drink because it's balanced 25% protein and about 75% carbs which is ideal. If I didn't notice the difference I wouldn't bother with it, but it's an experiment that clearly shows the benefits for me so I drink it willingly. Such punishment!
My big toe nail on my left foot is very tender. The soles of my feet are tender. My knees are very stiff tonight and my quads are sore and uncooperative when asked to climb up or down stairs. Over all though I'm jacked up right properly that I've managed to exceed my expectations yet again.
Cheryl works for a dealer of many machines and the sled Dennis got to play with today would do 118 mph wicked wide open! What a toy.
Cheers!
bombardier -the bomb Polar Bear Run
Waterboys in the bomb
Waterboys in the bomb
Cheryl finishing
Cheryl gritting her teeth
Dennis
Dwayne finishing
Dwayne's brain freeze and Lisa's Dad
Jeff and Ian
Lisa
Pam
huddle
Two speedsters
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