2009 MdS: Stage 3 (56 miles)

As noted earlier, this MdS is unique in that we have not been made aware of future stages in advance. […]

By on April 2, 2009 | Comments

As noted earlier, this MdS is unique in that we have not been made aware of future stages in advance. In the evening after Stage 2 we were told that Stage 3 would not be the already longer than usual 80k, but instead 91k/56 miles. We were told it was not an April fools joke & it certainly was not.

While the weather was yet again cool, it was quite windy & we ran into it for most of the first 50k. In retrospect I went too hard early, but took turns blocking the wind with other. By 25k my hip flexors were shot from all flat running on soft footing. However, between 30-40k a runner drafted off me & would not lead. I got pissed & the anger overcame my fatigue.

I ran strong until dark when I realized my glasses had broken. I ran 4.5 hours on bad footing with minimal light & poor vision. I caught Ted at CP & ran much of the rest with him. No energy last 20k.

We were 19 (Ted) & (me) 20. Team 2d. Meg 2d in stage 3 overall. I’m now 19th overall. Marathon tomorrow.

Thanks for the messages!

Bryon Powell

Bryon Powell is the Founding Editor of iRunFar. He’s been writing about trail running, ultrarunning, and running gear for more than 15 years. Aside from iRunFar, he’s authored the books Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons and Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running, been a contributing editor at Trail Runner magazine, written for publications including Outside, Sierra, and Running Times, and coached ultrarunners of all abilities. Based in Silverton, Colorado, Bryon is an avid trail runner and ultrarunner who competes in events from the Hardrock 100 Mile just out his front door to races long and short around the world, that is, when he’s not fly fishing or tending to his garden.