The Forest Has Eyes

Ran 15.2 miles @ 12:10/mile pace.
AHR/MHR - 123/144
Trails.
Extremely hilly.
Mid 60s dropping to mid-50s.



The purpose of this run was to get used to running at night at a pace close to what I hope to be doing at the VT100. I also wanted to do it tonight as my legs were tired from the Mt. Washington Road Race, which would help simulate the night conditions more than if I was fresh.

I drove up to Pineland Farms and began running at 9pm, where micro beacons of light from lightning bugs illuminated the hay fields beneath the starry skies above. I was off to a good start and enjoying myself and it would only continue, as I was able to maintain the pace easily, walking the uphills and running the downhills at a slow pace. I also was able to experiment with a few things. For example, mile seven I walked briskly to see what my pace would be, and I ended up at about 15:00/mile. Potentially valuable information since I imagine I'll be walking more in the later stages of the race, and I can figure out what I need to finish. I also experimented with peeing while walking, something that I've read can save up to 30 minutes of time during a 100 mile race.

Getting used to running with a headlamp was also valuable, especially since it's been a while since I've done so. I was able to figure out which settings were best and get practice reading the terrain with the provided light.

And that headlamp helped me spot numerous critters in the dark. I came across two foxes and a porcupine. I also saw dozens of eyes staring at me from the woods, their eyes reflecting the light of my headlamp. I mused how this definitely would have scared the pants off of me when I was a kid, but now I thought it was cool.

Ended the run a little after midnight. Good run, I was very glad I did this.