White River 50

The White River 50 has some spectacular views, however, if you go to win it you may not have the time to see it all. The USATF event is attracting speed. Take a look at the times over the years and the names. Pretty amazing. Michael Wardian won the men’s division while Susannah Beck not only won the women’s side but set a course record along the way.

Josh Brimhall of Team Pearl Izumi-Smith (7th overrall) was there and here is what he had to say:

            This year’s edition of the White River 50 Mile National Trail Championship was a great example of the changing sport of Ultrarunning.  Overall, I am pleased with my time but disappointed with my placing.  This is my second time running this race in the past three years, and I have yet to run the time I believe I am capable of on this course.

            The course however is top notch.  Scott McCoubrey goes out of his way to provide an excellent layout of trails, plentiful aid stations, and a competitive atmosphere that is difficult to match in other events. 

            The race unfolded like so many others this year, many fast runners-some known, some unknown jockeying for positions on the first of two major climbs on the course.  I actually felt the first 20 miles were fairly pedestrian, with runners taking turns leading the climb.  Regrettably, I chose not to take off and put some distance on some guys, fearful of paying for it late in the race. 

            Looking back on my splits from 2006, I noticed that for the first 22 miles of this year’s race were a full 7 minutes slower than two years ago.  I was amazed to see how many runners (I say runners because Susannah Beck was right there also), were so close for the first 20.  Many of these runners I knew, but there were also quite a few that I had never heard of.  This pretty much sums of the sport for the past couple of years.  It is becoming very clear that Ultrarunning is undergoing some changes near the front of the pack.  Many runners are showing up for races extremely fit and well trained in both aspects of speed and endurance.

            Ultimately, I finished up in 7^th place, with a time of 7:14:53.  Not spectacular, but not horrible either.  This race has forced me to reevaluate my training.  I realize that I need to work more on my sustained speed, much like training for a fast marathon, while cutting back some on my long, long runs.

            One very bright spot was my footwear.  I debated between wearing the Pearl Izumi Streak or the Peak XC.  Ultimately I chose to wear the Peak XC and could not have been happier with the choice.  The shoe held up wonderfully.  I had no blister problems, adequate support and most importantly, a lightweight trail shoe that felt as good on mile 50 as mile 1.

            I stuck to a 40-minute schedule for my Hammer Gel’s with four Endurolytes and hour.  My nutrition plan was well executed and should have no issues sticking to it for longer races as well.

Congrats Josh!