Introduction...
So this was quite the unexpected race to be honest. Since I recently accepted a new job, I found myself unable to do the 50 miler I signed up for in Cayuga. Luckily, the same race organizers were hosting a race, close to my home and right before I start my new job! Actually this whole conversation started 4 days before the race on Wednesday night. Every Wednesday I participate in the "Run PB" group run. This is a running club based out of Peekskill .We just do 5 easy miles and have great brew after. But... that's besides the point. Anyways after the run everyone was drinking and talking as we do after our runs. Tom and his wife Nikki heard about my new job and situation and they told me about this marathon in a few days. It was called the "Breakneck Point Trail Runs 42k" which is a marathon. They were the ones that told me I should email the race director and see if I could get in on such short notice.
It sounded like the absolute perfect switch. There was just one problem, I missed the deadline to drop out of the 50, and registration was closed for the marathon. No worries though, it certainly was my fault and on me, but I thought like Tom and Nikki said I might as well just try. The worst that could happen is a no. So an email was sent out Thursday night explaining my situation. 9am the next morning, out grocery shopping, I receive an email from the Race Director saying that I was accepted into the race. I was astounded and bursting with excitement all day. I was so happy. I can finally race. I can run. So there you have it. I'm in the Breakneck Point Trail Runs 42k on 20 hours notice. How bad can it be?
Thoughts and training going into the race...
As you can see, I didn't really have much time to think about the race. But I saw this as an opportunity to really challenge myself and see what I was capable of. I was very determined to do to the best of my ability. I wanted to show the race director and organizers that they let in a great runner and they won't regret it. But it certainly was more about the self challenge. I didn't approach it like most runners do, with a taper week or two, and a really regimented schedule leading up to race day. No. I had none of that because I just found out I was doing the race. This uncertainty fueled me and made me more excited and less nervous than any race I've participated in.
So in the 3 weeks leading up to race week, I had run 10/35/50 miles each of those weeks, with my elevation gain total being around 25.000ft. Training was going really well and I like the new style of training. My body and knee responded to it much better. So when race week came along for the marathon I had some decent training. But remember, I didn't know I was running the race until Friday(the day before) and hadn't thought about doing it until Wednesday.
Due to my schedule I always do my long and hard runs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I had done a gnarly 6 summit run in Bear Mountain State Park on Tuesday making it my biggest vert run to date around 5000ft of gain, 18 miles, just 5 days before the race. And another 13 miles the next day. Thinking about it now it was the absolute perfect training run for the Breakneck Marathon, the only thing was it was in 5 days, and most people taper at least two weeks in advance. I've never been much of a training plan guy though. So before race day I had already racked up 50+ miles with 10,000+ft of gain that week, and I was about to participate one of the hardest trail marathons around, adding 26 miles and 8,000+ more feet of gain to that week. Boy, was I in for a surprise.
The race day...
Two alarms were set the morning of race day. 3:45am and 4am. It was Saturday, May 6th, I woke up at 3:50am sharp. I felt immediately awake and not sluggish or anything. That's why I remember the specific time. But as rituals go I had my morning cup of coffee at 4am, read a book, and did my mobility routine as I always do. I woke up with a feeling of just straight excitement. It felt like today was my day and I was about to own it. A confidence I've never felt before, especially not on race day. As any race veteran knows, you have everything ready the night before so all you have to worry about is grabbing your things and heading to the race. That I did. No stresses in the morning as I had everything I needed. A quick run through to make sure everything was there and I was out the door by 5:15am.
It was almost time for me to start the race so I headed over to the start line with everything I needed, just my pack, no drop bag or anything. Another local runner I know that was running the race, Byron, approached me during this time and we talked a bit before the race. He had run the half marathon years before and done really well. Second place I think. First time speaking in person actually! Besides flybys during local runs in town. It was nice to see a familiar face because I definitely was alone. We were called to the start line. I stuck out like a sore thumb with my sandals, baggie shorts, and a flannel. I know a ton of runners were eyeing my footwear. I just closed my eyes for the next minute or so blocking out the noise, telling myself this is the day, this is what you love, just run, have fun, and run your race, dont run anybody else's race.
At the top of the climb I felt fine, was greeted by some bells and supporters which was nice! Things were pretty thinned out by that point. I was still cruising finding my rhythm and staying very relaxed. I opened up on the downhill leading to the breakneck climb. Right before I reached the road crossing, around mile 6-7, there was a patch of smooth downhill so I opened up a lot here and something crazy happened. My sandal strap had just popped out, and I thought I had just broke it. I ripped it off to inspect and sat on my ass in the middle of the trail. Luckily what had happened was I was just using excessive force by slamming the down hill and my toe bock got caught on a rock forcing the strap to pop out. It was a quick 1-2 minute fix though and I was back ready to start the steepest climb of the day, breakneck.
It was the hardest section of the day and I was trying my hardest to make passes wen i could, closing harder but faster climbable routes(not of course or anything) that others were neglecting. I must've passed at least 30 people on that climb. I avoided the single file and just channeled my inner mountain goat. Racers couldn't believe my speed in the sandals. I think the climb is less than a mile but covers 1200ft. But at the top, because I was slowed down for a lot of it, I still had immense energy.
Racers couldn't believe my speed in the sandals. At the top of the climb we were greeted by the lovely race director who asked how my sandals were holding up. Smiling as always after crushing that climb I responded, "just getting warmed up my man." Nothing quite eventful happened the remainder of the first half. There were some more ups and downs but nothing significant, at least for this type of race. I found my way back to the start line covering the first half of the course in 2hrs and 50mins. Refilled my bottle and I was off for the next half of the race. I had eyes on some other races leaving aid as I was heading in. I knew I played it smart by conserving a lot of energy. I had a feeling a lot of racers didn't do the same, and I was gaining on them, and they knew it too.
The next half of the course I was told is easier. Maybe it was the 13 miles we already did, or the 4000ft we already climbed, but that second loop certainly did not feel easier. The climbs just felt so brutally long and the trails were so technical. Not to mention it had been drizzling since the start and it started becoming heavier and the course was extremely sloppy by the second half. Not ideal conditions for sandals but we can't pick and choose the weather on race day. Nothing I haven't done before.
By the time I passed her it felt to me at least, like the end was in sight. I had 5-6 miles to go and I was feeling amazing, stronger than I ever had before with that amount of distance and vert. Something clicked too in those miles. It felt like something primal kicked in. I glanced at my watch, Knowing it would be close for a 6hour finish, and that was the last time I looked at it. From there, I was all alone, nobody in sight, determined to crush these last few miles and give it my all to reach this goal. It's like my mind shut off the pain and all of the highs and adrenaline kicked in. I felt like a true mountain goat. I was running everything, the ups, the downs, technical or slick it didn't matter. I was flying! In that last 6 miles I probably passed another 20 runners (not all marathoners, a lot of half marathoners were still out.)
As I made my way down the last descent. I was greeted by a volunteer telling me I had a mile to go. At this point I was just so happy. I knew that I accomplished what I wanted that day. Those last 3 miles reminded me of why I love this sport, why I love running I didn't need to look at my watch. I knew I was on pace. I earned that sub-6 and I was about to have it. That last mile felt like a celebration and so many emotions were experienced. I pushed my self so hard with just a days notice. I was just really proud of myself and quite frankly surprised. I crossed the finish line with a time of 5:43:49 securing 15th overall, and 1st in 20-29 age category! Absolutely smashing my goal of Sub-6.
Post race...
As I crossed the finish line there was a ton of people there. Everybody was cheering having a great time. It felt good to run that one in. Right when I stopped running thats when I heard "Hey Brian over here!" It was a buddy of mine from Run PB, Ken. The first words out of his mouth were, "want a beer?" I was so happy he was there with beers. Funny thing was that was the only thing I forgot! A cooler and beers! I mean how could I? Anyways it was celebration time and down the hatch the beer went. The post race atmosphere was just the best! It was so welcoming and friendly. I truly felt like it was an environment I belong to.
It was so great to meet some awesome new people. It truly felt like a community event. But that's what ultra running is. I was finally able to sit down with Byron, the local legend and talk training and races with him. Along with generous Ken handing out the beers! I was finally able to meet the breakneck crew I always see crushing it west of the Hudson. There's so many new faces that I shared laughs and conversation with afterward. Truly an unforgettable experience.
Several people came up to me and asked how the hell I did that in sandals. Most people thought I'd run the Half and every time they asked what distance I did, jaw drops all around. Honestly felt like a mini celebrity, people wanted my picture, and to talk! Several people were really impressed with my time too. I wasn't sure how good it was because I did no research into the course, prior results, etc. All I knew was I accomplished what I wanted to do. Numbers don't mean anything to me. I set a goal and achieved it, that's what matters the most. Everyone out there was grinding. Everyone out there is a winner in my mind.
Huge shoutout to my friends at Run PB because without them, none of this would have ever happened. Also to the amazing race organizers and directors for putting on probably the best race event I have ever been to. Not to mention letting me in on such short notice. This race was absolutely incredible and will live on in my memories forever! Congrats to all the finishers and a big thanks for sharing this amazing day with me :) it was one to be remembered.
As always thanks for reading. I appreciate each and every single one of you :)
sincerely,
ya boi mottsy<3
