Sinister Ultra 50-Miler

When registering for the Sinister 50 miler, the intention was to use it as a practice run for The Divide 200, which I will be competing in in mid-September. I didn't really have a goal, although a finishing time of around 12 hours seemed reasonable, even though I was unfamiliar with both the course and the terrain.

We had originally planned to take all three pups with us, but having bumped into our friend-come-pet-sitter at the dog park on the Thursday evening, she offered to take care of the girls over the weekend to help make things easier to manage during the race. April hates camping and never seems to settle, whilst Tillie doesn't like a lot of noise nor lots of people around her, and given that we would be camping on a rather crowded runners' campsite for two nights, it made perfect sense to leave the girls at home, and to travel with just Wilson for company.

I always feel bad when leaving the girls behind, but I knew they'd be far happier at home, and I promised Tillie and April a girl only hike on the Monday when I got home so that we could spend some special quality time together.

We made good progress driving to Crowsnest Pass on the Friday, arriving just after lunch which enabled us to find a decent enough spot on the campground. It was a beautiful sunny day, and just seeing the surrounding mountains gave me a shiver of excitement about what I would be facing during my race the next day.

Once camp was set up, we took Wilson down to the river for a good swim to cool off, and whilst he swam backwards and forward chasing after sticks, I prepared my drop bags ready for the race, which we would be dropping off when collecting my bib at the race expo in Coleman later than evening. The race expo was actually pretty good and I would love to have spent more time there, but the weather was very warm, dogs weren't allowed inside, and we didn't want to leave Wilson too long on his own in the car, even though the air con was running to keep him cool.

We decided that we wouldn't go to the pre-race meal, and would instead grab a pizza and some salad for tea. I didn't really fancy pasta that would be served at the pre-race dinner, and besides, Andy and Wilson wouldn't be able to join me. I wouldn't be spending much time with them on the Saturday either due to racing, so after the racers' meeting and a quick catch up with our good friend Pawel, we left the sports centre to headed out together for the evening, munching on pizza and enjoying a good cup of tea as thunder clouds rolled in overhead and the rain came down. I was really hoping that things would dry out by the time the race started on Saturday morning. I wasn't too keen on being on those mountain tops with thunder and lightning in the area, but thankfully the storms moved away and we saw the sun peeking through the clouds again before it set for the night.

After devouring a large pizza between us, we drove out to transition area 5/6 so that Andy knew where he needed to be to meet me during the race. We also checked out the start for the 50 miler which would commence at 10.30am, and after an evening walk at the local dog park for a game of fetch with Wilson, it was time to hit the hay so that I'd be well rested and ready for racing in just a few hours’ time.

Arriving back at the camp area, things had definitely filled up, and we had tents and cars literally just 3 feet away from our tent door. It did make me terribly uncomfortable having people camping so close to us, and it reaffirmed that leaving the girls back home had been the right thing to do - Tillie would have been so stressed out with the noise and the over-crowding, and whilst April would normally prefer to spend the night in the car when camping, we could barely get the car anywhere close due to other cars, tents and trailers blocking us in.

I was a little concerned that I would have a terrible night's sleep with so many people getting up early to race the 100 miler or being member of relay teams, but I slept surprisingly well and awoke feeling pretty calm, relaxed, and rested. With a later start of 10.30am for the 50-mile race, we had quite a leisurely morning, and I was able to just chill out and enjoy my usual bowl of porridge for breakfast, along with cup of tea followed by a coffee. Our friend Pawel was also running the 50 miles, and with him being at the race on his own, we had agreed to pick him up and take him to the start. Normally I'm not too chatty before races as I like to get my mind ready for what’s ahead; but it was nice to just have a chat and catchup prior to the start, which helped to alleviate any nerves that there might have been.

Even at this time of the day, there were no clouds in the sky, and the temperature was already in the 20s. It certainly felt warm, but I tried not to think about the conditions too much as I knew it was only going to get hotter as the day went on.

There must have been around 200 to 300 runners taking part in the 50 miler, and I positioned myself a few rows back at the start, not wanting to get caught up in the frantic rush as soon as the gun went off, only to be dragged along with the faster runners and start too quick. It was a good decision, and as the race started, I held back and just set off at what felt like a casual, easy pace that I hoped I would be able to maintain for the vast majority of the race.

The first section of the course had some climbs and some technical downhills, but in the main, it was perfectly runnable and I felt like I was moving well, even on the uphill. I was adamant that I wouldn't run any of the uphill, opting instead to walk at a fairly decent pace, and then just relaxing and running a nice, steady, even pace on the flats and the downs where the terrain allowed. There as some very pretty trails that took alongside a river and maybe even waterfalls, and it certainly felt nice and cool in there out of the glaring sun. It was also very dry and dusty, and I found some of the steeper downhills a little tricky as I couldn't quite get a grip on the dusty, sandy trail. Lots of people were using poles, but I'm still avoiding their use, although I suspect that I will need to use poles in a race at some point soon, and certainly before my big 200 miler later this year.

I was moving really well and feeling great, drinking regularly and making sure to eat and take salt pills when needed. The views in the valleys were absolutely gorgeous, and I did take pictures as I went along so that I could share some of the experience with Andy later on. I'd told Andy that I would see him in about an hour to an hour and a half as the first leg was only around 11km, but as I came into the main aid station, I soon realised my mistake. For some reason, I had thought that we started at TA4 and ran to TA5 where Andy was waiting for me, but what we actually did was start half way between TA3 and TA4, and I was now at 4 with no drop bags, no supplies, no bear spray, whilst Andy was another 28km of running away from me!

I was annoyed at myself for not realising, but rather than dwell on things, I took my time refilling bottles, grabbing some food supplies from the aid station, and then texted Andy to let him know that it would actually be about 3 hours now before I would see him and I had made a mistake. Thankfully he got the message and knew not to worry about me, and once assured that everything was under control, I proceeded on to leg 5.

Heading out on leg 5, I overtook quite a few people as we ran a short distance on gravel road and pavement, before veering off and heading back towards the mountains and the backcountry trails. I passed a couple of ladies but had no idea what position I was in, focusing on running a controlled, efficient race rather than trying to be as fast I could be. The number of runners was also thinning out - either there were lots of people ahead, or else I was starting to leave people behind, but after a rather up and downy section which saw some short but steep climbs, we entered a beautiful dense, lush green forest, and I found myself running pretty much alone.

I love the feeling of solitude when I'm running alone, and heading along those forest trails, all I could hear was the sound of my footsteps gliding over the rocks or splashing through the muddy puddles, the sound of my breathing, and the sound of birds singing and rustling in the trees. It was so quiet, I was loving it, but there was also a sense of unease - this is bear and cougar country, and this was the spot where a bear encounter could occur. I was poooooping myself! With not seeing Andy, I didn't have my bear spray, and I started to get paranoid that a bear was following me and would pounce on me. It didn't help that I had watched The Revenant a few days prior - I mean, that bear in that movie is NASTY! 

I didn't want to pick up the pace for fear of going too fast, but my fear of a bear encounter meant I didn't want to just saunter along. As I worked through my jumbled thoughts, 4 men came up behind me, making me jump out of my skin, but bringing relief that now I had some company and there was indeed safety in numbers.

I ran with these chaps for a couple of miles or so, encountering deep puddles, ankle deep muddy sections, rooted sections where we had to watch our footing, and numerous inclines that we hiked up, followed by downhills where the guys threw caution to the wind, whilst I still continued to hold back and run a controlled pace. Occasionally they would gain some distance on me and I'd be back to cautiously looking behind me and jumping at every rustle in the bushes, but then I would catch them up and I would relax again.

I was still feeling great, and whilst we were making good progress through the forest, something urged me on and I felt like the guys were now holding me back. We were heading over a very technical section where we had to navigate hundreds of tree roots and ditches, but whilst technical, it was flat, and I felt like I should be running - or at least jogging - through there. I ran ahead, and I never saw the guys again.

I found myself running solo for a good 20 minutes or so, and then I caught up with another lady. We chatted briefly and then ran together in companionable silence, feeling reassured that somebody was close by if we ran in to trouble, yet enjoying the sense of solitude that the run was providing.

The views on leaving the forest were once again amazing, and I was once again looking in awe at my surroundings. That's one of the beauties of trail running - you get off the beaten track and see places that many others never have the opportunity to see. I felt so lucky, and so happy!

It didn't seem too long before we arrived at one of the checkpoints and I was sure to top up my bottles as I was drinking lots! Things had definitely heated up by now and my clothes were soaking wet with sweat. And yet I was still feeling really good, and whilst aware of just how warm things were, I was running well within myself and didn't really feel as though the heat was getting to me too much just yet.

After the checkpoint, there was around another 6 or 7K before getting to TA5 and I would finally get to see Andy. I sent a quick message to let him know I was on my way, and then cracked on.

For me personally, the next 2 or 3 miles were absolutely horrendous as we joined the dirt roads that are used by ATVs and dirt bikes. The hills really didn't bother me, the uneven and rocky terrain didn't bother me, but the noise, the dust and the smell of diesel and gasoline was absolutely disgusting! Being public lands and being a lovely summer's day, those dirt roads were very busy, and I must have encountered 20 or 30 ATVs over the next few miles. Having been running through the tranquil forests, the noise and chaos now brought a sense of irritation and panic, and I really couldn't wait to hit the forest trails again and be fearful of the bears!

I was relieved when we eventually made a right turn which took us away from the main dirt trails, but then as I headed down a steep, sandy sections, two quad bikes were coming up, and whilst they made room for me to pass by, I was covered by dust and breathing in fumes as they hurtled up the hill behind me.

We joined some lovely single track once again and I was so relieved to escape the noise. Even the climbs were a welcome sight as there were no ATVs or dirt bikes heading towards me, and I really enjoyed having some peace and quiet once again. At this point, I knew there must only be a mile or two remaining, and sure enough, as I made my way out of the forest and into the open again, a chap told me that TA5 was just at the bottom of the hill.

I ran strongly down that hill, crossed the timing mat, and was so relieved to see that Andy was there ready and waiting with food, drinks, and a change of socks - boy was I glad to get out of my sopping wet socks and put on something clean and fresh!

I was by now at the half way point and elapsed time so far was around 5 hours 15 minutes. I knew the next leg involved a steep climb upon to the mountain ridge, but I was still fairly confident of a 12-hour finish if things stayed on track and I continued to feel as good as I did.

I had already told Andy that I didn't want to rush through the aid stations at this race, but rather take my time, think things through, and make sure I refuelled properly. I must have spent a good 10 or 15 minutes getting prepped for the next leg and I felt organised and relaxed, yet ready to tackle the next leg, no matter how tough it got.

 

Leg 6 was undoubtedly my favourite leg of the 50-mile race, simply because the route took us into the high alpine and gave magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. It may have been a hot day, but the clear skies made the views even more impressive, and I felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to get up high.

The start of leg 6 was a gradual climb on a double track ATV road - lots of rocky, bumpy sections, but perfectly runnable. I used the strategy of walk some, run some, and I was making really good progress. I hadn't seen any other runners for quite a while since leaving the transition area, and due to things being so quiet and feeling remote, I started to get a little paranoid about our big furry friends making a surprise appearance. Lots of "heeeeey ooooohhh" followed as I made plenty of news to keep those critters away. I was stamping my feet more on the rocks, coughing when I really didn't need to, clapping my hands - anything really that would make any wildlife know that there was at least one human in the area! The other thing that kept me being noisy was the bloody flies - they were driving me nuts, even though I'd used bug spray. The horseflies were the worst, but thankfully I avoided any bites from them as they can be somewhat painful, but the buzzing around my head was crazy.

It didn't seem too long until I arrived at the checkpoint half way up the trail. I refilled my bottles, took some food, and carried on. There were a couple of other runners just ahead of me, one of them a lady that apparently had been wanting some company. Despite my fear of running into bears, I do actually prefer my own space when racing, but I figured that if I did catch her up, I would just settle in behind and we could run in comfortable silence if we weren't keen on chatting.

After the checkpoint, things became boggy, overgrown, and the trail narrowed into single track. We seemed to be following a mountain stream that led to a waterfall, and we climbed and climbed and climbed up here for what seemed like ages. I had by now caught the lady up, and I did settle in behind her. making sure I didn't get too close to cause trips. Neither of us had poles, and some sections were extremely steep and somewhat slippery, yet we were both making decent progress, huffing and puffing our way up the mountainside in the heat of the day, we came out of the trees, and were greeted by lush green mountainside that was blanketed in so many wildflowers, and it was beautiful. The Seven Sisters peered down on us from above, and the surrounding mountains in each of the valley were breathtaking. The route took us across a ridge where we were treated to more impressive views of those Canadian Rockies, and I was truly in my element.

As the trail started to descend, I overtook the other lady, told her she was doing extremely well, and then opened up a considerable gap over her for the next few miles. The downhill was very technical and rocky, and it took lots of concentration to make sure I didn't fall on some of those rocks. Running along, I realised that I had now moved in to third place in the ladies’ race. There was still a few miles to go, but I was so happy that I had now moved in to a podium position - if I could just hold this, I would exceed even my own expectations for the race.

After the rocky sections, the pathway became grassy trails again, and we reentered the forest area, with pines towering over us. The sun was now starting to set, and it shed a beautiful golden light on our surroundings. Up ahead, I spotted a couple more runners including another lady. I honestly couldn't believe that she was the second placed lady, but Andy had been following the live feed and it looked like I was indeed catching who I thought was the second placed lady. She was moving strongly, but I was still closing in on her, but whenever she hit the checkpoints, she would stop briefly and move on and I knew it was unlikely I would catch her.

Whilst leg 6 really was my favourite, the last few miles rejoined the ATV trails from earlier in the race, and I HATED it! Having come down from those gorgeous mountain tops, now to be greeted with the smell of fumes and gasoline, and the horrendous noise those things give out, it sent me back into panic mode with the sheer intensity of the noise. I knew I had this for another 3 or 4 miles, so just tried to knuckle down and block out the noise, which was far easier said than done.

At the point where we left the main quad roads and turned onto the single-track sandy sections, ATVs were now coming up there, forcing me off the trail as I waited for them to pass on the sandy hills. When I was eventually able to move, I slipped on the downhill, and my legs started to cramp up. I was wriggling around in the sand trying desperately to stand up, but every time I tried, I fell again and the cramps worsened. I knew I likely needed more water or salts, so I took a couple of salt tabs and a good drink of water which appeared to help.

Coming in the final transition area before the finish, Andy was of course still waiting for me with more food and a hot cup of tea. I only had a few miles to go now, so I emptied most of my backpack, making sure to take some small snacks and drinks with me to keep me going to the finish line. I also changed my shoes and socks and it felt good to wear shoes that provided a little more cushioning and that gave my poor feet a bit of comfort for carrying me to the finish line.

The final leg was probably the hardest for me. It really had started to go dark by now, but I didn't yet need the headtorch but of course I knew I would need it within the next hour or two. The leg started with a terrible climb, which then took us on a rocky descent where I found it impossible to get any grip on the loose rock and dirt. I was swearing my head off, complaining about how rocky and slippy it was. I'd started to believe that I could really go sub 12 hours but the terrain on leg 7 meant I wasn't able to speed up as much as I would have liked - having sore feet didn't help, and I was finding that just doing an easy jog was far more effective than trying to run anything at that point in time.

A few rolling hills followed and I was able to start running a little again, but then we had yet another climb just after the final checkpoint, and that once again sapped my energy. I had stopped drinking and eating for some reason, and I was finding that my energy levels were dropping, and I was starting to get ridiculously thirsty. I started to walk lots more, feeling confident that I would still be able to hold onto my thirst position, and doing enough to keep me ahead.

It was only during the last half an hour or so that I needed to use my headtorch, and I found navigating the dark forests pretty easy thanks to the excellent course markings by the organisers. Even without flags bunched up together, and scan into the darkness with the headtorch clearly lit all the reflective markers, and I was able to find my way without any problems whatsoever. There were still a few rollers in the last few miles, but then a nice downhill took us down to the road and the final stretch back through town.

We still hadn't hit the twelve-hour mark at this point, and without actually knowing the route back through town, I did wonder if maybe I could go sub 12 hours and hit my goal. I ran a little faster, thinking I'd seen the sports complex building, only to find it was a block of flats. The route seemed to wind through town much more than I had anticipated, and with each step, the clock was ticking to that 12-hour mark. By my GPS watch, I knew that I was very close, but I would have to do a 7-minute mile to break the 12 hours by now. I kept pushing forwards, a mix of running and walking, and finally I saw the cones and the lights that would guide me to the finish line. I put in an extra spurt, and as I ran that final couple of hundred metres, I got quite emotional at finishing this amazing mountainous trail race feeling so good, feeling much better than I could ever have hoped for, and more surprisingly than anything, finishing 3rd lady and first masters - I really couldn't have asked for more.

Looking back at the Sinister Ultra 50 miler, it was one of my best executed races in recent years. I had no problems with my nutrition, I felt relatively strong on the climbs, and the fact that I was overtaking people on leg 6 - considered the hardest leg - really was very surprising. The gear I was wearing caused no problems, I coped really well with the heat and the sun on the day, and the confidence was starting to build for the Divide 200, which was going to be my next race.

It felt very strange at the awards, heading up on stage and standing on the podium, something that happened so often in years gone by, but not quite so often in the past couple of years. I felt self-conscious and out of place, even though I know I should have stood there proudly as I accepted my award. The excitement of finishing third lady was kind of taken from me shortly afterwards when I realised that another lady had finished ahead of me by about 15 minutes. Andy had told me I was 4th heading out on leg 6 and I would have been very happy with that, but having overtaken a lady on the steep climb, I was convinced that I had indeed moved to third. However, the lady ahead hadn't been carrying her timing chip and technically should have been DQ'd for not following race rules, but whilst she wasn't awarded her official finishing time, she was awarded the same time as me, which pushed me down to 4th lady anyway. It kind of took the wind out of my sails initially, but I guess I can't complain as I did stand on the podium and receive the award, although I would much rather have earned that award properly rather than because somebody didn't follow the rules. 

All in all, it was a great weekend and of course a fantastic race organised once again by Sinister Sports. I would love to go back and try the 100 miler in year or two - it's certainly on my radar and something I am keen to try, but I have the small matter of a 200 miler on the not-too-distant horizon, and that is coming around far more quickly than anticipated. I've still a few weeks until I toe THAT start line, so fingers crossed I can squeeze in more mountain time so I'm as ready as I can be for that particular race day :)