Tested: Dark Speed Works' Speedpack 480 bento box

This week's review: the Speedpack 480 bento box from Dark Speed Works.

Yes, I need to cut the steerer. Just get over it.

What it is: A top tube-mounted storage accessory designed for aerodynamics.

Why you want one: To limit the drag of your rolling buffet (or flat kit, if you're so inclined).

View from above, with the pack empty and zipped.
The front hook & loop straps are helping clean up my front end's wind profile.

Open zipper showing the internal plastic frame.

Duration used: 1.5 years (purchased May 2011)

Price paid/purchased from: $31.05USD (with Slowtwitch early adopter discount) + shipping direct from Dark Speed Works.

Accommodates 6 Hammer gel packs easily - could likely fit a 7th in a pinch.

Yes, all of these fit in there, despite being some of the largest packaging on the market.

What rawks: The Speedpack is simple to use, sturdily built and appeals to the aero weenie in all of us. I can't qualify any of their aerodynamic claims, but the pack does tuck in nicely behind the steerer and looks fairly slippery. The two front straps are narrower than many other bento boxes, making it easier to attach the pack with the obligatory slammed stem. The three bottom straps are easily cut to length to avoid rubbing your knees, and keep the pack in place better than others that I've used that would tilt from side to side and rub on my knees. The front can be left open to somewhat envelop the steerer (as in my installation), with the foremost hook and loop straps used to secure extra brake & shift cabling for a more aerodynamic cockpit. The internal plastic frame helps the pack keep its shape when empty, which is something sorely lacking from most of its competition. The carrying capacity is excellent while zipped, and I've left a standard gel flask in the pack while unzipped without it bouncing out. The zipper closure will not abrade athletic apparel like the velcro flap closure on any competitors (I constantly had issues with my gloves catching on the velcro of my old bento box during training rides). For those who have a non-standard stem or a superbike with top tube bosses, there are models available to fit your bike. The appearance is nicely understated - no huge logos on it, just a tasteful branding. 

700c x 18-23mm butyl tube, Genuine Innovations Microflate Nano head, 16g CO2 cartridge and 2 Lezyne Matrix tire levers.

Tight fit, but it will close.

What sucks: If you put a standard 5oz gel flask in the pack, that's pretty much it for storage - you can fit a few tiny items (salt tabs or electrolyte fizzies, car key or emergency cash) in the rear pointy bit, but nothing else. Most smartphones will not fit in the pack and still allow it to zip, and the pack is not waterproof. Some people have been driven batty by the zipper key jingling around, as it is not a locking type (this hasn't been an issue for me). It's also a bit on the pricey side - at $35, it will set you back about twice as much as a lot of the competition.

A standard gel flask fills the available space almost completely.

Zipped with gel flask inside - very tidy and slippery looking.

What I'd like to see: A version with a locking zipper would be great, but frankly the non-locking has been just fine and I can't see an upgrade being worth it for me. No real suggestions to make here!

What I'm saying: I've been pleased with the function and durability of my Speedpack, and it looks pretty pro on the bike. It holds everything I need it to while discouraging me from trying to pack too much along, 

Whole bike with Speedpack installed.

In action at the Welland Triathlon in June 2012.

For further edification: The Triathlete's Wit and Fun Between Legs have reviews posted, plus there's the  testimonial page at Dark Speed Works' website.

Tested: Dirty Girl running gaiters

This week's review: running gaiters from Dirty Girl (but not the Canadian Dirty Girl).

They're in there somewhere.

Seen in an unnaturally clean state.

What they are: Lightweight ankle coverings that attach to your shoes - incredibly popular among trail and ultrarunners.

Why you want them: Because rocks in your shoes suck!

Heavy-duty cordura and stitching attach the front hook.

Inside out, displaying the band of soft loop-side velcro at the heel.

A solid metal hook attaches to the laces of your shoes.

Duration used: 2 years

Price paid/purchased from: I paid $20 + shipping direct from Dirty Girl herself.

The provided sticky-back velcro is tenacious!
I've only had to replace one piece in two years.

This is what I still have left of the self-adhesive hook tape;
 there's probably enough for another 8 pairs of shoes.

Original packaging - I keep the spare self-adhesive hook tape inside.

What rawks: They're a simple, lightweight and damn stylish solution to keeping crap out of your shoes while you run. The heavy-duty spandex material is durable without being heavy or stiff - you won't even notice you're wearing them - and comes in a sufficiently wide array of colours and patterns to satisfy anyone's tastes (skulls are cool!). The fabric has 4-way stretch, breathes beautifully, and the stitching doesn't chafe. When they get dirty, chuck them in the washing machine; I wash everything in cold water and don't bother with a lingerie bag, but they always come out looking brand new after hanging to dry overnight. They go on easily, but stay put once they're on your foot - I've never had one come loose, and I've used them pretty hard. The installation instructions are so simple a toddler could prep a pair of shoes, and there is ample sticky-back velcro provided in the packaging to do several pairs, plus you can order more from Dirty Girl if necessary. The gaiters are tall enough to provide excellent coverage from low-hanging thorns or burrs, but can be shoved down if you feel they're taller than you'd like. Since they're very thin, putting a timing chip strap on overtop is no problem (unless you already have truly gargantuan ankles, in which case you've probably got bigger problems). Without making any claims to do so, the fabric even blocks a bit of wind, so they're great for protecting that gap that forms between the top of your socks and your tights in cold weather. Furthermore, while originally intended to keep stones and debris from entering your shoes, they do a fine job of keeping your footwear free of snow for those of us in Northern climates who thumb our noses at winter's attempts to keep us indoors. When they do get wet, they don't hold much water and dry quite quickly, so you won't be weighed down. The lack of a bottom strap means there is no interference with the sole or tread of your shoes - since I run in trail shoes that have a flat sole, I would feel the strap of many other gaiter designs at every step. The lack of strap also removes the highest wear area; several other types have non-replaceable straps you will eventually need to purchase whole new gaiters when they wear through.

Put your socks on, then slide the gaiter on.

Hook the front to your laces.

Attach the rear hook & loop and go!

What sucks: These will not keep mud out of your shoes if you step in it - I had a vivid demonstration of that at Horror Hill this year. They're neither wind- nor waterproof (though they do cut the wind a bit), so if you're a weenie about that sort of thing you'll need to look elsewhere for additional protection. They are not as tall and the material is not as rugged as some other gaiters (especially those designed for mountaineering or snowshoeing), so if you're consistently running or hiking through highly abrasive materials they may not be as durable or provide the coverage you desire. The metal hook at the front may interfere with your lace tension, and if your shoes or boots have a cover over the laces you may not be able to use these at all as you must be able to attach the front hook to some type of loop. The exact construction of your shoes can greatly impact the fit, too - I have a pair of trail shoes whose laces start further back on the foot and the gaiters don't work optimally with them. The self-adhesive hook tape can fail - I've had to replace one patch - and if it happened in a race you'd probably be unhappy. Applying the hook tape really requires a smooth, non-fabric area on the heel of the shoe, too, which isn't present on all models. Additionally, when not using the gaiters, the exposed hook side on the back of your shoes can cause abrasion to other items; if you absent-mindedly scratch your shin with your opposite heel, you can seriously snag a pair of running tights, compression socks or calf sleeves, and they can do damage to other items if you chuck your shoes in a bag. The gaiters and additional hook tape are not widely available, so if you need a pair in a hurry, you may be out of luck.

Pre-race at Run for the Toad 2011

What I'd like to see: A heavier-duty version would be pretty keen, possibly even using softshell material to make them wind- and water-resistant.

2011 25k Run for the Toad finish.

What I'm saying: If you run off-road, a mere $20 can make your experience so much more comfortable. I looked at a lot of different makes and models of gaiters prior to purchasing these, and I've never once regretted my decision or gone looking at any others since. The only thing I might do is buy another pair, since they also have skulls on a red background!

2011 Frosty Trail 3-hour trail race in calf-deep snow.

For further edification: iRunFar, Backpacker Magazine and Backpack Gear Test have all reviewed these, plus others.

Tested: Ultimate Direction Fastdraw Plus handheld water bottle

This week's review: taking a look at the Fastdraw Plus handheld water bottle from Ultimate Direction.

Default hand position while using the bottle.

Front view.

What it is: A beverage bottle with a harness that doesn't require you to grip the bottle, and a pocket to carry small items. Probably the most commonly seen handheld at ultrarunning events.

Why you want one: Staying hydrated on long or hot weather runs and racing.

Reflective strap with lots of room for adjustment (or really big gloves).

Duration used: 3 seasons - purchased some time in 2010.

Price paid/purchased from: I think I paid $20 from a retailer at a race, but I'll be stuffed if I can remember which race or vendor.

Finger divots

Thumb divot, with a bit of texture for grip.

What rawks: This thing just works, to the point you never really need to think about it. Fill it up with water, electrolyte solution or sport drink and go - the wide mouth of the uncapped bottle makes it easy to get whatever you want in there, including full-size ice cubes. The harness fits all sizes of hands, has a reflective stripe on the strap for visibility, is incredibly simple to use and fits standard bike bottles as well as its own proprietary bottle. The pocket will fit two of even the largest gel packets (eLoad or Hammer), and the zipper has proved as incredibly durable as the rest of the product. The kicker valve is easy to operate and is one of the best features of the bottle; even when fully open, it doesn't leak under most circumstances. When kicked to one side or fully retracted/closed, it's just about bombproof - I'll happily chuck this bottle in my gear bag with the valve in the fully closed position, confident it won't soak anything. The finger loop on the lid is awesome for quick refills at aid stations - with the strap around my left hand and the loop held by my left index finger, my right hand is completely free to grab cups and dump them in while still moving. You're able to control the amount of beverage you get by modulating pressure on the bottle and the valve, and the thumb and finger indents provide a sure grip. While the kicker valve has iced up on me a couple of times on extremely cold (-10c/14f) runs, gnawing on the silicone valve a bit has broken up the ice enough that I was still able to drink from the bottle. The harness comes in a range of different colours for the fashionistas, and there are larger (26oz) bottles available with the kicker valve if you don't just want to use a 24oz bike bottle (UPDATE Nov 1/13: I've since purchased and used a 26oz bottle, and freakin' hate it. See further explanation below.). If you're concerned about your drink getting warm or your hand getting cold (the latter of which does happen - I've never noticed the former), they sell a version known as the Fastdraw Extreme that features a neoprene wrap for the bottle. The mesh construction of the harness doesn't hold moisture for rainy runs, and allows your hand to breathe well. I've worn the bottle innumerable times with gloves and had no issues, and the harness is machine washable. The bottle itself has no intrinsic taste or smell, doesn't hold on to flavours from sport drink as much as other bottles, and cleaning the valve is accomplished easily with the assistance of a baby bottle brush (which every endurance athlete should own, since they're the best damn thing in the world for cleaning the valve on any kind of bottle). Despite taking a tumble at Horror Hill last month and landing partly on the bottle (putting my hands down to save myself), there's been no damage - the Fastdraw takes as much punishment as I've been able to mete out in almost 3 years and just keeps coming back for more.

Valve closed/retracted - you can just see the cross cut in the top that allows fluid to exit.

Valve fully open.

What sucks: My thumb sometimes goes a little numb in my default hand position, but that's alleviated by moving it a bit. Some people may not like having to bite the valve or squeeze the bottle to dispense liquid, and I've occasionally bashed myself in the mouth trying to open or close the valve. The bottle can squirt out a bit of beverage when screwing the cap on if you fill it right up, but you can reduce the effect if you open the kicker valve before putting the lid on. The strap occasionally loosens off a bit and needs re-tightening, but this may have to do with my washing methods since it never did that before its first trip through the laundry. The pocket isn't big enough to hold a smartphone or gel flask and the material isn't the softest in the world - would irritate skin if used to wipe away sweat. Heat does transfer between hand and beverage due to direct contact with the bottle (resulting in cold hands in winter and warm drink in summer), but this can be alleviated by using the Fastdraw Extreme version. Updated Nov 1/13: the 26oz bottle is bloody annoying to use as the bottom strap of the harness is non-extendible, meaning too much of the weight sits above your hand when the bottle is full. Until you drink at least 1/3 of it, the balance is awful and it does a lot of torquing on your wrist as you run. When you do drink it down - particularly when the bottle is close to empty - the additional airspace inside (vs. the 20oz bottle) seems to mean you need to squeeze the bottle even more to get a decent drink. I actually prefer using a standard 24oz bike bottle instead if I need more capacity than the bottle with which I purchased the strap, despite not having the kicker valve. Yes, it's that annoying.

Outside of the pocket, zipper undone.

Looking in through the zip - one Hammer gel in there, with space for another.

What I wish it had: I really wish I could purchase a top that would fit a standard bike bottle that had the kicker valve, but the 26oz bottle is inexpensive - I just need to get around to buying one (UPDATED Nov 1/13: I finally found one locally, bought it, and hate it. See above). I'd love it if they brought out a version with a pocket big enough to hold a standard 5oz gel flask, as that would allow me to carry everything I need for a 25k/3 hour trail race in one tidy package. I could, however, use their clip-on gel flask holder.

The reflective extends around the bottom of the bottle for visibility while drinking.

What I'm saying: This is my go-to bottle for everything from an hour-long training run in hot weather up through a 6-hour ultra race. It's held everything I need it to, doesn't weigh me down with anything useless, and has performed so well that I'd have to run right out and buy another immediately if mine were lost or destroyed. I tried versions from other companies prior to purchasing the Fastdraw Plus, but have never looked back.

Business end.

In action at Vulture Bait 2012.

For further edification: Philosopher Runner, What Finish Line? and Running on the White Line have reviewed this bottle with similar conclusions.

Tested: Saris Gran Fondo bicycle rack

For the first product review of 2012, I'm going with an item that has resulted in a lot of hits to the blog from searches - the Gran Fondo two bicycle rack by Saris.

With Tanker's Giant TCX2 in size M 'cross bike and my 54cm Cervelo P1

Both bikes are held securely away from the vehicle.

What it is: A rack that holds two bicycles, up to 35lbs each with either 26", 29" or 700c wheels (ought to work for 650 as well). 

Not much in the wind, and lots of garage door clearance.

Why you want one: It complies with European legislation prohibiting bicycle racks from obstructing the rear license plate, but entails less aerodynamic drag (and resultant poor fuel economy) than a roof-mounted rack while dramatically reducing the odds of smashing your bike to smithereens if you pull into the garage. It works with almost any vehicle with a rear hatch - see the manufacturer's site for specific model recommendations.

Our cyclocross bikes mounted.

Duration used: 6 months on our 2008 Honda Fit

Price paid/purchased from: $0 - I received this rack as a prize in a contest on Slowtwitch. MSRP is $369.99CAN.

Tanker's Giant TCX2 in size M and my Norco CCX-SL in size S.

What rawks: This is probably the most user-friendly bike rack I've ever come across. Assembly is easy using the included instructions from Saris - it took us about 30mins from unpacking to completion, plus another minute or two of adjusting strap lengths for first use. It takes less than a minute to attach to the vehicle once set up, as the top straps will stay at the same length with only minor cinching required on the others. There is a great range of adjustment available to fit multiple vehicles and bikes - we're able to use this for my tri bike (2009 Cervelo P1 - 54cm), our cyclocross bikes (2009 Giant TCX2 - M & 2010 Norco CCX-SL - S), my 26er mountain bikes (2012 Louis Garneau Apex Elite - M & 1995 Kona Hahanna - 19") and even Tanker's 29er (2011 Trek Marlin). It's very easy to mount the bikes on the rack, and while there is some movement the bikes are held very securely even at Tanker's idea of a reasonable highway speed (130kph/80mph) and on bumpy, rutted, washboard dirt/gravel roads. We have experienced no issues with the rack shifting if we only have one bike on at a time, and it is still possible to use the back hatch even with two bikes mounted (though you may not be able to open it all the way without making contact with the roof of the car, and it's a good idea to have a second person hold the hatch while you dive in there unless you want to end up looking like a tacky novelty item). The quality of the materials used in the rack itself seem very good, and we have experienced no durability issues. The rubber-coated strap hooks and feet of the frame have not left any marks on our vehicle, and the rack is well stabilized by the 6-point attachment (2 top straps, 2 side straps and 2 bottom straps). While there is no theft deterrent provided with the rack and the ratchet straps are easily opened, we used a pair of small padlocked lengths of aircraft cable to secure the bikes to the rack (looped through either a pedal or the chainring and around the rack's frame) when we knew the car would be sitting unattended; a standard cable bicycle lock would work as well. Compared to horizontal-mount racks we have used in the past, the view through the rearview mirror/rear windshield is excellent, while still providing a reassuring view of both bikes throughout the ride. We did not notice any change in fuel mileage driving over 400km round-trip to a race with my tri bike and Tanker's CX bike on the rack, but have noted that both bicycles remain fairly clean despite encountering multiple rainstorms while using the rack and not having mudflaps on our car. Removing the bikes from the rack at your destination is fast and easy, but be prepared to answer a lot of questions about the rack along the way!

Fat tires and 29" wheels present a little more surface area to the wind.

What sucks: While the wheel cups do fold down, the rack doesn't really collapse for storage - at approximately 3' x 3' the frame is definitely something you'd be tripping over if you're tight on space. Larger diameter tires (2.2" and up) will settle into the front wheel supports, which can make it tough to get the bike off the rack. It doesn't quite support Tanker's enormous 29er away from the bottom bumper of our Honda Fit (though there has been no damage), and we have to watch ground clearance with that monster on there. It's also one of the more expensive bike racks on the market, and will not work on a vehicle that has a hatch-mounted spoiler.

Ground clearance may be an issue with large 29er frames.

What I wish it had: If Saris would include a couple of velcro or ratchet straps to cinch down the excess webbing, that would be awesome - we tend to forget to tie the excess so it won't flap in the wind, which may risk some damage to the bikes (noone likes scuffed paint). Would also love to see the manufacturer include some anti-theft method.

The rear wheel of Tanker's 29er (left) touches the rear bumper when mounted.

What I'm saying: While we absolutely love this rack, I'm not sure I could justify the cost if I was currently in the market for a method to carry two bikes. If price is not an issue, you have trouble remembering your bike is on the roof before that sickening crunch, or you must comply with European legislation, it's an excellent product that I would highly recommend to pamper your bike (particularly if you wish to avoid stress on a carbon fibre frame). As a freebie, I fully believe we will get many years of happy use from our Gran Fondo, and will continue to enjoy the conversations with fellow cyclists along the way who can't contain their curiosity about its unique construction!

For further edification: Road.cc and Pez Cycling reviewed this as well, the latter including lots of detail photos.

Stay tuned..

Having now shot past the last race of the season*, you may be asking yourself:

 "Self, what is this moron going to blog about now that there are no more races on which to report? Will we be subjected to endless minutiae of off-season training, or will this space simply go into hibernation until the next ill advised endeavour?"

Fear not, gentle reader - I have a cunning plan!

Over the next few months, I intend to attempt some content that is slightly less inane than my typical self-centred driveling. Product reviews, interesting workout concepts, and possibly even some n=1 experimental stuff. Prepare to have your socks, if not blown off, then at least gently removed and occasionally laundered!

At best, it'll be useful and relevant. At worst, reading it will still effectively pass another minute or two until you're able to do something far more interesting, like watching coverage of the world championships of grass growing.

There may also be more crayon art.

Hard at work to bring you fresh, steaming content!

Until I actually get off my lazy arse and write something worth reading, I'll leave you with this video to keep you entertained - Hitler gets the results of his MRI:

 (There's foul language in the subtitles, in case you're offended by that sort of thing)

I'll be back next Friday with something - stay tuned to find out what!

* Until I stupidly sign up for something else at the last minute.

Horror Hill 6-hour Ultra - Saturday, October 27th, 2012

Maybe I should have, but it wouldn't have been half as much fun.

To say that it was raining would be to miss a perfectly good opportunity to use the word "pelting" - a few moments outside would suffice for a drenching, and there were no signs of it letting up anytime soon. The forecaster (rhymes with "idiot") taunted us with hollow promises that things might clear up around noon, but I'd already be halfway done and probably halfway drowned by then. With a high of 8c, you can add half frozen to that as well.

Ignoring better sense, I downed my bottles of Boost and gathered the mountain of crap I'd be hauling along with me. Check that - Tanker did the hauling, because even though he was doing the 5k, he's freakin' amazing and relentless in his sherpa duties. He sherps, therefore he is (awesome).

No issues getting race fuel (Tim Hortons café mochas), making our way up to Camp Heidelberg or picking up race kits. I had plenty of time to get ready, hum and haw over wardrobe choices, actually get BodyGlide where I needed it, and finally declare myself ready with about 5mins left before the gun. While sticking with the same skirt I've used for all three Horror Hill 6-hours so far, I did make an unprecedented swap - ditched my usual lightweight short-sleeve for a heavier, long-sleeved merino wool shirt. I would want my arms covered in the cold rain, and while the long-sleeve would hold more water than my Moeben sleeves it would also keep me warmer while I was wet and provide more core warmth due to the thicker fabric. I knew I wasn't going to overheat, so I wouldn't need removable sleeves. I'm pretty sure this substitution, combined with my Louis Garneau Vent 2 vest to keep the wind off my chest, were the only things that saved me from hypothermia on the course. Completing my stylish ensemble: my Saucony Velocity rain hat, Mizuno Breath Thermo gloves and earband, a much-worn pair of New Balance WT100 trail shoes (with just shy of 700km on them already..), my Dirty Girl gaiters, a pair of Merino TRL Wrightsocks, and my old battle-worn Endurance Junkie edition Compressport R2 calf sleeves.

Heading out with Tanker by my side for the first two loops, the trail was actually ok - the dirt was pretty hard-packed and hadn't been churned up yet, so there were only a couple of slippery bits on the hills. Poor Tank ended up with his leg covered in burrs from something on the side of the trail, and had to stop during his first lap to pick them out of his leg hair as they were pretty painful. He was also having trouble with an ingrown toenail - the same one from Tour de King. It had actually healed up, then he smoked it off the bottom of the pool on Tuesday before the race. It had recovered and was feeling ok again, then he stubbed it off the dresser on race morning. Apparently my luck with stupid injuries is contagious - RUN AWAY TANKER!

Trail map with some colour commentary.

Despite having every reason to quit, my sweetheart toughed it out through both of his loops to finish the 5k, then gave me a kiss and headed in to get into dry clothes and grab something to eat. I made it most of the way through my 3rd loop before having to visit the portajohn to adjust hydration levels right around the 1 hour mark - I hadn't drank much so far, but the rain and cold must have got to me! I had started in with taking a slug of EFS Liquid Shot every 30mins (approximately) as well, as a race of this length requires you to start taking in calories long before you get hungry. The crowd thinned out as the 5k and faster 10k runners completed their races, leaving only the 3 and 6 hour participants still going in circles.

Trail conditions worsened with every passing minute as the rain continued. After the first hour, every subsequent loop showed appreciable deterioration, and the amount of runnable terrain in the woods diminished - we were quite literally stomping a mudhole in the forest. I thought about my odds of making it through the whole race upright as my feet tried to skate away from underneath me with each step, even while walking. I actually practiced pulling my damaged wrist into my chest, trying to program myself to do so if I lost my balance. All for nought - I believe I was just finishing my 5th loop and trying to ascend the "small, nigh impassable hill" when my foot lost its traction and I went pitching face-first, landing squarely on my outstretched broken wrist.

Artist's conception.

I couldn't even get up. With my hand bottle in my right hand, I couldn't grab a handy tree with it to pull myself out of the mud, and I certainly wasn't in any mood to try anything with my left hand. Fortunately a very kind gentleman heard me go down, walked back from the top of the hill and offered me his hand. I thanked him and said I just needed a minute, explaining that I'd broken the wrist I fell on a couple of months earlier (it was actually 2 months and 1 day) and it was quite sore. He waited, hoisted me to my feet, and even towed me up the hill that had been my undoing! I owe this man a great debt of gratitude.

Having been tugged to my feet and up the climb by my left hand, I knew it wasn't re-broken - I'd felt a click when I fell on it and it was quite sore, but seemed mostly functional. I made my exit from the woods, hit the grassy section down to the gravel road ("long, pounding downhill") and started running again. No complaint from the wrist, even with the jolting. Hmm..

I made it down to the aid station/shelter and yelled to Tank, who'd emerged from changing and eating to crew for me (and anyone else who needed a hand), that I'd managed to fall on my broken wing like some kind of idiot. His jaw dropped and he asked if I was alright - I told him it seemed to be ok, so my plan was just to keep going until I either finished or wasn't ok anymore. I still had about four and a quarter hours to go, so there was plenty of time for things to get much worse.

Evidence of my impromptu wallow.

Of course, I wondered how the hell I was going to make it up the little hill that had done me in, as well as the enormous hill after the terrifying downhill into the woods from the pond. They were becoming sheer faces of slick mud, and as the rain was only falling harder they certainly wouldn't be improving any time soon. Fortunately, in both cases my ingenious fellow runners had forged alternate paths just to the left of the trail, giving me some hope of making it through the rest of the race without killing myself. While the wrist was holding up ok (despite complaining bitterly when asked to tighten down the strap of my hand bottle), I knew that a second impact would almost assuredly re-break it and end my day. I'd got lucky already, since falling uphill meant that I could collapse onto the elbow as soon as the pain flared on impact - had it taken any more of my weight I might very well have tasted my second DNF.

The trail was doing its level best to ensure that I'd land on my head, while also taking a shot at wrecking both my knees and adductors. Some of the sections had a distinct slant to them, on which I probably slipped more distance sideways than I walked forward, but it was the downhills that truly made me fear for my life; they'd got sufficiently soupy in places that you essentially had to ski down them. I'd call it a "controlled slide", but that implies far more intent of purpose and much less chaos and pants-wetting terror than was actually the case.

Moving right along with nutrition, it was time to bust out the cookies. The only reason to run for such an absurdly long time is that you get to eat cookies on course, and I'd providently put small containers full of Mi-Del Pecan cookies and Wow Baking chocolate chip cookies (which taste exactly like the old Rich'n'Chewy cookies) in the cooler bag with all of my aid station gear. From the end of the second hour onward, I pretty much had a cookie every hour on the hour, finishing with a chocolate chipper with just 45mins left. I love ultrarunning.

Face full of cookie.

Tanker got creative, too - somewhere around the 2.5 hour mark he appeared where we exit the woods by the aid station and handed me a popsicle stick with a chunk of banana smeared with peanut butter. Amazing flavour (this is something I eat all the time), but poor consistency - it took me the best part of half a loop to finally be able to move my mouth freely again and get all the peanut butter un-stuck from my gums. Yep, doing my impression of a dog with a very lonely owner..

On I went, averaging about 4-5 incidents of nearly falling on my head/arse per loop. I was probably somewhere around 3 hours in when I came around the corner to exit the woods by the start/finish line and found one of the rocks hidden in the mud with my left foot, neatly turning my left ankle. I was sufficiently run-tarded by this point that I actually talked myself through self-checking, asking "Am I ok? Yeah, I think I'm ok.." out loud while running down the grass toward the mats. Fortunately the ankle would hold up just fine - I didn't notice it at all until I got out of bed the next morning. Maybe submerging it in mud helped?

"Just a little twisted - I'm still good!"

I pulled into the aid station, had another cookie, visited the portajohn again (apparently drinking to thirst in cold rain means peeing a lot), and got on with it. I had made it through 20km in the first half, and figured on that particular day that anything over 30km would be gravy - I'd started my running season with the 30km Around the Bay road race, so finishing it with 30km of trail would be just fine. Given the time I had, even despite the continually increasing suckage level of the trail, I figured I could probably shoot for 35km.

Odd thing about this particular race - it seems to take forever to get to the halfway point, but after that time seems to accelerate. While both the rain and soupiness of the trail increased (along with my lap times), I was feeling ok and just putting one foot in front of the other. It had got to the point by hour 5 that it actually seemed best to walk or run in the deepest of the mud, since it's shoe-sucking gloopiness was the closest thing available to traction. I heard that some other people had issues with their adductors cramping on them from trying to control the sideways slipping that accompanied almost every step, but mine had been conditioned by months of morning strength sessions and were hanging in there. My knees took a bit of a beating, but the hundreds of one-legged squats I've done this year came to the rescue and I actually managed to stay on my feet for the rest of the day.

Waving to Tanker as I head out for another lap.

Around the 4.5 hour mark, the absurdity of running for six hours dawned on me a bit - I realised I'd started running at 9am, that it was now 1:30 in the afternoon, and I'd still be running for another hour and a half. I was able to laugh about it, though, since I'd done my work with fueling. I have a nasty tendency to forget to eat past 3 hours, and that results in "dark" periods where I have negative thoughts and the voice telling me to quit pipes up (this happened the first time I did this race in 2010). Fortunately, this can be cured with cookies! Having learned something from the past, I kept a steady stream of calories coming in this year and remained pretty chipper throughout.

Toward the end, even sections of the hard-packed gravel leading down to and around the pond had been pounded into ankle-deep, sucking mud. Most of what was I was still able to run in the woods was uphill, but since there was so little and I was doing so much walking it was hard to keep myself warm enough as the rain continued to pick up and the wind howled across the open field between the start/finish and the aid station/shelter. At the 5 hour mark I hit the portajohn one last time (peeing 3 times in 6 hours? Madness!), then whipped out my secret weapon: a chocolate raspberry Gu Roctane packet. I had been pretty good about keeping up with the EFS Liquid Shot ever 30mins or so, but I was starting to get a bit careless with fatigue and I hoped the caffeine in the Roctane would brighten me up a bit.

I saw my friend Dave heading into the building with his gear from the aid station - apparently my merino wool and late-season fat layer were serving me well, as one of the studliest ultrarunners I know had just dropped due to the cold! I had come close to putting on a full jacket myself, but since I was already sodden I didn't think it would be that much use. I was averaging about 25mins per loop, but still trucking and sure I'd manage at least 15 full laps for 37.5km. Eating one last chocolate chip cookie at about the 5:15 mark, I discussed with Tanker that I probably wouldn't be able to make 40km, but it made me wonder.

I'd already done enough walking.

The Roctane had done its job - I was feeling a bit more alert and seeing more clearly. I took one last gel with about 30mins left and noticed that the rain finally seemed to be tapering off a bit. The trail started to improve slightly; we'd stomped a mudhole and were on our way to walking it dry. Coming through the mats at 37.5km (15 laps) with the clock reading 5:47:xx, I decided to go for broke on one last loop and see if 40k was possible. I got my drop bag (a zipper bag full of pasta) and hauled my butt along as best I could.

Knowing I had about 2mins to make up on my recent lap times and nothing to save my energy for, I ran right through the aid station while yelling my intentions at Tanker. I still had to slow down to execute the slide down into the woods from circling the pond and there was no way I could run up the two big hills, but I tried to run pretty much everything else regardless of how soupy it was. A fair bit of walking still happened, since I didn't actually want to die, but I was able to run a heck of a lot more than I had for hours. Just shows what a weenie I turn into when I fall over once!

You should see how much mud there was on the inside..

Emerging from the forest I ran up toward the Rehkopf building and glanced at the clock: I still had just under 9 minutes to navigate the last bit of woods and hit the mats before the horn went. Picking my way through because it would really suck to fall and smash myself right at the end, I emerged from the trees one last time and ran down to the mats...with over 3 minutes to spare! It turns out I'd put in my second fastest lap of the day - had quite a bit left in the tank energy-wise after walking so much all day, and was actually able to get my blood really pumping at last. I felt great aerobically, though my feet and legs were definitely in poorer shape.

Might as well keep going, so I ran right through the aid station again and down the hill to the pond, making it about 2/3 of the way around before hearing the horn at the 6 hour mark. I stopped, dropped my bag of pasta, and had walked partway back when Bruce reminded me that I was supposed to leave my bib with the bag. My hands weren't very functional at that point - insufficient to fiddle with safety pins in gloves - but I managed to tear off a section of the bib that was intended to be used for draw prizes and had my number on it (Bruce had kindly offered to un-pin me, but I didn't want to be a bother). This meant walking about 100m back to my drop bag to tuck in my little coupon, then walking all the way back up the hill to the aid station/shelter to meet up with Tanker. Tell me again why the hell I ran down that hill at the end?

Very happy to have stopped.

The only part that really sucked is that by the time I'd hosed off the mud, gone inside to take off my gaiters, shoes, socks and calf sleeves, hosed off again to get the mud from inside the socks and calf sleeves (really), then got changed into dry clothing all of the burgers were gone. I got a bowl of chili and was told I'd be welcome to come back for as many more as I'd like...then they ran out of chili. On the bright side, this left more room for an enormous bowl of pho - I'd come up with that ingenious little plan somewhere around four and a half hours in and mentioned it to Tanker, who was all over it as well. We packed up and drove straight to Pho Shizzle to get ourselves warmed up, but only after I'd collected my prize (a pair of Wrightsocks) for 2nd place in the women under 40 age group!

Ok, I was actually 3rd, but there's no duplication of awards.

Official distance: 40.4km

3/6 W<40, 5/10 Women, 24/35 O/A

I'm pretty sure I haven't actually stopped cramming stuff in my face since the race ended, either - hooray for off season! It's now four days later and my ankle is feeling way better, so who knows? Maybe I'll actually go for a run tonight..