Hydration, Hydration, Hydration The Stony Heat Miser Marathon

As most of you know the country has been in a heat wave.  Record temps everywhere.  Yesterday was the Stony Heat Miser Marathon race.  For Cat1's it's a 50 mile race.  With temps in the mid 90's and humidity to go with it, it was sure to be a scorcher.  I didn't want to take any chances so I actually wore tri shorts and the most breathable jersey I could find.  I felt bad not wearing the team kit but it was just too hot and the race was too long. At the start of the race I was already sweating just standing still.  Coming into this race I knew a few things.  I knew it would be hot, I knew I had good fitness, and I knew this was going to be an opportunity to get some points being it was a double points race.  The start of the race was a little unexpected.  They didn't break up the age groups like they usually do.  They sent my group (30-39) out with the 19-29 year olds.  We had lined up behind them expecting them to go a minute before us but that wasn't the case.  So that meant I would have to pace better in the beginning and not get trapped behind anyone I didn't want to.

The first lap everyone was very cautious.  It was already close to 90 degree's and in the sun it felt like a blow torch was on you.  I rode pretty conservative as I didn't want to spend it all during the first lap.  I went out with 2 bottles of electrolyte drink expecting to get through the first 2 laps.  The first 2 laps went well and I made my way through the pack easing up slightly.  At the end of the 2nd lap I pitted to swap bottles.  I grabbed a bottle of regular water and another Powerbar Perform bottle. On the third lap I continued the plan and watched my HR and fluid intake.  After the third lap I had to pit again.  I grabbed another bottle of plain water and Ironman perform and half a RedBull.  These laps are only about 45 minutes.  I was sucking down water like a sponge.  I asked my wife to go get a fill up from the aid station because I was going to need it for the fifth lap.

When I came in after the 4th lap I was out of Ironman Perform (3 bottles).  I had about a quarter of a bottle left.  So I went out on the fifth lap with a bottle of plain water, and a quarter of a bottle of Ironman Perform.  During the course of the race I also took in salt pills about 45 minutes to an hour.  I also tried to take in some gel but my stomach didn't like it.  By 3/4 through the 5th lap I was completely out of everything.  All the water and Perform was gone.  In total I went through 8 bottles of fluid.  Luckily I didn't have much to go.  I cruised in to the finish line in 3rd place with a time of 3:52 (I think maybe 3:53).  Being a double points day the finish that will help out with the overall for the season.  I only have 1 more USAC race this year so I needed it especially after my horrible time trial at Fort Custer.

Congratulations to all that finished yesterday.  It was a tough day out there.  Some had to make tough decisions about their own well being and finishing a race.  Next up is the 32 mile portion of the Breckenridge 100 and a nice little vacation out west.