Voyaguer 50 Miler

After the second time through the powerlines, about 15 miles to go.

The swinging bridge at Jay Cooke. 5K left.

The river through Jay Cook State. If you want to know about the Geology of the area, just talk to Meg.

This year was the 30th anniversary of the Voyaguer 50 miler. The race that started as a small challenge between the runners in the UMTR club has now become one of the oldest ultras in the nation, and one of the most competitive in the region.

The race starts and ends in Carlton MN near Jay Cooke State Park

Coming into the Voyaguer 50 Miler I knew that my training was right where it should be. I had been putting in good volume and some quality ANT workouts and after the Half Voyaguer I was even able to put in some time at altitude, so I was ready to go. The part that made me a bit nervous was the this would be my first ultra sans-crew. For those of you who race ultras, you know how much of a benefit a crew can be in keeping you feed, hydrated, and moving. Meg was in Utah finish the last bits of field camp and racing herself at the Speedgoat 50K in Alta, UT; and my parents were out of town on a trip. The positive thing would be that, as a hometown runner, I would know a lot people along the course, and the frequent well staffed aid stations on the Voyaguer course would be a big help for me too.

The race came early (though not as early as the Half Voyaguer!) on the July 30th at Carlton High school. We lined up in front of the school and with a few shouts, including on from me, we were off to Duluth - and then coming back.

I breezed though the swinging bridge at Jay Cooke and then I settled into a good rhythm in 5th place. I was comfortable through to the top of Spirit Mt. at about 23 miles, but in retrospect was not eating or drinking enough - which would come back to haunt me later. The temps were cool in the early stages of the race, but soon climbed into the upper 80's with full sun and some humidity to boot!

As I ran down the face of Spirit Mt. to the turn around, the miles without enough calories caught up to me. With as many ultras as I have done you would think I would learn! I came into the aid station in 3:35, and hesitated picking up plenty of food, water, and Mountain Dew. After about 2 minutes of refueling I was off and running back towards Carlton. Fellow racer John Storkamp caught me just after we left the turn around, as did one other racer. I was now in 7th place and feeling spent. The heat was climbing as I started up Spirit Mt.

I gave myself until the top of Spirit Mt. to hike/run and recover, and the strategy payed off. By the top of the 2 mile climb the food and Mountain Dew kicked in and I felt 100% better. I cruised down to Becks rd, and on to Fon du Lac. On the descent I caught back up with John Storkamp, and we were running in 4th and 5th place. We ran together through the climb up to the power lines pushing each other. At the Grand Portage aid station I was still feeling good and running a good pace, so I took off and used the tough climbs of the section to make up some time on the runners ahead of me.



At 4 Bay and closing fast!

At the coming aid stations I kept hearing that I was getting closer and closer to the runners ahead of me. I was flying and reeling them in. At Peterson I was 8 minutes back from the 3rd place runner. At 4 Bay I was 4 minutes back, and at Jay Cooke I was less than 3 minutes from 3rd and 2 minutes from second! The race was on!

I was pressing hard through the technical section from the swinging bridge at Jay Cooke to Carlton. But my closing effort was just not quite enough and I finished in 4th place. I raced very strong, recovering from a real slump at half way and from mile 35 to the finish gained nearly 25 minutes on 2nd and 3rd. It was one of the best run and mentally strongest races I have ever had, and I also showed myself that (with great aid stations and volunteers) a 50 miler with out a crew is no problem for me.

Thank you to the great race directors Andy and Kim Holak, all of the volunteers, and my coach Jason Kask at Superior Performance. Congratulations to all of the other racers and finishers.

See you out on the trails!