It was a long road to get here.

In 2022 I took a planned year off from running ultra marathons to let my body recover and to try some new things. Some of the new things included injuries. Nothing major and I didn’t have any big races planned that required training. I just coasted on my accumulated fitness. Basically just running races with no training.

In 2023 I was hoping to return to the ultra scene. However, injuries continued to nag me. Then I ended up having to take the entire summer off to try and recover from an injury. That still didn’t work out. I found a great PT to work with. Thanks to Brett at Limitless Physical Therapy we were able to diagnose the problem and begin the long road to recovery and building me back up.

Returning to running after so much time off felt like starting from nothing, even though I know I wasn’t. I could still get through a 5k run, just at much slower paces than I was used to, which weren’t particularly fast to begin with. But I had great friends that were committed to running with me as I began to build back.

My hope for 2024 was to run my first ultra in two years. And I felt like I needed to commit to an event that truly scared me. Something that I really wasn’t sure that I could do, even if I was able to fully train how I wanted to. I needed that scared motivation to keep me accountable and motivated to run regularly. That reason to cross train and keep doing my PT and strength exercises.

I know it sounds ridiculous to say, but after a few years of running ultras regularly a 50k isn’t particularly intimidating, especially when the goal is just to finish. I needed something a little more. And as I was recovering from injury I began to have dreams of bigger plans for races I wanted to take on years down the road. And that would include summer races.

I do not like running in the heat. My body doesn’t really tolerate running in the heat very well. So, why not make my first ultra marathon in two years a summer 45 mile race.

Enter Many On The Genny

Several years ago I heard about this race from friend who ran the race. The race takes place at Letchworth State Park in New York. It is one of my favorite state parks. I have run some other trail races there. And I have been there to photograph its natural beauty many times. But it is a rather large park and I have never had the time to fully explore all the trails it has available.

I was excited about a 45 mile trail run to explore many of the parts of the park that I had never seen before. And I wanted to test myself running a long event in the summer.

Letchworth State Park is a large park that surrounds a gorge which the Gennesee River flows through. The river has carved out this deep chasm over millennia. The park has many natural attractions which include three large waterfalls. Upper, Middle, and Lower falls. During the race we would cross the gorge close to the half way point where you can see the Lower Falls.

Almost all my time on the trails at Letworth State Park have occurred on one side of the park on one section of trails, The Finger Lakes Trail branch that runs along that side of the gorge. That would likely make up the second half of the race. I can’t say I was looking forward to it, but at least I had one idea what it would be like as I tried to finish this race.

I spent the two days leading up to the race camping at the park. I was just going to relax and enjoy some time out in nature. I took in the usual sights. The waterfalls and the many beautiful overlooks. I went to the nature center there that I have always wanted to go to but never made the time on previous trips. I stopped at many of my usual haunts in the park and was pleased to see that according to the course map it looked like the race would eventually cross paths with a lot of these places. So I would have a lot of new sights punctuated with the familiar. I think this would really serve to ground me. And it would give me a foundation of just where I was on the course. At least in the first half where there are more distinguishable landmarks.

I have been to so many of the places in this park, and I knew that a lot of it was connected by trail if one wanted to hike, but I had never gotten around to doing that. I was excited now to travel the trails that interconnected so many beautiful locations. I very casually scouted out a few sections where I knew the course would go to see what the trails were like. And was surprised to see that one section that is often muddy, was almost completely dry. This should make for some pretty good running conditions.

Race Day

The night before the race I did not sleep well. Maybe it was just nerves. Probably nerves. But I ended up getting up 15 minutes before my 3:30 am alarm because I was already awake and couldn’t get back to sleep. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to get ready. I did not want to be in a rush and forget anything. I needed this day to go nearly perfect to pull this off.

My race day kit consisted of the lightest weight clothes I had. One of my favorite pairs of Eastern Mountain Sports running shorts. And I wore a really light weight sleeveless shirt by Altra. I do not usually run in sleeveless shirts especially for long distances because I am worried about my arms chaffing, but today beating the heat was the number one priority. So sleeveless it was. After some serious trial and error that gave me terrible blisters I found a pair of socks that seemed to work pretty good. Then came potentially the biggest risk in my race day kit. I was running in essentially brand new shoes. I had only logged 3 miles in just to make sure there were no obvious issues. And they were from a brand and model I had never heard of. But they were recommended to me by a friend and I had faith. They were at least the style that I like. Wide toes and zero drop. I was forced into this path by my giant sized 14 feet and the fact that the brands I usually relied on have apparently decided they do not really need to stock shoe sin that size even for ordering on line. Also I slathered on the Anti Chafe and my go to is 2Toms which had a new Max formula that I bought just for this occasion.

When I showed up to the start line for bib pick up I really felt out of place. I didn’t know if anyone I knew was running this race and I didn’t see anyone I knew milling around. I was alone. And I felt like I didn’t belong.

My training this year was really different than during my past ultra build ups. Coming off an injury I didn’t really know how many miles my body could take. So I took it very conservatively. The priority was to stay healthy. My longest run during my build up was a few half marathons. I also mixed in cross training on my bike and strength training for the first time. And I think the key especially the key to my confidence was I mixed in three separate long hike efforts. During the course of the year I hike 28 miles on three separate occasions. I knew I could at least go 28 miles.

Start

I was familiar with the location where we would be starting from. But I had no idea how we would get from there to the other side of the park where essentially the entire first half of the race takes place. I was pretty sure we would cross a bridge going over the river that I had seen before but never been on. But once again I had no idea how we would get to the bridge or where we would go after it.

Starting in the pre dawn, not quite light was fun. I don’t think I have ever started a race in quite those conditions before. This early part of the race was really fun. It was exciting, like being a child on Christmas. What fun times do these never before seen trails hold for me.

The first 10 miles seemed to fly by. It was mostly all descending or flat. There was really only one climb in that section. I was feeling really good and running well. I focused on running comfortable. I wasn’t holding back, but I wasn’t pushing myself either. I was just going with the flow.

I arrived at the first aid station around 10 miles into the race in about 2 hours. I was really happy with this. My goal for the entire first half of the race was to just average 15 minute miles so that I stayed ahead of the 17 minute per mile pace needed to make the cutoff for the first half of the race. And my pace was around a 12 minutes per mile. This race could not have started off better.

And to make things even better it was a relatively cool morning and I was actually a little cold starting off and didn’t’ get too warm at all during the first 10 miles. The goal of not overheating was going well so far as well, especially considering the faster than expected pace.

Second Aid Station

Getting from the first aid station to the second aid station was the longest stretch without aid. This stretch would be 9 miles before I reached another aid station. I had grabbed a PB&J and a banana for fuel at the 1st aid station. And I decided I should top off my 2 liter water bladder there as well. And I had plenty of my own fuel sources stashed in my hydration vest that I was consuming regularly. My goal during an ultra is to eat something every hour.

I am glad I decided to top everything off, because this section of the course was more challenging than the first section of the course. There were some significant climbing and descending sections. The trails also took us on an unexpected section of trails.

One that as I approached it made me nervous. This section of trail looked much more exposed to the bright morning. sun. My whole plan was to try and stay out of the sun as much as possible. That was one reason I was hopeful about a summer finish here. I knew the second half of the race was almost completely in the woods. But now we were emerging into the sun. And it started with a climb, which is typically my least favorite part of any race course.

Fortunately there was enough mixture of shade and sun that it never got particularly hot. And the climbing wasn’t too steep and didn’t last two long. This section of trail thankfully ended with a nice descent that lead us back across the park road. And the volunteers there informed me that there was about 1.5 miles until the aid station. Which was good because I was low on water and ended up running out before I reached the aid station.

It was during this section that my legs began to feel the fatigue. Around a third of the way into the race, mile 15. This was now the farthest I had run all year. It was almost twice as far as I had run on trails all year. And my legs were feeling it. My quads started to get tight. I could really feel the burn on any descent. And if you know me at all as a runner that is really disappointing because I love to run downhill. That is where I make up my time. I struggle on the climbs, but make it back on the downhill. And now that was the part of the race that was beginning to feel like a struggle.

Luckily I arrived at the second aid station at the perfect time. I was ready for a short break. I was ready to refuel and get something to drink and refill my water bladder. And best of all that is where my wife was meeting me. And she had our dog Willow. I hadn’t seen my wife in three days and seeing her here was the perfect boost of moral support that I needed.

To Aid Station 3

This section of the race felt hard. But I was still making good time. There was one big climb and one big descent here to get to the next aid station.

I am pretty sure that during this stretch of the race a fellow runner literally WALKED past me as I was trying to run. That is the kind of shape I was in at this point.

This section of the course took us down to the Lower Falls area of the park. It is an area of the park that is really nice and beautiful. Probably less visited than many other areas.

And as I was making my way through this area, I wanted to visit it less. We were essentially following the park road down into the gorge. And I knew where we had to get to to reach the aid station. But, Nooooooo, the the official race course took us out and around by the nice beautiful grassy fields. and along the wooded path through the picnic area before leading us up to the pavilion where the aid station was staged. I really just wanted to cut the course and go straight to the aid station at that point.

But I got there and I was able to se my wife and our dog again. I was happy to see my wife. She said I looked tired. I confirmed I WAS TIRED. Also, my dog did not care about me at all. She was just there to get pets from everyone else.

I took some time at this aid station, knowing that I had time to spare. I refilled my water bladder. I ate some watermelon. I love watermelon at a race. It is just about the only time I eat it.

I kissed my wife and headed out back onto the course. My wife wasn’t sure if she would see me at the next aid stations because they required hiking into the woods a little bit and she had been dealing with her own injuries.

I was happy to have gotten through this section 45 minutes ahead of the cut off.

As it turns out all the steepest climbs and descents ended up being on the first half of the race. And thank god for that because now the real grind would begin.

Crossing the river gorge

I was looking forward to this section of the race. I have been to this part of the park. I have stood on this stone bridge that spans the gorge here. It is probably one of the deepest parts of the park and probably where the gorge is the narrowest.

And while I have been here many times, I have never hiked back up the other side. This are of the park was like entering foreign land. I did not know what to expect. I figured I would eventually meet back up with some sections of trail I was familiar with, but I did not know what it would take to get there.

I just need to keep pushing and get to aid station 4 to keep this journey going.

I was really working through this section. I was tired but I was able to push myself to keep a moderate pace going. Mixing in the running and walking. I climbed my way back out of the gorge.

During the later part of this section I really began to fade. Fatigue and tightness were really setting in. I felt like I could just lie down on the side of the trail and take a nap. And every time I saw the slightest descent I groaned out loud. My quads were so tight.

On every descent I just had to force my muscles to relax and go with the downhill motion and just breath and grit my teeth. My mantra was: Pain is Temporary.

Surprisingly my legs felt fine on the climbs and the flats. I prayed a prayer I never thought I would pray. Just asking for more climbing to do. Those are the only leg muscles working right now.

It was obvious that it was getting warmer as the day progressed. Even in the shade of the woods. The forecast was for temperatures to get into the 80s.

A fellow runner and I had been within earshot of each other for most of this section. We were both clearly struggling. Trying to do Ultra math. And hoping and praying that we would reach the aid station soon.

When I arrived at Aid station 4 I was worn down. But everyone else there had mush more confidence in my ability to finish than I did at this point. I knew mentally that time was on my side, but I was just so damn tired.

My wife was here to give me a boost. I was happy she was able to make it. I needed her positive energy to keep me going.

Get to that last aid station

It was reportedly 7 miles to the last aid station. Groan. I was so tired. Wasn’t it time for a nap yet.

I was on my way. I was definitely slowing down. My run walk mix was definitely becoming more walk than run. My legs were becoming increasingly stiff.

Going downhill was painful. But it was just pain. “Are you hurt or are you injured?” I just hurt and I could overcome it.

I was now on the section of trails I was more familiar with. But I was running them backwards. And it is essentially just running through the woods with no real landmarks to go by to help figure out where exactly you are.

If you know anything about this section of trails, the FLT trail at Letchworth State Park. There is just gully after gully after gully that you have to descend and climb back out of as the water drains down into the gorge and into the Genesee River.

The pain of descending the steep gullies would have been worth it if there had only been some cold running water flowing. But there was no running water. Just stagnant puddles here and there if anything. I really just wanted to splash some water on myself or dip my hat in a stream. IT was getting hot. And the heat was adding to my anxiety about actually pulling this thing off.

The only thing I could do was keep chugging along. Find that perfect balance. Not too much effort where I might overheat. Not too little effort where I would be in danger of missing a cut off.

Every time I found myself walking really slowly, I reminded myself that the pace doesn’t have to be fast it just has to be faster than a walk. Slowly trotting along the trails. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. When I needed to walk I made sure I walked with purpose. Not slow and casually. Marching along down that trail.

I think this is the part where my extended hiking trips really paid off. I knew I could b eon my feet for over 13 hours if I needed to be. I knew I could keep going forward. And from one of my more recent hikes I knew that if the trail was relatively flat I could hike at around and 18-19 minute per mile pace. So that is what I did.

Just keep moving. You will get to that aid station when you get there.

And I did get there. I heard my wife call my name. Thank God she had made it to this aid station as well. There was just one more gully to cross before I could get there. I yelled out and asked the volunteers if they could build me a bridge so I could get across.

I was hot and tired and didn’t want to stay long. So I didn’t. I just wanted to get this thing done.

I was sick of the taste and feel of the electrolyte mix I had been drinking all race. I really just wanted to drink plain water the rest of the way. So I filled my water bladder with plain water. I had the volunteers at the aid station pour a jug of water over my head and back and off I went.

The volunteers assured me I had this in the bag. They said all I had to do was hike it in and I would make it in plenty of time. So that was my goal.

Get to the finsih

I knew the math. My head was convinced I had plenty of time and would make it. My heart was not as sure.

I decided if I was assured of a finish if I just hiked it in, that was my best bet. It was still getting warmer. And the last thing I wanted to do was push too hard and overheat on this last section. End up having to stop for a prolonged rest and miss the cut off.

I had time and I was going to use it to my advantage.

Aside from the aid stations, I had been essentially alone for hours and hours. That is often the way of things when you are the back of the packer at an ultra. But it was a bit disorienting to not see anyone for such long stretches of time. I was beginning to think, maybe I was the last runner on the course. And I was ok with finishing last as long as I finished.

Eventually another runner caught up to me and passed me. I did not try to keep them from passing me and I did not try to keep up with them. Then another runner caught me and passed me. I was kind of happy just to see other runners at this point. I did not care about being passed. I did not care about what my time would be. I was content. I just wanted to finish.

Eventually I did start seeing a few landmarks that let me know I was getting close to the finish line. Places I was familiar with. An overlook here and another one there.

There aren’t many overlooks on this part of the trails. You are mostly in the middle of the woods. But, rising up out of the valley I could feel the heat more. And I thought the setting sun would feel cooler. However, as I found out being closer to the edge of the gorge where there were no more trees to my left, the sun was setting off to my left as well. The sun was low enough that the sunlight was streaming in sidelong underneath the tree canopy. The leaves were no longer providing me shade. And I was getting warm.

Eventually, I reached this small clearing where you pop out of the woods for a second and then you run back into the woods. I knew this meant I was getting close. What exactly close meant, I didn’t really know at this point. But it was enough to give me hope and keep me moving. I just tried to keep goin at a consistent pace.

The last few miles I was really slowing down, but I was going to make it.

Then I saw an opening in the trees. I was pretty sure I* could see a parking lot and cars. I was just about there. I emerged from the woods. The first thing that I heard was my wife calling my name and cheering me on. I started to trot along the edge of the parking lot towards the finish line. I don’t know if I could have run if I tried.

I reached the finish line and received a congratulatory high five from the Race director.

My wife was there waiting for me. She is always there for me. Even when I try to tell her she really doesn’t need to come to these stupid long races I do. I am so glad that she came to this one. The second half of this race, there were plenty of times where I felt like I could just stop. I was tired and in pain, why not stop.

I kept going because she showed up for me. And that was the motivation I needed to show up for myself. Just keep showing up. Keep going. Get the job done.

My goal was to finish one second before the 14.5 hour cut off for this race. I was able to finish 1 hour before the cut off. I could not have been more happy with this outcome.

I will soak it in and recover well. Then I will continue to keep working and keep showing up for myself. Keep pushing towards those goals I have for the future.

One thing I will take away from this process is on this day I ran more miles on a single day than I did in any entire week of my training and building up to this. The most miles I ran in any given week hovered around 35 miles. And I did not even run 35 miles a week regularly. And then on this one day I was still able to get through 47 miles to finish Many on the Genny. This may lead me to a more sustainable way to train for races in the future.

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