Heartland 50 Trip Report

It both baffles and thrills me to know that some of you, dear readers, have actually enjoyed tracking my training progress for this super fun race which took place yesterday, so I thought you deserved a trip report. I had basically stuck to my training plan for twelve weeks, which must have been a good plan because I felt supremely prepared to finish the distance and possibly even post a decent time.

I was scheduled to work Friday but ended up getting the day off because . . . umm . . . I got laid off. Nothing I could do about that, though, so I just used the extra time to rest and pack drop bags. I had all my stuff arranged by the door so as soon as Mrs. DMG got home from work in the morning, I could load everything up and take off for Kansas. About midnight, just as I had used and then packed the last item, my toothbrush, Cristina called to tell me she hurt her back and was being taken to the emergency room. And that was pretty much that.

There is no consolation prize. There is no other ultra I could go and sign up for in the next few weeks which would be a substitute for Heartland. Heartland is the race I dreamed of and prepared for. It is the one Autumn race, out of many great possibilities, that I most wanted to run. I have a little time now to decide what my next project will be.

It has not been a bad experience, the Heartland. I had great fun and learned a ton during my training. I also acquired some nice gear that will make my winter running more comfortable including a lightweight vest, a proper running jacket, and especially the really kick-ass headlamp Mrs. DMG gave me for our ten-year anniversary. My old headlamp, while great for reading Chekhov short stories inside a tent, was not quite adequate for running technical trails at night under a thick canopy. Now I'm fixed up physically and gear-wise for some serious winter fun!

I'm obviously disappointed that I wasn't able to race, but I don't feel bad about it. If anything, it actually feels good to be needed around the house, which I definitely am and will be for a while. The Heartland is just a race. I'll catch it next year.

This is as close to Cassoday, Kansas as I ever got. I have to say, distance running takes a fraction of the gear that kayaking does. The yellow duffel and the two drop bags on top contain all the running gear I own. The rest is camping stuff for a night at El Dorado State Park, which will have to wait till next year.

Editor's Note: I am actually on a "rolling layoff" meaning I will be required to work some weeks and denied the priveledge of working on other weeks. I won't go into it. I also can't go into Mrs. DMG's injury because it occured at her work, other than to say it appears to be serious but not catastrophic. She is doing much better now than she was 48 hours ago but will need help getting around for a while. For all those who claim to love life, I hope they get it good and hard. Me, I've had quite enough of it lately.