Race Report: Whoos 25k (October)

Whoo’s 25/50k race was mentioned with our group during the Ragnar Relays back in April.  We were intrigued.  We’d already run the Xterra 17k in El Moro, so we knew the course.  But the idea of a smaller race that was tailored more towards The Ultras, sounded fun.  (BTW, they also have a 5k)

So post Ragnar, we signed up.  Man!  That was wwwaaayyy back in April.  (Or actually July… it took that long to pull the trigger)

By August, I figured I should get off my hiatus butt and start training.  That left me about 5 weeks.  The schedule was not pretty, nor was it something I’d recommend or support.  Needless to say, I got ‘er done… just barely.

Whoo’s quickly won a soft spot in my heart.  Molly the race organizer sent frequent emails with updates on race day logistics and even weather.  Five weeks out she sent an email with details on aid stations, parking fees, course markings, post race goodies, etc.  The night before, she emailed us about the weather and to start hydrating.  One organized lady!

Day of the race logistics were a breeze, allowing our group time to catch up (Napa Ragnar recap), apply some Glide and check out the schwag bag! 

Morning of Packet Pickup

This was hands down one of the nicest goodie bags, ever!  We received the usual:  flyers for upcoming races services, etc.  But we ALSO got an embroidered Whoo’s beanie and a long sleeve Patagonia shirt (for folks who signed up before 9/5).  I was appreciative the goodie bag schwag took some of my (I’m not ready for this long trail race) nerves away for just a few minutes.

7am 50k’ers pushed off.  Their course was an out and back – starting from the finish line.  Respect!

After a quick trip to the cars for one last drop off, the gang headed over to the 25k start line. 

Race Organizer:  Ok, go!

Now, Whoo’s is a well organized race, but it’s also an intimate race (aka limited entries).  So, Molly Race Organizer (and Trail Marker, and Race Coordinator, Race Announcer… you get the point) gave us a quick rundown of the course:  what to watch for (orange tags and chalk/flour).  Then, it was:  “Ok, go!”

Our group all smiles (Josh and Edgar w/ shirts)

Here’s the deal.  I should have trained on more trails.  The first 4 miles was ALL UP HILL.  Knowing I was under trained for this race, I opted to tune out to my iPod and grind away at a slow pace - trekking away with the (Santa Ana) winds hitting my face and not a cloud in the sky.

Right about at the aid station, I joined Shirtless Josh.  We chatted along (me, happy to have a friend to endure the pain with) at a fast walking clip towards the aid station (it had to be at the TOP of the hill, didn’t it??).

Pause to talk about the aid station:

Candy + cookies + chips + cupcakes + bananas + potatoes + Gu products galore + Salt Tablets + drinks… oh my!  Did I mention cupcakes??  I thought I was dreaming when I saw those!  I mean, the aid station goodies put Ironman aid stations to shame!  The EMTs and volunteers were awesome!  SO cheerful and encouraging.  Where did Molly find such people?!  We were so grateful for their shout outs, and reluctantly pushed on.

...back to the course:

After hitting the top, the trail kind of takes you on some rollers and narrows down to single track. All is good, except when you come across a hiker or mountain biker (race course is an open course), in which case you pull over in the bushes.  Totally fine with me, as I needed the break to catch my (out of shape) breathe. 

At one point you cross paths with the 50k’ers.  (who, let me remind you, are running twice as much)  Shirtless Josh and I decided (short of bowing down to them) they deserved the right away.  When I grow up, I’d like to be a runner like the lead pack of those 50k’ers!  Man, they didn’t even look winded or tired!  Again:  Respect!

Once across the top, we descended down (what felt like) 2 miles, only to climb back up towards aid station #2 about a mile up.  Again, a wealthy spread and encouraging volunteers greeted us.  After refilling our bottles with water and ice, we pushed off – approx 8 miles down… too many more to go.

In my head, I kept saying “what goes down, must go up”… and sure enough, BAM!  Up we went.  Approx 3-4 miles.  Well, at least we had a small group of us (Wolf Pack) walking/plowing ahead together. 

And just when you couldn’t take anymore climbing… *angels singing*… aid station #3 appears! 

Oh man, was I tired and a bit ego-bruised.  I refilled the water bottles, chatted with the volunteers for a bit and then pushed off towards the 4^th and final aid station = The Finishline.

Lies

Real quick:  The picket sign with "You're almost finished" immediately after the aid station, is a lie.  That is all.

Shirtless Josh, holding back clearly on his pace, pulled ahead.  Trying to keep him in view, I put my head down and pushed on across the rollers up top.  Truthfully, I found this portion to be the most relaxing and only wished my legs would stop nagging me with exhaustion – that’s totally my fault = under trained.

One last descent which chewed up my quads but gave me the ego boost I needed… then I quickly calculated how much further till The Finish. 

25k = 15.5 miles, right?  Well, not at Whoo’s thankfully! 

Shirtless Josh started eggin’ me on to sprint in the last bit.  My response: “no!”  Then, I followed up his second push to sprint in with a walk.  Finally, on his third attempt we turned the corner and saw a bunch of OC Trail Tales folks… and then the bridge.  Wait!  We are only at 14.5.  How can that be??  Is that The Finish line!?

You bet I’m gonna sprint!  You bet I’m gonna try to hold Shirtless Josh for the Finish!  You bet I’m ready for an ice cold beer!  Hoo-Rah!  It’s done – shorter than I expected for a 25k but I’m not complaining!

Catch my breath, put my medal around my neck and high five my friends.  Whoo’s 25k was done!

Also, the Finish Line deserves a shout out:

Crossing the line, you receive your medal.  Out of nowhere (or perhaps because I was doubled over trying to catch my breath) someone hands you an ice cold water!  Then you’ve got candy and chocolate milk and…. Wait for it…  TK Burgers! 

Yup, TK Burgers was at the finish line offering complimentary burgers, potato salad, pasta salad and chips.  Sadly, part of our group missed that note on the emails from Molly and walked right past the truck to head off for our Post Race Beer (perhaps a bit too eager for beer).  The part of the group that stuck around a bit longer figured it out and got to enjoy.  Oh well, next year (I hear there’s another in May, 2014)!

Perks of the Race:

• I love me some intimate, local races!
• I also love me some trail runs… when I’m in shape
• Organized race
• Beautiful and tough course
• Goodie bag just got better!  Hat & Long sleeve shirt included
• Aid Stations were filled with all kinds of goodies
• The volunteers just rocked!
• You trail runners are crazy, but fun!
• TK Burgers Food Truck with complimentary food at the Finish!
• Loved the emails with information on weather, nutrition, hydration and encouragement!
• Finish line was supported by cheers and shouts from other participants, spectators and volunteers – you feel the love
• A pleasant surprise = 14.5 miles, not 15.5 ;)

Things that sucked:

• Bathrooms are actually nice… at the beginning.  After that, you have to hold it till the finish
• Parking at a state park = $15 (so carpool)
• Hills
• Some portions of the trail you could be running all by yourself… this could creep you out – if you aren’t used to it on trails
• Would be nice to have beer…
• Folks mentioned registration was kind of high – truthfully the perks and “freebies” of the race balanced that out for me
• Race has a blog and Facebook page – registration was a bit buried so took some time to find

Our group, all smiles (Josh and Edgar sans shirts)

I am a fan of Whoo’s already.  Around mile 4, I told Shirtless Josh I’d buy myself the trucker hat when I run the 50k.  By mile 7, I said no 50k for me.  At the finish, I said I’d totally do that race again… not sure if the looks I got from the group meant they agreed or not.  Will find out come May with the second go around of Whoo's.

An 8.5 out 10 on my scale

BTW, I’m totally buying that trucker hat! (day dreamin' about them...)

Want! Want! Want!