So, Jeff, how was your latest ultra in Missouri?

Well, I had a great view of the Gateway Arch driving in. And a great lunch the day before at this one restaurant.

Okay, how about the race?

Did I mention the Arch and the lunch?

Actually I found the dessert more impressive. That probably fueled me for at least 20 miles!

I had high hopes for the Ozark Foothills 100 earlier this month, despite the forecast of significant rain in the area. The terrain and elevation gain would be similar to Tahoe, which would mean great training for that event. And I was feeling physically and mentally ready to get some redemption for my DNF at Rocky Raccoon.

With a 32-hour cutoff, later extended to 33 hours, I figured I could go easy and still finish with a comfortable margin. After all, Burning River had been really hard on me but I had still finished in just over 28 hours.

Well, folks, I fought the course, and the course won.

The start at 6:00 a.m. Saturday was deceptively pleasant, and the rain held off for a while. I finished the first of my four planned marathon-length loops in about seven hours. One more like that, I figured, and I could slow it down for the night loop and the final one Sunday morning.

Me on the trail in a drier, happier first loop.

Mother Nature had other ideas.

Once the rain started it held steady for several hours, resulting in the path turning into rivers of water and mud cascading down from the ridges into the river at the bottom. I went from running most of the first loop to almost no running in the second. There simply wasn’t enough solid ground to go fast in. In some sections it was all I could do to remain upright, even with hiking poles. And as for pounding the downhills? Fuggetabouit.

I also had to fight to stay warm. Dry, the temperatures were terrific for running. Wet, not so much. My rain jacket got me through the first loop okay, but early in the second loop I knew I had a problem. The rain had soaked through and gotten my base layers wet, and that coupled with a breeze and lack of being able to run meant I was soon shivering. A change to a dry shirt at an aid station helped, but only for a while.

I completed the second loop at 11:00 p.m., ten hours after I started. That left only 16 hours to attempt the final two loops, and there was no way, as refueling, changing into a new set of dry clothes, and fixing my foot issues would have consumed at least a half hour before starting loop three.

The race director had kindly offered the 100-milers an unofficial 50-mile finish, and a belt buckle, for those who completed two loops. That sounded good to me. With no chance to make the cutoff, another loop in that misery was not in my plans.

Disappointing? Sure. But I learned some things that I wouldn’t have with perfect conditions, which considering that’s really why I signed up, is a good thing.

First, I discovered my rain preparation was insufficient. I have to find a better jacket, one that repels water so I can stay dry (and warm) underneath, but also that breathes well enough that I don’t get soaked from sweat. (A plastic bag meets the first criterion, but not the second.)

Second, I have to get more serious about foot protection. I’ve been relying on the Injini toe socks to prevent blisters, and in most cases they work fine. But Ozark showed me that the backs of my heels are vulnerable to being rubbed raw. Back to Fixing Your Feet to learn how to properly tape the feet for very long distances.

Good things I learned include that the Heel Huggers did their job protecting the bottoms of my heels. The mild PF pain I’ve had since Rocky Raccoon did not get any worse, and that part of my feet held up fine during Ozark. I may need to buy some shoes a half size larger to ensure the fit is not too snug, as I had to tie the Endorphins loose, near the limit of the laces to do their jobs. I can compensate with thicker socks, which will also help with cushioning.

Next up: The First State Trail Race in Delaware next month. A tuneup 50K for the big show in June!

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P.S. The course claimed victims at all distances. Even some of the 50K runners didn’t finish. Of the 20 of us who signed up for the 100-miler, one finished – 30 seconds before the cutoff. Major kudos to the sole survivor!