A Hot, Humid and Hilly Homecoming! The Mad Marathon
I left Vermont in April of 1989 and headed west to Washington State not knowing where my life would lead me. It was a woman that led me to the Green Mountain state—and it was because of her I left it. Our seven years together had a few highlights. But it was mostly a dysfunctional, tumultuous-at-times relationship with much pain. Heartbroken and depressed I headed west—and largely shunned returning to Vermont because of the bad memories. But time, therapy and reconciliation with my past have allowed me to once again embrace the state.
I worked for five seasons at the Sugarbush Ski Resort in Waitsfield in the beautiful Mad River Valley. So naturally in my quest to run a marathon in all 50 states, the Mad Marathon in Waitsfield would be my Vermont race! It’s a modest size event with great support and scenery and it attracts runners from scores of states—many pursuing the 50 state marathon challenge. After living and working in the valley I knew this course would be tough. There is some serious elevation to be gained in this race. But I accepted the challenge and was stoked to return to a valley I spent much time in many years ago. And I was psyched to reclaim this valley—to wash away any lingering pain—recall the good memories and moments—and to finally reembrace a place that played a large part in my past.
The Mad Marathon is a tough race. If you want a flat and fast Vermont marathon—head to Burlington in the Lake Champlain Valley for the Vermont City Marathon. The Mad Marathon in the heart of the Green Mountains consists of more than 2200 feet of elevation gain. And to make it more of a challenge it’s held in July which means heat and humidity can be a factor. And on this year’s July 7th race day—they were. Temperatures reached into the mid-80s and humidity exceeded 90% at the start. And to literally make it a blistering affair for me I arrived at the finish line with the worst poison ivy rash of my life.
Five days prior I did some yard work at my parents’ home (where I grew up) in New Hampshire. Being on the West Coast for 35 years had unfortunately made me complacent when it comes to poison ivy. Never again! I weed whacked through a big patch of it and ended up with a severe case of poison ivy rash which ultimately led me to Urgent Care and a steroid topical ointment. I had it on both arms and legs, but it was my left arm where I made the most contact with the poisonous plant that really took the brunt. It had spread over the entire inside of my forearm and it was blistering! I was not going to let it stop me from running however—a race I had been planning to do for a long time. So I slathered on the ointment and hoped for the best. I was literally itching to run now!
It was a warm and humid morning at the start on the Waitsfield Green in the historic mid-19th century village. While lined up I chatted with a fellow runner who was concerned if there would be port-a-potties along the course. I joked that this is Vermont and you can just go anywhere. He retorted that he didn’t want to get poison ivy—in which I smiled, raised my arm to display my red blistering rash and said emphatically, “no, you don’t!”
We were off at 7:00 am and I was drenched with sweat within the first mile from the humidity. After passing through the Great Eddy Covered Bridge (which was built in 1833 and among the state’s oldest covered bridges), we started up a grueling steep hill. I adjusted my attitude on this race and treated it more like an ultra-run. My goal was to complete it not compete in it! I walked the steep parts and made sure to stop at every single aid station—in which there were thankfully plenty—about every 1.5 to 2 miles. At each station I downed a cup of water and a cup of electrolyte drink and then I poured a cup of water on my head. The key to running in this kind of weather—and I’m no stranger to it—is to stay hydrated and never to let your body core heat up. A hat is mandatory. And water on the head and back of the neck helped the cooling.
You don’t want to deplete your body of electrolytes either—easy to do through excessive sweating. I took electrolyte tablets along the course and drank plenty of Gatorade. And for breakfast I had yogurt, a banana and potatoes in my scramble. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium and magnesium which are integral for muscle function. One medium sized baked potato contains about 25% of your potassium needs. Potatoes (particularly the small red ones are one of my go-to foods when ultra-running).
As the morning progressed, the humidity level actually dropped. And while temps would reach the mid-80s, the day before they were in the low 90s. It was indeed a gorgeous blue sky day with excellent visibility. And while we passed by farms and fields (the iconic Vermont landscape—and yes we passed a few Holstein cows too), much of the course was shaded by big maples, pines, and beeches.
And a good portion on the course was on quiet dirt country roads too. Easier on the feet than pavement—cooler than asphalt and splendid to run! We passed through another covered bridge—the 1872-built Pine Brook Covered Bridge and ran past the 1793-Waitsfiled Common. Such a classic New England experience! We ran by gorgeous country estates and beautifully maintained homes as we climbed high in the hills into neighboring Warren Vermont. Views were breathtaking out to Mounts Ellen and Abraham, two of Vermont’s highest summits and home to Sugarbush, the ski resort I spent five seasons working at.
I ran with some folks from different parts of the country particularly the south. Vermont’s heat was a lot more agreeable than July in Georgia and South Carolina.I had many folks call out my Washington State Potato Commission Team Potato shirt. My Team Potato shirt also made it easy for me to be found by other Washingtonians in the race! The last few miles were a continuous downhill and I mustered up a second wind to let gravity help me along. I finished mid-pack, one of my slowest marathons—but it was slow for many of us. With that said I was elated when I was called out for a third place finish in my age group. It was a nice touch to my “coming home to Vermont.” And the whole experience was nothing but positive filled with wonderful people and new warm memories to replace any dark ones from the past.
Ironically it was my ex from Vermont who got me into running. Initially I didn’t like it. But eventually it overtook me and I fell in love with the sport. It got me through some of the most difficult times in my life. It has helped me stay healthy and positive. I have been running now for 40 years and am grateful for every day that I can continue to do it. I look forward to my next marathon and of course to returning to Vermont again for another race and another great experience!
Big Thanks to the Washington State Potato Commission for sponsoring me. I am proud to be a member of Team Potato and to showcase the nutritional value and performance enhancement of potatoes as I attempt to run a marathon or ultra-marathon all 50 states in my 60s and beyond! I’ve got many miles left to go—and lots of potatoes to consume to power me along the way.
