February 3, 2007

Near Madill, Oklahoma

7:00 AM start

51 registered runners.

10, 20, 30, 50, 50 mile Trail run (6.25 mile loops)

The Dan Man is a 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 mile trail run on the Oteka Ranch near Madill Oklahoma which is approximately 20 miles east of Ardmore. The ranch is a bout 9 square miles and encompasses a lake that supplies water to Madill. Dan Little, the ranch owner and race director, started the event a few years ago to give runners an opportunity to test their physical limits. Dan has completed numerous marathons, ultras and Ironman competitions.

This year marks the third year of the event and my first time to participate. During previous years my running schedule did not coincide with the race dates but this year things worked out.

Most runners that attend the race are relatively local but some have been known to travel a hundred miles or more to participate.

The course is exactly 6.25 miles and run alternately in the clockwise and counter clockwise direction. The course is VERY challenging due to the many deep ravines, roots rocks, etc. that are scattered throughout the terrain.

Runners that My belated Dan Man race report.

complete two or more loops get a nice shirt and medal. Those that finish the entire 50 miles get a Finishers shirt and medal. Pre and post race activities are in a very nice lodge where pancakes are served prior to the start. All sorts of carbo-loaded treats are provided near the starting line and are available after each loop. There is no race support on the course.

The race is very casual but don’t be fooled, there are some fast runners that show up.

The race started at 7:00 AM; I arrived at 6:15. Temps would start in the teens with wind chill and by days end it was 42. Needless to say, it was a very cold start. I wore old Asics 2010’s, tights, two shirts, vest, windbreaker, and stocking hat and my new Garmin 305 (belated birthday present). I charged up the Garmin the night before and this would be my first opportunity to try it out. I hardly knew how to turn it on. My plan was to run 20 miles (based on my current running schedule). I came prepared with extra shoes, shirts, socks, etc. just in case the trails were wet.

About 50 runners signed up for the race; I didn’t count the participants, but I would say about 35 showed up. I guess some stayed home due to the cold temperatures.

Dan rounded us up a few minutes before 7:00 AM. We all headed out the door…soon, Dan hollered GO and off we went.

The first mile or so is a slightly downhill grade: the path was nice and clear. As we entered the wooded area we had to be careful of loose branches, rocks and raised roots on the ground. Some of the ravines were treacherous. Running up the ravines was easier than going down and this would become more difficult with each 6.25 mile loop. The scenery was incredible, forests, open fields and numerous small lakes and ponds revealed themselves along the way.

I ran with runners during most of the first loop, but they became scarcer following each loop. As I finished each loop the leaders would pass me on the way out from the lodge. The spread would increase as the day went on.

I ran with a Jackie (running buddy) during loop 2 but I would run loop 3 alone except for a short stint with Al (organizes a local race) and his wife.

At the end of loop 3, I met up with Al (race coordinator for the Great Steaks race in Ringling Oklahoma) and his wife: we decided to head out for a 7 minutes then return to the lodge. The extra time out would give us all about 20 miles for the day.

When the race was over I chowed down on Pancakes, Orange juice and Turkey legs…Wow, what a combination.

This race was an absolute blast and I held myself to my 20 mile plan so I am ready for my next week of training.

Hum…maybe an Ultra is in my future…