On June 12 I wrote a blog post Running a Wet 100 Mile Trail Run.
On June 24, I found out many runners ignored my advice, to their detriment. Maybe they didn’t read it, or didn’t see it, or simply read it and ignored it.
A typical year at WS has our foot care team at Michigan Bluff lancing and patching a goodly number of blisters. On toes, heels, ball of the foot, arches, and more. Maybe 50 to 75 blisters. Maybe more. We really don’t count.
This year I lanced and patched one blister. Yes, that’s right – ONE.
But this was not a typical year at WS. Instead of dry conditions, there were miles of snow, and mud, combined with heat so runners soaked themselves in streams and poured water over their hears and down into their shoes.
I predicted the outcome. Maceration.
Runners came in to see us complaining of blisters and were surprised when we told them there were none. Just macerated feet.
So we powdered their feet, asked them if they had dry socks. And hopefully, dry shoes. We fixed and changed what we could and sent them on their way – wishing them well.
Were this year’s conditions not known in advance? I don’t think so. Runners and crews knew of the record snowpack. They should have expected water and wet conditions. For whatever reason, many ignored the warnings.
It’s unfortunate that so many runners jeopardized their opportunity for a buckle and a successful race on something that was manageable.
I’d love to hear from runners about what they thought. Send me an email.
In the meantime, click the link and read Running a Wet 100 Mile Trail Run.
