This is the third year that I have traveled up to New England to serve as “the crew” for Ralph in his ultramarathon attempt.  The first year was simply because Maria thought my dad was crazy and told him to find someone who would agree to keep him “alive” during the 60 mile trek.  Now, it has turned into a fun tradition not only for myself, but also my cousins who live just two miles from the start line and have basically been “in-charge” of the graveyard shift (midnight – 8 AM) at the Powerlines Aid Station (more on this later).

The goal this year was a little different.  The first attempt was to specifically run 60 miles and the second year was to beat this and go for 75 miles.  This time, this was a “prep run” for a full 100-mile attempt coming in December at the Daytona 100.  Ralph wanted to try some different approaches to his breaks and timing – which meant there wasn’t a specific mileage goal.  It could have been 60 miles – could have been 100 – just didn’t know.

Ghost Train weekend always starts on Friday – typically some last minute trips to make sure we have everything – Home Depot for headlamps, grocery store for supplies for the drop bags, etc.  This year it also included a warm-up run along the wall in Hampton, NH.

Crazy?  Maybe, but it was too nice out to really say anything!  The day before also includes packing up the many bags to prep for the day.  Coolers with food and drinks, drop bags with food for the turnaround, multiple bags of clothing to prep for the drastic changes in fall weather in New England.  In this case this weekend, beautiful, 60+ degree days, followed by mid-upper 20s at night (yes, ew, we know!).  So, a one-night getaway ends up looking like a car packed like this…

Ghost Train start line is at a camp in Brookline, New Hampshire.  It’s really a beautiful area with a typical “fall in New England” feel to it.

The check-in is very informal, and you let the person checking you in know how far you’re going to attempt.  What’s great about Ghost Train is that there is really not a “DNF” category.  As long as you cross one timer, you have a distance attempt.  You can say you’re going for 60, but then if you’re feeling great can still head back out and go for 75 (or more!).  The entire feel of the race is this way too – everyone is incredibly supportive and a fun feel.  There’s a “rules introduction” at the beginning of the race, but it’s typically just a reminder that cars are bigger than people, so don’t try to beat them at the road crossings.  The start line is really just a large group of people discussing with each other how far they plan to go that day.

After that, they’re off.  Being “the crew” for an ultramarathoner basically means checking in on your runner, making sure they have food and supplies, getting things they need, etc.  This may sound crazy, but for my dad, for the first 45 miles, I don’t do too much!  I check in every 15 miles and make sure he eats something, which is really just half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a bag of chips, and some ginger ale (he doesn’t eat the gels or sports drinks when going this far).  So, basically, I check-in, take photos, and get his food ready – honestly, a pretty easy gig!

After 45 miles, he takes a longer break to eat dinner and take a nap (and I do mean nap – it was probably only 1.5 – 2 hours).  Then it’s back out for more miles – but in MUCH warmer gear!  At this point, I head to check on the food supply in his drop bag at the 7.5 mile mark.

After that, I head to join my cousins at the Power Lines Aid Station – that they are manning from midnight – 8 AM.  If you ever want to volunteer at a running event – volunteer at an ultramarathon – and especially later in race.  In this case, the midnight shift was hours 15 – 23 of this event.  Runners are cold, tired, and really pushing their bodies to the limit.  In this case, it was also COLD out there – mid-20s in the early morning hours…we looked like we were getting ready to go skiing rather than volunteering at a run!

A nice part of volunteering at the rest stop in the middle of the course, in the middle of the woods?  During the freezing, overnight portion of the event, we did get to check-in on my dad every 7.5 miles!

I left the aid station around 5 AM to sneak in a second nap – I also wanted to be back at the start line for the 75 mile check-in.  Glad I was there – not only was Ralph looking good at this point, but he took over an hour off of his only other 75 attempt!

It was still cold, and he had a 75 mile PR under his belt, but he was ready to head out for another 15!  I checked in at 82.5 and picked up his drop bag, and then Cari and I headed to the “finish” line (also the start line) to watch him come in for a new distance PR of 90 miles.  I have no idea how, but he was somehow smiling – a lot…

I will say, I think he was a little tired because he did actually let me drive home and took a short (30 minute) nap.  He definitely was not too tired for the annual celebration – an enormous prime rib!

We have two more ultras coming up this fall – and a full 100 mile attempt at the Daytona 100 coming up in December!  We have convinced my sister to be part of the crew for the next attempt – so stay tuned for more on the ultra marathon adventures!

**Post by Erika**