Dances with Dirt in Hell '09 (Page 2)

2009-03-06 9:54 AM

in reply to: #2001664

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

triOK - 2009-03-06 9:36 AM

A guy i work with wants to run.

Spartn... who do you have on your team?

No BTers so far. Joining me is a friend from work and his running buddym so 2 guys, 1 lady so far. Current plan is to just register for now and front the $400, then get the other runners afterward since there's no guarantee that we get in. My preference would be to get a fellow Bter or 2 rather than 2 complete strangers. I got several emails from the DWD forum from interested runners. It'd be ideal to meet as a group a couple of times and do a run or two before doing this. I'll post this weekend whether our team makes it in or not. They you can let your coworker know. I won't be breaking any speed records, my best 5k last year (my first year running) was just under 25 minutes and that was on a smooth flat course although I actually trained some this offseason. My friend runs around 9 minute miles, not sure about his female friend. We welcome anyone who's going out to have fun.

2009-03-07 2:23 PM

in reply to: #1992641

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New Boston

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Any one play on the stripper pole today, fun fun, fun

2009-03-09 12:43 PM

in reply to: #1992641

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Well, we made it in. A lot of folks didn't. I think we even filled our 2 runner spots with members from a team that didn't make it in. What can you vets tell me about the logistics? Should we reserve a space now at a campground? Any other suggestions?

2009-03-09 2:21 PM

in reply to: #1992641

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Lake Effect Snow Country

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Hmm, campground. It really depends on how close your team members live to Pinckney, within an our I'd just drive there in the morning.

You will be much happier if you have a large vehicle, best is a pickup truck with a back seat and an open bed. Your car will stink like an old hockey bag full of dead animals when you are done, the more you can keep the sweatiest runner out of the car the better (put the guy you pick up in the back, let him dry off, and then he can sit inside when you pick up the next guy). An SUV works well too.

You probably need less stuff than you think. The first year or two we had tons of food and three changes of clothes each. Now I run in two sets and have two pair of old running shoes, along with a one clean set of clothes. I run in the first set until they are muddy or soaked from a river, then I change. I throw the shoes away when done. Often the socks go too, I use old ones. If you are running dry legs all day then you won't need to think about that. Babywipes are the answer to any muddy/dirt/grunge. Get big box and have a garbage bag handy.

Many will speak of poison ivy, I've never seen it out there nor has anyone I know ever actually gotten it while out there. I'm far more concerned about breaking my ankle or hitting my head. Scratches, cuts, bruises are all possible, but mostly its just dirty.

We carry a cooler of water and a cooler of beer with a few diet cokes thrown in. Usually there is a box of poptarts and some trailmix too. But that's pretty much it. If you can stay organized in terms of maps and the like tell me how. My team gets lost unless I'm driving, which means when I'm running, they are usually late to pick me up. Short of tattooing driving directions on my teammates I'm not sure how to prevent that.

Mostly, have fun, get dirty, try not to take it too seriously, and have some beers when its over.

2009-03-09 2:57 PM

in reply to: #1992641

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Thanks for the info. I think I'm less than an hour away (I live in Mason, just S. of Lansing). On the website they strongly encourage you to pick up your packet ahead of time. I guess I could drive down Friday evening to get the packet and then return Saturday for the event.

DWD sounds like it'll be the source of some great stories to tell later.

2009-03-09 3:01 PM

in reply to: #1992641

Extreme Veteran

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Lake Effect Snow Country

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

that's what I would do, or send one of your teammates, you don't all have to go.

JerryO1968

2009-03-10 9:57 AM

in reply to: #1992641

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Candler, North Carolina

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

I have a team doing DWD this year. We did it in '07, so we were gauranteed a spot for '09. I heard they had to turn away 100 teams this year! The sign-up run was a blast, especially when it started pouring rain!

For the race, and the training runs, if you are someone who gets poison ivy, bring lots of ivy block, as it is EVERYWHERE.

Edited by paragon 2009-03-10 10:00 AM

2009-03-10 10:48 AM

in reply to: #2008169

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

I've never had Poison Ivy, but I'll probably invest in the ivy block just in case. Thanks.

2009-03-10 12:39 PM

in reply to: #2008286

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New Boston

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Remember to block your shoes, or the next time you wear them weeks later you will scatch your head wondering how you got poison ivy so late after the run ?

2009-03-10 12:39 PM

in reply to: #2008286

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New Boston

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Remember to block your shoes, or the next time you wear them weeks later you will scatch your head wondering how you got poison ivy so late after the run ?

2009-03-10 12:39 PM

in reply to: #2008286

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New Boston

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

a little learned experience

Edited by rgr375 2009-03-10 12:41 PM

2009-03-10 12:46 PM

in reply to: #2008608

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Good advice, thanks!

2009-03-11 9:13 AM

in reply to: #1992641

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Lake Effect Snow Country

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

okay, maybe I just don't get poison ivy! I've done this race 7 times with the same 5 people and not one of us has had it.

I think its a myth.

2009-03-11 9:30 AM

in reply to: #1992641

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Kim, maybe you just run to fast to get poison ivy.

They say they change up the course a little each year. When it gets a little closer I'd love to get your impression of the various legs of the race so that we can spread the discomfort over all 5 of our team members. I've never had poison ivy myself, but I think I'd rather apply the block than suffer for weeks after.

2009-03-11 9:30 AM

in reply to: #1992641

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Kim, maybe you just run too fast to get poison ivy.

2009-03-11 9:37 AM

in reply to: #1992641

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Lake Effect Snow Country

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

They do change it a little, but rarely is it new ground, just old ground covered in a different direction. There will be a chance for each of you to get wet/muddy if you like!

Without question, Where's the F'n Bridge is the filthiest thing ever. Make sure a tall but svelt runner gets that one. And just throw those shoes and shorts away. They won't be right ever again.

JerryO1968

2009-03-13 10:08 AM

in reply to: #1992641

Veteran

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Candler, North Carolina

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Some people are sensitive to poison ivy and some are not... People who react to poison ivy become more sensitive to it with every outbreak. I have never had poison ivy, and knock on wood, can run through it no problem. My wife can brush it on the edge of the trail and end up with blisters all over her legs.

Most of that green stuff on the edges of the trails in Pinckney Rec is poison ivy.

Edited by paragon 2009-03-13 10:10 AM

2009-08-20 10:36 AM

in reply to: #1992641

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Wow, Dances with Dirt is only 23 days away (if my math is right). Who else made it in this year? This is the next event I'm scheduled for and I can't wait. I'm especially interested in hearing more from folks who have done this in the past. I've gotten quite a bit of info from some of you so far. Any advice to help us prepare is appreciated.

2009-09-07 6:27 PM

in reply to: #2360152

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

5 days until DWD! I'm looking for packing advice (rather than the 3 pages the website suggests).

splenomeg

2009-09-07 9:47 PM

in reply to: #1992641

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Can't wait! DWD is a blast every year. Hope it's a messy one. This is what I have been packing, and it has been working for me.

1) Two pairs of older running shoes. I always bring a second pair, because you never know how many shoes you'll end up with at the end of a leg. Both pairs are shoes that I wouldn't mind throwing out at the end, and I often do.

2) Two pairs of running shorts, three running tops, often switched between legs.

3) Three pairs of socks.

4) 2 towels - one for the car, one for you

5) Large garbage bag for your dirty clothes.

6) Hydration of choice, I often mix 1/2 gatorade with 1/2 water.

7) Caloric intake of choice, i stick with power bars and fruit until I'm done running.

8) First aid kit, you will get minor scrapes, usually nothing more.

9) Bug spray - I don't wear it, but could imagine if you are susceptible to bites it may be rough out there

10) Comfortable clothes and sandals for after you are done racing and between legs

2009-09-08 6:19 AM

in reply to: #1992641

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Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

That sounds like a much more sensible list than the 300 or so things on the website.

2009-09-08 10:40 AM

in reply to: #1992641

Extreme Veteran

451

Lake Effect Snow Country

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

Good list, mine is different:
1. two pairs of shorts, 2 sports bras-only change these if I'm really wet, otherwise I just resign myself to stinking all day
2. clean shorts/T for after,
3. easy to eat food
4. water-for drinking, for dumping on your head, for cleaning your self off...lots of water
5. covers for your seats, either towels or sheets-it will smell like a rotten hockey bag when you are done (this is why I rent a vehicle, I'm not living with that again)
6. baby wipes-for the obvious but also because they get that weird smelly mud off

I bring old socks and throw them away with my old shoes. Usually bring three pairs of each, chuck them after each leg.

and beer, a cooler dedicated to beer

2009-09-10 11:00 AM

in reply to: #1992641

Extreme Veteran

446

Mason

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

The legs I'm running are "Butt Kicker", "Swoosh", and "The Stupid Lake". I have a couple questions. I saw that they released GPS files for the Ultra but not the relay. From your experience is it necessary/helpful to have a gps along? Also if you've run any of these legs in the past can you describe them? Thanks, I can't believe it's only 2 days away!

splenomeg

2009-09-10 11:17 AM

in reply to: #1992641

Subject: RE: Dances with Dirt in Hell '09

I have never ran with GPS, but sometimes find it helpful when others around me have an estimate of how far we've ran, because sometimes its hard to gauge just on time. My concern would be that you could damage the unit on some of these legs.

I did do that stupid lake one year, its name pretty much hits the nail on the head. There is a lot of weaving through thick brush, which was tight and fast my year, then a run through a lake, about waist deep. The other side was a little muddy at the exit but I don't remember the rest of the leg being too muddy.

Swoosh I think is a fast fun one and I think you stay dry.

Butt kicker has some hills, and if I recall correctly one very big one, I also think you stay dry.

That being said, the course changes, and they love to add bonus surprises. Don't be shocked- at any moment you could find yourself pulling your body out of sinking mud.