32 RESERVIST . . Issue 2 • 2021 50K Challenge: fourth time’s the charm Submitted by Petty Officer 1st Class Otto Schlicht, National Coast Guard Museum staff Editor’s note: Petty Officer 1st Class Schlicht and Chief Petty Officer James Strickland are Coast Guard reservists who connected on their mutual interest in running while deployed to the Southwest border in 2019. Last February, they took on the challenge of running more than 30 miles through mud, freezing rain, and even snow during the Algonquin 50K Ultramarathon Trail Run in Pocomoke, Md. Trail running brings a different crowd—it’s a total experience. It lets you see things in a different way and see places many people may not. For example, at the Southwest border, I found myself running in extremely hot conditions; while I was out on the trails, I’d run into coyotes, wild boars, snakes, and some very questionable situations. Definitely sights and sounds I wouldn't have experienced on pavement. One of my greatest memories running was in New Mexico. Being on the trails really allowed me to see the beauty of the state. When you combine the amazing experience with the desire to see how far I can push my body, you can see why I sign up year after year. Cold weather running brings its own challenges. This is my fourth time completing this run, and this year it brought less than favorable conditions, with snow and freezing rain the entire run. I was glad to have the company of Chief Strickland; it’s a long day of running in the cold. The trail, more than 30 miles and 95% trail, goes through the Milburn Landing State Forest, and although it is mostly flat terrain, the course conditions always bring significant challenges, earning the race the well-known catch phrase of “Mud or Blood!” The trail goes through a completely forested area that includes numerous saturated wetland systems. Should a runner choose to avoid the wet or complicated conditions, which, at times, can be knee-deep, they are challenged with thickly vegetated forest, often covered in green briars. There is an additional section of trail that introduces unforgiving sand conditions, which adds to the challenge when your legs are already sore. Though I’ve done this race before, this year, brought the worst conditions yet, by far. Runners always take a chance on the weather in February, but this year proved to be the risk they worry about. A number of folks either didn't start or didn't finish due to the cold, wet conditions, in addition to the complications resulting from coronavirus. The morning of the race, Feb. 13, temperatures held steady at freezing. Half the course was covered with snow, and a wet winter meant numerous portions of the forest were flooded. Adding insult to injury, the freezing rain continued through the day, and transitioned to steady rain throughout the latter half of the race. At one point, the trails became the flow pattern for water, and our shoes were perpetually sopping wet. Chief Strickland and I stuck together throughout the whole race. We reached the end, tired, sore and muddy, but within the required time to receive our finishing mugs. The finishing mug is a locally-made pottery mug, specially commissioned for each race. If you don't finish in the required time, the race dictator often smashes the mug as you cross the finish line. The Algonquin 50K is a challenging run, but Chief and I are looking forward to next year. Come join us! .
