Seeing all the discussion about training, heat acclimation, etc; I will pass along some information about drops that might (or might not) be useful to the virgins coming to their first run of this nature.
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The single factor most effecting the finish rate at the Vol State is the temperature during the first two days.
If we start the race in moderate temperatures (mind you , that means “only” hot as hell) the finish rate will probably be over 80%. It does not matter how hot it gets later in the race. However, when the first day is at 100 or more degrees f, there will be a mass exodus of runners.
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What this tells me is that there is no heat acclimation training that really replicates the race experience. Regardless of the temperature, the humidity (especially while you are still in the Mississippi River bottoms) is going to make full days spent outside extremely difficult. During this time you have to realize that you will adapt. This will become livable (not comfortable, but livable).
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If it is over 100 on day 1, it will seem like you are going to die. However, if you make it thru the first couple of days, there is something of an adaptation. Over 100 degrees by day 4 or 5…. it is just hot. But, it has been hot every other day. Hot is just the way it is.
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By the same token; regardless of conditions, most of the drops are going to occur in the first two days. The whole race is mental. Just as the aforementioned temperature issue is not a product of the absolute temperature, but rather a product of the mindset of the runner, so is every other factor. You are fatigued, sore (painfully sore sometimes), blistered, hungry, thirsty, filthy, sleep deprived, and you are moving slower than you have ever moved before with an endpoint that has receded beyond the range of your imagination. Just like the heat, your mind has to accept that this is just the way it is. Actually being able to conceive of an end will have to wait for some day when the end is actually conceivable.
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Vol State is the most finishable race you will ever run. But it might well be the hardest thing you have ever done. You want to prepare yourself physically to the best of your ability.
But, out there on the open road, during that first couple of days when your race is easily lost. It is your mind that will be tested the most. All the pain and fatigue can be overcome, if your mind is strong. No amount of conditioning will save you, if your mind is weak.
Categories: HOTS