The weekend of September 6th 2014 marked a bitter/sweet weekend in the sport of ultra running for many runners. It would be race director Terri Hayes' final event to ever be held in South Carolina. She has since moved to Florida and is now hosting races there. http://www.ultrasontrails.com/
Out of the 72 ultras that I've ran, 17 of them have been Terri's races. My first ultra was her Buncombe 55K in May 2009. She taught me how to run a 50K, then a 40 miler, 50 miler, 100K, and finally 100 miles. I spent hours with her out on the trails asking her questions and soaking in all of her years of experience that I could take in. She is one of the biggest reasons that I run ultras today and I will always be grateful for her unique, low key, and mainly fun events.
The final running of the Chattooga 50K was to be a celebration run as it ended her series in the state. I headed up to the race alone early around 4:30 AM and started running in the dark at 6:15. I instantly found myself lost in all of the race memories as my headlamp showed my feet were to land down the trail.
It was an emotional start to a run that would prove to be a tough one. With 100 degree heat indexes forecasted and my four month break from running I knew that I had to be smart and make wise decisions. I still got a little choked up thinking about all of the great friendships and runs that had taken place on this very trail over the years. It made the first 7 mile out-n-back stretch go by quickly and I found myself pouring sweat as the sun was completely up.
Terri surprised me with a mobile aid station around mile 8. I was prepared to run it fully self supported, but I was more than happy to take some ice and soda from her before heading into the remote & treacherous 10 mile Chattooga River stretch of the run.
I made great time running down the river while temperatures were still in the 80s. The river gorge provided spectacular views and cooler temperatures down near the water.
There were only about 10 other runners out for the race and I was one of the few taking on the challenge alone. As I past the 15 mile mark of the run I was excited and surprised to still feel great. I kept a nice even 13-14 minute mile pace navigating over beds of roots & rocks. I always feel like a little kid playing in a big tree house during this stretch of trail.
I made the turn back to the finish around mile 18 and headed back up the Chattooga River section starting to feel weary. The temperature began to soar and I was pouring sweat. The final 6 miles of the run are a big blur to me. I remember seeing a few runners who had gotten off course that I was able to get going in the correct direction. Also a young boy & girl who were lost out hiking.
With three miles to go from the finish I plowed into the river like a big grizzly bear. I was so hot that the cold mountain water didn't even feel too refreshing. I laid there on my back for a few minutes under a small water fall and let the cold current breathe some life back into my beat down body.
I slogged back up out of the river looking like a swamp creature and stumbled onto the trail for the final three mile push. Shoving a handful of ginger snaps into my mouth, I hoped for enough energy to make it out alive. For the first time in years I wasn't sure that I was going to survive this run.
I became very dizzy and kept having to lean on trees to gain my composure and balance. I just kept drinking water and moving forward at any pace that my body would allow.
At mile 29 with two miles to go I felt a huge blister pop on my right heel and it sent pain racing through my entire body! This was just the jolt that I needed and I began to run because a longer stride meant less pain & steps.
I finally crossed HWY 107 back into remote civilization and finished the final climb of the course into the campground to finish. There were no spectators at the finish, no T-Shirts, no medals, or prizes. (Ok, Terri did surprise us with a medal!) Just a few spent runners and Terri waiting to congratulate whoever was able to stumble in and finish. I've come to love finishing races this way and once again got emotional knowing this would probably be my final finish to one of Terri's races.
I ended up with a 8:50 finishing time which is a great for the shape that I was in. I want to thank Terri Hayes for this event and the many many others that she has put on in South Carolina. We will all miss you and thank you for helping us learn how to survive in this crazy sport. I will always be proud to be called one of "Terri's Runners".
Monday, September 8, 2014
Monday, May 26, 2014
Setting my targets on Laurel Valley in August
I can't help but to begin this post laughing. Laughing about my 2014 New Years post on Facebook about running every possible ultra that I could find, but not running any of them well. I sure hit the nail squarely on the head with that prediction. It's okay though. I had to traverse the rocky road instead of the nice paved one. It's emptied me out here to where I am now.
I've promised myself to take some proper rest time over the summer and actually train for a race. I've decided that race will be The Laurel Valley 32 Mile Ultra on August 9th. This gives me 12 solid weeks to train and improve my overall fitness with every expectation of shattering my fastest finishing time of 9:13.
Why Laurel Valley? Why now?
Most everyone I know that has ran this rugged & remote section of the Foothills Trail agrees that there is something very different and special about it. It possesses those intangible attributes that are nearly impossible to capture with words or photographs. Maybe that's why National Geographic named it as one of 50 of the Worlds Last Great Places.
August 9, 2014 will be my 6th official race, but 16th overall time of running the course. Each time I've gained something new from each experience. It's one of the few trails that keeps pulling me back in. Even where I swear off ever running it again after a tough finish. It's the perfect race to prepare for and expect solid results from.
Maybe it's more about the friends that I've shared nearly 500 grueling miles with out there. It motivates and excites me to see so many others taking on the challenge. Some do well and some don't, but either way they have to finish. One way in - one way out. That's part of the mystique of the trail.
So in closing I will have Laurel Valley in the back of my mind for most of the 2014 summer. Not only the race, but the experience and cloud of friendships that have been built through it over the years. I will be lining up on that hot & humid August start line ready to embrace what lies ahead. Faster, leaner, and more focused that ever on a strong finish, but more importantly a meaningful adventure.
Oh and it sure would be nice if the heavens could pour down some of that sweet summer rain just like last year as well!
I've promised myself to take some proper rest time over the summer and actually train for a race. I've decided that race will be The Laurel Valley 32 Mile Ultra on August 9th. This gives me 12 solid weeks to train and improve my overall fitness with every expectation of shattering my fastest finishing time of 9:13.
Why Laurel Valley? Why now?
Most everyone I know that has ran this rugged & remote section of the Foothills Trail agrees that there is something very different and special about it. It possesses those intangible attributes that are nearly impossible to capture with words or photographs. Maybe that's why National Geographic named it as one of 50 of the Worlds Last Great Places.
August 9, 2014 will be my 6th official race, but 16th overall time of running the course. Each time I've gained something new from each experience. It's one of the few trails that keeps pulling me back in. Even where I swear off ever running it again after a tough finish. It's the perfect race to prepare for and expect solid results from.
Maybe it's more about the friends that I've shared nearly 500 grueling miles with out there. It motivates and excites me to see so many others taking on the challenge. Some do well and some don't, but either way they have to finish. One way in - one way out. That's part of the mystique of the trail.
So in closing I will have Laurel Valley in the back of my mind for most of the 2014 summer. Not only the race, but the experience and cloud of friendships that have been built through it over the years. I will be lining up on that hot & humid August start line ready to embrace what lies ahead. Faster, leaner, and more focused that ever on a strong finish, but more importantly a meaningful adventure.
Oh and it sure would be nice if the heavens could pour down some of that sweet summer rain just like last year as well!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Thunder Rock 100 Mile Race
This will be a short post because I'm so tired of running. Just really tired in general. I still love it and will continue on, but I need rest in the worst kinda way. Mental, physical, spiritual. I'm spent.
This race hammered what strength I had left in my body down to virtually nothing.
It was a blast to hang out with the regular goons before the race. Race morning came quick and I felt great until about mile 10 (haha). My legs were so fatigued from the previous races and the bottom of my feet were on fire from all of the prior blisters and peeling. I took a nasty fall around mile 20 and slammed by hip into a rock, then nearly repeated the fall again at mile 30.
I somehow managed to continue on for 46 miles in a constant state of deterioration until finally dropping out of the race just minutes before the sweepers came into the aid station. I collapsed into a chair beside the fire and had never been so happy to be finished with a race.
About 1 hour before reaching this aid station I was running on a gravel road and decided that I really needed to take a break and lay down for a while. Maybe a short nap would help me feel better. After quickly drifting off to sleep, I was suddenly awaken to the sound of a ambulance and four fire trucks speeding down the road. It was all I could do to just roll over into a ditch off the road and avoid becoming some of the largest road kill on record in Tennessee.
After I managed to scrape myself up out of the woods, all I could do was try and smile and hobble into my final aid station of the race. It was over and I knew it.
I was happy to be finished with the agony in my body at the time, but I was dreading the thought of dealing with the feelings of dropping after I got home. However, I've been surprised to not have any negative feelings about it at all. It was a race that I simply wasn't prepared for so I can't beat myself up over not finishing it. Lesson learned - at least for now. Haha again :]
So my plan is to take a break from racing over the summer and let my body rest. I've averaged over 1 ultra marathon per month for the last five years and its simply time for a forced rest period.
Golf is actually sounding really fun right now, but I'll be back to ultras later on.
I did want to say congratulations to so many friends who finished the race. Weezy, Christian, Kat, Gordon, Jason F., and Joel. Great running on some tough trails!
This race hammered what strength I had left in my body down to virtually nothing.
I knew deep down inside that I should've sat this one out and rested, but I hated to miss the 1st year Rock Creek 100 mile event near Chattanooga TN. I had just ran the Blind Pig 100 four weeks ago on 4/13, then Fort Clinch 50 Miler on 4/25, then the Oconee Park 50K just twelve days before this race. What made it even worse is that I ran the Blind Pig 100 on virtually no training in 2014. I was actually stupid to go, but I had a number in the race so that meant I had a fighting chance. Actually, this was the perfect storm of stupidity.It was a blast to hang out with the regular goons before the race. Race morning came quick and I felt great until about mile 10 (haha). My legs were so fatigued from the previous races and the bottom of my feet were on fire from all of the prior blisters and peeling. I took a nasty fall around mile 20 and slammed by hip into a rock, then nearly repeated the fall again at mile 30.
I somehow managed to continue on for 46 miles in a constant state of deterioration until finally dropping out of the race just minutes before the sweepers came into the aid station. I collapsed into a chair beside the fire and had never been so happy to be finished with a race.
About 1 hour before reaching this aid station I was running on a gravel road and decided that I really needed to take a break and lay down for a while. Maybe a short nap would help me feel better. After quickly drifting off to sleep, I was suddenly awaken to the sound of a ambulance and four fire trucks speeding down the road. It was all I could do to just roll over into a ditch off the road and avoid becoming some of the largest road kill on record in Tennessee.
After I managed to scrape myself up out of the woods, all I could do was try and smile and hobble into my final aid station of the race. It was over and I knew it.
I was happy to be finished with the agony in my body at the time, but I was dreading the thought of dealing with the feelings of dropping after I got home. However, I've been surprised to not have any negative feelings about it at all. It was a race that I simply wasn't prepared for so I can't beat myself up over not finishing it. Lesson learned - at least for now. Haha again :]
So my plan is to take a break from racing over the summer and let my body rest. I've averaged over 1 ultra marathon per month for the last five years and its simply time for a forced rest period.
Golf is actually sounding really fun right now, but I'll be back to ultras later on.
I did want to say congratulations to so many friends who finished the race. Weezy, Christian, Kat, Gordon, Jason F., and Joel. Great running on some tough trails!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Oconee 50K
As I ran around the lake heading towards the finish I could only be caught up in the moment of achievement. My time pretty much sucked and I felt fat & out of shape. However, I was running with my best friend under a deep blue Carolina sky and enjoying the moment. I reached a milestone that few probably ever will. There were times along the journey where dignity was all but shredded, but I stayed true to the course. The world was right for those few minutes as I crossed the finish line.
On May 3rd 2009 I ran my first ultra which was Terri Hayes' Buncombe 50K. Since then the miles, friends and adventures that I've experienced have enriched my life more than I could have ever imagined. Sure, there have been disappointments as well, but even those helped me grow as a person and runner.
I certainly don't intend to boast about this accomplishment, but at this point I need something positive to build off of. Runners have certainly accomplished this before and in much grander fashion, but this was my personal running portrait that I painted. I'm proud of it.
This was about my 40th 50K, but the first Sean Blanton race that I've ever ran. Yes, Sean Blanton who I call "Blanton" because I knew him before he became the Run Bum. The event itself featured a 50K and half marathon to choose from. Us 50K runners were challenged by a 6:00 AM dark start which meant leaving my house around 3:30 AM.
Wayne and I had decided to treat this as a training run since neither of us where in condition to try and push the pace. He was doped up on antibiotics and I was coming off 100 mile & 50 mile races over the last few weeks. We decided to go out at a good pace and just see how long we could hold it.
That ended up being about 23 miles until we faced the gravel road of doom. The course was an out and back and on the way to the turn around we flew down this long gravel road for several miles. I knew it was going to be awful coming back. It was.
I red lined my body climbing up the road ignoring the fatigue from the prior weeks where I had trashed my body mile after mile. I had to say & do things that are better left for the trail itself, but Wayne was unfortunate enough to witness some of them.
“When you dance with the devil, the devil doesn't change. The devil changes you.”
― Amanda Hocking, My Blood Approves
After finally climbing up the gravel road I was feeling too spent to eat but I forced down a cookie. It was going to be a long nine miles to finish this race out, but thankfully the tough part was in the rear view mirror.
Weezy (Wayne) set the pace for most of the final stretch as many of the runners we had shared miles with before took off at a faster pace. We shuffled down every hill and only managed to slowly run up a few as we were reduced to mostly walking. Wayne took two nasty falls during this final stretch and I knew he was feeling bad because he rarely ever falls.
It was great to finally see the lake and run around it for the finish. Blanton even joined in with us and ran through the finish. The race was very well organized and the volunteers were helpful and supportive. This was a beautiful course that I'm sure any runner would enjoy.
We decided to eat lunch at Taco Bell on the ride home. As we are eating lunch he tells me to turn around and a 80 year old man is standing beside the both with his shorts on the floor around his ankle. He just stood there for about 5 seconds before even realizing it! That was a good send-off to end a great day of training in the mountains.
The Rock Creek Thunder Rock 100 Mile race is coming up in less than two weeks, but I'm nearly certain that I'll miss it. I'm too emotionally, mentally, and physically beat up to face that challenge right now. I'm looking forward to some rest and vacation to renew my body.
70 Ultra Marathon Runs Completed In Exactly 5 Years.
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On May 3rd 2009 I ran my first ultra which was Terri Hayes' Buncombe 50K. Since then the miles, friends and adventures that I've experienced have enriched my life more than I could have ever imagined. Sure, there have been disappointments as well, but even those helped me grow as a person and runner.
I certainly don't intend to boast about this accomplishment, but at this point I need something positive to build off of. Runners have certainly accomplished this before and in much grander fashion, but this was my personal running portrait that I painted. I'm proud of it.
This was about my 40th 50K, but the first Sean Blanton race that I've ever ran. Yes, Sean Blanton who I call "Blanton" because I knew him before he became the Run Bum. The event itself featured a 50K and half marathon to choose from. Us 50K runners were challenged by a 6:00 AM dark start which meant leaving my house around 3:30 AM.
Wayne and I had decided to treat this as a training run since neither of us where in condition to try and push the pace. He was doped up on antibiotics and I was coming off 100 mile & 50 mile races over the last few weeks. We decided to go out at a good pace and just see how long we could hold it.
That ended up being about 23 miles until we faced the gravel road of doom. The course was an out and back and on the way to the turn around we flew down this long gravel road for several miles. I knew it was going to be awful coming back. It was.
I red lined my body climbing up the road ignoring the fatigue from the prior weeks where I had trashed my body mile after mile. I had to say & do things that are better left for the trail itself, but Wayne was unfortunate enough to witness some of them.
“When you dance with the devil, the devil doesn't change. The devil changes you.”
― Amanda Hocking, My Blood Approves
After finally climbing up the gravel road I was feeling too spent to eat but I forced down a cookie. It was going to be a long nine miles to finish this race out, but thankfully the tough part was in the rear view mirror.
Weezy (Wayne) set the pace for most of the final stretch as many of the runners we had shared miles with before took off at a faster pace. We shuffled down every hill and only managed to slowly run up a few as we were reduced to mostly walking. Wayne took two nasty falls during this final stretch and I knew he was feeling bad because he rarely ever falls.
It was great to finally see the lake and run around it for the finish. Blanton even joined in with us and ran through the finish. The race was very well organized and the volunteers were helpful and supportive. This was a beautiful course that I'm sure any runner would enjoy.
We decided to eat lunch at Taco Bell on the ride home. As we are eating lunch he tells me to turn around and a 80 year old man is standing beside the both with his shorts on the floor around his ankle. He just stood there for about 5 seconds before even realizing it! That was a good send-off to end a great day of training in the mountains.
The Rock Creek Thunder Rock 100 Mile race is coming up in less than two weeks, but I'm nearly certain that I'll miss it. I'm too emotionally, mentally, and physically beat up to face that challenge right now. I'm looking forward to some rest and vacation to renew my body.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Fort Clinch 100 / 50 Mile Race
I signed up for this 100 miler on a whim last fall in hopes of running a different type of race. With roughly 65 miles of trails and 35 miles of pavement, Fort Clinch would provide a beautiful beachfront park to break up the monotony of so many mountain ultras.
The course & event lived up to it's description. 100 milers run 10X10 mile loops and 50 milers run 5X10 mile loops. The loop is actually 10.4 miles, but the last loop in each event is shortened to equal out the distances.
My wife & I made the five hour drive down to the park on Friday evening and arrived on Saturday morning for the 6:30 AM start. You could already feel the thick humidity hanging in the air as the ocean air stuck to your skin. The ocean smelled great, but I knew the heat was only hours away from haunting us all.
It was bright enough for everyone to begin without a headlamp and I choose my normal starting position in the back of the pack. I walked the first mile to warm up my legs until I slowly begin to work into a little running.
I had read that the course featured rolling single track trails with roots, but I was surprised at how steep some sections were because we were beside the ocean. Not only this, but they were very twisty with lots of tight turns.
All of the paved sections were fairly flat and if you were careful you could even choose to run in the dirt on the side of the road. Not so much on the 1 mile stretch of concrete pier. You just had to suck it up and get that section finished every loop. On the plus side you were rewarded with a nice breeze and scenery. Oh, and a outdoor shower to splash around in!
My favorite area of the course was running around the actual Fort Clinch. It consisted of about a half mile of sand, but it was so cool to think of all the history that happened in that spot. The Fort was to the right and ocean to the left. I had read that it was possible to see wild horses around the area, but unfortunately I never did. I had made a promise to sit down and enjoy watching them if I did so I REALLY hoped to see at least one.
As the morning went on I was enjoying getting a feel for the course and how to run each loop. I was averaging about 2:30 for each loop and that remained my goal up until the heat begin to break me down after noon.
I hit the 31 mile mark (50K) in 6:55 and was very surprised by the time. I was guessing that I would've been closer to 8 hours, but was still happy with how my body was responding so I decided to stay steady on my pace.
Just after this around the 34 mile mark, my left leg begin to lock up on me. The large tendon on top of my foot that connects to the shin began to keep me from running. It was only sore to walk with it, but running was out of the question. I normally don't have much trouble putting little pains out of my head, but I knew that this one would lead to a injury if I kept up on it for potentially 19 more hours.
The blisters & fatigue that I had developed from The Blind Pig 100 two weeks ago also factored into my decision to switch from the 100 miler to the 50 miler at the end of my 4th loop. As a matter of fact I had decided to just drop from the race completely after the forth loop, but my wife and another runner Dawn talked me into walking one more shorter loop to finish it. I'm glad they did.
I felt a little stupid throwing myself into a 100 only 13 days after I had just finished another one on very little training. I'm the kind of person who has to have a new challenge and push my personal limits. I knew that I had pushed it to the breaking point so I was happy & satisfied to limp around one more loop and get the 50 mile finish.
Dawn & I kept each other entertained on the final loop and it made the time fly by. We were both thrilled to reach the final mile of our race on the pier!
I'm so glad that I went to this race and was able to finish the 50 miler. I'll confess that I don't really enjoy running on roads, but this park was so beautiful it made up for it. Caleb Wilson (RD) and all of the volunteers were super friendly and helpful. Heck, they even gave out ice bandannas during the heat of the day and tied them around our filthy necks!
I don't feel any upsetting emotions about not finishing the 100 mile race. I'm content because I personally gave all that I could and made a wise decision to not get injured on purpose.
I may take the entire family back down next year to run again. The race website calls Fort Clinch a "True Destination Race" and I will absolutely agree with that. Your family & friends can enjoy Amelia Island while you run until your legs fall off.
The course & event lived up to it's description. 100 milers run 10X10 mile loops and 50 milers run 5X10 mile loops. The loop is actually 10.4 miles, but the last loop in each event is shortened to equal out the distances.
My wife & I made the five hour drive down to the park on Friday evening and arrived on Saturday morning for the 6:30 AM start. You could already feel the thick humidity hanging in the air as the ocean air stuck to your skin. The ocean smelled great, but I knew the heat was only hours away from haunting us all.
It was bright enough for everyone to begin without a headlamp and I choose my normal starting position in the back of the pack. I walked the first mile to warm up my legs until I slowly begin to work into a little running.
I had read that the course featured rolling single track trails with roots, but I was surprised at how steep some sections were because we were beside the ocean. Not only this, but they were very twisty with lots of tight turns.
All of the paved sections were fairly flat and if you were careful you could even choose to run in the dirt on the side of the road. Not so much on the 1 mile stretch of concrete pier. You just had to suck it up and get that section finished every loop. On the plus side you were rewarded with a nice breeze and scenery. Oh, and a outdoor shower to splash around in!
My favorite area of the course was running around the actual Fort Clinch. It consisted of about a half mile of sand, but it was so cool to think of all the history that happened in that spot. The Fort was to the right and ocean to the left. I had read that it was possible to see wild horses around the area, but unfortunately I never did. I had made a promise to sit down and enjoy watching them if I did so I REALLY hoped to see at least one.
As the morning went on I was enjoying getting a feel for the course and how to run each loop. I was averaging about 2:30 for each loop and that remained my goal up until the heat begin to break me down after noon.
I hit the 31 mile mark (50K) in 6:55 and was very surprised by the time. I was guessing that I would've been closer to 8 hours, but was still happy with how my body was responding so I decided to stay steady on my pace.
Just after this around the 34 mile mark, my left leg begin to lock up on me. The large tendon on top of my foot that connects to the shin began to keep me from running. It was only sore to walk with it, but running was out of the question. I normally don't have much trouble putting little pains out of my head, but I knew that this one would lead to a injury if I kept up on it for potentially 19 more hours.
The blisters & fatigue that I had developed from The Blind Pig 100 two weeks ago also factored into my decision to switch from the 100 miler to the 50 miler at the end of my 4th loop. As a matter of fact I had decided to just drop from the race completely after the forth loop, but my wife and another runner Dawn talked me into walking one more shorter loop to finish it. I'm glad they did.
I felt a little stupid throwing myself into a 100 only 13 days after I had just finished another one on very little training. I'm the kind of person who has to have a new challenge and push my personal limits. I knew that I had pushed it to the breaking point so I was happy & satisfied to limp around one more loop and get the 50 mile finish.
Dawn & I kept each other entertained on the final loop and it made the time fly by. We were both thrilled to reach the final mile of our race on the pier!
Mile 49.5 on the pier!
Enjoying this sunset as the race ended made the entire trip worth it alone!
I'm so glad that I went to this race and was able to finish the 50 miler. I'll confess that I don't really enjoy running on roads, but this park was so beautiful it made up for it. Caleb Wilson (RD) and all of the volunteers were super friendly and helpful. Heck, they even gave out ice bandannas during the heat of the day and tied them around our filthy necks!
I don't feel any upsetting emotions about not finishing the 100 mile race. I'm content because I personally gave all that I could and made a wise decision to not get injured on purpose.
I may take the entire family back down next year to run again. The race website calls Fort Clinch a "True Destination Race" and I will absolutely agree with that. Your family & friends can enjoy Amelia Island while you run until your legs fall off.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Blind Pig 100 Mile Endurance Run
The Blind Pig 100 was amongst South Carolina's 1st one hundred mile ultra marathon races. Claude Sinclair put one on many years ago, but this has been the most recent as of late.
I helped Angela (Race Director) layout the course for the race which ended up being a 9 mile loop. 100 Mile runners did a half mile out-n-back for 1 mile at the beginning, then completed 11 loops for the 100 mile event. There was also a 100K option with consisted of seven loops.
Since running 75 miles at The Delirium 24 hour race on 2/8/14, I've averaged about 13 miles per week in my training. Burnt out, tired, mental, lazy, frustrated, crazy? Maybe more problems than that, but those are for another blog.
After nine weeks of virtually no ultra training I decided to show up on my home course for this 100 mile challenge. No crew or pacers - I wanted to really know how much of a 100 mile event is "mental". I've heard it said many times that you run the first 50 with your legs and the last 50 miles with your heart. I planned to put that strategy to the test knowing that a DNF (did not finish) drop would probably sink me deeper into a slump.
As about 50 runners stood at the start line I felt like a gambler in Vegas. I was pushing all of the chips in for a finish. I had 32 hours to figure out how to get it done. It didn't have to be graceful or pretty, just a finish. Then again, I don't think any of my race finishes have ever been every eloquent.
I walked most of the 1st loop as nearly every runner took off at a fast pace from the start line. I could see problems for many runners as soon as they started. The temperatures were going to climb into the mid 80s with high humidity and this certainly wasn't the time in the race to try and gain ground against the clock.
I felt surprisingly strong for the first 50K (31 miles) which was over three loops. I finished it in about 7 hours and that meant I was on about a 23 hour pace finish. I realized that I would slow down a lot during the night, but felt lots of confidence with this cushion built in.
There were two aid stations on the loop. One at the start/finish and another at the 3.8 mile mark on the loop. I knew nearly everyone who was running the aid stations throughout the race and that was a tremendous boost. Speaking of the aid stations, they had everything you would've wanted. Burgers, pizza, homemade cookies, coffee, candy, chips, soda, fruit, bacon, jerky - it was all superb.
I ran a loop with Jonathan F. and Kiley around the halfway point and by 2:00 AM I was so sleepy I couldn't keep my head up. I was over six hours ahead of the cutoff time so I decided to crawl in the car and get some sleep. After a nearly three hour nap I woke up alert, but incredibly stiff. It took me about 5 miles to get limbered up enough to run again. This put me around the 80 mile mark and I knew with eight hours to finish I would make the final 20 miles. Even if it nearly killed me.
Beth & the kids were out to help at the aid station around 10 AM and they met up with me at mile 91 before I headed out on the last loop. I was prepared to face it alone, but since Beth offered to go with me I took her up on it. We walked the entire loop in 2:30 which is about a 16:30 min/mile pace. I was nearly at the point of sheer exhaustion and was slurring my words badly. Luckily, she's seen me like this before so it didn't come as a surprise.
I ended up crossing the finish line in 28:55 which was nearly exactly what I had predicted at the start. Finishing this race in my hometown of Spartanburg on my own training trails meant a great deal to me and once the word gets out, I believe this race will fill up to capacity next year. It was really cool to have Angela hand me the finisher's buckle, even if I was reduced to sitting on the ground at that point.
My feet are a little sore from all of the roots today, but other than that I'm not extremely beat up.
I simply tried to take care of my body as much as possible during the first 50 miles and set myself up in decent shape for the 2nd half of the race. Completing a 100 mile race really does require a lot of mental toughness. After finishing this one I would agree that you can get one finished on minimal training, but you will enjoy it more if you're in better condition.
Either way I'm thrilled to have been a part of this event and can't wait to do it again next year.
Photo of Kelley (who also finished) and I at the finish.
I helped Angela (Race Director) layout the course for the race which ended up being a 9 mile loop. 100 Mile runners did a half mile out-n-back for 1 mile at the beginning, then completed 11 loops for the 100 mile event. There was also a 100K option with consisted of seven loops.
Since running 75 miles at The Delirium 24 hour race on 2/8/14, I've averaged about 13 miles per week in my training. Burnt out, tired, mental, lazy, frustrated, crazy? Maybe more problems than that, but those are for another blog.
After nine weeks of virtually no ultra training I decided to show up on my home course for this 100 mile challenge. No crew or pacers - I wanted to really know how much of a 100 mile event is "mental". I've heard it said many times that you run the first 50 with your legs and the last 50 miles with your heart. I planned to put that strategy to the test knowing that a DNF (did not finish) drop would probably sink me deeper into a slump.
As about 50 runners stood at the start line I felt like a gambler in Vegas. I was pushing all of the chips in for a finish. I had 32 hours to figure out how to get it done. It didn't have to be graceful or pretty, just a finish. Then again, I don't think any of my race finishes have ever been every eloquent.
I walked most of the 1st loop as nearly every runner took off at a fast pace from the start line. I could see problems for many runners as soon as they started. The temperatures were going to climb into the mid 80s with high humidity and this certainly wasn't the time in the race to try and gain ground against the clock.
I felt surprisingly strong for the first 50K (31 miles) which was over three loops. I finished it in about 7 hours and that meant I was on about a 23 hour pace finish. I realized that I would slow down a lot during the night, but felt lots of confidence with this cushion built in.
There were two aid stations on the loop. One at the start/finish and another at the 3.8 mile mark on the loop. I knew nearly everyone who was running the aid stations throughout the race and that was a tremendous boost. Speaking of the aid stations, they had everything you would've wanted. Burgers, pizza, homemade cookies, coffee, candy, chips, soda, fruit, bacon, jerky - it was all superb.
I ran a loop with Jonathan F. and Kiley around the halfway point and by 2:00 AM I was so sleepy I couldn't keep my head up. I was over six hours ahead of the cutoff time so I decided to crawl in the car and get some sleep. After a nearly three hour nap I woke up alert, but incredibly stiff. It took me about 5 miles to get limbered up enough to run again. This put me around the 80 mile mark and I knew with eight hours to finish I would make the final 20 miles. Even if it nearly killed me.
Beth & the kids were out to help at the aid station around 10 AM and they met up with me at mile 91 before I headed out on the last loop. I was prepared to face it alone, but since Beth offered to go with me I took her up on it. We walked the entire loop in 2:30 which is about a 16:30 min/mile pace. I was nearly at the point of sheer exhaustion and was slurring my words badly. Luckily, she's seen me like this before so it didn't come as a surprise.
I ended up crossing the finish line in 28:55 which was nearly exactly what I had predicted at the start. Finishing this race in my hometown of Spartanburg on my own training trails meant a great deal to me and once the word gets out, I believe this race will fill up to capacity next year. It was really cool to have Angela hand me the finisher's buckle, even if I was reduced to sitting on the ground at that point.
My feet are a little sore from all of the roots today, but other than that I'm not extremely beat up.
I simply tried to take care of my body as much as possible during the first 50 miles and set myself up in decent shape for the 2nd half of the race. Completing a 100 mile race really does require a lot of mental toughness. After finishing this one I would agree that you can get one finished on minimal training, but you will enjoy it more if you're in better condition.
Either way I'm thrilled to have been a part of this event and can't wait to do it again next year.
Photo of Kelley (who also finished) and I at the finish.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
2014 - The Year of Ultra Running Stupidity
It's time to get back into running. I've taken off the last seven weeks and added about 30 pounds onto my linebacker football frame. It seems as if I do this nearly every winter after the holidays.
Mental & physical injuries have kept me off the trails too. As a matter of fact, I'm all over the board in my head. I know from experience that this leads to the best kind of ultra running. I need alone time on the trail. Time to hear my heart beat and let go of the doubts. Maybe gain some different ones too. I can't afford to race with anyone now. Digging out of the pit requires my full attention, but its nice to see other sickos out doing whatever it is they're doing.
Getting up at 5 AM on Saturday morning is nearly the last thing that I want to do this weekend, but I know that it will be good for me. I'll drive home afterwards beat down, but full of hope. It will be worth it.
I won't complain or make excuses because I've finished even 100 mile races even heavier than I am now. If I really want it bad enough, then I finish. If not, then I just walk off the course with the bib number in my hand. After nearly 70 ultra marathons, I've never been pulled for simply not making a cutoff time. Running is a privilege, not a right. You either do it or you don't.
Mental & physical injuries have kept me off the trails too. As a matter of fact, I'm all over the board in my head. I know from experience that this leads to the best kind of ultra running. I need alone time on the trail. Time to hear my heart beat and let go of the doubts. Maybe gain some different ones too. I can't afford to race with anyone now. Digging out of the pit requires my full attention, but its nice to see other sickos out doing whatever it is they're doing.
Getting up at 5 AM on Saturday morning is nearly the last thing that I want to do this weekend, but I know that it will be good for me. I'll drive home afterwards beat down, but full of hope. It will be worth it.
I won't complain or make excuses because I've finished even 100 mile races even heavier than I am now. If I really want it bad enough, then I finish. If not, then I just walk off the course with the bib number in my hand. After nearly 70 ultra marathons, I've never been pulled for simply not making a cutoff time. Running is a privilege, not a right. You either do it or you don't.
“You can’t keep a squirrel on the ground when his nuts are in a tree.”
The Leatherwood Mountain 50K will be comical this weekend. With 8,000 feet of climbing up in the middle of the North Carolina mountains I'm like a sheep headed to the slaughter. However, I will climb those mountains and shuffle down the few flat miles of trails.
My sarcasm won't let me escape what's yet to come. I will undoubtedly be someones "inspiration" because I'm so big and able to finish this race. I'm never sure if I should take that as a compliment or insult so I just take it. I've learned to just smile because for the most part people don't really want to know what I'm thinking.
The good thing is I believe several runners have taken on ultras & finished them because they saw that I could. It's a twisted human comparison that sometimes urges people to push themselves beyond what even stupidity calls "normal running". I'm happy to have been some part of that in other runners lives. I've been on both sides of the equation and it somehow works. That's one reason I continue to blog here.
My sarcasm won't let me escape what's yet to come. I will undoubtedly be someones "inspiration" because I'm so big and able to finish this race. I'm never sure if I should take that as a compliment or insult so I just take it. I've learned to just smile because for the most part people don't really want to know what I'm thinking.
The good thing is I believe several runners have taken on ultras & finished them because they saw that I could. It's a twisted human comparison that sometimes urges people to push themselves beyond what even stupidity calls "normal running". I'm happy to have been some part of that in other runners lives. I've been on both sides of the equation and it somehow works. That's one reason I continue to blog here.
What's even funnier is my Spring race schedule. Three 100 miler races between April 12th and May 17th. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I signed up for these back in the fall. Once again, if I want them bad enough I will finish. I want them all bad enough. I can tell. It's that time of year again to prove something to myself. Why can't I just accept what I've learned from the last six times that I've done this? I'm not sure. Possibly stupidity.
A very sick part of me enjoys getting out of shape and then having to battle back into condition to get through ultras. I keep saying that this will be the last time, but like a 12 stepper I keep returning to the trail. It needs to stop this time, but it probably wont.
I keep waiting for that Forest Gump moment. The moment when I can say that "I'm finished" running. I'm tired and ready to just go home. Maybe that's why I keep going back to these things.
Now its nearing time to sign up for some Fall 100's before the rate hikes go up. At this point someone should be paying me to labor through another 100 miles of wilderness. I'll be in much better shape for those as I normally am. The cooler weather will naturally lead to faster finishing times and make us all feel like we've really improved. In reality, probably not - its just cooler weather after a hot summer.
A very sick part of me enjoys getting out of shape and then having to battle back into condition to get through ultras. I keep saying that this will be the last time, but like a 12 stepper I keep returning to the trail. It needs to stop this time, but it probably wont.
I keep waiting for that Forest Gump moment. The moment when I can say that "I'm finished" running. I'm tired and ready to just go home. Maybe that's why I keep going back to these things.
Now its nearing time to sign up for some Fall 100's before the rate hikes go up. At this point someone should be paying me to labor through another 100 miles of wilderness. I'll be in much better shape for those as I normally am. The cooler weather will naturally lead to faster finishing times and make us all feel like we've really improved. In reality, probably not - its just cooler weather after a hot summer.
I'm running more 100 mile races these days. It only makes sense to get the most bang for my buck. Why only shuffle 31 miles when I can walk about 50 more to get a pretty little belt buckle. Its actually more than the buckle, it's going home and putting it in my case on the wall and feeling "completed". Then over the years I will look at it out of fear thinking that I probably can't do it again. This forces me to sign up for another one just to prove completion again. The cycle is vicious and ridiculously demanding. How many cases will I fill up on the walls before it ends?
It's becoming a problem. I wish I could be happy to just write a neat little blog story or post some pictures on Facebook about the last "epic ultra". It's way beyond that now. Part of me wishes that I would have never found ultra running, but then I would have missed all of this. It's a seesaw of joy & misery.
It's becoming a problem. I wish I could be happy to just write a neat little blog story or post some pictures on Facebook about the last "epic ultra". It's way beyond that now. Part of me wishes that I would have never found ultra running, but then I would have missed all of this. It's a seesaw of joy & misery.
If I haven't learned anything else about "running" distance I've learned this. You can walk & finish just about every race there is out there now. I've spoken to a few race directors and runners who despise this. They feel that runners should train hard for events and be prepared to "race" them at 100% effort. I mostly agree for several reasons, but then there are the select few of us who "need" to suffer tremendously in a prolonged state of beautiful misery. Even when our minds & bodies aren't close to being prepared for the challenge at hand. And of course the RDs need to make money so I expect the generous cutoff times to only grow as the sport does.
It's personally frustrating and a little embarrassing to be back in this shape again, but forward I charge (Ok...walk). If you see me out running at Leatherwood on Saturday please stop and say "hello". I'll smile like always and hopefully we'll both feel better about ourselves.
“Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well.”
― Jack London
“Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well.”
― Jack London
Monday, February 10, 2014
Delirium 24 Hour Race - Lowcountry Ultra
I was certain of running 100 miles at The Delirium 24 Hour Endurance Race in Ridgeland, SC. As I write this I'm reminded of another ultra running mantra.
"Nothing is certain except the uncertain."
This was a flat 1.695 mile loop course with one aid station at the start/finish area. The loop would need to be completed 59 times for 100 miles. My strategy going in was to pick three "walk" areas on the loop to take a 60 second break and run the rest while keeping aid station stops to a bare minimum.
My split goals for the entire race were to complete the 1st 50 miles in 11 hours and the 2nd in 13 hours. I've never ran a flat 24 hour course so I had no idea if this was even a realistic possibility for me. On top of this my training has been virtually non-existent in January.
After some reflection from the race my 1st mistake was made by not sleeping close to the event on Friday night. I had to get up before 4 AM and drive three hours on Saturday morning. This ended up working against me later in the race.
Either way, the Delirium began promptly at 8 AM on Saturday morning and I felt great. I don't recall ever being this rested heading into a race. It was raining as we started running and this continued through early afternoon. The rain contributed to some muddy areas, but one area of the course was about 100 yards of complete slop. It made for a nice walk break so it naturally fit into my plan anyway.
I run in Hoka shoes and it was great to see them as a sponsor for the race. They were allowing runners to "sample" their shoes and I saw pair after pair of new shoes getting trashed in the mud.
Running with new & old friends allowed the first six hours of the race to go by really quick.
I was shocked to hit the 31 mile (50K) mark in 6:03. This was only 15 minutes off of my fastest 50K race time and it made me question if the pace was way too fast. I didn't concern myself with it and just kept running by feel and even added a fourth "walk" break section into the loop to slow things down a little more.
I hit a low mental & physical spot from miles 25-40. This is completely normal for me and I knew it would pass. It did and I started to feel much better around mile 50.
The 50 mile split time was 10:13. This would give me 13:47 to complete the 2nd half of the race which is about a 16:30 min/mile pace. Basically a brisk walking pace.
The lack of hills and flat terrain began to break by hips down at mile 55. By mile 62 (100K) I was really struggling to run. I was still shocked to finish the 100K distance in 13:10 which was well over an hour off of my fastest time.
Walking became a struggle around mile 70 and my hips were on fire. I was even beginning to feel what seemed to be shin splints coming on in both legs. I had thoughts of trying to push through it, but staggering around the loop for six more hours without a hope of getting 100 miles helped me decide to stop around 75. I was deliriously (fitting description) sleepy by this point at 2:00 AM after being up so long and several cups of coffee wasn't even helping.
I'm excited to come away from a great race where I was able to actually run more miles in a single event than I ever have before. I'll keep the 100 miles within 24 hours goal stashed away in my head for next time. I have a better idea of what I'm getting into now.
A huge "Thank You" is due to the race director Tim Waz and so many volunteers who counted laps, prepared food, emptied trash cans, and simply offered a word of encouragement. This was an outstanding event and we are very fortunate to have it in South Carolina. There are also 6 and 12 hour race options. If you're looking for a well organized event that will allow you to test your endurance, then get this one on your calendar early because I'm sure it will fill up even faster for 2015.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Harbison 50K 2014
The 4th annual Harbison 50K was held on Saturday January 4th 2014 in Columbia, SC at Harbison State Forest. Dan Hartley was the original founder and Race Director, but this year he passed the torch to David Nance. The event ended up selling out a few days before the start which is a strong indication to how great the race is. I have actually only ran this race as a sweep once before so I was looking forward to enjoying it as just a "runner" this time.The course itself is a 15.5 mile loop that is ran twice in the same direction. The first 8-9 miles are very windy, but mainly flat with a few rocks & roots. The final 6-7 miles of the loop included a few hills with some more technical sections to have fun with. Overall, this is a very fast course for the average runner and I'm sure a lot of people set personal best times on it.
As 2013 winded down I had some major turmoil in my personal life. I considered giving up running and just heading back into the gym to stay healthy. The emotional roots of ultra running have grown so deep into my heart and its become increasingly difficult to face a big race while carrying a burden. I went back & forth about the decision all week before Harbison. One part of me begged to withdraw from racing & my running friends. Quietly fading away into my personal little world where everything is safe. I know better than that from experience. That personal little world leads to depression and isolation which opens up the door to poor eating & health choices. Then before I realize it, I'm back over 300 pounds on the couch and I'm not sure how many more times I can pull myself out of that situation again. So I decided to run for my friends, for the pain, and honestly out of fear of slipping away. So I just put on my shoes and mindlessly went to run in the woods all day.On the flip side I have what is probably another sickness. I love for things to go wrong and hurt during a long run. This includes both my physical & mental well being. I'm at a point now where I don't always enjoy the first 30-40 miles because for the most part they come fairly easy. I prefer the miles after 50 where your body & mind begin to wrestle. I'm forced to live in the moment and the other pains from life disappear for hours. That's the very spot that I crave to live in. I feel closer to God, safer, and more loved when I'm completely destroyed from the inside out than anywhere else.
Back to the race itself. I was able to share some miles with Angela, Laura, Brian, and several other friends over the course of the day. Angela was celebrating her 35th birthday and as an added bonus Tim brought her some pork rinds and mustard the aid station he was working. This was one of the best treats I've ever eaten during an ultra. As a matter of fact, I ran the final three miles carrying the bag and munching on them all the way into the finish.
David (Race Director) and all of the volunteers put on a stellar event. The course was marked perfectly and the aid stations had so many food/drink choices. If you're thinking about a 50K around the New Year in 2015, this race needs to be the one you run.
After over seven hours it felt good to be finished. I honestly did want to go run some more and enjoy the trail, but my legs were aching from too many holiday drinks & goodies. Looking back this was my 67th ultra marathon that I've completed since May 2009. It was a pivotal run that wasn't about time or endurance, but realizing how much I love the simple act of running.
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