RUN WITH THE SNAKE

Strolling Jim 40 Mile Run

2009-05-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

"For 31 years, the first Saturday in May has meant one thing in the scenic hills of Bedford County, Tennessee; the return of the Ultra-Marathoners. And the Ultra-Marathoners have kept coming back. Coming back to stroll the quiet streets of Wartrace and Bell Buckle, enjoying the picturesque homes and quaint shops. Coming back to share in the three day reunion of the Southern Ultra community. Coming back to celebrate the end of winter with a run in the inspiring springtime beauty of the Highland Rim. Coming back to be a part of one of the US most competitive road ultras, and to match their times against the fastest runners of the past 29 years. Coming back to strive for a coveted Gold Shirt. Coming back to feast on the bountiful repast at both pre- and post- run festivities. But, most of all, the Ultra-Marathoners keep coming back because, at the Strolling Jim, every runner is a hero, an honored guest, and a welcomed friend". This is what the website says.

I ran my first "Jim" in 2007, my first ultra. I was hooked! What is it that brings these people back year after year? You should see the list of people who have run this race over 10 times. This is one of the oldest ultras in the Southeast.

Today's ultra runners mostly choose to run on trails, much easier on the legs. A lot of the races are a catered affair with anything from cookies to soup. Jim started out a little different, water jugs every 2 miles, that was about it.

Today Jim has water jugs every 2 miles and 3 aid stations! The course starts in downtown Wartrace, TN, a small railroad town (oldest in the state) founded in 1853 and home of a world class gourmet restaurant and destination hotel, and being the birthplace of a world champion walking horse "Strolling Jim".

In my opinion, you are not an ultra runner until you have done "The Jim"! This year the weather became a factor in the race. Most years, the Sun, heat and humidity plays a big part on your performance. Oh yeah, I for got to mention "THE WALLS". Jim boasts that there are only 4 hills on the course. While running you wonder how you will know if it is a hill or not, don't worry, it's painted on the road telling you that it is not a hill or it is a hill, when you come to "THE WALLS" no one will need to tell you.

After the Rocket City Marathon in December, I backed off on my training. I'm not sure if the body was telling me to or my mind was tired. The longest run in January was 15 miles averaging probably 15 miles per week, in February I averaged 10 a week, March was nearly run free, April saw a 5 miler and a 3 miler.

I was in no shape to run Jim, but with the lure of the race, I had to go see how far I could go. The course is so beautiful, my wife Judy loves to crew for me and help other runners on the course. She is quickly becoming known as "The Angel of Strolling Jim" Over the last three years, she has helped numerous runners, some she didn't know.

This year, instead of taking the entire day off on Friday, I only took off at noon. We finished the final packing and left for Wartrace. About Chattanooga, I realized I had forgotten my double water bottle fanny pack. Judy asked if I wanted to stop and buy another one, I replied "No, I can carry my stuff in a Walmart Bag". we laughed and kept driving. Fortunately, I had a one bottle pack in my running kit! Not as much storage for stuff but at least a belt for my bottle.

The trip to Wartrace was very wet. The trip up Monteagle Mountain was as bad of traffic and conditions I can remember. Entering Wartrace, the rain was not slowing down at all. There was no wind, just monsoon type rains and lightning. As I picked up my pre-race package and mingling with the few ultrarunnners there, a stroke of lightning hit within a half mile of the finish line. The railroad crossing poles came down. The ride into Shelbyville where the hotel was had major flooding, traffic was hydroplaning and was very slow. I checked into the hotel and got ready for the traditional spaghetti supper back in Wartrace. The rain slowed down a bit but still was threatening. The supper was held at the community center. I believe it was cooked by volunteers, and man it was delicious! A salad, Spaghetti with either marinara or meat sauce, bread, tea, and a dessert for $8!

A drive back to the hotel and ready for an early night, need my rest. Remember, I am not ready for this physically. I need every ounce of energy tomorrow and I need to screw my head on right. Pace and energy conservation will be key for a finish. I had really no goal of a finish time, just finish!. My best time was my first year 7:38, last year 8:44 ( 4 weeks after a hundred miler) and now I'm to the point, just let me finish. I slept like a baby, no worries, no anxiety. Strange, I always experience these before most races. I had a minimum goal, I guess the pressure was off.

The morning came with monsoon rains. I dressed and got ready for what I knew would be one long day. I got to the starting line with rain pouring. I waited until 20 minutes until race start to get my stuff lined up for the race. I like to do this an hour before the start. I went towards the starting line and met up with some of the old faces there. We were huddled under the pavilion "Cradle of the Tennessee walking Horse" when all of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye I saw Dink Taylor and Dewayne Satterfield bolt out into the rain. The race had started with no one at the starting line. The first 100 yards we ran up a hill where water was running down the hill. Feet were wet in the first 2 minutes of the race. This will be a factor for me later.

I knew to keep the pace slow and loose, especially if I wanted to finish on the training ( or lack of) I had. I settled into a comfortable pace with a couple from Atlanta who had finished Umstead 100 miler 4 weeks earlier. I knew where they were at and we had a great conversation. This was their first Jim and was eager to hear what I knew about it. Karen and Don ran smoothly and consistently through the day and would eventually beat me by several minutes. We exchanged stories, jokes, etc. They got to meet Judy and she provided aid to them the rest of the race. They pulled away from me at about the half marathon mark. At that time I hooked up with Diane Taylor, well know in the ultra community for constancy and finishing. I knew if I could hang with her, I could make it. There were rumors all day that there were runners behind us and that flood waters detoured the course and added distance to it, bummer!

Diane and I ran from about the 12 mile mark until the 29 mile mark together. we picked up a friend of hers (Amanda) at 20 miles who was going to run with her until the 39 mile mark. At 29 miles at the "THE WALLS" my legs felt better running than walking. Diane is one of the best walkers I have seen, I have to run to keep up with her. I found that running hurt less than walking, which proves that you need to train for walking in an ultra. Different muscle groups are used. I ran half way up the hills of "THE WALLS" and walked the rest, ran down the other side. I managed some 9:30 and 10:00 minute miles on the down hill sides. I ran away from Diane and Amanda and actually put several minutes between us. Not to run off and leave them, but I figured to run while it felt good, for when I crashed it would be ugly. I caught Karen and Don at about 32 miles, by this time I was crashing, they ran off and left me. Well, about 33 miles, it got ugly! I quit! Someone come and get me, my calves ached so bad! I sat down, ate a Little Debbie Fig Bar and drank some orange Gatorade. Waiting to let the body catch up, it took about 5 minutes until I was able to get up and shuffle and walk. Still Diane and Amanda was still not in sight. I was ready to quit, A Wartrace Policeman came by and apparently I looked like crap, he stopped and asked me if was alright, it must be showing. Well, the testosterone kicked in, I smiled and said I was fine, he drove on, Man what was I thinking. About that time Diane came cruising by , then Amanda, I asked Amanda for her phone to call Judy to come and get me. She reached for it. Then the testosterone kicked in again and I said, no, I blamed it on Diane. I told Amanda that Diane wouldn't let me quit. So here we all go towards the 35 mile mark. I get to the 35 mile mark, not in good shape. I drank several cups of Coke and ate some chips. About that time Judy came driving up. I went to the M1 Abrams (Durango) race wagon and filled my bottles with Coke. Judy knowing me for 37 years said the one thing that She knew would keep me running. "Why don't you quit?" I really didn't have an answer, but with that challenge shot across the bow, what could I do? I kept going, only 6.2 miles to go or so we thought.

Flood waters across the road at about 38 miles created a detour that put us up another hill ( not by Cantrell standards) but it put us on Arnold road. I enjoyed this part of the run, a shady lane, that would be very much welcomed in the later part of the run especially when the Sun was shining. The last stretch down highway 64 seems to be twice as long as it really is. It probably is because I have run it alone the first two years, this year , i ran it with Diane, it seemed shorter. I need to have someone run with me the last two miles here next year.

The finish was slow, not pretty but welcomed. The legs are recovering well, the blisters healing. I'm looking for another run. The Jim has fired my desire to run again! Oh BTW, the detour added about 1 mile to the course.

Norris Dam 12k

2009-01-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

10 Degrees when I woke up! Windy conditions, Sun was coming up with the promise of warming to 35 degrees. As I drank my morning coffee and checking weather, email and the such on the computer, I began to second guess my decisions. Drive 85 miles on one of the coldest, windiest days of the year to run one of the toughest courses around. If you are not familiar with Norris Dam park, it has long steep grades that are called hills! Mountains are more like it. Enough whining.
The drive up found moderate traffic in Knoxville, and as i neared the Dam, the second cup of coffee kicked in. a quick pit stop at the restroom and I was back on the road trying to locate the race headquarters. I had ran this race back in 2006 with a decent time around 57 minutes and took 2nd in my age group of 50-59. This year, the age groups were cut down to 50-54 and with the extreme cold weather, I figured a 3rd place would be a given due to only 3 runners in my age group would show up. Now I don't go to races to hunt for hardware (awards). I learned early on when I was in my 20's that I was not a front runner and never got into chasing the glory of my name being called out as an age group winner. As I aged, I have gotten some awards, but few and mostly due to attrition. I have seen a lot of runners over the years stop running, some from injuries but a lot because they lost the edge and couldn't win their age groups anymore. ( SOAPBOX BEGINS HERE) This truly sad, since the benefits one receives from the training and races far outweigh the "glory" one receives in post race awards ceremonies. In fact, over the years I have noticed something that grips me to no end when it comes to award ceremonies. As the front runners and age group winners receive their awards, they load up and go home. Everyone watched as they received their awards and applauded their efforts. They did not have the respect or common courtesy to stay an extra 5 to 10 minutes to return the recognition that the older runners should receive. Huntsville Track Club (which I didn't renew my membership with this year due to headphone restrictions) is one of the few clubs that starts the awards ceremony with the oldest runners and works their way down. I applaud HTC for this.
Enough of the soapbox!

The race started on hillside and fortunately a long downhill. I was able to click off some 6:30 to 7:00 miles for about 3/4 mile, then an uphill slowed the average to about an 8:30. After about a mile and half, another long, steep downhill, again some fast times for "The SNAKE". Having done this before, I remember that on the way back, we had to run (?) back up these hills argh! We ran across Norris DAM, there the bitter, wind cut into the knit gloves on my hands and my handlebar moustache was becoming frozen with moisture from when I exhaled and had a few bugercicles. We climbed another long hill into a cabin area where the wind was not blowing at all. I had pulled my fingers out of the slots in my gloves and tucked them into my palm. Now the fingers were warm but sweaty. On the way back across the Dam, the wind seemed more intense due to the direction. It was a cross wind but more in the face coming back that on the way out. After the DAM, we approached that long steep hill I had mentioned earlier. By this time, my legs were feeling the effect of lactic acid build up due to the fast (faster than I'm used to) pace and hill climbs. Part way up the hill, the Ultra runner in me kicked in and I walked. No one passed me on the hill but maybe they gained some on me and perhaps the runners ahead built a bigger lead, who knows. I had to keep my heart rate below 95% of my max or risk crashing and burning.
There is a long downhill just before the finish where you can stretch things out and make up a little time, but someone made the finish line about a quarter of a mile up a hill. There, I'm done, 1:05 and change. A full 8 minutes slower than 3 years ago.
I have noticed since i started running ultras back in 2006, I have lost some of my speed, not that I was fast to start with. This is one of the reasons I ran this race to start running shorter, faster runs and fewer long, slow runs.
Afterwards, there was a DAM chili contest and the runners were the judges. I ate 3 bowls of chili, one was ok the rest were not up to my chili standard. the one I liked, did win the contest so I guess my taste buds for chili is pretty common. I tried to get my wife to enter her chili this year and she actually bought the stuff to make it. When she saw the weather report, the trip was off. So, I'm enjoying her chili this weekend!
Dead last in my age group, about 6th. My speed has gone, and the competition in the 50-54 age group was undeterred by the 15 degrees at race time. Legs today has some tightness but it was a great training run, exactly why I went. Next week, Mountain Mist 50k. Goal break 7 hours. Wish me luck.

2009 ???

2008-12-31T17:37:00.000-08:00

What does the year 2009 have in store for me? I received notice today that I was put on the waiting list at Barkley Marathon. Kind of disappointed that I didn't get accepted, but I guess in real life I'm not the front runner or the likely candidate to actually finish this 100 miler.
Barkley? It is 5 twenty mile loops through Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg Tennessee. It was started many years ago by Gary Cantrell after hearing of James Earl Ray's escape from Brushy Mountain Prison. After Ray had been gone 55 hours, he had only managed 8 miles or so from the prison. Gary commented that he could have been 100 miles or more away in that length of time. Well, after some research and surveying the landscape, Gary had the idea to have a race through the wilderness there. I think there has been a total of 7 finishers in all the years it has been held. The problem is not the distance, runners from all over the world have come to run the Barkley. What happens is they quit! Or the time limits catch them. There is a 60 hour overall limit and a 12 hour per loop limit. The trail is mostly unused and is very unrunable.
Why would anyone want to run Barkley? I really don't know. It is kind of like when you were a kid and hit a ground ball back to the pitcher. He(She) fields it cleanly, you know you are going to be out. You still run as hard as you can to first base and even run through the base. You are hoping that there is a small chance, you will be safe. That is the best explaination I can give.
I'm not big on New Year's Resolutions but sitting here and pondering on 2009, what should I do? Lose weight, you bet! Run more? Yeah.
I want and will try in 2009 to:

1) run fewer ultras and concentrate on faster races.
2) Lose 20 pounds (this will help with #1)
3) Concentrate on running faster marathons and if it is in me, to qualify for Boston in 2010. I will be 55 and only need a 3:45

Well, there are some goals, not resolutions. You may not see me at as many ultras this next year, but hopefully will see me toeing the line in Boston for the 3rd time.

Peace

look at this link: type in Lyda for the last name.

http://www.baa.org/cfm_Archive/pg_ArchiveSearch.cfm?mode=results&RequestTimeout=600&snap=65659299&

2008 Rocket City Marathon

2008-12-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

Or I could title this, "The Loss of Enthusiasm". The Rocket City Marathon is a well organized, community supported event. This was the 32nd year since it was started by the Huntsville Track Club and the dream of Harold Tinsley. It is the first and oldest marathon in Alabama. The course winds through downtown Huntsville, the historic district and the newer south side near Grissom High School. The course is noted for being flat and fast. The weather is also noted as cold and breezy. This day proved to be cool, but the wind was not a factor.
As I hit town, I checked into Holiday Inn at the Civic Center which is the race headquarters for the marathon. This year I had to prepay for two nights to ensure I had a room. The race usually fills up. I checked into the Expo to get my race packet, I felt the packet and didn't feel the familiar bump in the packet to make sure the timing chip was there. (Today, some of the more advanced races uses a computer chip for your times during the event. Talk about big brother! The chip is attached to your shoe and as you cross the starting line, the computer starts "your" time. When you cross the finishing line, it stops it. Some races has these readers at various places along the course. Rocket City uses the start, halfway and finish.)
I went to a familiar face at the Expo, Jim Oaks. I have known him since the early 80's and asked him where the timing chip was. He informed me that there was a new type being used, a disposable one and to watch the instructional video across the room.
Boy did I feel like a dummy. Later, after I got back to my room, I found my race information booklet and read the instructions. Lo and behold, there was the instructions for the new chip. Now for the title "The Loss of Enthusiasm".
I first ran this race back in 1980. The race was already 3 years old and the course had already changed for the start and finish at Grissom High School. I had been running for recreation since about 1978, to lose weight and try to keep in shape. Mother Nature had already kicked me out. Mother Nature will take care of you until you're mid twenty's, then she will tell you that you are on your own.
I ran my first organized race in June of 1980, "the Provident Heart Run" in Chattanooga. My cousin, Bobby Smith had talked me into running it and later convinced me to run a marathon. So we began our training for "The Joe Steele Rocket City Marathon" in December 1980. I entered and anxiously awaited the information booklet that was promised. The booklet came and I read it cover to cover looking at all the pictures and learning all the names of all the runners. I saw pictures of Steve Bolt winning and Mike Hamm and Ron Hill. I was excited! Ron Hill was a world class runner from Britain. This race had international participants!
After 28 years and running this marathon 10 times, I didn't even open the booklet. What have I become. Have I lost the enthusiasm of running the marathon? I guess so. I will ponder on this question for a while to see what I have lost or gained over the years.

The race began with a shot from a musket, fired by Wayne Smith's daughter. I had met her 22 years earlier when she came to TVA to do a fitness test for the newly formed "Livewell" program. The air was cold but not brutal. It had the feel that the day would warm some but not be hot. This proved to be true.
The night before, a couple of runners that I had met (both from Indiana, but didn't know each other) asked me what my goals were. I answered that I hadn't thought about any. I figured that I would go out and run within myself and see what the day and the course would allow.
I started slow to keep from burning out early, I settled into about a 10 minute per mile pace. This proved to be the ticket. I met some other runners that were settled into the same pace. Bill from Huntsville and Allen from Tampa, FL. Bill ran head after about 6 miles but Allen and I ran together for about 17 miles. We hit the halfway point in 2 hours and 10 minutes. If we could maintain, then that would mean a 4:20 marathon. At about 17 miles, Allen and I both started to have a few issues. The wheels were wobbling a bit. I settled in and started to press a little. About that time I saw the aid station giving out Clifshot gels. They had a variety and I was bonked to the point, I didn't (couldn't) hear what they were offering. I grabbed one form the second girl handing them out. It turned out to be a "Caffeine" one. It tasted like Expresso Vaseline due to the cold, the gel was almost a solid. The energy and the caffeine buzz gave me a little kick. I kept pressing, all the time thinking that I was running too fast for the amount of distance left. My heart rate was reaching 94 to 97 % of my maximum. I was well into anaerobic territory. This meant that my time was limited at this level. When lactic acid builds during this phase, it causes the muscles to ache and slow down and eventually quit moving. Being crazy to start with along with being in a daze from fatigue, I kept on.
At about 23 miles I reached into my secret pocket in my running shorts and pulled out my last secret weapon. A Little Debbie Fig Bar. Smashed as it was, I choked it down. At this phase of the race, the mouth is dry, the tongue doesn't want to work. After a half of mile or so, I hit an aid station and gulped down a couple of cups of water. The plan from the start was to save this fig bar until mile 23. I'm surprised that I hadn't used it until then or even forgot that I even had it. After a mile and half or so, the fig bar kicked in and I was able to carry my tired, aching old body across the finish line. Time 4:21:06. The second half was just a tad slower than the first.
Afterwards, I went to the hotel room when the lactic acid finally caught up. My calves ached for about 30 minutes. I sat with my feet propped up on the bed as I ate the stew and fruit provided by the race. After about an hour, the body was almost fully recovered. I had one blister on the left foot in the arch. I didn't know I had it until the race was over. Today the legs have a few tender spots but very little soreness. We'll see how they feel on Monday, the soreness usually peaks about 48 hours after the event. The Rocket City Marathon was my first and remains my favorite marathon.

Chattanooga Fat Ass 50k

2008-12-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

For the ones who does not know what a Fat Ass race is. It originated in Australia. It is a race with usually no entry fee, no shirt , no frills, and definitely no awards. The race starts at the base of Krandyland. This is the home of Kris and Randy Whorton, who is a big part of the trail development and trail racing in the Chattanooga area.
The race starts, after you climb the mandatory 54 steps to Krandyland. I arrived early and delivered some goodies for the 100k. Kris and Randy were very hospitable and offered coffee. The weather was going to cooperate for the FA50k. The start was scheduled for 08:00 but by the time we all got ready, it was about 08:25. The race is advertised as group of friends, running a training run. NO PRESSURE!

We started as the temperatures hovered about 30 degrees.. as we ran out, the cool wind cut through the cheap cotton gloves. ( 50 cents). I don't think it mattered as everyone I talked to complained of hands being cold.
We started on the street at the base of Krandyland and headed towards Ruby Falls. I have lived in the area most of my life, and have never seen Ruby Falls or Rock City, shame on me.
A small group of us started out slow, knowing that the mountain and miles would take it's toll. A small group of us (5) missed the first trail turnoff. We never saw the markers. after a few minutes of discussions and exploring where we went wrong, we decided that we had missed the spur trail and we would press on past the turn and add some mileage (according to GPS) to allow for the error.

We met several of the other runners who had followed the correct course. We all got a chuckle at telling them that they were slow. All the time knowing we were off course. After the correction, 2 of the group turned at the junction, they had opted for the 10-12 mile option.
Then there was three of us at the end of the pack. We kept a steady pace, all along keeping our conversation light and positive. I ran with Charlene from the CTC and Cat who comes from a biking background.( if I'm wrong, please correct me Cat). She is new to the running arena and has only been running for about a year or so. We maintained a respectable pace and had some very energizing conversations. I think she (Cat) baited me though, she told me that she wanted to run slow, because we had a lot of miles to go. Then about 15 miles, she kicked it in and I never saw her until the end. She had only done 16 miles max until this run. She really kicked ass!! Good job Cat!

That left Charlene and me to finish the 21+ section. Charlene gave me a history lesson along the route. We wrapped around the bluffs of Lookout mountain where significant historical Civil War battles were fought. On one occasion, I had told Charlene, that if one of us heard voices, then we were losing it. I turned once to her and whatever face I had on, she said 'You're not freaking out on me , are you?" We both got a laugh out of it. We made it to Craven's House ( Google it) and refreshed with our drop bags. We met back up with Lynn and her dog. She had slept in late and had come out to run some on the mountain. The meetings were brief but enjoyable. She is planning on pacing for the upcoming 100k.
Charlene and I cruised back to Krandyland, both not really taxed from the run. We all reunited with the folks that had stayed after the run. We ate chili, listened to music and exchanged war stories with the other runners.

Entry Fee $0
Drive time: 1 hr
experience : priceless

Charlene and I didn't write our 22.74 mile time down, because the time really doesn't matter.

We had a day in the woods with friends (new friends), no pressure to compete, experienced a part of History and had a great time of fellowship with folks that has the same goals as you. Oh yeah, the chili wasn't bad either.

Thanks Kris, Randy, Boonies and all the runners that came out and made the day.

Rare Opportunity at Dizzy's 50

2008-11-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

November 22, 2008, I had a rare opportunity. Not just to run in one of the best supported, lowest entry fee, most beautiful scenery ultra, but got to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm not going to tell you right off the bat, but instead I'm going to make you read my blog first to see what I'm talking about.
Dizzy 50 is a trail race sponsored by the Huntsville Track Club and supported by others like Fleet Feet in Huntsville, AL. It is run on Monte Sano Mountain overlooking Huntsville. Most folks don't even know of the beauty there. There are hiking trails, bike trails and cabins to be rented to sit and take in the vast beauty of the Tennessee Valley. The race is directed by Jeff Kyser. How he keeps the entry fee so low and offers so much, there has to be something illegal about it.
The race starts at 06:30 and has a 10 hour time limit. That's to keep folks out of the woods after dark. Park rules and also for the safety of the entrants. An early entry fee of $24 and late fee of $32 is among the best around. There are other races with lower fees, but not with the support that this one offers. This one has a great shirt ( wish it were long sleeve), great aid and post race meal and a finisher prize. Last year was a yellow drop (duffle) bag, this year a red drop bag. it does not get better than this. With only 108 entries, I'm surprised it doesn't fill up sooner. Great job Jeff! The runners have choices of running either a 50k (31 miles), 40 miles or 50 miles. The course is made up of a small loop in the beginning to even out the mileage, then a North loop and a South loop. You must run 3 loops for the 50k, 4 loops for the 40 mile and 5 loops for the 50 mile. That's why it's called Dizzy, you get dizzy trying to keep up with which way you need to go.
My wife and I spent the night my wife's sister and her husband in Scottsboro, AL. The morning came with a temperature in Scottsboro of 19 degrees F. As my wife and I drove towards Huntsville, along about Gurley, AL the temperatures dipped to 15 degrees. I just knew that the temperatures atop Monte Sano would be colder. As we drove up the mountain, the temperatures actually got warmer to a balmy 22 degrees. Man, what a relief, I thought it was going to be cold.
Most everyone checked in the race headquarters and pinned their numbers on in the cars. I guess this was to keep the competition in the dark as to who was actually going to compete. With 10 minutes to start I kissed my wife for luck and said the customary "I Love You" in case I dropped dead somewhere along the course, then exit the trusty M-1 Abrams ( my wife's Dodge Durango). 2 minutes later, I re-entered the M-1 to pick up some forgotten item. I'm not sure what it was at this point, but I know I needed it. With 6 minutes left, I exited for the final time. I met up with some fellow runners and bumped knuckles for luck to signify that we would run "with no regrets" today. That is one of the trademarks of "The Snake" when we toe the line, we bump knuckles and acknowledge that today we will have no regrets.
Prior to the race beginning, there is a word of prayer. If you are offended, then stay home! That is the way we do it in the SOUTH. Then Suddenly, we're off on the small starting loop. Man, I should have worn my mittens, instead of my gloves. My thumbs were numb. So I took them out of the gloves and held them in my palms. That was better. I was wearing shorts, a long sleeve technical shirt, a short sleeve technical shirt and a windbreaker. I had my 50 cent pair of cotton gloves on with my Asics Trail Attacks and a pair of Dirty Girl Gaiters. (Yeah, I'm a Dirty Girl). As we came back into the Start/Finish area to start the North loop, the wind was from the South. The wind on this day would not prove to be a factor, just a challenge to regulate what to wear to keep the cool South winds from chilling on the South Loop. I should have gotten rid of the wind breaker after the North loop, but made the mistake of keeping it on until the second loop. By this time, when I decided to get rid of it, I was too wet to take it off. So I ran with it the rest of the race. It was not really a problem, but I probably sweated more than I really needed to and lost more electrolytes. I compensated with S! caplets and Chicken and rice soup.
During the North loop of lap # 2, I was walking up the long incline ( I call it a mountain) when I heard foot steps. As I looked back, it was DeWayne Satterfield from Huntsville. He was on his third loop! This is where I experienced the "Rare Opportunity". DeWayne had ran the Pinhoti 100 mile Endurance Run two weeks prior and had placed 4th overall. Now He is leading the field in Dizzy 50k. Now for the amazing part. He was running the mountain, and talked to me and said, " Hey, SNAKE! this hill never gets easier". As he rounded the switchback, he looked back at me and told me he would see me at a future race and he would put in a good word for me. He was talking about a race where the entry is by invitation only.
Here is a true Champion, taking oxygen away from his effort to encourage a back of the packer. No doubt in my mind, if I was in trouble on this part of the course, he would stop and give assistance. He was raised on Sand Mountain. I knew his Uncle, years before I had even heard of DeWayne. Dewayne is the reason I started running ultras in the first place. He talked me into running Strolling Jim 40 miler in Wartrace, TN.
There I was, in the right place at the right time to observe Dewayne push himself up that hill, 2 weeks after running 100 miles. A day to remember.
When I finished 2 loops, I was feeling a low. For the ones who have not experienced a low, it is when your energy levels, your attitude, your drive your mojo or whatever you call it is at an all time low. You question, why you are there, what you are doing there, and if you can ever do the future races that you have signed up for. I went to the M-1 for a Coke, pimiento sandwich, chicken and rice soup. When I opened the door my wife said " I got something for you". She pulled out a plaque and showed it to me. My eyes welled up with tears. Probably the hormone imbalance, or the fact my brain was not getting enough oxygen. She has always supported me during my runs and has always given encouragement to me when I was down. We always have little jokes about not being a wimp and quit feeling sorry for yourself. She held up the plaque and new energy entered my body. If you haven't experienced this, then you are missing a treat.
I started the last loop with the idea that it may not be pretty, but I could do it. the plaque was a real motivator. I came into the aid station with only the South loop to go. I loaded up on chicken and rice soup, Coke, an S! cap and a couple of Bayer aspirin. Boy was I sloshing when I left out. After about 15 minutes, the sloshing quit and I started to clip off about 3 to 4 miles at 10 to 12 minutes per mile. The last 2 to 3 was filled with some intermittent running and walking. I finished in 6:37. Not really a PR for me but with a day full of new experiences and some new knowledge.
As I sat in the M-1 with my wife after the race, she turned to me and said, "Boy, I tell you, it sure was cold today". That's when I gave her the look that women usually gives to their husband. No words had to be spoken. We are still laughing at that one.
Ever get the chance to run Dizzy, give it a try. Dollar for dollar, can't be beat.

Mountain Masochist Trail Run 50 miles DNF

2008-11-03T15:34:00.000-08:00

So what is the DNF? It means "did not finish". As I have said, this is why a lot of folks are drawn to ultra running, the fear or chance of not succeeding. Anytime you go into an ultra event, there is a chance you will not succeed. There are too many factors weighing against you. Weather, terrain, your ability, your health on any given day. So why do people go out and try these events if they are subject to fail. If I find out, I will tell you. There is just a certain mystic about the internal challenge of going up against what sometimes seems the impossible. Having said all that crap, I'll share my experiences I had on the 26th annual Mountain Masochist Trail Run 50 miles held in Lynchburg, VA.
The race was started in 1983 by Dr. David Horton. He is a Professor at the Liberty University, made famous by Jerry Falwell. David is a very gifted endurance athlete. He has held many endurance records over the years, including the Appalachian Trail record and the Pacific Crest Trail record. He is noted for creating "Horton Miles". These are thrown into races at various places to challenge the race precipitants. What are they? In fact, they are equal to 1.3 miles to 1.7 miles each. Don't ask where I got those numbers, they are only examples as to how unpredictable they can be.
The trip to Lynchburg started with a gorgeous day for the drive. The Fall colors in East Tennessee were spectacular. As we approached Virginia, the mountains began to grow in height and the colors seemed to explode. The sunshine was bright and the air was clear. You could see for miles. We arrived in Lynchburg at about 02:00 PM and checked into the hotel, The Kirkley. A top notch hotel, with a reasonable rate.
I picked up my race packet and got an extra T shirt from Montrail. We went to the pre-race dinner and race briefing. We had vegetarian lasagna and pasta with rolls and tea, water and coffee, topped off by a 26th anniversary cake and ice cream.
After the great feed and fellowship with other crazy runners, I retired to my hotel room. I had laid out all my race gear so there would be less fumbling and confusion at 4 am. I drifted off to sleep and slept until about 2 am and thought, well this is it, I'm up for the day. NOT, I went back to sleep and slept until the alarm went off. This doesn't happen often on race night.
I got up, dressed and ate a bean burrito and drank a cup of coffee prior to heading down to meet some Huntsville, AL friends to catch the bus that will take us to the remote starting line. The ride out seemed long, but also there was a sense of OH NO, we're here.
When we got to the start, it was time to hit the portajohns to get rid of that extra weight. It was about 40 degrees, not really cold but with nerves it seemed uncomfortable. Back on the bus to stay warm. I had decided to wear shorts, and short sleeve shirt with a cap. This turned out to be the right selection for the day but was cool starting out.
A quick exit of the bus to turn on the GPS to acquire the necessary satellites and then back on the bus to stay warm When you run a long run, there is plenty of time along the way for the necessary warmups. The race started at exactly 06:30 am Z (Zealand time, Clark Zealand is the race director). The first 5.7 miles is run on a paved road. The pace should be faster, since it is on pavement, but caution should be exercised as to not go out too fast. You will pay for it later in the race. My goal was to keep my pace under the cutoff times and my heart rate less than 80% of maximum. I ran to the 43 mile mark in 10 hours and 8 minutes. The cutoff was 10 hours and 5 minutes, I missed the cutoff by 3 minutes and was pulled from the race. I didn't feel all that bad, I was in good company. Tom Green, a finisher for all the 25 previous races was just behind me at 43 miles and missed the cutoff by about 5 minutes. His streak has ended due to a silly cutoff, that has been set by past history with no science behind it. When asked about the reasoning behind the logic of the cutoffs, the new race director Clark Zealand comments were " these are the cutoffs that David has used for over 20 years". Does that make it right? I guess it doesn't have to make sense.
I am disappointed that I did not finish, but I am satisfied with my effort. I only had the urge to quit once at about mile 28 but when I got to to the aid station, I regained my drive and energy and actually felt at that point I could finish. As the old Grim Reaper would have it, it was not to be.

Would I do it again? YES!

What would I do different? Train harder in September and October and lose about 10 lbs. I had a lot going on with my personal life during those months, no excuses, "Life Happens" and you must deal with it. My wife was going through major kidney stones which required surgery along with dealing with her ailing Mother. As I write this, her Mother is in critical condition. As soon as we returned from MMTR, my wife traveled to Alabama to be with her Mother.

I had a great weekend! I enjoyed the weather, the Fall colors, the fellowship and just being part of this crazy world of ultra running.

Return to Piney River Trail

2008-10-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today, after an invitation by the SNAKE, the Chattanoooga animals came to Rhea County to run the Piney River section of the Cumberland trail. A quick meeting in the strip mall in Spring City and a quick pit stop at the local convienience store, we were off to the trail head. It was a brisk 38 degrees at the start. It was close to 09:30 by the time we got into the woods. We had decided that, since everyone either had a race next weekend or hadn't done the distance (about 20 miles) that we would take it easy and enjoy the scenery along the way.
I had hoped that the Fall colors would be brighter, but had to settle for a middle of the road color display. The water flowing on Piney is not as spectacular as during wet season. Due to the current draught, the streams are a babble instead of a roar. Two weeks ago, it was a trickle, there is hope.
The group was impressed with the 100 ft suspension bridge and the deep water pools along this very wide "river". Most people would call it a creek but whatever rules apply to creek /river, this is called a river.Hydration was not a problem, everyone carried enough water except me. I got my water out of the stream, purified of course.
We made the halfway point with plenty of energy. These Chattanooga animals are well trained and smart when it comes to hydration/ nutrition. They have an advantage, to have a group who will run together, motivate and learn from each other. I wish I could train more with them. They have a Wednesday night and a Sunday run. They support each other and encourage everyone to develope to their potential.
We reached the top in about 2:19 with the old Garmin reading 8.3 miles. The maps say it's 10 miles. This section climbs 1000 ft but gradual. You hardly notice that you are climbing. I had stashed some power bars, Little Debbie Fig bars, Reeses PB cups and Coke. Most of these folks are very health conscience, but I think they were glad to see the Coke and candy. These people run Triathalons, and shorter races. They may not be accustomed to eating junk for fuel on longer runs. We took what we needed from the SNAKE's CARE package and headed back down the mountain. This should be quicker, since it is down the mountain. We cruised through the trails that was covered in freshly dropped leaves. As the Sun danced in and out through the leaves, it made it difficult to see the rocks and roots hidden. A toe catcher will put you on your face quicker than anything. At this point in a run, a trip can also put your legs into a cramp that will take a Physical Therapist a week to get you out of.
We passed a road where someone field dressed a deer (probably illegally) just as Dreama was eating a GU, yummy!! I have ran this section many times, but on this day I thought that it was uphill both ways. As we neared the end, the group separated slightly. The temperatures by this time was rising. I think everyone was ready to see the end of the trail. What was that in the distance? Noise from the highway, we were getting closer. Finally out of the woods. There my wife Judy was waiting with some of SNAKE's homemade barbecue.
Just my luck, 3 of the runners were vegetarians. I should have taken a poll before hand, I had some Soy burgers I could have cooked. None the less, they seemed to enjoy Judy's slaw on a hamburger bun. The meat eaters ate a couple of barbecue sandwiches. The Sun was shining and not a cloud in the sky, but after a long run and being sweat soaked, the wind was cool. I enjoyed hosting the run and hope the Chattanooga animals will come back.
A Large time was had by all!

Historic Bridgeport , Alabama

2008-10-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

Once again, I was visiting my sister in Bridgeport, Alabama this weekend. I decided to run to downtown Bridgeport, to take a look around and see how it has changed over the years. I started my journey at a relaxed, easy pace, no GPS, no IPOD just my trusty Timex. I had no time goals or distance in mind. I was out for a sight seeing tour. With the price of gas these days, it really is a blessing to be able to run places. I not only get to see places close up, but I can stop and walk anytime I want. I have been giving it a lot of thought this weekend, I run in the mountains to see beautiful scenery, but why not go to historic places and sight see while getting a training run in.
I started down Lloyd road, up over some good hills. One thing about Bridgeport, it has some good hills to run. I crossed the main intersection at the traffic light. This used to be the main drag to South Pittsburg, now after the new 72, the traffic is slow. I headed down the narrow bridge, down the hill toward Charlie Smith field. This baseball field was named after one of my distant relatives, Mr. Charlie Smith who was a great supporter of kids and sports in and around Bridgeport. I cut up the hill at 7th street. The hill seemed steeper when I was a kid. Another left put me on Main Street going downtown. As I ran down the sidewalks, all the stores were abandoned. Very much like what I described about Stevenson in an earlier blog. I passed by the barber shop where Virgil and Grady Adams cut my hair (when I was younger and even had hair). On up the street, there was the building where my Uncle Wes Lyda and his wife Grace ran a hardware store back in the 60's. The old J. R. Loyd building is still standing and the sign on the side has been restored. It reads that it was established in 1865. Next to that was the space were the large gas explosion back in the 90's killed and injured several of Bridgeport's citizens, who were working on the street outside the building. I believe that they hit a gasline and gas filled the building while everyone was gone to lunch. When they came back, the gas ignited. It was a great loss to Bridgeport.
I headed up the street, I think the name is Kilpatrick Way. It always had several old houses, built in the late 1800's. The houses looked better than when I was a kid. The folks have really taken care of them. One thing I noticed about the streets of Bridgeport, they were quiet and sleepy. Even though the main town has moved towards the new highway, the people here can enjoy the peace of a small sleepy town. It hasn't changed.
I turned across the bridge towards the Old High school, I paused and walked across the football field where I played my first competitive game against Bridgeport. We lost 6-0. I remembered back in the 60's when we would come here on Thanksgiving Day to watch the ever fierce rival game between the Bridgeport Tigers and Stevenson Panthers. That was the days when it seemed like the weather was colder, gray and games were played during the day.
I headed on down the road and made another turn that took me back under the railroad trestle and back in town. Like I had said, I had no plan or route picked out. I headed north towards Battery hill. No tour of B'port would be complete without cruising around the bluff and seeing the Tennessee River. On Battery Hill, there are also old houses and a lot of Civil war history. During the war, this was an important lookout point along with artillery. As I got to the point, even with the trees and undergrowth, you can see why it was so important. On one point, you can see up and down the river for miles. To the north, I could see the blue bridge in South Pittsburg. From this vantage point, any travel on the river did not go unnoticed.
I cruised down the hill back though town. I made turns randomly, exploring. Ran the the way I felt. Freedom of choice. I came back up the street and came up the hill behind the Charlie Smith field. I stood in front of the Bridgeport Head start building. Here once stood a hospital. In fact, the very hospital where I came into this world. I thought of the full circle and what a view I must have had here when they carried me out to my Grandfather's 55 Chevy to come home. I wish i could have remembered.
By this time, I started to work my way back towards my sister's house. Retraced some of my earlier tracks. Made the round trip in about an hour. Great freedom run, lots of memories. I found a phillips head screwdriver, made the full circle from my birth, saw some historical places. I think the screwdriver probably paid for the wear and tear on my shoes.
Even if you don't/can't run, I think that everyone who is capable should take a few weekends to go and walk around some of our historic places. It saves gas, you'll enjoy it more and you'll get a little exercise in the process. Today, we all have forgotten when entertainment was visiting friends, family and going for a picnic, going sightseeing. Now we do everything online and never leave the house. Let's save that until we can't get out and see it ourselves.

Keep Exploring Life!!!

The Next Season Beginning

2008-10-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

Every runner has a time in the year when their serious training and focus begins. Today was mine. When I was a young lad, living in Stevenson , AL my season began in the Spring. I remember the first runs in March. How the lungs burned, the Quads ached. By the end of the Summer, my 10k times were where I wanted them. Low 40's. As the years have creeped up on me, my body and attitude have changed.
Now the hot weather takes a toll on me. I no longer look forward to the long grueling runs in the heat. I now look forward to the long runs in the cold biting cold of winter.
Today, I ran a long trail run with a friend I have worked with for over 5 years. He has run races up to the marathon distance over the years but, recently he was working towards the half marathon distance. This past week, I saw him at work and after exchanging some stories about a recent race had had done, we decided to run a training run this weekend. He was only trained up to about a 12 miler but with a little encouragement, I talked him into a 20 mile training run.
My plan was simple, we would go out as slow as we could, stop and hydrate and eat as often as we needed to make sure he ( we) would be successful. We started the day with coffee at Mickey-D's. We dropped his car at the top of the mountain we were running, so we would have the option to quit after 10 miles.
He brought along all three of his "babies" to run with us. He has 3 beautiful Ridgeback dogs. These dogs apparently come from Africa and have a distinctive raised ridge of hair on their backs. They are not good swimmers. I will elaborate later.
We started our day at 08:00 as the sun was coming up. My goal was two fold. Get in a 20 mile training run (something I haven't had in over 2 months, which I need for the upcoming 50 miler in November) and get my friend through a 20 miler. The trail is fairly technical ( rocky, lots of roots, etc).
We started slow with no time limits on our run. We stopped several times to purify water, and eat and allow the dogs to drink and cool. The dogs probably ran 30 miles with all the run ahead and come back. By the end of the run, they were content to follow us. We ran them into the ground.
Were took an extra longer time to reach the halfway point because of running very conservatively and allowing the dogs drink and cool. I also wanted to gauge how my friend would adapt to running on trails for such a long distance. He is a tough nut and I am encouraging him to pursue running ultra distances. I think he is capable of doing the long distances.
The run was very invigorating for me, because I was sharing my limited experience with him. I needed this run to reinforce that I can still run longer distances, even though it has been since August 9 that I had run any distance to speak of. I keep telling myself that distance is run in your head, not on your legs.
The run back down the mountain was more fun and faster than the run up. When we got to a long suspension bridge about 4 miles from the end, one of the dogs had a problem swimming across the creek. It appeared that he would drown. Ron, my friend told me that Ridgebacks are not very good swimmers. Two of the trio did ok but I had to talk Bo across a stretch of creek where he could walk across.
We cruised through the last 4 miles without a hitch, except for the fact that I stumped my little toe on a rock. You remember the one I hurt on my stair incident. It brought on a new pain in the foot resembling when I first injured it. After icing it tonight, it is OK.
We met some older folks hiking at about 2.5 miles from the end and they asked us how far it was from the bridge. We told them about 1 mile, they seemed like it was an impossible task for them to make it and was talking it over whether to proceed. I didn't want to discourage them, but I only told them the truth. They were about 2.7 miles onto the trail. These folks were into their 70's and 80's. I admire their determination to get that far. This is not an easy trail. I hope that they went on to their goal and made it out safe. I hope when I hit 70-80, I will still be able to hike and explore life.
As for my friend, He made the 20 miles with ease. I hope I can convert him into the dark world of running past what is accepted as normal running.

I must build on this run for the coming running season. As you age, you can never rest or take anything for granted.

I have always said. Mother Nature has taken care of you for the first 25 years. Then one day, She says alright, you are on your own.

Then comes the weight gain, the stiffness and the soreness. It is a constant battle. I know I will lose it, but when I die I want to slide in sideways to the grave and say " Man what a ride".

Little Accidents

2008-09-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how little things can get in the way? Last Saturday, while knocking around the house barefooted, I slipped off my stairs and injured my foot. It is the area just behind the 4th and 5th toe in the foot. It is slightly discolored but not too bad. The first couple of days, I thought it was broken. My Daughter kept asking me, why I didn't go and get it checked out. My answer was, the Doctor's will x-ray it, give me pain medicine and tell me to ice it, rest it and elevate it and charge me hundreds of dollars.
I rested, it, iced it, and elevated it. Today I went out and ran the fastest training run of the year. Pain level was about a 1 on occaisions, when I hit the foot at certain angles. Tomorrow, I will see how the soreness is. I may very well have cracked my foot, but what is the remedy?
I have run through the mountains, over many roots and rocks and never turned my foot over. Now over the weekend, I turned my foot on stairs.

Little Accidents.

Monte Sano 10k and 5k

2008-08-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Being a long weekend, my wife (recovering from kidney stones) wanted to visit her Mother in Scottsboro, AL. I saw an opportunity to run the Huntsville Track Club's Monte Sano 10k and 5k runs. These races have been run for at least 28 years, maybe longer. In the early 80's, these races were 6 miles and 3 miles. These are run on top of Monte Sano mountain in the State Park there. The 10k is 2 loops, which means you have to navigate a long, steady hill twice. The 5k only once. I've run these races off and on over the years, whenever I had the opportunity. I never passed up the opportunity to do both races. The HTC always puts on quality races, and has great support from volunteers and the community.
The late entry fee is a whopping $15, quite reasonable this day. The temperatures did not seem so high on the mountain, but you could feel the humidity was elevated. There was a fog on this morning and there had been a large amount of rainfall during the week. I figured to go and knock out a 50 minute 10k and and 25 minute 5k and log over an hour of tempo run time.
There was a large crowd there, especially for the 5k. I ran into a fellow from work who was there with his son. His son is relatively new to running, so I offered my best advice as to where to start to avoid being cutoff at the first turn and the usual, "don't go out too fast". Boy, I wish I had taken my own advice!
I saw very few familiar faces at the races. I ran into Graham Gallemore, Malcolm Gillis, Jim Oaks were a few that I remember seeing back in the 80's. Now it's a new, fresh crop of runners. The wheel keeps on turning and the years keep speeding by!
The 10k started and off we went. I decided to push the pace a little and maintain my heart rate at about 92 to 94 % of my maximum. All seemed well, the first mile I clicked off a 7:31 with an average HR of 91%. Mile 2 the split was 7:59 with the average HR at 96%. I was already redlining! As you can guess, the other miles started to slow due to the lactic acid buildup. I could tell that my legs were in good shape, My legs never really gave out but was the usual heavy from lactic acid. Even today, no soreness in the legs. The heat and the fact that I'm carrying a little extra weight I packed on this summer didn't help the cause any either.
I finished the 10k with a time of 53:50, not exactly what I had hoped for. The average HR ended up at 96% of max. My maximum HR during the run hit 101%. Looking at the HR and the time, I definately need to work on my speedwork/tempo runs and reduce my spare tire.
I really had a negative thought and it actually drifted through my head not to run the 5k. But this is tradition, to run both races. I toed the line at the 5k but this time with a little less piss and vinegar. My strategy just changed, go out and keep the HR 90%, the pace even and cruise to the finish. Well, The pace was slower but the HR still creeped up. I managed to average just over a 9 minute/mile pace but the average HR was still 96% and my HR got up to 103%. 5k time was 28:48.
I recovered well, and as I stated earlier, no soreness today. I wasn't pleased with my times but my goal was a tempo run. I definately broke through the lactic acid threshold and still finished. As we age, our young minds still thinks we can run the 45 minute 10k that we used to, but the body won't respond. Also, with running longer distances, we sometimes forget to train the body to run into this uncomfortable area of lactic threshold. We focus on long slow distances and just finishing. This is the first short distance road race I have run in probably a year.
Here is a good example of specific training. You have got to train for a specific type of conditions. Road racing and ultra trail running are different animals. I think you can be successful at road racing and that will carry over to the trails. However, I think that by training for long slow trail runs won't carry over to short road races. Conclusion: I have been lacking this type of stress in my training, short intervals and medium to long tempo runs. as the Fall and Winter racing season approaches, I will make adjustments to my training to include some speedwork. Man does not live by long distance alone.

Looking forward to cooler weather. It seems like you get a fresh start when Fall rolls around.

LAUREL VALLEY-The best Kept Secret in the Ultra World

2008-08-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

The best kept secret of ultra runners has to be Laurel Valley ! Here is a race that has a low entry fee, magnificent trails and the one element that we all crave and why we run ultras- the chance of failure. This seems strange to most, but we all know that when we go out there is a change we will fail. When we enter a 5 or 10k, we know we will finish. Maybe not the PR we had hoped for, but we will finish. With an ultra, there is always that possibility that we can on sometimes do fail.
Laurel Valley takes place in the NW corner of South Carolina in an unspoiled wilderness area. There is little to no access from the outside which makes the run that much more treacherous. Once you make it past the point of no return, it is finish or remain in the woods until they come and get your body.

I had signed up for LV after Mike O'Melia talked me into seeing if I could get in. The race was already full. A couple of emails to Claude Sinclair, along with a few promises, commitments and dropping of a few names of runners in the LV community got me entry as a 5 am Sweep. I rode to SC with Mike and Byron Backer (3rd place 2008 LV) put us up for the night along with about 6 other runners. He was a gracious host and everyone had some good discussions the night before. Just before stretching out in the old sleeping bag for the night, carefully laid out my gear for the following day. Among the gear was a new pack (I had never worn before, bad thing to try something new in a race), a water purifying pump, clothes, shoes, socks, and headlamp. Headlamp, where is my headlamp. A 5 am start requires a headlamp. I know I packed the headlamp in my new pack. I had tested it, and packed it. Wait a minute, the pack had fell off the bed and turned upside down. Could the headlamp have fallen out of the pack. By shear luck, I had my drop bag with me that I had taken on vacation a few weeks ago. We were at the beach and I had been looking for crabs and had put my bigger and bulkier headlamp in it, All is not lost.
We laid down at about 10 pm. Earlier we all met at Pizza Inn for gorging on pizza and pasta.
The floor had more lumbar support than my bed at home and I had a tough time falling to sleep. As I lay there, I kept going over my training since the Chattanooga Stage races. Let's see. two eleven mile runs and a handful of 3 milers (flat course). What in the crap am I doing here. Surely I will die tomorrow!
03:30 came early. A quick bagel, a water bottle filled with black coffee and off to the 5 am start. Thanks to Jim Musselman driving us to the start even though he was a 6 am starter. After the briefing by Claude, the race was ready to begin. The night wasn't as cool as I had hoped but was much better than the days prior. The group stood at the base of a long stairway at the start, He said go and everyone looked at each other and just stood still waiting on the first brave soul to start this grueling march.
The pace was slow due to the darkness and being unfamiliar with the course. The last thing I needed was a face plant off some ravine, I have my looks to think of. As the morning wore on, the trail became more beautiful. The air was cool and light, but with the hint that heat was coming later. The first part of the course was of the rolling variety, nothing to speak of. Then about halfway, the best I remember came the climbs and a downhill that blasted my quads. By this time the 6 am runners were passing. All of them,animals!
There was ample water along the course, even though this region is suffering from a severe drought. At the first bridge, Mike was waiting on me. We made water and went on our way. During the next 20 miles, Mike and I would leap frog, dragging the other on. At no time, was there any competition between us. There was a bond that was to look out for each other and make sure that we succeeded. In this race, there can not be failure. We ran (walked and shuffled) the last part of the grueling course. Sometimes, as the miles add up, the course seems harder. This is not the case. The course actually gets harder! By mile 25, I was out of food, except for some GU. I was tempted to pick up lost Gummi bears and wash them off, that's how bad it got. On the bridge, someone left a bag of granola bars. Mike still says it was a bag of trash. Either way, it provided a boost.
I normally mix my own sports drink, that provides all the sodium I need. However, because of the hassle of making water and/or pouring water from my pack, I got behind on my sodium. At about 8 and half hours I had the sensation of being bloated, knees hurting. The wheels were starting to wobble so, I decided to pop an S! cap. After about 15 minutes, the wheels straightened up, but the energy levels were low. Mike gave me a Clif bar. Taste like S@&! with S@&! icing, but it did raise my energy levels.
At about 34+ miles, Mike and I were struggling to stay focused and determine how far was left. We came across a map on a board and determined we were about 2 to 3 miles from the finish. We got a little farther and Mike stated that his energy was gone. I suggested we sit for a minute and he eat one of his GU Octane that he had been saving. He gave me one along with some Clif shots. Boy, that is what I needed! I told Mike, what we need is for some hiker to come by and tell us that we are real close. Well, we met 4 hikers and they told up 1 truth and 1 lie. They said we were within 2 miles (truth) and that we looked fresh (lie). We headed out with renewed hope. We got to the last bridge. A rather tall bridge that requires you use all 4 limbs to climb up to get on the bridge. After the bridge, home free? NO A long technical climb, then some more of the 5000 total steps on the course. Almost there? NO We are on a viewing platform for Whitewater Falls, I never saw the falls. On this platform were several sightseers, and did they see some sights. Now to negotiate, I guess 150 feet of stairs. Finally the top! Now about half of mile downhill to the pavilion where Claude and his wife were working the finish. Several of the earlier finishers were on hand to cheer on the survivors.
This is a race where DNF is not an option, you must overcome. Below is a quote from longtime ultra and LV finisher Bill Keane.

"Once you enter the course you have to adapt and overcome each and every obstacle to achieve the objective and finish. Along the way, you learn a lot about yourself and discover character traits that flow into every facet of your life."

I am relatively new to ultra running, I do have a hundred miler to my credit. By far, this was the most challenging course I have encountered. The terrain, no aid, the heat all add to the experience.
A day after the run, would I run it again? Already started planning on my equipment.

Laurel Valley- the best kept secret, shhhh don't tell anyone.

Can't Go Back Home

2008-07-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

I was visiting my sister over the 4th holiday weekend. I decided to go and run the loop I always trained when I first started running. It was(is) about a 3.5 mile loop which included a long hill which I called Mead hill. Named for the access to Mead Papermill. I drove up the driveway to the house I grew up in. The driveway is much shorter than I remembered. The house is occupied by the late Pastor's wife. After a brief introduction and her remembering me, I asked if I could park in the yard to make my loop. She was very nice and friendly as always.
As I stood at the same mailbox my Dad used, I reflected on the differences. I stood now to allow my GPS to aquire the needed satellites to begin my run instead of just taking off. Instead of going over music in my head, I cranked up the Ipod to chill a little.
A little over a quarter of a mile down the road (which is much better surface than 27 years ago), I encountered 3 large dogs. I was never afraid, but the adrenaline did kick in for a short time. I really thought that I would be attacked by 2 of them. I bluffed my way around them and continued on.
About 2 miles into the run I passed the new (about 7 years old) McDonald's. Never had an option for a Big Mac back in the 80's. I began the long torturous climb up Mead hill. Maybe it was the years of running or maybe the hill had been amplified in my stories over the years, but I made the hill with the Heart rate just in the Threshold range.
As I made my way over the rolling hills that I had ran over 25 years ago, I noticed the new houses and changes in the landscape. As I came within 300 yards of the finish, I came up on where my uncle had lived. I was approached again by 3 more large dogs. Again, I thought I was going to be bit. I negotiated my way out of the situation again and finished my run. The GPS showed it was 3.45 miles, so I wasn't far off back then.

I then drove to the city park where I had ran before and where I had helped Larry Williamson (football and track coach) put on the "Historic Stevenson Summer Run" the 3rd Saturday in July. I ran along the trail that He and I blazed to connect the park to the city residential streets. His concern then was so that kids could ride their bikes or walk to the park without getting on State highway 117, a very busy and dangerous highway. We spent several days in the summer of 81 blazing the trail with axes, machetes and other hand tools. I don't think we even used a chain saw.

The trail had been started by the city but ran into a stopping point when they got to the creek bridge. The state would not let them build another bridge adjacent to the highway bridge. The city stopped the project. Coach Williamson, decided to blaze the trail and cross the creek farther north. He recruited several "volunteers" and the city furnished the raw supplies for a bridge across the creek. It was originally made with telephone poles and rough cut lumber. I noticed now the bridge is an all steel construction with concrete footings.

I think the town of Stevenson should name the trail in honor of Larry Williamson. He spent many hours planning and working to make that trail a reality.

I ran up though the small town, and was saddened that most of the stores in the downtown part are abandoned and everything is moved to the new highway 72.
I finished off the run which by now was about noon. The July 4th sun was beading down. I had no time limit or goals, I was sight seeing.

Things have changed, my goals have changed but the drive that keeps me running is still there. I run longer distances and pay more money for races. I can't say that these new challenges are more fun than the old ones. I still have fond memories of some of my old training runs as I make new ones.

Life is a journey, it's what we make it. As I was running in the noon heat, I thought how people would think that I was crazy running in the heat. I was not hot and was enjoying it. Perhaps, even heat is relative. If those people were out there with me, they would think it was hot and complain.

Another lesson in life, when I want to complain, think of the positive side.

2008 Western States Cancelled!!!

2008-06-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

What a bummer for all those folks that trained hard and spent so much time and money. Some people are concerned about the environment, which first looked at looks like a bad thing, but in my opionion , is the natural order of things. These fires destroy many acres of forests, but with that brings new growth that in turn brings about more wildlife into those areas.

With the 2008 entrants getting auto-entry into 2009 WS100, that makes my chances of getting in slim to none as Henry Lyda (my Dad) would say. I still will enter, because if you don't try, then there is no chance at all.

Having said all that, I will probably look at another 100 miler in the same time frame. Perhaps Big Horn 100 or Kettle Moraine. Preparing for those with either Rocky Raccoon in February or Umstead in April. More to follow.

A little disappointed about 2009 WS100, but no matter how bad you think it is for you, there are people who have it a lot worse. i.e. 2008 entrants.

Chattanooga Stage Races June 20-22, 2008

2008-06-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Day 1

Day started out cool and stayed that way throughout. The trails were beautiful. I went out slow and ran most of the way with Rob Apple and Diane Taylor. Rob was schedule to run this weekend in Wyoming, but I think Susan had work commitments. So, it was a pleasant surprise to see Rob there. The pace was intentionally slow, I didn't want to go too fast on the first day, especially with such cool weather. Some of the trails are so new, we were some of the first humans to run on them. As usual, there was the post race pasta, which hit the spot. A cool wash off in the creek, and a massage. Looking forward to day 2, may have to slide a little in the mud though. If you weren't there today, you missed a real treat on the wonderful trails. On the last loop, near the bluff, I actually got to put in a 8:30 mile. It was very runnable and was simply breathtaking. Come out tomorrow, it is a good course too. Don't worry about being last, I'll be somewhere in the back.

Day 2

The day started out with a threat of rain. I helped Kris unload her car and she kept fussing at me to stay off my feet. We started a little farther up the hill than last year, I set out with my usual pace along with Rob Apple, Diane Taylor, Randy's Dad, Mike Montgomery and Lisa Fisher. The morning was cool but not as cool as day one. Rob peeled back a little, Mike and Lisa decided to go a tad faster than the pace we were running. Diane, Randal and myself was rocking along. Diane was setting the pace and I noticed it was a little faster than she usually runs. She stops to hydrate and eat and said she would run about the same pace as Rob. Randal and me went on. About 4 miles into the run, I was keeping my heart rate at my usual 76% of max when we hit a few rolling hills. Something just clicked. Soon I caught Mike and Lisa. As we crossed the large field going down the embankment to the aid station at the beginning/end of small intestines, I knew that hydration was going to be a factor as the temperatures was climbing although still cooler than normal for this time of year. (First day of Summer) As I ran the small intestines, I got into it and began having way too much fun (I will pay for it tomorrow). As I came out of the small intestines, I stopped and drank 3 cups of ice water, ate some potatoes (no salt was available) and mixed my last two bottles of my homemade drink for the long climb out and the longest haul without aid. Life was going good until I stumbled twice within about a mile. I passed several folks on this last leg of the course. Then about 2 miles from the barn door, I stumbled and fell and did a three point landing on left hand, right shoulder and other parts to be named later. Fortunately, no serious injury or cuts. (Just PO'ed). Notice the dirt on my right arm/shoulder. Finished at about 3:30. Legs feel ok now but will have to wait until tomorrow. My sister and Brother-in-law met my wife and me for picnic lunch. Topped off with gentle meesage from Kristen. Had a large time.

Day 3

The night before day 3 saw thunderstorms in the area which added a few obstacles to an already tough course. Day 3 is by far the toughest of the stages. The thunderstorms also added a little humidity to the mix with rising temperatures which would reach the upper 80's. Started out with the usual slow / low heart rate to see how everything is working. I find, I always have a tendancy to go out too fast and die at the end. The first 4 miles saw a sawtooth topo (very steep climbs) and I knew if I was going to run well today, I would have to keep the old ticker well within my aerobic range. I also realized that extra hydration would be a key factor in maintaining a steady pace. I carried enough of my homebrew (Snake venom) in concentrate form to make up to 6 bottles. I would need every drop and wish I had one more for good measure. At about 4 miles I started to push a little and kept the HR up to mid 80% range. Today was the last day, so I could let it all hang out for as long as I could. By the end of the run the HR would be 90 to 92 % I hit the unmanned aid station and dropped off one of my venom bottles to lighten the load around the bluff. Within what seemed like 2 to 3 miles I was on another aid station at Edwards Point. Folks, if you haven't been there, you have gotz to go see that. I vote that it is the "most scenic aid station". after some water, salted potatoes and a few minutes of gazing over the valley, I headed off around the edge of the bluff. A side spur took us up to another aid station, near a golf course. Good thing I didn't see a golf cart, it would have been tempting as the temperatures was beginning to rise. More salted potatoes, water and on my way. This part of the course had some of the most technical parts but also some of the most runnable stretches. The jeep road seemed like it went on forever. I was beginning to think I was lost except for the pink ribbons that was placed on the course last night. The time/distance gremlin was working on my mind at this point of the run. You know, you think you have covered more time/distance and check your watch and see only a few minutes have elapsed. The only thing to do in that situation is to think about something else. Don't get into a mental low, because a physical low will follow. I ran out of my fluid on this stretch of jeep road and ran about 2 miles dry. It was a relief to see the unmanned aid station with a fresh bottle of concentrated snake venom that would give me 2 bottles to take it to the barn on. The trip back seemed longer than the way out but the gremlins were at work again. I walked the hills and ran the flats and downhills. I was glad to see the blown down trees that had lined the first part of the trail so I knew the end was soon. By this time, the heat and slight dehydration was slowing me down. On my way up the parking lot to the finish, I caught a calf cramp for a split second, but it was over. Randy and Kris promised that this would be the most challenging and most rewarding of the stages. They delivered big time. The pasta was great, the meesage was relaxing and the fellowship was great. Thanks to Kris, Randy, Rock Creek and Boonies and all the volunteers for a fine weekend.

My final time was 13:22:15

Strolling Jim 40

2008-05-03T18:31:00.000-07:00

Trying to catch up on all the post for the year. Strolling Jim 40 is a run that I have wanted to try since the early 80's. I used to read about how Malcolm Gillis used to run the "Strolling Jim 40" in xx time and how it was a great race. At that point in my running career, I could not see how anyone could run over 26.2 miles without dropping. "Jim" as it is known in the ultra community has been a well established, well organized and a "staple" in the running community. The run was started by Gary Cantrell. In the Ultra community, Gary is well know for his wit and his ability to organize and put on some awesome races. Barkley Marathons is a topic within itself. Maybe someday, I will have the courage to "attempt" Barkley.
I had entered Jim as a requirement. Jim was my first ultra in 2006 and I was hooked. DeWayne Satterfield, which He and I have ties that we still haven't unraveled talked me into. Dewayne, is a runner that I would have like to have known in my younger day and trained with. I think he could have taught me and brought a better runner out of me.
None the less, Jim started on cloudy but promising to be a warm day. I was 4 week after running Umstead 100 mile Endurance Run and really had no business running this day. But "The Jim" has that mystique. I started out with the idea that there would be no goal, other than to finish. I started with Umstead partner Janet Duncan and we see-sawed for the first 25 miles. I was listening to " The Bangles-Walk Like An Egyptian" and something clicked. I was like Forrest Gump, I ran like the wind. Then after about 5 miles, I crashed. My body had not recovered. Janet began to catch me. At about 28 miles, I heard a dog bark, the dog was coming from a farm house toward Janet. I stopped to call the dog off. I don't know if I stopped the dog from attacking but I might have helped.
After about another 3 miles, Janet passed me. "no mercy" . But that is what it is about. If I were in trouble, she would have stayed with me as I would with her. That is the way it is with ultra runners.
The last few miles were long as they always are. The time/distance Gremlins really take their toll. (Never heard of the Time/distance Gremlins? It's where you run for you know 30 minutes and actually you have run for 3 minutes. It is devastating).

I finished in like 8 hours and 44 minutes, but considering I had done 100 miles 4 weeks earlier, I was happy.

We had a great feed at the end. Oh by the way, Gary always feed you chicken. I still want to know the recipe for the vinegar slaw! But no one is sharing it with me. Maybe next year.

UMSTEAD 100 MILE ENDURANCE RUN

2008-04-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

It has taken me 5 months to make this post. You would think that after running 100 miles, I would be anxious to post a report. Perhaps, it has taken this long to sort out the emotions, feelings, perceptions and facts.
My first idea of running 100 miles was around 1983. I saw a Runner's World article on Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in California. At that time of my life, I could not imagine covering 100 miles, over mountains and all night. As the years passed and I ran in more marathons, the idea came back to me. I had 4 running goals in the early 80's. Here they are, not necessarily in any certain order. 1) Run Boston Marathon 2) Run New York City Marathon 3) Run Strolling Jim 40 Mile Run 4) Run Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. I have done the first 3, now I'm waiting my turn for #4. Since "States" was cancelled this past June, there will be no new applicants for 2009, so 2010 will be the earliest I could possibly get in.
I chose to run Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run for a couple of reasons, one to run an "easy" hundred miler first (if there is any such animal) and second It was in a cooler time of year and fairly closeby. OK that's 3 reasons.
I read all the posts regarding training for a 100 mile run, I read all the Umstead race reports I could find and asked several people who had run 100 miles for advice. I used several 50k races and a 40 mile race as training. I tried to space them out as to run one every 3 to 4 weeks. I put in a couple of weekends where I ran longer distances back to back. For instance, run 20 miles on Saturday and then 15 on Sunday. The long races once a month were important but I think these back to back runs probably did more good than the rest of my schedule.
My work schedule played a factor too. I was working 12 hour rotating shifts so I was used to staying up all night. I read where this is a problem for some runners. One of my challenges leading up to Umstead was I was having to work 6 days a week for 13 hours a day. This would start from the first of February and last until towards the end of March. Not much time for long runs. My plan was to run several races leading up to February and then taper for 2 months. This was unorthodox as to a taper should be 2 to 3 weeks. Most of the people I talked to said that a 2 month taper was too long but I didn't have a choice. It was to taper for two months or not run Umstead. The long working hours proved to be an ingredient that I think contributed to my success.
I arrived in Raleigh, NC on Friday April 4, 2008 with a 40 miler the longest run to my credit. All the doubts that run through your mind. Have I trained enough? Have I tapered too long? Am I prepared for a 100 mile run? I used the last question to my advantage. I kept telling myself, can you really be prepared for a 100 mile run?
The weather forecast for the weekend was to dump about 2 to 3 inches of rain with temperatures from 40's to 60's. This did not bother me, quite the opposite, I have ran some of my best in cold, rainy conditions.
Janet Duncan, a good runner from Huntsville had contacted me after a 50k over the New Year holiday. after comparing our past times and goals, we decided to pace each other. We made an agreement that if either one became a liability, the other would go on. Unfortunately for Janet, the wet trail conditions, along with swollen feet turned her feet into socks full of hamburger meat at 62 miles. She had to drop. The next day when I saw her, she was having to wear her husbands shoes, her's would not fit. She is entered in 2009 Umstead. She will finish it next time.
Janet had given me some advice as to how to prepare my drop bags. In each of the bags, I put food, candy and a laminated piece of paper that told what my desired split times should be. At Umstead, you run 8 loops at 12.5 miles each. There are 2 aid stations, one at the start/finish and the other about 6 miles in the loop. The aid stations are advertised as "second to none" and I have to agree. Well stocked with any type of food you wanted and experienced people that motivated.
Janet had arranged for a friend of her's to pace us the last 50 miles. Caroline Williams came up from Albany, GA to pace us. She was there early and was running with other people during the day. All of this was before she was to pace us. She probably put in 70 of the 100 miles.
We had decided to pace for a 28 hour finish. The distance never really intimidated me but 28 hours of running did. I kept thinking ok, I'll start running and this time tomorrow, I will still have 4 hours to go!!!
The plan was simple, go out extremely slow and try to stay on pace. I figured if I could maintain pace for 50 miles, the second 50 would take care of itself. In a 100 mile run, people tend to go out too fast and pay the price later. I knew that it was important to stay slow. I looked at all my training runs and 50k times and realized that they were all too fast a pace for 100 miles . I kept driving this fact into my training runs and into my race strategy.
To be on pace for loop1, our time needed to be 2:45, we finished loop 1 in 2:43. Right on the money. Loop2 should have been 5:40, we finished in 5:37. Still on target. Loop 3 should be 8:45, we finished in 8:49. Time has slipped some but we were beginning to spend more time at the aid stations. The rain was light but steady. Janet was developing blisters. I can't feel blisters until it is too late. Many a time, I have run and discover afterwards just how bad my feet were.
Loop 4 saw the pace slowing somewhat but still pretty close. We should have finished in 12:05 but did so in 12:29. Now we get to pick up our pacer. A pacer is good to have with you during the night and when your brain no longer functions. The pacer keeps you motivated and does all your thinking for you. When to eat, walk and keeps you distracted from the pain.
Loop 5 was the first loop in the dark. It was on this loop that I started eating/drinking the combination of foods that would go down, stay down and seem to work for me. I had heard that during long runs, look at the food and eat and drink what appeals to you. Your fried brain will tell you what your body needs. I think this comes from our long lost instincts for survival. At every aid station, I drank 2 cups of Pepsi, ate a half of Pimento cheese sandwich and a cup of either chicken or potato soup. Our projected pace for loop 5 at 62.5 miles was 15:35 we made it in 16:30. Boy had we slowed down that much? Didn't seem like it. It was at the end of this loop that Janet's feet would not allow her to continue. This was the toughest loop for me. The wheels were wobbling at this point. I had thoughts of not continuing on, but Sally at the aid station Sally's Asylum, told me to get out before I talked myself into quitting. Caroline asked if I still wanted her to pace me. Absolutely!
I started Loop 6. I headed off into the night walking and eating. After about 1.5 miles, I started feeling better, the food was kicking in. I told Caroline that before I lost the use of my brain here is what I wanted. I wanted to pick up the pace for Loops 6 and 7. I wanted enough cushion that if I had to, I could walk Loop 8 and finish in under 30 hours. My projected time for finishing loop 6 was 19:24 I finished in 20:14. Hey, I made up some of the lost time. I pushed on.
Loop 7 was important from a pyschological standpoint. It's kind of like Wednesday in the week. You would think Loop 6 would be the one, but having 2 loops to finish really was a boost in moral. Projected time for Loop 7 was 23:34 I finished in 23:53. still making progress. At the start/finish after loop 7, I called my wife Judy at the motel and told her that I was about to start my last loop and be at the finish between 9:30 and 10:30. Sally asked me how my feet were, I told her I was too afraid to look. She told me. "probably a good idea not to look, just go on".
I started Loop 8 as it was becoming daylight. I stopped in the restroom and took one of the best constitutions of my life. I felt 10 lbs lighter and as dawn broke, the rain picked up to a steady downpour. The old 100 mile gods did not want to make it easy. I ran into my second day, second sunrise (if I could have seen them). Everything was better. Caroline was very cautious with the downhills. She kept telling me to take them easy. I guess she felt that this would be the place you can rip something loose. The muscles are tired, so the joints are looser, injuries waiting to happen. She kept pumping my spirits up, telling me that I was going to finish. She asked what I was going to do with the belt buckle. She suggested to engrave the back with my finish time and place. I told her that Loop 8 was our victory lap!
As I sloshed though the mud down the hill towards the finish line, I tried to avoid the large muddy area that had been torn up all night long by the runners. Caroline peeled away and went far left to avoid the finish line. With about 50 yards left, someone came up with a crazy idea and put a hill at the finish. I regained my composure, I am going to run this hill, no walking for me. Actually, the stretching out of the legs felt pretty good. Projected time 27:55 actual finishing time was 27:45:46. I actually achieved my 2 goals of finishing 100 miles and doing it under 28 hours.
At the finish, everyone was screaming "get you buckle", "get your buckle". After hugs and kisses, I went into the race headquarters to change clothes. Everyone was so nice, congratulating me and asking if they could get something for me. The Red Cross volunteer nurse looked at my feet, she chose not to do first aid because they weren't really too bad. I ate a ham and cheese omlette and boy was it good.

I have entered Umstead in 2009 but didn't get in. I am # 30 on the waiting list, so a lot of things could change by next April. And who knows, there may be a 2009 race report from me.