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.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
LAUREL VALLEY-The best Kept Secret in the Ultra World
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.
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.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Can't Go Back Home
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.
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.
Friday, June 27, 2008
2008 Western States Cancelled!!!
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.
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.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Chattanooga Stage Races June 20-22, 2008
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
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
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Strolling Jim 40
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.
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.
Monday, April 7, 2008
UMSTEAD 100 MILE ENDURANCE RUN
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.
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.
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