tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60571109340836074262024-03-13T10:33:17.838-07:00Green shorts runningThe official trail running blog of Jonathan AllenJon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-86734914682012959222015-01-06T19:14:00.000-08:002015-01-06T19:14:45.955-08:00Looking forward, looking backBlogs are pretty well dead these days, including this blog. But I felt like summarizing the year for my own good. A lot happened, a lot has changed. My running has changed. As I added up the numbers, my trail running and overall running dropped significantly, partly due to some injuries, and partly due to life. I'm not sure I'll get back to where I was, and I'm not sure I care. Anyways, I'll look back first.<br />
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I ran 7 shorter (5 miles and under) races throughout the year. I won the 3 that were on trails. There were no great times, though.<br />
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Ultramarathon-wise, I ran Mt. Mitchell Challenge in February. I was decidedly flat all day, feeling worse than when I ran the sister-race marathon the year before. But I still had a fun time and battled hard, finishing 3rd. The biggest memory is the last few miles to the summit- some of the iciest, most treacherous trails I've ever run.<br />
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I also ran Leatherwoods 50 mile in March. It rained all day and was by far the muddiest race of my life, with deep, slick mud on steep hills. Brian Rusiecki and I ran close for the first half or more, then he killed it at the end as I slowed down, partly to protect a knee that started hurting. Still a fun, wet race.<br />
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In May, I finally raced Massanutten 100. It was a unique experience as Jason Lantz and I teamed up (unplanned, undiscused) for about 90 miles of it, finishing together. I've never run that long with someone. The trail is technical but having someone to talk to the whole time makes it go much faster. It wasn't the best race I've ever had, particularly the middle 40 miles, but was a fun, rewarding experience. I wouldn't hesitate to run the race again, with the great course and organization.<br />
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The overall highlight was spending a week in Colorado with the Hardrock 100. I spent 3 days running with Cody before he went to the hospital, then paced Brit Stuart Air to a sub-36 hr finish, joining him for 25 hours of that. The scenery is truly spectacular. The race was memorable, including lending Timmy Olson my headlamp as we were in the middle of a brutal thunderstorm, being hypothermic in shorts while summitting 14k Mt. Handies, and seeing Stu tough out a bad foot injury. This will be a week I remember for a long time. I would love to run Hardrock sometime, though seeing the brutality is humbling. Hard to overstate anything about this race. If you're ever real bored, I'll show you my hundreds of pictures!<br />
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Laurel Valley was probably the highlight of my races, with a very hard-fought sub-six hour finish (after 2 previous attempts), one of the few on record. I'm very proud of that, especially when my right quad cramped up (first time I've ever cramped) with 2 hours to go. I'll retire from that race proudly.<br />
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I had planned to do Grindstone 100 and race the fast JFK 50 mile at the end of the year, but my broken toe derailed that. Then, I injured my knee shopping at Ikea (seriously) and put on an extra 7 or so pounds. I've got my work cut out for me to get healthy and in shape in 2015.<br />
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My 2014 mileage was the lowest in 5+ years at 3099. I won a few races but didn't place top 3 in a hundred (though I felt good about my chances at Grindstone). And instead of meeting my 26 Big Workouts goal... I did 7 workouts. All year. That's pretty pathetic. Plus I barely went trail running- not counting races, I only did 6 Saturday long runs in the mountains, where I used to average 20+. Increased family needs and a general lack of desire are cutting into the runs.<br />
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So where does this leave me for 2015? Right now, I'm registered for Georgia Death Race in March and I finally was selected in the Western States lottery. While it interferes with a family reunion, I won't miss it. My first priority is getting healthy, losing some weight, and getting back in shape (cue the "round is a shape" jokes). Baby number 5 is coming in February, so I'm sure my running will continue to be reduced. These days, waking up before 6 am for a run is borderline impossible. If I can train right and am healthy, I'd always like to aim for top 10 at Western. But if I'm not in that shape, I'll still run it and take what I can, enjoying the experience.<br />
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I'm eyeing a few other races in the spring if I feel they will benefit me for Western training. I haven't even considered fall races, though I should so I don't get shut out. Maybe I'll try to do Grindstone again, but who knows. Maybe I'll only race a few times all year. I've got a growing family, lots of work and church responsibilities- running is important, but not AS important. In addition, Pearl Izumi surprised everyone by disbanding their Ultra team entirely. A few of the bettter runners have been picked up by other teams. I haven't put any effort into finding a new sponsor. I have enough shoes for several years (seriously) and will enjoy the lack of pressure. Maybe something will develop if I race well at Western, but I'm ok either way.<br />
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I guess that's all for now. Adios.Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-59071290466698099582014-02-10T18:47:00.001-08:002015-05-04T20:25:26.606-07:00Getting Lost (Lookout Mountain 50 mile race report)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lookout Mountain has a good reputation and is hosted by Rock/Creek, so I decided to fit it onto my schedule this year. It runs along Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, sometimes dropping off the side of the mountain, and has 6300 ft climbing. My training had been minimal since Pinhoti 100 (avg 54 miles per week), so I was conflicted if I wanted to run hard or just relax and have fun. I settled on running reasonably hard as long as I could, then limp home if needed. Jason was going to run it, as well, and we even convinced Barry to come run it as his first 50 mile race ever. Accompanied by Seth, who would crew Barry, we drove to Chattanooga Friday afternoon, listening to my random collection of CD’s (Top Gun soundtrack!), grabbed packets, and ate some nice bbq before settling down for the evening.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the morning, I went out for my typical pre-breakfast slow mile in nice weather, but the expected inclement weather moved in just as I finished. By the time we left the hotel, it was 40 degrees, pouring rain and windy. Perfect trail running weather (I tend to not worry about the weather, even when it sucks. We all run in the same conditions. And as I told Barry, "Embrace the suck.") I bumped into my running twin at the start (Troy Shelhammer, 4 time finisher and 1 time winner) and then we were off into the dark. The first miles past quickly as the technical trail generally ran along some cliffs, with some rather significant drop-offs at the side of the trail. I was in the front pack-ish, though not too worried about placing. The technical trail ended with several miles of fire road that allowed for some fast running, though this was also the rainiest, windiest weather all run. Eventually, after having run with Troy for many miles, the rain stopped just as we climbed several thousand feet back up to the start line. We crossed the start line/mile 22 aid in 5<sup>th</sup>and 6<sup>th</sup> place in 3:06, well ahead of my 3:30 prediction (though accuracy of my pre-race calculator is questionable). We were less than 10 minutes behind the leaders and I felt great, running well within myself.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After a quick stop, Troy and I continued on. We followed some small, yellow flags through a couple of parking lots and under some powerlines, where the wet mud turned very, very sloppy, sticky, and slippery. We could see a runner ahead, Adam, though he was coming back towards us. When we met, he said the flags led him in a circle back to this point. Troy was fairly certain he knew where to go, so we pressed forward, though the flags disappeared so we started guessing a bit. We could see other runners behind us, equally befuddled. Eventually, after 21 minutes of wandering, we found some more flags, followed them down the powerlines and then along a creek. However, we again began to have runners coming towards us on the trail, telling us we were going the wrong way. It ends up these were runners who were 20-30 minutes behind us at mile 22. A critical turn at the start of the parking lot had not been marked for us but was corrected for them. After 10 minutes travelling the wrong way, we turned around again, finally following the proper course. We spent an additional 18 minutes travelling the wrong way and then back, meaning we were off-course for 39 minutes (though this only cost us ~25 min as we skipped a few miles) and had dropped more than 20 places. Needless to say, we were frustrated. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><u></u> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Looking for redemption, Adam, Troy and I charged on, quickly passing packs of runners. We caught up to Barry, who was surprised to see me behind, though he, too, had been off-course for 10 minutes. I chatted with him for a few minutes while Troy pulled away. Then, I caught Jason. However, after a long season and a wrong turn, I had lost my drive to race hard. At the next aid station, I stopped for an extra minute to enjoy some gummi bears and soda before continuing on. The course was enjoyable, muddy at points, and had a few very technical sections complete with rope for climbing. I finally reached the loop portion, where Seth helped me change shoes and out of my wet clothes. The loop passed quickly, and I surprised Mitchell Pless as I passed him (I had last seen him at mile 20), then started the last 12 miles back to the finish. Most of the runners were still outbound, so there was plenty of traffic on the trail. I was around 10</span><sup style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">place for most of this stretch, though I surprisingly caught Adam, who had slowed a bit. With some last minute leap-frogging, and while managing to stay on course this time (through what was definitely the muddiest part of the course- literal shoe sucking mud, sometimes mid-shin deep), I finally finished in 8:27 in 9</span><sup style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">place overall. Troy had fought back valiantly to a 3</span><sup style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">rd</sup><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">place finish in 8:09. Had we started running the right way when we first met the course, I think top 5 would have been possible for all of us, and maybe a battle for 2</span><sup style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">nd</sup><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and 3</span><sup style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">rd</sup><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. But, it is what it is. This is the first time I’ve spent more than a few minutes off-course in all my trail racing history, which I consider fairly remarkable. Plus, the wrong turn was due to course markings (which the RD apologized for profusely after the race) rather than us making a mistake. Interestingly, the top woman snuck by while I was off course and no one ever told me she was ahead of me the second half, so I got chicked without even knowing it! But soon Barry finished, followed by Jason, and we had a very muddy, stinky drive home that was highlighted by a good pitstop at the strangest Chick-fil-A I’ve ever seen (toy dwarves in a restaurant?).</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All in all, it was an enjoyable day racing. The first half was wet, cold, and enjoyable. I felt good and was running strong. The second half was a bit frustrating, but also a fun time even if I had turned it down a notch. The course was great. I’d be interested to see what I could do when the course was dry and I didn’t get lost. Maybe we’ll have to save that for another year.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(Note: my computer died so I lost all photos and had to write this on my iPad. Sorry for any typos. In the meantime, anyone have a good computer for sale?)</span></div>
Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-65807676642974889522014-01-12T19:59:00.001-08:002014-01-12T19:59:56.585-08:00Pinhoti 100 mile race report (aka The Power of Bacon)<p>Better late than never, right? Compared to my other hundo race reports, this one should be shorter and sweeter, mainly a compilation of thoughts on the race itself and my performance. Here we go:</p> <p>Pinhoti means “Turkey Home.” Not sure what that has to do with anything, but there you go. The Pinhoti 100, on the other hand, is a trail race in eastern Alabama. It’s only been around for 6 years but has a reputation as a well-run race over a beautiful course. <p>They say you can’t start a 100 too slow. This is false. An early bathroom break found me at the back of a 10 person conga line moving uncomfortably slow. I forced myself to be patient, but lost 12 minutes from my goal time in the first 6 miles. I started too slow. <p>I talked to John Dove, one of three finishers of all Pinhotis, after aid 1. He told me the race is very runnable after mile 55, so save legs for that. He said mile 55 aid would be half of finishing time, and said the real key is running every step up Pinnacle Mtn. Both proved false- my splits were 9:51/8:22, and Pinnacle has some walking parts. <p>Several of the aid stations had music playing, all of them songs I liked. I enjoyed having those songs in my head. These included Zac Brown Band and Van Halen. <p>Pinhoti claims to be 80% singletrack. This is overly generous, I think, counting some jeep/fire road and double track as singletrack. There was more road than expected, though I didn’t mind at the end when it allows for fast running. There were several gravel road sections where a bike sure would have been nice. But overall I’d call it a good course, even if it really isn’t 80% singletrack. <p>The aid stations are well supplied with helpful volunteers. Thanks, all. <p>I’m not a fan of Hammer gels and can’t really stomach any flavors other than Montana Huckleberry. Orange, apple cinnamon, and tropical are ok. I can’t stand raspberry or banana. I think I ate 40 Huckleberry and never got sick of them. <p>Great views from Bald Rock at mile 40 aid station. And Blue Hell is slow, but a nice break and better than the road miles that follow. <p>This was my first 100 with no crew or pacers. I <u>really</u> enjoyed doing it that way, being self-sufficient and self-motivated. I plan to do it again in the future. I’m on the Karl Meltzer “no-pacers” bandwagon now. <p>This was my most even 100 miler ever, with no big ups or down. Truthfully, the first 65 miles were not great and I had accepted that it was not a strong race for me, running generally in ~7<sup>th</sup> place and feeling decidedly mediocre. But the last 30 miles were the best I’ve ever felt in any section of a hundred, especially the last 20 miles. Not sure how much the second fact is related to the first. The last 20 miles changed the race from “blah” to my best hundred ever. <p>Climbing Pinnacle Mountain was enjoyable and the first point where I started to feel good. There were literally thousands of spider eyes visible along the side of the trail in this section. The party music booming down from the aid station encouraged me, and I enthusiastically screamed and did a little dance when I arrived, then ate <strong><u>bacon</u></strong>. Delicious. Hard to top that. Powered by bacon, I moved up 4 spots in 10 miles (mile 80 to 90) and ran the fastest closing marathon of all runners. <p>The trail from mile 75 to 80 felt like a continuous spiral to the left. I’m still not sure how the trail didn’t loop over itself three times. <p>One race highlight was running with Olaf Wasternack from mile 80-83. It was the longest conversation I had all day and was very enjoyable, speeding the miles along. I was disappointed when he dropped back at mile 83. <p>It’s fun to pass people and run fast at the end of a race. <p>I’m ashamed I didn’t greet or acknowledge Pierre Loic Deragne when I passed him in the mile 90 aid station. I was so excited that I was moving into 3<sup>rd</sup> place that I didn’t encourage him, I just asked how far ahead 2<sup>nd</sup> place was and stormed out of the aid station. Sorry, Pierre. <p>I missed a turn at mile 93 and went swimming twice, literally, thinking the course was on the other side of the lake. Eventually backtracked and found the turn. Glad the 5 minute detour didn’t cost me a podium finish. Ru nning scared after the detour can sure add some pep to the legs. <p>It was fun to sprint across the finish line and still have energy and minimal soreness. I was disappointed there was no food, though (can’t they bring the food from the first aid stations to the finish?), but Kelley Hanna Wells got me some delicious grub from her car that saved me. Can’t thank her enough. Chicken wrap and coke never tasted so good, especially at 1 am. <p>A typical post-race highlight is hanging out at the finish and talking to all the great runners, including Jason and Evan, the top 2 finishers. It was also enjoyable to hear running-buddy Jason’s adventure of his first hundo. <p>This race leaves me even hungrier for a 100 mile win. Gotta get me one of those. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y9EhVKOAd8Y/UtNkuHUvYkI/AAAAAAAABSk/M6xE2GOTflM/s1600-h/IMG_0356%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0356" border="0" alt="IMG_0356" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XVBx5eZPGuY/UtNkuqksrsI/AAAAAAAABSs/oydJHU5_uVI/IMG_0356_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="377"></a></p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-47067302928655861512013-11-06T18:41:00.001-08:002013-11-06T19:00:03.627-08:00The North Face Endurance Challenge Georgia 50 miler race report<div id="fb-root" class=" fb_reset fb_reset"> <div style="position: absolute; width: 0px; height: 0px; top: -10000px"> <div></div></div> <div style="position: absolute; width: 0px; height: 0px; top: -10000px"> <div><iframe aria-hidden="true" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" id="fb_xdm_frame_http" title="Facebook Cross Domain Communication Frame" src="http://static.ak.facebook.com/connect/xd_arbiter.php?version=28#channel=f1394d3bce44c1&channel_path=C%3A%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5CJon%20and%20Marci%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemp%5CWindowsLiveWriter-429641856%5CB62652C9FFE7%5Cindex.htm%3Ffb_xd_fragment%23xd_sig%3Df1a07f4b18e688f%26&origin=file%3A%2F%2F" frameborder="0" allowtransparency name="fb_xdm_frame_http" scrolling="no" tab-index="-1"></iframe><iframe aria-hidden="true" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" id="fb_xdm_frame_https" title="Facebook Cross Domain Communication Frame" src="https://s-static.ak.facebook.com/connect/xd_arbiter.php?version=28#channel=f1394d3bce44c1&channel_path=C%3A%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5CJon%20and%20Marci%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemp%5CWindowsLiveWriter-429641856%5CB62652C9FFE7%5Cindex.htm%3Ffb_xd_fragment%23xd_sig%3Df1a07f4b18e688f%26&origin=file%3A%2F%2F" frameborder="0" allowtransparency name="fb_xdm_frame_https" scrolling="no" tab-index="-1"></iframe></div></div> <div style="position: absolute; width: 0px; height: 0px; top: -10000px"> <div></div></div> <div style="position: absolute; width: 0px; height: 0px; top: -10000px"> <div><iframe aria-hidden="true" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" id="fb_xdm_frame_http" title="Facebook Cross Domain Communication Frame" src="http://static.ak.facebook.com/connect/xd_arbiter.php?version=28#channel=f3d21b681cb0354&channel_path=C%3A%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5CJon%20and%20Marci%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemp%5CWindowsLiveWriter-429641856%5C15E38B25960B%5Cindex.htm%3Ffb_xd_fragment%23xd_sig%3Df20ff2bf48ea604%26&origin=file%3A%2F%2F" frameborder="0" allowtransparency name="fb_xdm_frame_http" scrolling="no" tab-index="-1"></iframe><iframe aria-hidden="true" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none" id="fb_xdm_frame_https" title="Facebook Cross Domain Communication Frame" src="https://s-static.ak.facebook.com/connect/xd_arbiter.php?version=28#channel=f3d21b681cb0354&channel_path=C%3A%5CDocuments%20and%20Settings%5CJon%20and%20Marci%5CLocal%20Settings%5CTemp%5CWindowsLiveWriter-429641856%5C15E38B25960B%5Cindex.htm%3Ffb_xd_fragment%23xd_sig%3Df20ff2bf48ea604%26&origin=file%3A%2F%2F" frameborder="0" allowtransparency name="fb_xdm_frame_https" scrolling="no" tab-index="-1"></iframe></div></div></div> <p>I don’t really want to make a mile-by-mile race report for the wonderful event that is The North Face Endurance Challenge Georgia 50 mile race. I think I’ll throw out a few thoughts on the event, and then include a few memories and strategies of my race at the end. <p>· TNF folks do a great job with race organization. The pre-race meeting was nice, packet pickup is easy, they have an awesome start/finish area with good booths, lots of delicious food for the runners (ribs and chicken bbq this year), ice baths, etc. The whole thing was very smooth. <p>· This was easily the best marked course I’ve ever run, hands down. I never went more than 100 yards without seeing a flag, and some off-trail sections had flags every couple of trees. Plus there were many course marshals at key junctions pointing us in the right direction. <p>· Aid stations were appropriately placed with adequate supplies and nice volunteers. <p>· The course is first rate. All singletrack. Some nice views. And technical. Very technical overall. There might be a couple ten foot sections where you can stride out without worrying about tripping over a rock, but that is all. Don’t underestimate the technicality of this trail. It’s not overkill such that it becomes frustrating (I don’t recall many sections that forced me to walk due to all the rocks), but mile for mile, I’d say it’s the rockiest race I’ve ever run. I had two swollen ankles to prove it. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0yzwuEW3JqY/Unr9qUTJkxI/AAAAAAAABPQ/yCoTYq8uJpA/s1600-h/Picture%252520012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 012" border="0" alt="Picture 012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0pStjT-Qqmg/Unr9q-HJLUI/AAAAAAAABPY/Mt5WBQiusww/Picture%252520012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="352"></a> </p> <p align="center">Ran 40+ miles on this, twisting both ankles multiple times. Fun. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NfRWQqG8-uw/Unr9rcii5zI/AAAAAAAABPg/k5vCoNzsgF8/s1600-h/Picture%252520005%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 005" border="0" alt="Picture 005" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2sCuI6Bmzg8/Unr9r139ZyI/AAAAAAAABPk/B90WLAAzteA/Picture%252520005_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="327"></a> </p> <p align="center">Waiting for the 5 am start <p>Quick recap- I’m continuing my tour of trail races in the Southeast, trying all of them once. TNF was next on the list. Pinhoti 100 in November was my focus race for the fall, but I decided to do a mini-focus on TNF, too, including a moderate taper. It has some nice prize money, and I just had a good feeling about the race. During the race, though, my strategy was to start easy, pick it up in the middle, then push hard at the end. The race started in the dark and I found myself at the tail end of the lead pack of 5. Not wanting to get caught up in racing yet, I let the group go and generally stayed a few minutes behind them for the first 3 hours. After waiting for the sun to rise and reaching the 1/3 mark (17 miles), I picked up the pace. By mile 20, I caught and quickly passed two runners, Patrick Chamberlain and Alec Blenis, both of whom seemed to be hurting a bit. Now in 3rd place, I was already in a podium/money spot, but hoped for a higher placing. For many hours, I kept getting reports that I was anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes behind the two leaders. I stayed relaxed and tried to run fast but smooth. I enjoyed this section of trail and felt strong. Mile 29 to 35 was very slow, technical, and confusing, though- we kept going in and out of ravines, crossing creeks, and climbing rocks. Very beautiful, but I literally felt like the trail was going in circles and occasionally lost. But, pressing onwards, I reached the mile 35 aid station where I learned I was still 8 minutes behind the leaders. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8h-O1K6mLl8/Unr9sY38vGI/AAAAAAAABPw/a8P_MybH3lY/s1600-h/TNF2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="TNF2" border="0" alt="TNF2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MGm-fOyqXDk/Unr9s0Ii-1I/AAAAAAAABP4/cOqSQATlwvo/TNF2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="437"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ohYH3_v4mDg/Unr9tQmEsAI/AAAAAAAABQA/4UoUu12AzXI/s1600-h/TNF11%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="TNF11" border="0" alt="TNF11" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GXnQhY0Ci_M/Unr9t77UwGI/AAAAAAAABQI/2pYM1HuZze0/TNF11_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="451"></a> </p> <p align="center">Midrace (photos from TNF facebook page) <p>It was finally time to push. With John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Road” repeating in my noggin, I ran hard. I felt good and charged up all the hills. The next aid station told me the two leaders had said they would tie and split the money, and challenged me to throw a wrench in their plans. By mile 42 aid, the volunteers said I had closed the deficit to less than a minute. I relaxed for a few minutes, preparing for the final push. The two leaders finally appeared ahead of me on a climb around mile 44. I quickly closed the gap and flew by them. Robert Harem, obviously gassed, gave me a congratulatory high five, and Russell Jones stayed behind him. I kamikazed down a rocky hill, wanting to build a lead. A few minutes later, though, Russell came charging up behind me and sat right on my tail. I was excited- this would be a battle to the finish, the way races should be run. He was with me for 2 fast miles, step for step, neither of us yielding an inch. We walked up a brief, steep climb around mile 45, and he commented that he wasn’t sure I was human and felt pain until just then when I slowed to a walk. He then warned me that a long uphill was coming. Feeling strong but also looking for a mental advantage, I gave him a smile and simply said, “Good.” The hill came and I ran up every step of it, increasing my pace the higher I went. Russell battled hard but finally dropped back. I breezed through the last aid station, determined to hold onto the win and realizing that a completely-arbitrary 8 hr finish might be possible (my completely-arbitrary pre-race split chart had me finishing in 8:01). Encourage by the outbound marathon relay runners (including Dean Karnazas himself), I crossed the finish line in first place in 7:59:20. Russell finished four minutes later, with Robert arriving third, followed by Greenville running-buddy Merle in fourth. Many other South Carolina runners also represented the state well, including neighbor Jason Flassing. Good job to all. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gjPP102f0bE/Unr9uXQ81PI/AAAAAAAABQM/zjhnUlNlqfw/s1600-h/TNF3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="TNF3" border="0" alt="TNF3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iqam23BX79E/Unr9vEnt87I/AAAAAAAABQY/0eThEXMPMRA/TNF3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="487"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jl1tNURmHGI/Unr9vl4JyQI/AAAAAAAABQg/EYdvAr0flUU/s1600-h/Picture%252520011hr%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 011hr" border="0" alt="Picture 011hr" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MQiknRmti14/Unr9wNS-GbI/AAAAAAAABQk/WbgdLqpiXZY/Picture%252520011hr_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="375"></a> </p> <p>I was very happy with the race. I think I ran a well-executed strategy that resulted in a strong finish against good competition. Wins from behind aren’t always possible, but it worked this day and was enjoyable. It was a fun day on a good trail. <p>I can’t figure out how to embed it, but <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=575854752450635">here is an interview</a> with the top 3 runners.</p> <p>Gear- Pearl Izumi <a href="http://www.pearlizumi.com/content/pearlizumi/united-states/en/home/products/men/run/footwear/trail/trail-16113007.html">Trail M2</a> shoes (carried me to wins in 3 straight races), <a href="http://www.pearlizumi.com/content/pearlizumi/united-states/en/home/products/men/run/apparel/tops/tops-12121202.html#ELECTRIC BLUE">Fly In-R-Cool Singlet</a>, <a href="http://www.pearlizumi.com/content/pearlizumi/united-states/en/home/products/men/run/apparel/shorts/shorts-12111302.html">Ultra Split Short</a>, and Fly In-R-Cool visor</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-73667311598361421372013-08-11T20:52:00.001-07:002013-08-11T20:59:31.091-07:00A couple brief race reports<p>I’m trying to keep race reports brief, but wanted to summarize a couple fun races from the past few months. </p> <p align="center"><strong>Awendaw Passage 14k</strong></p> <p align="left">This was a new trail race put together by RD Adam Allie in Charleston. My family loves Charleston, so this was a nice excuse to spend a weekend at the Ocean.</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">The course is, in a word, fabulous. An 8.5 mile out-and-back along the intercoastal waterway, it has a delightful mix of flat and fast, small ups and down, lots of twists and turns, bridges, tree roots, quite a bit of mud, and even a few sections of wading through ankle deep water. I loved it. Loved it.</div> <li> <div align="left">Adam invited some of the fastest local runners and even introduced us pre-race. Once the race started, the track speedsters quickly reminded me that I don’t have the leg speed to keep up with them. I ran 5th place solo for the whole race. Fun to run hard and fast, but definitely not my forte these days, especially right after a 50k. A few more hours of these rooty trails would have evened things out…</div> <li> <div align="left">The finish line was great. Lots of good food, including Chick-fil-A sandwiches, music, handmade awards, raffle prizes, etc. My 5th place finish earned me a cool hat.</div> <li> <div align="left">It was obvious that Adam put a lot of time and thought into this race. What a great gem. I hope he can keep it going so more people can see and enjoy these trails.</div></li></ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YeucdijNxMU/Ughb-gvtdrI/AAAAAAAABNI/TdJ6TDXGGBM/s1600-h/Picture%252520276%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 276" border="0" alt="Picture 276" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Mat9x-xxoeA/Ughb_OpIbtI/AAAAAAAABNQ/Zh1ZSgmQFc8/Picture%252520276_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="331"></a> </p> <p align="center">Looks like the track stars wear sunglasses and no shirts, as opposed to shirts and visors…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xQEv1tvF-Ac/UghcAEMsOYI/AAAAAAAABNY/U9WakQYwXzo/s1600-h/Picture%252520278%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 278" border="0" alt="Picture 278" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OSIYJ1W2Ri8/UghcAg_cpbI/AAAAAAAABNg/mf03euuZudg/Picture%252520278_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="327"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">My 4-person cheering squad. One benefit of lots of kids.</p> <p align="center"><strong>Laurel Valley 35 mile</strong></p> <p align="left">I have run 24 ultras and enjoy trying new races every year rather than returning to the same ones again and again. Other than my hometown race of Logan Peak, I have never repeated an ultramarathon. I guess Laurel Valley is my new hometown race, as it is now the only other race I’ve returned to, after winning it in 2011.</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">My <a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2011/08/laurel-valley-35-mile-race-report.html">2011 race report</a> provides an abundance of pictures and a nice course description, so I won’t repeat all that info. I will say that the course is still the same, the distance is still a mystery (31 miles? 33? 35.7?), it’s still hot and humid, absolutely no aid stations, and only 2 course markings. And the stairs and bridges are still there, slick as snot. Thousands of steps. The spiders are still there, as well, spinning their hundreds of webs.</div> <li> <div align="left">Claude changed the start time from the normal 6 am to 5 am. The resulting 2:50 am wake up alarm was my earliest ever. Of course, I barely slept that night, so it didn’t make a difference, anyways. Plus Jason Flassing and I were the first ones to wish Ryan Thompson a happy birthday on the drive up at 3 am.</div> <li> <div align="left">I had two goals- win, and break the elusive 6 hr barrier. Despite a competitive field with all the fast SC ultra runners showing up (plus some out-of-town folks like American Record holder Joe Fejes), I achieved the first goal. The additional hour of darkness made just enough of a difference to keep me from the second goal. Running in the dark on the technical terrain for the first 9 miles slowed me down 6 min versus my 2011 time. I was 8 min faster the rest of the way. My race calculator adjustment for darkness is 10% slowdown per mile. As best I can calculate, the extra darkness slowed me 5 minutes. My final time? 6:04:03. </div> <li> <div align="left">I love the remoteness of the race. No road crossings, no official aid stations, nothing. I saw 3 non-racers all day (Barry plus 2 guys on a boat) until the final mile.</div> <li> <div align="left">Knowing the course is a big benefit at this race, especially since there are no course markers until the last mile. Jason, Ryan, and Merle all got off course, while I never did. Jason ran at least 2 extra miles.</div> <li> <div align="left">Clark Zealand’s 5:02 course record is still the most impressive, out-of-reach record I’ve ever seen. Nutso fast.</div> <li> <div align="left">One of my two gel flasks popped out of my Nathan pack vest in the first mile and I watched in horror as it rolled down the mountain. Fortunately, a tree stopped it within a few feet. I subsequently stowed it in the hip pocket of my Pearl Izumi Ultra Split Shorts and never had any more problems. Love the pockets on those shorts. Holds 2 flasks and my tp with no problems.</div> <li> <div align="left">I can think of no other race where the lead runner has such a different experience than all the subsequent runners. The sole reason? The spider webs. So, so, so many webs. I led the race for over 5 hours and rarely went more than a few minutes without running through one of the strong, sticky webs. Some sections of the course have 10 webs in one minute. I would conservatively say I ran through at least 500 webs, probably more. It’s a unique experience, not too fun. As opposed to last time when I often carried a spider stick and would stop to break them, though, I’m proud to say I decided to mentally ignore them and not slow down or react. It worked. I never let them affect me and they didn’t seem near as annoying, even when picking them out of my mouth.</div> <li> <div align="left">I tried to describe how slippery the stairs and bridges are to Ryan the night before the race, but was reminded myself when I slipped going down on the Horsepasture river stairs and slid right down 20+ stairs, somehow emerging relatively unscathed. The slippery stairs and bridges play a huge role in why this race is as slow as a 40 miler rather than a 50k.</div> <li> <div align="left">Everyone should have a BAS. Ultrarunning buddy Barry backpacked in and camped overnight at mile 18 of the course just to bring water and gu’s to Merle, Jason, and myself. Can’t beat the Barry Aid Station. Thanks again, man. And cool story and pics of the bear sighting.</div> <li> <div align="left">Last time I won the race by over an hour. It was much closer this time. Merle and Ryan were within a minute of me at the BAS, over halfway through the race. Merle finished just 13 min behind me, Ryan 13 more back, and Jason broke 7 hrs. Brian Kistner was the only other finisher before we had to head for home. I really missed seeing more finishers and talking to all the runners afterwards, but I had to get home. </div> <li> <div align="left">I hope I’ll be back next year. After all, sub-6 hrs still awaits. </div></li></ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_4TpDyBr1gU/UghcBMQ7fnI/AAAAAAAABNo/YTvJgTgKYU8/s1600-h/IMG_20130810_082636_095%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_20130810_082636_095" border="0" alt="IMG_20130810_082636_095" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vsx8xTNgJ7k/UghcBnkRzSI/AAAAAAAABNs/RTFfEVAcfV0/IMG_20130810_082636_095_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="283"></a> Coming into the BAS, dodging Barry’s dog</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JreolNehH_w/UghcB2dz5oI/AAAAAAAABN4/JNjNEE0OyXE/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="photo (1)" border="0" alt="photo (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W6_COSySqRw/UghcCeaUiCI/AAAAAAAABOA/y9qVo4S8j7E/photo%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="423"></a> Just after finishing. Photo by Denise Davis.</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-61775857576416385572013-06-02T18:03:00.001-07:002013-06-03T18:53:46.639-07:00Chattooga River 50k race report<p>Ever since moving to South Carolina three years ago, runners have barraged me with tales of Terri Hayes’ great races. She puts on a handful of no-entry-fee races in South Carolina and Florida every year that are well organized and on beautiful courses, although most were no-go for me as they are on Sunday. Last year, though, she added a Saturday running of the Chattooga River 50k, so I dutifully added it to my list for this year.</p> <p>Chattooga is as fine of a race course as you’ll find anywhere. It is 100% beautiful singletrack, some technical, and always hilly with 5100 ft climb and 5100 ft descent, though the single biggest climb is only 1100 ft. 19 miles of it is along the famed Foothills Trail that I had previously run. It is not an easy race; it only has 3 aid stations, and is run in the hot and humid summer climate, with winning times as slow as 5:30. Only 3 guys had ever broken 5 hrs, with an impressive CR of 4:32 by Sean Dunlap. Jason Flassing and I ran the entire course the week before the race as an a nice training run, which ensured there would be no race day course surprises. This was my first local race as a member of Team PI, so I was proud to be sporting the team race colors. I’ve been wearing Pearl Izumi gear for a long time, especially the shoes, but toeing the line as a sponsored runner for Team Pearl Izumi Ultra was an added bonus.</p> <p>I left home at 4:40 am to get Jason for the 90 minute drive. Unlike the previous week when it was warm and very rainy, we arrived at the start to find it an unseasonably-cool 45 deg. Perfect. We met the spry and energetic Terri Hayes, who doesn’t look anything near as old as he claimed 70 years old nor as worn as you would expect after almost 300 ultras. What a legend. After the usual pre-race preparations and catching up with friends, Terri lined us up and, ignoring a honking pickup truck bringing the very-late runner Viktor, started us on the adventure. One tall runner started off quickly, with the rest of us tagging behind. I passed him as he made a slight detour and led the charge 1100 feet down Winding Stairs trail, over creeks and through switchbacks. The lead runner in SE trail runs has the privilege of finding all the spider webs across the trail, but there were relatively few this day perhaps due to the cool temps. I hit the end of Winding Stairs 3.25 miles later in about 24 minutes and took a pit stop while Jason and the tall runner took the lead. I slowly caught up and passed Jason while seeing all the runners still coming down the narrow trail, though the tall runner had put in a good surge and taken a 30 second lead that I was in no hurry to match. We climbed all the way back up, reaching the first aid at 6.5 miles in 55 minutes. I asked the volunteers if the runner ahead was Sean Dunlap, but they said his name was Eric Bohac.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DKwBlGDVq7w/UavrVbVb6vI/AAAAAAAABLc/uxzBrWxvIQU/s1600-h/IMG_0303%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0303" border="0" alt="IMG_0303" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0BRn_RAyOZk/UavrWK0Q2fI/AAAAAAAABLk/j0jpe60jfY0/IMG_0303_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="367"></a> </p> <p align="center">Winding Stairs trail (all pictures taken one week prior to race)</p> <p>After aid 1, the course turns onto the rolling hills of Big Bend trail, slowly descending to and then running near the Chattooga River, filming location of the classic movie Deliverance. The trail seems to climb and descend the hills bordering the river far more than it actually runs along the river, though, but it’s some nice scenery. I caught Eric a few miles after aid 1 and tried to make small talk, though he was brief in his responses. His running struck me as rather uneven effort-wise, sometimes charging hard up steep hills before abruptly slowing to a walk. He was also carrying 1 bottle versus my 2, and I didn’t see him taking any gu’s. I loosely trailed him for a while, wondering if I’d see the large husky dog that tagged along with Jason and I the week before, while content to relax and save energy. At 11.5 miles, Eric abruptly slowed to a walk on a runnable uphill and I passed him. I enjoyed the solo run for the next 5 miles through some wonderful trails. I was comfortable despite the rising temperature, actively listening to the sounds of nature, especially the songbirds. I pulled into aid 2 at mile 16.1 in 2:26, about 7 min ahead of my 4:50 planned finish. 2012 winner Ryan Thompson encouraged me while Terri commented that I was either running very fast or cheating! I dropped my Nathan vest and second bottle and hurried the additional 2 miles towards the turnaround. The 2.25 downhill miles passed quickly and I his the 18.3 mile turnaround at 2:45. Later runners would report a large black bear lingering near the turnaround bridge, but I didn’t see him (I am still waiting to see my first east coast bear).</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sVuYfBLH1dw/UavrWk6gU6I/AAAAAAAABLs/6LJMcgziavU/s1600-h/IMG_0304%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0304" border="0" alt="IMG_0304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lIUg14c-1fg/UavrXMr6WVI/AAAAAAAABL0/c57VZaI0cxM/IMG_0304_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="360"></a> </p> <p align="center">Lush Big Bend trail</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_jviV5XYyKE/UavrXqf-ZrI/AAAAAAAABL8/CfkJ3yXXrdY/s1600-h/IMG_0308%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0308" border="0" alt="IMG_0308" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TupAjaBcjy4/UavrYRMvySI/AAAAAAAABME/gJBM4HpsV6Q/IMG_0308_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="365"></a> </p> <p align="center">Jason and the Chattooga River</p> <p>I timed myself after the turnaround and was happy to see Jason the first runner behind me, about 4 min back, followed another 4 min later by a group including Merle Glick, Byron Backer, and Eric. I had hoped my lead would be larger, but some added motivation/competition is always a plus. I hit the third and final aid station at mile 20.5 three minutes ahead of schedule at 3:08 and took my longest stop of the day, ~90 seconds. I had to find my pack, plus wanted to get in a few extra calories before the long haul to the finish. Some coke and gummy bears hit the spot and I returned towards the river, still seeing a steady stream of happy runners on the outbound leg. The first few miles went very well, but I found myself facing the pain and fatigue common to any ultra. No longer noticing the natural beauty around me, I pressed onwards, though my previously steady run was now interspersed with a few uphill walks. I hit a particularly low patch around 4 hours. I told myself that if no one caught me, it wouldn’t be because I wasn’t giving them a chance with my slow pace (I averaged about 75 seconds slower per mile on the 10 mile return trip than earlier in the race, which isn’t terrible but certainly not ideal). The grind continued, up and down near the river. I took another gu around 4:30 and almost immediately started feeling markedly better.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-660ZJFxywvw/UavrYzzZnkI/AAAAAAAABMM/0mfmT6pqBtE/s1600-h/IMG_0306%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0306" border="0" alt="IMG_0306" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SE4-CssZtgY/UavrZlNMqLI/AAAAAAAABMU/O5wej52LFmY/IMG_0306_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="339"></a> </p> <p align="center">Big Bend stream and downed trees</p> <p>With renewed vigor, I ran most of the uphill on the Big Bend trail. The last 2 miles are rolling with lots of downhill, and I was still able to get some good leg turnover. I could never see more than 30 seconds behind me, but finally felt confident that I would hold the lead. And I had a good goal, too- sub 5 hrs. It had seemed doable for most of the race, but my 60 minutes of slowness put it in doubt for a while. But the final road crossing finally led to the last half mile of trail, finishing in 4:58:26. I was only the 4th guy ever to break 5 hours, which was nice despite my mid-race struggles. Jason finished 5 minutes behind, Merle 20 minutes further back, and then the rest spread out from there. Terri hosts the same race again on Sunday, with the winning time of 5:11, so I was fastest of the weekend. 7 of the runners even completed the race both days- that’s plumb crazy.</p> <p>The finish area was enjoyable, with potato soup, sloppy joes, chocolate milk, chips, candy, etc. Jason and I spent several hours fraternizing with all the wonderful people there. What a friendly group of people, none more so than Terri. I was quite sore and tired upon finishing, but felt remarkably better by the time we left. It was a wonderful, enjoyable, beautiful race with such nice people. Hard to beat a day like that.</p> <p>Gear:</p> <p>I wore the <a href="http://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=80580&product_id=1982434&outlet=&color_code=4BR">Pearl Izumi Trail M2</a> shoes and they were great, with sufficient traction for the slick roots and protection for the rocks. The <a href="http://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=34&product_id=1961106&outlet=&color_code=021">Ultra Split Short</a> has two huge, no-bounce gel flask pockets for lots of gu storage, plus another large zipper pocket for tp or other essentials. I’m a packrat, and they work and feel great for me. And the <a href="http://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=32&product_id=1643869&outlet=&color_code=3WT">Infinity In-R-Cool singlet</a> is as lightweight and comfortable as any shirt out there. Throw in two Nathan QuickDraw Elite bottles and a Nathan HPL 028 vest, and that was my whole ensemble. </p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-81810694113711846512013-04-11T21:30:00.001-07:002013-04-28T17:45:53.170-07:00Holland, Czech Republic, England, and Bolivia- A Lesson in Barkley Geography (2013 Barkley race report)<p>It’s been widely stated that the Barkley Marathons is the most difficult footrace on earth, and I’ve yet to see any credible arguments to the contrary. In fact, the main argument against is that it’s so difficult, it just shouldn’t be considered a race (something I’ve said myself prior to this year). It was my absolute privilege to be allowed to run this race in 2013, which I now consider the greatest race I’ve ever seen. I hope to participate again. As this race seems to have attracted the attention of lots of my non-running friends, I’m starting my report by explaining what the Barkley is and why it is so unique. Anyone familiar with the race may want to skip this section, or provide feedback on accuracy. My actual report will start below the videos. Warning: As someone with a history of long race reports, this is the <u>longest</u> race report of my life by at least a factor of 2, as I wanted to give a good representation of the most epic race I’ve ever seen and as I want to remember it for myself. So grab some snacks, pull up a chair, and get comfortable. </p> <p align="center">An Introduction to the Barkley Marathons</p> <p>The Barkley can be traced back to 1977, when James Earl Ray, convicted of killing Martin Luther King, Jr., escaped from Brushy Mountain prison near Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee. He headed into the mountainous terrain but was found 54 hours later just a few miles away. A local runner, Gary Cantrell (aka Lazarus Lake, or just Laz) heard about this and commented that he could have run 100 miles during that time. He mapped a course a few years later, and the Barkley Marathons was born. Laz himself is an interesting character worthy of many words, but I’ll focus on the race for the sake of brevity [**cough cough**]. While the course has changed often (with every change making it more difficult), it currently consists of 5 loops of roughly 20+ miles each. </p> <p>The Barkley Marathons is quite unique, even in the strange world of ultra marathons, as it is purposefully intended to be just at the limits of human capability. Whereas even the most difficult 100 mile races are aimed at encouraging and helping runners finish the race, everything in the Barkley is intended to make it more difficult, with the goal that no one finish it. Most years, no one does. About 50% of starters finish one loop, which is roughly the same percentage of finishers at the typical full 100-mile race. Only 15% finish the 3-loop “Fun Run.” And of the nearly 850 starters in race history, only 14 people have finished the entire 5 loops. No other race on earth has a finishing rate anywhere near 1.7%. For another comparison, the typical 100 mile race will see the winner finish somewhere around 15 hours and the last runner in double that time, about 30 hours. Even at Hardrock 100, by far the most difficult 100 mile race in the US (other than Barkley), the course record is under 24 hours and the cut-off for the slowest runner is 48 hours. Juxtapose this to the Barkley, where the course record is over 52 hours, and the cut-off is a very-tight 60 hours, though most runners stop long before then. So what is it that makes the Barkley so hard? </p> <p>Most races start at a set time and traverse a known, well-marked course. There are aid stations every 1-2 hours with volunteers, crew, food, and drink. Runners can have pacers to run with them and provide company and assistance in the later stages of the race. Most runners wear GPS and altimeter watches so they know where they are. If they want to quit, the merely stop at an aid station and hitch a ride home. At the Barkley, on the other hand, there is not a set start time- the race can start anywhere from midnight until noon, with runners only receiving a one hour notice when a conch shell sounds, and the race begins when Laz lights a cigarette. There are absolutely no course markings, and at least half of the course is not on any discernable trail. The course is not known ahead of time. Instead, runners received typed directions (5 pages, single spaced) when they check in pre-race, and Laz sets out a map of the general layout of the course which runners copy onto maps they provide (one very nice Barkley quirk: in an era of $200-300 entry fees for 100 mile races, the Barkley costs only $1.60. Plus a license plate. It’s affordable, if nothing else). The directions guide runners to 10 or 11 books hidden throughout the course, and they have to tear a page out of each book to prove they traversed the entire route, being assigned a different bib/page number to grab on each loop. Book titles are fitting for the course, with 2013 book titles including Sweetbriar Summit, Long Lost, Signs in the Blood, The Virgin and The Veteran, The End of the Road, Managing your Anxiety, and A Baby’s Cry. Even the most experienced runner may lose many hours trying to locate the books. GPS is not allowed, only map, compass, and written directions. In addition, at the Barkley there are no pacers or aid stations, with only 2 water drops located on the course consisting of gallon water jugs. The jugs may be completely frozen over or may be missing altogether, both of which have happened. Crews are not allowed other than at the end of each 20 mile loop, plus at one spot where they can cheer or jeer but provide no assistance. In other words, runners have to be completely self sufficient for each 8-13 hour loop. Mentally, physically, emotionally, alone during your time “<em>out there</em>”. </p> <p>And what are those loops like? Most races have a “bad part” or a “hard climb.” At the Barkley, there are no “good parts,“ though the easiest part would probably be wading through a creek in a tunnel under Brushy Mountain prison for 300 yards. Seriously, that’s part of the route. The entire course is unrelenting climbs and descents of steepness found almost no where else. It’s common to have to climb more than 1700 ft in under a mile, or descend 1300 ft in half a mile. For comparison, 800 ft climb in a mile is considered very difficult at a normal trail race, and the famed Heartbreak Hill in the Boston Marathon rises a whopping 88 feet. Yes, 88 ft- that’s a 4% grade. The Barkley <em>averages</em> 23% grade over its entire 100 mile length. My hardest race ever was the Bear 100, generally viewed as a tough, mountain 100 mile race. It climbs 23,000 ft and descends 22,000 ft. Hardrock 100 climbs 33,000 ft, an astounding number. And the Barkley? <u>62,000 ft of climbing</u> and <u>62,000 ft of descending</u>. That’s the equivalent of hiking from sea level to the top of Mt. Everest, back to sea level, back up Mt. Everest, and back to sea level. Plus 4000 more feet, for good measure. And this climbing isn’t on nice, groomed trails- it’s generally off trail, straight up and down, dodging rocks, mud, cliffs, trees, and briars. Oh yes, the briars. Thorns. Saw briars. Whatever you call them, they are essentially inch-long razor blades found throughout the course that will tear your skin and clothes to pieces, leaving you with hundreds of bloody cuts. In addition, the loops aren’t really 20 miles. They’re longer. General consensus is somewhere between 22-26 miles, meaning 5 loops are actually as many as 130 miles. Held the weekend closest to April Fool’s day, the weather is pretty much considered to be miserable at some point during the race- snow, rain, thick fog, hail, and very high temps have all occurred. Sometimes on the same loop. And when it rains, the already steep slopes turn into leafy, muddy messes. One runner described the muddy climbs like trying to run up a playground slide while wearing roller skates. And the nastier the weather, the happier Laz gets and the quicker the runners quit. All this makes Barkley the most difficult race on earth. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gzDOYk2GGYs/UWeNk_GOHFI/AAAAAAAABDg/WTppJUw_tAI/s1600-h/thorns2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="thorns" border="0" alt="thorns" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TdPq98HuWUo/UWeNlbnkLhI/AAAAAAAABDo/Dsk5V7rdcMA/thorns_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tpIeyFzCy7M/UWeNlzSmrzI/AAAAAAAABDw/ccD5sXtDalg/s1600-h/thorns2coShannonBurke2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="thorns2- co Shannon Burke" border="0" alt="thorns2- co Shannon Burke" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U8mYwBqY8vs/UWeNmAc3iLI/AAAAAAAABD4/PZ-I3LzI2h4/thorns2coShannonBurke_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p align="center">Saw briars, photos from Shannon Burke during the winter</p> <p>Even the act of quitting is difficult, as runners still have to extricate themselves from the course, which usually takes at least 3-4 hours and sometimes 10 hours. Assuming you don’t get lost. In other words, quitting the Barkley can take more time than finishing most races. When you reach the campground after quitting, you stand while a bugler plays taps for you. And if you do happen to finish, Laz will just make the race harder next year. It took 10 years before anyone completed the 100 mile run. The next year, Laz decided runners had to do loops 3 and 4 in reverse direction to make navigation more difficult. Then two guys finished together, so Laz decreed that runners would have to run loop 5 in opposite directions, alone. And he constantly removes the few remaining “easy” parts by adding in more climbs up and down mountains. In 2012, he replaced a nice on-trail descent with a ridge traverse and a half-mile, 50% grade hill descent. This year, a bit of jeep road was replaced with a descent so steep it’s known as Leonard’s Butt Slide (the only way safely down) and a corresponding climb. Race virgins (first-time runners) try to survive by “latching” onto a veteran to guide them through the course, while veterans try to “scrape” virgins who stop to tie a shoe or can’t climb fast enough. Though, to be fair, both virgins and veterans alike are almost guaranteed to go off-course or be lost as some point. The record of futility is one racer who took 32 hours to travel 2 miles. Even the fastest runners average less than 2 miles per hour, far slower than normal running pace of 8-10 miles per hour.</p> <p>The Barkley has rightfully been considered an outlier, too extreme in difficulty for most runners to even consider it a race. After all, it’s intended to make you fail rather than finish. So what type of people finish the Barkley? Only the truly dedicated, who can set a goal and see it through no matter the physical or mental barriers. Almost all of them are Ph.D-type, scientist or engineers. Laz wrote <a href="http://www.extremeultrarunning.com/barkhist.htm">an article</a> nicely summarizing the race, concluding that, “Success at the Barkley requires a splendid sense of direction, an unwavering will to finish, the hill climbing ability of a goat, total focus despite days of endless suffering, and monumental physical courage.” </p> <p>Long an underground race, it’s gotten a bit of press throughout the years- an entry in the <a href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/why-we-compete/2007/04/curiosity_1.html">Washington Post</a>, a <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/trail-running-training/notorious?page=single">Runners World</a> series with videos. This year, it even had an article in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/28/sports/the-barkley-marathons-few-know-how-to-enter-fewer-finish.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&">NY Times</a>. <a href="http://www.believermag.com/issues/201105/?read=article_jamison">Leslie Jamison</a> wrote a great article with insights into the physical challenge, but more so the mental challenge, that the runners face. But the best way to understand it is to visit. Short of that, look at some pictures. <a href="http://www.geoffreybakerphotography.com/?page_id=1769">Geoffrey Baker took some amazing pictures in 2012</a>. There was also a film crew making a documentary last year who put out a few short videos (interestingly enough, one of the film crew got lost on-course for over 12 hours). You want to know what the climbs are like? See the 1:00 mark of the top video. And the descents? 1:56 mark. Enjoy! Once you’re ready, my report follows below.</p> <div align="center"> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:605ae99b-9023-4786-81ec-5bacd5240db1" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="42a086e5-3194-4948-981e-19fc17eb7450" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfu-F6p8Qns" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LMLetDXRhzo/UX3CvmA4lgI/AAAAAAAABK0/U_flGE3LiSk/video50106286661a%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('42a086e5-3194-4948-981e-19fc17eb7450'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Hfu-F6p8Qns&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Hfu-F6p8Qns&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div></div> <p align="center"></p> <div align="center"> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:45b53a8d-8b16-4c3d-be29-5a9a32cf19bf" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="471f1611-eac9-41c5-8546-11b45c1663c6" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1csVTlXMql0" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--zb2GO4wJ6w/UWeNnF0a3UI/AAAAAAAABK8/Cq3fFa2j--A/video4d0d9d73af02%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('471f1611-eac9-41c5-8546-11b45c1663c6'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/1csVTlXMql0&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/1csVTlXMql0&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">My 2013 Barkley Report- a Geography Lesson</p> <p align="left">I first heard about the Barkley when I lived in Utah, but it seemed too absurd and too mysterious to take seriously. When I moved to South Carolina, I suddenly found myself surrounded by real flesh-and-blood people who had actually run the race. Then, I started meeting some of the rare Barkley finishers- JB, AT, Horton, Brett, Jared, Blake. The race became far more real and I ate up every story I could hear. When I didn’t get into Western States 100 lottery in December, I decided on a whim to apply for the Barkley. I didn’t get in, but found myself number 13 on the wait list. Lucky number 13 (even my email addresses have 13 in them). Based on historical wait lists, I assumed I would eventually get in. Sure enough, two weeks before the race while on a plane flying home from Chuckanut 50k in Seattle, I received an email from Laz. I was in. I borrowed a bit of gear and a lot of knowledge from Carl Laniak, a 5-time Barkley runner and one of my training buddies, then loaded my car with enough gear and food to invade a small country (30,000 calories!). The drive to Frozen Head went quickly and I arrived at the famous yellow gate in the campground Friday afternoon. I met Laz, gave him my $1.60 and license plate, and took my lap 1 bib, number 55. The bib motto read “Good for One Visit to Big Hell”- past years have said “Suffering without a point” or “Not all pain is gain”. I made small talk while waiting for the famous race master map to appear. When it did, I did my best to copy down the route precisely, including borrowing a few notes from the very-helpful Jared Campbell. I set up camp right next to the only two-time finisher and course record holder, Brett Maune, plus the very nice Julian Jamison and Carl, none of whom would be running. I ate dinner at my normal haunt, Subway, and spent an hour there carefully laminating both copies of my map, earning a few wondering looks from the two teenage girls working the counter. I was disappointed when Carl told me he would not be running, as I planned to latch onto him, but he gave me a few veteran names I should seek out. I was ready and eager.</p> <p align="left">One admission- this is the first race I have ever entered not expecting to finish. I don’t feel I was being pessimistic in that statement, just realistic. I wasn’t so presumptuous as to think I had a realistic chance of finishing in my first year. The type of people who finish the Barkley hike the entire Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail (5300 miles total) in one year, or live in the mountains and run 100,000 vertical feet each week, or don’t have full time jobs and can spend a week or two at Frozen Head pre-race. I have a full time job with minimal vacation, a wife with 4 young kids (the youngest born just two months ago), and the closest mountain of size is over an hour away. I wouldn’t change any of it, but my chosen path in life does not afford me many of the opportunities needed to give me a realistic chance to finish this race. In addition, my training had suffered the past month due to sickness and I had never visited Frozen Head to explore the trails. Realistically, I set my stretch goal to finish a fun run and I felt confident that I had a very good chance to do that if things went my way. At a bare minimum, I knew I would complete one lap so I could at least see the entire epicness of the course. As long as the clock was ticking and I could move, I planned to keep running. At least, that was the plan.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SDQUHTDMYak/UWeNnqgGbxI/AAAAAAAABEQ/Tp8Mpf-zaHM/s1600-h/Picture0043.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 004" border="0" alt="Picture 004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Scz_teJrA08/UWeNoMP6ftI/AAAAAAAABEY/TTUhhd_UlLg/Picture004_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="368"></a> </p> <p align="center">Laz gets ready to cook his famous Barkley chicken</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AYlLXlg2swo/UWeNos1qE0I/AAAAAAAABEg/jZ7XwFtqcls/s1600-h/Picture0033.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 003" border="0" alt="Picture 003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DAaGyY4s5VQ/UWeNpDxMmsI/AAAAAAAABEo/1leSOzgmr-I/Picture003_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="378"></a> </p> <p align="center">Copying the map. I would spent many hours with Nick (seated, in black), Iso (seated, red hat), and Eva (seated, green hoodie)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E9zflGl19u0/UWeNpdwkPMI/AAAAAAAABEw/o7vZ4prwctg/s1600-h/photo6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uYuLgOYKAEs/UWeNpzl9OxI/AAAAAAAABE4/tgX7eUpF-Fo/photo_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="480"></a></p> <p align="center">Final lacing of my Pearl Izumi shoes</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pjHzK9dB7zk/UWeNqYQkDsI/AAAAAAAABFA/OkFt9d9IJAY/s1600-h/Picture0093.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 009" border="0" alt="Picture 009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-27-Ta6rk07w/UWeNq3nFasI/AAAAAAAABFI/NPWRGURhTGE/Picture009_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="397"></a> </p> <p align="center">Waiting at the famous yellow gate for Laz to light his cigarette</p> <p align="left">I slept fairly well, other than thinking Carl’s air bed pump was the conch shell at 12:45 am. I woke up at 6 am, got dressed, and ate. Just as I finished my breakfast, Laz sounded the shell at 8:04 am. I finished packing my way-too-heavy pack and gathered at the gate. The weather was perfect, about 40 deg and overcast with an expected high of 60 deg. With a puff of Laz’s cigarette, we were off. I was sad to see one of my planned latch veterans take off right from the start as I had decided to start slow, but I settled right behind veteran Travis Wildeboer (Vermont Long Trail FKT holder, 2-time Barkley fun run finisher, husband to my Team Pearl Izumi teammate Alyssa Wildeboer) as he walked up the trail. Travis and I had met several years back and it was good to talk to him and other surrounding runners. The first few miles passed quickly as we climbed Bird Mountain and took a new section over the Pillars of Doom to England Mountain. Travis was in the lead of a group of 8 or so runners. He seemed a bit impatient, while another veteran, Nickademus Hollon (22 year old running phenom, 2-time Barkley fun run finisher), was very talkative and going out of his way to point out landmarks and give other advice to the virgins in our group. When we reached the first book, Travis grabbed his page and sprinted off. I made a quick decision to stay with the big group and the tour-guide veteran, Nick. We circled the mountain and reached the first real Barkley portion of the race- the descent down Jaque Mate hill (aka Checkmate hill), which drops 1300 ft in half a mile (45% grade). Throwing ourselves down the mountain with near abandon, grabbing every available tree and bush to slow the progress, and still sliding on our butts with regularity, we reached Phillips Creek and the North Boundary Trail. I had already learned 3 lessons- stow handheld bottles in my pack before steep descents to free both hands for grabbing trees, wear gaiters to keep debris out of shoes, and put on leather gloves before starting down. (Note- I didn’t carry a camera on the race, but am including some pictures taken from various Barkley runners throughout the years that I found on the internet. Credit noted in all cases. I’ll take any down that are requested.)</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_S_YVJQZ7Oo/T4byqIrrOiI/AAAAAAAADKw/Zxw_EtyNclU/s1600/check+mate+hill.jpg" width="451" height="338"> </p> <p align="center">Psyche Wimberly shot of Jaque Mate hill descent</p> <p align="left">The next 2 hours follow the easiest trail on the course, the NBT. Famous for switchbacks and tree blow downs, the park service cleaned it a few years ago and it’s now a regular hiking trail. I stopped to tie my shoe, then passed several slower runners and caught up to a small pack. It was obvious that this would be a good group to team with- veterans Nick, Iso Yucra (a Bolivian who was the first ever finisher of the Badwater World Cup, completing Badwater 135 across Death Valley in July, Arrowhead 135 across Minnesota in February, and Brazil 135), and Tim Englund (Ph.D Chair of Mathematics Department at Central Washington Univ), plus virgin Eva Pastalkova (Ph.D neuroscience researcher from Czech Republic, orienteering-extraordinaire, and winner of all six 100-mile races she has entered). It was a pretty elite crowd and I enjoyed running with them. We set a brisk but comfortable pace until Nick suddenly turned up the mountain at a seemingly-random spot and led us to a jeep road and book 2. We each grabbed our page, stopped briefly at the water stop (race time was about 3:10-ish), then started towards the newest part of the course, Leonard Buttslide and Bobcat Rock, added this year. Nick had been scouting the course for a week and knew exactly where to turn off the road onto some nice deer trail down Barley Mouth, down another jeep road, through a nasty bunch of briars, and down the buttslide. We found book 3, ascended back up the steep and already-muddy buttslide, went through Bobcat Rock, and up Fyke’s Peak to a random sofa (literally, a sofa in the middle of nowhere) known as Hiram’s Pool and Spa. We found our guide, Nick, resting peacefully on it with a grin on his face. He immediately disappeared up the mountain with us tailing behind, and we shortly heard him calling to us as he pulled book 4 from a pile of stones. Lap 1 literally could not be going any better.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.mattmahoney.net/barkley/2010/14.jpg" width="413" height="310"> </p> <p align="center">Typical book placement, courtesy of Matt Mahoney’s website</p> <p align="left">Nick and I talked as we ran down Fyke’s peak, with me profusely thanking him for guiding us and saying he had certainly earned some good karma. He continued pointing out landmarks as we descended the endless off-trail ridges down Fyke’s Folly, and I quickly realized it would be very difficult to navigate this by myself, especially at night or in the reverse direction. The veterans knew exactly where to go (turn left at the downed power line, cross this creek here to stay dry, run up this bench, then cross the New River on this downed tree) and led us true. It was awesome. After the river, we crossed a highway and found book 5 at the marshy area, but not before getting a glimpse of the first tough section of the course, Testicle Spectacle. Running clockwise as we were, the second half of the course is much more difficult than the first half, starting after book 5. Testicle Spectacle climbs 800 feet in .6 mile up steep, clear-cut mountain under some giant power lines. It is known for being one of the 3 truly brutal sections of the course for saw briars. This year, fortunately, most of the briars had been recently cut down by some workers, though we certainly did not pass unscathed. The trail gets steeper, muddier, and more briar-filled as you ascend, and I often pulled myself up by grabbing briars for support. Needless to say, we were all bleeding from numerous cuts. Nick slowly pulled away from the other 4 of us and crested the hill for the descent down Meth Lab Hill first. Meth Lab was quite easy this year, running down a steep muddy jeep road until another butt slide. Immediately after the butt slide, I turned right and soon found myself with the group at Raw Dog Falls and book 6. (Note- it’s frequent when you read Barkley reports from veterans, especially multi-lap finishers, for them to summarize entire sections of course by saying such things as “We navigated the second half fairly well and finished 5 hours after reaching book 5.” They make it sound so easy, but I’m attempting to show how much that entails and how a virgin views the entire process for the first time.)</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.mattmahoney.net/barkley/2006/holtz/dsc03525a.jpg"> </p> <p align="center">Allan Holtz picture showing the climb up the briar-fest known as Testicle Spectacle</p> <p align="left">At book 6, I almost made my first big mistake. I paused briefly to fill a water bottle from the falls, only to discover the group already out of sight by the time I finished a minute later. Slightly worried, I ran up the trail I thought they had climbed. It ended at a jeep road. Knowing we were going to cross the highway again, I incorrectly turned down the jeep trail until I found myself at a gate and looking towards a house. Sensing this was wrong, I sprinted up the trail, looking for any sign of where they might be. I consulted my map, trying to determine the proper direction. Just then, two ridges over, I briefly caught a glimpse of someone moving. I ran as hard as I could, red-lining and tapping deep into my reserves, desperate to not lose my group. As I ran headlong through rocks, brush, and briars, I realized the highway was above me. Guessing correctly, I climbed to the road and ran down it, looking for signs of life. Suddenly, I could see Eva and Tim climbing far above me, ascending the steep Pig Head Creek. I climbed hard, not resting until I finally caught them. I was tired, but relieved to be back with the group. Nick and Iso had pulled ahead and disappeared from sight while the remaining three of us finished the climb to the old Prison Mine Trail (numerous coal mines dot the area where prisoners used to work, watched-over by guards). Tim encouraged us to walk down the trail as it would be the last chance to eat for a while. </p> <p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Avam6300lvw/T3-CJOMWV9I/AAAAAAAAVF8/7s8Sx4xl7jg/s738/P3310524.JPG" width="536" height="402"> </p> <p align="center">Jared Campbell’s picture of a coal mine at the top of Pig Head Creek</p> <p align="left">As a side note, many people hear about the very long time cutoffs at the Barkley (13 hrs for loop 1) and assume runners can leisurely make their way along the course. In fact, I found the exact opposite to be true. There is such an urgency that even momentary pauses are avoided. You are acutely aware of the continual progression of the clock and feel like you can’t slow down at all. Even if you have a buffer on the time, the looming risk of some waiting disaster presses you to continue to hurry. As opposed to other races, though, the race is not primarily against other people, but instead is a battle against yourself, the clock, and the course. I truly enjoyed this feeling during the race, especially how it enabled me to view other runners as teammates and compatriots rather than competition.</p> <p align="left">The road quickly led us to the famous Rat Jaw. Ahh, Rat Jaw, you will forever have a special place in my heart. For whatever reason, this is the most memorable section of the course for me. Rat Jaw is another climb up a clear-cut mountain, with downed briars lying everywhere. The climb starts off with a bang, right up a section so steep and muddy that you have to pull yourself up with a nearby downed cable. It alternates very steep with kind of steep, climbing over 1000 ft in half a mile, all while treading through bunches of briars. </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.mattmahoney.net/barkley/ratjaw.jpg" width="396" height="290"> </p> <p align="center">The start of Rat Jaw, courtesy of Matt Mahoney (steep, ain’t it?!?)</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZrjYEqJUvnc/T3-CLGO3LBI/AAAAAAAAVH0/7tCqmw0GHNs/s751/P3310525.JPG" width="444" height="592"> </p> <p align="center">Navigating briars on a flatter part of Rat Jaw- photo from Jared Campbell</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_dPYyMwSxVw/S6GEhlqsNeI/AAAAAAAAO3E/EPFZ3agZwzA/Andrew%252520going%252520up%252520Rat%252520Jaw.JPG"> </p> <p align="center">Rat Jaw + power cable + saw briars = Guaranteed fun (photo from Steve Pero)</p> <p align="left">After 1/4 of the Rat Jaw climb, the clear-cut turns to the left and a lookout tower appears, sitting on top of Frozen Head mountain, the high point of the race. This is the one spot people are allowed to cheer for their runners. I can see the ridge lined with people, all eagerly looking, cheering, and jeering (not so much of the latter). Half way up the climb, a lead group of Alan and Beverly Abbs, John F, Travis, and Toshi barrel back down Rat Jaw, chasing Jared Campbell (already down Rat Jaw). I calculate they are 15-20 minutes ahead of my pack. Nick soon summits well ahead of the rest of the group, grabs his book and refills at the second water stop, and recklessly charges after them. Eva and Iso are just ahead, while Tim and I bring up the rear- I’m still gassed from my sprint to catch the group at Pig Head Creek.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-USynr0-BFpQ/UWeNrQULDWI/AAAAAAAABFQ/lf-UokM0Yvo/s1600-h/Picture0153.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 015" border="0" alt="Picture 015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oHa8X-IRC9I/UWeNr_sGVEI/AAAAAAAABFY/L2qJ9zwtQi8/Picture015_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="396"></a> </p> <p align="center">Tim and I slowly climbing Rat Jaw, approaching the tower (Thanks to Carl for taking the photos)</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DRceaS-bFTg/UWeNsRLM_YI/AAAAAAAABFg/yIb6dJtGIzI/s1600-h/Picture%252520017%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 017" border="0" alt="Picture 017" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sOiFP0jIVSo/UWeNs-r9B4I/AAAAAAAABFo/N9uEI3ET-TY/Picture%252520017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="251" height="333"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Prippw0F7pE/UWeNtnjk02I/AAAAAAAABFw/STf1V8CACiw/s1600-h/Picture%252520018%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 018" border="0" alt="Picture 018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6EQpP9NLegw/UWeNuKSWnOI/AAAAAAAABF4/BM_hx2g3K2U/Picture%252520018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="331"></a></p> <p align="center">It doesn’t look too steep, does it?</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-njJzTARzp0o/UWeNusf1FrI/AAAAAAAABGA/QKSoYd6vdJE/s1600-h/Picture0206.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 020" border="0" alt="Picture 020" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z1_wTzyr5q4/UWeNvGEAvRI/AAAAAAAABGI/hLm8XfSETPA/Picture020_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="496"></a> </p> <p align="center">What about now? Is that steep enough?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KIJBNdmm9Ws/UWeNvhpDhFI/AAAAAAAABGQ/hUj5m4H62ig/s1600-h/Picture0226.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 022" border="0" alt="Picture 022" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E7EDjdya0Ts/UWeNwHk-VxI/AAAAAAAABGY/9uRUnASf5Po/Picture022_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="492"></a> </p> <p align="center">Stowing the page from Book 7 and refilling water</p> <p align="left">It was neat to hear the words of encouragement from Carl and the dozens of other spectators atop the tower, but my primary concern was a quick turnaround so I wouldn’t again be left behind. I grabbed my page, filled my water, and ran after Iso, Eva, and Tim. Back down Rat Jaw we went, doing our best to not get our feet snagged in briars and not fall “too” many times down the muddy slope. We passed the starting point of the climb just as a tired runner appeared to start his climb. We continued further down Rat Jaw, though, 2000 feet down, to perhaps the most cool section of any race, anywhere on earth. Brushy State Prison. The very prison that James Earl Ray escaped from 35 years ago. The prison closed a few years ago and now allows the runners to go under it. Literally. Pushing through the most painful, thickest briar patch of the entire race (some briars actually grabbed my shorts and pulled them clean off me before I could tug them back up from my knees), we reached the walls of the prison and lowered ourselves into a concrete tunnel with a river running down it. For 300 yards, we waded through ankle to shin-deep water in a pitch black tunnel directly underneath a prison before climbing a 10 foot embankment back out. That was unique and just plain memorable. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vHfCpCbS9HQ/UWeNxgc24_I/AAAAAAAABGg/oibRITXrf7o/s1600-h/ScreenShot10031.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="ScreenShot1003" border="0" alt="ScreenShot1003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MHBmqN_xJNw/UWeNyuBrsPI/AAAAAAAABGo/urJgwG6ArkI/ScreenShot1003_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="481" height="386"></a> </p> <p align="center">The tunnel</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ypg_TXIdTsE/T3-CNQwFs1I/AAAAAAAAVH4/cUva-CBsr3s/s738/P3310527.JPG" width="476" height="357"> </p> <p align="center">Brett Maune approaching the prison, 2012- picture by Jared Campbell</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V1GaMmi9yfA/T3-CPBfimCI/AAAAAAAAVH8/b_WHQfWjj7Y/s751/P3310528.JPG" width="444" height="592"> </p> <p align="center">The Abbs entering the tunnel, 2012- by Jared Campbell</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bVW3Z5NV4sE/T3-CPo6_1FI/AAAAAAAAVGk/vMnsPsYKGZM/s751/P3310529.JPG" width="434" height="579"> </p> <p align="center">Inside the tunnel- by Jared Campbell</p> <p align="left">After exiting the tunnel, we circled the prison walls to a guard tower and climbed a rickety ladder, where we found book 8 sitting on a toilet in the middle of the tower. After eating a little food, our pack of four runners turned almost due west to start the climb known simply as “Bad Thing”, rising 1700 ft in .88 mile. The Bad Thing just seemed to drag on forever, and I was reminded that runners should never make decisions about races while slowly trudging up hills like this one- you just feel too tired to honestly assess your situation. I had started doing weight lifting and upper body work in January and found it paid off during this climb, as being able to pull myself uphill using trees saved a lot of leg energy. However, I did decide at this point to use a camelbak next lap rather than a handheld bottle as I found myself forced to choose between only have one hand to pull or stowing the bottle and not drinking for 30+ minutes. In addition, I had my most difficult physical challenge of the loop as most of the climb was off-camber, sloping down to the right, which really aggravated the plantar fasciitis of my left foot. The four of us finally reached Indian Knob summit and found book 9 in a small ledge in the Eye of the Needle, a cutout passing through a huge rock. After sharing some food and discussing the race (Iso declared here that he thought only Nick and Travis would finish the race, no one else), it was time to dive down the famous Zip Line.</p> <p align="center"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D0JJ9t7DrE0/T3-CTFZhpcI/AAAAAAAAVIA/H4EwGqaHmSk/s738/P3310534.JPG" width="547" height="411"> </p> <p align="center">The Eye of the Needle, photo by Jared Campbell</p> <p align="left">Zip Line is known in Barkley lore as being one of the most difficult downhills- long, steep (1600 ft drop in .75 mile), very technical, briar-chocked, lots of cliffs, rocks, and downed trees, and easy to go off-course. Perhaps it was because we chose a “good” route, but I don’t remember it being particularly hard. We never cliffed-out, the briars were barely noticeable anymore (they were there, I just didn’t notice), and I had a blast plunging from tree to tree, like a leather-gloved human pinball. I imagine I wouldn’t have such good memories if I had to go up Zip Line, but I enjoyed my first visit. Many racers have lost countless hours searching for the infamous Beech Tree and book 10 at the bottom of Zip Line, but Tim and Iso led us straight to it. At this point, I again needed a refill of water. Not wanting to be left behind, I offered to fill everyone’s water and was happy to be handed some water bottle hostages. After filling, we had only one more climb, this one known as Big Hell. Laz’s directions do a nice job summarizing the climb: “All you have to do is keep choosing the steepest way up the mountain… until you believe that death is imminent.” Pretty simple. Head down, don’t look up, just keep moving forwards and upwards one small step at a time. We reached the capstone rocks and quickly located Book 11, happily stowing the last page for a successful loop 1. From there, we had roughly 4 miles on downhill, well-defined trail. Eva pushed the pace hard, dragging Tim and I in her wake while Iso dropped 7 minutes back. </p> <p align="left">9 hrs and 6 minutes after starting, Tim, Eva, and I arrived at the yellow gate to a smattering of cheers. We turned in our pages and went to our cars for a pre-planned 20-minute pit stop. I was very happy at this point- physically, I felt great. Really strong, moving well, no major physical ailments, and I had been eating and drinking regularly. I was buoyed by the fact that I could not have imagined lap 1 going any better- I hooked up with great, encouraging runners, the weather was nice, and we nailed the navigation to every book (I didn’t contribute much to this last item. Or the one before it, for that matter). I had not set any time goals beforehand, but was guessing a 9-10 hour loop 1 seemed reasonable, and I attribute the good navigation to our time at the faster end of that range.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IuAmmylPYvA/UWeNzLKv3rI/AAAAAAAABGw/yfffEzYzCS8/s1600-h/Picture0233.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 023" border="0" alt="Picture 023" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yI5YpXEhktA/UWeNzj95_uI/AAAAAAAABG4/6O5X9hu5Z2U/Picture023_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="284"></a> </p> <p align="center">Happy to finish loop 1 feeling… very good, quite honestly. Very good.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BasYRIRa23o/UWeN0PgDwuI/AAAAAAAABHA/O0LCjmIRa48/s1600-h/Picture%252520024.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 024" border="0" alt="Picture 024" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ld7WHms6zvI/UWeN0oHni6I/AAAAAAAABHI/HvP7sghTRL4/Picture%252520024_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="378"></a> </p> <p align="center">Eva, Tim, and I handing over our pages.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0FhDbWOs6LQ/UWeN1Emh6OI/AAAAAAAABHQ/LutvEwNvieI/s1600-h/Picture0266.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 026" border="0" alt="Picture 026" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3jy6ajIXuds/UWeN1g4bt4I/AAAAAAAABHY/w1cU39XbVIM/Picture026_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="305" height="405"></a> </p> <p align="center">Look, Marci, I even smiled! (she says I never smile in running pictures)</p> <p align="left">I didn’t have an official crew, but Carl, Julian, and Alyssa all helped me out immensely during the quick pit stop, filling bottles, grabbing food, even picking up my very stinky socks and shoes afterwards (eww- sorry, guys). I changed shoes, refilled my food stores, put on new clothes for the night loop, and debated if I should take my extra layer of warmth. I finally decided to bring it and hefted my now-much-heavier pack onto my back. I wanted to eat, but was so rushed I only had time to drink about a liter of coke and ginger ale. As I returned to the gate 22 minutes later, Laz inquired if the course was like I had expected it to be. Unused to curtailing bodily functions after 9 hours on the trail, I let out a very loud belch. <em>Oops-</em> so much for southern manners. I apologized and told him it was indeed about exactly as hard as I had anticipated. Interestingly, I would not say that it was <em>harder</em> than expected- just exactly as hard. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FiH9VYtH4K0/UWi5eYLR51I/AAAAAAAABI0/mMeuGGD2CGo/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525285%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="photo (5)" border="0" alt="photo (5)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PIT-EXz0BPM/UWi5ejh82SI/AAAAAAAABI8/INfnK7A_Q-I/photo%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="233"></a> </p> <p align="center">Taking off my trusty Pearl Izumi shoes. 9 hours, absolutely no problems.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1_yHkuHcZsM/UWeN2IkSM6I/AAAAAAAABHg/RfFoc5NH_58/s1600-h/Picture0306.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 030" border="0" alt="Picture 030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TntQfRSNDgQ/UWeN2RoGG4I/AAAAAAAABHo/iavrMdHZ6Vg/Picture030_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="476"></a> </p> <p align="center">Chugging coke before lap 2</p> <p align="left">Now, here comes a very Barkley-ish tale, both sad yet also humorous in a Barkley kind of way. Midway through my pit stop, Alyssa ran up to tell me that Eva was somehow missing her page from book 9. I had seen her take every single page, but somehow one had disappeared. She would not be allowed to continue onto loop 2- I felt terrible for her. However, being the very tough competitor that she was (certainly the toughest of our group of 4, impressively), she decided to backtrack all the way to book 9 in an attempt to find it. Given that we had taken over two hours to traverse that section of course, it was doubtful she would be able to reach book 9 and return to the yellow gate within the 13 hour time limit to start loop 2. Nevertheless, she tried. She successfully navigated back to Indian Knob only to find that her page had indeed been torn out, meaning she had taken it already and subsequently lost it. As a result, she would not even receive credit for finishing one loop. But, that’s not the end of the tale, and here’s where this takes a very Barkley-ish twist. Distraught, Eva accidentally put the book back in a nook on the right side in the Eye of the Needle, rather than the proper left side. A few hours later, race-leader Jared Campbell had broken his compass and was ascending from the prison to Indian Knob in a thick fog at night. He reached the ridge but could not find the cave, so traversed back and forth along the briar-infested ridge for two hours, finally finding the correct spot. However, the book was in the wrong side of the cave from what he expected. Without his compass to show him the proper way, he figured he had somehow gotten his directions switched over the past few hours. Using the book placement as his reference to direct him to what he believed was Zip Line, he instead descended back down Bad Thing all the way to the prison. In the meantime, the Abbs, Travis, and Nick all reached book 9. Unable to see it in the wrong location on account of thick fog, they declared the book lost and continued onwards. While this was happening, Jared reached the prison, realized the error, and climbed back up Bad Thing to book 9 (again), pausing to place it in its proper location. He finished loop 2 hours later, looking somewhat dejected after having spent 7 hours lost. Yes, he was lost on loop 2 for almost the same amount of time as he took to complete the entire loop 1. So, in summary, here’s the tragic chain of events- Eva lost a page, tried to backtrack to find it, and put the book 4 feet away from its proper location, causing the race leader to get lost for hours, which inevitably contributed to him eventually dropping out. When we heard this story, the only proper response was to shake our heads and mutter, “That’s the Barkley.”</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l_DoBqnznjI/UWeN2xKFxZI/AAAAAAAABHw/CY3ITMDd8So/s1600-h/Picture0336.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 033" border="0" alt="Picture 033" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4UHO3VFXwwk/UWeN3hqQGII/AAAAAAAABH4/9ZPvFpRri3U/Picture033_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="434"></a> </p> <p align="center">Starting loop 2 with Tim</p> <p align="left">Anyways, back to my race report. After a very-fast 22 minute stop (thanks again for the help, Julian, Carl, and Alyssa!), Tim and I left the yellow gate to commence loop 2, sad to leave Eva behind. With full stomachs and a long night ahead, we were content to temper the pace. We spoke of many topics over the next several hours- Eva’s lost page, jobs, running, my new kid and Tim’s new wife (also a hardcore ultra runner who has won Badwater), and the Barkley. I truly enjoyed these hours with Tim. He led us directly to book 1, and we found Jaque Mate hill easy to navigate by following the churned leaves from the 45+ runners who had passed this way earlier. Running sporadically, darkness found us traversing the NBT. Just as we reached the coal ponds, 30 minutes before book 2, the nice weather turned sour. A sprinkle soon became a steady rain and we stopped to put on raincoats. However, I immediately ran into a severe problem. Due to a recent bout of pink eye, I had to wear my glasses during the race rather than my contacts. As soon as it started raining, my glasses completely fogged up. Shortly thereafter, a real fog, thick, also moved onto the mountain. I paused to wipe my glasses often, but this provided only a few seconds of improved visibility. Previously, Tim and I had walked stride for stride. Now, I immediately fell behind. I was almost blind due to the two fogs, totally unable to make out even the well defined North Boundary Trail. I navigated only by following the reflectors on the back of Tim’s pack, stumbling over every now-unseen rock and root. In 10 minutes, I went from feeling great to feeling great but being completely blind and feeling deeply worried about my condition. </p> <p align="left">The steep yet short climb to book 2 was the turning point for me. What had been an easy climb 10 hours earlier was now a slick mud fest that I was navigating blind. I kept thinking how difficult it would be to climb Rat Jaw in the mud. What worried me more, though, was the thought of descending these technical mountains near-blind, with a real possibility of going off one of the numerous cliffs dotting the landscape. I was wavering and weighing quitting at this known-point rather than continue into the unknown (or, more accurately, the far-too-well known). </p> <p align="left">Tim and I were surprised to see a headlamp coming at us as we approached Garden Spot and book 2. It was the sacrificial virgin Toshi, who had fallen off the Abbs group. He had been searching for book 2 for 20 minutes. To give you an idea of the thickness of the fog at this point, Tim immediately pointed it out, 15 feet from where Toshi stood. The three of us grabbed our respective pages (I was now page 97). Tim could sense something had changed in me and asked what I was thinking. I told him I was considering quitting. To his credit, he would not give it any heed, telling me to grab my pack and get moving. I did, following Tim and Toshi for several minutes to the water drop. Struggling to see as I descended to the gallon water jugs, and climbing out again, I made up my mind. I quit. No excuses, I just quit. The hardest part was knowing I would be leaving Tim, though at least he had company in Toshi. Tim led me to where a junction where a rarely-used jeep road would supposedly take me further to Quitter’s Road (so named because of the many runners that travel it back to camp after quitting), then pressed forward down the course, telling me he couldn’t pause due to the on-setting hypothermia. Watching Tim and Toshi’s headlamps disappear into the fog was one of the loneliest moments of my life, and I almost chased after them. But they had bravely (foolishly?) continued onwards, and I was left behind.</p> <p align="center"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmZHGYAStkU/UVlPVbG7tMI/AAAAAAAAHWA/0y0t7JPiTtk/s1600/8599_4634768702734_896135189_n.jpg" width="468" height="351"></p> <p align="center">Edward Sandor shows the fog on Rat Jaw during the day. Imagine this thicker and at night during a rainstorm…</p> <p>I spent some time trying to find the jeep road to Quitters Road, but could not see any indications of a path, and I was not willing to venture far from my spot lest I not be able to find my way back. I decided to try backtracking to the NBT, but similarly could not find where I needed to descend to the trail. I was stuck. The thick fog (one racer described literally not being able to see his hand in front of his face, a condition he hadn’t previously believed possible) had me trapped. I mentally prepared to either spend the night at book 2 or wait till another runner came who could help me find the road. Unsurprisingly, a large number of Barkley runners have been in my same predicament and actually spent their first night out alone, waiting to quit. I didn’t know it, but my location at Garden Spot is one of the coldest areas on the course. It was rainy and windy, and I started to get quite chilled. Shivering, I put on every piece of clothing I had and started running back and forth to generate warmth. Sometime after Tim left me (30 minutes? 60 minutes? I couldn’t tell), a headlamp finally appeared. It was Iso, wearing only a thin jacket. He was surprised to see me and listened while I summarized my predicament. He grabbed his page from book 2, then said he was coming with me to quit. We discussed waiting for the runner Iso had seen some distance behind him to see if he wanted to quit, as well (it ended up being Keith Knipling, who did want to quit but similarly couldn’t find Quitters Road, so continued onwards 8 more hours to Rat Jaw), but decided to keep moving. <u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>Iso and I ran to the junction and he ventured into the fog looking for the trail, returning to the sound of my voice each time he couldn’t find it. Amazingly, he located the faint jeep road and we ran for a few minutes before it dead-ended at a gate. Searching again, we finally found the real road after several minutes. We had to run down different sides of the trail, lest we miss a junction on the other side of the road due to fog (yes, only 8 feet away). We got off-track several times, and could only tell the path based on whether or not there was a clearing in the trees indicating the road. I lent Iso a headlamp and several pieces of warm clothing just as we finally reached the obvious Quitter’s Road, an unmistakable gravel road. Ninety minutes to two hours later, we reached the yellow gate, coming from the wrong direction. Approximately 3 hours after quitting, my race was finished, 15 hours and 56 minutes after it started. Officially, I traveled 20 miles (1 loop) plus 8 more more on-course (loop 2 book 2). In other words, my “official” 28 Barkley miles were slower than my most recent 100 mile race! In actuality, I travelled probably 34 to 36 miles on course plus 6 more to quit. Physically, I felt just fine. Strong. Not sore. It was the best I had ever felt after 16 hours of running. I stood at the finish line talking to everyone for a while before finally being tapped out (Laz doesn’t play the best rendition of Taps on his bugle, but it’s heartfelt). He told me his only regret is that I couldn’t stay out there longer to suffer more. My only regret was that I couldn’t wear my contacts. Iso and I were part of a steady stream of quitters over just a few hours, which is pretty common when the weather turns nasty. From what I gathered, most of the quitters didn’t even reach book 2. I took a shower and went to bed at 2 am.<u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>I was awoken at 5 am by taps being played for Toshi and Tim, who quit at Rat Jaw then walked back. I saw Nick start loop 3, five minutes behind Travis. The Abbs came in, then left on loop 3. Keith Knipling and Henry Wakley crawled in a few hours later from Rat Jaw, completely covered in mud. They described trying to climb the muddy Rat Jaw, constantly slipping backwards, using sticks and rocks in their hands to try and gain some traction, then finally just climbing briars. I’ll admit that a part of me wished I had continued on with Tim, but then I would think of my visual impairment and know I had made the correct decision given my situation. I watched Jared Campbell finish loop 2, looking dejected after his 7 hours lost near book 9, but he turned around and head back onto loop 3. He would be the last one to start that loop. 24 hours earlier, 40 runners had started the 2013 Barkley Marathons. Only 23 finished loop 1. Only 5 finished loop 2, and all 5 pressed on to finish loop 3 and the Fun Run.<u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>I hung around the campground for a while, enjoying the atmosphere and camaraderie. I had never told so many people “good job” for quitting a race before, nor seen so many people who had enjoyed a race despite quitting. Each had pushed themselves to rediscover their personal limits, something the Barkley makes very easy to do. For me, I had a blast on this epic race. It was a great experience, and I didn’t want it to end. I wished I was on loop 3 with the others. I had only DNF’ed twice before- once for hypothermia during a blizzard (to my credit, they cancelled the race 20 min after I quit), and the other cause I was just being weak, stopping 75 miles into a 100 mile race with plenty of time to finish. I immediately and forever regretted the second DNF, never the first. Every time I think of the Barkley and wonder if I quit too easily, I just remember the futility of running with no sight, and feel reassured that I made the decision that made the most sense. I’m not saying it was the “right” decision, but I have very little regret. That being said, it puts a lot of fuel in my fire to return next year and finish at least the fun run- I know I can do it. Maybe someday I’ll do the whole thing. I felt my training was sufficient for what I needed, my gear was good (with the loop 1 tweaks I noted), but I definitely need to do some training at FHSP to learn the course before I try again. But, Laz willing, I will be back.<u></u><u></u> <p>I finally, wistfully left the park, arriving home in time for dinner Sunday night. I spent Monday with the family and unpacking. Monday night, almost 60 hours after the race had started, I learned that first Nick and then Travis became the 13th and 14th finishers of the Barkley Marathons. I was ecstatic- it couldn’t happen to two more deserving, nicer, and downright tough guys. Amazing. When everyone else quit, they pressed onwards through rain, fog, mud, fatigue, pain, hallucinations, and gained… well, I’m not sure what they gained. Laz says the only reward for finishing loop 5 is not having to go out on loop 6. They certainly gained some fame, though it’s a small group of people who pay attention to such things as the Barkley. I feel confident in saying that what they actually gained is something only they will know, something deep inside, learning about who they really are and what they are really capable of. Isn’t that something all of us should strive for? <p>In case you didn’t pick up on it, the title of my race report, “Holland, Czech Republic, England, and Bolivia- A lesson in Barkley Geography,” is a tribute to my favorite part of the Barkley, the awesome people I ran with- Nick Hollon (Holland), Eva (Czech), Tim Englund (England), and Iso (Bolivia). Thanks so much for the enjoyable time together, you guys. And congrats again to Nick and Travis for being the toughest guys on the mountain and finishing what you started. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YbGL3Py-JIs/UWeN4DrHhzI/AAAAAAAABIA/MiKY4y6rtGU/s1600-h/Picture%252520034.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 034" border="0" alt="Picture 034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jihtwCk0ZX8/UWeN4ZAdnbI/AAAAAAAABII/W4ri_FeX3_Y/Picture%252520034_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="357"></a> </p> <p align="center">Tim and I post-race</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jPrR_ebmaJc/UWeN4w6i15I/AAAAAAAABIQ/N9oGTmXXf4s/s1600-h/Picture%252520039.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Picture 039" border="0" alt="Picture 039" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S_wPxTWqWNQ/UWeN5eAf5rI/AAAAAAAABIY/YQdLZW0vrkM/Picture%252520039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="356"></a> </p> <p align="center">My precious bibs and pages, 13 in all</p> <p align="left">One more personal item- In the past year or two, I’ve struggled to post on this blog with any regularity. Going from 2 kids to 4 kids has greatly reduced my free time. Effective today, I’m giving myself permission to only blog when I want and to not feel I should write a report for every race. I may never write again. Or I may. Either way, thanks to all of you, my blog readers, for your many kind words over the years and for humoring my overly-long entries. I wrote them not to boast or brag, but to remember, to share, and to grow. I hope my adventures and words have inspired you to push yourself and be true to yourself. You can do more than you think you can.</p> <p align="left">Special thanks to my wife and kids, as always, for putting up with this silly, time-consuming habit of mine. Plus friends and family for their support. And, of course, Pearl Izumi for the awesome support as a member to Team PI- Ultra.</p> <p align="left">I think I’ll let some thoughts by Laz close out this report. This is what he emailed the runners just after he returned home from the 2013 edition of the Barkley Marathons:</p> <p align="center">4 days of wood smoke (and far too many cigarettes)<br>have left my throat feeling like it was worked over with a belt sander.<br>i am sore in a dozen unexplained places,<br>have numerous nicks and cuts,<br>of indeterminate origin,<br>and a splinter deep under my right forefinger-nail,<br>that makes typing this difficult.<br>(i wonder how long i had that)</p> <p align="center">the barkley is a race where the crews come out looking like they ran an ultra.<br>and the runners....</p> <p align="center">i saw a field of 40,<br>all veteran ultrarunners with finishes of 100 miles... or more<br>reduced to 21 after 20 miles,<br>to 5 after 40 miles,<br>and only 2 after 60.<br>i saw 15 hour hundred milers surrender without a whimper after 30 miles, <em>[Jon’s note- I think that refers to me]<br></em>and vol-state finishers beaten down after 8.</p> <p align="center">i saw bev and alan abbs timed out at 60</p> <p align="center">looking happy about it,<br>and jared campbell quietly watch his time limit expire.</p> <p align="center">i listened to talk of the soul-sucking checkmate hill...<br>the fastest ascent taking 30 minutes, others up to an hour or more...</p> <p align="center">it is a half mile.</p> <p align="center">and it is only one among many hills<br>that sear themselves into the memory of those who come to play.</p> <p align="center">there was rain.<br>never a heavy rain, but persistent,<br>that turned the hills into slicker slides;<br>runners using rocks and sticks to dig into the hillsides and pull themselves up,<br>or deliberately running in briers,<br>just for the handholds.</p> <p align="center">and the famous, fearful barkley fog.<br>which reduced the visual range until it did not include the runners' own feet.<br>fegys referred to it as "running by braille"<br>as runners could only stay on a road by shuffling their feet<br>to see if they were in leaves or not.</p> <p align="center">the conditions were impossible,<br>yet there were finishers.<br>nick hollon, and travis wildeboer,<br>each making their third attempt,<br>made a lie of human limitation...</p> <p align="center">at a price.</p> <p align="center">to be at the yellow gate after a barkley finish<br>must be experienced to be understood.<br>i felt like a child at the grownups table...<br>listening in...<br>13 and 14, collapsed in their chairs, bundled in blankets,<br>talking with the others who had been where they had been;<br>in the rarified air of loops 4 and 5.<br>talking of experiences i can only imagine<br>(with a combination of awe and shuddering fear)</p> <p align="center">their tales are harrowing ones.<br>of numbing fatigue, desperate climbs and heartstopping descents,<br>of constant fear and uncertainty<br>of a time limit that is always just behind them,<br>when a single error could bring down everything they had worked for.</p> <p align="center">i felt, at once,<br>both humbled...</p> <p align="center">and elevated...</p> <p align="center">at this glimpse into the thoughts of those<br>who have been where no man can go<br>and done what no man can do.<br>it is hard to explain,<br>but seeing the barkley done makes it seem more impossible.<br>not less.</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-21157590829490036932013-04-01T20:35:00.001-07:002013-04-01T20:35:09.150-07:00Life is too busy- a slew of race reports<p>Somewhere in the past two years, going from two kids to four, things have changed for me. I have much less free time to spend on running-related but not running activities (blogging, reading blogs, reading iRF, etc). Much like I did in November, I want to pound out a quick rehash of my recent races, then I’ll do a post dedicated to the Barkley. After that, this blog may go somewhat dormant as I’m giving myself permission to stop blogging and writing reports unless I really want to. Life is too busy otherwise.</p> <p align="center">TNF San Francisco 50 miler</p> <p>Ok- December, I ran The North Face San Fran Championship 50 mile. Justin came with me as his first 50, and we had a blast touring SF for 3 days. The weather was terrible, as a huge storm system had dumped up to 8 inches of rain the past few days and 2-3 inches mid-race. The day before the race, Justin and I heard it was cancelled, so were actually excited when we later learned it was just a re-route. The race was a bit of a letdown for me- though I felt trained and prepared, and felt find during the race, I just couldn’t go fast. Uphills were particularly slow, flats were flat, but downhills were still a blast. I’m a mudder, so love flying down slippy, sloppy trails. Some of TNF ones were nutso muddy, like both trips to Muir beach and the final descent into Tennessee Valley. I loved it, absolutely loved it- rain, mud, wind. Plus, I also found myself in the midst of the woman’s race and enjoyed watching that develop, running with Maude for a while, then a long time with Emilie, then being passed by Steph and finally Caitlin before holding off the 5th place woman. I kept hoping I would photobomb iRF twitter pictures of the lead women, but it never happened. And I’ll admit I actually spent an hour mid-race trying to figure out what the word was for getting 5-chicked (Quin-chicked?). The good news about ultras is that you have many hours mid-race to come to terms with bad races, and I quickly found my peace and just enjoyed the day as it came to me. Goods- had a fun time running in the muddiest race of my life (had a few fall and slides!), loved touring SF, met some neat people, ate tons of amazing food, and enjoyed watching Justin finish his first 50 mile ultra. Bads- ran terrible (probably my worst not-sick, not-injured race performance wise ever), only had a few scenic vistas during the race on account of fog/rain, didn’t like the reroute with multiple races (crowding on trail), wished the race was more singletrack and less dirt road.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OJXJfvvE6yA/UVpR0J6SENI/AAAAAAAABA8/xA_aYiBkrUw/s1600-h/Picture%252520018%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Picture 018" border="0" alt="Picture 018" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8MWF5t1NpL4/UVpR0dP8NGI/AAAAAAAABBA/psOV4fH2kQ0/Picture%252520018_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="392"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zhyjtxUCwiI/UVpR0rSSrhI/AAAAAAAABBM/1kAkHaVOgyc/s1600-h/San%252520Fran%252520running%252520company%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="San Fran running company" border="0" alt="San Fran running company" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l3aYZ-Nqn_U/UVpR1Nb2MlI/AAAAAAAABBU/FuiXGyMdodA/San%252520Fran%252520running%252520company_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="512"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i7sie3EstZA/UVpR1r9nAxI/AAAAAAAABBc/VC5cjRYk2k8/s1600-h/Picture%252520033%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Picture 033" border="0" alt="Picture 033" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v4UhkxYCPNI/UVpR2C0CZvI/AAAAAAAABBk/kIUc9BWgrxU/Picture%252520033_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="377"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PWd2Rcq5fXY/UVpR2kPnMkI/AAAAAAAABBs/kgqnVRXLPMg/s1600-h/Picture%252520039%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Picture 039" border="0" alt="Picture 039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YGabU8QFHv4/UVpR3B-PJQI/AAAAAAAABB0/U3WIn2pJlkw/Picture%252520039_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="405"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wza--wCtnqA/UVpR3l4DceI/AAAAAAAABB8/5BLZODvQBRg/s1600-h/Picture%252520044%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Picture 044" border="0" alt="Picture 044" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y68t5WEUnNI/UVpR4E66CSI/AAAAAAAABCE/XTaiai9CG00/Picture%252520044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="398"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center">(b&w photo courtesy of San Fran Running Company)</p> <p></p> <p align="center">Harbison 50k</p> <p align="left">Missed Dan Hartley’s great race last year due to a nasty flu, so I wanted to make it this year. It was not a focus race by any means, but I still had lofty goals of a win and sub-4 (CR was 4:10). Drove down to Columbia and it was COLD- 25 deg. I survived 8 years in Utah with no insulated underwear, but a South Carolina race almost killed me and my thin green shorts. Anyhoo, we started pretty fast, with Bryce, a law student in New England, leading the pack. I passed him around mile 3 as I wanted to up the pace and break up the lead pack. The terrain of the 2-loop course reminded me of a mix of Croft State Park and Issaqueenah forest- almost all singletrack, lots of tight turns, numerous small ups and downs, and miles of trails packed into a small area. I loved it- such a fabulous course, well marked, and good aid stations every 30-45 min. Runner extraordinaire Shaun Pope flew by at the first aid station and very slowly pulled away. I last saw him during the infamous Spiderwoman section of the course with a 90 second lead. I had taken a long rest after San Fran but was generally happy with how my legs felt, not straining to run sub-7 miles. I went through loop 1 just under 2 hrs, right on schedule, with everyone telling me Shaun was always “2 minutes ahead.” I never saw him, though I did start seeing someone behind me on some of the twisty portions. I continued pushing hard, hoping to catch Shaun but also striving for the sub-4 hr. I started to get worried the end would never come, but it finally appeared in 3:58:02, a new 50k PR (25 min faster than old race PR, and 8 min faster than my 50k split at Umstead 100 last year). Shaun won it in 3:47, so I wasn’t close to him, though 2 other guys finished right behind me. 4 guys well under CR- not too shabby. Overall a great race, dead on 31 miles, with 3100 ft climb. I was satisfied and had a fun time, including at the post-race BBQ.</p> <p align="center">Run Downtown 5k</p> <p align="left">I did a <a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-run-downtown-5k-race-report.html">separate post</a> on this one. Took a big chunk off my 5k PR with only ultrarunning training (no speedwork). Pretty happy here to set a 16:01 PR and beat most the high school kids. </p> <p align="center">Expedition Paris Mtn trail race</p> <p align="left">Very nice 10-mile trail race on my familiar stomping ground of Paris Mtn, though this one was unique by being the only race to go over Hiker-only Brissy Ridge. Had a very fun day running with my friends and ended up with the win. </p> <p align="center">Black Mountain Marathon</p> <p align="left">I wasn’t selected in the Mt Mitchell Challenge, so entered the Black Mountain marathon instead. It probably worked out better for my race schedule, anyways. This is a great race- you run a few miles on road out of Black Mountain, then run miles of singletrack and jeep road to the turnaround at the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mt Mitchell, before descending on mainly the same route. The weather was great Barkley training- 37 deg and very rainy at the start. I purposefully overdressed in my Smartwool gear to see if it would keep me warm, and it more than did its job. Right from the start, Ben Hall (young buck who coaches college track), David Workman (against whom I’ve had a number of enjoyable, close races), and I pulled away. The road miles went quickly, then we hit the lovely singletrack. Dave Mackey (running the Challenge, not the marathon) flew by us at mile 4, pulling Ben with him. Dave said his stomach was hurting and fell back. I kept Dave and Ben in sight for a few miles, but then was alone except at the occasional aid station. The rain somewhat stopped and I was treated to several beautiful vistas of the mountains. What a pretty area. My legs were a bit sluggish, and I found the course very muddy. It wasn’t a slippery mud, but rather a wet sponge, “sink in and lose all momentum” mud. Combine that with a bit of a low patch plus discovering that the 15 miles of the Toll Road were sometimes much, much more technical than I expected, and I felt I was crawling. The last mile to the turnaround was very snowy and icy, and I finally saw Ben coming back with about a 5 minute lead. </p> <p align="left">After my quick aid station refill, I found a very steady stream of runners almost right behind me. I would have my work cut out for me just to hold onto second place. Energized, I flew down Toll Road kamikaze-style. Hundreds of runners were coming up the trail on the right side (my left side), restricting me from choosing the best route down. Instead, I just stuck to my right side, no matter how rocky, muddy, off-camber, or icy it was. I hardly had time to blink for fear of pulling a superman. It absolutely amazes me that the human mind and body are so capable of running so fast down a technical trail without falling every minute. Yet I never once fell. I will admit that it was perhaps my most focused, one-with-the-trail, kamikaze run ever down technical terrain. After a few miles, the rocks gave way to smoother dirt and I strided out, hoping to see Ben. I received dozens of reports that he was anywhere from 200 yards to 4 minutes ahead, with no consistency. Mile 22 is a screamer of a downhill, half on dirt road, then half on painful paved road, dropping almost 900 ft. The terrain then flattened out a bit and offered long sightlines as we ran some neighborhood roads. No one ahead of me, no one behind. Bummer. Finally reached the finishing area and could see Ben 90 seconds ahead as he looped the lake. I finished in second place in 3:18, 5 minutes up on third place. I guess that means I had the fastest descent, but it wasn’t enough to make up for my poor climb. I still had a very fun time and want to do the full Challenge soon. This was another fantastic race, with about 3000 ft climbing. I enjoyed the post-race food with Ben, Dave, and others, then Dave drove me back to my car.</p> <p align="left">One note- I have to thank the people of Black Mountain, NC. When I returned to my car, which was parallel parked on the side of a busy road, I found I had left the trunk wide open before the race. All my gear, wallet, and even car keys were in plain sight in the trunk, but nothing had been touched. Thanks for not stealing my car or money- good people in that town.</p> <p align="center">Chuckanut 50k</p> <p align="left">I ran Chuckanut because I needed to use some Southwest Airlines miles and I wanted a well-known, well-respected race. Although it was only 2 weeks before Barkley, I figured a fast 50k wouldn’t hurt me much. Unfortunately, I became quite sick 2 weeks before the race, with both my training and health suffering quite dramatically. I accordingly tempered my expectations and decided to run a bit more conservatively and just have fun. Utah buddy David Nelson lives near Seattle and was running the race, so generously hosted me for the weekend, with us staying at his very friendly Aunt and Uncle’s house in Seattle and driving up Sat morning. The race was again wet (a common theme this year for me), with rain before hand but only a little during the race. I was proud to sport my new Team Pearl Izumi gear at the starting line (did I mention I’m on Team PI now? I own tons of their gear and shoes and love all of it) The first 10k is on gravel bike trail and I closely monitored my watch to not start out too fast (goal was no faster than 6:30 pace, with my actual flat pace being about 6:25- close enough. I enjoyed conversing a bit with Tyler on this stretch, learning he was running his first ultra. I think I was 17th or so place when we finally got off the boring gravel and onto the lush, muddy singletrack. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k9b5Sq_eJEs/UVpR4fkzJvI/AAAAAAAABCM/FvS_GBf527o/s1600-h/IMG_0150-X3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0150-X3" border="0" alt="IMG_0150-X3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t1fN8CH4myo/UVpR4zsmzII/AAAAAAAABCU/mmWLR3A6030/IMG_0150-X3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="415"></a> </p> <p align="center">(all Chuckanut photos courtesy of Glenn Tachiyama)</p> <p align="left">The singletrack climb and descent were enjoyable, though we soon ended up on a yet another dirt road with a long climb. It was a bit of a grinder but just gradual enough that you had to run it. At last we reached the famed technical singletrack of the Chuckanut Ridge… and my glasses promptly and completely fogged up. I’ve been wearing my glasses almost exclusively since my eye infection last year, and a case of pink-eye two days before the race ensured I would be in glasses yet again. Traversing the wet rocks and roots of the ridge were rather difficult with the impaired vision, though I did pause to wipe them several times, earning only momentary reprive from the handicap. Just as the ridge ended, they de-fogged. Figures. But mother nature was also picky with her gifts of sight, as all the famous lookout viewpoints showed only white fog on this day.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-czt63aDIytc/UVpR5R8bzeI/AAAAAAAABCc/2Yo3USsdrC8/s1600-h/IMG_0435-X3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0435-X3" border="0" alt="IMG_0435-X3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m1X_Vmv644Y/UVpR50_GbCI/AAAAAAAABCk/sNtdBNJBV2w/IMG_0435-X3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="412"></a> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NfHFgCk4r7o/UVpR6HqpBDI/AAAAAAAABCs/5sxK-juF_uE/s1600-h/IMG_1348-X3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1348-X3" border="0" alt="IMG_1348-X3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AwK2Q0PIBL0/UVpR6swJsqI/AAAAAAAABCw/nydmKqRtlIo/IMG_1348-X3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="399"></a> </p> <p align="center">One of the many motivational signs along the well-marked course</p> <p align="left">The middle miles passed quickly if fairly uneventfully, and I was looking forward to the famed climb of Chinscraper. It was a nice little jaunt up, with a few “climbing on all fours” sections that were, again, good Barkley training. But it ended quickly and we started down the trails and roads back to the bike path.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 400px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:280e9914-3321-496e-896c-7659de11087a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=8e8d6de8df8169a3&page=browse&resid=8E8D6DE8DF8169A3!110&type=5"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Chinscraper" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5TZiFvZkoAk/UVpR68FG2oI/AAAAAAAABC8/OJ0XvotHugY/InlineRepresentationcfb45905-6ca0-4d35-aaf6-d5a238e8a3d5.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=8e8d6de8df8169a3&page=browse&resid=8E8D6DE8DF8169A3!110&type=5">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p align="center">The climb up Chinscraper</p> <p>I figured my conservative pace and remaining leg speed might yield a few roadk ill on the bike path, and I was not disappointed. 4 miles in 27 minutes resulted in 2 victims, then one more who was walking just a mile before the finish. I didn’t have any real goals on account of being sick, but figured I would finish 4:15-4:30, and indeed crossed the line in 4:20:34 and 20th spot. It wasn’t the race I had planned on when I signed up, but I took what my body gave me and was satisfied. The winning times were impressive for both men and women, with CR falling all around (Jodee Adams-Moore was especially impressive, torching Ellie Greenwoods CR by oer 8 min). I was pretty cold afterwards, especially as the rain started really coming down, so I quickly dressed and huddled under a tent eating food until David finished with a smile on his face. We spent a while socializing, then headed back to Seattle. </p> <p>This is another well-run race, with great organization, a beautiful location, and lots of markings and cute motivational signs. I know the long-timers like the course, but I would modify it to cut out all the gravel road given my druthers. But, it’s historic and the bike path adds an interesting twist and mental challenge that I enjoyed. A great weekend at a fun race with a good host (thanks again, David).</p> <p>I’ll end this long diatribe with one final note. On my third and final plane flight home last Sunday night, I received a text message from none other than Lazarus Lake himself, RD of the Barkley Marathons. Apparently someone else had dropped out of the Barkley and I was top of the wait list, so he inquired if I still wanted to run. I replied in the affirmative and thought it a great way to end the trip. Rather than Barkley fear, though, I felt only excitement. But I’ll have to save that tale for my next blog post, the Barkley race report.</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-61830299833229419772013-01-26T20:29:00.001-08:002013-01-26T20:42:46.763-08:00Trail Running in Upstate South Carolina<p>Have you recently moved to Greenville? Visiting Spartanburg on business? Staying at Anderson while visiting family? If so, and you want to know about trail running in Upstate, South Carolina, then this post is for you. I hope it provides some useful information to visitors and residents alike. I’ll first address where the trails are, then races, then some miscellaneous stuff.</p> <p align="center">Where to Run- In Town</p> <p>In Greenville, the premier trail running location is <a href="http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/parismountain/introduction.aspx">Paris Mountain State Park</a>. With about 20 miles of trails ranging from easy to very technical winding about the mountain, it is only a few miles from downtown. It’s a splendid gem that is a joy to visit and quickly causes you to forget you're still in-town. Mountain bikes aren’t allowed on Saturdays, and the park is open until 9 pm on Tuesdays in the winter, so those are the days I use it the most- you’ll usually find me there on Tuesdays starting about 5:30, if you want to join us. Greenville Track Club also has an informal group that meets there for a run every Saturday morning at 8:30 am. There are a few other miles of trails at <a href="http://conesteepark.com/">Conestee Park</a> and at Cleveland Park, but Paris Mountain is the definite crown jewel.</p> <p>In the Anderson/Clemson area, the best trail running I’ve found is the Issaqueenah Trail system. There are miles and miles of trails packed into a relatively small area, primarily sweet singletrack. You can find maps online- one is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brado1/2435970785/sizes/l/in/photostream/">here</a>, though even this is still missing some trails. Whether running along Keowee River, ducking holly branches, or going up and down the endless hills, there is plenty here to keep you busy for years.</p> <p>Spartanburg’s best trails can be found at <a href="http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/croft/introduction.aspx">Croft State Park</a>. There’s many miles of official and unofficial trails circling the lake, though my favorite area is the no-horses-allowed Southside Mountain Bike park just across the bridge. It’s less hilly than Paris Mountain and Issaqueenah and has some real cruiser trails.</p> <p align="center">Where to Run- Outside Town</p> <p>As good as the aformentioned parks are, an hour or so of driving opens up a whole new world of truly <a href="http://www.sctrails.net/Trails/MAPS/SCmap.html">outstanding running trails</a>. </p> <p>The Palmetto trail winds off-and-on through the Foothills and Blue Ridge Escarpment- I enjoy running west from Landrum towards Hogback Mtn, though only in winter as this gets overgrown in summer. A nice mix of steep climbs and runnable trails.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AB9P39d8umA/UQSwKu7nJKI/AAAAAAAAA-k/69chJBj0jJ8/s1600-h/Picture%252520002%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Picture 002" border="0" alt="Picture 002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tf48_oXazSI/UQSwLCmM5ZI/AAAAAAAAA-s/w_5tIUPTcrQ/Picture%252520002_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="347"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.sctrails.net/Trails/MAPS/MountainBridge%20map.html">Mountain Bridge Natural area</a> contains Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks with dozens of miles of trails, generally moderate (Jones Gap trail) to very difficult (Hospital Rock, Pinnacle Pass, Naturaland). There are some very picturesque waterfalls, so bring your camera. Be aware parking can fill quickly at both these parks.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wfXgmYmU3P0/UQSwLQJS3dI/AAAAAAAAA-w/FcqqfDyuWSg/s1600-h/2011-08-12_19-19-07_949%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2011-08-12_19-19-07_949" border="0" alt="2011-08-12_19-19-07_949" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OhFQ68wMj9M/UQSwLzreqsI/AAAAAAAAA-4/GxEuPlcJk5s/2011-08-12_19-19-07_949_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="195"></a> </p> <p>Continuing west, <a href="http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/tablerock/introduction.aspx">Table Rock State Park</a> contains some of the best views in the state from both Table Rock and Bald Knob overlooks. On clear days, these provide unobstructed views looking towards Greenville. It also has some of the biggest climbs in the state. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R1zmCvmtCas/UQSwMFHJgnI/AAAAAAAAA_A/3SgAzg04h0Y/s1600-h/100_1185%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_1185" border="0" alt="100_1185" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HYOnXkBN0I4/UQSwMVlTGaI/AAAAAAAAA_I/SimY_aTy_Rk/100_1185_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="248"></a> </p> <p>I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Table Rock is the start of perhaps the finest trail in the state, the 77 mile <a href="http://www.sctrails.net/Trails/alltrails/nrt/Foothills.html">Foothills Trail</a>. Popular for week-long <a href="http://www.foothillstrail.org/">backpacking trips</a>, there is also a good <a href="http://foothillstrailultras.com/">trail running group</a> and listserv based on this trail. Climbing from Table Rock over Pinnacle Mountain and Sassafras Mountain (the highest point in SC), the well-marked FHT passes numerous waterfalls, including Whitewater Falls, the one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, and has some impressive suspension bridges and thousands of wooden steps. The 35 mile Laurel Valley section from Rocky Bottom to Whitewater Falls has no road crossings and is some of the most remote trail in the South East. It winds north of Lake Jocassee, then follows the Chattooga River (where Deliverance was filmed) before finishing in Oconee State Park. The trail is difficult, with most runners taking more time than on a 100 mile race. My favorite section is to park at Rocky Bottom trailhead and then run either towards Laurel Valley to the Heartbreak Bench (24 miles and 5200 ft climbing round trip) or run east up Sassafras, sometimes all the way to Table Rock and back (28 miles, 7600 ft climbing). Just watch out for industrial-strength spider webs in the summer and carry plenty of water.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3fjejzgP6ug/UQSwMxgax_I/AAAAAAAAA_U/dKyMKPfX1oU/s1600-h/IMG_3592%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3592" border="0" alt="IMG_3592" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A5S81YCyNq0/UQSwNax8bBI/AAAAAAAAA_c/WfiBD3Ycy40/IMG_3592_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="268"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wOrT-mJgvV8/UQSwOM9oGOI/AAAAAAAAA_k/E4L9E9-81CM/s1600-h/IMG_3599%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3599" border="0" alt="IMG_3599" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--UeJ7hIPV5k/UQSwOmE-RVI/AAAAAAAAA_s/-hA-yKIyEFM/IMG_3599_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="356"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tCL9i2dz2pA/UQSwPEgnFMI/AAAAAAAAA_0/DfGU4dSZ44Q/s1600-h/Toxaway%252520River%252520sign%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Toxaway River sign" border="0" alt="Toxaway River sign" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PcGBandUebI/UQSwPZlYoUI/AAAAAAAAA_8/Q_OE6oGTMQM/Toxaway%252520River%252520sign_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="228"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aZy0OkBF3hg/UQSwQ48dIPI/AAAAAAAABAE/XRuEVzl1hUw/s1600-h/FHT%252520track%25255B1%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="FHT track" border="0" alt="FHT track" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wISjH9tuZ2s/UQSwRXUP0fI/AAAAAAAABAM/UfXrjLO1kqE/FHT%252520track_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="345" height="223"></a> </p> <p>Venturing across the border into North Carolina, Dupont State Forest is my single favorite trail running location near Greenville. It has over 100 miles of trail and has some of the best known waterfalls in the South. Don’t skip Dupont. Asheville and Pisgah also have innumerable miles of trails, though plenty has been written on those elsewhere.</p> <p align="center">Races</p> <p align="left">I’ve noticed that the races in Upstate SC seem to change frequently. One year, there are Xterra races in Paris Mountain or Table Rock, or Go Run Trails race at Jones Gap, the next year they are gone. A little internet searching will reveal what races are on queue for this year. I’ll still highlight a few, though.</p> <p align="left">Croft State Park hosts a <a href="http://campcroftchallenge.com/">trail marathon</a> in July, a <a href="http://campcrofthalfmarathon.wordpress.com/">half marathon</a> in November, and a <a href="http://www.active.com/running/spartanburg-sc/camp-croft-24hr-one-epic-run-2011">24 hr</a> run in December.</p> <p align="left">In Greenville, <a href="http://www.greenvilletrackclub.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=515359&module_id=3374">Greenville Track Club</a> hosts a number of fun races at Paris Mountain, right now a 12k, 8k, and 16k spread throughout the year. Half Moon Outfitters also hosts a race at Conestee and a night race at Paris Mountain that are known for lots of swag for entrants and winners.</p> <p align="left">For ultramarathoners, South Carolina seems to have a much smaller selection than nearby North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, or Virginia. But, there are still some high-quality races. <a href="http://www.ultrasontrails.com/">Terri Hayes</a> hosts several ultras that have great reputations and challenging terrain. She doesn’t even have set entry fees, just asking for voluntary donations to offset her expenses. Clyde Sinclair also hosts <a href="http://claudesinclair.com/">Laurel Valley 35 mile</a> (or 31 or 40 miles, depending who you ask), a no-nonsense race run in the middle of August that provides no aid stations but still fills up every year (17 and counting). There are countless stories/fables about this well-beloved race, and a few of them might even be true. Dan Hartley also puts on <a href="http://www.harbison50k.com/">Harbison 50k</a> in Columbia on some nice, fairly flat singletrack. But, like I said earlier, most of the ultrarunners venture out of state for most of their races.</p> <p align="center">Other Info</p> <p align="left">Greenville seems to have more running stores per capita than anyplace I’ve ever seen, though always changing. Right now, there is Fleet Feet, The Run In, Greenville Running Company, On On Tri, plus stores like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Half Moon Outfitters, and many others. In other words, if you need shoes or gu, you’re in luck.</p> <p align="left">The Greenville Track Club is a fine organization that hosts many races and has weekly training groups. And, if for some reason, you want to run someplace other than trails, try out the Swamp Rabbit trail in Greenville.</p> <p align="left">I hope this post provides some useful information to Upstate SC residents and visitors alike. If you see any errors, have additions, or just want to ask a question, please leave a comment. Otherwise, enjoy the trails.</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-25386548723263295722013-01-19T10:38:00.001-08:002013-01-19T18:28:52.575-08:002013 Run Downtown 5k race report<p>I still need to do several ultra race reports, but ran a 5k today that I wanted to record. The RDT is a great competitive race in Greenville, one of the more competitive of the year. It’s well organized and a nice loop course, with 200 ft of climbing. Winning time is usually around mid-14’s, and there are often 20 guys under 17 min. It’s also the only race I’ve done every year since I moved to Greenville SC, so is a good benchmark. I’ve never done 5k speedwork or tapered for it (I ran 18 miles yesterday), but I still try to be competitive.</p> <p>In 2011, RDT was my first 5k race in years and I was happy with my 16:58, 15th place finish. Last year I improved to 16:34 and 14th place, setting my road race PR. I reviewed my splits from last year (5:21, 5:20, 5:52 for 1.1) and knew I could beat them today, though not for any training-related reasons. In fact, my PR from last year was coming off a 395 mile December and no hard races, while this year I only ran 211 miles in December and killed myself in a 50k two weeks ago. My right knee is still balky from that ultramarathon, and my left knee is bruised and extremely painful from a hard tumble I took yesterday on the trails (seriously, it was so stiff and painful that I couldn’t walk down stairs last night). Plus I’m fighting a cold and haven’t been sleeping much. Nevertheless, I’ve truly felt I’ve always underperformed in 5k’s due to not pushing hard enough and have really learned that race performances can depend on guts/stupidity/toughness/tenacity more than training. I decided to basically go all-out like this was a 1 mile race, then depend on my endurance to carry me. After all, no amount of pain in a 5k can match the hours of pain in ultras.</p> <p>Despite 3.5 inches of rain in the past week, the weather dawned clear and dry. Temps at the start were a cool 32 deg with a tiny breeze. I warmed up with Byron Backer, then stripped down to just my singlet, green shorts, and stretchy gloves and was appropriately cold for a short race. Greeting a few of my GE teammates, we lined up and started right on time. </p> <p>Per my plan, I started very hard and was in 4th place after 100 yards. 2 runners really took off the front followed by a big group. I had settled into 11th at the half mile mark and felt good, if breathing hard. We crested a hill at about .8 miles and all of a sudden my legs warmed up and my lungs relaxed- it was go time. Looking around, I was confident that I was the only ultrarunner in the group and the only old guy, so wanted to see how many young bucks I could catch. I passed most of the group, reaching the 1 mile mark in 7th place at 5:12. Sweet. Mile 2 is net downhill and allowed me to stretch my legs, which my bruised knee did not particularly enjoy. At all. I reached the mile marker on the shoulder of 6th place with a 5:10 split (I think that is my 2 mile PR, or at least post-collegiate PR). We passed a couple guys on the long climb as injured GE teammate Jim cheered. I reached the top in 5th place. My legs were absolutely maxed out and my vision was blurry while my lungs screamed. Ahh, the aliveness of racing. Someone passed me, and I let him pull me along to pass a slowing runner. My brain faintly saw the clock counting closer to 16:00 despite my best efforts to stop time. I crossed the finish line in 5th place at the 16:01 mark. I was very happy to see GE teammates Phil, Dan, and Barry run great races, as well as many others. It was a fun, fast day. <a href="http://go-greenevents.com/resultsdetail/id/923">Final results here</a>.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-70UILa7yhiE/UPtWYJmpwsI/AAAAAAAAA-E/OpHjxT-EO_E/s1600-h/RDT%2525205k.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="RDT 5k" border="0" alt="RDT 5k" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5x0EqUyftH0/UPtWYtwZ5II/AAAAAAAAA-M/9l3ftARXkrA/RDT%2525205k_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="137" height="244"></a> </p> <p align="center">Approaching the finish (photo from Greenville News)</p> <p>Today was a 20 second PR and I am very pleased with the result. I certainly would have liked to break 16 min, but it wasn’t to be. Heck, I was amazed at my time given my lack of mileage, injuries, no speedwork, and ongoing recovery. I really feel I ran my best today and finally have a 5k time I am satisfied with. Maybe I’ll have to write a 5k break-up letter and stop running them like I did with the <a href="http://jon.fastrunningblog.com/blog-09-19-2009.html">marathon</a>. Per runworks.com calculator, my time would be 15:44 on a flat track- wow. </p> <p>5k’s are definitely a young guy race- the average age of the top 10 finishers was 24 years old, and I was the oldest in that group. In fact, I was 11 years older than any of the other top 5. Similar to last year, this just reinforces that a strong mileage base and stubbornness can make up for youth and speed. I’ve been feeling a bit down with my training the past few months, but I’d say I’m in ok shape. Anyways, now we’re waiting for child number 4 to join our family this week, and then it’s onwards with the rest of 2013. It will be a great year.</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-86431121536433905212013-01-01T20:49:00.001-08:002013-01-01T20:54:18.084-08:006 months of running, plus looking forward to 2013<p>I doubt I have any blog readers left, as I’ve basically written once in the past 6 months. Not that a lot hasn’t happened. I’ve just had other priorities and haven’t been able to make the time to write. But, I wanted to put a few pictures, a few memories, and a bit looking forward to 2013. So this might be a bit long, primarily heavy in pictures. It includes Hardrock pacing and race reports for Iron Mountain 50, StumpJump 50k, and Shut In Ridge Run, amongst other things.</p> <p>Last I wrote, I had run Logan Peak in June. I spent the next few weeks with family, including a great week in Utah where I wore out the trails and twice summited Mt. Timpanogos. </p> <p align="center"><strong>Hardrock 100 pacing</strong></p> <p>At the end of my Rocky Mountain vacation, I headed to Hardrock 100 to pace Tim Adams, a Brit who I had never met before. Cody and Joe came, too. I had never been to Hardrock before but it is truly a special race and I loved the atmosphere. And the San Juan's are beautiful, impressive mountains, especially when you know you will be running in them. I paced Tim, who did an excellent write up in a UK ultra magazine you can find <a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/71938192/Ultra%20Tales%20Issue%2003.pdf">here</a>. My thoughts on Hardrock, in no particular order:</p> <p>The San Juan's are stunning. I paced 27 miles from Grouse Gulch to Maggie’s Gulch in 12 hours. We summited Handies Peak just as the sun rose to amazing vistas. Tim is hardcore- he struggled with huge blisters the whole time but never talked of quitting. Sherman aid station is the best I have ever seen- I ate bacon, two types of cobbler, breakfast burrito, pie, popsicles, all attended by eager volunteers. Someone even decked the forest service bathroom with a fancy display, doilies, flowers, scented candles, and nice TP. The stretch from Sherman to Pole Creek seemed far too long and took forever. Didn’t really enjoy that part. I never had any problems with course markings. Tim jumped in a mud pit and pulled out a fawn that was stuck, a once in a lifetime encounter. I want to see Virginius, Oscar’s, Grant Swamp pass and the rest of the race. I will race this some point, but will wait till I live back in the Rockies. Spending a weekend at Hardrock with Cody and Joe is something I will never forget.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ghP2iqeNRrw/UOO8GnepMaI/AAAAAAAAA9U/P0xYykz15qw/s1600-h/IMG_3698%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3698" border="0" alt="IMG_3698" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bBI81Pdk8xE/UOO8He19TwI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/hmqCFXO1PuU/IMG_3698_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="405"></a> </p> <p align="center">Tim on top of Handies</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oIN6xx_A33I/UOO8H_yHQQI/AAAAAAAAA9c/0lfEi_XF13I/s1600-h/IMG_3717%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3717" border="0" alt="IMG_3717" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bw71N8T1xDE/UOO8Ibga2sI/AAAAAAAAA9g/KBqZIf8I6po/IMG_3717_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="391"></a> </p> <p align="center">Looking back at Handies</p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t7Ixoed6vf0/UOO8JKF185I/AAAAAAAAA9k/ONBLFL0WERI/s1600-h/IMG_3724%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3724" border="0" alt="IMG_3724" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZtIhC6OS36Q/UOO8J9jr1BI/AAAAAAAAA9o/l0RFwdCbL5w/IMG_3724_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="387"></a> </p> <p align="center">Climbing out of Sherman, one of my favorite sections</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--yEPqkSrn1U/UOO8KU9txDI/AAAAAAAAA9s/K7otrsWQRyE/s1600-h/IMG_3726%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3726" border="0" alt="IMG_3726" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2yDTCJW4ch8/UOO8K7rJFqI/AAAAAAAAA9w/XlngUbTuUfU/IMG_3726_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="405"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t_KPvKrVMTw/UOO8LkY25JI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/ZYZG8fHop2M/s1600-h/IMG_3730%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3730" border="0" alt="IMG_3730" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VcWXC2WunqQ/UOO8MCF4lkI/AAAAAAAAA5g/3Sdmsg_ybzI/IMG_3730_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="450"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MBFqCrwrXHg/UOO8MiiMsLI/AAAAAAAAA5o/h62hkD4HQhY/s1600-h/IMG_3732%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3732" border="0" alt="IMG_3732" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gwErjl7UTXY/UOO8NfVfYiI/AAAAAAAAA5w/LxwKp9Myd8o/IMG_3732_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="374"></a></p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DpwCxpf2_U8/UOO8N1bnGFI/AAAAAAAAA54/Vchb__a4qVI/s1600-h/IMG_3740%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3740" border="0" alt="IMG_3740" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cwqBOSgdNs0/UOO8Od18xcI/AAAAAAAAA6A/EGh-byynoMQ/IMG_3740_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="363"></a></p> <p align="center">The never ending path to Pole Creek</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-43mIoaLCdkI/UOO8OxZHurI/AAAAAAAAA6I/OBUbKAFeXBE/s1600-h/IMG_3743%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3743" border="0" alt="IMG_3743" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S_rImTVqgK0/UOO8PRCx0CI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/ZWzL3WV8PlY/IMG_3743_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="375"></a></p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RrwBtgEF-VI/UOO8QGXtyHI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/bPWKjZKMYNE/s1600-h/IMG_3742%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3742" border="0" alt="IMG_3742" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-glya8C5tRHg/UOO8Qr2CTXI/AAAAAAAAA6g/NMVGvtMg1b0/IMG_3742_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p align="center">The mud pit and the saved fawn</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hWGsg0EpOR4/UOO8RHUtHDI/AAAAAAAAA6o/LzwSiPVbJco/s1600-h/IMG_3757%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3757" border="0" alt="IMG_3757" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AY-1nffMKuc/UOO8RnyYGnI/AAAAAAAAA6w/BYaEOG4pD6E/IMG_3757_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="391"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><strong>Late Summer and Fall</strong></p> <p>After returning home, I ran a local trail marathon at Croft State Park and enjoyed it. It was typically hot and humid, plus very muddy due to several days of rain, and I had a blast squishing through the mud. The race was a few miles short, but still a good workout. I was peaked and ready to travel to Oregon for Waldo 100k in August but bailed due to threats of forest fire, something I still regret. I had a great shot to qualify for Western and just DNS’ed instead. Moral of the story- always travel to races so you don’t have regrets. I took out my frustrations by registering for Iron Mountain 50 mile in Virginia. I had run the 30 mile race in 2010 and loved it, and knew several running friends (Brad Hinton and Troy Shellhamer) would be there. Unfortunately, the race was a bit blah for me- I never felt any spunk and my legs were tired all day from too much training. I hung with the lead pack for 29 miles, then entered a very dark place and walked most of the next 5+ miles. I finally came around at mile 40 and enjoyed the last 10 miles, finishing in 3rd place, about 30 min slower than my goal. I always enjoy this challenging but low key race, but prefer the 30 mile as the 50 has too much gravel road and forgettable trails in the middle.</p> <p>The rest of the summer/fall was spent training, running to <a href="http://foothillstrailultras.com/hbmarathon.html">the Bench</a>, hiking and running at Great Smoky Mtn Natl Park, and winning a local trail night 5k. The 5k was a blast, but running fast on technical trails at night is exhilarating and a bit crazy. All my other night runs have been at the end of ultras, so moving a ton slower.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c_dCDWiM7Xg/UOO8SJ0tmII/AAAAAAAAA64/D8qSqkKu5UY/s1600-h/IMG_0084%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0084" border="0" alt="IMG_0084" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m1lLvwcLow4/UOO8SplIFwI/AAAAAAAAA7A/xZFaZYj1P_s/IMG_0084_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="415"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eRLzHCo6AUc/UOO8TdtOVCI/AAAAAAAAA7I/2q-ft-pY7zk/s1600-h/IMG_0081%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0081" border="0" alt="IMG_0081" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7q9DPNGan8c/UOO8TwoWjNI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/ZOPohrKgSRQ/IMG_0081_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="331"></a></p> <p align="center">Leaf strewn autumn colors on the way to the Bench</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3piMqSLmVLQ/UOO8UiI2eVI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/IvbzeEUJhiA/s1600-h/IMG_0056%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0056" border="0" alt="IMG_0056" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U86KV5_sNn4/UOO8VAhfBtI/AAAAAAAAA7g/23O04ScOjBY/IMG_0056_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="394"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sZooE3r5sfk/UOO8VmWrDQI/AAAAAAAAA7o/CWB5ywqg8dY/s1600-h/IMG_0038%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0038" border="0" alt="IMG_0038" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AlphVlOjMdQ/UOO8WOQfmTI/AAAAAAAAA7w/ih5gElvJPE4/IMG_0038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a> Running and hiking with the kids in the Smokies</p> <p></p> <p align="center"><strong>StumpJump 50k</strong></p> <p align="left">I was excited for the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k. It has a great reputation and was stacked with competition, including newly-crowned UROC champ Max King as well probably 10 other sponsored athletes. I was eager to again test myself against some of the best in the country at the Meat Grinder of the East, with hopes of a top 5 or podium finish. The day dawned unexpectedly rainy but did nothing to dampen my spirits. The starting line was quite the spectacle as a helicopter hovered overhead shooting video, memorializing one of the biggest 50k’s in the country. An initial pack of 10 runners blazed along the muddy, wet singletrack. I slowed briefly and then promptly made a wrong turn around mile 2, losing about 30 seconds to the leaders. This proved to be the most fortuitous wrong turn of my life as it allowed the lead group to get out of site on the twisting trail. After the wrong turn, I found myself behind Coloradoan Duncan Callahan, who was taking a somewhat more reasonable pace that I found welcome after the initial dash. Content to save my energy, Duncan and I chatted for a while as we passed the first aid station. It was Duncan’s first run in the east and allowed me to reminisce about how accustomed I had become to the nuances of the Appalachian singletrack, with an abundance of roots, mossy rocks, small climbs, and leaves. 8 miles into the race, I wished Duncan well and pulled ahead, eager to make up time on the lead pack and pick my way into the top 3.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FSTQqopY8Hc/UOO8WlwFbrI/AAAAAAAAA74/4Bdwy-si5Ws/s1600-h/SJ%252520view-%252520RC%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SJ view- RC" border="0" alt="SJ view- RC" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7RjIUd43kKc/UOO8XFRzvAI/AAAAAAAAA8A/v9nKR6Fga6g/SJ%252520view-%252520RC_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="635" height="199"></a> </p> <p align="center">Typical course scenery (photo courtesy of RockCreek website)</p> <p align="left">I reached the mile 10 aid station and was joined by a RC videographer, impressively running with a handheld camera. I queried the time since the last runner and was told he had a two minute lead. I then asked how far I was behind the lead pack of Max, et al. The videographer looked at me in surprise and said, “You mean you don’t know they went off course? You’re in second place. The race is wide open” Apparently the leaders ran past a volunteer and went several miles down the wrong trail shortly after I lost them. This surprised me but I knew wouldn’t change the way I was racing. Give it your all, no matter what else happens, and you’ll finish where you were supposed to. I’ll admit I started looking behind me every now and then, expecting to see Max catch me from behind. I also confused the RockCreek guy providing online updates, as he didn’t know my name and took to calling me the Mystery Man. The next 2 hours were a solo run, though, and I pushed hard on the wet, slick singletrack. I finally reached the infamous Rock Garden at mile 17 and slowed a bit, not wanting to risk injury.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PnJtEeiE7J4/UOO8Xkd5luI/AAAAAAAAA8I/JWq-BBpc2Mk/s1600-h/Stumpjump2%252520RockCreek%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Stumpjump2 RockCreek" border="0" alt="Stumpjump2 RockCreek" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-72L12XqYfDE/UOO8YKiJ_NI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/aM0nawSEQVo/Stumpjump2%252520RockCreek_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="309" height="462"></a></p> <p align="center">Thumbs up (photo courtesy of RockCreek website)</p> <p align="left">I’ll admit that, while hard, the rock garden was shorter and less difficult than I had anticipated, although strangely dark due to very thick foliage and cloud cover. Shortly thereafter, I again saw the videographer and asked how far behind Max was, to which he replied that most of the runners had DNF’ed (I would later find out they went 7 miles off course and were not eager to pass 400 runners on technical singletrack). Within a few minutes, I caught the leader at mile 18 aid station and quickly pulled away. The remainder of the race was a mix of excitement, fear, pain, and utter exhaustion. The race has some nasty uphills that guarantee appropriate suffering in the last few miles. Nevertheless, I won the race and cheered in Duncan a few minutes later. My 4:27 time was slower than expected, although similar to my winning time at the easier SweetH20 50k. I could imagine taking 15 or 20 minutes off that time given a longer taper and better (i.e. dry) conditions, but I can’t fathom running David Riddle’s 3:50 from 2011.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UQFAxQbHG_0/UOO8Ycs8Z4I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/Tvm59j7ZvSU/s1600-h/ScreenShot1001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="ScreenShot1001" border="0" alt="ScreenShot1001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7kw4M-z0sqc/UOO8Yx-BsqI/AAAAAAAAA8g/12zMgr51P44/ScreenShot1001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="436"></a> Rock/Creek mid-race tweets (in reverse chronological order)</p> <p align="left">I have to give full props to the StumpJump RD and entire race crew. It is one of the best races I’ve ever seen- well organized, competitive, and has 31 miles of absolutely sweet, technical singletrack with great views (a welcome relief from the many miles of gravel road found in some races). The trophy is the heaviest one I’ve ever won (there’s even a video about it’s making- see below) and they also give a ton of gear to podium placers. The race also mailed me a copy of the newspaper that had the race photos and sent me a thank you note, neither of which have ever happened before. If you ever get the chance, run the StumpJump.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:de5f41aa-0424-46d8-8c19-af811cc76c1a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="c66c2556-eac5-4139-b9bd-4eacf9daa560" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhEWT4qp-4M&list=UUAiBnXr1xou2Rn52WO1sXXQ&index=2" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-egq1ieJwfxw/UOO8ZZzSlbI/AAAAAAAAA90/HVwS3B4E5A0/videof86f8e8dd89e%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c66c2556-eac5-4139-b9bd-4eacf9daa560'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/OhEWT4qp-4M&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/OhEWT4qp-4M&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PgciSeTo_v4/UOO8Z9LgAcI/AAAAAAAAA8w/_XtegOg7t8E/s1600-h/IMG_0013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0013" border="0" alt="IMG_0013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ODAAxPoviRc/UOO8ab7h9ZI/AAAAAAAAA84/z00TVpzupeY/IMG_0013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="246"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><strong>November/December</strong></p> <p>I have been trying to run all the races in the SE, not wanting to repeat any. That I made an exception for the Shut In Ridge Run says something about the quality of this race, as does the fact the race is in it’s third decade. It’s normally about 18 miles and finishes almost 3000 ft higher than it starts. It’s in Asheville so you know it’s competitive, and you’re doing well if you can beat your road marathon time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lVFjsKDzyWo/UOO8anCyqAI/AAAAAAAAA9A/wzvJ76mtX7U/s1600-h/My%252520Activities%25252011-3-2012%25252C%252520Elevation%252520-%252520Distance%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="My Activities 11-3-2012, Elevation - Distance" border="0" alt="My Activities 11-3-2012, Elevation - Distance" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JXzK-P0P0xY/UOO8bBgf7MI/AAAAAAAAA9I/VtrQ-MFyqJU/My%252520Activities%25252011-3-2012%25252C%252520Elevation%252520-%252520Distance_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="483" height="292"></a> </p> <p>The Blue Ridge parkway that runs alongside the race was closed, so Justin volunteered to come up and shuttle my car to the top. The road closure also resulted in the finish line moving an extra 1.1 mile away, and (unbeknownst to me) some of the aid stations closing. The weather was cool and clear, though I quickly discovered that the outer bands of Hurricane Sandy had blown all the leaves off the trees earlier that week. Race veterans confirmed this was the leafiest year ever, with much of the trail having 4-6 inches of fresh leaves completely obscuring the tripping hazards beneath. Crazy indeed. I ran a 2:49 in 2010 and felt I could do 2:40 this year, but that meant a fast start. My 5:49 first mile found me in third place, though I drifted between third to sixth for a while, with much of the passing happening as we took turns falling. Similar to StumpJump, this race is almost all sweet, technical singletrack which adds to the enjoyment of seeing the brilliant fall colors. I had just passed someone who broke his toe during a fall when I arrived at an aid station to find nothing set up. No cars, nothing. I realized I was in a bit of a predicament and was glad for my last minute decision to carry a bottle, even if it was only 1/3 full and held 1 gu I ended up nursing that bottle through 90 minutes of race. One of the lead runners hadn’t brought any water, and I passed him as he slowly walked a downhill at mile 13, completely bonked, moving me into 3rd place. I enjoyed the steep final climb and descent on Mt Pisgah as much as anyone (which is to say, not at all), passing the old finish line at 2:40:50, right where I wanted. The official finish line was 7 minutes away and I was thankful I didn’t have to hold off any hard-charging runners from behind. After talking to some of the locals like Scott Williams and eating the food at the finish line, Justin and I drove home just in time for me to miss our scheduled family photo shoot. I spent the rest of November getting ready for the North Face 50 mile Championship in San Fran… which will get it’s own post.</p> <p align="center"><strong>2012 Year in Review and a Look Ahead</strong></p> <p align="left">To be honest, I have mixed feelings about 2012. For no reason in particular, I don’t felt it was quite as good as 2011. I ran the most miles ever and was relatively injury free, both positives. I won 7 races ranging in distance from 1 mile to 50k and set 5 PR’s, including 4 in one race at a relatively-satisfying Umstead 100. Winning StumpJump was an unexpected highlight. But for some reason, I think I left a bit on the table. Not racing Waldo was definitely a mistake, and I had a number of races where my performance range from a bit subpar (Uwharrie, Iron Mountain) to downright abysmal (TNF 50). </p> <p align="left">For 2013, I expect myself to improve. I plan to keep mileage about the same but want to increase the number of Big Workouts (especially hill work), which I feel decreased over the last few years. Beyond that, I want to keep racing, running, and having fun. </p> <p align="left">Planned races:</p> <p align="left">January- Harbison 50k</p> <p align="left">February- Mt. Mitchell Challenge or marathon</p> <p align="left">March- Probably Chuckanut 50k, if I get in the lottery</p> <p align="left">April- The Barkley Marathons, if I get in from the wait list (I’m number 11). Yes, this is THE Barkley and is completely nuts. I plan to train accordingly. For the record, I never would have imagined running this race even a few months ago and now I find myself strangely excited. If I don’t get in the Barkley, I’ll do Promise Land 50k</p> <p align="left">May- recover, or go Massanutten 100 (wait listed) if I didn’t do Barkley</p> <p align="left">June- nada</p> <p align="left">July- White River 50 (yup, 2 trips to Seattle for races)</p> <p align="left">August- maybe Laurel Valley 35, maybe nothing</p> <p align="left">End of year- plan to do TNF Atlanta 50, then Pinhoti 100, the Lookout Mtn 50. Might do Georgia Jewel 100 or Grindstone 100 instead of Pinhoti</p> <p align="left">Should be fun. Hope to see you all on the trails. Any I’d be remiss to not give a big, end-of-the-year thanks to my wife and kids for supporting me. I love you guys!</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-8527374507762546692012-11-26T19:07:00.001-08:002012-11-26T19:07:33.474-08:00The Generosity of a Runner (aka Dale is awesome, aka Logan Peak race report)<p>I’ve been a complete slacker in my blogging ever since Umstead in March. Life has been busy- between a wife, 3 kids, another on the way, a mortgage, full-time job, running, and church, I haven’t had time to both <i>run</i> and <i>write about running</i>. Not that there hasn’t been a lot to write about- pacing for 12 hours at Hardrock, DNS at Waldo, 3<sup>rd</sup> place finishes at Iron Mountain 50 and Shut In Ridge Run, and especially winning the StumpJump 50k where Max King was entered (not every day you can say that). But, I haven’t wanted to write about any of those until I first told the story of Logan Peak Run. But the story isn’t about the race itself; instead, it’s about something better- the goodness and generosity of people, especially runners. <u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p><a href="http://www.loganpeakrun.com/">Logan Peak Run</a> in 2008 was my first ultramarathon, and I ran it 3 years in a row while I lived in Logan, winning twice. It’s a great race on a beautiful course and is a wonderful opportunity to run hard with my friends, though I never expected to again run the race after moving to South Carolina in 2010. But again, this story isn’t about the race. <u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>Marci and the kids were flying to Idaho to see her family in early June, with me joining a few weeks later. I soon realized that I would be flying into Salt Lake the day of the Logan Peak run. I rearranged my schedule just so I could arrive a day earlier, enabling me to see my Logan friends (<a href="http://cody.fastrunningblog.com/">Cody</a>, <a href="http://runningfreeandeasy.blogspot.com/">Joe</a>, et al) and run the race. It would be a grand homecoming reunion.<u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>I awoke early that Friday morning in South Carolina, eager to fly to Utah to see my family and friends. However, I received a message from Southwest Airlines during my drive that my flight had been cancelled. Knowing there were flights later in the day but finding that the Southwest 1-800 number had a 2 hour hold time (!), I continued to the airport. I arrived to chaos. Apparently a glitch at the Chicago airport the evening before had prevented almost 100 Southwest airplanes from taking off, including my flight. I stood in line for 90 minutes to talk to an agent, who informed me that the earliest rebooking would see me arrive in Utah late Saturday night. I was pretty bummed out that I would miss the race and not see my wife and kids for another day. I even looked online for flights on other airlines, but found the last-minute tickets were well above my income bracket. I consoled myself with breakfast at the Southern staple, Waffle House, and vented a bit on facebook and the Fast Running Blog before returning home. I was already planning a monster trail run the next morning to pound out my aggression, disregarding the ALL-TIME record high temperatures in Greenville that day.<u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>And then, it happened. Unexpectedly, I received an email from Dale. I have never met Dale, but he is a runner on the Fast Running Blog who lives near Seattle and is a friend of a friend, having run a Ragnar Relay with Cody a few years prior. Dale’s email was brief, simply stating that he heard about my situation and wanted to help by donating some frequent flyer miles to get me to Utah that day. I wrote a quick, “Thanks for the offer, but I really can’t” email, but he immediately reiterated his offer and sent me his phone number to talk. He included a little snippet that he hated to see a runner miss a race, plus wanted someone to beat Cody. Still hesitant, I called Dale and was overwhelmed by his insistence. He had already confirmed that he had enough frequent flier miles to buy me the ticket and had even looked up what time the flight would arrive (11:47 pm) and it’s on-time arrival record. I told him I would call my wife and let him know.<u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>Marci was understandably shocked when I told her about Dale’s offer. I still was very reticent to use his miles, but Marci told me that either I took Dale’s offer, arrived very late Friday night, would be able to run the race, and then we would make it to Idaho in time for her family reunion, or I would decline the offer, arrive very late Saturday night, and would miss both the race and family reunion. I called Dale, expressed my gratitude multiple times, and gave him the info to buy my ticket. 30 minutes later, I was headed back to the airport, ticket in hand. Good thing I didn’t unpack. Before I left, I renamed my blog, “Dale is Awesome!!!” He really is. <p align="center"><u></u><u><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_eLO0m-c0xo/ULQuXdpGYXI/AAAAAAAAA24/kbOV3dBFNIM/s1600-h/Dale%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Dale" border="0" alt="Dale" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vRng0SIdgi0/ULQuXn-nRJI/AAAAAAAAA3A/cZGi-vsoA8E/Dale_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="252"></a> Dale</u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>I had Dale book me on an early flight from Greenville to Atlanta, giving me a 4 hour layover before the flight to Salt Lake City. I was hoping seats on an earlier flight might open up. As soon as I got to the gate in Greenville, I asked the attendant if there were any openings. While she looked, I started recounting my adventure that day, including telling how my wife (with 3 kids in tow) was picking me up at the airport at midnight, 14 hours later than originally planned. Although she first said there were no openings, the attendant humored me by putting me on standby for an earlier flight. Then, she noticed that I was a medallion member (something I had fortuitously received earlier that very week as a perk from work). I asked if that made a difference, and she said it certainly did. 5 minutes later, I found myself with a ticket in-hand for the earlier flight. 10 minutes after that, she replaced that ticket with an aisle seat on the earlier flight. Things could not have worked out better.<u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>That is how, at 10 pm MDT that night, I found myself hoping into a car with my wife in Utah. Thanks to some road construction, we arrived in Logan at 1 am, 22 hours after I woke up, where I managed to sleep for only a few hours before it was time for the race.<u></u><u></u> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>Needless to say, the race is almost an afterthought in this story. After all, unexpected acts of charity and generosity are far more important that a bunch of skinny guys in short shorts running around a mountain. But since this is a race report, I better include something. Cody gave me a ride to the race, and it was great to see him and many other friends at the starting line. I almost froze to death in the 50 deg temps waiting for the race to start, as I hadn’t experienced weather colder than 60 deg in at least 3 months and was used to 75 or 80 deg lows. I felt tired and out of breath (gee, I wonder why) on the initial, 3500 ft climb, which allowed a couple packs to pull ahead of me. I didn’t care- I was just happy to be there, enjoying a gorgeous day in my beloved former stomping grounds of Northern Utah mountains. I found my lungs after an hour and caught the second group (including Joe and Cody) before aid 2. We chatted some, then Joe and I slowly pulled away on the climb to Logan Peak, summiting together with only Seth Wold ahead of us. <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k3-vDMfS6Io/ULQuYuQxfvI/AAAAAAAAA3I/Md65BSq6cyQ/s1600-h/Approaching%252520summit%252520Eli%252520Lucero%252520HJ%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Approaching summit Eli Lucero HJ" border="0" alt="Approaching summit Eli Lucero HJ" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qG3s4eWiiVM/ULQuZI9ns4I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/U0yCZbQPGl8/Approaching%252520summit%252520Eli%252520Lucero%252520HJ_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="302"></a> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JKUfKsDDYl0/ULQuZh2EZ2I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/WSdhmy3Mt5I/s1600-h/summit%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="summit 2" border="0" alt="summit 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3rL5Hz5miEw/ULQuabBHflI/AAAAAAAAA3g/XdA6Lu2VOos/summit%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="279"></a> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KZDr9xi6_dg/ULQua2ITUiI/AAAAAAAAA3o/OWXpQobvCnA/s1600-h/tower%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="tower" border="0" alt="tower" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9kPVNm7XTVY/ULQubt1nfDI/AAAAAAAAA3w/uyiU-A4FkWk/tower_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="329"></a> <p align="center"><u>Joe and I approaching the summit of Logan Peak (pics from Eli Lucero, Herald Journal News)</u> <p>Joe and I paused briefly to enjoy the amazing view of the Bear River Range and Cache Valley. Then, game on- Joe pulled slowly away on the descent, leaving me in 3<sup>rd</sup> place. I pushed hard over the next hour on the rolling North Syncline trail, straining for glimpses of Joe before finally catching him around mile 22, hiking through the mule ears. Joe thwarted every passing attempt with (un)timely surges before leaving me in his dust at the last aid station. My quads held up well going down Dry Canyon but I never saw Joe again. Seth won in just over 4 hours, followed by Joe, me, and Cody, all under Cody’s old CR (though a new path to the summit took off a few minutes). The food and fraternizing at the finish line were splendid, and I even told the local sports writer about Dale and the donated ticket, which he duly included in his <a href="http://news.hjnews.com/sports/article_3552d6dc-c314-11e1-8341-0019bb2963f4.html">write up</a>.</p><u></u> <p align="center"><u><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K3_yxiGjbDI/ULQucdwd_jI/AAAAAAAAA34/AIteiT-IjF4/s1600-h/IMG_5620%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5620" border="0" alt="IMG_5620" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dOrge871VYE/ULQuc1Go4FI/AAAAAAAAA4A/ITtH5g3L2J4/IMG_5620_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="316"></a> </u></p> <p align="center"><u>Joe, Cody, and I after the race</u></p> <p><u></u><u></u> <p>Marci was eager to see her family, so we soon left and drove the Idaho. I was riding high after a fun race and looking forward to a few good weeks of trail running and pacing at Hardrock. But I will forever be mindful and grateful to Dale, who truly renewed my faith in humanity and did a good deed just to help someone else. Dale, and runners everywhere, truly are awesome. Dale, thank you again. I’ll do my best to go and do likewise to my fellow men.</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-58294063613116307992012-08-06T18:13:00.001-07:002012-08-06T18:13:38.460-07:00Twins<p>I’ve found my long-lost twin</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qWS2cySQ0IE/UCBrsbmtT3I/AAAAAAAAA1g/7Dw6ipoWLl0/s1600-h/Algerian%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Algerian" border="0" alt="Algerian" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9sBGYvb3zrI/UCBrs1TsksI/AAAAAAAAA1o/YUWnWuJFtZk/Algerian_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Oac5sBOYNk/UCBrvC-F-DI/AAAAAAAAA1w/W805j7mqkdo/s1600-h/ScreenShot009.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ScreenShot009" border="0" alt="ScreenShot009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UEv48qPQ92w/UCBrwTbE-oI/AAAAAAAAA14/d1rA19nYhuM/ScreenShot009_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="187" height="244"></a></p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-40876942715180510602012-06-09T13:20:00.001-07:002012-06-10T04:45:05.073-07:00A few thoughts on Twitter, iRunFar, and UltrasignupI started ultrarunning in 2008, which is not that long ago. But even in that short time, I have seen some drastic changes in ultras, especially the non-running side of the sport. Today, I want to share a few thoughts about two things that, for me, have revolutionized ultrarunning- Twitter and ultrasignup. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oIMMKM1GQEk/T9Ov2rnRdzI/AAAAAAAAA0c/CZ66hMrjE08/s1600-h/twitter-logo1%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="twitter-logo1" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MFEe7_imbP8/T9Ov3XgUP3I/AAAAAAAAA0k/NbtgShxFnVU/twitter-logo1_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="twitter-logo1" width="244" /></a> As any gray beard ultrarunner will tell you, it used to be that you had to wait until Ultrarunning magazine arrived to find out recent race results, and “recent” was highly subjective since the results were often a few months old by that point. The advent of the internet obviously made results available much sooner post-race. But, it wasn’t until Twitter came along that we could regularly follow races as they happened. All of sudden, spectators along the course could tweet what was happening at each aid station, either updating followers on the race leaders or on a particular runner of interest. On top of starting THE ultrarunning website, Bryon Powell of iRunFar turned race tweeting into a finely tuned machine, travelling to big races across the globe and outfitting himself with satellite uplink, all in the name of informing curious minds with live race results no matter how remote the race. I saw Bryon in action at UROC last year, and his dedication and skill were evident. He even kindly passed along a message to my wife who had just given birth the week before, telling her I loved her and the kids. Just a few minutes later, she saw the message on our home computer. Not too shabby, supposing we were hundreds of miles apart and I was in the middle of a 9 hour race. <br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aK_60w73o3I/T9Ov3w6m-qI/AAAAAAAAA0s/YYUHW8--4uw/s1600-h/Tweet%252520iRF%25255B1%25255D.png"><img alt="Tweet iRF" border="0" height="243" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NEbEFcTqhYw/T9Ov4YOcyhI/AAAAAAAAA00/MF2d2k4EZfs/Tweet%252520iRF_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Tweet iRF" width="460" /></a> </div>
<div align="center">
Bryon’s message on my behalf…</div>
Showing how big of an ultra-freak I am, I will admit to spending far too much time some weekends endlessly hitting refresh on twitter, yearning to know what is happening at some race in Utah, Virginia, Europe, Colorado, California, or any other number of locales. Bryon and many other faithful runners have kept me informed. I’ll admit that I’ve even called my neighbor, another runner, near the end of Western States: <br />
“Are you watching this?” [I didn’t even need to tell him what this was] “Yeah- it’s amazing.” “What just happened with Killian? Is that a typo?” “I don’t know. And look at Geoff- he was 20 minutes behind Tony and now he’s only 8 back” “iRF said he’s got Mackey as a pacer, so that’s gotta help.” And so on… <br />
Much to my wife’s chagrin, it seems there is a race almost every weekend that I want to hear about. This year, I think I’m going fastpacking in the Smokies during WS100 just so I won’t spend all day on twitter. Who am I kidding, though, I’ll just read all of it when I get home. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PMD2nLsgdMA/T9Ov4pKM_tI/AAAAAAAAA08/NIdln0H8WYs/s1600-h/Ultrasignup%25255B1%25255D.png"><img alt="Ultrasignup" border="0" height="93" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EKBGjblsBlk/T9Ov5H9YYII/AAAAAAAAA1E/pTxAJh-KS6Q/Ultrasignup_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Ultrasignup" width="438" /></a> </div>
The other revolutionary item is Ultrasignup. On the surface, ultrasignup.com appears no different than any other race signup website like active.com. But, search for a race and you’ll soon encounter a slew of useful data- race results for previous years, the top 10 times ever, how full the race is for next year, etc. But what makes the site really standout is the runner ranking. For every race, each runner is given a ranking based on their finishing time, with the winner receiving a 100%, and someone running double the winning time earning a 50% score. Ultrasignup averages all your result percentages to end up with your Ultrasignup ranking. Any ultrarunner who doesn’t know what their score is (at least approximately) is either lying or living in the backwoods of Alaska. Ok, that may be a bit of an overstatement, but still- I know running buddies who constantly tease each other about who has a higher score after their most recent race, and I’m sure some people have DNF-ed races just so a low placing won’t appear on their permanent ranking. And having the ability to look at the ultrasignup ranking for all the entrants in your upcoming race is yet another online death trap, resulting in far too much time spent looking at who your real competition is at the next race and who has a high score just by winning a local 50k that only had 6 entrants. Irregardless, the information available on races and especially runners on ultrasignup.com is awesome. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rF0yGcRp2O8/T9Ov83FAfnI/AAAAAAAAA1M/u4oikOuNSE4/s1600-h/LPR%25255B4%25255D.png"><img alt="LPR" border="0" height="348" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LLHcR2vZTlw/T9Ov9iVJvGI/AAAAAAAAA1U/7yamn5QXz-E/LPR_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="LPR" width="532" /></a> The entrants at my next race </div>
And so, I’d like to tip my hat and give a big thank you to Twitter, iRF, all the other ultrarunning tweeters out there, and ultrasignup.com. Thanks, guys, for all you do to keep us informed about and during races. Though I suggest staying away from many ultrarunning widows, who may have a few choice words for making an already-time-consuming sport that much more time-consuming. See you at the next race!Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-55846653695512461342012-04-05T21:49:00.001-07:002012-04-05T22:08:25.809-07:00Setting a bunch of PR’s- Umstead 100 race report<p>100 miles is a stinking long ways to run. Every 100 miler is a lifetime of adventure- some good, some bad, always unpredictable. Watching many runners throw down fast 100 mile times over the past few years, I decided to try to run a fast one myself. Since most of my training is on rolling hills, not mountains, the nearby Umstead 100 seemed perfect. A 12.5 mile, 8 lap course over crushed gravel paths with 8000 ft climbing, it has a reputation for being one of the fastest 100’s on the east coast. My training went well and, other than a relative lack of long runs (Uwharrie 40 was my only run over 22 miles since Thanksgiving), I felt prepared. That is, until I got sick a week before the race. Hmm, not good- sick enough that a 3 mile run two days before the race wiped me out. Being sick had already resulted in a poor Mountain Masochist and a DNS at Harbison, so I was thinking I might be snake bit. I started feeling better the day before the race, fortunately.</p> <p>My goal time was a pretty ambitious 14:40, and I knew there would be plenty of fast runners out there, including Mike Morton (13:18 100 mile in Jan and featured in this month’s Trail Runner magazine, which I read the night before- kinda cool), 4 time winner Serge Arbona, 2011 champ John Dennis, and fellow-UROC runner <a href="http://troyshellhamer.blogspot.com/2012/04/umstead-100-mile-endurance-run-race.html">Troy Shellhamer</a>. My wife and kids came to cheer, stud-runner Justin Cole drove all the way from SC to crew and pace, and La Sportiva mountain goat Jason Bryant also generously volunteered to pace. </p> <p>I stayed in a cabin near the start, falling to bed early but waking up at 2 am. I eventually warmed up and made my way to the start in the middle of a drizzle. A handful of runners quickly pulled away at the gun while I found myself running easy and chatting with Troy for the first hour, a nice way to pass the time. He decided to slow down in hopes of a faster finish (a wise plan in a 100), while I sped up and spent time with/near Darian Smith and <a href="http://tokenrunningblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-in-review-25-31-march-and-umstead.html">David Ploskonka</a>. Lap 1 was 1:39, right on schedule. I was glad the drizzle continued on Laps 2 (1:37- a tad fast) and 3 (1:46- a tad slow) to keep the temps down, while my body adjusted to the reality of what I was doing to it. Justin and my family showed up during here and were great motivation, with Justin getting me in and out of the aid stations in record time. My only issues were some <u>very</u> painful hips and a sore ankle (neither of which had been bothering me in training). I also enjoyed lapping and talking to various runners while being amazed how far ahead Mike and a few others were. Lap 4, however, was rather terrible. I started to heat up as the sun emerged, and just felt generally crappy. Deciding that I hated 100 mile races, I concluded that I didn’t want to feel like this for 50 more miles, especially as I trudged up some of the steeper-than-expected hills. My sickness provided the perfect excuse to drop out at mile 50, but in reality I was just a wus (not to be confused with a <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WUS_DC/">WUS</a>). I had run in 4th/5th place all race but was now passed by a very strong looking <a href="http://runningmanz.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/2012-umstead-100-mile-endurance-run-race-report/">Mark Manz</a> and Jim Sweeney. In addition, my stomach was not happy with something and I began visiting the bathroom every 3-5 miles. Ugh. Time to quit. My 1:59 lap 4 was a full minute per mile slower than planned. I had already set my 50k (4:06) and 50 mile (7:03) PR’s (due more to the difficulty of previous races than my speed at Umstead) and wanted to call it a day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--2CFahOM_Z0/T351pAQf-tI/AAAAAAAAAzM/6dkj5Wv6F3E/s1600-h/IMG_0729%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0729" border="0" alt="IMG_0729" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HQniJOnRRGY/T351pjPvaqI/AAAAAAAAAzU/j3oZmuMf40c/IMG_0729_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361"></a></p> <p align="center">Green shorts are visible from a long ways away…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fJd_e0NdkdE/T351qU9ADkI/AAAAAAAAAzc/2iAsEo0VZYk/s1600-h/IMG_1413%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1413" border="0" alt="IMG_1413" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qP4I2TcOP7I/T351rDvppnI/AAAAAAAAAzk/A_r5QSV1-nQ/IMG_1413_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="494"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9qIj5_jwkqM/T351snkqS6I/AAAAAAAAAzs/Mkq9Og0WhEA/s1600-h/IMG_1421%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1421" border="0" alt="IMG_1421" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QqZ7f4mFvmY/T351tXip1dI/AAAAAAAAAz0/3kJ3r5wCH0c/IMG_1421_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="264"></a></p> <p align="center">The kids taking my food and keeping busy in the mud</p> <p>Unfortunately, as soon as I turned the corner at 50 miles towards my crew, Jason excitedly took off his warmups and started jumping around. I just couldn’t bring myself to tell everyone I was quitting. I stopped by the main aid station for some ultra-style “pick me ups” (Pepsi and chicken noodle soup), ran to my crew and said something to the effect of, “I’ve been planning to quit for 10 miles now, but I’m not. I'm going to keep running. Let’s go.” With that, we were off. I still felt terrible, but Jason did a great job of being patient and encouraging me while distracting me with innumerable great stories. At a minimum, I figure I’d do one lap and set my 100k PR (which I did- 9:02). Pacers can mule at Umstead, so he also carried my gu flask and refilled my water bottle so I could run through every aid station. In theory. In truth, it meant I could head straight for the bathroom. Annoying. The humid 80-deg temps weren’t helping, either. Anyways, it’s amazing how much better you feel when you have someone to distract you from your misery, and Jason was great company. Lap 5 and 6 were a disheartening 2:04 and 2:08 (still 12 minutes/lap slow), but I was still in 7th place, running most of the miles, and never again thought of quitting. I even passed Chris Ramsey, which was a nice feeling. Jason bowed out at mile 75 and Justin took over pacing. Trying to shed weight, I somehow convinced him to carry my Nathan vest, then my sweaty shirt and hat, and eventually even my water bottle. Pacers can’t be much more dedicated than that… and I’m not sure how his sense of smell survived the stench.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rz3C4diQQ5M/T351t_qXF3I/AAAAAAAAAz8/Pc1465SZEmg/s1600-h/DSC_2011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_2011" border="0" alt="DSC_2011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XeoJqnCR-JI/T351ugWmVvI/AAAAAAAAA0E/NZE18JTCJpM/DSC_2011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="483"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iy79_zCDdxw/T351wZEYidI/AAAAAAAAA0M/5UV2o6EPyG0/s1600-h/IMG_1415%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1415" border="0" alt="IMG_1415" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b0HuF2kzo8U/T351xSlVh_I/AAAAAAAAA0U/-yKam5BPx6c/IMG_1415_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="305"></a></p> <p align="center">My crew/pacers of Jason and Alison Bryant, Justin Cole… and my helpful kids</p> <p>My race finally turned for the better at mile 80. I came out of the bathroom and was surprised to see Troy just yards away- he had made up a 3 mile gap. Determined to give him a race, I took off running, appreciative for the falling temperatures and finally feeling energetic. 4 miles later, we passed a sick and struggling Serge at almost the same time that Mike Morton finally lapped me. Mike ran a tough, impressive race- congrats to him. We finished lap 7 in 2:01, and I gave Marci a kiss, telling her we were almost done. Troy was only a mile behind, so we kept pushing hard as the sun set. It’s a great feeling to know the end is approaching and that this is the last time you’ll see everything. I kept reminiscing about my favorite and least favorite parts of the course to Justin. Justin kept the pace honest while I counted down the miles and tenth of miles, enjoying myself while making sure no headlamps were gaining on us. Lap 8 finished in 2:01 as I ran up the last hill and jumped to hit the Umstead sign for a <a href="http://www.rgdweb.com/ultra/umstead/DataFiles/UM2012RunnerSplitsPos.pdf">15:19:53</a> 100 mile, a 4 hr PR. Troy finished 8 min back, with Chris 8 min more behind. I thought I had taken 5th place, but it turns out John Dennis’ DNF moved me into 4th. I’ll take it. After some food and chat, we headed to the hotel for a restless night of sleep.</p> <p>I’m fairly satisfied with the race. It was far from a perfect day, but I set 4 PR’s (plus a 5k PR and 1 mile post-collegiate PR earlier in the month), so can’t complain about that. I mean, how often do you set 5 PR’s from 5k all the way to 100 mile in a 2 week period? I would estimate my taper sickness and especially my ~20 pit stops cost me 30-60 minutes, so further improvement is possible. If I do more 100’s, I think they will be more technical, singletrack, and slow. But I’d really like to focus on 50k to 100k distances, which I enjoy more than the long 100 milers. My goals of a 100 mile win and 14 hr time will have to wait a while- Logan Peak, Waldo 100k, and TNF San Fran 50 are next.</p> <p>Overall, I’d highly recommend Umstead for beginners or as a fast 100- it’s well run, predictable, a nice running surface, and has lots of company on the trail. I have to thank Marci and my kids for their support during my training and during the race (still not sure how Marci kept the kids busy all day), and also Justin and Jason for being the most awesome crew/pacers. They really pulled me along during the rough patches and I owe the finish to them. Just like in life, we runners could not finish with all the work of RD’s, volunteers, friends, and family. Thanks, everyone. Now go run!</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-69667495834669036042012-03-17T12:43:00.002-07:002012-03-18T08:31:42.927-07:00Set your 5k PR with 100 miler training and Leprechaun power (Milliken 5k race report)<p>A funny thing happened on the way to the 100 mile race- I set my 5k PR (sort of). This is the second time this has happened. Last year, I set my 5k all-time PR running of 16:24 by myself on the track, 1 week into my taper for Old Dominion 100. And now, I set my road/cross country 5k PR of 16:30, 1 week into my taper for Umstead 100. Both times my speedwork was limited to marathon pace long tempo runs. World, I submit myself to you as proof that 90+% of running speed comes from base miles. If you want to set a 5k PR, run lots and lots of miles. Don’t worry about 200 or 400 m intervals or any Runner’s World 3-day-a-week training program. Just run base.</p> <p>Anyways, today was the Milliken Earth Run 5k. It’s a very splendid cross-country race run on the gently rolling hills of the Milliken Arboretum in Spartanburg. It’s a natural grass course which they mow, meaning it’s rather lumpy and bumpy with a few trees and roots thrown in. The course is marked with some (very) faint white paint every 5-10 yards, which makes it exciting because you can’t tell which was the course will turn until you’re 20 yards away. I think it is the perfect location for a race. Weather was nice with a humid mid-60’s overcast day.</p> <p>Last year, I ran 16:58 at RDT and 17:22 at Milliken. Based on my road PR 16:34 at RDT this year, I was thinking 17:00 was a good goal. But, there was one drastically different item this year- based on a strange confluence of the moon and stars, today’s Earth Run coincided with St. Patrick’s Day. Combine that with the power of my Green Shorts, and strange things were bound to happen. In addition, I found a small Leprechaun hat that my 3 year old wears. The elastic is tight when I wear it, but the hat stays neatly on top of my head. Green power x2 + St. Patricks day power.</p> <p>Anyways, the usual suspects were at the start. Most people loved my festive hat, though I received some very funny looks from the high schoolers at the start line who I’m sure were thinking anyone wearing a holiday prop should not be at the front. The race began and I again started fast, settling into third between Mike (last name?) and Jim, my co-worker who soundly beats me at every 5k. The first mile was a speedy 5:03, just 4 seconds slower than my recent 1 mile race. A small surge took me past Mike and into the lead, Jim on my shoulder. We continued to push hard, with Jim retaking a 10 yard lead and Mike falling off pace. Mile 2 had a fair amount of uphill and was a slower 5:30. Just past 2 miles, I suddenly realized that I felt great- my breathing wasn’t as labored and my legs felt strong. Summoning the strength of the leprechaun, I pushed to catch up. A small surge at mile 2.5 saw me pass Jim, who held on for 30 seconds but then slowly faded back a bit. I gave it my all and stretched my legs on a long, gradual climb and then descent to the finish line. I smiled at the cheering crowd, pointing to the hat and yelling, “It’s the power of the leprechaun” (or something like that). Finished with 5:56 for the last 1.1, for a final time of 16:30. Jim was about 15 seconds behind, and Mike was just over 17:00 minutes. Had a good time at the finish, talking with lots of great people while they gave out tons of door prizes and winning two tiny cilantro potted plants.</p> <p>If 5k races can predict 100 mile races, then I’d say I’m in the best shape of my life right now. My training over the past 4 months is the best ever (even higher mileage than before UROC), and I just set a road/off-road 5k PR on a lumpy course that includes 150 ft of climbing. But, I haven’t done many long runs, definitely my biggest weakness. And 5k races definitely cannot predict 100 mile races. So, let’s go race Umstead and see what happens.</p>Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-57292733223952659332012-03-05T19:43:00.001-08:002012-03-10T17:31:50.026-08:00Mind Over Mountain 15k race report<p>The Mind Over Mountain 15k is the second of five races in the Carolina Mtn Goat series and is the first race ever at the beautiful Jones Gap State Park. The <a href="http://jon.fastrunningblog.com/blog--AM-18-5-mile-trail-run-with-Justin-/01-28-2012.html">original course</a> was scrapped due to excessive trail erosion and a more mild course was selected. However, monster thunderstorms Friday night (2 inches of rain in 12 hours plus dozens of tornados, including 2 within 40 miles of the park) threatened to cancel the race. Fortunately, the rain let up early Sat morning and the race was on.</p> <p>I picked up Aaron and Barry for the hour drive. After a pre-race briefing and shuttle to the start, we were off. I was pretty determined to win no matter who showed up, and was equally determined to not get chicked by Amber Moran, a national-class mtn runner who won the first race in the series by 7 minutes over the first male. Game on.</p> <p>Jones Gap trails are occasionally smooth but generally technical, with an overabundance of rocks. Especially the green, moss-covered type which are particularly fun to step on when wet. Keep your eyes on the trail and don’t trust your footing. Ever. Add in lots of low-hanging branches (it’s not a trail run if you aren’t jumping and ducking at the same time), water crossings of all sizes, mud, and puddles and we had a true trail race. No buffed out singletrack here. The race was a lollipop route advertised as a 15k, was wheeled at 10.5 miles (including mile markers- awesome!), and was garmin-ed at 10.02 miles. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GPyvgfqlYhQ/T1WH0DnYtbI/AAAAAAAAAyM/grZmH83y64A/s1600-h/767603%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="767603" border="0" alt="767603" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6y2QZUwnKno/T1WH07ATDGI/AAAAAAAAAyU/1NgXGiQ66fk/767603_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="360"></a> </p> <p>Average footing on the Jones Gap trail. This was the easy part, and it wasn’t dry on race day.</p> <p>Dave Workman started off quickly, followed by me and Amber. We were working hard and breathing hard right from the start. The well-marked Jones Gap trail climbs a steady 1200 ft in about 4.75 miles. I trailed Dave the whole time, though he was never more than 15 seconds ahead, while Amber disappeared behind within 2 miles. I generally felt good but both of us were definitely working hard- I’d call it harder than half-marathon effort. We averaged about 8:20 miles up the technical trail. The climb included a large log crossing of a river, aided by a rope the volunteers strung. Turning onto the Tom Miller trail, Dave insisted on running up the real grunt of a climb (300 ft climb in under .25 mile) while I was content to mostly walk the steep steps to conserve energy. He held a slight lead when we reached the only aid station at mile 5, but I caught up as my handheld allowed me to skip it. We started the final ascent with Dave still ahead but breathing noticeably harder than I was. He glanced back once with breathless words of encouragement, which I echoed to him.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8_OIPOYmvtY/T1WH1b3OxDI/AAAAAAAAAyc/hNn_q34-NAE/s1600-h/My%252520Activities%2525203-3-2012%25252C%252520Elevation%252520-%252520Distance%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mind over matter 15k elevation profile" border="0" alt="Mind over matter 15k elevation profile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0BMIPXrlleQ/T1WH2G3HUII/AAAAAAAAAyk/2nz8Pv-DWCg/My%252520Activities%2525203-3-2012%25252C%252520Elevation%252520-%252520Distance_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="472" height="285"></a></p> <p>Not wanting the race to come down to the last mile on technical rocks and wary of the competition, I passed Dave just before the last summit and immediately kicked it up to 5k effort for as long as possible. I wanted to get out of sight, so pushed down the terrain with abandon, slowed only by my watering eyes and the occasional deadfall tree. Though pretty muddy, steep, and rocky, I was able really open it up and saw Dave slowly fall back (though still close enough that one small mistake would allow him back in). The downhill was a blast, skipping over rocks (never trust the footing of green wet rocks… wait, all the rocks are green and wet), ducking branches, and splashing through multiple shin-deep creeks. The trail finally moderated a bit in steepness (though not rocky-ness), allowing a brisk 6:23 for mile 9 (garmin instant pace said 4:30 pace for a while… don’t believe it). Finished the 10 miles in 1:22:23 including 2200 ft climbing and descending. Dave was 3 min back, Amber 1 min behind him, then a fairly steady flow of finishers. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vftz7zyaJxQ/T1wAeK6k2dI/AAAAAAAAAy8/lJ8ngsxfvyw/s1600-h/15k%252520log%252520bridge%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="15k log bridge" border="0" alt="15k log bridge" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qFoh__8iDe4/T1wAhKAGiwI/AAAAAAAAAzE/hw0nkCEOA4o/15k%252520log%252520bridge_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="371" height="483"></a> <p><a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/154487654">http://connect.garmin.com/activity/154487654</a> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The finish line was enjoyable, chatting with the volunteers and the runners as they came in while munching on some food. I won a mug as the King of the Mountain (their words, not mine). The drive home with Aaron and Barry included the normal recounting of tales and saw us home by lunch. A very fun trail race over a good course in the mountains- can’t beat that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-baLb5YU34L4/T1WH3ixEvtI/AAAAAAAAAys/LdO4L7L4qek/s1600-h/d8e736b91079a037d21a437b7e057379%25255B3%25255D.gif"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="d8e736b91079a037d21a437b7e057379" border="0" alt="d8e736b91079a037d21a437b7e057379" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sa9SLBC5VTg/T1WH4FtQwLI/AAAAAAAAAy0/77vLM2KTubA/d8e736b91079a037d21a437b7e057379_thumb%25255B1%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="252" height="327"></a></p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-6263309454393158652012-02-05T13:32:00.001-08:002012-02-09T16:46:07.652-08:00Uwharrie Mountain Run 40 race report<p>Another East Coast classic, Uwharrie Mountain run is in its 21st year. I was running primarily as a good workout for Umstead 100, but was hoping for a win and a finish around 6 hrs. The race is run as an out-and-back along the white-paint hashed 20-mile Uwharrie Trail in NC. The course was typical for East Coast runs- leaf strewn, lots of rocks and roots, water crossings, and mud. The level of technicality ranged from somewhat to rather, which, for some reason, is more than I expected. But, save a few steep hills, I found all of it runnable, despite what some people had told me pre-race. The past two years were extremely rainy, but this year was better with low-40’s temps and intermittent rain (never enough to soak my shirt).</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UIowMgpEgKQ/Ty713Man4XI/AAAAAAAAAxI/LPRN94cg7Mk/s1600-h/IMG_8340%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_8340" border="0" alt="IMG_8340" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8ZJF1vbJD60/Ty71S1FJ2FI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/2xbJaRLyQFc/IMG_8340_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="359"></a> </p> <p align="center">Typical trail and white hash denoting the path [all photos from Scott Lynch’s blog and running-down.com- thanks!]</p> <p>The race started 20 min late due to shuttle/parking issues, but we were soon off and running. I found myself in second headed up the rocky conga line climb in the first mile, which we would have to joy of descending 39 miles later on tired legs. The lead group moved at a brisk pace along the mountain trails with some normal conversation as I got to know local vets Ronnie Weed and Mike Mason. After an hour, I felt good so passed into first and increased the pace. Unfortunately, I somehow found myself on the wrong side of a stream, losing a minute until Ronnie came by and set me straight. Around 2 hrs, my stomach started acting up and my body did not feel good- probably a combination of a fast start and residual fatigue. I was pretty miserable and just tried to keep moving forward, not particularly enjoying myself. Ronnie passed me and was 6 minutes ahead at the 20 mile turnaround. I reached it in 3:01:30, about 5 minutes behind schedule (which wasn’t too bad considering how I felt for the last hour) </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H6hhSQDucoE/Ty71UbL-4LI/AAAAAAAAAxU/ykosSYT43SI/s1600-h/IMG_1118%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Uwharrie climb" border="0" alt="Uwharrie climb" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ABhaZiRVYqg/Ty71VGwXnLI/AAAAAAAAAxY/TSeSlR8-URg/IMG_1118_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="388"></a> </p> <p align="center">The first climb, and the last descent, as seen by Scott</p> <p>Right after the turnaround, I caught a toe and did a superman dive into some lovely mud, leaving my entire right side coated and my leg/knee with a sweet blood streak down them for the remainder of the race. As I slowly picked myself and my ego up, Mike Mason flew by, looking extremely strong. Still moving slowly, I soon found the myself having the share the singletrack with the outbound 20 and 40 mile runners, though almost all of them yielded to allow me past. Almost puking numerous times, I hardly had the energy to do more than wave to their enthusiastic greetings while navigating the most technical part of the course amidst an increasing rain.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M4z1ZHN5SfQ/Ty71Wqe19KI/AAAAAAAAAxc/0Xwaahe62zU/s1600-h/muddystart_area%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="muddystart_area" border="0" alt="muddystart_area" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NtEqbkg_w_E/Ty71Xe3U-UI/AAAAAAAAAxg/-gn1i2ADjKw/muddystart_area_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="386"></a> </p> <p align="center">Uwharrie mud, found throughout the course- it makes for a soft landing</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yO5ssq09TwY/Ty71ZI7VVvI/AAAAAAAAAxk/Km1V-8XqD4w/s1600-h/P1010044%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1010044" border="0" alt="P1010044" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-roCi6Kqmwl8/Ty71Z25CCVI/AAAAAAAAAxo/ojFLXdFz4B8/P1010044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="384"></a> </p> <p align="center"> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Leaf-strewn rocks to run over- fun fun</p> <p>I was not alone in my despondency, though, as I passed Ronnie 30 minutes later as he slowly walked down a hill. Reaching the 23 mile aid station, I downed 2 glasses of coke, which seemed to hit the spot- my stomach started feeling much better and my energy level soon returned, aided by many more glasses of coke the rest of the way. By 4 hrs, I felt my normal self and pushed forward, giving my best to catch Mike who was between 2-8 minutes ahead, depending on whom you asked. Feet soaked, I splashed through all the streams and mud bogs that I had gingerly picked my way through 2 hrs previous. Running was fun again. I inquired the gap at each aid station, and did not seem to be gaining. Then, a pit stop, a 2.5 minute detour (again to the wrong side of a creek chasing some deer trail), and another pit stop seemed to close the window. The strong-running Mike never appeared ahead.</p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IA-7k5IIv7k/Ty71b0XYzXI/AAAAAAAAAxs/MpZ6_WQy6JU/s1600-h/IMG_1148%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1148" border="0" alt="IMG_1148" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6GG8H-fSE44/Ty71cU0xYVI/AAAAAAAAAxw/emetCNoTvcQ/IMG_1148_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="399"></a></p> <p align="center">Water crossing- can’t keep your feet dry here</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sIkSWtlPXsw/Ty71dqc2fsI/AAAAAAAAAx0/ho8ZTCzmkos/s1600-h/IMG_1069%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_1069" border="0" alt="IMG_1069" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DDPfjAjwIzo/Ty71eVF_QtI/AAAAAAAAAx4/1nDYEQx7ViY/IMG_1069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="534" height="402"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Can you spot the trail?</p> <p>Nearing the end, I heard cheers as Mike crossed the finish line, victorious. I finished less than 90 seconds later in 6:33:15, ~30 minutes and 1 place slower than hoped (climbing was somewhere between 6000-7500 ft, depending on garmin program). Uwharrie definitely got the better of me this day. Mike was elated to win, saying that this race had been his first ultra 9 years prior and he had unsuccessfully tried to win it 4 times. He ran strong and it’s nice to see hard work pay off. Shivering in the rain, we sipped some welcome chicken noodle soup provided by some of the many enthusiastic volunteers. We were treated 20 minutes later to a photo-finish for 3rd/4th, with only a last second wipeout around the muddy final turn separating the two runners.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gZHVlh8KrGA/TzRowXCr3ZI/AAAAAAAAAx8/6GZzpMbN7Vw/s1600-h/ScreenShot002%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ScreenShot002" border="0" alt="ScreenShot002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0WNqo2aZbG0/TzRoyT1lyrI/AAAAAAAAAyE/AeI0OlGMlXM/ScreenShot002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="279" height="422"></a> </p> <p>As for me, I enjoyed the race overall- it was good weather (for Feb), an awesome trail with plenty of challenges, good aid stations (that I generally skipped), and well-organized. And it was a good workout for Umstead. I didn’t run smart, though, going out too fast, and didn’t feel great. It wasn’t the performance I wanted. Fun race, but I’d give my personal performance a solid “<em>Meh</em>”. I may be back- knowing the course would definitely be advantageous on this one and it was a race worth repeating, as the many 10+ year runners will tell you.</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-49861092217764216202012-01-21T08:17:00.001-08:002012-01-21T16:27:31.069-08:002012 Run Downtown 5k<p>The RDT 5k last year was my first road race in over a year and first 5k in 18 months, and I was happy with my 16:58 time. This year, I was just hoping to beat that time. I had a great December, with almost 400 miles, though almost no speedwork (only 54 miles total speedwork since the start of October). But January was rough, with some niggles and a nasty cold. I felt recovered for the race, and wanted to try hard. It has been rainy the past few days, and this morning was no exception. 30 min before the race, it was pouring. Fortunately the rain stopped shortly before the start and the weather ended up perfect- cool 45 deg, slight breeze. It’s a big race with 3000 runners on a moderately hilly course (about 200 ft climbing). I arrived only 15 min ahead of time, ran a few strides, nodded to a few of my GE co-workers, and waited for the start.</p> <p>I normally start too slow and finish with gas in the tank at 5k’s. I changed it up this time, sprinting hard from the start. I was in about 8th place after a minute. After the long gradual uphill to mile 1 (5:21), I was in about 16th place, 5 second back from a pack of 10. Mile 2 is predominately downhill and I passed a few people (5:20). The last mile has a steep uphill, then some flat and a gradual down to the finish. I passed someone at mile 2 but he hung with me and I could never ditch him- he ended up sprinting past me at the end. Last 1.1 mile was 5:52, with a total time of 16:34. This is a road PR for me by 1 second, and only 10 seconds off my all-time PR, so I was very happy with the results. The GE team did great, too, with 5 runners breaking 17 min, a new record (most previous was 2?).</p> <p>I think today is good proof that trail runners can still run well in short road races, even with minimal speedwork. I think mileage base is far more important to 5k speed than anything else. Now, that’s not to discount speedwork- race predictor calculators say I should be able to break 16 min for a 5k based on my half marathon speed, and I’m sure I could do that if I trained and tapered specifically for a 5k. But, that’s not my priority, so I’ll just have fun at these short races and do the best I can while focusing on trail ultras. Either way, this was a good start to the year, though it still makes me wonder what kind of time I would have run at Harbison 50k if I weren’t sick. Hopefully I can find out next year. Regardless, this is a great race that is competitive, well organized, and fun. One final note- my 16:58 from last year would have gotten me about 23rd place. So I improved my time by 24 seconds but only 1 spot. And of the 14 who beat me, only 2 were over age 30. Bunch of young bucks!</p>Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-62647240020075483662012-01-07T18:56:00.001-08:002012-01-07T18:56:59.264-08:002011 Year In Review / 2012 Preview<p>I figured I should quickly wrap up last year and set some goals for 2012. First, the year in review:</p> <p><strong>The Good:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2011/09/ultra-race-of-champions-uroc-100k-race.html">UROC</a>- One of my best races ever at the highest profile race of my life, earning the last podium spot <li>14 races (most since HS or college?), 10 trail races, 6 ultras, 4 wins (<a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2011/04/sweet-h20-50k-race-report.html">SweetH20</a> was highlight), 2 CR <li>Set World Record as part of <a href="http://jon.fastrunningblog.com/blog-05-21-2011.html">100x5k GTC team</a>. Not often you can say you own a WR! Also set my 5k PR at that event, as well as setting 3 other PR’s during the year <li>Ran 3769 miles (72 mpw), highest ever by a large margin and meeting my 3000 mile goal <li>Completing <a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2011/11/foothills-trail-76-mile-run.html">Foothills Trail</a> on first attempt, in the second fastest time ever</li></ul> <p><strong>The Bad:</strong></p> <ul> <li>DNF at <a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-old-dominion-100-race-report.html">Old Dominion 100</a>. Not much to say here, other than that I learned a lot about mental toughness and the importance of goals. Part of that learning was reflected in my later <a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2011/11/mountain-masochist-race-report.html">MMTR 50 finish</a>, which I wouldn’t have finished without OD100 experience. I’m proud of toughing out that MMTR. <li>Didn’t reach my goal of finishing 100 mile race (see item above)</li></ul> <p><strong>The Random:</strong> <ul> <li>I think I own 20 pairs of active running shoes <li>Pace per mile of races: fastest of 5:10, slowest of 14:09 <li>Had a great time running new East Coast <a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2011/08/laurel-valley-35-mile-race-report.html">trail</a> <a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2011/08/xterra-table-rock-15k.html">races</a> and <a href="http://greenshortsrunning.blogspot.com/2011/05/pacing-massanutten-100.html">meeting new people</a>.</li></ul> <p><strong>Looking ahead to 2012:</strong> <p>Goals- run at least 3300 miles, set 2 PR’s, win 2 races, top 5 finish at competitive West Coast race <p>Race schedule: <p>Spring- Harbison 50k (oops- DNS due to sickness), Uwharrie 40, and Jones Gap 15k as lead up to Umstead 100, with goal of sub-15 hrs <p>After that? Who knows- have 47 race possibilities on my schedule. Looking at Logan Peak, White River 50 or Waldo 100k in the summer, and Steamboat 100 or Georgia Jewel 100 or UROC 100k or Stump Jump 50k in the fall. Finishing with TNF 50EC Championship in San Fran at end of year. I’m really debating between White River or Waldo- I’m planning to head west for one of them. Both are known for being beautiful singletrack races. Biggest difference is WR fits better in the schedule, but top 2 places at Waldo earns a spot at Western States. Guess I’ll have to decide soon.</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-57042212434030991952011-12-29T21:04:00.001-08:002011-12-29T21:04:23.198-08:00The ultrarunning gear I use<p>I’ve had this blog for almost two years now yet have never written about gear. I know I often scour other running blogs looking for advice before I buy since, let’s face it, good gear isn’t cheap. But it’s worth it. I remember working an aid station at mile 22 of the Bear 100 one year, and a young runner came into the station looking for some gear repair. He had taken a normal plastic bottle and fashioned his own bottle holder using only duct tape. Unfortunately, it lasted less than 20% of the race. As he left the aid station with our flimsy repair job, I thought it would be a shame if thousands of hours of training and tons of money went to naught just because he didn’t have the right gear. Good gear won’t make you faster, but it shouldn’t slow you down. With that intro, here is some of my favorite gear:</p> <p>Water bottles- Nothing beats a <strong>Nathan Quickdraw Elite</strong> bottle. I own 3 and use them all the time. Good size pocket, tough as all get out (survives multiple wipeouts), and the handstrap with thumb-hole makes it so you don’t have to grip the bottle. It’s worth the money, esp. since I have seen them as cheap as $16 recently. </p> <p>Hydration pack- I own multiple, and find myself using the <strong>Nathan HPL 020</strong> the most. I haven’t seen the newer Nathan vests, but love my 020. Can fit 70-90 oz of water plus moderate amount of gear. Comfortable and light. I don’t like the bite valve on the bladder though (leaks when open, real hard to open/close), so swapped it with a <strong>Camelbak Antidote</strong> reservoir. I also own an <strong>Nathan Krissy vest (HPL 028)</strong>- it’s like a small version of the 020, but with a single open pouch in back that can fit 2 bottles. I use it mainly for racing when I need more than 20 oz of water but don’t want to double fist.</p> <p>Gaiters- <strong>Dirty Girl Gaiters</strong>. Light, tough, cheap, works great. I got the bright green to match my shorts. Really. I know, I’m lame.</p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3458" border="0" alt="IMG_3458" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yMXKcRgx2Gg/Tv1GVh5vNdI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/92FLcCKVU94/IMG_3458_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="343"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="2">Photo- sporting my favorite running gear after a 50 mile Grand Canyon R2R2R. Visible in this photo: Nathan bottle and vest, Dirty Girl gaiters, Drymax socks, S-caps, Brooks Shorts, Pearl Izumi shoes, and EFS Liquid Shot.</font></p> <p>Socks- <strong>Drymax Maximum Protection Trail</strong>. Expensive. Durable. Absolutely blister-proof. Made in America. I wear these for every long run and ultra and have never had blister issues. You won’t regret buying these- I own 4 pair. If I had to choose my favorite gear, it would either be these or the Quickdraw Elite bottles. I also like my Thorlos, Darn Tough, and Smartwool socks, but not as much as Drymax.</p> <p>Food- I’m not too partial, though mainly stick to gu’s even for 100 milers. If I bring my own, I use <strong>First Endurance EFS Liquid Shot</strong>. I really like that it comes in flasks so you don’t mess with opening and getting sticky fingers from gu packets. I like <strong>Clif Bloks</strong> for the same reason- no sticky fingers… but sometimes a pain to open. If I’m doing gu’s, I like the Powerbar and Clif Shots and Gu’s more than Hammer, just cause I don’t like the big Hammer packs. Due to race day availability, I have probably eaten the most Vanilla Clif Shots this year and never gotten tired of the taste. For my money, though, I don’t buy the Gu Roctane, since I just don’t think it’s worth the extra $$$.</p> <p>Electrolyte- <strong>Succeed S-caps</strong>. 3x the sodium of Endurolytes, none of the fizz of Nuun. And the most inexpensive of the choices by a long shot. S-caps get me through 100+ deg humid days in South Carolina with no cramping.</p> <p>Shoes- I think these are too dependent on the person to make recommendations. I have wide feet and have had good luck with New Balance, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon for many years now. I’m also trying some new brands that seem promising, such as Hoka, Scott, and Altra.</p> <p>Other gear I like- Petzl Myo RXP headlamp, Under Armour Coldgear Mock top, Sporthill XC pant, Brooks Infiniti shorts, Body Glide anti-chafe, Blistex lip balm, and Charmin toilet paper.</p> <p>[Disclaimer: I’m not sponsored by any of these companies and am not benefiting in any way by posting this. And I bought all the gear with my own money.]</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-64250084157085800712011-11-28T19:58:00.000-08:002011-11-28T20:01:36.310-08:00Best. Race. Preview. Ever.Not that there is a single ultrarunner on earth who reads my blog but not Mr. Roes', but I had to give props to him for writing the <a href="http://akrunning.blogspot.com/2011/11/north-face-50-race-preview.html">most humorous race preview post</a> ever. Even funnier than some of Dakota's stuff. And sadly, I blog lurk enough that I think I understood every joke in that preview.<div><br /></div><div>Thanks, Geoff. And good luck to you and all the NF50 runners this weekend. We'll be tweet-lurking on Saturday.</div>Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-10599297335906370152011-11-27T14:23:00.001-08:002011-11-27T14:35:40.761-08:00Foothills Trail 76 mile run<p>Before anything else, I need to thank the people who helped with this endeavor. At any race, there is an RD and numerous volunteers at multiple aid stations assisting hundreds of runners. A solo undertaking such as this, however, is fully dependent on a few friends and family generously giving their time to help just one runner. Barry Burns spent 14 hours on this endeavor, including 33 miles pacing on the longest run (time and distance) of his life. Justin Cole spent 13 hours, including 22 miles pacing on the longest run (time and distance) of his life. Ken Sturm waited many, many hours and paced for 2 hours. And last but not least, my Dad spent 23 hours, including 1.5 hours pacing, all to help me finish. Thanks a million for your time and help, guys. And thanks to my family for supporting me in my time away.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.gorp.com/hiking-guide/travel-ta-hiking-north-carolina-south-carolina-sidwcmdev_058763.html">Foothills Trail</a> traverses the Cherokee Foothills of the Southern Appalachians in North and South Carolina over some of the most rugged terrain in the SE. It reaches the highest point in South Carolina, crosses numerous rivers and streams alongside dozens of waterfalls, has suspension bridges up to 50 yards long, and can claim such notable landmarks as the Chattooga River (filming location of Deliverance) and Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in the East. The trail is 76 miles long, more or less, with approximately 16,500 ft climbing and 15,900 ft descending, though the exact amounts have been the subject of much discussion on the FHT listserv. One unique challenge is the thousands and thousands of wooden stairs, which tend to change fast downhills into slow, careful descents. The crux of the trail is the remote 33 mile Laurel Valley portion that does not have any road crossings or opportunities for aid and is the cause of most DNF’s for the trail. There entire trail has only been run <a href="http://foothillstrailultras.com/">16 times</a> in under 30 hours, with twice as many DNF’s. It is a worthy challenge for any ultra runner. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--3Ruqwn89YA/TtK4Ekj5EoI/AAAAAAAAAsg/UDvWl-xP5EA/s1600-h/FHT%252520track%25255B1%25255D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="FHT track" border="0" alt="FHT track" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sc-aJ822IFc/TtK4G35G-FI/AAAAAAAAAso/mc1f1DgWCsM/FHT%252520track_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="442" height="285"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tbeqawtc0MY/TtK4IV0OqgI/AAAAAAAAAsw/_RiVmJJ62IQ/s1600-h/Toxaway%252520River%252520sign%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Toxaway River sign" border="0" alt="Toxaway River sign" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Iozh3cR2yGs/TtK4JAGGdLI/AAAAAAAAAs4/2zfRhg0zIcM/Toxaway%252520River%252520sign_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="337"></a> </p> <p>I first learned of the FHT when I ran the Dan Hartley-organized, unofficial Bad Creek 50k on the course last spring. Over the course of the year, I ran the entire trail in portions. Thanksgiving week worked well for my first attempt as we were off work and my father would be in town. My primary goal was to finish, with a secondary goal of breaking Matt Kirk’s <a href="http://fastestknowntime.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=south&action=display&thread=8">Fastest Known Time</a> of 16:52 (I made pace charts for 15:15, 16:30, and 18:15). My Dad and I left home just after 5 am on Nov 21, reaching the entrance to Table Rock state park at 6 am. I had to run in about a mile to the trailhead, where I started at 6:22 am. It had been raining the night before (more on this later) but the weather was warm and humid, near record highs- low of 55, high of 76- T-shirt weather the whole time with lots of sweating. The steep climb to Sassafras went well as I ran easy, stopping to enjoy the gorgeous sunrise from Bald Knob overlook, with low-lying fog enveloping the blue mountains. The trail was leaf-covered the entire 76 miles, which made seeing the rocks, roots, and stairs challenging, and water on the leaves soon had my shoes soaking wet. I reached the Sassafras aid ahead of schedule (2 hr 7 min, including aid stop), swapped bottles, and ran the next leg to Rocky Bottom at mile 14.5 (52 min) where Barry was waiting to pace me.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-deZUnRVLdlM/TtK4Jvd5bjI/AAAAAAAAAtA/PHnjSHsBfMk/s1600-h/FHT%252520sunrise%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="FHT sunrise" border="0" alt="FHT sunrise" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f4B4ylfAs7A/TtK4J4jmhiI/AAAAAAAAAtI/N4qYgskdG2o/FHT%252520sunrise_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="275"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FLQQGg7Dfuo/TtK4LcdebYI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/QGYesodhL68/s1600-h/Rocky%252520Bottom%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Rocky Bottom" border="0" alt="Rocky Bottom" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CncJ_yjBNz4/TtK4L3E57zI/AAAAAAAAAtY/D_W5MmxY2ss/Rocky%252520Bottom_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="277"></a> </p> <p align="center">FHT sunrise (top) and Rocky Bottom aid (bottom) </p> <p align="left">The 33 mile Laurel Valley section with Barry was enjoyable. It is a long, long section with a wide variety of terrain and numerous climbs and descents. I tried to maintain a steady pace, but we found that the wet wooden stairs and bridges were extremely slippery and reduced us to slow, slow, cautious sidestepping down the (literally) thousands of steps. I would estimate that the slick stairs and bridges slowed us 30+ min over this section alone. We saw very few people, enjoying the hours of solitude. Long stretches would pass with neither of us wanting to break the silence. We filtered water once, but carried the rest of the supplies for the entire leg. We both went through some ups and downs, but steadily moved onwards while trying not to think about how far we still had to go. Highlights included a refreshing thundershower, amazing views, not too many spiderwebs, and seeing a pack of 10 wild boars. Good times. The last mile to the WWF aid is perhaps the hardest of the run, with some boulder scrambling, a steep climb, and a very technical traverse. We reached an anxiously-waiting Dad and Justin, where I changed shoes and clothes and swapped gear. Counting the stop, the leg was 7 hrs 53 min, an hour slower than Matt’s FKT split. I knew the record was out of reach so stopped worrying about the time. I knew I would finish, so just kept moving forward, knowing we would reach the finish which we reached it. Quitting was never an option.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gWWmW7xbj_U/TtK4MbEUgLI/AAAAAAAAAtg/1QTNMdAxURM/s1600-h/FHT%252520leaves%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="FHT leaves" border="0" alt="FHT leaves" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-07mT5a-hm24/TtK4NKMjHuI/AAAAAAAAAto/bX5tZ5cREEk/FHT%252520leaves_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="450"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JihzwQdaHMw/TtK4OZnBHqI/AAAAAAAAAtw/SA14JtngLLI/s1600-h/Laurel%252520Valley%252520stairs%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Laurel Valley stairs" border="0" alt="Laurel Valley stairs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rKJxuKO5ndw/TtK4O-NRjLI/AAAAAAAAAt4/AXJ13ceoaQg/Laurel%252520Valley%252520stairs_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="342"></a> </p> <p align="center">Stairs hidden under the leaves</p> <p>Justin paced me from Whitewater Falls to Sloan Bridge as the sun set. The darkness combined with the leaf-strewn trail and my fatigue to slow the pace more than anticipated, but we reached the aid in 69 min. Then followed the Fish Hatchery and Burrell’s Ford sections, taking 48 and 61 min, respectively. I can’t recall many specifics other than being wrapped in the small cone of light on a never ending trail with Justin, and slowing to a walk for almost every obstacle or semi-technical trail portion. Justin asked once if I thought I would get a second wind and run faster, which I found humorous since I was actually feeling good and felt like I was running fast at that time. Justin learned just how far every mile can be running at night over technical terrain while tired. My dad met us at Burrell’s Ford (mile 60.1) for a refill before the long Chattooga River section. The first half was slow, as the technical trail generally follows (and briefly enters) the river, but we began to have faster stretches when the trail would smooth out. We were cruising up a long uphill when a headlamp was coming the other way- it was Ken, running to find us after hours of waiting. The 3 of us ran the last miles to Cheohee and the final aid after a (slightly) faster than expected sub-2:45, 10.4 mile stretch. Justin bowed out at this point while my Dad joined in for his first-ever night trail run. The last 6 miles went fast, even if we weren’t on the long uphills. There were some nice views of the lights in the distance (one benefit of running after the leaves have fallen) with lots of jovial chatting. The finishing trailhead in Oconee State Park soon arrived after 1:16 for the last stretch. It was 12:16 am, for a final time of 17 hrs 54 min, the second fastest FHT time ever. We were finished. After jogging the 1 mile road out of the park, we met Justin at the car. With congrats and photos all around, my Dad drove everyone back to their cars while we enjoyed the donuts and chocolate milk my Dad had wisely bought, finally arriving home at 3 am. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QmxDESSA9EY/TtK4PmtultI/AAAAAAAAAuA/ZfZSvT1eoHk/s1600-h/Crew2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Crew2" border="0" alt="Crew2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZoF_kBPNWsk/TtK4QFqnoGI/AAAAAAAAAuI/zgowwWCrlds/Crew2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="285"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gLMBsw6gAJ8/TtK4QqBzr1I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/dqoNImDt3E8/s1600-h/Crew1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Crew1" border="0" alt="Crew1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BLxlc0Hs7LY/TtK4RFbvEKI/AAAAAAAAAuY/VsZ0-NB_6cM/Crew1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="285"></a> </p> <p align="center">Barry, Justin, and Jon (top); Jon, Justin, and Ken with no flash (bottom)</p> <p>I really enjoyed running the entire FHT. It is an awesome trail and I had great company along the way. Thanks again to my great crew and family- I couldn’t have done it without you guys. Justin asked if I thought it was as hard as a 100 mile race, as some have said. Personally, I don’t think it is. For me, nothing compares to the last 20-30 of a 100, and I would say this stopped just as I was physically reaching that point. It was no tougher for me than the first 75 miles of the Bear 100, for example, and not as hard as the entire Rocky Raccoon 100. But it’s still a tough trail and all finishers should be proud of their accomplishment.</p> <p>One final thought- running the FHT is a big undertaking requiring lots of planning and support. If I ever run the trail again, I would again go for the record, which I think is doable. Here are a few items I think would help, some pertinent to me and some to everyone:</p> <ul> <li>Best time of year would likely be March or April. Temps are still cool, but the leaves would not be as significant on the trail. And the extra 2-3 hours of light would make a huge difference in maintaining the fast pace before the darkness comes. I would rather have more daylight, even if temps were warmer. <li>I started 45 min before sunrise. Next time, I would probably start 90-180 min before sunrise, so I would reach Sassafras just as I turned off my headlamp. Darkness slows me more at the end when fatigued. <li>Fueling and water was great for me. 40 gu’s (~250 cal/hr) and 20-25 oz water/hr, plus S-caps. <li>I need to be in better shape and well-rested. I am probably in 80% racing shape right now, having peaked for UROC two months ago. My training since then has been sub-par for a true FKT attempt, plus I wasn’t fully recovered from Mountain Masochist. A record on this trail requires a full-up race effort. <li>Most important, I would not go for the record unless the trail was dry with no rain forecast. Slick footing on stairs/bridges slows the final time 30-60 min, I would say. <li>I would not change a thing about pacers and crew- they were great. I lingered a bit at the aid stops once the record was gone, and probably spent ~35-40 min stopped the whole time. That could be cut in half.</li></ul> <p>Given this admittedly-ideal scenario, I think a sub-15 hr time is possible by me or someone else. Since I am running Umstead 100 next March, my next attempt is likely at least 16 months away. In the meantime, good luck to all other FHT runners and have fun! Go add your name to the finisher’s list!</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-23886905771576861562011-11-07T20:37:00.001-08:002011-11-07T20:37:32.644-08:00Mountain Masochist Race Report<p align="center">A Tale of Three Races- a short story <p align="center">Working title: 33 miles is an awfully long way to walk <p align="center">Prologue <p>When a race is in its 29<sup>th</sup> year and has a shoe named after it, you know it is a classic. With that in mind, I eagerly registered for the Mountain Masochist Trail Race 50+. It’s a classic Horton race, with 9200 ft climbing, 7200 drop, and a few extra “Horton miles” included. I had heard nothing but good things about it. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k9cra6Y1JMg/TriyCoFEofI/AAAAAAAAAsM/waym24g2Bpw/s1600-h/MMTR%252520profile%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="MMTR profile" border="0" alt="MMTR profile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-62berCVDOoQ/TriyDPP4qMI/AAAAAAAAAsU/GG9tDRoGpOw/MMTR%252520profile_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="309"></a> <p>While UROC was my focus race of the fall, I still wanted to do well at MMTR, though a few niggles and a slow recovery from UROC somewhat tempered my expectations. Nonetheless, I felt a 7:15-ish time was doable. Unfortunately, that changed when my daughters kindly shared some kind of flu bug with me a few days pre-race. I felt moderately achy and fatigued, mainly in my legs (a first), though I hoped it was either just a taper phantom pain or would pass quickly. However, I felt sick enough during the drive up Friday that I seriously considered turning around, but chose to see how I felt Sat morning. The already-long pre-race briefing and dinner felt even longer with my throbbing head, though I enjoyed some good conversations with a group of Raleigh runners. After, we headed to JB’s (Jonathan Basham) in-law’s house, where they were kind enough to give me a bed. There were 5 of us, and I was the only one of the group who hadn’t done or seen the race at least 5 times. One was Alyssa Wildeboer, the second-seeded woman with bib 102. Seeing as I was bib 2, we joked that hopefully the “2’s” would kick some butt (more on that later). <p>Race morning came early and cold, but I felt just good enough to give the race a serious go. There was some stiff competition, including a few guys I met earlier this year (Eric Grossman, Jeremy Ramsey, JB, amongst others). I was eager to start. <p align="center">Part 1: The Race <p>The first 3 road miles were enjoyable, with a bit of chatting. I found myself in 7<sup>th</sup>, at the back of the lead pack, though I decided to let them go after 4 miles due to concerns about my health. They were a minute or two ahead at aid 1 (7 miles, 49 minutes), though a long stop due to bottle issues backed me to 10<sup>th</sup>. I had heard MMTR had lots of dirt road, but was pleasantly surprised to find that much of it was actually more like doubletrack or closed ATV trails that were at least somewhat technical and very fun, rather than passenger-car gravel roads. The next few miles passed quickly and I felt reasonably good as we ran up and down trails. I really enjoyed the trail, the cool temps, and being outdoors. After a few creek crossings and Aid 4, a long, gradual uphill found me in 6<sup>th</sup> place with three guys just behind. I was pleased to find myself slowly pulling away and was climbing strong. I reached Aid 5, mile 19, in 2:35. Unfortunately, my day was about to change. <p align="center">Part 2: 33 Miles is an Awfully Long Way to Walk <p>Reaching the top of the hill at mile 19, we started a 3 mile decent to Irish Creek aid. However, it quickly became apparent that my body had just taken a turn for the worse. Interestingly, the first thing to fail when things turn south is my downhill legs (a la Logan Peak 2010 at mile 24), not my uphill legs. JB and the two other runners behind me passed and steadily pulled away as my pace uncontrollably slowed from 6:30 to 8:30 per mile over the course of a few miles. I knew I was toast, and my first thought was, “Egads, 33 miles is an awfully long way to walk.” My body told me my race was over and shifted into slow, long run pace, with a lot of walking interspersed. Two more runners passed me. A bit of humor did arrive in the form of David Horton, who came sliding up in his truck, waving me over. He pointed at me and loudly exclaimed, “Hey! Hey! You’re 11<sup>th</sup> place. Do you know what that means?!? You’re the First Loser! Now go catch someone to get top 10!” I just shook my head, muttered a low, “Okay,” and plodded onwards as he screeched away. I was shocked how long it took for anyone to appear behind me, despite my laborious pace. When I was finally passed, I mentioned to the runner that he was now in 11<sup>th</sup> spot and only needed one pass to be top 10. I was surprised when he gave me a couldn’t-care-less” look and just said, “It’s a long race.” Truly, there was a steep dropoff- outside the top 10 runners that day, none of the remaining guys seemed to particularly care about specific times or places, just wanting to finish. It was a different mindset than the competitive, push hard and beat the other guy mentality at the front. <p>I had a few conversations with myself regarding if I would drop at Long Mtn, the halfway mark. I am glad to say that, partly shamed by my OD DNF, partly cause I needed a qualifier for Western, and partly cause I just wanted to keep going, I resolved to finish as long as I could walk. And walk I could. If I was stubborn enough to start the race regardless of how my body felt, then I was going to be stubborn enough to finish the race regardless of how my body felt. It served me right and seemed fitting. My mantra the rest of the day was simply, “Onwards.” I repeated this to myself time and again. <p>I leisurely changed shoes and swapped gear at Long Mtn (mile 28.3, 4:05), then teamed up with law student David Kirby to finish the climb up Buck Mtn. Although I felt I could essentially run the whole mountain on a good day, I was content to relax and see if my body could recover at all. David and I chatted, which certainly made the climb pass quickly. Before I knew it, we reached the top with the Rocky soundtrack blaring from some jeep speakers (I can’t imagine how the aid station workers can endure the same song for 4+ hrs). The next 12 miles were a physical roller coaster of small ups and big downs, though it appeared my struggles were common to all the racers in my vicinity. I reached the loop, downed some delicious ramen noodles, and joined a twosome of runners to venture around and over the mountain. The leaf-strewn trail, surrounded by bare trees and with no wildlife in sight, gave a bit of a surreal, desolate, and forlorn feel to this portion of the course. I was surprised at how technical some of the trail was, and unsurprisingly struggled with some of the very technical descents, walking sections. The loop eventually ended (mile 40, 6:34), though, and I paused briefly for my only star of the day. <p align="center">Part 3: Pseudo-pacer <p>Returning to the road, I found Alyssa bounding past me, looking strong but a bit tired as the second place woman. Feeling marginally better and moving at similar paces, I decided to try to stick with her and maybe even assist if possible, acting as a pacer of sorts. We settled into a routine, amiably talking as we ran. I was again reminded how much easier things seem when you have someone to talk to and distract you from your misery. There were a few times I struggled to keep up with Alyssa, and a few times I easily could have pulled away, but we were generally even. Across the gravel roads, up and over more technical, very leaf-covered singletrack, we pushed as we tried to reel-in her unseen foe, somewhere ahead of us. She listened to all my ramblings and both of my corny jokes and I picked her brain for knowledge of the course. We even decided that the race should be a team competition, seeing as we were numbers 2 and 102. If Eric (bib 1) didn’t finish with Sandi (bib 101), then we would win! Up and over one last 4000 ft mtn, then to the last aid station, where we learned first woman was 28 min ahead. With little chance of winning, Alyssa still wanted to beat her husband’s fastest time ever of 8:41. Running strong on the long downhill, the finish line finally appeared after a long 51.5 miles. She finished in 8:33:58, with me right behind. I finished 16<sup>th</sup> overall, 14<sup>th</sup> male- it was my first chicking since the Rocky Raccoon, and a double chicking at that. Horton shook my hand and immediately told me to come back to see what I could do when I wasn’t sick. <p>Eric won the race, clocking a sub-7 hr time. JB <a name="_GoBack"></a>and Jeremy were 5<sup>th</sup> and 6<sup>th</sup>. I had a good time at the finish line, eating and talking with Clark, Horton, and all the racers. The post-race dinner/awards was likewise enjoyable, and I was intrigued by the fact that 30% of The Barkley Marathons finishers were present, with JB, Andrew Thompson, and David Horton all within 10 feet of me. Now <i><u>that’s</u></i> a crazy race- if you don’t know about it, google it. A few hours sleep courtesy of JB and Hillary’s parent, and I drove home early Sunday morning. <p align="center">Epilogue <p>Physically, it probably would have been wise to not run. But, I wanted to experience the race and knew beforehand that it would likely be a slogfest. I gave it my best, but just didn’t physically have it to compete that day the way I am used to. I attribute my sub-par performance to 30% lack of UROC recovery/undertraining, and 70% sickness. I still believe I could run a 7:15-ish or faster. The race has lots of history, though it may change routes next year due to Forest Service issues. That would be a real shame. It’s a great course and well-run race with lots of great runners and volunteers. <p>Personally, I had fun and I’m very glad I did MMTR. Now, I also had many hours of suffering, but there is something enjoyable and rewarding about pushing yourself and completing a daunting task when it is definitely an off-day. It’s hard to beat a day running and walking trails in the beautiful mountains. And I also enjoyed trying to help Alyssa meet her goals- nothing forces you to get over your own bad day like trying to help someone. It was a hard, fun day, and I finished what I started, even if it took me a little extra time. <p>I have to thank my wife, Marci, and 3 kids for providing the best support a guy could ask for from a family. And for my parents and friends for caring. There are a lot of races on the East Coast I want to run, and likely won’t be repeating any races for a while, but this would definitely be one of the first that would draw me in again. Good times.</p> Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6057110934083607426.post-1009212696154804652011-10-17T18:09:00.001-07:002011-10-26T19:47:24.797-07:00Freeloading and an open invitationLike many runners, I'm frugal. So, I'm always up for freeloading- free rides, places to stay, food, warm showers, whatever. And, thanks to the generosity of fellow runners, I've been able to meet many new, generous, awesome people while keeping my money out of the hotel business and in my pocket. I have invited myself to people's houses many times, and never had a bad experience. The single best example of generosity was during the cancelled Pocatello 50, when someone gave me a ride, a shower at their condo, their clothes to wear, and drove me around for an hour trying to find a locksmith after I locked the keys in Cody's car- that was quite the adventure, and the help was sincerely appreciated. And, in return, I've had some people stay at my house on a number of occasions and given many rides (disclaimer: I have said "No" once. There was a good reason, though- a 39 1/2 week pregnant wife who was having labor pains. Sorry, Mr. Grossman).<div><br /></div><div>And so, if you see a race on my calendar in your neck of the woods coming up, please invite me to stay at your house if you're so inclined. It will save me the trouble of inviting myself!</div><div><br /></div><div>And, while there aren't a ton of races in the Greenville, SC area, the same invitation is open to any of you. My car gets great gas mileage. And we have a spare bed and some good cooking, so, if you're coming our way, our door is always open. Literally- try as I might, I just can't get my 3 and 5 year old daughters to close the darn thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's all work together to save our money for the important things like race entry fees, shoes, and food! Probably in reverse order.</div>Jon Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10550264057212165804noreply@blogger.com1