10th Annual Harbison 50k Trail Race

The 10^th annual Harbison 50k took place at Harbison State Forest, just outside Columbia, SC on Saturday January 4^th, 2020. After completing the first 8 races, I missed last year with a foot injury. There was little doubt that I would be back this year!

Previous Harbison bling

This year came with a new RD – with David Nance passing it on to Matthew Hammersmith (of Upstate Ultras) and Trey McCain (both part of ‘Without Limits’). Weather is one thing that’s consistent with its unpredictability. This year brought lots of rain before the race (more than an inch the day before), but sunny on race day and temps in the low 60’s. I believe this was the warmest starting temps for the race. Coming down from St. Paul (where it was 26 and snowing when I left Friday), I was happy to be able to run in shorts for the first time in months.

After driving down to be there at 7am for the 8am start (I really enjoyed the later start, even 30 minutes later than usual) for the 50k, I picked up my bib and shirt. (May have had an issue with the shirt sizing in that I think all the 50k shirts were size Large? I was happy with the larger shirt than expected). After hanging out in my car for a bit, I went and listened to the race instructions.

Pre-race briefing

I'm supposed to know the course directions?

Only news of interest was a move of the 2^nd Aid Station a little further past the lollipop section (Bluffs) so we’d only pass it once each lap. We all then moved to the starting line. A quick hello to Byron Backer (the only other 50k runner I knew), a move back a bit off the line, and off we went!

It didn’t take long to spread out down the road before a sharp turn onto the trails. It also didn’t take long for the water on the course to soak everyone’s feet. I kept my steady pace following a couple of people as we tried to dodge the deepest puddles of shoe-sucking mud, but it was impossible not to. I’ve never had a problem running with wet feet, so I plodded along. Hit the first aid station in 56 minutes (typical for me) right behind Alfie – a local runner who was running Harbison for the 6th time. She was strong and steady and although I could walk faster, I knew it was a matter of time before she pulled ahead. It was nice conversation and helped the miles pass as we topped out on Spiderwoman. I had accidentally stopped my watch at the first AS instead of hitting the lap button. I found out at the rock garden from another runner that I had lost about 35 minutes on my stopwatch.

Other than a few miles with Alfie – I did not really run with another person the rest of the race.

It was a good day to be outside, even with the water, the more-than ankle-deep creek crossing at AS1, the few slippery sections and narrow bluffs. The second Aid Station wasn’t in a bad spot, but it did add about 15min to reach it. At the halfway point, I used my roller, had some snacks, and had my bladder filled (or so I thought) thanks to the RD (MH). It was at 97% humidity when we started, and I made sure to drink plenty. I also took two S-caps and had some snacks at AS2 and all Aid Stations after that. I headed back out after 2:58. (Exactly 1 minute slower than my 2011 time and 20secs slower than 2017, so I expected my finish time to be ~6:40.

The 2^nd loop seemed a little sloppier as the 25k races had already gone through, and I slowed down even more as my legs grew heavy. Hit the AS in 1:10 (so - ~14 minutes slower than the first lap) just after another slog through the deep water crossing!

This next section always seems long the second go-round. Didn’t see too many people, and maybe just a few passed me, and I did come upon a few 25kers. I ended up running out of water on this section…I didn’t check to see how full my bladder got filled to at the mid-way point (one lesson learned!). The extra water jug at the lollipop section was empty at that point, but it really wasn’t much of an issue for me. My body, however – reacted like it should when you don’t put in the long runs you should have (and cross country skied the weekend before for the first time of the season).

Skiing brought on some inner-thigh soreness earlier in the week, and I didn’t really expect it to show back up – but around the halfway, there it was (inner right thigh). A few miles more and it was my whole right hip area. To cap it off – my IT band (right knee) started to irritate me a little bit about mile 27. So I ambled on as I could. Jogging some downhills and flats when I could and walking my normal speed (which felt just fine).

Some water on the course

And some more water!

I watched the clock not knowing exactly the overall time, but still was hoping/expecting to come in just before 6:45.

So just before halfway as I was heading back toward the start, Byron passed opposite me heading back out. Didn’t really think about it until I made the last right-hand turn and I saw him up ahead. I was not interested in catching him, but I knew that since I caught up to him, that he wasn't having a great second lap. I ended up finishing right behind him!

Happy with my 9th finish!

Finish time was 6:43:11 (so I now have 4 finished between 6:38-6:43).
After 2-3 days, my ankle tightness, left hamstring, shins soreness, were basically gone. Going for a long walk the day after the race is always good, but maybe I should've skipped playing basketball.