2014 Paris Mountain 16k Trail Race Report

Greenville Track Club (and John Lehman) hosted this event again on November 1st, 2014, but this was my first time running it as a 16k since it changed from a 15k (by adding switchbacks down Sulphur Springs). It was 3 weeks after The Bourbon Chase relay, but I had put in some good miles and I wasn't looking to do too much with this race. The 15k I ran in May 2010 in 1:46, a week Before my 1st 50k at Chattooga,
I showed up early and helped set up the start/finish line and helped with registration until only about 10 minutes before the start. That made me a little rushed as I got to the start line, but did warm me up a bit after being cold in the 34° temps standing still for an hour. There were snow showers overnight  and some wind, but the trail was a bit wet but clear.  
So - we started off, I laid back just a bit as we went down the road, letting others go ahead and got comfortably behind a group on the trail. Not alot of room to pass of course, but I wasn't in any hurry. I was cautious not to push too hard, but still sped up and passed a few. That is, until we got to the steep section of Sulphur Springs. I knew the 'train' would go slowly, they'd run, then have to stop and wait/walk. I planned it well and walked so much of that section, even well before it got really steep. I knew with my walking speed, i would catch them soon enough, so I'd let them get a good bit ahead and sure enough, I'd catch them as they got bunched up. My heart-rate never went up, so at the top, I was good to go. Cruised up Firetower and then pushed a good bit going down to the lake. There was one point where a chunk of ice fell off a tree and almost got me. That would have hurt, but luckily I didn't have any trouble.
I did fade some after the downhill on Sulphur Springs, but picked it up more toward the end of Mountain Creek. I knew my times were decent on each section (except the downhill, which I hadn't run that much), and it helped that I mostly followed someone the whole way. A female was just ahead of me most of the race, just out of reach, but close enough to 'chase'. I ended up beating my 15k time by 10 minutes, in 1:36:09! A very satisfying result!

River Bound Trail 15k Race Report

River Bound Race Series

I did not come into this event with the best preparation. See if you can count how many of these fall into a typical list of "what Not to do".
For more than two weeks before the race, I did not run - at all. It has been well over two years since that has happened. I was resting my sore left foot and I finally conceded and went to the doctor 2 days before the race. I was told I had semasoiditis and given some off-the-shelf orthotics to help alleviate the pressure on the ball of my foot. I could run as long as I could stand the pain. After wearing them 2 hrs Thursday, 4 hours Friday - I thought I could run in them. I decided to go with my new Asics 2150 Trail shoes (I had only walked 3 miles in them so far), but I was Not going to race this. My friend Kristen was going to be there - otherwise I doubt I would have pushed myself to do it. It's always good to see your friends, and it would probably work out that we could run together - for at least some of it.
After what seemed a ridiculous amount of pre-race information thru the megaphone while standing in the already-baking sun at 8am, we got started on some gravel for a little run by the water of the US National Whitewater Center (a pretty cool place by the way, even with the $5 parking fee). Kristen and I settled into our run as people more concerned with racing went ahead. We chatted and watched the trail as we entered the singletrack with some ups and downs, rolling into no-mans land. It would be easy to get lost on the course without the race signs posted (and they were plentiful - Thank you!). The course itself was very good, all pretty runnable (for those in shape, unlike myself). It always seemed to be turning with gentle climbs and falls, with a good hill in every now and then. When we hit the first water stop. I was already feeling overheated and dumping water over my head only provided minimal relief. Soon after I let Kristen go on so she could "race" on her own. I was hot, winded, and I knew my legs didn't have a whole lot in them. I walked on and off the next few miles, even when the terrain would normally dictate that I run. The overheating issue subsided and I got my cardio back a little, but legs were still just weak. Five out of the six weeks since the Chattooga 50k I had averaged a whopping 8 miles/week. No wonder I was having difficulty. I did enjoy the course and at times there was no one in sight. I really had no clue how far there was left to go, but I did feel a little better the last couple of miles and ran much of the rest of the way. My competitive nature did kick in when someone on a bike said we were getting close and there were two runners ahead of me I wanted to pass, then I had to make sure they weren't going to pass me back as we entered the open area by the water. I may have looked strong, but it was tough and I was happy to have finished in 1:36:55. Kristen finished 2nd in her age group, about 9 minutes ahead of me.
There's a half-marathon in the Sept that I may have to come back and run!

I'm ok! Eye-bug. 15k race...

So I think I'm fine after my Achilles scare last week. Wed was rest, Thursday was an early morning "test run". Felt fine for my scheduled 6 miles. Slower obviously as I felt for anything odd. Not a great run, but ok. Achilles soreness turned into knee pain. Not too bad at all, almost a weakness (like it was hyper-extended?). Friday was rest, Saturday was originally supposed to be a 20 miler. After that week, and a 15k race on Monday - there was no way I was doing that. I ended up doing just over 7. Was hoping for somewhere between 7 and 13. Caught a bug in my eye and couldn't get it out - that was one reason for the 7. Legs felt fine too, still lingering knee weakness after the fact - didn't feel a thing as I ran. So - the bug. I looked. My wife looked later on. A few hours later, felt something Really in my eye and something came out. Yuck, but felt so much better!
Rested up yesterday (by painting a bedroom) and woke up at 4:20am today to get ready and drive down to Columbia for the Labor Day 15k. A really good crowd, lots of volunteers too. Started off on the cooler side (for Columbia) with even a threat of rain. Sadly - that only lasted ~4 miles, then the sun came out with a vengeance. Then the hills began. Not sure they ever ended! By far the hardest course I have run, combined with my lack of proficiency in the heat and I was not having a great race. Even with that - and not feeling like I was going fast at all (let alone the walking I did) - I was only 2 minutes off my Biltmore 15k run from May in which I felt great at (so I think I remember feeling great!). Did run into one GTC member - Bobby. For the last 2 years - it seems we are Always side by side at some point. So - 100 miles away from Greenville, bend down to check my shoes at the starting line, straighten up, and who is standing next to me but Bobby. He has been my rabbit, but lately I guess my training has paid off as I have finally overtaken him in the last few races. Forget that he is over 30 yrs older! I certainly hope to be in that good of shape in 20 or 30 years! I'll talk more about my "rabbits" over the last 6 years...there's been a few!
NYC is 8 weeks away. eek!
Next week: three 7 milers on Wed, Fri and Sunday.