2022 Harbison 50k Race Report (Virtual, self-supported)

The 12th running of the Harbison 50k was to take place on January 8, 2022 down in Harbison State Forest in Columbia, SC. With COVID-19 (omicron) still rampant and travel not high on my list, utter lack of training (slightly due to stretches of below zero temps here in St. Paul, MN), and some anxiousness surrounding my ankle tendinitis, I had No plans to run this race - in-person or virtually. I had marked it off my list, resigned myself that my 10 finishes was good enough. 

But then, the night before the race - my friends posted about the race. The Race Director posted about the race. I commented. RD said just run 50k here this weekend and it'd count. Hmmmm.....so, at 8:09pm, I registered and got my things together to run on Saturday. I had never done that before, so why not see what happens, expecting to walk most of it. Found a Gatorade in the fridge. Gathered my running clothes, and planned my nutrition. Temps were to be from 19°-27° with some wind [this after a temp of -17° Friday morning], so not bad at all. 

 I slept in on race day as I had a meeting scheduled that morning from 9-11am. Left it just before 10am and got ready with 2 layers everywhere Started out for my 9 loops of Lake Phalen (and 2 pit stops back at the house) at 10:08am. I broke it down in my head as three sets of three-loops. That worked out very well for me. 

Paths were more slushy than I expected, as they are usually cleared of snow. We'd had 3-4" the last few days, and with the temps brutal, I was a little worried about ice under everything. Turned out there was no ice to speak of, 2 short sections that felt like running in soft sand, and much of the rest had a thin layer of slush. Some places were down to pavement, and it improved somewhat over the course of the day as it warmed up (although the sun never appeared through the clouds). 

 This is the same loop I have run since I moved here in 2015. Pretty flat, 3.1 mile paved path around a lake that used to provide drinking water for St. Paul. During the winter, the bike path (partially separated from the walking path) is typically plowed. Direction is meant to be clock-wise. The lake is laid out north-to-south, with residential along the whole east-side (but no houses are waterfront anywhere on the lake, all separated by a road). West-side is adjacent to a golf course (doubles as cross country skiing course in the winter, or rather, when there is snow. Golf is played no matter the temps if it is clear). Another note - other walking/bike paths connect to this that go on for dozens of miles, but I generally stay on the lake loop. 

Set 1 (loops 1-3): Took a very comfortable pace out as I had not run in over a week, and since 12/8 (after ~3wks of ~30miles each), had run a total of 18.6mi. I was hoping for the first loop to be runnable, and it mostly was. I walked a bit more each loop, just a little bit, but was happy to still be moving well after the first ~10.3miles. Loops were 30:53, 31:44, and 33:14. Back home in 1:46. Took almost a 10min break as I ate some pb&j/chips and refilled my water bottle, and added a 2nd bottle with some Gatorade/water. I had meant to go out on loop 1 with 2 bottles, but realized I forgot one as I got a block away from my house. It turned out fine.

Set 2 (loops 4-6): Walked more and more each loop. My left front ankle/shin became sore mid-way through, and my right IT Band started up when I ran toward the end of the set. Loops were 39:09, 41:05, and 43:34. (I can generally walk a lap in good health/weather in ~43min). Last loop was obviously mostly walking. Plenty of ice huts out on the lake - about 12. I also saw one person with a 12-15" fish he'd just caught! Back to the house in 4:13 (2:16 for set 2). Took 13 min break at home for more of the same: pb&j, chips, and refills. 

Set 3 (loops 7-9): Walked the whole set of three laps. The 2nd toenail on my right foot was getting sore.  The top two joints don't bend much after dislocating/breaking it playing softball back in 2002.  I knew I'd finish, and it did get tough the last loop, but I was trying hard to beat 7hrs. I knew it'd be very close, so I pushed more and more. I even used my iphone music this last set, but my one playlist on there was pretty bad for exercise (I never listen to music when I run, but I have been putting playlists on my phone to listen to during work, and have been adding my albums alphabetically in ~400 song sets. I'm in the E's and F's). Coming around the south part of the lake, with a half mile left of the lake loop and a half mile home, I knew I had time for a pit stop as I ducked into a port-o-john. At least, I hope I had timed it right after ~7 years making ~1500 loops around the lake! Loops were 43:13, 47:06, and 48:12.

Turns out - I did time it right. I got home after 6:59:15 for my 11th Harbison finish (2:35 for set 3).

Whew. Kept telling myself on each set that I had 1 or 2 more loops, then it was back home. Never looked farther than that - just loop to loop to get back home. Now that I know I can do this without planning, I hope not to have to do it like this again. 

Ankles and knees were bad that evening. Will definitely lose that toenail. Felt a good bit better the next day actually, with some back soreness added in. Could start to feel my thighs/quads a little after 2 days, but by Wednesday - I was back to rowing (too cold/icy to run outside again after another 2-3").

 

2021 Harbison 50k (virtual, supported) 1/9/21

The 11th Harbison 50k was held on 9 Jan 2021 in Columbia, SC at Harbison State Forest. I have run all but one of these events, missing 2019 due to an injury. I was planning on traveling down for this event to get my 10th finish, but due to COVID-19, I decided it would not be wise. The race director (Matt) was gracious enough to allow me to run this one virtually. Honestly - immediately after my Icebox 480 event, I was kind of looking forward to taking a break and skipping this event. Once Matt made the offer though, I committed to doing it (and I am glad I did!).

Weather leading up to the race in South Carolina was looking great temperature-wise (32°-52°), but of course rain the day before would make it a bit muddy. Where I was in St. Paul, MN, I was looking at temps between 12°-16° all day. My route around Lake Phalen was basically cleared of snow/ice (yes, they plow the path around the lake!), and with no wind, it would not be too bad.

My normal route is from my house to the lake (0.5mi) for my 3.1mi loop(s) and back (0.5mi). I decided that three out and back trips, with 3 laps of the lake each time out would get me my 31 miles and break it up nicely. I only had to adjust one section out from my house to add ~0.1mi. 

My training had been fine (no injuries really), but I knew I had ignored my long runs. Looking back now - I had not done one run of 17 miles outside of racing. Whoa-that surprises me. Since July, I had done 4 races of 26.2 or longer, and managed them just fine. Before the last one, Icebox 480, I neglected to ramp up my mileage and it showed. For Harbison, I had a few good runs, but was still feeling lingering effects from an ankle issue on longer runs. With that, I fully expected to need to walk the last 10 miles or so.

So race day comes along, and I had set out my 'Aid Station' just inside my front door. I was to start at the same time as the race in SC, so 6:30am here. I wasn't worried about running for the first hour in the dark, I'd just be a little more careful with patches of ice. I had my plan and expected times, with grilled cheese to be ready on my 2nd trip back home, thanks to my wife! 

House 'Aid Station'

For temps in the low teens, my clothing started out as follows: normal road shoes-Asics 2000-7s, with fitsock socks and neoprene toe sleeves (I wear if it's under 20 as my toes Always get cold otherwise). Wore my calf sleeves under my old (20+ yrs) Nike dryfit tights, and some running pants over those. Long sleeve technical shirt, with a fleece running vest (courtesy of my Seashore Nature Trail 50k finish back in 2011), and my bright orange Saucony jacket. Saucony mittens are a must for cold weather runs. On my head, I started with a balaclava and a buff around my neck. My UD vest was worn Under my vest/jacket to keep the nozzle from freezing (and still almost initially froze as I neglected to tuck the nozzle underneath them both!). I had bib number 31, and as I keep track of Everything, I knew I had run a race (2007 Paris Mountain 6k) with that same bib number, so found it (I keep Everything too) and pinned it on my jacket.

Race morning weather

Starting 'line' is just outside! 

I started on time, and headed down the street and my modified path by a local rec center over to the lake for my first three loops. First loop was good - the expected 'freezing fog' warning never materialized, but it was foggy and it was initially difficult to see from one end of the lake down to the other. Hoar frost was everywhere though, and made for a beautiful run once it got lighter out. I went out at a slightly slower pace than usual, and still was a bit under my expected times. I warmed up fast and removed my mittens after the first mile. I actually never got cold the whole day, turned out to be a nice day out! 1:33 for the first of three sections, 10.4mi. Back at the house, I swapped out my technical shirt for one that was dry, and mittens for gloves that I'd need again, the balaclava for a fleece hat, and a new buff. Added Gatorade to my water in my bladder, ate most of a granola bar (had a Gu an hour into the run) and headed back out after a long 12 minutes. I had expected a 5 minute break, which was still a few minutes longer than I usually take. Wasn't concerned about time today, so took it easy.

1st loop - still dark

after 2.5 hrs

No issues on the next loop and my lap time was still ~28minutes. One more loop and I would be more than halfway. I kept imagining where on the Harbison course I would be, and knowing that as I left the halfway point (start/finish aid station), I'd definitely finish. Had the same expectation here, but with being closer to home, and at home after 20 miles, there was certainly more opportunity to stop. My daughter (11 years old), said the day before the race that I would finish, because I always told her to never quit. 

I did start adding some walk breaks as my hips got tight, and then my left arch started up. That was a new one. Maybe it was the pavement? Who knows? So my laps slowed to 31 and 34 minutes and I headed back home. 1:45 for that 10.3mi section, and 3:30 after 20.7 miles. 

Got home on schedule and my grilled cheese was ready. :-) That made me happy. Took a 16 minute break to sit and eat (chips, chocolate). Wow - that was a long break! Didn't change any clothing and headed back out for my last 'loop'! I did something here that I Never do...The last time was in 2012 when I ran my 12 hour event at the Black Mountain Monster 12hr - I listened to music on my headphones. It worked for me, especially when I found a beat that matched my pace. 

Lap 7 of the lake was a good mix of walking and running/shuffling. My hips were so tight, and I was limping due to my left arch. I was down to walking the last two laps. I had walked laps around the lake before, and knew I could do the 3.1 miles in 41 minutes on a normal day. I expect I could do 45min loops, but those last 2 laps, with favoring one foot, I still did 41 minute loops.

About 2 miles to go, I started watching the time more closely. I was going to be close to the 6 hour mark. If I shuffle the couple of downhills, that may help? Couldn't do much more than that, but with a mile left, I knew I needed to. Shuffle, shuffle, walk, shuffle, shuffle. Finished my 9th lap of the lake. Now the half mile back home and I had 6 minutes 47 secs to break 6 hrs. I knew walking would not do it. Shuffle shuffle.

Once I hit my block, I knew I'd break 6, and came down the somewhat snowy sidewalk to the front of my house to finish in 6:59:23! 

basic phone app data

Harbison #10 done, 5th long event in 6 months, and 46th marathon/ultramarathon finish overall. 

And now ready for a break. (We'll see how long that lasts!)

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. 

2018 Harbison Trail 50k Race Report

8^th Harbison 50k Race Report   Saturday January 7, 20018

The 8^th running of the Harbison 50k was the coldest one yet, with start temps in the mid-to-upper teens. The snow that hit the SC coast stayed away, and the course was in good shape. I came into this event with decent training, at least until 3 weeks before when the frigid temps hit Minnesota (below zero without the wind!). The two weeks before the race I ran a total of twice (under 10mi total). My legs were certainly fresh for the race! The other issue I have been having has to do with shoes…my Hoka Challenger ATRs that I had tried out in August worked well, but was getting up there in mileage (~550). Running 15+ miles in snow with yak trax and then testing out a newer model left me with a sore big left toe. Seems the newer Hokas put a little too much pressure there. I ended up trying out some shoes I had bought last year, mistakenly buying a different model than my usual. So I tried out some Asics 1000 GTX. Even with only 4 runs in them before I traveled south, I decided that was the best option I had. Another weird pain showed up once I got to SC. I am guessing it was from walking to work in my work shoes a couple of days, but the soles of my feet were sore for the 3 days leading up to the race. I was honestly getting nervous. (Soreness ended up disappearing that Friday)

Day before the race was busy as I worked, went to Augusta, GA to visit family, then went to Columbia for packet pickup and stay the night at the race hotel. All was good for the race as I got a ride from a friend from Greenville (Michael) that I hadn’t seen in a few of years – always good to catch up with him. Met our friend Terry and eventually made it to the starting line (after almost forgetting my water bottles in my drop bag).

So Michael and I started off together at an easy pace down the gravel road and into the woods. We stayed together until the 1^st aid station. I didn’t realize people’s water lines were freezing until Michael mentioned it a few miles in. It slipped my mind to tell people to have it underneath one layer of clothing. That is one thing I learned quickly after moving to MN almost 3 years ago.

2 hrs before start at the hotel.

So we hit AS1 in 58min, where I grabbed a few chips and a cookie and walked out while I ate. I’d see Michael on some switchbacks for the rest of the loop, so I knew he was always only a couple of minutes behind. I really expected to see him later on. There were still a few people nearby at this point.

The 2^nd AS had been moved further from where it had been the last 2 years (due to a locked gate). I had planned to run with just one hand-held bottle, but with this change (and having already traveled south without my UD vest), I borrowed a 2^nd handheld from another friend. That made me feel much more comfortable (I drink a good bit when I run).

I ran solo for much of this, only one or two times spending any significant time near people. Passed Terry thru here as she ran the 25k.

It was about an hour to where the previous AS had been, then the ~15 min loop, and another 10 min to where AS2 now was. Still feeling fine. (2:23 overall) A wonderful volunteer filled up a bottle with Gatorade as I grabbed my usual PB&J square, chips, and Oreo and kept moving. I moved ok thru here for a while. My legs were a getting a little tired (and some minor groin soreness), so I walked some of the gentle hills as I eventually caught up to another 25k runner. We had a similar pace for a while, then she unfortunately took a spill while in sight of the finish area. She was fine. Found out later that she wasn’t the only one – Terry had also fallen near there and scraped her face. So I got to the halfway in 2:57. Was slower than last year by 5 minutes. Didn’t need anything in my drop bag, so grabbed some food, had some (too hot) soup, and got back on the trail (just missing Terry and Michael, who were within 3 minutes of me).

2^nd loop started with a walk as I ate, then an alternating walk/run. I was still moving decently, passed a few runners and got passed by a few early on. In my mind, I was a bit slower thru here since I ran practically all of the first section the first time thru. I ended up 17 minutes slower as my right knee started to feel it. It always seems to appear during this race – it has to be because of the winding trail and I have no trails that mimic that – my legs are on the weak side. You’d think I’d learned my lesson after so many races here. Anyway – about 20 miles in after 4:12. (Note – creek prior to the AS was completely dry this year, whereas last year I had to jump and it was still ankle deep).

This section after AS1/4 usually feels endless, but I was prepared this time and moved better on the downhills/flats. Saw fewer and fewer runners. Ran this entire section 14 minutes slower than lap 1 – which was a huge relief as last year there was a 23min slowdown!

I don’t think anyone passed me on the last section. It seemed shorter than the first time thru, which is always a pleasant surprise! I was checking the time and was hopeful to break 6:30. I only knew my 33min section for lap 1 was going to be closer to 40, but I am clueless as to knowing where I am in relation to the finish until I see it.

Ended up just under 6:31 on my watch (6:31:03 by the clock). Someone did come up behind me on the last trail section and told me to bring it in…he tried a sprint past me at the end, and probably technically beat me by a half second, but they gave it to me…didn’t make any difference.

I was very happy to see my wife and daughter at the finish. They support my running and allow me to do my long runs on Sunday morning guilt-free.

So finish #8 here! Race 131 overall. 22^nd ultra and 34^th race of a marathon or longer. 50 (marathon or longer) before age 50 is still possible, but will need to do more than the 2 I ran in 2017.  I have plans anyway…

2017 Harbison 50k Race Report

This was to be my 7^th running of the Harbison 50k (January 7. 2017), and as I am the only one to run the previous 6 – there is some pressure to continue it (but it’s a good thing). After staying in Columbia the night before the race the last two years, I had planned to do that again. The weather made it more interesting as a rain/sleet/snow storm was heading for us. Through my friends in Greenville, I got hooked up to ride down Friday with 2 people (Shannon and Angela) I ‘knew’ by their running I’d seen online. It all worked out great and we had a good drive down and a nice dinner. Picked up a free buff at packet pickup too!

It was a little cool to start, around 34° at 7:30am, but would get colder throughout the day, down to 28°. Not the coldest it had been…I had texted with the RD a few weeks prior to race day, and he commented that we had had every type of weather – rain, sun, cold, hot, mud, everything But snow on race day. I told him I’d see what I could do as I had moved up to St. Paul, MN back in 2015 and although our winter wasn’t bad at all, we did have snow at the time.

So – race started off fine with just a light rain. I settled into my own pace. The course was a bit different from 2016, but running the Stewardship Trail so early in the race still throws me off from those first few years. After 4 miles or so – I started to feel some soreness in my top/front right hip. Not bad, but enough to make me think about it. It also wasn’t long before the rain turned to sleet and then to a light snow! Enough to cover the ground…it was kind of cool and went on for a good 90 minutes of the first loop.

At about 13 miles, my right IT band started to bother me. It seems my IT band acts up more at this race than it should…anyway. Just before the turn toward the start/finish area, I saw Sergio and Shannon and they were looking good! At the gazebo at the halfway point (15.5mi in 2:52), I rolled my legs some, but that helped for maybe half a mile. Kept trudging along, but it was mostly walking. Left IT band started to get sore, and the front/top of my left foot. Once something starts, more things just add to it!

Most of the snow was gone for the 2^nd loop, but it was quite a bit muddier.  

Last AS food/mud

The 2 creek crossings were deeper than I’d ever seen (about shin-deep). My Speedgoat socks and my Montrail Mountain Masochist Outdry shoes made it seem like my feet were not wet at all – that was nice!

I didn’t really run with anyone after the first 10 miles or so – but I never mind that. A good 10+ people passed me the last section or two, but I was always confident I’d finish.

I came into the finish, running, for my 7^th finish in 6:39 (3:47 for the 2^nd half). The RD is always awesome (Thanks David – hope you continue to recover from your car accident)

Was good seeing some of the SC crew again!

After a full day flying back home, in which all the sore spots during the run were still sore, the day after that, I was pretty much fine. I took it easy and just used a rowing machine that week before going out the following Saturday for an easy loop around the lake (mostly clear of snow). Had no issues, and training could continue for the Chippewa 50k in April (I had registered for it in 2016, but had to cancel with injury and lack of training).

Here are my past Harbison Times:

2 ‘good’ years, 3 ‘average’ years, and 2 ‘bad’ years. Hopefully 2018 will be another ‘Good’ one!  

2016 Harbison Race Report

 6th Harbison 50k Race Report

January 9, 2016.

(I somehow missed this one and am writing it 8 years later!)

This was my 6th straight start here in the Harbison State Forest just outside of Columbia, SC. I flew down from St. Paul, MN for this on Wednesday as I had moved in April 2015. I worked 2 days in our Greenville office (where I used to work), and rode down with a friend (Merle) the night before to avoid the early morning 90 mile drive before the 7:30am start. The course changed a little bit due to rain/flooding, but had great temps of 46° at the start. It would never get over 55°. 

On the double-loop course, I started off with another friend (Kerrie) the first few miles, and then mostly was alone for the a good 14-mile stretch. My left knee had been sore going into this event, but, oddly, never bothered me. However - my Right knee IT band decided flare up at mile 6! It really limited my running and got progressively worse and allowed for 15seconds of running at a time.  

At the halfway point, I was just behind Kerrie and our other friend Terry. Kerrie decided to stop and I pushed to catch Terry. (I don't have any mid-course times for this race - not sure where my mind was).

I did catch Terry around mile 18 and we walked it in from there with a few short bouts of running. It was cloudy all race, and some rain started up around 2pm, but there was less mud than expected. 

Terry and I finished together in 8:16:10!

Flew back home the following day, back to the snow and took two full weeks off before doing some cross-country skiing and my first snowshoeing outing!

Photos:

Starting line - my in my blue jacket and hat (and knee strap) to the right

Chatting with Sergio pre-race

RD David Nance giving instructions

Post-race!

  

2015 Harbison 50k Race Report

January 3, 2015 Harbison 50k
So this was my fifth straight Harbison 50k at this 5th annual event, held at Harbison State Forest near Columbia, SC. There were supposed to be a few other 5-time runners at the race, but I was the only one to show up.
Spent the night with my family at the host hotel near the race (both a first for me for this race), and had a nice group dinner with some other Greenville runners-Kerrie, Michael, Terri (and her sis!). Race day morning was pretty low-key...just hung around and talked with a few others I knew (Chris). Wondered where Viktor and some others were...
Very happy not to have driven down that morning.
Temps were nice just around 49° at the start, and had a new course this year as a true 2-loop design, bypassing the Lost Creek section, added the Eagle trail, and extended the Firebreak trail.
Started off on the gravel road and found my pace, not too concerned with anyone else then. Hit the trails toward the front of a group including Terri and Kerri. Dropped a Gu at some point and that whole line passed me. Good thing I didn't need to stop at the first AS (52min)...passed most of them back right there.
At some point - I joined up with Hilary, settling in right behind her, with Kerrie always within a few minutes of us. Hilary is a very strong runner and I was lucky to be feeling well enough to keep up with her. I was going to hang on as long as I could.
I was so engrossed with either our conversations, keeping up with her, or something - that I didn't even notice that we had already gone thru Spiderwoman the first time around. Guess that was a good sign!
Made it thru the Halfway point in 2:42. That was a good 10 minutes faster than when I ran my fastest Harbison in 2013 (half at 2:52). Going back to 2014 - I had not raced since January 2013 and ended up shuffling/hiking the last ~17 miles of the race. My finish time was 7:36. I was secretly hoping to take 2 hours off that time.

I stayed with Hilary thru the next AS (this time faster than lap 1, 49min) at mile 21. It was in the next few miles that she left me. Kerrie was still right there behind us (we had flip-flopped on and off for awhile) but then she also went ahead to stay. I moved well a lot longer than I usually did at this race and knew I was i for a good time, My left knee was nagging me some, and I did walk some, but my motivation was still high as I went thru the last section. Not having been down Eagle Trail before that day - I wasn't entirely sure how much further I had. A few other people passed me on that last section, but I was still thrilled as I came down the finishing stretch. My wife and daughter were there to see me finish, and the RD (David) shook my hand, gave me my finisher award, and called out my name as the only 5-time finisher of the race.

Finishing chute

Greenville 50k Finishers

4th Harbison 50k Race Report

The Harbison 50k was on January 4, 2014 and held at Harbison State Forest in Columbia, SC, but with a different Race Director than the first three events. RD David Nance did a wonderful job of continuing the success at this event Dan Hartley had begun in 2011.

This race was going to be like no other that I have done. Out of the 9 marathons and 10 ultras I have completed, I had never gone into a race this under-trained. How undertrained? I had zero miles in September and October due to a foot issue. In November (with some custom orthotics to alleviate the pressure/pain) I began my personal “Couch to 50k in 10 weeks“ program. After one week of only walking, the next 5 weeks went almost as expected, getting up to a long “run” of 10 miles. That was my longest run since April! Then I got sick with a 105° fever, and blurry vision from my antibiotics. That was 10 days off from running. (A month+ later now and I still have that lingering cough.) Just over two weeks before race day, so no time to really do much but try to get some running back in my legs. I knew I would spend much of the race walking and I had an expected time in mind even though I had no earthly idea how my legs would respond as the miles went on.

Race day brought mid 20’s at the start, clouds all day and it got up to maybe 45° - the shivering went away as soon as we started, right on time at 7:30am and it was never bad after that. 2 miles of service roads led us to the twists and turns of the Lost Creek Section. I walked many of the short hills and it was easy to quickly catch up to the small group just ahead of me as we went down the same small hills. The 2^nd section was very runnable and I was still ahead of my “prediction” by 12 minutes. I typically walk very fast, so I was not losing as much time as I walked a bit more as the miles went on. Still moved well thru Spiderwoman and the rock garden. It was after the 3^rd aid station that I was starting to feel the decline. I made it back to the start of the Lost Creek section (mile ~16.6) to start the second loop in 3:30. Although it was 38 minutes slower than 2013, I was happy to have made it that far and fully expected then I would be able to finish. I was going to walk it in from there as my left hip and inside left thigh began to affect my ability to run. I was able to shuffle on the downhills for the next few miles, but as the discomfort increased after that, my walking got slower and my ability to shuffle on the downhills became non-existent.

The aid stations were, as always, terrific! This year I mostly subsisted on potato chips, pb&j and cookies. Reminder to self – M&M’s when temps are in the twenties are quite solid. Also - can’t forget the hot chicken soup at the halfway mark! 

I was pretty much on my own after the very first aid station. Other than people usually passing me rather quickly, there were only two or three occasions where I had any lengthy conversations with people. I am completely comfortable out on my own and enjoy the solitude. 

At every aid station on the 2nd loop, I kept counting down the miles to the next one (and the finish) - that was my incentive. I knew based on my pace difference from the first loop that I would be close to 7:30, but that came and went during the last section. I was able to muster a trot those last 200 yards as I finished in 7:36!! (and one whole minute slower than my "expected" finish). I was thrilled with finishing, even with walking the last ~17 miles!

Thanks to all the support out there, good seeing Sully, Drew, Michelle, & Bill with great finishes - and congrats to the 2 others who have also finished all 4 Harbison 50k's: Viktor and Seth! See you next year - hopefully, with just a little more training.

Finisher!

First miles-near the back

At the back of this early "train"

After going off course early-Viktor passes me again.

by the Broad River...

Firebreak trail

Walking it in...just past halfway

Sulley running strong

Michelle always enjoying being out there

3rd Harbison 50k Trail Race Report

This years (2013) race took place on the first Saturday in January again, on the 5th. Temps were in around 30° at the 7:30am start. I had come into this race with 10 weeks of mediocre training. Lack of motivation, ITB and knee issues, travel, and some family health issues all kept me from the desirable training for running a 50k with some sense of positivity. My left knee had gotten to the point one full week out that I couldn't go 4 miles without me feeling it. I decide then to run no more before race day (Should maybe have done that when it started back in early November). I had still averaged 24 miles/wk in the 9 weeks leading up to this event since the Spinx Marathon Oct 27th, but my long weekend runs only consisted of: 14, 11, 16, 9, 11, and a 13 miler over that time frame and 3 weekends with Zero miles. I had only had 1 of those all year before this stretch. But - I was at the starting line with no expectations except to finish (more hopeful, than an expectation).
The course was different for the 3rd year in a row, starting off on a gravel road for almost the first 2 miles before heading onto the trails. My co-worker Marty and I started off comfortably in the middle of the pack and everyone sorted themselves out well before the singletrack started. It took those first 2 miles to get the hands to stop hurting from the cold, but the temps ended up perfect for the duration. The Lost Creek section was very windy and runnable. My left knee started to wake up at mile 3 and I popped an Aleve for the 2nd time ever in a race. We came to the 5.8mi aid station in 57min and that knee never became more than a minor nuisance. Quick food grab and we kept on our way.
The rest of the way, heavenly aid stations were every 3.5-3.8 miles apart, so very easy to guess how much more to go between sections to refill on pringles, m&m's, oatmeal creme pies and more! Continued my habit of bringing a camera and took a few pictures along the way. Gently rolling hills were the norm for this section and we continued our same pace to AS2 at 9.4mi in 1:33. More fuel!
The next section had the infamous Spiderwoman II trail, the only part of the 2 loop course that I'd call tough. It's only a 10min section, so relatively minor in the scheme of things. Marty and I were still together at the mile 12.8 AS after 2:12.
The next section, taking us to Mile 16.6 and more than halfway, had some new sections, as we overlooked the Broad River (Bluff Trail) a little more on some tight trails before some wide service roads bringing us back near the start and the same 1st AS.
I did take a second Aleve thru here as a just-in-case measure. My left knee wasn't hindering me and wanted to make sure it wasn't going to.
2:52 for the first loop, and soon after Mile 17, Marty went ahead as my Right knee started to give me problems. Where did that come from? Was I favoring my other knee? Is it something about these trails that my knees don't like (see my 2011 post HERE ).

Anyway - that slowed me down for the rest of the race, but I was surprisingly able to run much of it. I had no typical issues: lower back was fine, hips were good, no muscle tiredness. Feet were good too for the most part.
The 2nd time thru those sections were ~7-10 mins slower, and Spiderwoman got my heart rate up this time around. I was running mostly by myself, but there were others around as I passed some (William) and got passed (Chad H, Lester, William!).
The course was perfectly marked with flags and "paint" dictating turns, but that didn't keep me from meandering past a clearly marked turn and heading down a hill that quickly looked foreign. 2 guys behind me also yelled to me as I stopped and wondered where I was. One other guy came into the last aid station at mile 24 from a different direction (likely bypassing the section with Spiderwoman).
The last section I was feeling motivated to finish it, and powered my way as best I could. I for once had a good feel for where I was and what was coming up, and I was trying to do the math in my head to break 6hrs, my goal last year and was originally my goal this year before my training-wheels fell off in Nov & Dec. The last aid station had said 4.4 miles, but I was pretty sure it was 3.6 - and that makes the math even more difficult. Regardless, I knew as I got closer that I would have it. I made the 2 last turns and hustled down the last trail to the road crossing, skipping over the logs (and right there my calf wanted to tighten up) and stopped at the finish in 5:54.
2nd fastest 50k and ~40 minutes faster than the previous Harbison races.
I will be back for #4 next January!
(Having issues adding photos, but have plenty on Facebook

   

2nd Harbison 50k Trail Race Report

Saturday January 7th was the 2nd Harbison 50k Trail Race outside Columbia, SC. Got down there an hour before the 7:30am start and quickly got my bib, technical race shirt and pint glass. Although starting temps were comfortable in the mid 40's, it was expected to reach into the 60's as the day progressed. At least the aid stations were numerous on this double loop course to keep us all hydrated.
3 weeks after my last 50k, I was unsure how I'd do on this one. I was hoping I would not have IT band issues as I had last year (and 3 weeks ago) but a finish time near last year's would be nice.

After the pre-race instructions by the fire, we started on a short gravel road before quickly getting on the single track trails. We were warned that these first miles were easy - but that did not stop many of us from going out a bit too fast - even those of us out here last year. The 5.8mi first section was constantly winding with small ups and downs. I felt decent but wondered if I was going out a bit too fast. Without a GPS (not that I truly trust them anyway), I did not have much of an idea other than comparing my times to last years splits.

Long line of runners early on.

Still a bit crowded on the nice trails

There were some long lines of runners and I stopped to let two sets pass me before the aid station. Made it a bit crowded, but I was in and out in no time, and 1 minute ahead of my 2011 pace.

I knew from last years race that each of the next 3 sections would take about 40 minutes each. It helped knowing where I was on the course, but I realized I wasn't feeling that great and was hoping for the next aid station a little too much. No pains, but just slowly increasing leg fatigue. Course was still enjoyable as people passed me every so often. Played leap-frog with a number of runners as they obviously spent more time at each aid station. Came thru the next aid station (mile 9.4) another 2 minutes under 2012 time. That would not last.
Third section was the most difficult (of course it's all relative) with the "Spiderwoman" section. It's a short (.75mi) section that goes up, loops around, and comes back down. I wasn't pushing thru this section - just getting thru it - and that was fine with me. Next aid at Mile 12.7 and the last section had a nice view overlooking the Broad River and some rocks. Picture time!

It was early here that my legs really began to fail me. Thighs weren't just weak - but getting sore. This just confused me. I know I had run a 50k 3 weeks earlier, and I had a cold the full week before (that kept me home yesterday), but sore?! I was also getting a hot spot on a toe...but held off doing anything about it. I came to the halfway point aid station and in my desire to not stay long, left it without even thinking whether I needed anything out of my drop bag. 50 yards out of there, I realized it - stopped - thought for a moment about dealing with my toe, then continued on.
Halfway in 2:50. Faster than last year, but that last section seemed shorter (don't remember the difference, but it was a good 5 minutes faster).
The second half got worse and more miserable by the mile. Lower/middle back started to hurt and didn't let up. I dealt with my toe at mile 15 or so and as soon as I sat down and bent my leg to remove my shoe - a fierce cramp shot thru my thigh. I have Never had a cramp like that during a race. And at Mile 15? I was in trouble.
No blister on that toe, but I loosened up my sock and that was at least taken care of. That cramp though - man that hurt. (I'd feel the resulting soreness from it for the next 3 weeks).
A few people I knew were behind me would come into the aid stations as I was leaving them and we did that for few a few aid stations until they finally caught me near the end.
My legs were sore enough that I couldn't even run the flats. The soles of my feet began to hurt at mile 21 and didn't let up either. The first half I was doing 10-11 min miles...I came out of the halfway AS doing 14's. Slowed to 16's thru Spiderwoman. The last 4 miles, my lower left leg became so sore I could not run the downhills either and walking was only with a limp. I had been able to at least shuffle thru some downhills prior to that, but those last miles were brutal. A handful of runners passed me the last miles and I could do nothing about it.
I never doubted I would finish - not once. A few people asked how I was and with all my issues were surprised that other runners had dropped out in obvious better shape than me. There was no reason not to finish this. I was in pain, very uncomfortable with my lower back, but I really wanted that "bison 50k" pint glass!

So - finish time of 6:39:57, only about 2 minutes slower than last year (yes, I struggled last year for a while too). I did run in the last 100 yards or so to make it look good.

I was not a happy camper. It was good to see some people though (Jason S, Jason S, Seth, Dan (RD), Viktor, Bo M, Joe P, William S, +) and the volunteers were always SO Helpful! Thank you!! I still ove this course and if I ever get my confidence/motivation/ability back to doing ultras, this will be on my list.

Where do I go from here?
Stay tuned...

Post-race

View of the finish area