I am cleared of the poison ivy madness and have run a few times. The 10 day break I took was the longest since Dec 2007 (also a 10 day break). I didn't run and it felt odd - especially since I wasn't "injured", just completely miserable.
My runs since have been fine...2 longer runs of ~11 and ~14. Some speedwork and medium-lengths runs. Today started the 16 weeks leading up to Chicago.
I am using the FIRST plan again ("Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training" - look them up). 3 basic runs planned, but I am adding a 4th the day before my long run. The 3-day plan worked for me before (3:53 - 2009 Charlotte Marathon), so I'm sticking with it.
Today's first real scheduled workout was not quite completed as required...3x1600m@7:02. I'm doing the 3:40 marathon training in order to hit 3:55 or so - yes, my training is going to be hard. After my warm-up miles, hit the 1st two in 7:12 and 7:08. That was all I had and I gave up. I jogged the last one and my cool down mile in about the same pace. I call that close enough. My legs were dead. It was ~72° this morning at 5:30am...anyway, I am also still getting my legs back after my 10 day break.
Next 2 weeks will be spent in Florida (Vacation - yep, even hotter down there) and Philly (work), so back to running in a not-so-great area for running. Will still avoid the treadmill up there like the plague.
Other Chicago Marathon news:
Lance Armstrong is planning to run Chicago (3:30 is what I think I saw?), as well as 25 or so high quality runners, including the 2nd fastest marathoner ever (2ns at Boston, Moses Mosop) at 2:03:06
I do miss the trails...my long road runs have not been as pleasant, and it is not just the 70°+ temps before the sun rises. Achy arches at times that I hope subsides on my longer runs.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Still waiting...
So this is what my legs looked like after 8 days. May not look that bad - but I was absolutely miserable. Walking up and down stairs was unbearable - clenching my fists and tensing up my whole body did little to help. My ankles were the worst, just above where my shoe ended. Of course - the outside part of my leg had it the most, but I also ended up with the rash on the inside of my lower legs too. It is just now getting to the point where I can consider running again and I am wondering how much I will have lost after not doing Anything for 11 days. Granted, my last run was 31+ miles...we'll see soon. I am choosing to test it all out on Thursday and am hoping for the best. Plan for next trail run (where poison ivy is known/unknown): gaiters, compression socks, running tights, some lotion/block - any or all of them. I do Not want to go thru this again!Saturday, June 4, 2011
Long Cane 50k Race Report
Sunday May 29th was the 2nd Long Cane 55M/50k race as part of Terri's http://www.ultrasontrails.com/ South Carolina Ultra series. She knows exactly how to put on a low-key but very enjoyable ultra event. The 4am wake up call came too soon as my daughter kept me up until ~11:30pm. Lack of sleep was never an issue, and I grabbed my bagels, water bottles and gear and left for Abbeville, SC. I got 2 minutes away and realized I didn't have my watch. Oops. I turned around, parked in the driveway and made my way up the stairs from our basement. Lying there was one of my handheld water bottle holders. That would have been disastrous with the expected 91° high temp.
With watch in hand - no trouble getting to Parsons Lake Recreation Area. Followed 2 cars the last 20 miles or so and saw some familiar faces as a line of cars formed behind us at the pay station. Parked, got my bib and got ready for the expected 7am start. Chatted with William, Seth, Chad and Viktor as we waited for Terri's pre-race banter. Ended up being a 7:30am start - great, 30 more minutes of the sun higher in the sky and beating down on us. Her instructions highlighted the figure-8 loop the 50k runners would have, and the additional outer CCW 23 mile loop for the 55M runners. Signs at the junctions, aid every 5 miles or so (plus an extra water drop), a few creek crossings and a "bridge" where you would get your feet wet.
We start off on the trail by the lake for a quarter mile or so - most of this I did my fast walk/shuffle as it was quite crowded. Hit a road before getting on the real horse trail. We were warned about possible poor trail conditions with a heavy rain Thurs/Fri and then many horses on the trail Sat. Turned out to be just fine. A few sections of pure mud that had you stopping to scrape off the bottoms, but for the most part, the moisture made the ground just a little forgiving - so much better than hard and horseshoe formed.
The first few miles had many trees down and a narrow trail as we ran single file. After starting off immediately behind one other, I passed him and stayed just beyond another group of 3 or 4. The guy right ahead of me was the same one I ran near at Enoree for many miles after the turnaround - Mark H. We'd again run together at times today and had some good conversations. It was easy to tell when he was close as his music offered a little reprieve to the sounds of nature.
After a quick stop at AS1 (~5 miles in, ~50min), the rolling singletrack trail continued. It was already borderline hot as I pulled my shirt over my head for the duration of the run. I was trying to take in most of my 40ozs of water from my 2 handhelds between aid stations, plus I carried 3 Gu's, a pocket of some S!Caps (note - lost my tiny ziplock before the race so I had them loose. After 4+ hours, they were mush and useless), and a bandana. Of course I also had my camera! I was super careful when it was time to cross the streams, but did get pictures.
Came into AS2 (~10 miles, ~1:45). Took time for photos, refilled, snacked and was out. Was soon right behind Mark and another when we got to the biggest stream where you would get wet. I darted past the other two guys but was unconcerned with getting my feet wet...need to practice sometime, and I knew my smartwool socks would be dry in the next mile, and they were!
I knew early on that I was not feeling as good as at Enoree. The ups and downs weren't an issue, legs just didn't "have" it. Kept going along though and seemed to be pretty steady. Had practically no issues with signage, so staying on the trails wasn't an issue. Only 2 times were the flags at crossroads not readily seen (and that was in the last 7 miles), but I was near people on and off most of the day.
AS3 (~15miles, ~2:40) came quickly and took a little extra time there, snacking, refilling. Got my bandana out and put a cupfull of ice in it, folded it over, and wrapped it around my neck. Pulled off a safety pin from my bib and had a volunteer attach the ends together. I'll go ahead and give a HUGE thank you to all the aid station workers. Giving up your time to help those choosing to run does not go unappreciated. Numerous "Thanks" were given out at each station. (They had the std ultra-fare: PB&J, potatoes, M&M's, chips, so much...and so wonderful!). Going out of that aid station I had to actually think - was that really the halfway? I feel too good. Interesting how mentally different (ie: easier) it is than Enoree (where halfway is at 20 miles).
Sadly - the mental boost was not enough as I soon had minor issues. Left arch became sore and the bottoms of my feet became a bit tender for miles before fading away. The arch-thing stayed around much longer. The heat, hills began to get to me too. After trying to stay with Mark H and company in the last section, I was mostly on my own for the next 10 miles and I slowed down.
AS4 eventually appeared (~19.5 miles, ~4:00) and I repeated my neck-ice thing. The ice hadn't lasted 20 minutes, and even though it initially helped a lot - it was not the constant reprieve I had hoped for. I was going to continue it - better than nothing.
I knew early on in this section as I began to crumble that breaking 6 hrs was not possible. Was having to walk long sections here - the familiar, twisty, center section of the figure 8 before a 2 mile stretch on new ground into AS5 (~25miles, ~5:05). There was a short out and back on the trail to get to the Aid station, and I saw Mark again here. Saw a few familiar faces sitting down at the AS (I assumed they had finished and came back out to relax) as I took in calories and re-iced before heading out.
Not 1 minute out of the AS - stopped for a photo op: Nice black snake crossing the trail.
Quite a few runners were pretty close to each other thru here as some faded faster than others. I alternately walked and shuffled as 3-5 of us stayed in proximity with each other and others went ahead or fell back. Seemed to take forever - and I was wanting it to be over. I was able to run some downhills, but again, had mentally given up. This wasn't frustrating as Enoree was, just uncomfortable due to the heat. To tell you how out of it I was - probably less than a half-mile from the final aid station (~1/2 mile for the finish), there was a guy directly behind me and he asked if my water bottles were empty as I held them both in one hand. I said pretty much so, but there was a few swallows left. Didn't hit me until the aid station that he had been out and likely needed some. So sorry (Julian) - I was just out of it! Refilled just a little and you could almost see the finish.
Finish time: 6:34:30 - a new PR (~5 minutes over Harbison). I still think breaking 6 is a reasonable goal. After flopping down on the ground for a minute, headed for the lake to join a few others in a dip. Was that a great idea! All ultras (at least during the summer) should end near water.
Ended up 14th out of 59 in the 50k. Only saw 2 heading back out for the 55M (no telling how many dropped down from the 55M to the 50k), but 13 finished it! Kudos to them in those conditions! 16 DNF's (sadly) included Psyche/Charles and William.
Thanks you again Terri for a well organized event! She does a tremendous job with all her races.
-Post race recap:
No soreness whatsoever. Small, tender blister on pinkie toe of right foot that I didn't even notice until I got home. Few little scratches. But then - ~2 days later - the obvious signs of poison ivy appear. Welts, Rashes, oozing blisters still has me miserable 6 days later. Painful to walk for 4 days, but think I am on the mend. Cortisone shot Tuesday didn't seem to do much. Due to this - no running since the race - zero. Maybe early next week I'll see if I can manage it. Then it is all about Chicago and my quest to break 4 hours again.
PS - will have to add photos later - having uploading issues!
With watch in hand - no trouble getting to Parsons Lake Recreation Area. Followed 2 cars the last 20 miles or so and saw some familiar faces as a line of cars formed behind us at the pay station. Parked, got my bib and got ready for the expected 7am start. Chatted with William, Seth, Chad and Viktor as we waited for Terri's pre-race banter. Ended up being a 7:30am start - great, 30 more minutes of the sun higher in the sky and beating down on us. Her instructions highlighted the figure-8 loop the 50k runners would have, and the additional outer CCW 23 mile loop for the 55M runners. Signs at the junctions, aid every 5 miles or so (plus an extra water drop), a few creek crossings and a "bridge" where you would get your feet wet.
We start off on the trail by the lake for a quarter mile or so - most of this I did my fast walk/shuffle as it was quite crowded. Hit a road before getting on the real horse trail. We were warned about possible poor trail conditions with a heavy rain Thurs/Fri and then many horses on the trail Sat. Turned out to be just fine. A few sections of pure mud that had you stopping to scrape off the bottoms, but for the most part, the moisture made the ground just a little forgiving - so much better than hard and horseshoe formed.
The first few miles had many trees down and a narrow trail as we ran single file. After starting off immediately behind one other, I passed him and stayed just beyond another group of 3 or 4. The guy right ahead of me was the same one I ran near at Enoree for many miles after the turnaround - Mark H. We'd again run together at times today and had some good conversations. It was easy to tell when he was close as his music offered a little reprieve to the sounds of nature.
After a quick stop at AS1 (~5 miles in, ~50min), the rolling singletrack trail continued. It was already borderline hot as I pulled my shirt over my head for the duration of the run. I was trying to take in most of my 40ozs of water from my 2 handhelds between aid stations, plus I carried 3 Gu's, a pocket of some S!Caps (note - lost my tiny ziplock before the race so I had them loose. After 4+ hours, they were mush and useless), and a bandana. Of course I also had my camera! I was super careful when it was time to cross the streams, but did get pictures.
Came into AS2 (~10 miles, ~1:45). Took time for photos, refilled, snacked and was out. Was soon right behind Mark and another when we got to the biggest stream where you would get wet. I darted past the other two guys but was unconcerned with getting my feet wet...need to practice sometime, and I knew my smartwool socks would be dry in the next mile, and they were!
I knew early on that I was not feeling as good as at Enoree. The ups and downs weren't an issue, legs just didn't "have" it. Kept going along though and seemed to be pretty steady. Had practically no issues with signage, so staying on the trails wasn't an issue. Only 2 times were the flags at crossroads not readily seen (and that was in the last 7 miles), but I was near people on and off most of the day.
AS3 (~15miles, ~2:40) came quickly and took a little extra time there, snacking, refilling. Got my bandana out and put a cupfull of ice in it, folded it over, and wrapped it around my neck. Pulled off a safety pin from my bib and had a volunteer attach the ends together. I'll go ahead and give a HUGE thank you to all the aid station workers. Giving up your time to help those choosing to run does not go unappreciated. Numerous "Thanks" were given out at each station. (They had the std ultra-fare: PB&J, potatoes, M&M's, chips, so much...and so wonderful!). Going out of that aid station I had to actually think - was that really the halfway? I feel too good. Interesting how mentally different (ie: easier) it is than Enoree (where halfway is at 20 miles).
Sadly - the mental boost was not enough as I soon had minor issues. Left arch became sore and the bottoms of my feet became a bit tender for miles before fading away. The arch-thing stayed around much longer. The heat, hills began to get to me too. After trying to stay with Mark H and company in the last section, I was mostly on my own for the next 10 miles and I slowed down.
AS4 eventually appeared (~19.5 miles, ~4:00) and I repeated my neck-ice thing. The ice hadn't lasted 20 minutes, and even though it initially helped a lot - it was not the constant reprieve I had hoped for. I was going to continue it - better than nothing.
I knew early on in this section as I began to crumble that breaking 6 hrs was not possible. Was having to walk long sections here - the familiar, twisty, center section of the figure 8 before a 2 mile stretch on new ground into AS5 (~25miles, ~5:05). There was a short out and back on the trail to get to the Aid station, and I saw Mark again here. Saw a few familiar faces sitting down at the AS (I assumed they had finished and came back out to relax) as I took in calories and re-iced before heading out.
Not 1 minute out of the AS - stopped for a photo op: Nice black snake crossing the trail.
Quite a few runners were pretty close to each other thru here as some faded faster than others. I alternately walked and shuffled as 3-5 of us stayed in proximity with each other and others went ahead or fell back. Seemed to take forever - and I was wanting it to be over. I was able to run some downhills, but again, had mentally given up. This wasn't frustrating as Enoree was, just uncomfortable due to the heat. To tell you how out of it I was - probably less than a half-mile from the final aid station (~1/2 mile for the finish), there was a guy directly behind me and he asked if my water bottles were empty as I held them both in one hand. I said pretty much so, but there was a few swallows left. Didn't hit me until the aid station that he had been out and likely needed some. So sorry (Julian) - I was just out of it! Refilled just a little and you could almost see the finish.
Finish time: 6:34:30 - a new PR (~5 minutes over Harbison). I still think breaking 6 is a reasonable goal. After flopping down on the ground for a minute, headed for the lake to join a few others in a dip. Was that a great idea! All ultras (at least during the summer) should end near water.
Ended up 14th out of 59 in the 50k. Only saw 2 heading back out for the 55M (no telling how many dropped down from the 55M to the 50k), but 13 finished it! Kudos to them in those conditions! 16 DNF's (sadly) included Psyche/Charles and William.
Thanks you again Terri for a well organized event! She does a tremendous job with all her races.
-Post race recap:
No soreness whatsoever. Small, tender blister on pinkie toe of right foot that I didn't even notice until I got home. Few little scratches. But then - ~2 days later - the obvious signs of poison ivy appear. Welts, Rashes, oozing blisters still has me miserable 6 days later. Painful to walk for 4 days, but think I am on the mend. Cortisone shot Tuesday didn't seem to do much. Due to this - no running since the race - zero. Maybe early next week I'll see if I can manage it. Then it is all about Chicago and my quest to break 4 hours again.
PS - will have to add photos later - having uploading issues!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Long Cane 50k Tomorrrow and still undecided.
Weather update for tomorrow: 67° at 7am (start time). 76° at 10am. 83° around 1pm. So - not horrible. Hope the trail is shaded.
Been debating all week about my camelbak, 1 handheld or 2 handhelds...still undecided.
Dropbag? (or at least something to pick up at the halfway point?) Maybe.
Definitely only doing the 50k and not the 55mile, although I am sure I could do it.
Runs this week have been fine. Speedwork Tuesday was nice...on my 6x400m - was 6secs faster per lap than 4 weeks ago.
I keep saying I'm taking it easy after this race - and I still am, but I kinda wish I wasn't! I keep reading about trails, trail running - but I am still going to hit the roads until October. Maybe once a month I'll go out to Paris Mtn and run 12-ish miles. I think if I keep hitting 17 miles or so every other week at a minimum, I'll be fine.
Been debating all week about my camelbak, 1 handheld or 2 handhelds...still undecided.
Dropbag? (or at least something to pick up at the halfway point?) Maybe.
Definitely only doing the 50k and not the 55mile, although I am sure I could do it.
Runs this week have been fine. Speedwork Tuesday was nice...on my 6x400m - was 6secs faster per lap than 4 weeks ago.
I keep saying I'm taking it easy after this race - and I still am, but I kinda wish I wasn't! I keep reading about trails, trail running - but I am still going to hit the roads until October. Maybe once a month I'll go out to Paris Mtn and run 12-ish miles. I think if I keep hitting 17 miles or so every other week at a minimum, I'll be fine.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Heat and Wild Hogs!
Sun May 29
Mostly Sunny
91° HIGH
67° LOW
This is what awaits me in Abbeville Sunday. Went from a high of 83, to 88, now 91. Yuck. I just hope they have lots of ice at the race.
Then there's this from the trails website ( www.greenwoodmtb.com):
"Feral Hog Alert: Multiple wild hog sightings are being reported along the LCHT primarily but not excluded to low lying creek areas. Wild pigs are generally afraid of humans but may attack if they feel threatened (Particularly a Sow with babies). Many SC Hogs have been reported to carry Swine Brucellosis which is contagious to humans. When you are using the trail the best way to avoid an encounter is to make a lot of noise while riding, especially near creek areas. Please email us any sightings as the USFS is keeping a log in an effort to concentrate on problem areas."
Even more pleasant!
Let the suffering begin Sunday morning.
Mostly Sunny
91° HIGH
67° LOW
This is what awaits me in Abbeville Sunday. Went from a high of 83, to 88, now 91. Yuck. I just hope they have lots of ice at the race.
Then there's this from the trails website ( www.greenwoodmtb.com):
"Feral Hog Alert: Multiple wild hog sightings are being reported along the LCHT primarily but not excluded to low lying creek areas. Wild pigs are generally afraid of humans but may attack if they feel threatened (Particularly a Sow with babies). Many SC Hogs have been reported to carry Swine Brucellosis which is contagious to humans. When you are using the trail the best way to avoid an encounter is to make a lot of noise while riding, especially near creek areas. Please email us any sightings as the USFS is keeping a log in an effort to concentrate on problem areas."
Even more pleasant!
Let the suffering begin Sunday morning.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Back to the roads
Finally getting time to write with too much work going on lately (last 6 months, but whatever). Last weekend was my first Long road run (over 10 miles) since the Myrtle Beach Marathon in mid-February. Huh, really?? Turns out I have been to the Paris Mountain trails (or the trail races elsewhere) 11 times in the last 11 weeks. I thought I'd take another weekend off the trails as I thought I was prepared enough for the upcoming Long cane 50k on May 29th.
Started at 6am and 58° temps, so not bad. I run laps at Oak Grove Lake (I use 0.85mi/lap) and I was to do 20 laps. So how did I fare on a 17 mile road run?
You decide.
1st 4 laps: 7:46,7:15,7:52,7:53 = 30:48
2nd 4 laps: 7:44,7:43,7:46,7:42 = 30:57 (total time=1:01:45)
3rd 4 laps: 8:10,7:36,7:38,7:54 = 31:20, included water refill (total time=1:33:05)
4th 4 laps: 7:34,7:37,7:36,7:33 = 30:21 (total time=2:03:26). Hmmm, picked it up some.
5th 4 laps: 7:35,7:30,7:26,7:09 = 29:41 (total time=2:33:07)
I still felt great when I finished and had alot left. Wonder how log I could have gone on. I'm thrilled with a 9min/mile pace. Within a minute (faster) than Myrtle thru 17, but I was already going downhill there. Within a minute (slower) than Marine Corps, but again, went downhill fast. What I want to compare myself to is Charlotte...my pace there was 8:32/mi - so although I am happy - still a ways off that time and easily breaking 4 hours.
I am quite sure I will get there.
(Did have some minor rt foot/arch pain that lingers a bit from the Enoree run or before)
1 week befiore Long Cane. Kind of a dulled excitement as I truly haven't had time to think about it. Terri's (RD) email blast yesterday got me going though and I am looking forward to checking out the maps and details soon. With ~100 total runners and I'd guess it being split with the 55mile option - it'll be interesting.
Seeing the winners time last year (Brian Kistner at 5:13, and Byron Backer at 6:28) - maybe breaking 6:00 - or even 6:30 isn't even possible for me. Extrapolating from the 55 mile times - 6:45 is more likely. We'll see!!
Started at 6am and 58° temps, so not bad. I run laps at Oak Grove Lake (I use 0.85mi/lap) and I was to do 20 laps. So how did I fare on a 17 mile road run?
You decide.
1st 4 laps: 7:46,7:15,7:52,7:53 = 30:48
2nd 4 laps: 7:44,7:43,7:46,7:42 = 30:57 (total time=1:01:45)
3rd 4 laps: 8:10,7:36,7:38,7:54 = 31:20, included water refill (total time=1:33:05)
4th 4 laps: 7:34,7:37,7:36,7:33 = 30:21 (total time=2:03:26). Hmmm, picked it up some.
5th 4 laps: 7:35,7:30,7:26,7:09 = 29:41 (total time=2:33:07)
I still felt great when I finished and had alot left. Wonder how log I could have gone on. I'm thrilled with a 9min/mile pace. Within a minute (faster) than Myrtle thru 17, but I was already going downhill there. Within a minute (slower) than Marine Corps, but again, went downhill fast. What I want to compare myself to is Charlotte...my pace there was 8:32/mi - so although I am happy - still a ways off that time and easily breaking 4 hours.
I am quite sure I will get there.
(Did have some minor rt foot/arch pain that lingers a bit from the Enoree run or before)
1 week befiore Long Cane. Kind of a dulled excitement as I truly haven't had time to think about it. Terri's (RD) email blast yesterday got me going though and I am looking forward to checking out the maps and details soon. With ~100 total runners and I'd guess it being split with the 55mile option - it'll be interesting.
Seeing the winners time last year (Brian Kistner at 5:13, and Byron Backer at 6:28) - maybe breaking 6:00 - or even 6:30 isn't even possible for me. Extrapolating from the 55 mile times - 6:45 is more likely. We'll see!!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Enoree Passage 40 Miler Race Report
Sunday May 1st, 2011 was the first race of the SC Ultra Series put on by Terri Hayes as part of her http://www.ultrasontrails.com/ adventure. The Enoree Passage 40 miler was to take place in the Sumter National Forest, a 20 mile out-and-back from the Brickhouse Rec Area heading north. I'll go ahead and tell you - the course is nice and varied...you're never more than a few miles from a change of scenery and a good mix of ups and downs - nothing too significant, but still ~4300ft of elevation change (according to one runner's Garmin).
Another runner, Viktor, had taken me up on giving me a ride to the start (Thanks!), and we got there just before 7am. Not too terribly long before the 7:30 start, but enough time to see some friends
and get ready.
Before you knew it - we were off thru a small trail, to a short gravel road, up the main road and onto the trail. The first few miles were about finding a good pace, not pushing much, and keeping someone in front of me. As I followed people, I realized there was a noticeable trail most places, and marked as they should be - but I was still wary of letting myself lose the runners in front of me
I enjoyed the early miles, taking in the scenery. Boardwalks and marshlands were quite pretty. The 1st aid station was a quick stop as I checked out what they had. I had carried a single handheld water bottle and an "extra" 8oz flask in my RaceReady shorts pocket. Quick fill up (Heed instead of water I think) and some munchies, and out of there ~47 minutes - think that was a bit less than 5 miles!
The 2nd 5 miles was a continuation of keeping runners in sight. About a mile of road and some stare downs for a barking dog, then lots of trail. Passed Dan after the aid station as he had an aid station issue - but once he caught back up - we ended up running together (or pretty close to each other) for the next ~10 miles. Very enjoyable company and we'd chat some, then just let the miles slip away. Neither of us felt great, but not bad either. At the 2nd AS around the 10 mile mark - more munchies (I think the young volunteer there was a little surprised how much I was able to constantly cram into my mouth) and refill and out in 1:42 (55min section). Never seemed far from other runners thru the often narrow, almost overgrown trail. Quite a variety of surfaces: roads - gravel, pavement, jeep - a little sand, pine needles, dirt, grass, boardwalk, leaves. Roots were not an issue for the majority of the race.
The following 5 miles into Mile 15 went quick as we started getting closer to my drop bag (extra socks shoes, just in case, extra Gu, my 2nd handheld water bottle). Ran with Dan and we crossed the Enoree River and the large bridge they had constructed, and a lengthy boardwalk afterwards. He pulled me with him the the AS in 2:32 (50min section). I skipped my handheld water bottle and drop bag completely, got a few more snacks and then we were gone.
As we headed out towards the 20mile turnaround - I knew I'd slow down thru here and let Dan slowly get ahead. Wasn't too concerned about finding my way as people weren't too far from me. Kept expecting to see the leaders come thru anytime, but as we got closer and closer to the AS, after thinking maybe they got off trail - here comes a few spread out, maybe a mile or 2 from the turn. Still moving decently thru here, rounded a few lakes, the last one having a gazebo-type deck over the water that was the halfway mark. Took a little extra time, drinking, eating, getting a photo taken and headed out (ahead of Dan) in 3:39 (1:06 section).
Taking stock of my condition at the halfway - no real pains or issues. My left quad had an instant where it wanted to cramp for a little bit - but never did. The "taper-madness" of calf/ankle aches never appeared - -not once - during the entire race. My right ankle was a little sore at the top of the shoe - but manageable so far. Taking in 20ozs (plus my 8oz when needed) between stops, S-caps every hour or so. No calories other than a Gu early on and aid station food. So far, so good - and being halfway - I was fairly sure to finish! Wasn't keeping much track of time (and certainly not the time of day). Actually got a bit overcast earlier, but by mile 17 or so-the sun was out in full force. Was not looking forward to that.
Heading home.
Run pretty much the entire 20 miles back alone. Did keep my eyes open ahead of me for friends coming up the trail (Psyche/Charles), Weezy, Jason, Mike R...) and had more time for photos. Being thru halfway when I was (too fast!) - knew I was Not going to run under 8hrs, but it could have been closer under better circumstances I think. 2nd set of splits heading "IN":
(Mileage, 5mile split, "OUT" split) :
Post race - Still no appetite, but got a wonderful foot massage from Denise. Not one blister (smart wool socks) and very little (if any) muscles soreness, just tender feet. Few leg scratches, but nothing serious. Waited a bit for my stuff from AS#3/5, but saw a few other friends finish and caught up with Dan, Charles and others. Looked like quite a few DNF's - mostly due to the heat. Overall finished 24th out of 61 finishers (77 starters)
Post race info: Best recovery to date (so far, and it's been a week. 22 miles and no real lingering issues).
Next Race: Long Cane 50k May 29th. (Assuming the next 3 weeks go ok!)
Another runner, Viktor, had taken me up on giving me a ride to the start (Thanks!), and we got there just before 7am. Not too terribly long before the 7:30 start, but enough time to see some friends
 |
| Psyche and Me (Guz) |
and get ready.
Before you knew it - we were off thru a small trail, to a short gravel road, up the main road and onto the trail. The first few miles were about finding a good pace, not pushing much, and keeping someone in front of me. As I followed people, I realized there was a noticeable trail most places, and marked as they should be - but I was still wary of letting myself lose the runners in front of me
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| Following Chad down the boardwalk |
I enjoyed the early miles, taking in the scenery. Boardwalks and marshlands were quite pretty. The 1st aid station was a quick stop as I checked out what they had. I had carried a single handheld water bottle and an "extra" 8oz flask in my RaceReady shorts pocket. Quick fill up (Heed instead of water I think) and some munchies, and out of there ~47 minutes - think that was a bit less than 5 miles!
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| 1st Aid Station (rest of the photos at the bottom) |
The 2nd 5 miles was a continuation of keeping runners in sight. About a mile of road and some stare downs for a barking dog, then lots of trail. Passed Dan after the aid station as he had an aid station issue - but once he caught back up - we ended up running together (or pretty close to each other) for the next ~10 miles. Very enjoyable company and we'd chat some, then just let the miles slip away. Neither of us felt great, but not bad either. At the 2nd AS around the 10 mile mark - more munchies (I think the young volunteer there was a little surprised how much I was able to constantly cram into my mouth) and refill and out in 1:42 (55min section). Never seemed far from other runners thru the often narrow, almost overgrown trail. Quite a variety of surfaces: roads - gravel, pavement, jeep - a little sand, pine needles, dirt, grass, boardwalk, leaves. Roots were not an issue for the majority of the race.
The following 5 miles into Mile 15 went quick as we started getting closer to my drop bag (extra socks shoes, just in case, extra Gu, my 2nd handheld water bottle). Ran with Dan and we crossed the Enoree River and the large bridge they had constructed, and a lengthy boardwalk afterwards. He pulled me with him the the AS in 2:32 (50min section). I skipped my handheld water bottle and drop bag completely, got a few more snacks and then we were gone.
As we headed out towards the 20mile turnaround - I knew I'd slow down thru here and let Dan slowly get ahead. Wasn't too concerned about finding my way as people weren't too far from me. Kept expecting to see the leaders come thru anytime, but as we got closer and closer to the AS, after thinking maybe they got off trail - here comes a few spread out, maybe a mile or 2 from the turn. Still moving decently thru here, rounded a few lakes, the last one having a gazebo-type deck over the water that was the halfway mark. Took a little extra time, drinking, eating, getting a photo taken and headed out (ahead of Dan) in 3:39 (1:06 section).
Taking stock of my condition at the halfway - no real pains or issues. My left quad had an instant where it wanted to cramp for a little bit - but never did. The "taper-madness" of calf/ankle aches never appeared - -not once - during the entire race. My right ankle was a little sore at the top of the shoe - but manageable so far. Taking in 20ozs (plus my 8oz when needed) between stops, S-caps every hour or so. No calories other than a Gu early on and aid station food. So far, so good - and being halfway - I was fairly sure to finish! Wasn't keeping much track of time (and certainly not the time of day). Actually got a bit overcast earlier, but by mile 17 or so-the sun was out in full force. Was not looking forward to that.
Heading home.
Run pretty much the entire 20 miles back alone. Did keep my eyes open ahead of me for friends coming up the trail (Psyche/Charles), Weezy, Jason, Mike R...) and had more time for photos. Being thru halfway when I was (too fast!) - knew I was Not going to run under 8hrs, but it could have been closer under better circumstances I think. 2nd set of splits heading "IN":
(Mileage, 5mile split, "OUT" split) :
Miles 20-25 - 1:12 (4:51) (1:06). Only 5 minutes slower than the first time thru that section. Little proud of that I must say. Picked up my 2nd handheld bottle here and also check my cell phone for coverage. None - but did have a text from my wife that morning saying they'll see me soon. I was very excited that my wife and little girl would be at the finish. They had not seen me finish either of my two previous ultras.
Miles 25-30 - 1:10 (6:02) (50). 20 minutes slower. Starting to lose energy. Had no appetite at any more aid stations after the turnaround. Dan caught and passed me at the Enoree River Bridge. Others would catch me and go by - but I wasn't interested in trying to hang onto anyone. Wanted to break 6 hrs for 30 miles - no particular reason, but with my last 50k of 6:38 - a 6hr 50k is my PR goal.
Miles 30-35 - 1:19 (7:22) (55). 24 min slower. Knew this was the longest section of the last 15 miles. Had very little motivation to run. Started with the negative thoughts...."Never doing this again". "Why did I ever think doing a 50 miler would be fun??" but you know one good thing to perk you up is seeing food on the ground - that means one thing - an Aid Station is near!! I was out of water again so that was a relief. Motivation was still low, but I knew getting to this last section would bring me home. More roads on this section didn't help (and no sign of the dog). My right ankle was still an issue, so I finally (after 10/15+ miles?) loosened up my right shoe. Made a big difference in comfort level, no explanations why I didn't do that earlier.
Miles 35-40 - 1:08 (8:30) (47). 21min slower. Knew as I walked the last section of road that 8:30 was close and not likely. Did run all the way in once I got on the gravel road, peeking over to see my wife's car in the lot. Not much to say about this section except I was glad it was over! Did finish strong though and immediately picked up my little girl. Post race - Still no appetite, but got a wonderful foot massage from Denise. Not one blister (smart wool socks) and very little (if any) muscles soreness, just tender feet. Few leg scratches, but nothing serious. Waited a bit for my stuff from AS#3/5, but saw a few other friends finish and caught up with Dan, Charles and others. Looked like quite a few DNF's - mostly due to the heat. Overall finished 24th out of 61 finishers (77 starters)
Post race info: Best recovery to date (so far, and it's been a week. 22 miles and no real lingering issues).
Next Race: Long Cane 50k May 29th. (Assuming the next 3 weeks go ok!)
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| RD Terri with last minute instructions |
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| Early gravel road |
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| An early trail |
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| Along boardwalk |
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| Follow the leader |
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| Little road section |
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| Enoree River |
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| Turnaround/Aid Station #4 |
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| Halfway (20 miles) |
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| 40 miles: 8hrs 30 min 28 secs |
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| Ahhhh |
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