2014 Chattooga 50k (non-)Race Report

Sept 7, 2014. Terri Hayes was putting on her last ultra in SC after a number of years of low-key, low-frills, donation-only events. I had completed my first ultramarathon here back in June of 2010 and was anxious to run it again. Partially to see how my feeling for it has changed after 12 other events, and also because the trails are so nice. I had no reference for "elevation" before this race, or the time it took, so it wasn't "difficult", it was just what it was. Now, maybe I'd have an idea.

This turned out to not really be a race or even an event, but a low-key run that you could do whenever that weekend, you just had to turn in a time that you kept yourself. I prepared myself for that by putting aid at the 17/21 aid station. There was aid there already, but it felt good to be safe about it.

So after leaving the house at 5:15am or so, with a stop for ice and water, I pulled into the Cherry Hill Campground parking lot and got my things together. I was using a brand new Ultimate Direction SJ 2.0 vest that had come the previous week (while I was in Juarez, MX working). My legs weren't completely fresh, having run the Wildwood 50k two weeks earlier. I've never run two races of this distance so close together before. When I did a flat 50k, followed by a road marathon 2 weeks later, that combination gave me IT band issues and severely hurt my running for the next 15 months. That explains the poor times and event gap in 2013.
Anyway - Terri was just finishing up the instruction for a small group, and they went and started. After a quick hello to Drew, I tied my shoes, and ran to catch up with the group, led by Joe Parker. Hadn't seen him in a while, but he looked comfortable out there. After dropping my vest off at the Winding trail intersection with the camping area, I hit the trail with my two Amphipod handhelds, heading down the 3 mile out-and-back section. I was in the back of maybe 5 or 6 runners for the first bit, but decided that I would run a little faster going down here and I went on ahead. I eventually saw 4 or 5 runners coming back that had started a bit earlier. and made it to the turnaround area (road) in 25 minutes or so. I was in the gravel looking for where the trail went wondering where exactly to turn around when another runner came upon me and reminded me that it was here. I knew, but just wasn't thinking. The other guy went on ahead as I walked much of the uphills. Legs just didn't seem to have much (even on some of the flats/downhills) and I was already worrying this would be a Very long day. I knew I was capable of walking it, but really wanted to run it somewhat well.
Saw some runners coming the opposite way, Joe, Drew, and then Psyche and Charles! Stopped and chatted for a few catching up some. Met Psyche here back in 2010 and have always enjoyed hearing of their many adventures! Finally got back to my vest as we turned away from the campground, went up a nice hill, and a sharp downhilll to Hwy 107. Terri was there with some Aid, so I filled my handhelds and crossed the road onto the Big Bend trail. At this point (~7mi/1:17), I was about 6mins ahead of my 2010 pace. The guy (in blue) was just ahead of me, and would be barely in sight for the next 3-5 miles.
Was running fine thru here as we headed to the river, and I tried to keep track of some times between bridges (I walked every one of them - I was not going down this time!). There wasn't any real issue of going off trail, but I was cautious about looking to see where I'd be going on the way back. The guy in front of me waited for me at one point to make sure, and then he was gone. I munched some and drank well, but it really wasn't too hot out. I did not take many photos as I knew it's easier on the way back (when I want to stop and break).
Kept moving and felt better on this section - guess it just took me a while to get my legs. Nothing too hard, but I did walk up anything with more than an easy upslope - lots of miles left. I did get a little off the main trail going by a campsite, but plowed ahead and ran back into/onto the trail.
I hit the sign in the parking lot (~14.8/2:56) 10mins ahead of 2010 and had the climb up to the road and the next aid station. I passed a couple thru here and eventually came upon a guy who was walking and holding his bloody hand. He had tripped and disclocated a finger, then injured it again in another fall. I walked with him the mile or so into the AS and made sure they were aware there of what was going on.
Dropped off my vest again (why run with it when you don't need!), got what I needed, and headed off down the trail. It felt good knowing I was now past the halfway, but finishing this 2 mile out (downhill) and 2 mile back (uphill) would put me heading in the right direction.
(Finally finishing this a LONG time later - so details may be lacking!)
The downhill went by fine and saw a few people, Made the turnaround (~18.8mi) in 24min (3:58 total). The uphill saw me start to feel it - a tight right hamstring so I took it pretty easy and came back to the aid station (20.8mi) in 43min (4:42). I took what had to be my longest break ever at an aid station, maybe 7 minutes. I ate, refilled, took some photos, really just took my time.
It must have paid off, because I moved very well thru the next section. This is where I had so many problems the last time with sore feet, sore back, etc. Now - a different story entirely. I knew it was to be short lived on this downhill section, but I made up a ton of time than on the way out (17 minutes vs 37 minutes).
The next section (the 5+ miles to the Big Bend trail) was still pretty good. I stopped for about 5 minutes to chat again with Charles and Psyche (gotta stop - why not?! It's Charles and Psyche!) and then kept on going. I power hiked as I needed and ended up about a minute and a half per mile slower than on the way out. I was a bit unsure of myself on the turn off the Chattooga trail (27.9/6:27), but soon recognized it and knew I was getting closer. That's when you really start to think about a finish time, but when you really don't know how much further, it's really just a constant guessing game. With a mile to go, I was on the very edge of cramping (left thigh). I got slower, but still had some running left in me. I was excited to be beating my first time, finishing this non-event, being in the woods for hours, being able to complete 31 miles - so much to be happy for.
Finish is a bit low-key, but that was fine. I was done and I was happy!
7:11:37, 12 minutes better than my very first ultra in 2010.
I was sore for a few days (legs, arch, calf) and had to travel for work, but got back out for a run after 4 days off.

Added photos (May 2024):

Charles & Psyche!

Charles & Psyche!

RD Extraordinaire!

Charles on my way back

2014 Wildwood Games 50k Race Report

This inaugural event was held Sunday August 24, 2014 in Appling, GA. It started at Wildwood Park and traversed the Bartram Trail towards the Petersburg section to a short 3 mile loop, then returned to the park. I wanted to do this as it was all along the banks of Clarks Hill Lake - near to where I spent a year and a half during high school while living in Plum Branch, SC. Although I was excited to run the Chattooga 50k 2 weeks later and compare my time to my 1st 50k (there) back in 2010, I decided I would do it anyway and see what happened. I'd run a 50k and followed that with a marathon once before - and that did not turn out well (IT band issues for the next 6+ months). But I had trained better this time, right?!

Always in my Harbison 50k shirt and visor)

We started as it became light and after saying bye to Drew, I tried to start off comfortably. Other than a cold just before I was to taper, I had a great lead-in for this event. I had four weeks in July of 40-47 miles, and I had Never had 2 weeks in a row before over 40. After that cold, I was in Minnesota for a week and did my last "long" run (of 15 miles) up there at Afton State Park with a group from UMTR - they were super-kind!
Anyway - I ran just behind some runners until the first aid station at mile 4.5. The grassy and gravel trail up to that point had taken us out of the park and soon looked to be more for mountain bikes. I call the short ups-and-downs "bunny-hops", and they were constant for a while. Used my momentum as best I could. There was one runner just ahead that I could barely make out, and another close behind me (Esteban) - he passed me at that first aid station (46:35).
Started running by the lake soon afterward, and we continuously wound our way beside every inlet along the lake. Still a few bunny hops, but felt ok as it wasn't that hot out. (The previous day was horribly hot, 110° heat index and they trimmed the 100k bike race down to 50 miles. Sunday only saw the temps get to the mid-80s). Snacked a good bit at the next aid station (mile 9.8 in 1:39)

Didn't see the girl (Devon) ahead of me after that, which is odd because she was in the marathon and should have come back toward me later on.

There was more aid a mile after the marathon turnaround (14.1 in 2:22) and I was happy to be doing around 10mins/mile. It was right thru here I saw the leader come by, about 3 miles ahead of me at that point.
The Bartram Trail does have mileage markers, so I tried to keep an eye on them as I ran. The single track trail was not very technical at all (maybe a few places), was rarely straight, and generally not much elevation change either. Total on someone's Garmin read 988 feet gain and 988 feet loss.
So I left one handheld at the AS as I ran the loop. I walked for the first time thru here as I was starting to feel a bit tired and my right calf became tight (and would continue to be for the rest of the event).

Back at the aid station (Mile 17.1 in 2:53), grabbed a small snack again and continued on. This was a day to be out in the woods alone. I saw a few runners here and there, either at an aid station, going the opposite direction, or passing them. not once after mile 5 or so did I run with anyone.
The trails were nice, and had some different areas throughout. Pine straw, dirt, some small fields, and of course the lake.

I made my way back to the next aid station and after some pringles and m&ms, had a treat - a popsicle! (Mile 21.1 in 3:40).

They were prepared and even refilled my water bottles! (Thank you!!!) After this - I was having more issues - my left sole became tender and my right hamstring was tight. I could still move, but I had slowed down to almost 11 minute miles.

The next section was the longest without aid coming back (5.3 miles), and it got a bit disheartening when I could see across the lake, the finish area of Wildwood Park.

I still had 7-8 miles left, but I just had to keep moving. Did come upon two female runners and passed them (after a little chuckle - private joke). My middle/lower back got sore next as I got into the last aid station - Mile 26.4 in 4:45 and up to 12 minute miles (but still moving!).
Back thru the bunny hops and away from the lake told me I was getting closer. I hoped I wasn't going to get passed near the end, but I wouldn't have really been able to do much about it.

I came back down the gravel road, across a coupe of roads, past the unmanned water stations, and turned the final corner to the finish. I was excited to see my wife and daughter, and my aunt and uncle who were there too! Staying with them the night before made the drive in that morning very easy.

Finished in 5:46:50! My 2nd fastest 50k.

Few notes: I would've been close to winning (or at least the Male winner) of the 10-runner marathon. (Devon) The girl just ahead of me at the beginning won in 4:45. 2nd place was 5:30. My 50k time was 4th in the marathon results. 50k winner was 4:45 out of 18 finishers. I was 6th.

2014 Oconee Trail 50k

Oconee 50k

This race was Saturday May 3^rd and held at Oconee State Park in SC. I hadn’t been to the park in about 10 years (back when I was hiking and not running), but my 1st 50k in 2010 shared a few miles of trails with this race.

I had trained a little better for this one (one 14 and then two 19 milers at Paris Mountain) than I had at El Paso, but went in not knowing how I would fare.

The 6am start meant waking at 3:20am and making the 90 minute drive, with a quick stop to get fresh batteries for my headlamp. It was too bad the start wasn’t at 6:30am when headlamps wouldn’t be needed. Anyway – everyone congregated around the visitor center prior to the start and I saw some other ultra runners I knew (Marty, Michael, Tiana, Jason/Sully, and Wayne/Weezy).

My headlamp was giving me fits, not working, then working. When it was time for the race to start – it decided to not work, so I stuck it in my pocket and ran on. There was a line of runners ahead (and behind) and I kept near the one right in front of me and did the best I could to not trip. It took a lot of concentration, and I picked my feet up more than normal to compensate. It was a bit congested, so I was actually able to walk up some of the inclines as fast as others were running. After a mile or so – the guy in front of me took a walk break and I sped ahead to get behind Michael – a friend from our weekend runs at Lake Conestee who was running his 1^st 50k (after missing Harbison with the flu). I came thru unscathed and after about 25 minutes, headlamps weren’t really needed anymore.

I ran at a somewhat easy pace, but those first 5-6 miles are always slightly uncomfortable as I get settled in. We hit the first aid station around Mile 4 in 48min (with Merle and Lester volunteering – thanks guys!) and I picked up a few chips and cookies and walked out. Michael caught up shortly and we kept on going together. Nice runnable trails with the sunbeams trying to come in thru the leaf-filled trees. There were definite spots/hills to walk, but never lost contact. It had mostly spread out by mile 3 or so, and we’d see others every now and then, either passing us, or being passed. We were just enjoying the nice soft trails (and dodging the few roots out there) and chatting. Michael graciously offered to pack my headlamp into his backpack.

Next aid station was near Mile 9 at 1:52 with Scott, the co-RD helping out), and we got there and refilled and took in some more food. This was the gravel road we were to go down. We set a comfortable pace, not opening up at all really and just relaxed. A few people passed us and were quickly far ahead. We just kept going down and around another bend and down some more. We went running down for 28 minutes (~3 miles). That is the longest constant downhill I think I have ever run. We were glad to see that section end, but we knew coming back up would not be fun and I already expected to walk every bit of it!

We were now at the Winding Stairs section…a ~3 mile climb up to the next aid station and turnaround point. We had been wondering when we would see the leaders coming back, and after 2:40?, we saw the lone leader come flying down by us. He had a good lead…and we still had no clue how far the turnaround was.

I was starting to feel better thru here and at some point, pulled a bit ahead of Michael (and would run alone for the remainder of the race). There were still a few runners within a few minutes of me by the time I got to the turnaround (in 3:04). I stepped back to get a picture and promptly cut a gash on my shin from a stump/post. Took a little extra time to fuel up, pour some coke into my mouth (it is a cup-free event!) and grabbed a handful of chips, etc before walking out. All the aid stations were wonderful and were quick to help refilling my two handheld water bottles.  

 Almost 16 miles in and now I was going downhill and I ran pretty much all the way down to the road – with a few picture breaks as Drew (missed him at the start), Michael, Marty, and Sully/Tiana/Weezy came upon me. Then there was the road. This one female runner was ahead of me. I was walking at my normal quick pace and would get closer to her. Then she’d run a section, then walk again. I would get closer to her again. I got as close as about 20secs from her before she ran and was gone! (Impressive!). I had found a great hiking stick after the first mile and that helped me tremendously. Once I hit the aid station (at 4:27) at the top of the hill and got some more fuel in me - I was on my way. Pretty much ran solo the rest of the way in. Note I said "ran". Yeah - for the first time in who knows how long - I was running pretty well on flats and downhills. Legs didn't hurt at all, just a little fatigued. I was so happy about that, but still surprised. I wanted to run as much as I could while I felt that way. Once I got to the last aid station (back to Merle/Lester, in 5:35), I was doing the math in my head about when I could finish. It seemed I was running better than I expected, but if it took 48 minutes coming out, I was going to finish with a ~6:30 time. I was a little dejected as I went along, but then I really had the feeling I hadn't run this part of the trail before. I knew we went around the lake, but this was different and there was no lake. Once I got to the lake, I knew I was close. I still walked a bit as my legs didn't want to move at times, but I still felt I finished quite strongly. My wife and daughter were right there at that finish to give me that extra boost. (I was lucky they were there, my wife thought I had started an hour later than I actually had). Finish time of 6:04!! My 3rd fastest out of now 9 50ks.