2014 Barkley Fall Classic 50K+

I felt a bit of anxiety going into this race with all the pre-race hype that I probably should have ignored.  This was the inaugural race so a lot of unknowns going into it. It was helpful reading some of the Facebook posts for the race in order be prepared but some of it made people scared. At some point the race was full and had a wait list.  By race day, there were several spots available since people dropped for various reasons and some may have just been scared while others had valid reasons.  There were over 200 other runners so somehow we would get through it even with the dire predictions that less than 10 runners would finish.  The race took place at at Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee.  The idea was to give runners a taste of the real Barkley 100 mile which is run on an unmarked course and is rumored to be at least 130 miles (more info http://www.mattmahoney.net/barkley/).  The BFC was took place on trails with arrows at key intersections and runners were also given a map and a compass which was needed a few times at points of confusion.  There was no confidence flagging that you see in many trail races.  Hopefully, runners knew what they were getting themselves into when they signed up.  The time limit was 13 hours, 20 minutes, the same as the real Barkley 100 race loop. 

I left for the race around 7 am Friday morning for the long 9+ hour drive.  I had a confirmation e-mail from Orbitz and somehow had booked the room for Sunday night, instead of Friday night.  I made a new reservation before I left and called them on the way and they were able to cancel the nonrefundable reservation and refund all of my money.  I stopped at Old Chicago in Clarksville, TN on the way to fuel up myself and the car and check e-mail.  I arrived early enough that I had time to find the start line before heading over to packet pickup.  Then I stayed for the Barkley movie and dinner which didn't start until after 7:30 pm.  I didn't each much since I was full from lunch but did enjoy the movie.  I drove back to my hotel, about 30 minutes away, and prepared for the race, getting to bed a little later than I would have liked so only got less than 6 hours sleep.

I arrived at the race site around 6:20 am and got a parking spot close to the front.  There was no lines at the bathrooms but they were all in use.  I was wondering if Kimberly from Ohio had arrived yet and she walked out of the porta-potty I was waiting to go in.  We were able to talk awhile before the race.  I also saw Johnny A., also from Columbia.  We stood in a 2 lane road to start and had to run less than a mile on pavement to the trail.  Immediately we had to start climbing and climbed for over 2 miles before I was able to run a bit but even when I was able to run pace was only around 14 min.

Around mile 5, I felt something stinging my upper arm/shoulder through my shirt.  I briefly heard some buzzing but did not see the critter.  I checked it out and had a slight area of swelling and it hurt pretty good for the next 5 miles.  It seemed like forever before the first aid station and I ended up drinking the 2 bottles I was carrying.  I didn't carry much for nutrition other than a flask that contained 4 gels and 3 Kind bars. I started out with water in one bottle and Carbo Pro in the other one.  After more climbing, I finally got to the aid station which was a mile further than expected, I drank about another bottle of water, and filled up with more water and Sword.  Sword is the drink they were serving at all the aid stations and I was impressed with the taste, non-sweetness, and it settled very well.  I also had a bit of banana at the aid station before continuing on my way.  We also had to get our bib number punched at some of the stations and various points to prove we had been there.

A couple miles out of the aid station, the North Bird trail becomes difficult to follow.  I start looking around for people and eventually there are several of us that are confused but we bushwhack our way up to a tree where there is another guy with a punch and the trail is clearly defined.  I followed some people for awhile and we reached the Garden Spot, we were a bit confused since there was no one there to punch our bib so not sure we even needed to go there and looking at the map now, it looks like we went a bit out of our way.  We turned around and found an arrow to continue on the course.  At this point, there is around 15 - 20 people in the group and got to a point where they weren't sure if we should go left or right.  Someone pulls out his map and says we should go right.  Meanwhile, I noticed a guy way ahead that had gone left.  Someone else tells the guy he has his map upside down.  Finally, the consensus is that we should turn left which was a jeep road and the right direction.

It has been awhile but we finally make it to aid station 2 around 10:30 am so have been running 3.5 hours and around 14 miles.  From this point we run out 4.5 miles to a turnaround which was easier running for a couple miles and then some climbing.  There was a sign at the turnaround and then about half mile on the way back we had our numbers punched again. I saw Kimberly and Johnny on the way back.  I estimate Kimberly was about 4 miles behind me at this point.  Another guy I had been running with for awhile counted and we were in 30-something place.  

On the way back there was an arrow to take us to a different trail and the part of the course known as Rat Jaw.  Rat Jaw which climbs 1000 feet in 1/2 mile under some power lines and past some abandoned coal mines. The ground is covered with sawbriers that you have to climb through.  In some places there is a downed powerline that can be used as a climbing rope. Otherwise you have to climb with your hands, and the thorns draw blood.   When we arrived there were a couple people standing there staring up at where we needed to go or they weren't sure where we needed to go exactly.  Lucky there was a guy there that had run a loop of the Barkley 100 and he was familiar with this section.  I took off with 4 other guys through this section. Using leather gloves and having most exposed skin covered was a big help.  I wore hiking shorts that covered my knees and socks that covered my calves.  I wasn't too worried about my arms getting a little scratched so they were exposed.  I strapped 1 of my bottles around my running belt so I would have a free hand to help me climb.  This guy directed us through this section and we had to crawl flat to the ground at some points to pull ourselves up.  We took a significant break at one point.  We finally reached close to the top and could see the tower where we would have to climb to get a punch.  There was a guy below the tower taking pictures.  Once we got our punch, I continued alone my way and separated from that group.  The mile that included Rat Jaw took 48 minutes, but it's the Barkley Classic so most of us don't care how long it takes. The foremost goal is to just get out alive and secondary is to hopefully finish the race.

The mile also included an aid station the group reconvened but most of us separated and went on our way.  We had only stuck together to get us through one of the toughest parts of the course.  The next part of the course drops about 2,000 feet so was somewhat more runnable but still didn't go too crazy since what goes down must go up.  At the 22.1 mile aid station (at this point, it was actually 26 miles I'd guess), we were at the bottom and an aid station.  As I was turning into the aid station, I took my first and only fall but wasn't too bad and only hit my knee a little.  Laz (the Barkley race director) was there to punch our numbers and tell us it was all downhill from here. I told him I would be very disappointed if it was all downhill.  He asked if I was setting a PR today and I laughed.

I started off with another runner that I had been running near off and on.  Eventually, he told me to go around since he wanted to rest.  The trail kept going up and up.  I should have known but had no idea how far up it went.  This section is a climb to the top of Chimney Top Mountain which has an elevation gain of approximately 2,000 feet over 4 miles.  The total elevation gain/loss of the course is approximately 20,000 I'd guess so a significant chunk of elevation to climb all at once.  Another guy passed me on the way up.  There were only a few points where any running was possible since it kept climbing.  It reminded me a little of climbing Hope Pass at Leadville.  At some point I catch up to him and we reach some huge rock formations at the top.  He asks which way I think we should go.  I assume we should take the trail that keeps climbing.  We go around the huge rock formation and there is a dog and someone sleeping in a hammock.  Then it gets difficult to see a trail so we obviously went the wrong way.  Luckily we found the trail again and we were a little disoriented so he pulled out his map and compass to make sure we were going the correct direction.  I stayed behind him until the end.

There was still a little more climbing and finally we start to descend.  There is another aid station ahead.  They tell us 3.3 miles to the end and all downhill.  We ask if they are lying to us but it is really all downhill.  They told us we were in 27th and 28th place.  We run it out until the very end together.  It felt good to be running and finish strong.   

I crossed the finish in 9:37:27 and 28th place of the 164 that finished.   240 started so 68% finished which I am sure was a huge disappointment to the race directors.  I was hungry right after the race and had not eaten that much during.  I only ate 2 of my bars and about 2 gels, plus some banana and energy bar at the aid stations.  I purchased a ribeye steak sandwich which tasted pretty good at first but couldn't finish the bun.  I would have loved to stay around and see more people finish but had to start the drive home 40 minutes after I finished.  Surprisingly, I didn't get tired until about the last 1.5 hours of the drive and arrived home before 2 am.

Pictures

Results

2014 Heart of America "Marthon" Marathon

Heart of America was my first marathon so it has become a tradition to run it every year.  It is also a plus that it is local and reasonably priced at only $45.  This year was my 11th consecutive year running the race.  Last year I ran the Leadville 100 miler, 2 weeks before the race.  This year I ran the Mohican 100 miler in June so was hoping I would have some time to actually marathon train.  Training was kind of blah but managed around 50-something per week since Mohican.  I ran hill repeats and got plenty of long runs.  However, my enthusiasm for long distance training has been waning and I didn't do any tempo runs.  I have been doing  track workouts but geared for shorter distance and I have been enjoying those. Like last year and most years post the Long Run Lunatics group, my training was far from ideal, but I was still hoping for a decent race.  My weight was up about 7 - 8 lbs this year so that was probably not ideal. 

The weather forecast changed dramatically in the 10 days before the race.  At first predictions were lows in the 70s to highs in the 90s.  Then as we got closer to the race, predicting temps in the 70s - 80s with a very high chance of severe thunderstorms.  The day before the race, it did not look good.  I wasn't worried about the rain but I was more worried about lightning canceling the race.  I was actually looking forward to rain keeping us cool. 

I woke up just before 5 am and it was pouring rain with a little thunder but not much.  I figured the race was going to happen and we left about 5:40 am to get to the start line which is just a little over 2 miles from where I live.  It didn't seem like a lot of people were there but I think most were hiding out in their cars.  At 6 am, we received notice there would be a 30 minute delay and they would come around to our cars if that changed. I was about to get out of the car at 6:25 and we received notice we would be starting at 7 am.  At this point, I needed to use the bathroom again.  Hugh drove Allan (who was hanging out with us) and I to the Hearnes Center but they had already locked it so we went to Hugh's workplace.  We posted a message to the Heart of America FB page about the delay since we are administrators, used the bathroom, and headed back over about 6:45.  The rain had let up and had nearly stopped by 7 am.  I was surprised since the forecast when I woke up called for 100% chance of thunderstorms until 10 am.  The race director had consulted with a TV station meteorologist and they thought we would be fine starting at 7 am.  I expected to get wet at some point but just stayed cloudy and never rained.

The rain had cooled the temp down from earlier so we started with 66F and 100% humidity. There were 179 runners which was down about 50 from last year.  I wasn't feeling great as my throat felt a little sore and head hurt but figured it was allergies.  We were off and I was in about 12th place running with the 2 guys that finished just ahead of me last year.  When we turned to go south we were in for a big surprise.  We had a really strong headwind to deal with.  I was glad I left my hat behind since I would have likely lost it.  I heard later people were losing hats and earbuds due to the strong wind.  I figured it would calm down once we got out of town and into the tree cover but it probably took a little more out of me than I had to give for those first few miles.  I had to deal with the wind for about 4 miles and just a little at one point around 8 miles.  

I couldn't seem to get in a groove to run as fast as I wanted (sub-7s).  The 2 guys I started with went way ahead to the point I eventually lost site of both of them.  I passed a couple people back and forth but overall this was a solo race most of the way.  I couldn't keep my pace below 7 minutes.  Only mile 1 and 6 were under 7.  My average pace at the halfway point was 7:17 and my split was 1:36:07.  I thought it might be neat to finish my 11th marathon in 3:11:11 but doubted I could pull it off since I figured I would slow down.  I was in 10th place at this point.  I had 4 gels with me that I took every 5 miles but not sure I needed them.

I wasn't feeling great but was able to maintain my pace pretty well the rest of the way and was hoping for a sub 3:15 and to hold onto my 10th place.  I didn't see anyone behind me.  This is a hilly course and considered one of the toughest marathons in the US.  It scares some people away but it really isn't that bad and the organization and great volunteers makes it worth running.  It was a long lonely road to 22 miles when I could see a runner ahead for the first time in 13 miles.  I was slowly gaining on him and as I got closer I could see he was taking walk breaks.  He took one too many breaks on the hill at mile 23 so I passed him at about 23.5 miles going up a hill.  My legs were feeling heavy and I just felt achy all over.  I managed a 7:36 miles for both 24 and 25.  When I turned the corner before 25, I could see someone ahead of me but figured I would never catch him this close to the end.  It was my friend Tom and he was taking walk breaks.  He took enough breaks to allow me to pass him and I felt strong to the end.  Just knowing the end was near gave me a boost.  I ran mile 26 in 7:23 pace and the last 0.5 in 6:01 pace.  Finishing time was 3:13:44 and 8th overall.  My second half was 1:37:37 so 1.5 minutes slower than the first half.  I ended up being 1 minute ahead of Tom so my lucky day since we are back in the same age group this year and it isn't easy for me to keep up with him in any race.  He said he was having blood sugar issues and that is why he was walking.  Both of us were about 9 - 10 minutes faster last year.   Some people were breaking their course PRs this year but not all of us.

I think the delay was a good call overall.  The weather turned out nicer than normal for this race with the clud cover keeping the temp down for the runners until the last half hour.  It was humid as usual.  11 HOAs completed and this one was my 8th fastest time.  Placed 8 of 179 and first in the the 45 - 49 age group.  The closest finisher ahead of me was 3:07.  The winner ran a 2:45!  I was also the first place Master's runner thanks to Tom taking some walk breaks so get a pair of shoes from Tryathletics.  The fact that he or someone else didn't show up to run faster is probably a miracle.  Last year there were more people, I placed 9th and ran faster and the first place Master's ran a 2:49 so it is only luck and not a good performance that I won the first place Masters this year.

At the finish, they had Hot Box cookies, fruit, Gatorade G2 and soda.  I managed to eat a couple cookies and had some caffeine and felt better.  We watched quite a few runners come in and then headed over to the the pizza party and awards ceremony at Shakespeare's Pizza around noon.  It was a fun race and am looking forward to doing this marathon again next year.

Splits/Map/Elevation

Race Results

Pictures

2014 Mohican 100 miler

I arrived Friday afternoon at 2 pm just as it was starting to lightly rain.  My campsite was tree covered so didn’t have a problem getting the tent set up as it was pretty sheltered from the light rain.  I was located up a big hill which the race course actually went less than 100 feet from my tent.  I got see George and Kimberly, the only 2 people I knew running one of the races at the prerace meeting before heading to bed.  Set alarm for 3:45 am which actually felt like 2:45 am due to the time difference but attempted to get 6 hours sleep.  I say attempt since the rude people next to my site next to mine were loud, obnoxious, and partying well past the quiet time.  I managed to sleep a little but they kept waking me up.  I woke up again when security drove by to tell them to turn off their radio and quiet down.  One of the women then went on loudly blabbering for what seemed like an hour hoping she wasn’t keeping her neighbors awake, and just going on to be annoying to everyone in the area.  She loudly said she hope she wasn’t disturbing her neighbors.  I assume someone reported them.  I was about 20 feet from their site.  The Ambien the woman loudly announced she had taken finally kicked in and they quieted down. At that point, I fell asleep dreaming they had been kicked out of the campground and didn’t wake up until the alarm went off.  I really wanted to make a loud racket when I got up but refrained since not everyone near us was running the race.  However, I did make it a point to be slightly loud since I thought it might wake them up.

I took a shower since I felt really sticky and wanted to start fresh and fairly dry.  I ate a protein shake, banana, and Greek yogurt.  The start for the course was about a mile from my campsite so I had to start walking at 4:30 am and made it there in 20 min.  I saw George at the starting line and we were able to run together for a while. There were about 200 registered for the 100 miler and the other races started later.  I followed George for a while until we were separated and then didn’t see him again until later and we ran together some more until I ran ahead.  I ran the first loop (~27 miles) in about 5:20 and felt pretty good about it.  For the first 2 loops I was able to run with and see some of the same people but the next 2 loops I ran alone at times.

I ran the second loop in about 5:40 and was at 11 hours at 54 miles which maked me wonder if could run 22-something if things continued as they were and even if I continued to slow down at the same rate.  My secondary goal was to run under 24 and was pretty sure that would happen unless things fell completely apart.  I chose to run without a shirt the entire day.  I realize a shirt is supposed to be wicking and keep cooler but I really dislike the feel of a damp shirt.  There was some light rain early in the day but nothing heavy.  The shorts I wore stayed dry and no problems chafing with them and the Body Glide. 

The sun stayed under for most of the day other than a few minutes which helped keep the temp down.  The high was forecasted at 79F but humidity was likely 80-90%.  The course was tougher than I expected but I just walked all the hills and ran where I could.  Pace seemed really slow since there was a lot of climbing, one which went straight up and had to grab hold of some intricate root ladder system and climb up like a ladder.  The course was very scenic, lush, and mostly tree covered.  Lots of ferns and still some May apples.  I think my sun screen I had applied just added to the stickiness and was probably not too necessary with all the tree cover.

Things fell apart slightly during the first half of the 3^rd loop which is a shorter loop at about 23 miles.  I was feeling just a little off and my pace slowed.  The first 11 miles were tough even on the runnable sections.  I think it was a bit of a nutrition issue so I tried some things like solid food (turkey sandwich) and started to feel human again.  There were some huge climbs after the covered bridge aid/drop bag station which gave the food a chance to digest.  Once it was runnable again, I passed a guy and his pacer that passed me earlier.  I ran this shorter loop in about 5:40 and ran pretty well during the second half so made up some time I lost when not feeling well.  I managed to make it most of this loop without using my light which I picked up at mile 65. I took a fall once squishing out part of my water bottle and getting my hands pretty dirty but no damage.  I really thought I was going to be able to run out of the fall but went down anyway.

I felt strong for the last loop even though I ran it slower.  I’ve had this feeling before where after the sun goes down I feel even better.  I was able to consistently run although a slower pace.  Goal was to make it one aid station at a time and try to figure out what I needed as I made my way to the finish.  I used very few gels since they tend to make me nauseous.  The 3 Mama Chias went down very well and caused no problems.  Also, used some of the squeezable snacks which went down much better than gels being closer to real food.  At aid stations, I ate a small quantity of food – orange slices, water melon, ramen noodle broth once, small turkey sandwich a couple times, and a few chips.  I passed a lot of people on the last loop, some still doing the 50 and marathon and some various stages of the 100 miler.  It was nice to see so many people and the loop course and 3 races made this possible.  I passed a lot of people in the last few miles and at this point was running as fast as I could to get it over with.  I would have short bursts of speed and was running a little dangerously at times.  I took a second fall 2 miles from the end and hit my left calf on a blunt rock.  It was kind of like ART and had to recover a minute to make sure no damage although the spot I hit is still slightly sore to the touch. 

As I made my way to the finish, I passed a lot of people doing different races.  One guy running the 100 miler that I had passed me at the beginning of the 3^rd loop was hunched over on the side of the road with less than a mile to go.  I didn’t say anything since I was assuming he was doing what he needed to do to get to the finish.  Another guy I passed about half mile was walking and said his shin hurt and he hadn’t been able to run for several miles.  I finally see the sign where I can turn to the finish and it was still a little further than expected.  I was hoping I didn’t burn myself on the torches they had set up.  I ran the last loop in about 5:52 which was actually about a mile shorter than the previous loop since we didn’t go back down the road a mile.

Finishing time is 22:32:20, 9^th overall of 108 finishers (~190-something starters), and 5^th in 40 – 49 age group.  I was very surprised I was 2 places ahead of the first female runner since she is an amazing runner.  My goal was to run this about as fast as Burning River 100 miler 2 years ago even though this was a more difficult course.  I felt like I was better trained this time and didn’t have a stellar day at BR100 where I did a lot of walking even on the flat sections.  My B goal was under 24 hours which I always hope I can finish but still isn’t always possible.  I’ll take the 32 min slower than BR100.  It was nice to finish in the dark before the sun came up.

I saw more wildlife on this run than usual including a raccoon, deer, mouse, and an opossum.  I was not interested at all in food after the race and had to wait until morning.  Hugh (the timer), wanted to get me something so brought me a Coke and I drank about half thinking maybe not a good idea if I wanted to get any sleep.  I was very interested in a shower as this race was very dirty and I was covered in stale sunscreen, sweat, mud, and debris. The trails drained well but there was mud in a few places and overall felt very sticky.  Even without a shirt, being sticky for over 22 hours wasn’t pleasant.  I got a few hours sleep before packing up to get my drop bags.  I had intended to sleep more but woke up to the obnoxious people next to me talking and couldn’t get back to sleep.  I had to wait around quite a while for my drop bags which is I wrote the first draft of this report.

Tough race but feel like I did very well and had very few issues.  It still makes me wonder if I should think twice before attempting another one.  It is hard to explain to anyone why I would want to run 100 miles.  Having done it 7 times now, I know what I am getting myself into but there is something about starting anew, at times giving up a little and yet pushing on, and often feeling better.  Even if not always feeling better still making it to the finish. Also, having all the time to be mostly alone and one with nature even if occasionally talking to other runners is good for me.  This may or may not have been my last 100 miler. It isn’t something I can plan for since I don’t know if the urge will strike again.  I can certainly see myself running 100Ks and 50 milers or multi-day events.

Excellent 2014 report by volunteer Colleen Theusch.

Mohican trail 100 mile elevation profile (above) at 29,062 feet elevation gain/loss compared to Leadville Trail 100 mile elevation profile (below) at 27,152 feet. Both taken with my GPS which I doubt is very accurate.  I've found vastly different results for Leadville on other sites.

2014 Berryman 50 Miler

Race Results

Splits and Map

Race Website

I have run this 50 miler 5 times and the marathon twice.  In recent years it has been pretty warm but this year it was only 37F when we started and the high was 63F.   I drove down with Jeff  on Friday and David, Brendan, and Cody met us at the campsite which Jed and Brandy saved for us. I slept and stayed warm but woke up pretty frequently.   At first it didn't seem that cold when we got up at 5 am but then started to feel it as I was getting ready.

I had a small bowl of cereal, pineapple and a Lean Body shake for breakfast and took my Succeed Pre-Race Pack.  Only managed to use the bathroom once which was not a good sign.  The 50 miler started at 6:30 am and the marathon at 8 am.  Unlike last year, it was not warm enough to run without a shirt.  I wore a short sleeve shirt and a long sleeve pullover with the thumb holes to keep my hands warm.    We were allowed a drop bag at the start and Brazil Creek at 16 miles and 41 miles.  The plan was to drop the long sleeve pullover there as it warmed up.

I had a variety of gels (some were free samples I tried), some Peach Tea GU chews (free sample), Beechnut Fruities (smoothie), Succeed, Carb Pro, and Hammer Fizz. I started out with Hammer Fizz in my bottle and switched to Succeed at 16  miles.  Also, had a bottle mixed and ready to go at the start.

The course is two 25.7 mi loops and we headed straight into the woods.  Not quite sure where I was placed as we went in but started pretty fast and was maybe in the top 10 with David behind me and a string of people behind us.  I don't really like haven't that many people behind me since I felt like I was holding them back.  At the first aid station David said he would see me later since he wanted to slow down.  After continuing to have a pack behind me and a few passing, I finally pulled over to pee and let them go past.

At about 9 miles, I am thinking I am not going to make it to a port-a-potty so start considering my options and looking for some really good leaves.  Once I pull enough leaves I head into the woods and was pleased I only wasted about a minute.  After the first 5 miles, being 9-something pace, the next 5 were mostly 10-something.

I caught up to Paul before Brazil Creek at 16 miles.  At the aid station, I added Carb Pro to my bottle, had a smoothie, and continued onward.  At most of the aid stations I ate nothing or had a small piece of banana and and orange slice, and a couple chips once.  After Brazil Creek, we turned onto a road for a quarter mile and Paul said he was going to take it easy up the hill.  Not much happened the rest of the first loop other than passed 3 more runners.

Being cooler I thought my first loop might be a little faster than last year but ended up being 4:20:07 something which was only a few seconds faster than last year and didn't spend much time at my drop bag.  I grabbed my bottle, another smoothie and headed out.  I passed the only female ahead of me within a mile or so and another guy shortly after.  Then I didn't see other 50 mile runners until mile 35 I caught another guy.  I left my shirt at Brazil Creek.

My overall average pace slowed 7 - 14 seconds which fluctuated around 7 seconds for quite awhile.   The last part of the course is more difficult and that is where it slowed even more.  After mile 41, I started calculating in my head every mile my finish time if I could maintain an 11 minute pace.  I figured I could finish in 8:57.  This helped pass the time and I wasn't sure if I was going to see any other runners.  Finally, just before the last aid station I catch another runner that says good, you don't look 50.  He said he was 50 so we were not in the same age group.  He wishes me well.  I skip over the last aid station since I had enough fluids and even dumped some.  My estimated finish time had dropped and I was hoping I wouldn't see any more runners but just over a mile from the end I passed another guy that was walking at times. He was not in my age group.

Ended up finishing in 8:52:29, 6th overall and a race PR.  In 2008, I finished 8:53:56 and the course was 1.4 miles less.  The course is now 51.4 miles and next year it will be even longer due to trail changes and will call it a double marathon.  I did win the 1st place Master's award so was lucky to pull off again for the 3rd consecutive year.

Although cold at the start overall the weather couldn't have been better.  I tripped on a few things but never fell.  I did drop my water bottle once when I tripped while trying to keep my balance and it hit my knee.  I felt like a had something left at the end so hopefully this bodes well for my upcoming 100 miler.  Also, unusual is that I felt like eating immediately after the race.  I had a brat, a few chips, and potato salad and then had a recovery shake and some yogurt.  Usually, I have to wait longer to eat.  Ankles are not sore and I am walking pretty well.

2014 - 8:52:29 (6th)
2013 - 9:01:13 (3rd)
2012 - 9:39:44 (4th)
2011 - 3:56:46 (5th) (marathon/course changes)
2010 - paced Jeff the second half of his 50
2009 - 9:15:33 (12th)
2008 - 8:53:56 (6th)
2007 - 3:37:39 (4th)

2014 Three Days of Syllamo

Day 1 - 50K:

This was my 4th time running the Syllamo 3 day stage race.  Previously, ran in 2008, 2009 and 2012 with my friend Jeff and he went with me again.  As I have mentioned before this race is worth repeating.  The course is very challenging and scenic and requires paying careful attention to trail markers and any flagging since it is not marked excessively.

We drove on Thursday to pick up our race packets and had a good dinner and Pizza Inn buffet.  The race on Friday started at 9 am and was about 45F and temps warmed up to upper 60s and cloudy all day.  I made the right decision to wear a short sleeve and leave the jacket behind since I was warm within 5 minutes.  I didn't really have a plan other than to experiment a bit with nutrition since I just do this race for fun and to finish.  It is good to run conservatively the first day since we still have a 50 mile and 20K facing us the next 2 days.  In 2008, I ran a sub 5 hour 50K and had a miserable 50 miler which was also my first ever 50 miler.  Each year I have run since has been a slower 50K except 2009 when we ran a different course on mostly forest roads due to a storm.

The 50K was pretty uneventful.  I started off very modestly and took about 8 miles to actually feel warmed up but pace pretty much remained about the same the rest of the race other than varies a great deal with the terrain.  Even with the same pace, I passed quite a few people.

I carried one bottle and used Hammer Fizz which is a zero calorie electrolyte and gives my water a nice flavor (lemon-lime, grape, and mango).  I also carried a gel and had a few items in the drop bag at 15 miles.  For the entire race I had 4 orange slices, 1 apple sauce, and 1 gel so figure I had about 250 calories.  I train without nutrition so I was hoping I could race fairly well and run off of burning fat.  It seemed to work since I felt fine the entire race and did not get very hungry.

At around 15 miles point DA caught up and flew by me since she had gone off course for about an hour.  About 2 miles from the end I caught up to SJ and another person and we all finished together in 6 hr 4 min.  I felt good about my warm up race for the 50 miler the next day.  I didn't soak in the creek this year but when back to the cabin to get our plates for the dinner and took a shower before heading back.  Jeff had already finished when I returned.  My left ankle was a little sore but it felt fine by the next morning.  I only took my usual supplements plus an extra turmeric each day.

Map and Elevation
Splits

Day 2 - 50 mile:

Saturday's race started at 6 am.  Temperature was a bit cooler at 6 am and was down to 41F at the start so I decided to start off with my jacket. I had 2 drop bags on the course which is about and back  there was one at 9.5/40.5 and 18.4/31.6.  We had to start off with a light so dropped off with my jacket at 9.5 miles and was plenty warm.

The first mile goes up so just stayed behind a line of people and took it slow and took 15 minutes for the first mile.  After 4 miles, I began to pass some people but still very slow going since this is a tough course.  I knew I would need to eat more to do the 50 miler after the 50K but still planned to wait awhile since I had a good breakfast before the race.

After dropping off the light at 9.5 miles, we encountered snow that had hardened and at a slope on what was supposed to be the trail.  Below, you have a ravine that goes down to a river.  We had to get around it but it wasn't easy since there was all kinds of dead trees and brush and stuff washed up from the river to climb through.  We made it through but I got a little scratched in the process and that mile took 18 minutes.

I managed to stay close to several runners until mile 18.5.  I had noticed a little before I was lagging behind and feeling extremely hungry.  I decided to wait until the aid station to get some real food.  I ended up spending some time eating peanut butter and crackers, probably an entire orange, cookies and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich they gave to me when they noticed I was eating so much.  One of the workers just wanted me to grab some food and leave so I didn't waste time.  I told him I was way ahead of cutoff so not a problem.  I grabbed some supplies from my drop bag, took some more food and was on my way.  I estimate I consumed about 1200 calories.  I was no longer hungry but had little energy.

I struggled for the next 14 miles.  One of the guys in the group I had been running with beat me to the turnaround by 17 minutes.  The turnaround came a lot quicker than I expected so that was good.  I turned around at 5:57 so had 8 hours to return before the cutoff.  I saw many people on the way back including Jeff.  At least 10 people passed me.  I estimated I would be lucky to finish in 12.5 - 13 hrs at the pace I was moving.  I had a bad case of I don't care or whatever you want to call it.  Questioned why I was running this race and why I signed up for more ultras this year.  I planned to pick up my light at 40 miles so I could make it back in case it was dark.

I had finally figured out I was pretty dehydrated miles back and had drank a PowerAid Zero at my drop bag at the 31.6 miles drop bag which was actually less. I also picked up a packet of Succeed from my bag and added to my drink.  I think the fluid loss was my main problem for my sluggishness and it had warmed up to around 70F.  Around mile 32 over on another ridge I see Jeff so he couldn't have been too far behind.  I tried to pick up  the pace a little and things continued to improve dramatically.  It became cloudy and the temperature dropped which also helped to bring me back to life.  I believe I ended up  passing every runner that had passed me earlier and 1 or 2 more.  I wasn't moving any faster than a 13 min pace.  I began to have hope that I could now finish in under 12 hours and have a negative split.

Before arriving at the 40.5 mile station, I had to go through the area earlier with the snow.  I think it had melted some so I stayed on top the ridge and hung onto the rocks or anything I could grab and made it across much more quickly than on the way out.  When I made it to the 40.5 mile aid station, I was pretty sure I was going to finish under 12 hours and in the light so did not take the headlamp.  I grabbed something small to eat and headed on my way passing 2 runners before the end.  Finished in 11 hr, 49 min so a negative split by 5 minutes.

Maps and Elevation
Splits

Day 3 - 20K+:

Two years ago when we ran the 20K it rained and this year was not looking good either.  It had been raining through the night and was still raining in the morning.  The temperature was 54F, the warmest starting temp of the races so didn't seem quite as bad but I knew I was going to get wet.  I couldn't find the rain jacket I had taken to the race so ended up wearing another jacket. It had been in my drop bag the day before but was now gone and still has not turned up.  I wore a different jacket and a short sleeve shirt underneath.   I was soon soaked but warm enough.  The trails had turned into tiny rivers with water running down them.

After the first 2 miles, I was able to pick up the pace a little and start passing the line I was running behind.  Details are a little fuzzy for the rest of this race.  I remember the wind really picking up while we were on a ridge.  This made me cold which made me want to run faster to stay warm.  Eventually got out of the wind, but it was apparent the temperature was dropping.  The rain did let up some.  I was running alone for most of the time but occasionally would see a few people and catch up to them and pass.

Then I didn't see anyone for awhile.  I was starting to question if I was on course, but there were still the yellow markers.  I had run this course before so not sure why I had so much doubt other than I was cold and now running for survival.  I kept checking myself to make sure I was really okay and figured if I could keep moving I would be okay.  I caught up to a couple runners at some point and then they somehow got way ahead of me very quickly.  At one point I crossed a road and the race director was driving around and asked if I was warm enough.  I lied and said yes and continued into the woods on the next portion of trail.  I only had 4 miles to go so hoped I could make it.  He said to be careful crossing the river.  I kept running but not very hopeful.  I tried to avoid running in the water if I could since it was making me feel even colder.

By the time I reached mile 12+ turned down a trail with yellow flags, but saw a green marker which really confused me since all flags and markers were supposed to be yellow.  I was about to turn around and recognized the area and then 2 runners came behind me.  I had to walk down some "step rocks" that turned.  I told the I was feeling pretty shaky and to go ahead but I would try to stay with them.  At this point, I was shivering and running at the same time.  The river was rushing but not too wide where we crossed and we hung onto some branches.  Somehow this mile took me 18 minutes.  I guess between climbing down the steps, climbing through some trees and the river added a little to the time.  I followed them to the end and the road to the finish came sooner than I expected.  I've never been so happy to see the finish line in a race.

I was quickly pushed into a tent with a heater and a cup of hot chocolate that I was shaking so much I could barely keep from spilling it.  DA was in there and told us we needed to get out of our wet clothes.  I stayed a little longer and then realized she was right so ran to my car, drove less than a quarter mile to dry off in the beach house and put on dry clothes.  Then went back to the heated tent, shivered some more, got out and back in about 3 times before I stopped shivering.  In between all of this I missed Jeff finishing but was thankful to see he had finished.

My finish time was 3 hrs, 1 min.  I ate nothing during the race and had drank less than 1/3 of my bottle in those 3 hours.

As soon as I got to the car, we took off and were ready to get out of there.  I had 2 jackets and the heat set pretty high for the drive home.  Getting home was an adventure.  It was still raining and the temperature kept dropping as we headed north.  Before we were out of Arkansas it had changed to ice but the road was still warm enough it wasn't bad yet.  Then it changed to snow and we were reduced to speeds of 43 mph for quite awhile until we got to a point in Missouri where the plows had cleared and treated the roads.  At this point, we stopped for lunch at 3-something.  By the time we were less than 30 miles from home, there were not signs it had snowed but it was still cold.

Maps and Elevation
Splits

Results:
Day 1 - 12:27/mi - 6:04:10 - 22 of 58
Day 2 - 14:51/mi - 11:48:56 - 11 of 38
Day 3 - 13:21/mi - 3:01:39 - 28 of 63

Overall - 13:51/mi - 20:54:45 - 12 of 31.  This is based on my GPS distance of 90.6 miles for the 3 races. There were 48 signed up for all 3 races but not sure how many started the first day.  Slowest time ever for the 1st and 3rd day and second slowest for the 2nd day.

2013 Running and Racing Review

Goals accomplished for 2013:
I set a goal to do 100 weight workouts and completed 55 weight workouts (42 hrs, 55 min) .   In 2012, I completed 57 weight workouts (47 hrs, 43 min).  1.1 per week in 2012 to 1.06 in 2013.  Fell off the wagon big time May to October.

I wanted to do more speed work this year.  Managed a few track workouts early in the year but mostly races.

I set a goal to take 2 - 3 short breaks with 3 - 4 consecutive days of no running.  In 2012 I had 8 breaks and only 5 in 2013.

3/4 - 3/8 - 5 days (before Land Between the Lakes 50 mile)
8/18 - 8/21 - 4 days (Leadville 100 mile recovery)
10/20 - 10/25 - 6 days (KC Marathon recovery)
12/9 - 12/11 - 3 days (took a break due to cold outside and not feeling well)
12/16 - 12/18 - 3 days (still not feeling well)

Total Miles:
2013 - 2405
2012 - 2683
2011 - 2460
2010 - 2839
2009 - 2675
2008 – 3014
2007 – 2572
2006 – 1937
2005 – 2090
2004 - ~1000

Marathons (29 total):
2013 - (2) Heart of America Marathon (BQ), Kansas City Marathon (BQ)
2012 - (2) Post Oak Trail Marathon, Heart of America Marathon
2011 - (2) Berryman Trail Marathon, Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2010 - (2) Go! St Louis Marathon (BQ), Heart of America Marathon (BQ)
2009 - (5) Disney Marathon (BQ and Sub-3 hr), 3 Days of Syllamo (Trail), Boston Marathon (BQ and Sub-3 hr), Heart of America Marathon (BQ and Course PR), Louis & Clark Marathon (BQ and Sub-3 hr)
2008 - (4) Boston Marathon (BQ and PR), Laughing Out Loud Marathon, Heart of America Marathon (BQ), Twin Cities Marathon (BQ)
2007 - (5) Laughing Out Load, Berryman (First Trail Marathon - placed
4th), Heart of America (BQ), Baltimore Marathon (BQ), Bass Pro
Marathon
2006 - (3) Flying Pig (BQ), Heart of America (BQ, Chicago (BQ)
2005 - (3) Mad City, Heart of America (BQ), Portland (BQ)
2004 - (1) Heart of America

Ultramarathons (33 total):
2013 - (4) Land Between the Lakes 50 mi, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Leadville Trail 100 mi
2012 - (9) Post Oak 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Free State Trail 100K, Berryman Trail 50 mi, Kettle Moraine 100K (PR), Psycho Psummer 50K, Burning River 100 mi, Big Dog's Backyard Ultra 104 mi
2011 - (5) Psycho Wyco 50K, Grand Canyon 47 mi, Psycho Psummer 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Pumpkin Holler 100 mi (PR)
2010 - (6) Psycho Wyco 50K, Free State Trail 100K (PR), Kettle Moraine 100 mi (PR), Flatrock 50K, Rock Bridge Revenge 50K, Ozark Trail 100 mi
2009 - (4) 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Psycho Wyco 50K, Berryman 50 mi, Q50 Ultramarathon 50K (PR)
2008 – (4) 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 3 Days of Syllamo 50 mi, Berryman 50 mi, Rock Creek Trail 50K
2007 - (1) Hocking Hills Indian Run 60K

Number of each type of races for 2013:
100 mi -1
50 mi - 2
50K - 1
Marathon – 2
25K - 1
Half Marathon - 3
20K - 1
10 mi - 1
10K - 5 (1 Th night trail race)
8K - 2 (1 is Th night trail race)
4 mi - 9 (8 is Th night trail race)
5K -12 (3 is Th night trail race)
1 mi - 1

Total running miles run in 41 races: 473 miles (last year 28 races – 692 mi)

States I ran marathons and ultras in 2013 (3): CO (new state), KY (new state), MO
All states I have run marathons and ultras (17): AR, AZ, CO, FL, IL, LA, KS, KY, MA,MD, MN, MO, OH, OK, OR, TN, WI

2013 PRs in 50 mi
2012 PRs in 25K, 100K
2011 PRs in 4 mi, 10K, 100 mi
2010 PRs in 1 mi, 4 mi, 10 mi, half marathon, 3/4 marathon, 100K, 100 mi
2009 PRs in 5K, 25K, half marathon, and 50K
2008 PRs in 5K, 5 mi, 10K, 10 mi, marathon, 50K, 50 mi
2007 PRs in 5K, 4 mi, 8K, 5 mi, 10K, 10 mi
2006 PRs in 20K, half Marathon, and marathon

Goals for 2014:
1.  Continue weight lifting and try to get at least 100 workouts for the year (deadline Dec 31)

2.  Lose 10 - 12 lbs of fat (deadline March 31)

3. Take 2 - 3 short breaks from running during the year with at least 3 - 4 consecutive days of no running. (deadline Dec 31)

4.  Declutter house - closets and basement (deadline to start Feb 1)

5.  Use 7 weeks vacation to get balance down to 240 hrs before end of 2014 (deadline Dec 31)

Races planned for 2014 (subject to change):
January - Runner's Choice 20K
February - Nut Race 5K
March - 3 Days of Syllamo 50K, 50 mi, 20K (March 13-15) , Sedalia Half Marathon
April - Mustang Stampede 5K
May - Berryman Trail 50 miler (May 17)
June - Mohican 100 miler (June 21-22)
July - Parley Pratt 4 mi
August - Great Sandbagger 10K
September - Heart of America Marathon, Barkley Classic 50K
October – Rock Bridge Revenge 25K, Backyard Ultra
November - Hunger Run 5K, Thanksgiving Day Pie Run 10K
December - Cheese and  Sauerkraut 10 miler, Columbia Eve Fest 5K

2013 Kansas City Marathon

We left Friday afternoon and arrived at the expo around 6:45 pm so had about an hour to pick up our stuff and browse.  I had ordered a small shirt and they were out so took a medium instead.  I'm not crazy about

white shirts but the tech fabric seems okay.

We headed to our hotel and drove around the parking lot about 4 times before a spot opened up.  We decided we better not move the car so walked to dinner after we checked in.  We tried Panera first but they

were closed.  The other 2 options were 2 spicy so we gave Which Wich a try and it was actually pretty good.  We've had a store in Columbia for several years and I have never eaten there.

We were in bed by 10 pm and set alarm to get up around 5 am so we could drive to the start around 6 am.  The race started at 7:05.  It was only about a 10 min drive from where we were staying.  We quickly

found a free place to park and just a short walk to the starting line.  We sat in the car until 6:30 and then walked.  I needed a bathroom one last time and Hugh went to line up.  I had just over 5 minutes to

spare but the bathrooms were close to the starting line.  I was surprised they didn't get someone to actually sing the national anthem.  Instead it a recording that was cutting in and out.  Eventually people started singing and they were cut off before they could finish.  Temperature was 37 F and I wore a long sleeve half zip and another short sleeve tech underneath.  This turned out to be just right the entire race.

I saw Andrew up about 20 feet by the 1:30 pacers so decided when we started I would try to catch him.  He is tall compared to everyone else and easy to see :)  We ran together for a few minutes but his

pace group was going faster than me so he went ahead.  First mile was 7:34.  I lost track of the 3:05 group and I think the 3:15 was ahead. Soon, the 3:05 caught up and I stayed with them for awhile.  I wasn't

really trying to stay with a group since I find I usually do better if I pace on my own.  However, they were using smart pacing so may have worked it I was actually in shape and rested to run a 3:05.

I ran ahead of the 3:05 group. I was feeling okay but not great and was kind of surprised the pace I was running.  The first big hill was at about 2.25 miles and went up 1.5 miles.  Mile 2 was 7:02 and mile 3 was 7:27 so still not too bad considering the long hill.  I continued to run low 7 min pace for miles 4, 5, and 6, and dipped below 7 min for miles 7 - 9.  Miles 10 - 13 were also low 7 min.  The 3:05 group did catch back up to me and pass me around mile 11 but I could see them ahead of me for awhile.  I hit the first half in

1:34:38 so about 1.5 min slower than the pacing group planned to do so.

I started to slow a bit at mile 14 (7:33) but ran okay.  I thought if I can keep up 7:30 pace until the end that would be okay and still finish in less than 3:10 - 3:15.  Miles 14 - 20 I ran around 7:30 pace so no problem.  Then a hill that goes up 2.7 miles that starts just before mile 21.  As soon as I started up that hill, I felt the energy quickly drain from my body.  My legs felt like they could barely move and I wondered if I should walk.  Mile 21 which was a little uphill was 8:01, mile 22 at 8:50 and 23 at 9:26.  Then another half mile up

and the rest is pretty downhill or flat to the end.  I couldn't even run decent downhill.  The 3:15 pace group passed me at some point so then was hoping maybe I could finish in less than 3:30.  The top of my

right foot had been hurting for a few miles and felt like my shoe was too tight, right ankle hurt, and outside left knee felt strange.  I didn't want to stop to loosen the shoe since I was afraid I wouldn't get started and also the shoe strings are too short on these shoes. I think I need to get some longer shoe strings since I can barely get them tied.  From the beginning of the race I noticed my footfall had been louder than normal and my right foot was not cooperating.  It hasn't been tracking well in the last month.  But I don't feel that was really slowing me down.  I just didn't have the energy to run any faster.

I'm sure I got passed by a bunch of people but tried not to notice too much.  There were other runners I had seen earlier and as slow as I was moving I was passing a few.  Also, the half marathon course had

met back up with the marathon course and I was passing all of the people that were walking.  I realized that maybe I could get under 3:25.  I ran mile 24 at 9:29, 25 at 9:20, and 26 at 9:01.  The last 0.6 I had at 8:25 so I did manage to pick up slightly.  Overall time on the GPS was 3:24:26 (this changed on the website since yesterday but now sounds correct). 

The finishing shoot had fruit and some kind of bread.  I took a very green banana and water.  I ate the banana but only a few sips of the water.  I drank at all but 2 aid stations during the race.

I placed 11 of 147 in my age group and 109 of 1791 overall.  So even though I didn't run a great marathon compared to Heart of America, still not quite my slowest and another BQ since I am turning 45 soon.

I waited and waited thinking I would see Hugh finish.  He was trying to stay with the 3:55 group.  It turns out he was back at the car waiting for me.  He had to drop at 14 miles due to a hamstring issue.  He came back to the finish line and found me. We were late getting back to the hotel to  check out but they gave us an extra hour so that worked out.  Then we had Cheesecake Factory for lunch.  We laid down for a nap at 7 pm when we got home and ended up sleeping through until 8:30 the next morning without eating dinner.

I don't feel like I have injured anything.  Just a little soreness and am walking fine.  I'm in no mood though to sign up for any long races for awhile and it may be time to take a mini-break from running.  I will cross-train, clean up the nutrition, possibly lose or gain a few lbs, and enjoy the last 4 races of the year.  I will probably run the 10K in 3 weeks for the Hunger Run, another 10K on Thanksgiving, 10 miler in early December, and 5K on New Year's Eve.

The blue part of the medal at the top is transparent.

2013 Heart of America Marathon

I registered for this marathon as soon as registration opened since I can't see any reason not to run it every year.  This year was my 10th consecutive year running the race which I ran as my first marathon in 2004.  Being 2 weeks past Leadville 100 miler, I was surprisingly a lot more excited about running it than last year but pretty clueless about the pace I wanted to attempt.  My weight on race day was down 7 lbs from last year so was hoping that might help a little.

Temperature was 66F and humidity 81% which was thankfully less than last year and had cooled off quite a bit since we were in the mid-70s yesterday morning. I positioned myself near the front next to Phil and Sam. I started at a pace that felt good and first mile was 7:06.  It seemed like quite a few runners ahead of me and a few passing me in the first few miles.  Just after mile 4 I caught up to a guy and we ended up running together for quite a few miles which helped pass the time and he was keeping a good pace.  At 4 miles I was around a 7 min pace average which we closely maintained all the way to the half.

I wasn't sure how to attack Easley hill (near top is mile 13.1).  Sometimes I have run it and sometimes walked.  He ran up and I followed, but by the top I was a little ahead of him.  They called out my half split at the time which I think was 1:34 something.  He caught me a bit later and another guy also passed us looking strong.  I picked up the pace again and didn't see him again until he finished.

I took a gel at 45 min, 90 min, and 135 min.  Took water at all stations this year to play it safe.  Before Pierpont around mile 17 I passed 6 or 7 runners up the hill which kind of surprised me to pass that many at once.  I was still feeling good and running strong and seemed like better than the first half.  The first half  I had 7 sub 7 miles and had 10 sub 7s in the second half.  The hill at mile 20 which I consider to be one of the worst since it comes later in the race didn't seem so bad this year.

The stretch down Providence Rd which is over 3 miles seems to go on forever.  There is a long gradual hill near the end of this stretch which I was glad to get over and then had 2 miles to go.  I didn't see anyone behind me when I turned the corner.  Pace slowed just slightly to 7:04 at mile 25.  I passed a guy that started walking some on College Ave.  The final 0.4 mile stretch goes down Broadway, the main street in downtown Columbia.  GPS had 26.54 miles and last 0.54 ran at 6:19 pace so finished strong.  Time was 3:04:34.

Up until mile 21, I didn't feel any pain.  From 21 on, all leg muscles felt sore and had to work harder to keep the pace.  Breathing felt good the whole race.  10 HOAs completed and this one was my 4th fastest time.  Placed 1 of 28 in the 40 - 44 age group (next closest guy was 3:11) and 10th overall (same as last year) out of 237 finishers.  Last year there were 212 finishers and 2 under 3 hours.  This year we had 7 runners under 3 hours.

Hugh had a much better race than last year finishing in 4:13 so took 31 minutes off his time from last year.  The weather definitely helped some of the times today.

At the finish, we had Hot Box cookies, fruit, and pretzels (contributed by Andy & Hugh).  Also, had Gatorade G2 and soda.

After we attended the pizza party and awards ceremony at Shakespeare's Pizza and then went home to nap.

Splits/Map/Elevation

Race Results

Pictures

Race Director's Report

Race shirt, number, medal, and award

Andy & Phil with their 1st place age group awards

2013 Leadville "Race Across The Sky" 100 Mile Trail Run

Looking for a new challenge, I decided to sign up for the Leadville 100 miler on January 1, the day it opened for registration.  At the time it seemed like a good idea and then later I wasn't so sure. The entry fee wasn't too expensive (compared to Western States), I could run fewer ultras to offset the expense, and only cost $130 gas round trip in a Prius.  I tried to get into the Leadville hostel to save money on lodging but it was already full.

I signed up and tried to not think too much about the race until June since I had Land Between the Lakes 50 miler in February and the Berryman 50 miler in May.  If I think about a 100 mile race too much, I start thinking about how little I am training and then start to doubt myself.  I made a training plan which included other races but didn't go too crazy with the long runs or the mileage.  I ran a lot of 20 - 25 miles runs (some days there were breaks if I ran a race) and then 12 - 16 miles the following day.  In the 8 months preceding the race, I averaged only 52 miles per week.  I had hoped to do more hill work to get ready for the mountains, but it just didn't happen.  Sleep was severely lacking for 2 months (caring for immobile dog) and stressing more about work than necessary took its toll on my energy level.  I didn't feel like I was totally prepared for it but figured I had a good chance of finishing within the 30 hours.  After Rusty passed in July I started to get more sleep and feel better.  I had a good race at the Psycho Psummer 50K to boost my confidence.

I arrived in Leadville on Friday morning and checked into a cabin that was just a few blocks from where the race started.  It was in the backyard of one of the local residents and I had access to her home to use a bathroom.  I found out about the cabin just a couple weeks before the race so cancelled my hotel in Frisco which was 40 minutes away and the same cost.  She had 3 cats that would greet me at the door sometimes.  It turned out to be the right place to stay since it was so convenient to everywhere I needed to go.  I picked up my packet and had my medical check-in which consisted of a weigh-in before packet pickup closed down at 10 am.  At 11 am, I headed to the mandatory prerace meeting which turned out to be more of a pep talk.  There was also a doctor that gave some good advice.

For lunch, I had a calzone from High Mountain Pies which was more than enough for 2 people but ended up eating all of it since it was so good. I took a nap and then met Tim and Neilly late afternoon by the courthouse where I dropped off my drop bags.  They would be volunteering at the Hope Pass aid station and had generously offered to pace me later in the race.   After we made a plan I found some dinner.  Ended up eating at a hamburger place called Wild Bills since it was less busy than other options.  Then I went back to the cabin, laid out my clothes and was in bed shortly after 8 am with the race starting at 4 am (5 am Missouri time).  I set the alarm for 3 am but woke up about half hour early.  

I decided to take a shower since I had a bit of a pressure issue in my head due to the altitude.  The shower seemed to fix the problem and my head felt fine the rest of the time I was in Leadville.  I walked over to the start line and arrived around 3:45 am.  The corral was already full.  I was walking up to it and recognized Scott Jurek in the front.  I then walked up further and positioned myself about in the middle of everyone.  I didn't see anyone that I knew but kept hearing someone yell Jed Taylor several times.  He was from Columbia and also running the race.  There were 2 others from Columbia as well but I didn't know them.

After the Star Spangled Banner, we were off at 4 am.  Too late to back out now and no idea for sure what I am getting myself into.  I started off very conservatively.  The first 5 miles are gently downhill or flat.  I ran these at about upper 10 mi/min pace and I was getting passed by a lot of people.  Once we turned to go around Turquoise lake I needed to make my first of many bathroom stops to pee.  I quickly realized a woman was squatting nearby so moved and found another spot.  The next several miles were very crowded and nearly impossible to pass anyone.  I mostly attempted to pass people while walking uphill since my walking was faster.  It was difficult to pass though and sometimes the line of runners almost came to a stop.  I figured this should definitely prevent me from going out too fast but was also afraid it might be way too slow.  My light was flashing at me even though it had fresh batteries.  It wasn't much of a concern since everyone around me had lights and the view of long line of people with lights looking back was kind of cool to see.

I arrived at the first aid station at 13 miles just about when I expected in 2:31 and was out within 5 minutes after refilling my bottles,  grabbing more gel and baby food squeeze packets, and dropping off my light.  The next aid station is Outward Bound (also called Fish Hatchery) and I remember about the first 5 miles walking/running as I climbed about 1200 ft to the top of Sugarloaf pass.  There were some runnable sections so I still made pretty good time even though had a 15 and 16 min mile.  Definitely had to lower the standards for my usual pace.  Once I reached the top of the pass I went down the "powerline" section.  Several people passed me on this section since I took it easy (about 11 min miles) so I didn't trash my quads.  Another aid/drop bag station and same routine as before.  At this point I have been running about 4 hr 45 min and 23 miles, a little slower than I expected but feeling good.

The next aid station, Half Pipe, is 5.6 miles and running on a paved road for a couple miles and then following a pipeline right-away.  I made pretty good time on this section running about 10:30 - 10:45 pace.  At mile 29, I am at 5 hr 54 min which is right where I wanted to be.

The section to Twin Lakes is approximately 10 miles.  The first 6.5 miles gradually climbs but some is sort of runnable with ups and down.  Then there is a 3.5 mile downhill to Twin Lakes which I didn't think how much fun (not) that was going to be running up later.  I took it easy again on the downhill to save the quads.  When I arrived at Twin Lakes I changed into my trail shoes to get ready for the climb up Hope Pass, the section which I was most worried about what to expect.

We were warned to take a rain jacket with us up Hope Pass even if the weather looked beautiful since things can quickly change.  It could rain, lightening, or even snow.  I took one even though it was a pain carrying the jacket and the sky looked pretty good.  I should have tied around my waist but did not.  There was just over mile flat before starting the long climb.  We crossed a creek and there was no avoiding getting the feet wet.  There was a rope to hang onto since there was  bit of a current.  Some people changed their socks at this point.  I kept going and my feet quickly dried out since it was fairly sunny and warm.  We started the climb.  I asked a woman if she had climbed it before and if it ever flattened out.  She said that it just keeps going up pretty much the same as we were currently climbing.  I heard someone playing a harmonica which I thought kind of strange, but someone had climbed up part way to entertain us.  It felt like nearly every muscle my legs were burning, yet I kept climbing without taking a break.  A couple people with trekking poles passed me but I ended up passing more people later even though I was moving excruciatingly slow.  I kept thinking I should stop and take a break but decided to keep moving no matter how slow.  There were people stopped along the way.  Some standing, some sitting on logs, and some bent over.  I soon realized why I had heard this called "Hopeless".  These people had sad hopeless looks on their faces.  It was very quiet and there was no talking.  The mood around me was kind of depressing.

Finally we make to the Hope Pass aid station but we are about half mile from the top.  The views up here are amazing so it is worth taking a few seconds to look away from the trail.  I am so happy to see that aid station along with the llamas but also said to an aid station volunteer that I didn't think it was that bad so far although some of the last miles had taken me 24 - 26 min.  I get to see Tim and Neilly working the aid station and they were very helpful getting me everything I needed.  I had Ramen Noodle broth, orange slices, and watermelon.  I felt just a touch of nausea which would stay with me on and off the rest of the day.  I left them my jacket and one of my water bottles.  Carrying the jacket turned out to be unnecessary on this particular day.

We climb the rest of the way and begin to see the top runners coming back.  They tell us we are almost there.  At the top there is a camera which I am sure a lot of people were smiling for this one.  I was very happy get a bit of a break going down.  The next 4 miles were mostly down with a hill before Winfield.  Even though mostly down, this was slow going (18 min pace) since a lot of rough rocks and stepping out of the way of runners coming back.  Also, legs needed to recover from the long climb.  We had to run on a very short section of gravel road before Winfield.

There were way too many people in Winfield and I had to squeeze around cars driving in the road to get to the aid station.  Winfield was the only station where I had to weigh in.  I was down 3 lbs which was good.  I left Winfield at 12 hours so am 20 min behind where I had estimated but feeling good that I have 18 hours to go back.  I was glad to get out of Winfield and back on the trail.  The cuttoff to leave Winfield is 14 hours so I easily met that requirement as well.

Going back up Hope Pass, even though it is about 2 miles less climb (3 miles vs. 5 miles), was tough.  It was in the sun a lot more climbing.  I came up behind a man and woman (she was pacing).  She said she was from Minnesota and I asked where he was from and he said St. Louis, Missouri.  At this point, I noticed he was wearing a Missouri jersey and thinking that was a stupid question.  I could feel my heart rate getting high so stopped with them about 3 different times to let it go down and felt refreshed enough to continue.  I actually had a 32 min mile on the way back. It was slow, but I as making progress.  When I got back to the Hope Pass aid station they had run out of some food, cups, and had diluted the Coke.  This aid station was considered for emergency use only since it is tough to get people and supplies to it.  I had some Ramen noodles in my extra water bottle and then Tim filled it with diluted Coke which I drank on the way down since I was getting sick of Succeed.  I took my jacket back just in case and this time he tied it around my waist.

On the way down, I let myself run a little even though I was still worried about trashing the quads. I was less careful than on the earlier downhill.  I had a couple guys catch up to me near the bottom.  We crossed the creek and into the aid station together.  I changed into my dry road shoes, picked up my GPS and charger, and headlamp and was on my way.  Just as I was leaving my Garmin says low battery and before I could get the charger connected it shut off.  I turned back on and connected the charger so would not be able to see my pace (not that I wanted to) while it was charging for the next 2 hours.

There was a 4 mile climb out of Twin Lakes which was a tough section.  I turned my light on and passed a few people walking and some stopped having a hard time.  I may have taken a couple breaks.  I had another 32 min mile.  Feeling kind of unmotivated but still moving forward.  Looking forward to having a pacer soon.  I go into the aid station and replenish my supplies.  I am doing a good job of either getting down a gel or a baby food every hour but my drink is becoming less appealing.   Around mile 71, I start looking for Neilly or Tim.  We couldn't meet at the aid station so had to wait.  I see cars parked later and am looking.  Neilly soon comes up behind me so I had missed her.  I managed some 13 min miles running with her and we took a few walk breaks as well.  I'm still wearing a short sleeve shirt even though it has cooled off.  I still feel warm.

Neilly contacts Tim as we get close to Outward Bound (76.5 miles).  He is planning to take over pacing and get me over the power lines which I had kind of forgot about that climb coming up.  It is over 4 miles of climbing and every so often you think you are done and then it goes up again.  Tim set a good pace going up and I had to stop a few times to take a break.  We managed about 20 min miles going up this climb.  After this section, we are finally done with major climbs.  We can relax a little and 5 miles to go to the final aid station, May Queen.  It was good to be done with the climbs since all day they were really causing me pain between the shoulders at the base of my neck.  Whenever I could run a little things loosened up and felt better.  Tim gets me to run between various markers and we walk the rest.  I changed my light batteries since the trail is getting technical and I don't want to fall.  It is getting more difficult to step down since I am not feeling quite as nimble.

Neilly takes over pacing at May Queen.  I refilled my supplies.  I couldn't get myself to drink anymore Powerade or Succeed so I tried the Herbalife which didn't taste that great, but decided to fill up my bottle. Muscles are a bit more sore than when I ran with her earlier so told her we would probably not be doing much running.  We mostly are hiking about 18 min pace and I am not feeling too comfortable with the trail.  I know I am going to finish so walking is just fine with me.  We did a lot of talking which helped to pass the time.

We met Tim at the boat ramp where they decided that Neilly would continue with me to the finish.  She kept reminding me to drink and eat.  At this point to the end we went a little faster (14 - 16 min pace so my overall pace was actually going down) and maybe some brief spurts of running.  We didn't see hardly anyone for quite awhile and then start passing some people.  Within a mile to the end we see 3 other runners.  We stay with them.  About half mile from the end someone says they think we should run to the end. Due to peer pressure, I started "running".  My legs were trashed so they left me in the dust.  I can see the finish and keep running.  I notice the slight incline at the end but am able to continue, get to the red carpet, and cross the finish in 26 hours 57 minutes and 14 seconds.  I am given my medal.  I managed a 16:10 pace, had just over 3 hours to spare, and no falls.  I am satisfied with my finish.

Medical weighed me in and now I am down only 1 pound.  Tim and Neilly drive me back to my cabin.  I am dreading going to the awards ceremony at noon since I would much rather sleep.  We had to attend in order to get our buckles and our sweatshirt.  Food does not sound appealing at all.  I manage to take a shower but couldn't get all the dust scrubbed off.  I am fortunate that my feet were in great shape and looked normal (sorry, no scary feet pictures to share).  Overall, I am just sore.  I took a nap and managed to drive and walk into the awards ceremony.

A woman sat down by me and asked about the race.  She had finished in 22 hours something.  I asked if she won and she was third.  A guy with her offered me some of their food but I declined since I still wasn't feeling like eating.  The awards seemed to take forever.  They called all the age groups up to the stage plus the Leadman (completed both bike and run), various milestones for completing the race, etc.  Then they called all the 25 hours or less to get their buckles and sweatshirts, and finally the rest of us.  The sweatshirt was personalized with my name and time. Finally, I was able to leave after 1 hr 15 min and went to eat lunch, took a nap, got some dinner, slept, got up early, and drove all the way back to Columbia.  I was home in time for dinner at 6 pm on Monday evening.

This was a great experience but I am at the point (again) where not sure if I want to run any more 100 milers.  Yes, I know I've said it before.  100Ks or a multiday races are sounding more appealing.  Leadville is definitely the commercialization of the the 100 miler which I know a lot of people don't like.  I've heard some complaining since the race and yet others like myself that said they didn't encounter any of those problems.  I am glad that I had the opportunity to run it.  I feel the organizers did a decent job considering the size of the field they allow in the race.

Video
Last Saturday a guy posted a 12 minute YouTube video he had taken at Leadville on the ultra e-mail group that I subscribe.  I saved for later and watched last night.  To my surprise this turned out to be the guy from Missouri that I came up behind when climbing the back side of Hope Pass. I didn't realize he had a camera on him. Over half way through the video I appeared in the footage.  It is between 8:55 - 9:25.  I am wearing a bright yellow shirt.

Pictures
 
Elevation/Map

Splits

2013 Psycho Psummer 50K

I really enjoy the summer version of this race so signed up for it the 3rd year in a row.  I've run the spring version 3 times, but have enjoyed the summer version the most.  I prefer running in the heat to the cold and a there is a greater chance of the trail being dry in the summer and no snow or ice or mud to contend with.  Also, figured this race would be a chance to get a 30+ mile run before Leadville 100 next month.  Unlike last year my motivation has been pretty good but energy has not been good and have felt drained much of the time.  Taking care of our elderly dog with many nights of interrupted sleep the past 2 months had really began to wear me down.  Stress at work and stress with our house being in chaos due to an unfinished flooring project hasn't helped either.   We sadly said goodbye to our dog Rusty a week ago. I have begun to feel human again since I am getting uninterrupted sleep.  At this point last year I had already run 6 ultras and 1 marathon.  This year I had run only 2 fifty milers so shouldn't have been as worn down from long races with my last 50 miler being in May.

Hugh rode with me to Kansas City the morning of the race.   We left a little later than I had planned at 5:15 am so had to make up some time but managed to arrive around 7:15 am at a church parking lot where they shuttled us to the race.  Last year we were allowed to park on the race site so this was a new thing.  I had everything ready and in a bag so only needed to pick up my race packet and use the bathroom.  My packet included a shirt, glass, and a 50K Trail Nerds sticker.  I brought 2 small coolers for my 3 bottles and had filled them with Succeed and ice.  I also packed 2 Powerade Zeros to drink after then end of the first 2 loops extra hydration.  I had 4 gels and 2 squeeze packets of the apple based kids food.  Before the race I took one of the Succeed Prerace Packets.  I took these for the first time at the Berryman 50 and felt great the entire race so decided to try them again.   The aid stations were serving Heed this year instead of Succeed so I just planned to refill my bottle with water as needed and then get a new bottle of Succeed at the end of each loop.  I used the Clip2 this time instead of the Ultra but not sure I noticed much difference between them. 

The race started at 8 am.  My goal was to finish sub-6 hours like last year.  The temperature was about 72F and humidity didn't seem too bad.  I went shirtless and felt pretty comfortable. The 20 milers started off at the same time with us and the 10 milers would start an hour later.  I started off with a lot of people before we spread out.  There was some passing back and forth for awhile since I took it easier uphill than most people so would  pass them back on the flat and downhill sections.

Once more people cleared, I started thinking about our dogs Rusty and Bruno (died last Nov), then about a couple friends fathers that died on Friday, the stress of work, and the floor.  Really not pleasant thoughts at all but eventually was able to let go of all this and just enjoy the run.

I only stopped at a few aid stations to refill my bottles on all the loops even though it wasn't always quite empty so still had some of the orange flavor succeed.  The only thing I took from aid stations was watermelon and tried a packet of shot blocks a couple times plus took 1 gel each loop and 2 gels the last loop.   My pace was around 10-something per mile.

The hills always start to feel a little brutal during the last 3 miles of the loop but I walked/run up them as I could.  I picked up a new bottle of Succeed after each loop and drank the bottle of PowerAde and said hi to Hugh after each loop.  He was out running on the road during my first 2 loops.  I ran a few miles with Mindy the second loop running behind her awhile and ahead and then we eventually parted at an aid station but she wasn't far behind.  I've run with her at another race and always fun talking to her.  It seemed like I was seeing more people than usual on the trails even the 3rd loop.  I wasn't paying much attention to which race (10 mi, 20 mi, or 50K) they were running.

The temperature got up to around 91 I think but it stayed cloudy most of the time.  I felt strong and was amazed I ran each loop about the same time.  It did become a bit more difficult to keep the same pace as time went on but I really took advantage of the dry smooth trail conditions and the first 7 miles of the loop were very runnable.  The course was slightly different this year and I think easier than the previous 2 summer courses.  I had a very uneventful race.  No falls, no nausea, and stayed pretty well hydrated.  The only thing was I did wear a new pair of shoes and my little toes were rubbing a bit and pretty red but not blistered by the end.  I should have applied more Body Glide on them right before the race since I had done it when we left at home. Received a bottle opener finisher's medal at the end.

My loop splits were:
1st loop 1:38:59 - 18th
2nd loop 1:41:18 - 12th
3rd loop - 1:43:49 - 8th

Overall:  5:04:08, 8th of 67, 3rd of 21 of the 40 - 49.

Previous summer race results:
2012: 5:54
2011: 6:21

The entire 50K field was "chicked" by Kaci Lickteig, an Olympic Marathon hopeful, who likes to trail race ultras, for fun and ran a 4:19 and incredibly even splits at 1:27, 1:27, and 1:25.  I was pleased with my splits being pretty even and I think there were 2 others that had pretty even splits and 1 guy I know ran negatives.  This is tough to do on this loop course with the temperature warming up each loop.

I didn't feel like eating much of the post race food when we left around 2 pm.  We made a stop at Trader Joes in KC and decided on Cheesecake Factory an early dinner.  I had an everything pizza, salad, and Adam's peanut butter cheesecake.    I ran 8 miles the day after the race which felt pretty good once I warmed up.

My Pictures (all the pictures were free to download!)

Finish Video

Results

Course Map/Splits