Thursday, February 29, 2024

Mt. Cheaha 50k - Very Nice Weather!

February 24

Ready to run!
The morning dawns clear and cool.  The temperature is near 40 degrees.  This will be the fifth time I have run this race, but the first time since 2019.  I am looking to get out quickly and see how good of shape I am in.  Martha drops me off at the start at Porter’s Gap.  I chat with Lanier and Dink, and then without warning the race begins.  Typically, this race starts with the playing of Sweet Home Alabama, but there was no music right at the start, just a yell and a cheer and we are off.

Mile 3.3      36:36 (11:05 avg./mile) Chandler Springs

I sprint up to the trailhead so that I am not stuck too far deep in the conga line.  I must be content to be where I am.  Only a couple of runners stop to walk any of the initial hills.  I run the early hills so that I won’t lose my position in the line.  It is only when there are steep climbs that we all stop running to power hike.  I find myself behind a lady who has a nice stride.  I match her stride all of the way into this first aid station where the music is blaring, Sweet Home Alabama.  Someone jokes that they need to make up for the lack of music at the start.  This first aid station offers only water, and the lady runs right through passing several other runners.  I follow her lead.

Mile 8.5      1:04:48 (12:28 avg./mile) Clairmont Gap

The lady and I start the first climb of this section, and she is following a guy that she clearly knows.  They chat back and forth, and I just follow behind listening.  At some point we all introduce ourselves.  The lady is Jessica, and she is running her first ultra.  The guy is Tony, and both of them are from the Birmingham area.  I stay with them until the dirt road, and when they slow down, I press forward.  This section ends on a nice, gradual downhill into the aid station, and I make the most of it.  I grab half a sandwich of PB&J at the aid station.  So far I feel good, and I am drinking a good amount of water.  The temperature has warmed into the 50s.

Mile 14.9    1:31:59 (14:22 avg./mile) Adams Gap

This section begins with a healthy climb—the toughest in the race so far.  I am following two guys that are talking about the number of times they have run the Pinhoti 100.  The older of the two is Bob, and he says he has run Pinhoti nine times.  The younger one, who is Kip, says he has run it 14 times—more than anyone else.  Kip is a firefighter and worked a shift last night.  He got off at 5:00am, drove straight to the race, and now is enjoying the challenge with the rest of us.  He says he got about four hours total of naps through the night.  I stay with Kip for most of this section.  The latter two miles on this section are fairly technical.  At some point, Kip slowed down so I push on ahead.  There is a short little trail spur that goes into the aid station such that we all get to see who is a couple of hundred yards ahead and behind us.  I grab two PB&J sandwich quarters, refill my Camelbak, and then I see Tony on the trail spur.  He is looking good, but I am surprised he is this close behind me given how hard I have run to this point.

Mile 18.9    55:55 (13:59 avg./mile) Hubbard Creek

I leave Adams Gap with the goal of slow and steady for this section.  It has now warmed up into the 60s.  I have been drinking copious amounts of water, but I haven’t peed since the start of the race.  My easy does it pace allows a handful of runners to get by me during this section.  I feel fine, but it seems like my motivation to push hard has left me.  I roll into this aid station thankful that I am over halfway to the finish.  I grab two Fig Newton cookies to eat at this aid station.

Mile 25.8    1:40:58 (14:38 avg./mile) Silent Trail

I need to stay focused on the task in front of me—finish this section and then the end will be in sight.  Meanwhile, more runners steadily come by me.  One of them is Tony.  He barely has time to say hi as he is moving well.  I navigate the two stream crossings just fine, but then in my attempts to hold off another runner passing me, I catch my left big toe on a root and hit the dirt.  Jimmy is the runner right behind me and asks me a couple of times if I am okay before proceeding.  I climb another hill and pass this building, which I remember is less than a mile from the aid station.  Sure enough, 10 minutes later I am into this fluid only aid station.  I get some water added to my Camelbak and push up the gravel road.

Mile 28.5    34:23 (12:44 avg./mile) Lake Cheaha

I run and walk the gravel road up to the paved road and find myself beside Jimmy, who helped me dust myself off on the last section after my fall.  I eat an Access Bar since the last aid station didn’t have any food.  When we make the turn on the paved road, I am feeling like I have more energy.  Another runner, Tommy, has joined us.  The three of us run into the State Park to the last aid station.  I walk right through the aid station, only grabbing two cups of Coke and drinking them.

Mile 31.6    53:05 (17:07 avg./mile) FINISH – Bald Rock

I power hike the early part of the climb that they call, “Blue Hell.”  There are blue blazes marking this part of the trail, and this section climbs about 1,500 feet in less than a mile.  When it starts getting steep, I am behind Andrew Cotter.  He is moving slow and steady, and for a minute I think about going around him.  However, I remain patient and keep my pace slow and steady as well with relentless forward progress.  As runners stop to take breaks, Andrew and I keep moving forward.  I think we passed 4 or 5 runners in this fashion.  My legs start talking to me as we near the top, but I manage to keep them from cramping.  Once the climb is over, we still have a mile and a half or so to the finish.  We are on the road for a bit and then turn back onto a trail.  In this part, a recent fire has burnt much of the underbrush.  As a matter of fact, it is still smoldering in places.  So, we get to run through a little smoke.  I managed to stay in front of Andrew, but just behind Tommy, and have a decent kick for the downhill finish.

Nice finish!
Official Finishing Time 7:17:44

78th out of 211 finishers (16th of M50-59)

This day was beautiful without a cloud in the sky the whole time.  The temperature could have been a little cooler, but then there was a steady breeze all day.  The only time I felt warm was in some of the valleys where I was sheltered from the wind.  I always want to finish faster, but this is a nice time on this course.  I have run faster, but that was seven years ago.  My next race is going to be the Bull Run Run 50 Miler on April 6th.  My son, Nathan, is also running that race so we will see if father time favors the young or the old.  Until then…

Never stop running,

Darin

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Mountain Mist 50k - A Quagmire of Water and Mud

January 27

Happy Birthday to me!  Yes, it is my birthday today, and I have been living on this Earth for 55 years.  This is the sixth time I am running this race.  I finished in 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020.  I dropped out from the lingering effects from the flu the week before in 2017.  The last time I ran this race in 2020 was a month or so before Covid shutdown most of our lives, including races, for many months.  It was interesting re-reading my blog entry at that time, I had plans and goals for several races in 2020.  Of course, the races from March through September were cancelled that year, and then the races that were run after September, were changed to protect us all.  Enough with the reminiscing, and on with my race report.

My goal today is to finish within seven hours.  Four years ago, I accomplished this with only three seconds to spare.  This year, I feel ready, but there is only one minor challenge—the amount of water (and mud) on the course.  Two weeks ago, Huntsville experienced a winter apocalypse that left three inches of sleet and ice.  This didn’t melt until earlier this week, and now this week we received five-plus inches of rain.  On top of that, it is currently raining and is supposed to continue raining for several hours.  Here’s hoping none of us get washed away!  The temperature, however, is a moderate 50 degrees.  I start the race with shorts, long and short sleeve shirts, and a buff on my head.

Mile 4.3      46:16 (10:46 avg./mile) O’Shaughnessy Point

I press the pace early while the running surface is not bad.  Part of this section is on the road to allow the field to spread out some before getting on the trails.  The early trails are wide and in good shape considering all of the water.  It isn’t until the last mile before the aid station that the trail starts to get slick.  My shoes were soaked very soon after getting on the trails.  I am glad I have the second shirt on as the rain is very cool, and I think I would have been cold without it.  I pass through this first aid station without stopping.

Mile 11.4    1:29:18 (12:35 avg./mile) Bankhead

Through the Cuts
The trail on this section gets progressively worse.  The rain continues to fall and with over 100 runners in front of me, the trail is really getting chewed up.  The downhills are treacherous and the uphill sections are challenging as each foot plant slides back some.  At the trail junction which takes us out around Logan Point, there are a handful of people cheering for us.  These brave souls really lifted the runners’ spirits, especially mine.  Coming back from Logan Point, we pass through the dark, wet, and very slick cuts.  I have managed to keep myself upright so far as I make it to this aid station.  I eat two PB&J sandwich quarters as I move out on down the trail.


Mile 14.0    30:14 (11:38 avg./mile) Oak Park

My quick early miles have allowed me to run freely out in front of most of the middle of the pack.  Going down the trail to Oak Park, I follow a couple of runners, and we make our way past a couple of others.  Near the bottom before we get to run the last quarter of a mile on a road, we get held up a little by a lady that we can’t manage to get around.  However, she isn’t running too slow, and I think I am still in great shape for my sub-7-hour pace.  My time stands at 2:45, which is great as my goal was to get here by 2:48.  This gives me a chance to hit my goal time.  I grab a PB&J sandwich quarter and scarf down two Oreo cookies before thanking the nice aid station workers.

Mile 20.0    1:34:23 (15:44 avg./mile) Old Railroad Bed

The climb up from Oak Park is a mess.  The rain mostly stopped somewhere during my descent to Oak Park so that is nice, but the mud and water is significantly impeding my progress.  Where there is water on the trail, it is mostly ankle deep.  Where there is not standing water on the trail, the mud is very slick.  After the climb, we get on the High Trail where for about 100 yards I think the footing is going to be better up here.  That is a fleeting idea as the trail turns back into alternating between puddling water and greasy mud.  Finally, I make the turn onto the Bluff Line, and it is now a direct path to the next aid station.  I am slip sliding down the trail over wet, muddy rocks when I take a quick seat when my foot slides out faster than my body is moving.  No harm and just a little more mud on me.  I make it the rest of the way to the aid station, but just before the aid station there is a steep little downhill piece that is just sliding mud.  Going down wasn’t too bad, but we have to turn around and go back up this.  I grab another PB&J sandwich quarter and a handful of potato chips before heading back towards the mudslide.

Slick downhill into the Aid Station at Mile 20

Mile 25.0    1:19:43 (15:57 avg./mile) Trough Springs

I navigate going up the mudslide well enough only getting my hands in the mud once.  Coming into the aid station is Tony, who is a friend of James.  Tony is engaged to James’ wife’s sister, Sandy.  And, Tony and I crewed and paced James last year at the Endurance Hunter 100 miler in Georgia.  I am surprised he is running this well in these challenging conditions, but it is great to see him.  I proceed on the Railroad Bed trail, which is as challenging as ever with the rocks.  The one positive is that there isn’t as much mud, just the slippery, pointy rocks.  Somewhere in this section, I take my one and only S-Cap of the race.  The temperature has stayed in the 50s, and I haven’t been sweating much.  Just before the course makes the turn off Railroad Bed, a man and woman pass me moving at a good clip.  When we turn onto the Alms House trail, I still have them in sight so I pick up my pace and follow them most of the way to the Waterline trail.  We are making great time, and I catch back up to a couple of runners who I have been trading places with all day.  The climb up Waterline is not too bad, but we are all very careful with our footing and handholds.  Fortunately, there isn’t anyone in front of me for most of the climb.  After catching my breath from the toughest climb in the race, I shuffle the last mile into this aid station.  An aid station worker helps me add a little water to my Camelbak before I drink two small cups of Coke and eat one PB&J sandwich quarter.
A little stream crossing into McKay Hollow

Mile 29.5    1:12:43 (16:10 avg./mile) Rest Shelter

By my rough estimate, it is about a mile and a half on relatively flat trail that is underwater before we get to the Natural Well and begin a sketchy, tricky downhill section that of course has the added challenge of slick mud.  I am following a guy in orange, and we are making decent time when a lady moves by us.  She seems to be in her finishing kick.  However, after crossing the swollen stream at the bottom where the water is above our knees, I still have her in my sight.  So, I set out to begin my own finishing kick to see if I can catch back up to her.  Within a half mile, I pass her and then proceed to leave her behind as we make our way through McKay Hollow.  Usually, McKay Hollow is the worst part of the race, but this year it is just like all of the rest of the course—muddy and mostly underwater.  When I start the final climb to this last aid station, my watch shows 6:36, which means I have 24 minutes to finish before seven hours.  The climb takes me about 17 minutes, so that eliminates a sub-7 finish.  However, as I near the aid station I see Tony right in front of me.

Mile 31.1    16:25 (10:16 avg./mile) FINISH – Lodge

I don’t even pause for a second at the aid station.  Rather, I make the left turn and head towards the finish.  Tony is right beside me, and we chat for a minute.  Then I wish him well, and push the pace once again.  I might not be able to finish under seven hours, but I can still pass a handful of runners between here and the finish.  Each runner I catch gives me more energy to catch the next one.  I cross the line, and James, Daisy, and Sandy are there.  Sandy is Tony’s girlfriend (maybe fiancĂ©e?), and I tell her that Tony is only a couple of minutes behind me.

Official Finishing Time 7:09:02

141st out of 389 finishers under the 9.5-hour cut-off

I am elated at the finish.  I congratulate other runners around me that I ran with all day.  It feels great to finish this race again, and even better to finish it with a huge kick—not quite good enough to salvage a sub-7, but definitely solid on any day.  At the Hellgate 100k last month, my kick wasn’t there when I needed it the last three miles, so I am focusing on that in this new year.  I take my number into the table in the lodge where the finisher awards are handed out, and not only do I get another hand painted slate, but I also get a beer glass as I am the fourth-place male, 55-59.  It pays to be a year older since I would have been tenth if I was in the M50-54 age group.

The next race I have planned is the Mount Cheaha 50k on February 24th.  Until then…

Never stop running,

Darin

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Red Eye 50k 2024 - Passing the Torch

January 1

I love this race, but I don’t love the little bit of anxiety I feel New Year’s Eve knowing that I have to get up at 5am.  However, this year I get to ride to the race with my son, Nathan, so I don’t have to drive.  He picks me up at my hotel at 6am, make a quick stop at McDonald’s, and get to Prince William Forest around 7:30am.  Perfect for the 8am start.  I chat a little with Quatro before getting my Camelbak ready.

Mile 11.5    2:17:38 Picnic Area – Loop 1

We start about seven minutes after 8—this is a low-key run, and everyone is out here to enjoy it.  Nathan and I run the prologue, following a handful of runners who take a wrong turn and lead us back to the picnic area.  We turn around, retrace our steps and begin to pass the score of runners who didn’t make the wrong turn.  According to Nathan’s watch, we got a bonus half mile for this error.  On this loop, Nathan and I play leapfrog due to pee breaks.  I take one more break than Nathan, and he finishes the first loop a little ahead of me.  He is at the car refilling his bottles when I get to the picnic table.  I trade out my hat for a buff and leave my gloves in my drop bag.  I grab a generous, full handful of potato chips, and the two of us head out for the second lap.

Mile 21.5    2:02:45 Picnic Area – Loop 2

Nathan and I stay together this whole loop as I think he was trying to be conservative and knew that I am a metronome when it comes to pacing.  It was really enjoyable to spend a day in the woods running with my son.  Precipitation threatened a couple of times with a few drops of rain, but nothing really at this point.  There are only a couple of runners in our vicinity for this lap as most of the starters bailed after the first.  I am trying to run well on the flats and downhills in order to make sure we are making good time.  We get back up the hill to the picnic table just under two hours, which is right on the pace I was trying to hit.  Nathan goes to the car again to refill his bottles, and I dig my gloves out of my drop bag.  My hands were a little cold on the last loop, and it is threatening to rain.  I move over to the potluck food on the picnic table and begin my feasting with a donut hole, follow it up with two Oreo cookies, and then take a full chocolate covered donut to eat on the trail.

Mile 31.5    2:14:27 Picnic Area – Finish

I walk out of the picnic area eating the donut and wondering if I should wait on Nathan or not.  I stop by a tree for a pee break, and Nathan catches me and moves by quickly.  I chase him down the hill to the bridge, but he has already opened up a healthy 100-yard lead.  As we progress through the single-track, I keep him mostly in sight.  However, by the time I get to the first climb up a gravel road, he is nowhere in sight—he is gone!  I am perfectly content with this as the son (28 years old) should leave his 54-year-old father behind.  I am still making decent time, but I know that I have slowed down a little from the previous lap.  I pass one guy who I guess is on his second lap, and then a guy passes at a really quick pace.  I saw him at the aid station and now he is moving well.  Somewhere during this loop, sleet started to fall.  So, I turned my buff into a hat to cover my ears, and I am really glad I picked up my gloves.  For the rest of the loop, I am by myself.  Overall, I feel okay, but both of my ankles are cranky.  I haven’t rolled either of them (and haven’t in the last couple of months), but they still want to let me know they are still down there working hard.  With three miles to go, I start a surge that carries me to the finish.  I don’t catch anyone, but it helps me finish well.

Official Finishing Time 6:34:50

19th out of 33 finishers (94 starters)

Nathan is grazing at the picnic table when I finish.  I grab a few items to eat and then we head to the car.  It is rather chilly, and there are only a few people hanging around the finish area.  Race director Dave is there to record everyone’s finish, and the couple of other runners that finished in the last 10 minutes are there.  This is a fantastic way to start the new year.  Now let’s see if I can run more miles than last year.  My next race will be the Mountain Mist 50k on January 27.

Until then, never stop running,

Darin

Friday, December 15, 2023

Hellgate 100k 2023 - Sissy-gate Weather?

 December 9

Another year is coming to an end, and for at least one more time, I am competing in the Hellgate 100k on the second Saturday in December.  This is my 21st Hellgate.  My times have ranged from 15:53 in 2007 to 17:50 in 2003.  Last year I was able to finish under 17 hours and get an early qualifier in my pocket for the Western States 100 lottery.  Speaking of which, I had 32 tickets in the WS lottery last weekend and did not get drawn.

Ready for the Midnight Start
I flew my plane up from Huntsville, Alabama this morning to Orange, Virginia where my son, Nathan, picked me up.  He is crewing for me for the fourth time, but the first time since 2015.  At the pre-race briefing, Horton has me give a weather report.  I talk about how this is not going to be real Hellgate weather and might be the most sissy-gate weather Hellgate has ever had.  The low tonight is forecasted to be around 35 and the high tomorrow is supposed to exceed 60.  There is a minimal chance of fog.  What I failed to mention in my report was that there was only a slight chance of rain before the end of the race.  The rain is forecasted to develop after midnight on Sunday morning, which may be an issue for me flying back to Alabama, but will not affect the race.

A good weather forecaster seems to be wrong 50% of the time.  The temperature at the start is 30.  I am concerned that it may get colder, but the forecasts are still saying that the low is only going to be 35.  So, the forecast is wrong, but they are sticking to it!  Given all of my available information, I decide to stick with my clothing plan for the start—shorts, long & short sleeve shirts, thin hat, and thin gloves.  Surprisingly, I don’t feel too cold standing around at the start.  We sing the National Anthem, Horton says a prayer, and we are off for the 21st time!

Mile 3.5      46:44 (13:21 avg./mile) FSR 35

I run all of this first section with Jeff Garstecki.  He is one of us five that have finished all 20 Hellgate races.  His dad passed away on Tuesday, and he said it was looking doubtful that he would make it to the race.  However, due to scheduling conflicts that the cemetery, the burial had to be done Thursday.  We talk the whole section, mostly about the last few months with him being the primary caretaker for his dad in hospice care.   There was a fire around these first two sections, and Horton had great concern that the course would have to be changed for this year, but a week ago the forest service allowed the race to proceed on the original course.  Because of the fire, the fire break that the course follows for most of these first 3.5 miles has been regraded, and it is much smoother.  Jeff and I run comfortably, and I figure that we are making good time since the trail is so smooth.  When we get to the creek crossing around mile 3, I manage to rock hop across without getting my feet wet.  The water is still low and there is no ice on the rocks.  This is only the fourth time in 21 years that I haven’t gotten my feet wet.  I thought my time would be quicker, but this is the same time I have had the last couple of years.

Mile 7.5      55:12 (13:48 avg./mile) Petites Gap

I continue to run with Jeff as we start the climb to Petites.  We run the first half and then I take a walk break.  Jeff continues on, and I wish him well.  I see Lanier Greenhaw, who is also from Alabama, and we catch up a bit.  I power hike and shuffle into the aid station in great time.  Nathan is ready, but I only need some chocolate milk and half of a bagel.  The temperature is remaining in the 30s, and I am dressed perfectly.

Mile 13.1    1:39:41 (17:48 avg./mile) Camping Gap

I cross the parkway and begin the initial descent with half of a bagel in my hand.  The course is dry and the leaves are not too deep so I am able to run well.  My ankles seem to be stronger this year, and I don’t think I have twisted my ankle in the last couple of months.  Lanier passed me when I stopped to pee.  Then I returned the favor when he stopped just before we make the right turn off of the grassy, rocky road.  From here to the jeep road there are two stream crossings, which are usually challenging to navigate without getting my feet wet, but this isn’t the case this year.  There is no mud and little water.  At some point I do take my first fall of the race, but fortunately, I land in some soft leaves.  I make it safely the rest of the way to the jeep road that will take me 3 miles up to the next aid station.  There are several people in my vicinity as I start (mostly) power hiking up the road.  One of the runners is Jesse Meadows, who I had not met before today.  Other runners that I remember from this section are Dan Broom and Sheryl Wheeler.  I enjoy some conversation and before I know it we are passing through the gap and at the aid station.  I get some cheesy tots from Rosie, and they are awesome!  I scarf them down, and then grab a pancake as I leave the aid station.  My time on this section is a few minutes slower than my goal as I wanted this section time to be 1:35.

Mile 21.9    2:31:03 (17:10 avg./mile) Headforemost Mountain

I am munching on a pancake as I begin the grassy road section, which is part of the Promise Land 50k.  This section rolls up and down and goes on for a long time.  I am moving along with Lanier again when we see the moon rising off to our left.  The moon is only a thin crescent, but since it is just rising, it is a deep red.  It feels like I am making good time as I feel good.  I got a lot of good sleep this week, and I am not sleepy at all.  Most of the way through the grassy road section, we pass a lady that is running the race, but she is sitting on the side of the trail.  I think she is trying to take a catnap, but clearly she doesn’t have much experience doing this during a race as I have learned you need to get off the trail so each runner that comes along doesn’t ask you if you are okay.  When I passed her I was slightly distracted, stepped in a hole, and fall once more.  Fortunately, there is no harm done, and I am quickly back up and moving forward.  Around 1:31 into this section, I finally finish the grassy road section and begin the Apple Orchard section.  There are a couple of guys following me at this point.  I lead them up and over the Apple Orchard and then begin the technical downhill to Overstreet Falls.  I am moving very well, and I pass a few runners.  When I get to Overstreet Falls, I start the hike up to Headforemost, and Lanier catches up to me within a couple of minutes.  Dan is with me as well as I press the pace to the top.  I mark my time on this section at the location of the original aid station at the top as opposed to where it is now down the road less than a mile at Floyd’s Field.  I was really hoping to be under 2:30 for this section, but instead I have given up another few minutes to my goal pace.  Fortunately, I sketched out my goal pace at 16:34, so I have some wiggle room to still be able to finish before 17 hours.

Mile 27.6    1:38:19 (17:15 avg./mile) Jennings Creek

Breakfast at Jennings Creek
I run down the road to Floyd’s Field and the current aid station.  I don’t have my crew come to this aid station and instead have go straight to Jennings Creek after seeing me at Petites Gap.  This allows them to get several hours of sleep in before daybreak.  I also discovered that it helps me run faster down the hill to mile 27.5.  At this aid station, I grab half of a grilled cheese sandwich and grab a cup of water to wash it down.  The problem is that there is water and naked Tailwind.  The cup I grabbed was naked Tailwind which I realize quickly.  This is not good, but I think I have caught it quick enough.  I get a cup of water and throw out the rest of the cup of Tailwind.  (Tailwind, like all electrolyte drinks, contains magnesium, which I have found was never in Conquest.  Now I mix my own drink that my crew has for me, and I call it CR02.)  I cross the parkway again and begin the run downhill.  At first, I am running easily, but then I start to gather momentum.  When the course makes a left turn and begins the technical section, there is a lady behind me.  She follows my lead through the rocks, across a stream and up a short climb when we see the first hint of daylight.  At this point, we begin chatting as she follows me all the way through this section.  Her name is Sarah Wallace and while this is her first time at this race, she is a rather accomplished ultrarunner.  I learn that she has run Rim to River all three times.  This is the race that Nathan is going to run next year for his first attempt at a 100 miler.  I run smoothly and efficiently guiding us down to the aid station.  My time is decent on this section, but once again I have given time back to my goal pace.  I wanted to run this in 1:30 like I did last year, but alas it is not to be.  At the aid station, Nathan has a grilled egg, bacon, and cheese sandwich ready and warm for me.  I eat 80% of it and wash it down with plenty of CR02 and chocolate milk.  As I start to leave the aid station, I see Lanier stripping off his jacket, which reminds me that I should take something off since the temperature is forecasted to climb to 60 or more now that the sun is up.  I take off my hat and put on a buff, but decide to keep my gloves and long-sleeve shirt on for now.

Mile 34.5    1:52:06 (16:15 avg./mile) Little Cove Mountain

Hiking out of Jennings Creek, I join up with Don Knight, who along with 4-5 others (including Sarah) are from Pittsburgh.  I always enjoy meeting people from Pittsburgh as I went to college there at Carnegie Mellon.  He says Sarah is insane with all of the 100+ runs she has done.  We power hike together to the top and then I let Don lead going down the hill.  I catch back up to him on the way to the Little Cove Mountain aid station.  I feel slightly sleepy, but not bad.  The weather continues to be cool, probably in the 40s with clouds gently moving into the area.  At the aid station, I eat two PB&J sandwich quarters and grab a bag of Doritos to eat on the run.  I wash it down with a cup of sweet tea.  This is the first caffeine I have had during the race, and I figure I need to keep the sleepiness away and pick the pace up a little if I am going to finish within 17 hours.  On the other side of aid station, Rosie has some hot food, but I already ate so I pass on anything more.

Mile 42.5    2:21:38 (17:42 avg./mile) Bearwallow Gap

The sweet tea takes effect, and I am running very well on the rolling grassy road section.  For the first 30 minutes or so, I see no one at all.  Then near the end of the grassy road section before it becomes single track again, I spy a runner ahead of me and two coming up behind me.  The two behind me are a surprise because I thought I was moving really well.  As the single track starts, the two behind me (I think they were Anne Pike and Sheryl Wheeler) get ahead of me, but then I stay with them for a while before I pass them back.  Around 10:00, rain begins to fall.  The forecast had rain developing after midnight, so this is only 14 hours early.  I left Little Cove Mountain at 9:23.  So that is when my caffeine intake began.  Now, an hour later, I decide to pop a caffeine pill as I want to maintain the pace I am on.  It is 10:27.  I leave the two ladies behind (for now) and press forward through the new section and towards the devil trail.  As I reach the devil trail, I catch Chad Cato.  He follows me through the terribly rocky section.  At times I can hear the other runners behind me, but I keep the pace as well as I can.  When I cross the creek at the end of the devil trail portion, there is no one close behind me.  I run most of the last mile from there into the aid station.  Nathan has a hot grilled cheese sandwich ready and waiting for me.  I sit down to eat it and drink a healthy amount of CR02.  Charlie Hesse comes over to chat, and we talk about the weather mostly.  He says it is supposed to stop at 1:00pm.  I hope this forecast is correct.  My goal pace was to get here before 11:30, so I am about 15 minutes behind schedule.  I am going to have to have a good last third to finish before 17 hours.  I keep the same shoes on since it is raining.  I haven’t gotten my feet wet during any stream crossings, but the rain has made them damp.  Before I leave the aid station, I see Lanier arrive.

Mile 49.5    1:56:09 (16:24 avg./mile) Bobblets Gap

There is a healthy climb leaving Bearwallow, and I conquer it well.  This is a great indication that my legs are strong and should be up for the challenge.  I encounter only a few runners on this section.  They include Chad and Dan Broom and a lady runner with a pacer.  Near the end of this section before dropping down to the road that leads into the aid station, I catch up with Kathleen Cusick.  She is struggling, but working hard.  Usually, Kathleen is far ahead of me.  I think this is the first time I have chatted with her during a race.  I stay with her into the aid station.  The rain does indeed stop at 1pm, and the sun even peeks through the clouds at times.  On the climb on the road into the aid station, there are several other runners in my vicinity, and I pop my second caffeine pill to keep the heart rate up.  At the aid station, Nathan has Ramen ready for me.  I sit down and eat the whole serving.  I leave the aid station, grabbing a donut hole from the table.  I am now 26 minutes behind my goal pace, and now have zero margin for getting under 17 hours.  It is going to be close, but only if I can run the next section faster than I have in years.

Mile 56.1    2:00:07 (19:02 avg./mile) Day Creek

With a full belly, I start the trotting down the hill on the dirt road.  I quickly catch and pass a few runners that snuck ahead of me while I was sitting in the aid station eating Ramen.  Then I really get the legs turning over as I try to catch back up to Chad.  It takes me most of this 2.5 mile section to catch up to Chad.  I cover this section in 27 minutes, which is as fast as I have ever run this portion.  After 50 miles, I can still run miles faster than 11 minutes when I have gravity helping me!  Chad follows me closely on the single track trail as we chat a little.  We pass Larry Huffman on the first climb and then roll through the in and outs, small stream crossings, and ups and downs.  We drop down into the little  evergreen portion which tells me we are really close to the end of this section, so I pop one more caffeine pill hoping to fend off any slowdowns.  We meet someone walking out from the aid station, and she tells us we are 0.2 miles away.  Heck, I can see the aid station at this point.  I finish this section faster than I have since 2008.  I strip off my two shirts and put on a short-sleeve thin gray shirt.  I pushed hard on the last section, and I will have to push really hard on this last section.  I leave the aid station at 3:41pm.  I have 78 minutes for the last 6.3 miles.  Last year I covered this section in 83 minutes.  But, my best time on this last section came in 2010 as I was paced by my daughter, Amy, in 64 minutes.

Mile 62.4    1:37:51 (15:32 avg./mile) FINISH

I drink several ounces of Coke and eat a handful of potato chips at the aid station.  I start the last climb power hiking, catching and passing four other runners on my way to the top at the parkway.  I hit the gate in 15 minutes flat.  This is about a third of the way to the top so I know I am moving well.  I continue moving well, but feel a slight fade as I approach the top.  I cross the parkway in 43 minutes, which is 3 minutes faster than last year, and now just have to run downhill at 10 minutes per mile.  Somehow I was able to do that last year.  I try to start running, but all I can manage is a slow shuffle.  Darn it!  There is no response from my body.  I shuffle the two miles to the gate in 32 minutes and know that under 17 hours isn’t going to happen this year.  At the gate with 1.5 miles to go, I am but a couple of minutes before 17 hours.  The four runners I passed on the climb pass me back on the descent.  However, I manage to keep running slowly all the way to Camp Bethel.  Even though I won’t have a qualifier for WS, I am easily under the cut-off for finishing this race in under 18 hours.  Horton does his usual announcements about 21 times starting, and 21 times finishing.  All 5 of the Fearsome Five have finished for at least one more year.

Official Finishing Time          17:18:50

106th out of 140 starters (118 finishers under 18 hours)

21st Hellgate Finish

Before my ACL injury in 2012, I rarely took any caffeine at this race before Day Creek.  Since then I have found that caffeine does very well at keeping my energy up.  Unfortunately, there is a limit to how many times I can go to the “well.”  In hindsight, I went to the well too early and too often.  My legs stayed strong throughout, but I lost my edge at the end.  My training and racing were good this year, but I think I need to be more disciplined with the caffeine during races.

Despite not hitting my top goal, I am still very satisfied to finish this race once again.  I now turn my focus to getting my WS qualifier for 2024 at another race.  My targets are Kettle Moraine in June and Twisted Branch in August.  Before then I plan to run the Red Eye on January 1, Mountain Mist near the end of January, Mount Cheaha in February, and Bull Run Run with Nathan in April.  Here’s hoping my soon to be 55 year old body holds up!  Until next time…

Never stop running,

Darin

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Stump Jump 50k - Smooth and Relaxed

 October 7

This is my fourth time running this race.  Last year in warm weather, I pushed really hard, cramped severely in the last few miles, and finished in a respectable 7:52:20, which was 10 seconds faster than my previous best time at this race.  This year, my plan is to go out easy and try to finish strongly.  I am solo this year with no friends or relatives running with me.  The weather is supposed to be absolutely perfect.  There was some light rain yesterday, but that has cleared out of the area.  The temperature at the start is a cool 47 degrees.

Mile 4.9      1:00:16 (12:18 avg./mile) Edwards Point

I get out of the starting line very well as there weren’t many people crowding to be in the front.  I settle in and allow many runners to pass me in the first couple of miles.  This first section is relatively flat with only gentle rolling hills.  I am taking it easy, but am still surprised that I wasn’t a minute or two faster in the cool weather.  I pass right through the aid station.

Mile 8.2      50:16 (15:14 avg./mile) Mushroom Rock #1

After Edward’s Point, I find myself leading a couple of other runners, who seem content to pace off of me.  They are chatty, and I enjoy their conversation for this section.  Their names are Madison and Nathan.  They talk about the 15 chickens that Madison owns and the layoffs at each of their companies.  While I was enjoying the conversation, we made okay, but not quick, time on this section.  I stop briefly at the aid station and grab a handful of potato chips.  When I begin to leave the aid station, Nathan and Madison are nowhere to be seen.  I guess they didn’t stop.

Mile 14.2    1:39:59 (16:40 avg./mile) Indian Rock House

I run down the trail, across the bridge and begin the climb up the other side.  After the initial climb, another runner, Drew, starts up a conversation.  This is his first ultramarathon, and he is trying to find someone to pace off.  I am perfectly happy to have another runner along.  I learn that he has a couple of middle school sons, but they aren’t into running.  This section has plenty of sneaky tough footing.  Last year, I took a serious fall and went quite a ways down the hillside, scraping up my arms and cheek.  This year, I make it through this section comfortably and without a fall.  About a mile before the aid station, another runner joins us.  His name is Steve, and he is another inexperienced ultra-runner.  He says this is his fourth ultra.  At the aid station, I grab two PB&J uncrustables and head down the trail.

Mile 16.7    41:02 (16:25 avg./mile) Snoopers Rock

It takes Drew a couple of minutes to catch me after coming out of the aid station as he took a little more time to eat.  Drew and I are making good time (I think) and get to this aid station in good shape.  Drew has never run this far in before in a race, so I am waiting for him to begin to fade at some point.  At this aid station, I grab some more potato chips and push on through, while Drew takes a minute longer to eat more.

Mile 19.4    59:15 (21:57 avg./mile) Haley Road

Drew and I press forward after the Snoopers Rock aid station, but we are soon joined by Darci.  Darci has run several ultra-races and is going to run the Tunnel 100 miler next month.  Drew terms us the triple Ds when Steve catches back up to us.  He stopped at the Indian Rock House aid station to attend to his scraped up hand, which is why he hasn’t been up with us.  All three of the runners behind me seem perfectly happy to let me set the pace.  We exit the single track trail onto a dirt road that takes us up to the aid station.  While I am topping off my Camelbak, Darci and Drew head out of the aid station.

Mile 22.8    51:36 (15:11 avg./mile) Mullins Cove Parking

Steve and I leave the Haley Road aid station together with Darci and Drew in view, but well ahead of us.  I figure we will catch them soon enough, but I am wrong.  Steve and I will not see either of them until the finish line.  Meanwhile, Steve continues to yammer away while I set a smooth and steady pace.  We manage to navigate the rock garden section successfully and then it is not too far to the aid station.  Steve’s wife is there, and I grab two cups of Coke and another uncrustable as I press on down the trail.

Mile 29.3    2:01:30 (18:42 avg./mile) Mushroom Rock #2

Feeling good with a little Coke in my system, I think I have left Steve behind for now.  It won’t surprise me if I don’t see him again.  Within a mile, I catch up to a lady who initially I think is Darci, but then realize it is a different woman.  This is Rebecca, and she lets me go by.  Then here comes Steve past Rebecca and stays behind me for only a minute before pressing on ahead.  He says something about getting in under 8 hours, which I realized at the last aid station was not very likely.  Then Rebecca passes me back looking very smooth and determined.  I am running decent, but obviously not as fast as Steve or Rebecca.  I want to press the pace, but I am careful to watch my footing on this tricky section of trail.  I make my way across the paved road and then across the two bridges before the climb up to the aid station.  At the aid station, I grab another cup of Coke leaving a few guys behind that I hadn’t seen all day.

Mile 31.2    19:41 (10:22 avg./mile) FINISH

I leave the aid station thinking that I can run most of the way to the finish.  However, within a half mile, I catch a toe on a root and hit the dirt.  No harm done, but I guess I will make sure it doesn’t happen again today.  As I am power hiking on an uphill section, a guy with a friendly dog off-leash, comes my way.  As I said the dog was friendly, but this slowed me down for a minute.  Then I am crossing the last boardwalk, making the right turn out of the woods, and running to the finish.

Official Finishing Time          8:23:35

70th out of 130 starters (4th out of M50-59)

This time is slower than all but one of my previous times at this race.  While I am disappointed in the time, I executed my game plan almost exactly as I had intended.  I wanted to stay conservative, run a clean race, and finish with legs left for my hockey game tomorrow night.  There are a few things I would have done differently, and I will tweak some of them moving forward.  One is that I don’t think I drank enough water as I only had to stop to pee once during the race.  The other thing is that I am going to try to up the salt tablets more than I have in recent years.  I am also going to switch back to S-Caps as I have been using just buffered salt tablets.  The S-Caps are more durable in my pack during a race, and they contain some potassium in addition to the sodium.  I believe that it is the magnesium that gives my stomach problems, and the S-Caps don’t have any of that.

My next event is now is Hellgate in December.  I was planning on pacing a friend at the Pinhoti 100 miler in November, but they didn’t get in and now have a conflict.  So, instead I will head to Virginia in early November to train on Priest and Three Ridges.  This will be year 21 at Hellgate, and we are due for a cold year.  Until then…

Never stop running,

Darin

Monday, September 4, 2023

Twisted Branch 100k 2023 - Near Perfect Weather

August 19

Last year I attempted this race for the first time.  The weather was warm, and I wasn’t prepared, mentally or physically, for the steep climbs and descents.  My buddy, James, ran the race as well and finished in 13 hours and change.  Unfortunately, I dropped

Ready to go

out at 50 miles.  My stomach had gone south after mile 29, and I was truly struggling on the climbs.

This year, I am considerably more prepared.  Peter is back with me to crew again, and I have done extensive climbing in the heat to prepare for this event.  Three weeks ago, I ran the Priest and Three Ridges in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with the temperature topping out at 95 degrees.  The other change for this race is that I am trying out a new electrolyte drink.  After trying most of the products on the market since I ran out of my supply of Conquest, I am now mixing my own.  This will be the first race I am trying this, but I have been using it for the past couple of months.

Today’s weather starts with temperatures in the mid-50s with strong winds.  It is rather chilly with the wind-chill probably in the 40s.  I bear the coolness, starting the race with just a short-sleeve shirt, shorts, and a buff on my head.  After a scare with my headlamp not turning on, I roll the batteries and get the thing to turn on.  It is just after 4am when the race director gives the start command, and 191 of us are off and running!

Mile 6.2      1:29:26 (14:25 avg./mile) Cutler, 141st place

I run this first section in the dark following along with many other runners, who are just settling in for this long day.  The cut-off is 20 hours so we have to finish before midnight.  About four miles into the race, I stop to take a leak.  When I resume running, I am by myself, and it is very dark without any other runners and their lights.  I quickly catch back up to the tail of a line of runners and then we are to this first aid station.  There is only water and drinks so I pass right through after ensuring my number is recorded.

Sunrise!

Mile 12.6    1:27:51 (13:44 avg./mile) Naples Creek, 139th place

Coming into Naples Creek
After the aid station, the course follows a road for a mile or two.  As I am running down the road, I hear another runner in the morning twilight talking about finishing last year in 19 hours and change with his daughter pacing him the last 20+ miles.  At this point, this sounds a lot like the guy I ran with quite a bit.  Sure enough it is John Rynders, a guy that I ran with most of the race last year.  He says his daughter will not be out to pace him this year, but he is aiming to finish about an hour faster this year.  We make our way back onto the single track, up and down a few small hills, and then begin the drop into Naples.  So far, so good, and I am within three minutes of my time from last year.  I find Peter waiting and ready for me, drink some chocolate milk, trade out my Camelbak for a full one, and take a croissant to eat on the trail.

Mile 16.7    1:19:49 (19:28 avg./mile) The Sneaker, 149h place

Leaving Naples Creek begins the steepest, toughest, and longest climb of the course.  It starts with some reasonable switchbacks before the switchbacks end and the trail proceeds straight up the mountain beside a gulch.  It seems like the makers of this trail don’t really believe in switchbacks.  A climb will start with a few, but then toss the idea of switchbacks to the side like an old t-shirt.  On this section, I meet a lady running her first ultra.  Her name is Jackie, and she is from Pittsburgh, but now lives in Colorado Springs.  She is a good climber, but I usually get ahead of her on the descents, but we stick together for most of this section.  Meanwhile, John leaves us behind on the climb to the no-crew aid station.  My time was slow on this section, and I lost some places, but I am satisfied with how I feel so far.

Mile 21.1    1:00:20 (13:43 avg./mile) Italy Valley, 150th place

Jackie and I make our way along the trail, and she learns about my ultra-history.  I introduce her to each runner we encounter along the way making sure that I mention that she decided to pick a nice, smooth, easy race for her first ultra (not!).  There is a fair bit of road on this section, and I am able to make very good time.  I lose Jackie on the last descent to the aid station.  I grab some potato chips at the aid station as they don’t have any PB&J sandwich quarters.

Mile 27.8    1:46:29 (15:54 avg./mile) The Lab, 147th place

This section starts with a long climb, but fortunately it isn’t too steep.  Jackie catches back up to me before the climb ends, and we stick together for the rest of the section.  At some point on a road portion, there is a person in a blow-up dinosaur suit.  They were here last year, and I guess a little humor doesn’t hurt even though I am not sure why they come out in that outfit to cheer us on.  The weather is just perfect.  There isn’t a cloud in the sky and the breeze is steady and cool.  It feels like I am missing a college football game somewhere.  I get into the aid station, and Peter is waiting for me with a grilled egg, bacon, and cheese sandwich.  I eat about 80% of it and wash it down with my new drink that I am calling CR02.  I am slightly ahead of last year’s pace to this aid station, but the course is apparently a little shorter to this point.  The course changes slightly each year based on the availability of the private lands that some of the course uses.  Last year at this point, it was getting quite warm, and I took off my shirt at this aid station.  This year, I think it is still in the 60s so the shirt stays on for now.

Coming into The Lab

Mile 34.2    1:47:30 (16:48 avg./mile) Patch, 143rd place

I find myself alone for the start of this section.  I am not sure if Jackie is ahead or behind me.  I am still running conservatively as I know there are plenty of tough climbs and sections come.  Also, I am not quite yet to halfway, although I am approaching it quickly.  About halfway through this section, I catch up to Jackie.  She stays with me for a little bit, but then I gap her on a downhill.  This is the last time I will see her in this race.  I am still feeling good as I get into this no-crew aid station.  I am looking for something to eat and grab some more potato chips.  They had some candy and such, but nothing more than that.  I have picked up a few places, and I am now nine minutes ahead of my pace from last year.  At this point last year, my stomach was heading south quickly at this point.

Mile 38.8    1:17:12 (16:47 avg./mile) Bud Valley, 136th place

I leave the Patch feeling good even if I am a little hungry.  My pace is remaining smooth and steady while I start to catch and pass other runners.  There is another paved road section that is gently downhill for the better part of a mile.  I catch up to a couple that lives in New York City, but are originally from Poland.  Their names are Marcin and Joanna.  I talk with them a little bit as we are working hard up another steep climb.  After besting that climb, we descend quite a bit to the aid station.  Last year, I walked down the hill, but this year I am rolling along nicely.  Peter is again ready for me, this time with a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.  Well, actually it is more toasted as he made the sandwich three hours ago in the house we are renting for the weekend.  In order to keep it from getting soggy, he didn’t grill it with butter and didn’t wrap it.  It is still edible, and I eat about three-quarters of it while washing it down with chocolate milk.  I trade out my Camelbak, change my shoes and socks, and forget to drink some CR02.

Mile 45.9    1:58:59 (16:45 avg./mile) Glenbrook, ? place

This section is the first place that runners can pick up a pacer.  So, many runners with their fresh pacer pass me initially.  After a couple of miles, I pass all of them back as their excitement of running with their pacer fades.  This section starts with a stupid climb up a dried up creek bed.  There is a jeep trail offset from the trail by about 20-30 yards, but I guess we need to struggle with the rocks and uneven footing in the creek bed.  When Peter gave me my fresh Camelbak, he comments that it is damp, but he thinks it is just from condensation as he says he checked to ensure the lid on the bladder isn’t leaking.  Unfortunately, I think there is a slow leak as it is dripping continually down onto my shorts, which are now drenched.  This section would be quicker, but there is a long portion in a low area that makes its way across several creek crossings with uneven footing.  About a mile and a half from the aid station I catch up to John for the first time in hours.  He has a pacer with them, and they are making good time power hiking.  But, I am making better time as I am running the flats and downhills.  There will be plenty of time to run hard later I am sure.  I have been taking a salt tablet every four hours as the weather is relatively cool.  Thus, I am just taking my third salt tablet about 30 minutes before I get to this aid station.  I also drain my Camelbak just before I get to the aid station, confirming that it was leaking.  Peter is ready for me with a full, dry Camelbak, and I take a croissant washing it down with several ounces of CR02.  As I am leaving Peter asks me twice if I want my headlamp, but I am confident I will see him again before darkness.

Mile 50.7    1:42:16 (21:18 avg./mile) Lake David, 120th place

My thinking on not taking the headlamp was that it was only 10 miles to when I will see Peter again.  However, upon further review, it is actually 12.5 miles.  I still feel reasonably sure that I will make it to Urbana before darkness sets in as it is 4:07pm.  That gives me over four hours to traverse the distance.  Soon after departing Glenbrook, I catch up to Dave Sayers.  He is having a rough time, and I slow down to chat with him a bit.  He said he started out running with one of the top three women for the first 19 miles.  Then he slowed down and began throwing up, which he says has continued until now.  Dave is trying to qualify for the Western State 100 lottery, but he doesn’t know much about the lottery, so I fill him in on the details.  I still run the downhills, but keep a steady pace and walk the flats (and uphill sections, of course).  Dave and I stay together most of this section until the course makes the final downhill portion before a stupid steep uphill trek that figuratively killed me last year.  I gap Dave on the downhill, leaving him with a few other runners that had caught up to the back of our train.  When I get the road crossing, there are two runners coming back towards me on the road as they missed picking up the trail on the other side of the road.  I power into the stupid steep climb, topping it in about 10 minutes.  Then it is a nice loop around the lake to the aid station.  I eat a dried out cheese quesadilla at this no-crew aid station and top off my Camelbak.

Mile 55.9    1:51:03 (21:21 avg./mile) Mitchellsville, 124th place

Leaving the aid station, there are a handful of runners in my vicinity.  Before too long, Dave catches back up to me.  I wasn’t expecting any more tough climbs until the last section, but there are two more stupid steep climbs on this section.  Neither is very long, but these things are getting rather old.  Dave is ahead of me when we begin a stupid steep descent leading to the aid station.  About two-thirds the way down the hill, there is a runner walking down backwards using a stick as a hiking pole.  Three or four of the runners in front of me, including Dave, stop to ask the guy if he needs help.  I pass right on by as I hear him say his IT band has flared up.  There isn’t anything we can do for him, and he is less than a quarter of a mile from the aid station.  I get into this no-crew aid station and sit down.  I decide to start with a cup of Coke and a couple of small potatoes.  I eat the first one, but then one of the aid station workers offers me a chocolate chip muffin.  I toss the second potato, gobble down the muffin, and then rise from the chair to go finish this race.

Mile 58.4    0:51:00 (20:24 avg./mile) Urbana, 125th place

Sitting for a few minutes gives me a slight chill, but the chill fades quickly as I start moving.  The sun is setting and I have to make these next 2.5 miles quickly before darkness descends completely.  This section is mostly downhill on mostly smooth trail, although there are some roots on the trail, and most of the way there is a deep canyon to the left.  One good trip on a root could send a runner careening in the wrong direction!  After exiting from the trees, the course traverses a vineyard and then enters the town of Urbana.  It is mostly dark as I make my way into town, but I find Peter waiting on me at the aid station.  It is 8:30pm, and it is pretty dark.  I guess New York is nearer the east side of the Eastern Time zone than the west.  I drink plenty of CR02 and eat another croissant, while I get a full Camelbak and get my headlamp rigged up.

The last mountain to climb in the background

Mile 64.0    2:16:33 (24:23 avg./mile) FINISH

Beginning the climb, I catch up with Kim who is from Wisconsin.  She has her whole family out here crewing for her—husband, son, and daughter.  We had seen each other at various times today, but had never had a chance to talk.  As she is comfortable following my lead in the dark, we stay together for the majority of the climb.  When we get on top and begin a series of PUDs (Pointless Ups and Downs), Marcin and Joanna catch up to us.  They are content to stay behind us for a while, but then ask to pass.  When they pass, Kim decides to tag along with them, and I am left to stumble through the darkness by myself.  I don’t mind being by myself in the dark, but I do consider taking a caffeine pill that would give me more pep to probably keep up with the three in front of me.  However, I decide not to as my stomach isn’t feeling great, and I don’t see much purpose.  I am going to finish under 19 hours, and it doesn’t really matter to me if it is 10 minutes quicker.  Finally, I reach a dirt road that goes downhill that I think is going to lead me to the finish, but after less than a mile the course turns back onto a single-track trail.  And, this section is the most technical part of the race.  It is rocky and muddy, and there are more than one mostly dry creek beds that have to be traversed.  All of this time, we can see the finish area down below us!  Finally, I get to the last couple of switchbacks that then lead to the road crossing.  On the other side of the road is the finish after we run a wide loop through a grass field.

131st out of 191 starters (158 finishers under 20 hours)

In case anyone reading this is wondering, this race is hard.  With near perfect weather this year, it was still a hard race that wore me out with the plethora of stupid steep climbs.  I was well prepared for the race this year after dropping out at mile 50 last year, but there were still some surprise stupid steep climbs that I wasn’t expecting.  I am nicely satisfied with my time.  Finishing this race in under 20 hours is a Western States qualifier.  I already had a qualifier from Hellgate last year, but I still feel good about finishing this one with over an hour to spare.  My next race is The Stump Jump 50k in Chattanooga on October 7.  Until then…

Never stop running,

Darin