Hello #8 (last year anniversary): Somehow, it is my 8th year here on WordPress and 9th year of running marathons. How I remember it this year is the charge on my credit card (I did not sign up for the free version; the paid version has no ads). What can be better to celebrate by writing a race report! An ultra too. The reason I started out blogging was to journal my leap into my first ultramarathon. I think was a 50k in December 2017 (Virginia 1st Landing Seashore 50k, now goes by a different name, I might run it again). How the time flies.
Now onto Bimbler in Connecticut I recently did.
I ran the Bimbler’s Bluff the last few years, and have been going there with my girlfriend, Caroline.
Bimbler’s LakeFall colors on Bimbler’s Bluff (mile 9)
My friend ran by the Bluff’s overlook and said sorry no time to look. We’ll come back next year to enjoy the view. I took a quick snap and moved on.
My friend likes to heckle me, runner what are you stopping for when I stopped to retie my shoelaces and enjoyed the view. Yes, I got to pick up my pace too.
For this race, we have 11 hours from the extra hour of the earlier start. Other people have 10 hours. The early start was given for those runner who would not able to finish within the 9 hours and RD did not want runners to feel the stress of chasing cutoffs. This year, I really needed the earlier start because I had no confident that I could make the cutoffs.
Even with the extra hour, I had to keep moving in order to finish and also each aid station had their separate cutoff, with the last being the strictest (2 hours to run 9 miles to reach it, whereas the early cutoffs were around 2 hours to do 4-6 miles). Indeed, I would have to arrive by 4 pm if I were to run under 9 hours, and I was 15 minutes late and would have been cut if not for the early start.
I have a streak of coming in as the back of the pack runners in races so I know full well I got to keep moving to finish.
This year was especially true having came off from some recent hard races such as the Virginia 100, my legs had not been ready to do the Bluff.
I expected I would be walking the course. The day started off nice and warm at 42 F (5 C) and later would rise to 65 (18 C). Technically I could wear a shirt and maybe arm sleeves and be warm enough. Since I suffered from hypothermia not too long ago, even a bit cold got me scare. I bundled up with long sleeves and sweat pants and added a fleece on top. It was pretty early on I knew I did not need a jacket, so that became an extra item I carried. I did not mind carry extra stuff.
My pace was slow at the start and soon was the last one in our group of early starters. My girlfriend and I were battling to see who would take the lead. During one of her breaks, I snuck ahead of her. She soon though caught back up. She always then chased me forever until we got to mile 15, when our pace diverged. Though I got an update that she was only 10 minutes behind me at mile 30.
I came into the race with the injury from the Virginia 100. So at each aid station, I asked myself if I have the ability to get to the next station. Each time, I felt I could handle the pain/sore and went out again. Note to others, don’t run with an injury. Don’t do what I did. I need to preach that to myself too.
The first aid station was 9 miles out. There many faster runners started catching up and passing us. It served as a third of the way in the race. Note, the long stretch between aid stations. It’s an ultra so 7-8 miles are the norm.
Then by noon I reached mile 15, that mentally is like a halfway point but I knew the course was long. A fellow runner (Roy) told me that it is 33 miles and not 31 miles. I knew that deep down the course is long but hearing from an experienced runner reinforced it, that I had to run steady and be patience. It is a trail race so, distances are measured with an ish to the end. Plus/minus a few miles are acceptable to us. We knew we were getting our money worth. The race was really low cost.
Then mile 22 came. I reached there by 2 pm, pretty much in line with my last year split time. I had fun racing with a guy called Kevin. He was walking and I was walking. He arrived exhausted, so was I. Later though he passed me. He was part of the normal start so in theory he was still an hour faster than me.
I was two hours ahead of the cutoff. We had 9 miles to get to 5 pm station. 3 hours to do 9 miles is doable. This next section was on a double track (jeep road), so in theory everyone was moving faster. I wish I could run, seeing so many other runners passing me in full sprint.
I reached the final aid station at 4:15 pm. Now I gave myself a challenge if I could do 2.3 miles in 45 minutes. Note, this section is one of the toughest because it has a lot of roots, and tricky footing as well as rolling hills. It was hard to run fast.
I climbed the last hill hearing someone clapping and cheering. There was Roy, a guy I was trying chase down too but he finished like an hour ahead of me and came back out here cheering runners. I ran in to the finish, the clock was 4:59:59 (pm), but maybe because it was chip timed, my actual elapsed time was over 10 hours. Oh well. It was a good attempt to get under 10.
In 2023, I was waiting there until 5:15 when RD told me to pick up my friend Caroline because she did not make it pass the last aid station. This year, I was wondering the same if I needed to drive out to rescue her. Words were she’s gotten past the Rt 80 aid station and could arrive any minute now, since she was only 10-15 minutes behind me. We waited. Roy, our mutual friend went back out on the course to look for her. I stayed at the finish in case they want to send me somewhere. 6 pm came. Then we saw her coming in from the other side of the road. We knew she must have gotten off course or something but we were glad she made it back safely. Roy then came back out of the woods in the nick of time, so we did not have to go searching for him either. This race has no sweepers (there might have been for earlier sections but not here at the end). Other sweepers were handing in the course marking flags. That could be worrisome if the markings got taking down while runners were still out on the course. We had everyone accounted for by then. It was a good race.
Like any other years, we had to drive back home in Virginia from Connecticut. A six hours drive could easy extended to 8 or more due to traffic and rest stops along the way. We did not arrive home until 3 in the morning. Of course, we both had to work the next day (which is the very same day, since it was past midnight by time we arrived, but in my mind work is still the next day because I haven’t gone to bed yet). We tried to snooze snooze couple hours before daybreak and hope to survive work.
As for dinner, it was inconsequential. We tried going into New Haven on our way back at our usual place but could not find the restaurant. Possibly it has closed down. Panda Express at the Thomas Edison Rest Area on the Turnpike was the backup choice.
Time and season changes. We would like our experience to be like the former years. We wanted to see familiar faces and friends. We left Connecticut with a heavy heart due to receiving bad news some the people we know at the race from prior years are suffering with a serious illness or have a recent death in their family and so we did not get to see them this year. It was part of life cycle. This was my third time going up Connecticut, and we hope to make it one more time next year. I believe it was Caroline’s 9th Bimbler and next year would the 10th. We will see.
We praised our RD to able to negotiate with the weather god of giving us such a nice day to run. Thank you to all the volunteers for being out there.
My finishing times through the years indicated I am getting slower.
It is fun to run fast but also fun not having to push the pace too hard.
What reasons why I am slower? Maybe I weight a bit heavier than before. I have not trained to run hard and fast. Also my foot hurt and not at 100%. I have been resting but I might have put too many dings on my left foot. 100 milers do make run slower. Also, I am not pushing the pace as hard as before. My competitiveness has gone a bit down.
Almost every year I run in the Seneca Creek 50k. I missed one year I think was due to scheduling conflict with the Newport-VA Marathon.
This year weather might have been one of the best compares to last year and 2022. There’s a rainy year and snow year and as far as I remember always cold. This year too. We started relatively warm in the 40s and later rised to mid 50s but I felt chilly and stayed in the car with the heat on until 5 minutes before the start. My friend and I arrived early by 6:15 to secure a parking spot with couple steps from the start. I was pampered. I remembered former years, I would be out there in the cold jumping around to warm up.
The race was uneventful. We started by running down maybe half a mile on the road and then entered the trail. And couple miles later we passed the Riffleford aid station on our way out. I knew we would not be back until at least 6 hours later.
Because I ran in the race a few times, everything was familiar. The first aid station was 7.5 miles away. One needs to be patient. I sat on my pace and actually slowed down to a walk. I think at 2.5 miles, I rolled my ankle (the weak one) not sure why. I don’t think I roll it but might have kicked a root and it started hurting. I could not put any weight on it. So I limped for couple miles and people passed me by. One even asked (I think was Dr. cooper) if I was okay. I was fine. I felt I could at least walk to first aid station and might have to call it the end there. However, after couple miles my pain went away and I started picking up speed. I arrived at Rt 28 aid station with My friends Robert and Caroline.
I knew I had to take it easy and Robert went out ahead of me. I went for the potty. After some rest, I went out.
The second Aid station at Berryville Road was also about 7 miles away. It was a long way. My goal was to get there by 11. The aid station closed at 12:45. I forgot my split time now but I remembered I was on pace compared the week before, maybe at around 10:35-10:45.
Then, I was hoping to get back to RT 28 aid station (5.5 miles) through the Seneca Creek Trail by noon. This was at mile 19. The week before, I was able to do 20 miles in 4.5 hours. So I was hoping the same this week. I think I arrived at 12:15. Not bad, a bit over my target. I did kind of stop to talk with Bruce, who will be going go to Western States this year. I was hoping to run with him today on the trail together but our pace did not match up, so he let me to run a few minutes ahead.
After the 2nd Rt aid station, the next one was at Riffleford Rd. It was about 7.5 miles using the Seneca Ridge Trail but I believe it must have been 8.5 or more. It took forever to get there. I arrived exhausted around 2:30 pm. We were an hour ahead of the cut off at the decision point. I was hoping to finish by 3 pm.
We had about 5 miles around the lake left. There I met my fellow friend Elliot from the Stone Mill and the Catoctin run. Elliot was moving strong and I was tailing him hoping to catch up. I finished a few minutes ahead of him but he started like 15 minutes late so he bested me by the bib time.
I came in a bit after 3:15 pm and I spent the rest of the afternoon cheering other runners as they finished. Bruce came in. Then Caroline came in. It was a great day. I was tired but satisfied. I stopped at Mc Donalds for some fries and chicken nuggies to celebrate, plus an shamrock shake. I have been wanting a good milk shake for a long time.
The next day, my friend Jeremy and I went back out or the lower portion at the Muddy Branch Trail and ran 10 miles out and back to the C&O Canal, to make a 20 miles day. It took us a little over 4.75 hours. The pace was a bit fast for me, but I glad I hung on (14.2 min pace).
Then on Sunday night, I added 5 more miles by walking around my neighborhood. I think I ran a total of 62 miles this week. It was quite an accomplishment and I haven’t run that much for a long time. I think usually I keep my weekly mileage to around 30-40 miles.
It was my third year going to Naked Nick, which is a low cost, usually cold weather 50k run in Leesport, PA (Blue Marsh).
Per tradition of last year (2023, 2022-no report year), we departed on Saturday, visited Baltimore for Celtic Soltice 5 mile before heading to PA. I did not run in the 5 mile because the race was sold out when I tried to sign up. It was fine. I stayed at the finish line enjoying the fire bin while my friend ran.
It was a different experience cheering someone than running in it myself. I did not like the 5 mile race in the first place because it was expensive when I ran in the previous year and it was crowded (3000+ runners). Rumor was they lower the cap this year, so it did not feel as crowded.
Also I did not like to run hard before my big race the next day. My friend did a double header. I did not mind being a spectator this time. It was like a win-win situation for me. I did not really want to run but get to cheer others. We spent the rest of the day in Baltimore, just having a time off, which something I have not done in a while.
As for Naked Nick, it was always foolish to sign up this race after my 100 miler. Still I did it, like the past three years. With a week coming off from Devil Dog 100, my legs were in no condition to run. I went in with the wait and see attitude. I had in mind to possibly drop after the first loop (which gave my friend a scare, when she did not see me on the second loop, thinking I might be hurt out on the course, but I was alright, and running ahead).
The race this year had 300+ runners, which is a big crowd of runners for a trail race. Anyway, it did not feel that crowded to me once the race got underway.
Yes, why I was doing it is curious. I think because it was hard, yet doable that got me to sign up year after year, for three years in a row now.
The race was two loops, 15 miles each, out and back with a lolipop like loop at the top, i.e., a stick and a loop at the end. The course was well flagged, though I still saw a few went the wrong way, not sure how. There is always some one who get off course. There were two aid stations, plus one at the start/finish where we could stop between the loop. We ended up having an aid stop at every 3-4 miles, which is not bad for an ultra. We can also have a drop bag at the start/finish area. I did not really use my drop bag except to stove my clothes between loops and to hold dry clothes to change into at the finish.
We had decent weather. Dry, but cold in the 20s early in the morning but the temperature warmed up to 40s by mid afternoon. No wind. It was doable for some of us to run in short sleeves and shorts. I think those are crazy. I wore a few layers and started shredding mid run, and I changed out into shorts (and it was cold) by the second loop. Then layered everything back on as evening approached (the run was 9 hours). The race is “walkable” for some as long as you build enough cushion early on. It billed as walker friendly for the 25k (the one loopers).
My first loop was about 20 minutes slower than my past years. I felt I hit the pace correctly with not many people passing me and I passed maybe less than 10 people, who later passed me back. I finished the first loop by 11:45 am (3:45 h:m). I was aiming for no less than 3 hours and no more than 4 for the first loop. Ended up more toward the 4 hours. A fellow runner (David) told me the cut off for the first loop was 12:15 pm (4:15 h:m). I had plenty of time.
Unlike past years, I was not in a hurried and knew I had enough time to finish even if I had to walk.
On my second loop, I went out with Christine and Marish. Marish said he could not run and I should run ahead of him. We chatted a bit before I took off.
We had 5 hours and 20 minutes to do about 15 miles. I reassured him he had enough time to do it. We calculated that we had to maintain a 20 minutes pace, plus 5 mins at each aid station, and still would be able to finish.
Christine was aiming for 4 pm finish (8 hr), and so was I, meaning we had 4 hours and 15 mins to do it. She and I ran on. At times, Christine would pass me. I later passed her back when I felt stronger. We chatted a bit when we were together. She usually not too far ahead or behind me.
I invited her to do Boyers Furnace in a couple week. She said, she is looking to do the Twot, another famous race in my area that I haven’t done yet, but I do know a lot about it. I found out I met Christine at the Catoctin 50k this year, when we both were waiting for her friend Tina.
I did not remember my finish time from my previous years during the run, so there was little to aim for, I thought it was 3:30 pm (7.5 hrs).
I was pacing according to how I feel. It was a mix of run and walk. My second loop took also about 3:45 (h:m), maybe 5 mins slower. It was actually maybe 25 min, since I stopped for aid station for maybe 5 mins at end of the first loop. I finished by 3:30 pm, total time of 7:30 on the course. I felt I did great. Legs were tired.
Later I checked my previous year time which was 6:45. And 2022 time was 6:40. I was about 45-50 mins slower this year.
I was feeling a little bum of not matching or nearing the last year’s time and I was significantly slower this year.
Anyway, I felt it was always good to have run. The run was great for my recovery from the 100 miler, and for that I am happy. Because, once I am recover, I could run more.
For rest of the day, I watched some people I have met on my run finishing the race. I cheered them. They came in not long after me. David from Bethlehem, PA, finished his first 50k. He was a cheerful young man. I was happy for his accomplishment. We took couple pictures together. His whole family was there to celebrate. He seemed to be able to run way faster than me, but he dialed back his pace according to his coach’s instructions.
It was a long journey home. We had some rain and snow during our drive. We had couple pit stops. I did not have to drive. I came better prepared this year with dry clean clothes to change out and food for post race. The race served hotdogs and potato soup, but I like eating my own snacks too.
I was able to change into clean warm clothes at one of the stops and was super comfortable for the rest of the way. It was also good that because I did not run too hard, I was not overly tired for the trip home.
Next up would be Boyers Furnace 40 after Christmas.
I thought I have a good sense on my ability after these last 7 years. My fastest runs all have been in the early years 2016-2018. I went into Clearwater Marathon to do a 50k with more like a vacation in mind and not expecting to set a record. It surprised me when I finished faster than I ever had before. Must be the nice weather and water.
Clearwater is a destination marathon. When I checked the entrant list out of habit to see if anyone I know, I saw there were a lot people from out of states.
It has been on my list of places to visit since couple years ago. My cousin has been there. He isn’t a runner. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Florida in the winter. I searched and found they do have a marathon. So I registered. It served for me to cross off one of the 50 states. At least that was last year plan. This was before I decided to run at Space Coast.
I did an impromptu visit to Florida over the Thanksgiving and ran the Space Coast Marathon (report). I picked Clearwater over Space Coast because it was the cheaper option (my logic, ended up doing both, the irony of instead saving money I spent twice as much). A marathon in Florida wasn’t technically needed any more. Still, I like to run as many marathons as I possibly can. It was in the pipeline, and the show must go on. Other justification was this was a last fun trip before the hard work for the 100 milers.
Clearwater was kind of my first 50k for 2024. Road marathon, that is. Now here I view 50k and marathons to be equivalent. Yes, a 50k is almost 5 miles more, i.e, 31 mile instead of 26.
I ran a 50k not long after the new year at the Mid Maryland 50k race, which was a trail race in bad weather. Also I ran Redeye 50k on New Year day. Those kind of runs did not count because rail runs are a different beast. Trail runs are almost training runs. I don’t put all my effort in it like road races. Mostly it is the pacing. Trails, I run at 15-17 (even 18-20) min a mile but road races, my speed is higher and this time at 11-12 mins per mile. Road running is what I like the most. I like the fast pace, big hype, and many people. I don’t know why I like it. I just do. All those things are what many ultra people do not like (true, UTMB Grindstone, left a bit of sand and aftertaste in my mouth). The debate of road race vs trail race can go on forever.
Clearwater Marathon was held on a sunny weekend with 65-70F on a beach. It was a worthy vacation in the middle of winter. I can’t say enough, no wonder people love to go to Florida. Back home for me was still cold and in near freezing temp. Two different worlds.
My mom chose to come along. I don’t mind. I did want her to come along. Trips are better when they are shared to have someone to witness my performance and fun. However, I have gotten used to traveling alone, so having an extra guest kind of change the dynamic.
My trip started with a lot of rough spots and mishaps, though many were out of our control. First was the last minute need to go back to my house for my ID card (because I wouldn’t be able to board the plane without one). I didn’t plan to take the day off work, but situation forced me to leave my work early.
Then I had to pick up my mom, which was not on my agenda. She was going to meet me at the airport originally but some complication came up, too long to share. My mom always wants to do thing her way. She had arranged without my knowing, my transportation by asking my cousin for a ride for me! It was quite convoluted, in that I had to drive to such and such place, leave my car, etc, meeting her, wait for my cousin. Also on the way back, I would have to find a ride to my car etc. It is like 9-10 steps to get one thing done. At the time, we were expecting a snow storm on our return. I wouldn’t like planning things depending on contingency, like what if we won’t make it back in time. In our area, with snow, all plans are off. And indeed, we couldn’t make it back. Why don’t I just meet her directly at the airport, just one step. I can get myself to the airport just fine as I have done so on many of my trips. I don’t need my travel plan to get more complicated involving myself with everyone in my family and hers. Then the argument became, if I can get to the airport so easily, why don’t I go pick her up too. But she lives literally next to the airport. The drama. The planning differences between someone who flies once every 10 years versus one who does it 10 times a year.
It changed my travel plan a bit from taking the rail to driving and parking at the airport. It ended up being a better plan to have a car instead of taking the train, because I went straight into work once I came back. Having a car at the airport was nice (I could also leave my car at work). The cost was about the same (I got a discount for parking at the airport).
At the airport, the airport’s internal rail to our departing gate (concourse) was not available. We were not sure what happened, nor did the staff. No announcement was made. They must have taken one of the trains offline or trains were required single tracking (sharing the same rail going both direction). We waited on a crowded platform for 30-45 minutes at the busiest time with no train appeared going to C Gate and it brought undue stress for my travel companion whether we should walk or continue to wait for the train. A side comment, after being in many other airports, our airport at IAD is a bit over complicated and over-engineered. It also lack of signs and such of where and how you need to go if things go wrong, this time, train was not working. Taking the train was the main (and only) way to go from Gate (concourse) to Gate (concourse). And hmm, the planner never expected the train to not being available.
The train did come, and it was packed already. People were smart to take the train to B Gate then rode it back to C — which might seem logical but not, because the line is is not linear, anyway, they were smart in beating the crowd. Don’t ask why B Gate is in the opposite direction as C and our location we were at was not A but T, which is in the middle between B and C, yes Dulles is confusing; the staff told everyone not to board for B Gate train because it was going the other way, however, many did and ignored the staff. Luckily, we managed to squeezed in and we got to our gate just in time for boarding. The parking and train delay used up our two hours we planned to be at the airport. I was planning to work remotely at the airport as I had done in past trips. Not this time. We barely made it to our departing gate. I don’t usually use gate C either, being I don’t usually take this particular airline. I did it this time because it was the cheapest direct flight. When it comes down to traveling on 3-4 major airlines, there is not much choices. Each airline like cable companies carved up routes where they have a monopoly over. My opinion, air traveling is dreadful, yet the only way. (I heard stories of those making 3-4 connections to get to a place, such as my Idaho trip).
We arrived late Friday night in Florida (when all settled, it was past midnight). The car rental was a breeze though, because we got into line before the crowd showed up, but I was given an electrical car, which I did not want due to lack of charging stations available and the time (7 hours) required to charge it before returning it. I did not want to complain too much seeing the long line and took what they gave me. I know I could “upgrade” or change or cancel my reservation and pick a different car, but it was late and I wanted to get to bed as soon as possible because we would have to be up before 5 for my 5k in Saturday. I was grumpy because my trip started out since noon, and I missed both real lunch and dinner. A couple hour trip has turned into a 12 hour ordeal (yes, first world problem). All the while, back of my mind, I needed to sleep. I have been training my body to shut off around 8 pm. I was cranky by now because it was way past my bedtime.
It also added extra burden to learn how to drive an electrical vehicle. It was not hard, but took me time to google how to turn on/off the car. There was no on/off button like I expected. Basically, step on the pedal and go. There is the little shifter thing but it has only three positions (not marked) forward for reverse, shifting back to drive. No one cares about neutral, unless of course your car breaks down and it needs to be pushed. There is a button for park on the side. You could go directly into park from either the forward/reverse mode. I was playing with the thing since it was so simple to me and didn’t know I had it on reverse, so when I let go the pedal, my car accelerated backward. I thought pushing the stick forward was to start the engine or go forward. Yes stupid me of not reading. Polestar was aiming for the minimalist look and feel, so instructions and words are few. Luckily, no one or car or pillar behind the car. The car was okay. I had a scare. I quickly, changed direction and headed out the lot. A fun learning experience. This is like in a movie. Comical at best.
Our hotel was satisfactory. It was one of the cheaper ones but it was along the race course. Ideally, my mom could wait for me there while I run. I would go by it twice during my race. Ideally, but things never work out like that. It was only a mile from the start and finish. However, the plan fell through due to my mom unable to get to the finish line on her own, so she had to come with me at the start of the race and waited, so much for the hotel.
I needed the walk and training for my hundred mile while on the trip. By training, I chose to walk to most places because most places were quite close and I did not want to pay for parking. My mom walked along with me but however, due to her footwear choice of wearing sandals, she got blisters early on (first couple minutes into the trip). I told her to go back to the hotel to change shoes, but she wasn’t sure she could find me again, so she stayed close to me. I was not going to go back with her. I got a race to do.
By Saturday, I had to sleep early for my Sunday race. I slept well, but my mom was up and about. She blamed the coffee that kept her up at night but I think it was her being on the phone the whole evening. She got very excited when she talked with her friends. For me, I needed my sleep.
She also did not bring enough warm clothing. The weather was not hot as she expected but got windy and “cold” in the 50s. It was 45F in Atlanta during our layover. By any measure, it got chilly on Sunday even down in Florida.
Her wellbeing became my another thing I needed to check off. It was not a game stopping moment but issues like these put a damper on the trip (things like not getting enough sleep, not wearing the right clothes or shoes or bringing an ID or whether she has her medications). I felt like taking care an adult child. I don’t check these things unless it is taking a newbie on a backpacking, where safety issue comes into play, even then, everyone is on their own if one chooses to bring less things. It must have been so long since I had a trip with my mom.
Even toward the end of our trip, we ran into issues. We ended up being stranded in Atlanta after not being able to make our connection flight due to our earlier flight being delayed nearly an hour. We might have made our connection (with only 5 minutes for the transfer) but I went to the wrong gate previously shown on my phone/pass (they didn’t expect me making it, so it was already changed; I thought I could beat the system by going there anyway), which did not help. Delta gave us vouchers for hotel and food. It was not bad, but we were separated from our luggages. Our luggages made it onto the plane and arrived safely home (Delta held our bags for us; and we were grateful), but we were left behind in Atlanta.
There were also major oopsies trying to get to the hotel in Atlanta during our layover with many other stranded travelers like us. There were two hotels having the same name (they are different tier) and my taxi driver took us to the wrong one somehow assuming we were rich people (what, is it because we took a cab rather than wait for the shuttle?)! We were not aware of it until at the check-in counter. My mom said I was scammed. The receptionist told us to wait for the shuttle, which might take us to the other hotel. I thought not. I decided to call an Uber to get us to the correct hotel. I guess, I should have gone with Uber instead of the airport taxi to avoid such mistake. Only good thing was we beat the other hotel shuttle van, which carried all other stranded travelers. The hotel shuttle only runs once every half hour (we did wait almost that long but it seemed never came). We had our room first. It was near midnight by the time we had everything settled down. Things like these made me angry, but I swallowed my pride and rode it out. By then it was the third day of having very little sleep.
We did not even talk about the TSA. Yes, Unlucky me. I was stopped by the TSA. It delayed me at least for 30 minutes when normally takes only a minute for me to get through. I had to be checked like 5 times. The first time, they said I was a pre-check passenger so they waved me through (I had to hold a sign so that people knows I was a pre-check; weird that I was the only pre check there, and maybe because I was the only one), but I think my laptop was causing an issue. I think some areas, like in the South, there is a deep distrust of the federal government, so people do not use the pre check program. They needed me to go back to be rescanned along with everything. I took off my shoes, my jacket, my hoodies, everything they wanted. I don’t mind. I’ve been through three airports on this trip and each airport TSA procedures were a bit different, but yes, I knew carrying less is better, clothes, shoes, belts, no papers or phone in pockets. Funny, they said I was not listening to their instructions because I started to take off my shoes. There was absolutely nothing on me. The guard had no clue what was setting off the alarm. It was flagged by probably people in the backroom. They couldn’t find anything. I think because my bag also used for backpacking and has been to many places, so it might have picked chemicals like propane that might trigger the sensor, but nobody knew. Yes, I had a water bottle too I forgot to empty. 5 times I had to go back through the security! The thing is each time they had to search my bag again and scanned with their special x-ray machine and made me stand aside waiting. Each time they needed a different person to check. Each time, I had to request permission to let me back out through their special gate (they said I had to go back out and I can’t just walk back through the medal detector, which makes sense to have one-way direction to avoid confusion of who being checked) and I had to cut back in line with everyone staring at me. Note, I couldn’t touch my bag. They handled it. They tried placing in different direction (somehow orientation matters). Five times, so almost all its 6 sides were scanned. They didn’t put it upside down. Each time, I was flagged again to step aside. Each time, the guards there acted like they never seen me before. I was ready to do a full body pat down, which they did. Luckily, they did not say they wanted a further interview me, they did ask where I was going and who I was traveling with, and my flight number, which are routine questions. You know you must be in deep doodo. I could not think of why I was stopped. Must be the Florida water. It was all part of the procedures. Why 5 times, my best guess was the machine malfunctioned. Yes, I hate traveling. Insanity is to do the same thing over and over and expect a different outcome. They could have said, I need to bagcheck it because it wouldn’t pass their sensor.
It seemed like I was just complaining a lot but like running an ultra, when I set my mind to run my race, no matters the costs or problems, I will accomplish my goal. So I pressed forward relentlessly getting past all unexpected things that always crop up. Only this time, there were more issues than normal.
I ran my race and got it done. I got myself back home to prove I did it. I was angry. The trip was exhausting for me and was many ways different from my trips in the past. It was no holiday for me. Each thing was not much, but thousand things, I was dead by a thousand cuts.
As for my run itself, I enjoyed it a whole lot. I arrived a day early so, I could run a 5k on Saturday and to check the marathon course beforehand. Sunday was the main event.
The race organization was good. It was in tip top shape like many of my races. The police and course volunteers were plenty. The course was well marked with cones. Almost every block had volunteers. Aid stations were about a mile or two apart. I did not need them but it was good that they were there. People were friendly. Only one thing that could be average was they had to reopen the road at 1:30 pm. It was enough time for me to finish a marathon, but for some people, 6.5 hours is not enough time. (Space Coast kept theirs open for 7 or more hours, I believed the last guy finish at 8 hours — officially 7 hr course but unofficially 8 hr). No such thing here. I left about 2 pm when everyone too left. The last guy came in at 7 hours (30 mins after closing).
The double loop course made things easier. We ran two loops. I think looped marathon courses are kind of boring to run. It does have the benefit of not getting lost and to go a bit faster on the second loop. I did not go faster on my second loop though.
The half marathoners were with us on the first loop. There were plenty things to see. I did not talk to anyone but #40, he said his name is Deco but I couldn’t him on the finisher list. He did finish though. Reason I mention is for trail races, we like to know who we are running with, but road marathons, people usually don’t talk. It is two different culture. The competition is more intense. There was a half marathoner who tried to race with me, and she did beat me at the last mile. She was with me for at least 10 miles. I tried to engage her in conversation, but she had her earbuds on. I was ignored. Yet, I was aware she was next to me, running side by by side. I ran hard. So because of that I got exhausted before halfway.
I did start off faster than I knew was wise. We crossed over three bridges. Those were the tougher sections.
We started at Sand Key Park. There were plenty of parkings. Race started at 7:00 but we were there by 6:00. We ran to Clearwater Beach (on the road, mostly main road). Then we were moved to a wide sidewalk/bike lane around mile 3-4. We crossed over to mainland. From there we entered some residental areas. We passed by a golf course. Basically running in a big rectangular shape on the map and we crossed another bridge to get back to Sand Key Park.
As with most races once the half marathoners left us, it was very lonely. I hit my wall early around mile 13-14 to my surprise (normally I don’t until mile 21-23).
There were about 1000+ half marathoners but only maybe 300-400 marathoners. The ultra runners were even fewer, about 100 of us. So the course felt a lot empty after the half marathoners left us. There were a few marathoners and ultra (50k runners) around me but everyone was far apart. Unlike before, there was no more running elbow to elbow. It really cut any chance of a conversation.
I have been in the rut before so I knew I just had to keep moving regardless if people were passing me and leaving me behind. Aid stations were about every couple miles apart. I persisted to go from aid station to aid station. I did not use aid stations much on my first loop since I carried my hydration pack. On the second loop though, stopping at the aid stations gave me a target to get to. Soon I got back into my running pace by mile 15 and 16. As an ultra runner, I learned to set mental goals, such as reaching the next bridge or the next aid station. No matter how long or far, you just have to pull yourself together. You just got to do it over and over again. It is a mental thing.
I was able to catch back up with some runners now. I also know there would be many new runners and they would too hit their walls for the first time in their life. Pretty soon I saw a few started walking. This was still early, not yet at mile 20 when majority of people would start dropping into a walk. I urged those not to give up. I was surging forward.
At mile 17, the 50k runners (myself included) we had a 5 mile section spur of an out and back (2.5 miles out and 2.5 miles back) and we were separated from the marathoners. I knew, it would put me an hour behind the marathoners by the time I rejoined their course. This also was my second low point because we were leaving all the familiar people around us.
I knew I had to do it, to make this trek. I signed up for a 50k so this was my race and my course. Luckily, once I made the turn, I was with many 50k runners. There were at least a 100 of us. It was a surprise to me because for the past couple hours, it was hard to find any ultra runners and suddenly everyone I saw was an ultra runner. It was an out and back, so on my way out I could see the faster runners already on their way back and after the turn around I could see the slower runners who were behind me. I was not so lonely after all. It was in about 40th place, mid pack, dropped to 46th after the official result released. We all gave each other encouragements when we passed because we know how boring the out and back course could be. This cheered me up considerably when I saw people, especially those who were struggling, making myself feel lucky that I was still running. I started to feel my pace was not bad. At the time, I did not know I was running at my personal best. It was just natural. I was not straining. It did not feel like a record breaking run. Runners call this finding the flow. I was swimming in the current.
I regained my momentum on the way back after rejoining the marathoners. I did not feel extremely tired as before and I was moving. I took some gummies that were available at one of the aid stations and swallowed down some Gatorade. My fastest 50k run was a little shy of 6 hours at the Marine Corps Marathon (around 5:56 time). I was not certain I could beat that, since I have been much slower recently since October of last year.
As I rejoined back the marathon course, I saw an official pacer ahead. I was not sure what pace she was pacing, since she reached already at the end of the street (maybe 100-200 yards away – 300 meters).
I asked the aid station volunteers what pace she was running but they seemed not to understand my question. I asked a few other volunteers too, none of them know or understood me or they were ignoring me. I did not want to waste too much time at the station. It was late in the day (for they probably were out there for 4-5 hours) and volunteers were tired. Unlike volunteers at ultra events who are usually knowledgeable and ready to help, these volunteers were only there to pour water for us and probably hoped their shift would end soon. They felt they had down their job with all the cups available on the table and I was ignored. Maybe I surprised them as the only runner who needed more than water. Only way for me to find out what pace the pacer is pacing was to catch up to her. It gave me the motivation to keep the pacer in my sight.
Less than a mile later, I caught up. She was the 6 hour pacer. I knew if I stay in front of her, I would get my 6 hour 50k finish and likely PR (setting a personal record). I told her how helpful she has been for me to have her as a target. Even though, I did not run with her at the beginning (since I was doing an ultra and ran faster than marathon crowd, but having her at the end helped; note, 50k people did not have pacers; some races do, but not here), but in my mind I was expecting the 6 hour marathon pacer to be around once I rejoined the course. My goal has been to keep the pacer in sight.
Funny, I did not see the 5:45 pacer. Probably there was not any 5:45 pacer. Maybe I did but did not remember. Somehow now that I was on the marathon course again, I was catching up the marathoners. Ultra runners were moving much faster compared to the remaining marathoners. Most 6 hour marathoners were either walking or doing walk and run. For me, I got a second wind and I was running. It felt good to show off. Soon there was only 5 miles left. I sent my mom a message to let her know I am expected to arrive on time. It was 11:50, and I had only 4 miles left. In my mind, I know I could reach the finish in an hour.
Then there were 2 miles left. The resorts and condos near the start came into view. I started to see many more runners, because many were moving slower, but I was moving faster. Everyone was like 3 ft to 10 yard apart. I continued to catch up to people closing the gap on many. I finished at 5:39 (race clock, bib time was 5:37). I was just happy to get it done and set a personal 50k record while at it. It was 14 minutes faster than my previous record. Not earth shattering fast for a 50k, but it is 30 seconds faster per mile. I ran at a 11 min pace. I know there is still room for improvement. I take it and PR is a good thing. Note, a 12 min mile pace is my normal pace. It felt good to run fast. Of course, I would like to do it in 9 min or 10 min, because in an ultra, that translates to hours or more of early finishes. In a race, every second count!
Unrelated. After I just finished the race, a running friend texted me that I got into Wasatch 100 on lottery! He was the same guy who first told me about my entry to Western States, a bearer of good news. The drawing was the day before but they did not post the entrant list until Sunday. I was following the lottery but they had computer issues, so we did not know the results until Sunday. Not many people were aware of me getting into Wasatch than Western States.
What this means, it is a grand slam (to do 4 of 5 historically prestigious races in a sunmer; I got into 3 so far) minus Vermont! I am on the waiting list for Vermont 100. Come on Vermont! Let me in. A friend said I should write to the RD to petition for an entry (they do have provision tickets available for grand slamers, however, I did not select it during the initial signup). I rather try my “luck”. I am 73rd on the waiting list at the moment. My chance to get in is not that great but there is a chance. We still have 4 more months before panicking. If I get in, that would be great, if not, I won’t cry over it.
Also unrelated, I had a EV rental car, believe to be a Polestar 2. It drove fine but finding a charging station and charging it to the full 100% was impossible. We did find an EV charging station in an empty office building parking lot across from the Buccaneers stadium, and it was cool I got to see the Stadium as a side trip. The office parking was secluded (dark) and kind of creepy to stay there to charge the car. We felt like trespassers. We charged it for 2 hours and it got it from 75% to 87%, which was good enough if it was my personal car, however, our rental agreement required it to be at 100%. It probably would take another 3-4 hours to get it to 100%. I had to pay a surcharge for returning it less than a full charge. The fee was almost as much as my rental. Yes, my rental cost was quite low, cheaper than hiring an Uber. I was not happy nonetheless. I wouldn’t want an EV again but the experience of driving an EV the first time was well worth it.
Conclusion: We encountered a host of minor annoyances on this trip, but we were blessed with the warmer weather compared to back at home. Be thankful. We (I) had fun running my race and setting a personal record. I have been a slow runner, so it not typical for me to do a marathon and break a record. I take that gladly when it happens. Clearwater is definitely a destination marathon. I recommend it. I would go back if not for the other 35-36 more states I want to visit.
With my 100 mile races getting in the way soon this year, doing marathons would have to wait a bit till next year or later. There is at least one more marathon this year (Delaware in May). Clearwater definitely was a time to be treasured and remembered.
It was my first race of the new year. I was having racing fatique or hangover from last year. I am sure readers are too when almost every post is a race report. I was not going to sign up, sometimes it just a bit overwhelming to have a race or event every week.
In the end couple reasons got me to sign up. First, a race is always a good training run because I usually run at my best in a race.
Couple of people I know would be there. I drove up with Caroline who introduced me to her friend who finished Western States 10 times. I knew Tom Green would be there, but whether I could talk to him was unknown. My friend had a high certainty I would. There are many good runners in our area (or club) but actually to be able to talk to one is kind of hard. He is no just anyone, but a living legend.
The race started on time. We expected snow, rain, and heavy rain. They all came pretty much on schedule. We were dumped with a lot of precipitation.
The course was 6 loops, 5 miles-ish each and would give us 31 miles.
I ran as I normally would. I carried a heavy water pack. I didn’t mind. I normally drink it all without having to refill it. I dressed warmly, and purposefully overdressed for the occasion. I had a rain cover on me, a fleece, and an outer winter coat. I also brought some hand warmers and one time use rain poncho. I planned to use an umbrella too, so I had it in the car at the ready.
We arrived early and got a parking spot right in front of the start/finish pavillion. This came in handy because at each loop, I could go back to the car for my stuff and it served as my own aid station. I was not planning to use it, but since it is right there, I could if I wanted to. Many people set up tents and tables for their relay teams or their runners in the grassy area. It reminded me of Rocky Raccoon or Pemberton 24, races I did, that more like a camping trip. I did not have to set up my tent, though I had it in the car.
First loop was fine. We had the best weather of the day. You could even see the blue sky through the clouds on occassions. We knew it will snow soon though. I ran with Lynne, a friend who came down from New York. Boris too, I think I met him before. He is a triathlon guy. So he took off a bit faster. Another guy I knew from a previous race (Naked Nick and Rock-n the Knob), Paul, was even farther ahead. Based on their estimated finishing times, I wanted to be between Lynne and Paul. I looked at everyone’s predicted finishing time before the run, so I had a general sense who to follow.
After the first loop I was hot. I did not want to ditch my jacket though. Not because I would need it again, but I felt I need to learn to run when I feel hot. I think I kept it on for the second loop.
I finished loop one in 1:03. It was not fast nor slow. My goal was to maintain the pace if possible and it would be 6:18 ish finishing. My predicted finishing time was 6:00 h but I knew it was tough to reach because the course had a bit of hills.
Loop 2, I tried to keep up with Adeline, another runner, I met before, at OSS/CIA last year. She led me through the loop but I could not stay on her pace. I finished around 1:05 h as my split.
Loop 3, Not sure if it started to snow now. I think I caught up to Paul. He did not seem to doing so well. He carried a heavy pack for some reason, like me. Since it is just a 5 mile loop, we didn’t really need that much water. I carried mine just to be used to the weight as a training. I was not wearing trail shoes either, mine broke and I haven’t replaced them. The ground started getting a bit slipery.
Loop 4. Now we are more than 15 miles in. Snow had changed to rain. It was a good thing I stopped by my car to get a rain poncho. I assumed the one I brought was a winter one, but it happened to have short sleeves. It would do. Only my arms got wet. I also probably got rid of my winter coat by end of the 2nd loop. I was a bit cold now without my coat. The rain poncho though trapped heat well. It ended up balancing. I walked mostly. The Runner’s wall had set in.
Loop 5. I don’t remember much about this loop. I met couple people.
There were a long train of runners behind me. Some passed me. Melisa from the Boyers Furnace Run was behind me. I did not know that at the time but I heard a loud crash and so I turned around to look. There she was on the ground. Her friend and I went and got her back to her feet. The trail now was slick with wet mud. She stepped on one of patches and slided off. I recognized her as the birthday girl from Boyers run a week before. She did her first ultra on her birthday and now she was here to do it again. We finished the loop together. I was not sure my split for this loop because I did not check the time on Loop 3. I believed I came in at 5:25, meaning I was still hanging onto my pace.
and finally Loop 6. Last loop. If Loop 4 was hard, Loop 5 was when heaven opened. Rain poured down hard now. I stopped by my car to get my umbrella. I probably the only one who ran with one. I figured, I likely would walk more than run. Carrying an umbrella would keep my upper body dry at least. Little did I know my hand would be freezing and the umbella get heavier with each mile. There were less people on the trail now. Many had finished already. My goal was if I could to pass my friend Caroline. I believed based on Naked Nick’s pace (our last race together a month ago), I would gain about 5 miles on her by then, but she was no where in sight. I was really hoping to catch her and possibly Lynne. Though at the time I expected Lynne to be maybe 15 mins behind me based on her last year finishing time.
I started to run again even with an umbrella. I passed a few people. Winds were blowing strong. Some commented they wish they had an umbrella. The trail started to be flooded. At first I tried to avoid the water, but then it was unavoidable. I stepped through it. It was quite a joy. My feet were icy cold. To me, it made me run even faster. In my mind I was flying through the trail. It was slippery. I skided from left and right. Soon there was only a mile left. Caroline was still not in sight. I felt disappointed but then I knew, she must need plenty of time for her last loop then because by then it was closer to 6:30 (2:30 pm) otherwise she would not be able to finish, so it was good I did not catch her. I came in at 6:37 h (2:37 pm).
I waited a bit (10 mins) to see if Lynne was behind me after I crossed the finish. I was getting cold so I made my way to the car. It was too cold that day to wait for friends and runners. We joked about being selfish when it comes to our comfort. I haven’t eaten much that day so I knew I was behind on my calories. I had snacks in the car so it relieved a bit of the hunger pain. Rain came down hard then. I was glad I was back in the car. I had warm clothes and everything. We called it a day and headed home. I got treated to a nice meal too.
Caroline ran strong that day and finished the loop 20 minutes ahead before I came in. In an ideal condition, she would be able to do the 6th loop. I would not have caught her given my pace that day. It seemed the umbrella did slow me down on the last loop. I did the loop in 1:12 h. So, even if I ran the last loop in 1:03 or 1:05 time, I still would not have caught up. I would have to run under 52 mins, not an impossible pace, but a very fast 10 min mile (my 5k pace) on tired feet and hilly terrains to catch up. I was running a 14 min pace that day. The gap was too huge to overcome. Putting it down here, so next year, if I get to run this course again, I would try to reach under 1 hour per loop, possibly aiming for that 52 min on the last loop. Set high goal they say. Until next year.
Naked Nick 50k is a race I wanted to do for maybe the past four years (actually, not this race but a related race by the same organization, which now no longer available, long story of how come I ended up as Naked Nick), and I finally ran it last year.
Of course, last year, I just finished the Devil Dog 100 and I was not ready to run it. I thought I haven’t truly tested the course. So this year, I at least had two weeks of break after running the Devil Dog.
The day before Naked Nick, my friend urged me to run the Celtic Soltice 5 miler on Saturday. It was a race she was enthusiastic about because of the wolfhounds and about visiting Bethlehem and how we would then carpool together to PA. It would be all so good.
For me running a 5 mile and having to travel hundred miles to Baltimore was not that appealing, petting wolfhounds or not. It was also a winter race, plus, it is a day before the big race. Its entry fee was a bit steep (but I didn’t have to pay for it). Woohoo, my first “sponsored” race! I asked them if I could get sponsored for all my 2024 races as well. Anyway, we had good swag and a lot better finisher food (unlimited wine, beer, soup, celtic cookies, plus the usual snacks and water). There also a few local clubs and if you were able to convince them that you are part of their club, you get free food from them too! I think it was worth the high price.
We had a warm sunny day. The temperature started around 40s F and rose to 60s F (15C). It was quite a warm day for a run. We still wore a jacket before the start. I dressed in layers and got rid one by one, but then it got cold because the long wait because we got there early by six and we had to go back to the car for more layers. I loved the dumpter fires they had going on. The fire flakes burned holes in my new puffy jacket 😦
I haven’t done shorter distance in a while, so it took me a bit of time to adjust to the higher tempo pace. I put up a little over 9 min pace (9:12 – ish), which is slow for my standard, but for that day considered fast because of all the ultras I have been running. My legs had not done such fast pace recently. I finished in about 47 minutes.
It felt good to run fast and a 5 mile is a good distance of not too short and not too long. The course too was a bit hilly and that worked in my favor because I like hills to train on. My lung was strong. My legs though, should have moved faster. They were not tired but they just could not pump out the energy fast enough. I just was not trained for the faster turn over. They were strong but slow. They were perfect for hilly course.
Then the very next day was Naked Nike 50k in Leesport, PA. It was about three hours away. We were blessed with warmer temperature and the rain held off until 4 pm, so I was dry during my run.
It was two loops. I thought I did better than last year. My feet were stronger and healthy. My lung was good, being tested to the max at Celtic Solstice and survived. I felt I could have finished a bit faster. Last year, I felt I ran too fast on the first loop and had to struggle on the second.
This year, I finished the first loop in 3:30 and the second loop in 3:15. It was the golden reverse split most runners chased after. However, last year I had a faster overall time of 6:39. The official result has not been posted, but I felt I came in a few minutes after 6:39, maybe at 6:42, I forgot to look at my watch when I came in but by the time I checked, it was 6:45 (2:45 pm). I was puzzled why I was slower this year. I might have ran the flat section a bit too slow, since I haven’t done speed training lately, and it showed.
The course was hilly as well, but I ran all the uphills except one that was very steep. This wass right in my alley. I have strong feet. I just did the Devil Dog, so my legs were still strong. Climbing was not an issue. Downhills though, I was a bit afraid. Maybe I did not attack the downhill as agressively as before. My time was a few minutes slower. I can’t wait for the official result to be posted (6:45:01). Anyway, I was hoping for a significant improvement like 15 minutes or more, but it came down to be about the same.
As for the race itself, the atmosphere was festive. I met a few new friends and reconnected with some older ones. I met Jana halfway through the course. She was first to spot me at the first aid station. This year, I did not wait for her, though she caught up and stayed behind me for the remaining first loop. I helped her retying her shoes.
I had fun out on the course. I ran at my own pace, chasing a few runners from tine to time. Generally I was by myself. I saw the midpack came in (5 hours people) as I was still outbounding. I was no where near them. There were times I was wondering if I was too slow because I was alone fot a long time on my second loop. I passed some of the people who started me. Halfway through the second loop, I started catching up to a few more runners. It was pretty uneventful. There was a 28 year old lady, who gained on me the last few miles after I passed her, but each time she dropped back for being out of breath. I thought she would stay with her husband/boyfriend. She left her friends and kept my pace. We finished almost neck to neck. I did offer to pace her, but she did not seem interested, but instead tried to overtake me. Many times, I thought she would succeed and begone, but our pace ended up being even. I don’t think she likes me much after we finished together.
Because I finished couple hours before my friend Caroline, I could enjoy the food and all the hot dogs and soup. I talked with runners, whom many I passed during the race. Time flew by. Soon it was near closing. I saw many slower finishers, 7 hours, and 8 hours. By 4:20 pm, I decided to walk out a bit to check for Caroline. I saw her not too far away around 4:30 pm, maybe about half a mile out. Just a bit from the park entrance. She made it in by 4:45 as the last runner.
For me the benefit of returning to this was the familarity of the course. Another reason, I thought I could run it faster. I thought I did not put effort into it last year and this year, I truly was gunning for it this time. In all phases of the race, I thought I was ahead of the game. I passed Jana earlier than expected. I passed Caroline too earlier than I was expected. All the markers I used to judge my pace, I felt I was good. It came as a surprise when I did not finish any faster than last year. I kept asking myself, what did I do last year to make me gained 6 minutes faster! Maybe my memory was faulty. I would need to check back on my last year report (I just checked, I didn’t write one for some reason). So I guess my memory of last year event was faulty.
Conclusion, Naked Nick 50 was well worth the cost. For $39, it truly lives up to its name of being low frill and high enjoyment. The aid stations were actually quite good. There is no medals or shirts though, and for some this is a deal breaker.
Just before the start, we listened to final instructions. I liked to stay in the back and tried to see how many people I could pass. The first couple miles self sorted out the pack.
Last time I ran Eastern Divide was in 2019 (report). It probably would be interesting to look back. I will do it maybe after this post goes live.
The race captured my imagination the first time I did it. At the time, this was a hard race. I finished in 6:54 h and I thought I was slow because in a previous 50K I did it under 6 hours.
The race used to be in June. I was a new comer then in the ultra racing and in the trail running world. I did my first 50K in December 2018 at First Landing State Park and I wanted more. Eastern Divide was that next step due to elevation of the course.
I remembered it being hilly. I liked the point to point aspect of the course. It makes me feel I was going somewhere. The scenery too is amazing, both summer and fall have their own beauty.
This year the race was moved to the fall. The atmosphere was different. There were less runners running this time than before. Maybe because it is colder and also fall has too many choices in term of racing. For me, this race was in conflict with 3 or 4 other events I want to do. One was the Rim to River 100.
We used to be have total participants near capacity of 200 people. Now it was about 70 runners. Being in the fall means cooler temperature. It was actually cold for me.
I was just recovered from a virus or head cold and was not really ready to run it. In normal time, I am afraid being cold. That day, it was very cold for me because I was weaker. I put on plenty of layers.
I stayed in Beckley West Virginia the night prior, due to I need to get back there (actually to Fayetteville) after the race. It was about two hours away.
So I got up around three in the morning and got to the race around 5 AM. Because it is a point to point, we were told to meet at the finish at Mountain Lake (Tree Top Adventure Course, which was a mile up from the Mountain Lake Resort) and be shuttled to the start. Note, in a former year I ended up at the resort, but luckily someone led me to the correct place. Note, the instructions of where to go were very clear on the race website, it was on my part I did not read them carefully that year. We had to be on time because the last bus would leave at 6:30. The race was at 7:30.
As you can tell, this race has these minor particulars that if not followed, as a runner you will be screwed. You might be disqualified or missed the start and so forth. Following their instructions is important. It is not hard, but every year there bound to be someone like me, who skims through stuff and misses pertinent information.
There were parkings available at the start but not for runners due to race permit requirements. We could be dropped off at the start, but as a runner, we could not leave our cars there, since the park wants the spots to be for park visitors. RD said, every year, there is someone who did not read the instructions and would be surprised by this.
This year I was the second person arrived, the race director Steve being the first. He had marked the course, set up cones and signs leading to the parking.
I was surprised to see him already there. I thought I had time to catch some sleep before anyone shows up. He told me where to park. I parked. I had my brief breakfast, used the bathroom, and settled in. I seeing him standing alone out in the parking lot, so I joined him and we talked.
I have done a few of his races since 2019. I did all of them you can say. Old Glory (report) was next race I tried and that was his hardest. His races have a progression. High Bridge 50K (report) being the easiest due to it being on a flat course. Eastern Divide is in the middle. It is mostly on roads with some trails and country/forest roads. Then there is the Lake Ridge at Lake Claytor (report). It is a timed loop course, where a runner chooses to run either 6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours. I love Lake Ridge the best and have been at every single one but the corona year.
As we waited, soon the buses arrived. Some volunteers showed up. Runners showed up as well. Steve left to show the bus drivers where to park. I was left to direct traffic into the lot. Initially, I panicked that I might misguide people. Runners are smart. They soon figured out where to park by following one after another. We made an informal parking lot out of the back of a farm.
As it was time to leave, I gathered my stuff. It would be a one way trip, so I had to decide what to bring along and what to leave behind in my car. I needed my water pack, my running shoes. I changed into clothes I think I needed. The base layer stayed on me but I was switching my outer and mid layer. I had a buff and gloves. I don’t remember if I ran in shorts or long pants. Likely I kept my long pants on with shorts underneath.
I was excited. I got on the bus with 20 other people. I think the other half would meet us at the start. Not everyone used the bus. The RD said every year, there would be someone arriving late. So he had two buses. The first bus left on time. The second bus was to catch those arriving late.
The bus ride only took about half an hour. It took us into the the Appalachian, to Cascades Fall. It is supposed to be the lowest point of the course and we would run back out from there to Mountain Lake. Yes, several thousand feet of climbing. I think 4-5 thousand for the whole race. I don’t have the exact number. I am sure it is on the website. It is a lot of elevation gain. Many runners did not realize they are climbing from the valley to the mountain top.
I did not pick up my bib the day before, so I had to pick up that morning at the start. I was nervous of being late and not getting a bib and could not run. It worked out. We got to the start as the sun was about to rise. It was still dark but the sun would rise within half an hour. We did not need a headlamp to run but it was good to have one in the early hours before the race such as using it in the bathroom. The bathroom was the warmest place. Maybe one or two would try to stay warm in there, but the rest of us, we braved the cold outside.
Kim the co-race director gave us her briefing. I don’t remember what was said. We walked down to the trailhead by the creek, then she counted down and we went.
I was not feeling well even early on and slowly became the back of the pack. I stayed in front of a lady and so avoid being the last runner. Slowly, I caught up a few others. I knew my pace was not good. I was probably 7-8 from the rear. Each time I passed someone I would keep the count in my head.
About a mile in, we reached the fall. This was one of those places to take picture. The fall sight is different from summer when I first ran this. We took a series of stairs to get up.
In this race, there is an award to be the fastest male and female to reach the ridge, I think abour 4-5 miles in. at the first aid atation. Our race director would be there waiting for us.
I know I wouldn’t be first to get to the top but I had to try. Climbing is my strong point. I was able to pass couple people. One guy said he remembered seeing me before. We chatted and I found out he was from NC so he probably saw me at the Iron Mountain 50 Mile. He agreed.
After reaching the Aid Station, we got on a jeep road. For the rest 20 miles or so we were on one road after another. There was no car driving on it but it was hunting season so occasionally we saw hunters or their cars on the side of the road.
I was behind a woman. Sometimes I passed her other times she caught up and passed me. I don’t remember her name, but she said she came here with several friends and they talked her into running this. Her friend though dropped down to run the 8 mile instead of the 50K. Later her friend came out to pace and we found out she won first place for female. She was being humble saying she won by technicality because the initially first place runner made a wrong turn got lost at the last few miles and so she won without realizing. A win is a win.
We were descending from Butt Mountain and we were heading toward civilization. We reached a small town or could be an area with some camping cabins. Then we made a long climb up to Wind Rock. It was past noon now. Carrie’s friends came out and met us saying we just have a few more miles to go. They urged us on to make the 1:30 (6 hour) cut off.
I was hoping I would not make the cutoff so I couls go back into my car. The cutoff was near where we parked at the finish. I said if I could see my car, I would not want to continue. Fortunately, Carrie’s Friends said we would not see our car before we make the turn into the woods to an aid station (AS4).
Our race director Steve was waiting us there (again). I think I was cutting close to the cutoff. RD Steve said it is up to me to quit or continue, he would not sway me one way or the other. We still had about 10K left and this part is the “fun” part around Mountain Lake. Indeed I like this the best out of the entire course. It was challenging in term of path finding and foot work.
They changed the course slightly this year to avoid going through a shooting range. In previous years, they were able to negotiate with the range to temporary stop for a day.
Why it is this part fun? It is most technical part of the course. There is no clear trail. It is a mountain bike trail but it goes all over the place. It is the place easily get off trail and make a wrong turn. I prefer to stick close to the runner before me (Carrie). We did not get lost. One time she went off the trail, and I was able to warn her in time.
There were a lot of climbings. Soon we came out to an aid station at the top. We we ran down a mountain road that let us to the resort. At the Mountain Lake Resort, Carrie’s friend came out again and paced Carrie to the finish.
We had maybe 2 miles left. We had to climb up a hill to an overlook. It was worth it. This part was new this year. We went around the “lake” (dry now). It would pop out to a field where the finish line is.
I was the third from the last runner. Two more finished behind me. Two people DNF’d. I was fifth from the bottom. Two people passed me since the start (Carrie and a dude from NC). I don’t mind. I felt I tried my best in my condition.
Also, I did hold back through the run. I felt I could have pushed a bit harder but I planned to pace a runner that night in a 100 mile race (though I planned to do only 30-40 miles), so I had to hold back. Carrie said the total milage was closer to 28 miles instead of 31. I was moving about 16.5 min per mile pace. However, because of my weaken state, even though I thought I was holding back, the race exhausted me. I ended up would not be able to pace Lynne at Rim to River that night (pacing).
The finish line food was good. We had chili, one of my favorite food.
My time was 7:37:55. I signed up this race thinking I could beat my previous time, but ended up finishing much later.
Would I run it again? It usually is in conflict with my other races. If I do have a free weekend, I would like to run the course again. It is a trail race, but since most of it is on road, dirt road, gravel, etc, I am no longer a fan of road running.
Steve said, the Old Glory one, due to not many people interested in it, it is no longer held. He said that race is expensive to host and last time I did it, there were only 20 people signed up.
Next year, 2024, I know I would not be able to do Eastern Divide. I promise to pace a friend and this time for real, I would not try to run in a race on the same day I have pacing duty. I promise I would be a good pacer.
(Meta/context/Note, this Eastern Divide was held on the same weekend of Rim to River 100, which I wrote couple entries ago).
Sorry no pictures. The course was beautiful. It was a nice day
Some civil war history. Union troop from West Virignia made a raid int Virginia and used this turnpike to retreat back to West Virginia. This place was a spa (salt/sulfur spring that was popular with the people at the time)
I feel so tired after running Bimbler Bluff 50k, an accidental 14th state completion.
About this time last year, I reached a point when I did not know what to do because of a free weekend, I decided to look for a nearby state where I had not run before to run a marathon. I went to Atlantic City. I thought that was a long drive, but this year the drive was almost twice as long, 7 hours.
Last year, I was walking by myself along the boardwalk. Shops closed early. A major casino had gone out of business and no other business had taken its place. It was dark and gloomy for a big section. I was thinking, I should not be there, but walking and hearing the ocean was quite relaxing.
This year, it was a long drive from afternoon to night time. The drive was meh, uneventful. I got used to the droning noise of the engine. I had a friend coming along. We chatted all the way though I don’t remember what we talked about. Probably our discussion centered around running.
At Atlantic City last year, I ran one of my fastest time, a little over 4:20. Note this time. I might get back to this, because, I needed that time as a qualifier for a race, I was going to sign up. This year though, at Connecticut, I ran a 8:16. It is on trail. They can’t be compared with one another, but I am significantly slower.
At the present, is a time of peace. A calm before a storm, I think. I had a feeling I wish I could cross off a state or two in this waiting period, kind of time between some big races. I wanted to run in all 50 states. Last year I had reached 10th states. This year, I made some progress of getting to 14th, unexpectedly. I only planned for running in two new states, Texas. I attempted for Ohio and North Carolina too (but they were ultras, not that it matters).
So by some coincident, I went to Idaho the week before and this week, I decided to go to Connecticut. To me it seems accidental, but my friend Caroline, pointed out everything is planned by heavenly father.
Actually I did not really have any feeling for this race. My usual way of signing up a race is search for that feeling that draws me to a race. Bimbler Bluff did not have that attraction. Not saying the race was not great, it was. It fits me well because I love the hard trail races.
I want my 50 states completion to be purely of marathons. Bimbler is a 50K, which is close enough but it is not the marathons of my first love, you know those that are pompous and have crowd cheering at every mile.
As mentioned in a previous post, I came to it because a friend kind of wanted me to go, first to run Nipmuck and then this Bimbler. I did not get in at Nipmuck, because the registration had passed before I realized. I felt I do have to go for Bimbler.
Anyway, I did not have a great feeling about the race. The only redemptive point is the race had a 10 hour cut-off. This is insane for a 50k. I knew I was in for some fun (hard) racing. I love hard races.
Second redemptive point is the race price was quite low. You know now marathons are 100 to 200 mullars. This even with my late signup was only 65 mullars, which was like a local 10k pricing. I like cheap races.
I had nothing to do for the weekend. My friend was going to run this race too. If not for her, I likely would not drive 6-7 hours to Connecticut. It was the farest I ever driven, besides Toronto, which for that trip I actually spent a night at Niagara Falls and we made multiple stops. This trip to Connecticut was one straight shot.
We started late for our trip because I had a training run in the morning. On Saturday, I was preparing for Stone Mill 50. I ran 20 miles. It was a “hard” run. It was supposed to be easy but I had not been on running trail for some time so my legs were not used to it. Afterward, I was feeling it.
Looking back, I probably should not have run a 20 mile before a hard race.
We got to Connecticut about 10 pm. Only thing left was to sleep. The next day, we got up by 5. We left the hotel by 6. Race didn’t start until 8, but usually I wanted to get to race early. My friend wanted to run in the early start (7 am) for the full 10 hour.
I watched her went off and went back to the car to prepare for mine. I slept with the clothes I was going to race in, a typical thing for me to do, so no change needed. I made minor adjustments. Ate breakfast. Since the weather should be warmer, I decided to run in t-shirt and shorts but brought along a long sleeves tied around my waist, just in case, since when I looked around everyone was mostly bundled up in couple layers. I felt I should do what the locals were doing. The temperature was supposed to be staying steady at 50F. The morning was 45-48 ish, and was a bit nippy cold. I was bundling up in layers too during the pre-race hours. This was the second time running the cold this season (Idaho, the week before, was my first cold running).
The crowd of runners was of a decent size for a 50k. I think we had maybe 75 people. We received the briefing from the race director. I had it twice, since I attended the 7 o’clock one earlier. People were introduced. We went over a few gotchas of the course. The trails were well marked but my friend who had done it 7 times said turns can easily be missed. I paid attention. I did not have much time to study the course before hand. I could not get my hand on a trail map of the place, but I did look at the Google map. I had a general idea of the direction we were running, but I couldn’t run it without trail markings. Normally for a race especially trail races, I want to know the course well enough, I could run it with my eyes close.
I have done enough trail races to know how to stay on the course. I did get lost once due to talking with another runner, but the turn was marked. It was my own fault for missing the turn. Some said they had 36 miles at the finish. We had 33 miles (I know GPS watches are not accurate, but I felt the course was a bit long). I don’t mind, trail races generally run long (and never measured to be an exact distance).
The first 4 miles went by fast. I was not as strong as my usual self and even quarter mile in, I already dropped to the back of the pack. There were maybe 3-4 runners behind me.
I stayed with a woman, but soon she dropped behind. A guy and another lady passed her. I followed.
By mile 4, only Jessica was with me. I did not know her name at the time. We did not talk during the first couple hours, maybe until past noon (4 hours into the race). This was pretty strange, but I tried to be strange too, by refusing to talk. In fact no one really talked. I was able to have a few words with another woman who commented when I walked on the up hills. She was asking if that is how to do it. She said this was her first time on the trail. However, she was strong and passed me and I did not see her again. Only Jessica was still around.
I tried to run away from Jessica and I thought I succeeded in getting away from her a few times, but every time I turned around she was still there.
I got to mile 9, she was right on my heels. We made a big climb to the bluff. The scenery was impressive. I caught up to two other runners and passed them finally. Then I tried to catch a seemily father daughter team. We yo-yo passing and leapfrogging for a few miles and then finally Jessica and I were able to passing them for good.
a look from the bluff. One of few times I got to see the leaves before it is too cold to be out. I am not a New Englander
The race at this point was getting interesting (fun). The first few miles were technical but we were stronger at the time and because of the crowd we went slowly, but now, it was quite runable without the crowd in front of me and trail also became a bit more challenging, but runable.
So Jessica and I were flying down hills and running up smaller hills. I leapt over blowdowns and rocks, startled some runners. I had too much fun. Soon though, my energy was drained by the time afternoon came about.
This section was Jessica stumping ground and she said she ran these sections a lot because she lives nearby. She said it is easy for her to zone out because she got into a habit to running only certain trails during training.
We paid extra attention because the course would go off on various side trails and then weaved back on the main trails. We kind of run in a zig-zag in and out on the main trail, and thus we had to be extra careful. We tried to suppress our tendency to stay on the main trail, which was the wrong way. We had to overcome our internal auto-pilot mode. Jessica at this point passed me and led the way.
We got to mile 18. I finally chatted a bit with Jessica. She had done a 100 mile before. She is recovering from an injury about four weeks ago. She said she had a boot on but took it off for this race. I was thinking, oh no. She hoped to use this race as a qualifier for some other ultras, such as one in Zion NP. The course was less marked in this section. The RD sent out an email post race apologizing, since he marked this section. However, we believe it was course vandalism (someone removed the course markings).
During this time, I missed a turn (the marker was on my side) while talking with Jessica. Jessica rolled her right ankle about this time too. Due to the distraction, we both missed a turn.
We backtracked and found the house where the Race Director warned us about the owner used to pull off our trail markers in past races. I know now I we are more than halfway to the finish. We marched on.
We arrived to the Renee aid station, a little after (maybe 45 mins later). I had my water filled. I ate whatever was available on the table. Food choice was good and plenty. There were enough choices. The most unusual was banana on bread (like baguette). It was interesting. It was like a banaba split. I wolfed it down.
We were now at mile 22. I thought we had 8 miles left. I put in all my effort to pass Jessica and ran to the finish. She told me to go ahead. I felt a bit sad leaving her since she had been with me for 6-7 hours. Normally, in other races, I usually would stay with the person who had been with me. Not today. I was concerned about my other friend Caroline, who started the race ahead of me, but I never saw her on the course. It meant either she had gotten off course or quit or she was really still ahead of me. I needed to finish early to know.
Most of this last section was easy to run. We were on a long jeep road, a double track trail. There were some long climbs. I ran until my feet were tired. I passed a few runners who walked. I wanted to walk as well, but I wanted to finish by 4. I had not reached the last aid station. My goal was to get there by 3:45. Someone then told me we had 5 more miles. I doubted, because I believed I had only 2-3 miles left.
I finally reached the last station about 3:45 pm. The crowd told me I had 2.3 miles left. I caught up two more runners. These people were running it like me. I did not stay at the station long, but only enough to pick up an Oreo cookie and went back out. With only 2 miles left, I did not need anything substantial. They offered to refill my water, I declined. I actually wanted to empty all my water to lighten the pack.
The trail at times became rocky. My feet were heavy. The lady I passed caught back up to me. She was too fast for me to stay with. Then another guy also caught up to me. He followed closely behind. Soon I let up and let him passed me too. I ran at every moment I could. Then I heard cheering and knew we had arrived at the finish.
Jessica came in maybe 15 mins after me. I saw a few more people whom I passed earlier came in. At 5 ish, 5:20, the Race Director came to me said he had to cut my friend who was still on the course and had not arrived at the last aid station. The cut-off there was supposed to be 5 pm. I said I would go to pick her up there.
I found my friend, who soon appeared from the trail. I almost decided to go back in to seek for her but fear that the course markings were already been removed by the sweeper and I would get lost, as night was approaching.
She was in good spirit. I knew she had a tough day. People told me the early starters had more miles, 36 ish, due to running the wrong branch on one of the loops. We (based on Jessica’s watch) had 33 miles. We too, added extra miles for missing a turn. Personally, even without getting lost, I believe the course was a bit longer than 31 miles.
Conclusion: I like the race. It ran like Catoctin, a race I DNF’d in the summer, but this was a bit easier. We had more time at Bimbler. Catoctin was too tight with the cut offs. I believe it was 8 hours. Here at Bimbler, we had 10 hours. I ran it in 8:16. I probably could have done it under 8.
Looking back, if I did not do the training run on Saturday, I would have done a bit better. I felt I needed the double day long run for some future races. This race, Bimbler had everything for a good training. It was a good training to test all the system (hydration, endurance, fast run, climbing, technical rocky section, water crossing, muddy trail). It was the work.
After this race, I will have the Marine Corps Marathon this following weekend. After that is Eastern Divide 50k and the same day pacing my friend at Rim to River 100, which will be a 80 mile day for me. It is probably my toughest day. Soon, I have Philadephia marathon in November and Devil Dog 100 in December. It was the reason why I needed a double hard run to prepare for the upcoming races.
We drove back the same day. I had work the next day. Yes, the lack of sleep took a toll. My legs were a bit beaten up. My left foot hurt for some reason, probably from being over used. I took the week easy for it to heal.
There is nothing much to add. I guess it was a good time with running with my friend. The day was fine.
I am behind a post or two. Time does seem to go by fast.
Last week, I ran the Catherine’s Furnace Fatass 50K. I enjoyed it a lot. The trail course turn by turn directions were not as hard as I thought. There were only a few turns.
The trail itself was not as technical as I thought. It was nothing I could not handle. The 50K still took me 9 hours to finish. I was not in my best state. There were couple long climbs. The course was runnable, but I mostly walked it. The weather was not as hot.
We started at 7. I arrived a little before 6:30 and almost everyone did too. I almost could not find a place to park. There were about 75 of us trying to squeeze to a parking lot made for 35 spots.
I saw many familiar faces. Wayne and Costi, friends I made from MMT race were there. Both Larry were there. One of them ran in the Western States this year. The other was whom I met at Old Dominion 100. I met up with Elana, who was my hero from MMT. Her husband still talks of how they found me on the trail completely exhausted. I was glad to be able to run the first section with her and later finished the race together. Amy whom I ran with at the Bull Run Run 50 was there as well.
Physically, my ankle has improved. Now I have recovered enough like when I ran Blackbeard Revenge 100 in March. It still feels uncomfortable but it is no longer hurting. I think this is the best I could do. My ankle has regained the flexibility. I could handle the trail in an acceptable way. I was still wary of not to put too much strain on it.
The run was nothing much to say. We hard 4-5 aids stations. Larry (from Old Dominion) manned one of them. Tracy and several others volunteered at the Bird Knob station. Most of the run was uneventful.
I was able to help someone during the run. The course was like a lolipop. I was on my way back with maybe 6 miles left. I just passed the Bird Knob Aid Station, maybe a mile in. I climbed the road, passed the gate and was a bit on the Ant Hill. There I saw a guy laying across the trail on his side. He did not look okay. I called out to him. He gave some vague answer. I think he wanted me to go past him. I would have done so but I felt I need to check on him first. He said he has stommach pain. His eyes were closed. Most of the time he was not responding to my questions. I believed I was there for 10-15 minutes. People who were behind me started showing up. They seemed not stopping for him.
I know he has two choices and staying where he was was not one of them. The race is almost over, unless he moves or else he be stuck on the mountain. Based on my morning run of that section and my MMT experience, it would take 2 hours to reach the finish. We just passed the last aid station about a mile ago. So I asked him if he wanted to go back to the aid station or continue to the finish. He said he wanted to go back. Now, I know from experience the aid station should be closing soon. So he said, why don’t I run to the aid station to let them know to wait for him. I did. They sent people out to pick him up. By then he had recovered enough to walk and he was able to make it back to the aid station. They took him off the mountain.
As for me, I continue on with my race. I lost about 45 minutes. To me it was not a big deal. I had my training in. I know I would still finish. I ran hard to catch up to the last person who passed me (it was Elana). I still took me almost an hour to catch up to her. She was descending from Bird Knob by then. Together with her we chased down Stuart and his son. It was not long until we reached the finish.
Many of us stayed a long time after the race to chat. The food was good. We had burgers. I stayed till almost sunset.
This brings us up to the present. This weekend I will be running the Burning River 100. I signed up not long after finishing the MMT in May. Now it is the end of July. The last 2.5-3 months have gone by fast. I did not get as much training in as I had hoped. It is what it is. I am about to go to Ohio for the race.
I am excited. It is a big race. Surely, I am nervous. I have done enough 100 mile races🤗🍊 that I should not feel this way. Personally I think I will finish but who knows, 100 mile races are always hard.
Not related, I renumbered my last two posts because the “date” was off by one, in case anyone wonders why they are seeing post 568 twice.
I did not finish it in time. The race was 9 hours but it took me almost 11 hours. I am not too upset about compare to the devil dog or MMT. It is what it is. I have accepted DNF as the fact of life. Over all, I am quite pleased with the race. I like a hard race.
I ran the Catoctin 50K. It was my third time. First time was a 25K (by mistake), last year was the full 50K and this year was the full. It is a race I signed up on January 1st or a little after. I have been doing this the last few years. It is a race I look toward year after year.
50K doesn’t sound hard, but this one is. It is not tremendously hard like the MMT, but there were enough hills and technical sections to make running on it hard.
I think my failure to finish was a combination of things. I started way slower than I wanted. I thought I could catch up later on, but the surge never came.
One of the thing was I never knew I was way behind time during the first half. I was with a bunch of people who were hiking it. I guess I picked the wrong group. That was what I did last year too. But last year I was power hiking up hills. This year I kind of took my time. The flat section, I was not going very fast, since I did not want to pass anyone. I had problem with downhills, somehow I was afraid to run downhill. Last year I was flying downhill. I became tired even halfway in, so I couldn’t make the cutoff.
At the first Aid Station, Delauter Rd, (mile 7) I had on 15 mins until cut off. I arrived about 10 am. It had taken me 2 hours to get there. Yes, it was way too slow.
At Hamburg Road Aid Station, (mile 10) I was 5 mins from the cut off. I arrived just before 11 am. It has taken me an hour to do 3 miles. Though these three miles were rocky. I knew I wanted to get to High Knob by noon-ish. By then I knew it might be hard to reach, with 1 hour to cover 6 miles. I remembered last year, I took off here. I was hoping for the same. This year I couldn’t dial up my speed much. Some people caught up to me. I figured I could get there still by 12:30, and was hoping to make the cutoff there.
I did not arrived at High Knob (midway point in the race, mile 16) until 12:40. By then, I had missed the cut off.
I decided to hike back to the start to my car, 16 miles away. Actually I did not start off until closer to 1 pm since I was going to do it with Caroline, the sweeper (who is my friend). They were held up, so I started without them.
A fellow runner and friend also decided to run back, but he was going to use the road instead of the trail. That was probably a smart move. However, I wanted some hard training in.
Some incident: Another runner who misses the cut off also decided to hike back to the car. Carly started before me, and about two miles in, she tripped and fell and hit her head on a rock. I arrived about 40 minutes later. The outbound sweepers (Ram, also a friend and couple other people) were helping her. There were some bleeding. They tried to get her to the road so someone could pick her up. I was debating whether to give up on my hike and be with them.
I continued on to hike to Hamburg Aid Station, which was maybe 4 miles away. I caught up with a runner, bib 250, Fred. We were maybe couple miles from the station, I slow down to match his pace and hiked with him in. He had run out of water, so his pace was very slow. Unfortunately we arrived at the station an hour late, and the station had closed and left. The aid station captain was still there. He had half a pitcher of water, and I guess it was for himself or the sweepers that would be coming. I knew the sweepers were at least an hour behind me since they were held up. I had my pack filled up to 1 L mark. It was not much because we wanted to leave some water for the sweepers. Also Fred had a cup of water to relieve his thirst. He then waited for someone to pick him up. I would prefer to have a full pack of water but I know the sweepers need their water, so I headed out the final 10 miles with just 1L. I knew I would run dry soon, but I hope I could stretch it for at least 5 miles. We were at the hottest time of the day.
It was 3:30 by then. I hope to make it to Delauter. I hope its aid captain would still be there, even though by now it was very late. But I was hoping they would wait for the sweepers to come through. I might get some water or food from them. I know it was a fool’s hope, but this hope kept me on.
I arrived back at Delauter, with no one insight. I was a bit disappointed though I knew it. The sweepers might have left was what I was thinking. I know my water was running low, I hope I could stretch it for another hour until 5:30. It was about 4:30. The station might have closed since 3 pm. It was too much to hope that they would still be there. I set up a new goal to catch up to the last runner maybe by 5:30.
I still had 7 more miles to go. I remember passing a road post showing 8.5 miles earlier to Manor (the parking where we started). That was actually a motivation because nowhere on the trail has mile markers and this was the only place I knew how far I still had to go. Then I made couple wrong turns just after Delauter but I realized early enough to back track. I lost maybe 10-15 minutes and no more than 30 mins. It was the reason I felt the sweepers must have leapfrogged me. Time seemed to stand still. I was not rushing to finish and I knew I would get back eventually. I then reached another mile post, 4 miles to Manor. This was a surprise since I did not remember seeing this on the way out. This was a relieve because I knew I could do 4 miles even without water. By then I drank my last drop of water. My body temperature was getting hot and I could not run. I was thinking to drink out of a creek or pond if need be. The time was about 5 pm. I knew by then the race has ended. There was not or should not be anyone on the trail. I had kind of wish someone would come out to search for me. Maybe bringing me some water. Deep down though, I knew I brought myself into this situation and I had to perservere to get myself out.
I hope to get to White Rock because I knew I would be safe. It is about a mile or so from White Rock to the Manor’s Parking. I could literally hear the highway. I hope to get reach White Rock by 6 and aim to finish by 7 pm.
As I entered the Road that separate White Rock, Caroline texted me asking if I was still on the trail. I said yes. I was relieved that she got back, since the trail was too hard for her in my opinion. Later, I learned that she had bailed out and had someone to pick her up. I told her I was descending from White Rock. I was guessing I had 2-3 miles to go. Maybe 1 to 2.5. I was probably hiking around 2.5 miles per hour so I told her I will be down by 7. I tried to run. She had got my hope up again.
Not long later, I reached another road crossing. I saw a house and knew I was back. After the road crossing was a creek. Someone was bathing/swimming in it. And after the creek was the visitor center and parking lot. I arrived around 6:40. I was completely exhausted. The race already closed since 5 and most people left. A few friends and volunteers stayed to wait for me and the other sweeper. They asked me if I have seen anyone out on the course. I said no.
Fred was the last guy I saw and they drove him back already. Apparently they missed a runner and not sure where he went. I stayed until 7:30. The runner came in a little after 7. I celebrated his finish. We took some pictures and I shared with him some of the food I had. They were nothing much, just some fruit cups.
The sweeper was still out on the course. I assume the sweeper would not make it back until 8 pm. Caroline who was one of the sweepers bailed early because she was cramping up. I glad she did not do the whole 16 miles. I was worried about her since she did not carry much water and aid stations had closed. She had enough sense to call it quit early. During the whole run I was worried about her, knowing she was behind me. I was quite capable runner and was suffering, she would be much so.
Again, I have been a sweeper myself before, I felt how the race was doing sweeping is a bit unconventional. The race should not leave the sweeper unsupported for a 16 mile stetch when it takes 6-7 hours to do on a hot day with no water. Most sweeping duty should usually be 8 miles. Aid station should not close before the sweeper comes through. Sweeper should have followed the last runner, meaning once the last runner left the aid station, they should be able to set out. There was no point in sweeping when they were starting two to three hours behind the last official runner. Anyway, I felt the race left the sweepers high and dry.
It took me 6 hours to get back to the finish/starting area. Outbound took 5 hours. In bound took 6.
The run was harder than I had expected. It might have to due to the heat. Also on the way back, the aid stations were closed already, so I ran without the course support. I had to conserve my 2 L of water for 16 miles back (and I finished half of that by first 4 miles), by taking small sips I had to stretch it out for the final 10 miles with less than 1L. My water ran out at the last four miles. Note, I am not criticising the race, I knew after being cut, I was on the trail at my risk without supports. There were multiple locations I could have stopped and could have asked for a ride back. However, I knew I could finish the run. I anticipated running out of water.
I had trouble breathing during most of the race. The air was heavy. I felt my chest was heavy. I could not get into a good running pace, so I ended up walking most of the race.
If any fault to blame, it was my slacking off with my training after the MMT. So for two months, I was floundering. Also, I was not used to the heat. The temperature was 89F and humidity was around 60%. Note, I like running in hot weather because I like being down and dirty. I felt it really bringing the best out of me, except this time I was not ready.
My ankle also was not happy with me. It was hurting most of the way. I did not have a strong ankle support. It has been an ongoing issue since the Devil Dog. It was ok during the MMT, but since couple months that I had not run much, the ankle issue returned. It is not in great pain, but minor pain like the funny bone being hit. Also there were a lot of popping noices coming from it during the run. Something definitely was not right. So I hike most of the way than running.
It was just a 50K, but it was a hard 50K. I am a bit disappointed. Yet it was a good training. It reminded me how high the bar is. Last few months having completed some very hard races I have been complacent. This reminds me that I have to continue to train for hard races. I got to be able to run these kinds of trails.
In awe 