West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners
A Mountain State of Running
Gancho Slavov Race Report ’10
This was by far my best ultra-running experience, but instead of dwelling on the epic details, I offer five quasi-objective reasons to consider signing up for the Trilogy next year:
First, the quality of the courses is outstanding. You will be on different trails every day, and their diversity is remarkable: fast and smooth, technical and rocky, steep climbs, suicidal descents, it’s all there in generous amounts. Oh, and did I mention the sunrise at the top of Spruce Knob?
Second, you will probably learn something about yourself during these three days. Race directors Dan Lehmann and Adam Casseday will keep you honest in your training – I know this from experience after running three races organized by either or both of them this summer. If you are anything like me, you will hit at least one major climb and discover that you have nothing left. But then you will have to deal with that anyway (I did feel like crying and yelling “It’s not fair!” at one point).
Third, the volunteers at the aid stations rock! There will be at least a couple of experienced runners in each aid station, and they will quickly figure out exactly what you need. Sometimes they’ll cheer you up and break the solitude, sometimes they’ll kick you out in twenty seconds and send you chasing someone you have long given up on catching.
Fourth, the atmosphere at The Mountain Institute (TMI) is unique and very relaxing, the food is excellent, and you even have the option of sleeping in a comfortable bed (ask about the dorms). The people at TMI work extremely hard and everything happens with machine-like punctuality. I was curious to see when they would finally stop running around one night. It was after 1 am …
Finally, multi-stage racing is a different (and very interesting) animal. The back-to-back long runs I did to prepare for the Trilogy may have been the biggest personal discovery I have made as a runner. I am completely clueless about exercise physiology, so the quality of the second-day long runs came as a big surprise and still feels like magic. Try it sometime!
Diana St. Charles Race Report ’10
Intro
I would first like to thank the race directors Adam Casseday and Dan Lehmann for their extremely hard efforts, encouragement, and incredible support for this race and making it an enjoyable experience as a spectator, participant and aid worker. Their family, friends, Katrina and the staff of The Mountain Institute, and the entire ultrarunner community made this weekend an unforgettable experience. I participated in the first day’s 50k, and helped work on an aid station for the 50 miler.
The location of the event in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and Monongahela National Forest is inspiring and invigorating. The weather was warm and the foliage, though not quite peaking, was dappled with gorgeous sunshine. At night, because of the new moon, the stars were awe-inspiring. (NOVAK, the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, were there, as this location is one of the darkest on the eastern seaboard.)
Some tent campers set up in a lower field behind the finish line, while others were up on a hill granting panoramic views of the surrounding forest. It was a bit daunting to gaze out onto the rolling hills and imagine running 31 miles through them but their beauty beckoned us.
Meals were served at The Mountain Institute’s facilities consisting of several yurts (low round wooden buildings). The food was delicious and nourishing. Vegetarian options were available, as well as coffee and water. The kitchen staff worked tirelessly and constantly, preparing dishes such as chicken pasta, stir fry, pasta marinara, and a wonderful pig roast on Sunday. There were a huge variety of side dishes and desserts, especially Sunday. Appropriately light breakfasts were also available each morning.
The bathroom facilities were well maintained and the showers were hot!
My Race Report
A caveat: this was my first ultra and longest trail run. While I had trained by running a few trails in Kanawha State Forest, and voraciously absorbed every tip and bit of advice provided by friends and more experienced runners, this was a learning experience for me. I had not followed a course marked by flags before, and while I did my best to listen and follow the pre-race briefing and instructions, I had some difficulties. Also due to my inexperience, I found the course extremely challenging. Most of the field called this a moderately difficult course, as far as trail runs go. More than one did say it was harder than the Mountain Masochist Trail Run. Some said it was harder than Highland Sky: not so much the general terrain, but the climbs. Several from the Ohio and Virginia areas were surprised by some of the climbs. “They don’t have hills like this where I’m from,” was a repeated phrase.
A light breakfast of oatmeal, breads, fruit, granola bars, coffee and juice was provided. A few minutes before the race, the field gathered near the start line. Dan said a few words and we counted down to the start (posted with a red-lit digital clock). The roller coast ride was leaving the station! A general feeling of excitement and nervous energy was evident. Personally, I was thinking, “My gosh! I can’t believe I’m doing this!”
The run started on the 5k loop near the Institute, consisting mostly of a rolling field of deep grass. We then turned down Cardiac hill, a steep decline covered by pine needles. At the bottom of the hill was my first misstep of the day. After crossing a bridge, I missed a double flag to turn into the forest and continued down a path to a road. I and a fellow runner (not the only ones of the day) went back to the last flag we had seen and found our mistake. The detour added nearly a mile to our runs. We proceeded onto aid station 1, where I was impressed to find Dan and Adam, the race directors themselves, manning the station. They were cheerful and very encouraging. After voicing my fear of the difficulty of the course, Adam assured me that it would open up soon.
The course descended further down a somewhat graveled path to North Prong and Elza. This section was the hardest part of the course for me. It was very narrow, boggy, and the weeds were eight feet high in sections. I often thought, “This is a trail?! How am I going to do this for 31 miles?” I rolled an ankle and also had my feet come out from under me on a large, flat slanted rock, slamming my hip hard. I seriously considered giving up at the next aid station. (Side note: I must commend Adam and the rest of the WVMTR crew who had to chop, chainsaw, weedwhack, and generally blaze the trails. I can’t imagine the difficult work they faced bushwhacking through the wilderness to provide us this course.) But then the trail along Gandy Creek opened up and I took off. I was able to really run.
There was a stretch of gravel road coming into aid station 2 at the start of Bee Run. The crew filled up my bottles and gave me my drop bag. Megan, the aid station captain, mentioned that I needed to pick up the pace. Knowing she was right, I stripped off some layers and hauled fast out of the station, forgetting to grab any gels either from my drop bag or the station, which would hurt me later.
Soon after I hit my first real climb of the day to Leading Ridge. It was a steep long climb, but the trail was wide and easy to follow. Running along Leading Ridge and onto the Allegheny Mountain Trail, was some of the easiest, prettiest running of the day. In fact it was so nice, I missed a turn. I came to what I thought was a fork with a national forest sign indicating Swallow Rock trail went left or right. What I didn’t realize is that the trail went right down the other side of the ridge and that the right fork was the continuing Allegheny Mountain Trail. I looked back and saw a double flag indicating to go right, but I took the right fork instead of a hard right turn down the ridge.
I ran on and did not see any flags for some time. I continued however, because, due to my inexperience and staring down at the trail, I did not see many flags on the course. I could go a half mile without seeing a flag. Finally, I rejoined the course. I happened upon another runner who explained that I had missed an aid station. I was unsure as to what to do next. Do I go backwards down the trail to the missed aid station? Was I already disqualified? Do I backtrack to where I made my mistake (wherever that was) and risk getting more lost and adding mileage and time to my race in the process, possibly not finishing? I had already added two miles and lost valuable time. I was devastated at the idea of not finishing and missing the aid station was demoralizing. I decided to press on and stay on the course. My fellow runner gave me a gel (as I had last had one over 7 miles earlier). I had ¼ bottle of Heed left and a few ounces of water. Luckily the next section was along the ridge so I had time to absorb the gel and regain my composure. The blow to my confidence slowed me for the rest of the day as I tried to keep flags in sight and worried often of being off course again.
The turn down Horton was remarkable. The trail was narrow and dangerously sloped. At one point a rope was provided to cross a rock. I dared not look down the hillside. The top section was slow going, but again, opened up along Seneca Creek.
We crossed Seneca Creek three times, if memory serves. There was no rock hopping for these crossings. The water was calf high (nearly knee high for us shorter runners) and refreshingly icy cold. A camper provided me with some water. Seneca Falls was pristine, but I could not take it in. I needed to get to the Judy Springs aid station. When I finally arrived, it was the prettiest thing I had seen all day. It had been nearly three hours since I had left AS2.
Dennis, Paula and Steve cheered me in and swarmed me with help. Paula brought me ibuprofen and electrolyte tabs, Steve made me a sandwich, and Dennis filled my bottles. Steve figured out where I went wrong. They told me where I was, how long I had to go mile and time-wise. They offered to help me in if I wanted to stop. A friend came into the station and we decided to press on together.
The trail along Judy Springs and Huckleberry headed up a grassy ridge. The view was incredible, once my friend told me to stop and look. Lumberjack was again very rocky and boggy. We walked about 2 miles and I was ready to run again. By this point I wasn’t even slowing down for the bogs, nearly losing a shoe as I ran through one. There was another stretch of road coming into AS5. Megan was there and was noticed I had picked up the pace. I had the best cookie of my life there. She hurried me out, letting me know I only had 3k to go, including Cardiac. What a boost!
I continued on Beaver Pond which had some incline but was a fairly easy run. Then I saw the red plate sign and arrow indicating the finish was ahead. I was elated until I noticed Cardiac again. Going down nearly 9 hours earlier was a different experience to say the least. But knowing the finish line was so close made the climb an invigorating challenge. At the top, aware of where I was, and so close to the end, was a thrill. I came down the grassy hill, with friends cheering me in and high fiving me as I sprinted the last 20 yards to the finish. And promptly collapsed. Dan came over and congratulated me, as did several new friends. I explained to him how I had gone off course and missed an aid station, but did cover the distance (getting lost in a few places had added two miles to my race). As a result I finished with an official time, but it is noted that I was off course. Everyone was very gracious about my misstep and encouraged me to keep running ultras.
The rest of the weekend – cheering on others, working aid, meeting other people and hearing their race stories, and watching the athletes push themselves in a spirited supportive community – was an extraordinary experience. I look forward to attacking the course next year!
Helvetia 10k 2010 – Landon Johnson
Thanks again for putting on a great race as well as inviting us into your community to experience one of the neatest little places in the state. This was my first trip to Helvetia and it will stick with me for a long while, the race was a blast (my first 10K) and the community was great as well. As long as I can I will try to make it up to your neck of the woods to take part in all the festivities. Keep on doing what you guys are doing, the organization (WVMTR) I think is a fantastic thing for the state as well as all those involved. Thanks again and we hope to see you around at the other events you all have scheduled.
Thanks again, great food, great race, and good people! It is refreshing to meet people who still care about others.
Author: Landon
Helvetia 10k 2010 – Eric Moffa
This was my second time running the Helvetia 10k Mountain Trail Race. Last year’s run was my baptism in trail racing. It was such a great experience in 2009 that I continued trail running throughout the year and made sure to come back in 2010; this year’s race did not disappoint!
My good (and faster) friend, Nathan Fortney, met me in Clarksburg as I was on my way back from coaching at a cross country meet. I threw my camping gear and running clothes in his car, purchased a strong cup of coffee, and together we hit the interstate traveling South to Helvetia.
We arrived at Dan and Jody Lehmann’s house just as the hash runners were coming in from the trail and the bonfire was getting started. We were surprised to see even more people camping than the previous year, despite the possibility of rain. After setting up our tents, Nathan and I greeted the familiar faces from the previous year’s race, as well as other WVMTR races we’d attended. We also met many new friendly people as the night progressed.
The feast that was presented that evening was impressive; everyone’s covered dishes tasted wonderful and Dan’s hamburgers were awesome. Jody made a mouth watering blueberry dessert. After people had their fill of food, a cake was brought to Dan and Lisa Potts for their birthdays. Everyone sang… and then ate more.
As the evening darkened and cooled, people gathered around the fire for warmth, conversation, and camaraderie. When the rain came later, many of us moved into the house to continue in the fun. I discovered the entertainment of Buckyballs. I also observed the baking of homemade bran muffins, which we ate for breakfast the next morning… thanks again to Jody.
The rain continued overnight, but I stayed dry and comfortable in my tent and awoke ready to run. Everyone soon made their way to the registration area, some even running the 2 miles into town as a warm up. We received our numbers and our nice looking “bull” race T-shirts, and then the kid’s race got started. Everyone lined the street and cheered on the youngsters.
After a short introduction by Dan, our race started appropriately at the ringing of bells as it struck nine o’clock. I was familiar with the course this year and decided to take it a little easier on the first three miles so I could really hit “The Hill” and the final downhill with as much gusto as I could muster. My plan paid off; I felt stronger as the race went on and moved up several spots in position through the final three miles. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the race, and I heard encouragement being given to one another from most of the racers.
I finished nearly two minutes faster than last year, which is a nice improvement. I raced in Vibram FiveFingers Treksports (the weird toe shoes), which I had never done before. A lot of people commented on them and were interested in knowing how they felt during the race. They did really well on the rocky trail and gravel downhill. I didn’t have any bottom foot bruises or stoved toes (thank goodness).
The awards were fine-looking, large, ceramic mugs, but I was not fortunate enough to win one. Overall, the atmosphere during the Helvetia weekend is superb. From arrival to departure, you feel part of the bigger WV running community. Dan and the other WVMTRs treat everyone with great hospitality, and the mixture of friendly runners and the beauty of WV trails make this a great race. Thanks again for a memorable weekend.
Eric Moffa
Helvetia 10k 2010 – Kim Wood
This was my FIRST trail run and my FIRST 10K. I can’t image there would have been any better way to experience these firsts! Getting to Helvetia was an adventure but the run made everything worth it.
It was a spur of the moment decision to run. I found the details of the race online on Friday night. Saturday evening my family and I headed to Richwood, my hometown, so we would be a little closer for the drive Sunday morning. We awoke at 4:30 in order to be there before the 8:30 cutoff for registration. We began our early morning drive but we were stopped in our tracks at Cowen when we got a flat. By flashlight we changed the tire and proceeded through the mountains on our spare and hoped it would hold up throughout the mountain passes.
We were running late and contemplated a few “shortcuts” my father knew but, given the fact that we were running on only three good tires we kept to the paved roads and moved on. We arrived in Helvetia after the 8:30 cutoff but everyone there was understanding and still let me register. (Thank you) There were no 2010 shirts, but I will still wear the 2009 Helvetia 10K Mountain Run shirt with pride. (Actually, I’m going to wear it for my workout today!)
As I said, this was my first 10K so I was really running my own race. I pack was way ahead of me and no one else was close but I wasn’t alone. I had the creek, the birds and the trees. I couldn’t have asked for better company. The scenery was beautiful!
I didn’t earn one of the beautiful pieces of pottery that were awarded Sunday but now I have a PR for a 10K (something I wasn’t sure I would ever have), a new found love of trail running, and a reason to come back to Helvetia every September!
Thank you,
Kim Wood
Highlands Sky 2010 – Matt Young
Highlands Sky 2010
40 Miles of Wild, Wet and Wrocky WV
I was nervous the days leading up to this year’s race but having one under my belt eased the anxiety that I felt last year. I’d been looking forward to the start of this race since I crossed the finish line last year and counted down the days. It was in the low 60s to start and the forecast was for a warm day. Because of our camp being just a few feet from the starting line I have the luxury of laying in bed until 5:00 when most runners are getting on the bus to head to the start. My appreciation for this race goes beyond the respect for the distance, the beauty of the terrain or for the strength and will you find in the runners, to a family heritage started many years ago with my Grandaddy. I’ll spare you the details that can be found in last year’s report at www.wvruncoach.com/race-reports/.
The start came quickly when Dan yelled something like, “Now get going” and it was off. On the road to Flatrock I was asked what kind of time I was shooting for and all I could say was “a good time.” But really I had three goals. First, to take 15-20 minutes off of last year’s time, 2) to survive the first half so I could run the 2nd without misery and 3) have a negative split in the second half.
Flatrock was dry but covered with nettles. My legs stung more than I remembered on any other time running up Flatrock. The nettles are a nasty little curse and if you don’t know what a nettle is check it out here: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-stinging-nettle.htm . Flatrock is about 5 miles to the top and it’s all uphill. I set a reasonable pace keeping my heart rate low and walking where I needed too. I took my first check about mile 7 and found that my legs were already a little heavy which was concerning. I downed a gel and worked across Roaring Plains and the rocky trail stumbling and bumbling with my heavy legs. I arrived at aid station 2 already 10 minutes ahead of last year and in the back of my mind wondering if I could hold it or if I was setting myself up for a big fat bonk somewhere down the trail. Aid 2 was manned by the Young’s so they took special care of one of their own and got me out quickly.
The day was going to be hot so I drank consistently and ate frequently to keep everything in balance as best I could.
After an uneventful trip down Boars Nest it was another climb back up South Prong but the last major climb. I realized I was further ahead of schedule than I wanted to be so I took it easy up the trail to try and save some legs and keep my heart rate low. At Aid 3 I asked how many runners had come through, which isn’t typical for me, but I was curious. 78 runners had already passed. Wow, I finished exactly 78th last year. Interesting. I was kind of surprised because I was about 20 minutes ahead of schedule and in the exact same spot that I finished before. But, last year I passed runners in the 2nd half so if I could stick with my plan maybe the same would happen.
I like the 10 bridges section and count them off as I run cross them. It was good to hit the road again knowing that Aid 4 and the half way point was only 1 mile away. My dad was waiting to see me and it was good to see him. He ran along side me and asked how I was feeling and all I could say was OK. Then he asked, “how do you feel compared to this time last year.” Good question. And I think I said, worse. In the back of my mind I was a little worried that I my legs wouldn’t hold up. For the past 13 miles I’d been praying for the strength to outrun a chariot just like Elijah (I Kings 18:46). It was starting to work.
I arrived in at aid 4 in 4:35 and 25 minutes ahead of last year. So I was a little encouraged but only a little. I was also a little worried. My dad and I made our way to the drop bags, I filled by hydration pack, refilled my food and opted not to change my shoes and socks. I didn’t realize then the difference keeping my first pair of shoes would make. I also didn’t want to disturb the dirt and grit that had settled in my socks that might later cause me blisters.
It was getting hot now with the sun coming up high in the sky. I soaked my bandana and tied it around my neck and hit the road. The road across the sky gets mixed reviews but I like it. It’s 7 miles of forest road that you can run so I settled in to a rhythm and ran along. It was uneventful for me and I felt my legs come back and covered the 7 miles in about 1:15. Aid 6 at mile 27 was manned by my friends Michael and Dolin and they got me loaded back up with water and a few gels, snapped a few pictures and I was back on the trail from Bear Rocks.
I like to break this event down in sections. I believe the training and physical preparation leading up to the race carries your body this far, about 27 miles. But leaving Aid 6 with 27 miles down and 14 to go the body is tired and your heart and mind have to take over. A race like this tests your mind and your heart even more than you body.
The last 14 miles tends to spread the runners out and I was alone for big blocks of time. But I was passing someone every now and again and I wasn’t being passed. Kind of like last year. I was rolling on the flats and downhills but slowed on the uphills. Still, my legs felt good now for being this far in to the course. At this point my strategy was run where I can, walk when I have too. But I was running more than I expected. It was really hot now and the sun was beating down. In the plains there’s very little shade and there was no cloud cover. There might have been a breeze but I didn’t sense it. Aid 7 at about mile 32.5 seemed to take forever to get there. The boulders came and went but I like the boulders too. I think it’s the change and the mental diversion.
I was in and out of Aid 7 pretty quick and again, the aid workers were great. It was back to the trail and on to Timberline where there was a change in the course eliminating the butt slide and sending us up one side of a ski slope and back down the other. It was brutal. After 30 some miles slogging up a ski slope was bad enough. But the worst part was running down the other side. It was lose dirt and some small rocks and steep enough that your quads took a pounding but you also had to hold yourself back causing more strain on my legs. That downhill was over a mile but felt much longer. But it was downhill and I could keep my heart rate low and my feet just rolling over.
The stomach cramps started about here. I changed my breathing rhythm, pushed out, held it in, pulled on my sides, bent all the way over, stretched out tall. I did just about everything but they wouldn’t go away. I lived with them for the last 7-8 miles, not much else to do.
Aid station 8 was my favorite. Not only was I just a little over 4 miles from the finish but an angel of a volunteer covered me with a cold wet towel. She wiped down my neck and arms and squeezed it over my head with drenching ice cold water. Man-oh- man did it feel good. I’m not sure who it was but if you by chance read this, thank you.
I found it very hard to run now but I realized that I had about 48 minutes to cover the final 4.2 if I wanted to break 9 hours. So I ran. Or more like a shuffle but it was a running motion. I hit the park still moving along and looked for my wife and daughter who might be waiting for me at the park entrance. I’d been waiting all day to see them. I told her I wouldn’t be there before 3:00 and I think it was about 2:35. After a short time here came Ann Marie and I waved and got a little choked up. Both of my sides were cramping bad now. I ran bent over at the waist and changed my breathing again to try to break up the cramps and it helped a little but the cramps still wouldn’t go away.
I hit the last trail section and caught the last runner to pass me. I knew I had a little cushion so we walked together for the last part. I came up the last hill and could see my dad with my daughter, Caroline. She was holding a poster for me, “I love you Daddy.” Those of you that know me well won’t be surprised to hear that I teared up. We ran hand in hand for a few steps but I didn’t trust my legs not to collapse and drag her down with me so my dad took her and I went on down the hill to the finish. At the finish I could see Ann Marie, my mom, JG on crutches, and Wendy. And of course, Dan, taking pictures and smiling as he does for everyone that crosses the finish line of his race. I went back and got Caroline and we crossed the finish again together. Dan snapped a picture that will be one of my favorites of all time (see below).
It was done and I finished with 27 seconds to spare to break 9 hours and 48 minutes better than last year. I’m glad I didn’t change my shoes.
By the numbers. Average pace was 13:10 for 40.96 miles including stops at aid stations (moving pace was 12:25). Elevation gain 5877. Elevation loss 5141. Best mile, mile 1 in 8:00. Slowest mile, mile 16 in 19:10 up South Prong and Aid station 3 (the ski slope was 3rd slowest in 17:10). Avg heart rate was 78% of max and I burned 4,913 calories. First half split was 4:35 and second half was just under 4:25.
I’m thankful for another finish, a great day and a healthy body. I’m thankful for the Lord’s strength to finish and for my family’s support. Thanks to Dan and all of the volunteers that work hard so the rest of us can have a great race. Checkout the other race reports at the Highlands Sky Website. If you read them all you’ll get a view from the front with the winner, Eric Grossman, and a view from field from the others but they are all great reads with different perspectives.
There’s also a good recap on from Daniel Todd who also took some amazing pictures.
You have a lot of time for your mind to wander in an event like this and there are many scenes to take in over 40 miles. As we worked our way over the course and went from mountain streams, hardwood forest, Canadian like tundra, and open grassy plains I remained awe struck by the beauty of God’s creation. And there’s a hymn that ran through my mind over and over that tells the story:
I Sing the Mighty Power of God….Lord, how thy wonders are displayed,
where’er I turn my eye,
if I survey the ground I tread,
or gaze upon the sky!
See you next year-
Highlands Sky 2010 – Luke Wendt
Race report for the Highlands Sky 40 Mile Trail Run
June 28th 2010
Last week I ran my first ultra! Why? I am not sure I have the answer but I am glad I did it. Last year when I turned 40 I figured I should try an ultra marathon before my wife. Yes we are “competitive healthy.” Meaning we support each other in our adventures but are looking to see what we can do to get one up on one another. My wife was a professional fitness competitor and once she retired from fitness she jumped into triathlons and within a year she had her first ironman under her belt. I figured the only chance I had to “beat” her was to do an ultra. Plus for my 40th birthday, why not?
To prepare mentally for this race I needed something to help me if and when I had trouble training or even during the race. After much research, I decided to raise money for the Pat Tillman Foundation. Currently, I have raised over $1,300 for them in less than 4 weeks. So running for Pat and for those who have donated to my cause helped keep me where I need to be with training and “racing.”
I enjoy a challenge and I got that from the entire race. This race is two races: the 1st 20 miles and the 2nd 20 miles. They are amazingly different.
The 1st 20 miles was more to my liking and fit my running personality. After reading race reports from last year’s race, I had a great respect for all those who raced survived last year. Also I believe race director Dan paid the 1st few runners to just blaze a trail that is close to 40 miles because there were parts of this 20 mile which had no resemblance of a trail. I am still looking into this possible theory… That being said, time flew by for me since most of my time was really concentrating on the trail. I met some really nice runners who welcomed me to West Virginia and were glad I was there. (Gary K., Jim H. and Garth G.) Thanks to them for the positive encouragement.
The 2nd 20 miles, wow! Being a bigger runner, heat and sun are two things I try to avoid when signing up for races. That was not the case today. The sun was out and it was hot. However, a nice breeze helped. To make things interesting, the 2nd 20 miles is open and had very little shade. This was the major difference between the 1st part and the 2nd. So, after a change of shirt and socks I was off down the road which kept going and going and going. I did stay up on my salt and nutrition so no major issues there. I do remember someone howling as I approached aid station #7. I figured it was close, no, not really. I think it was about 15 minutes from when I first heard it to when I walked into AS #7. The man with the clip board took my number, put his arm around me and walked with me encouraging me and giving me the scouting report of what was next. I had flashbacks of my football coach doing the same thing before sending me in with a play. This pumped me up more than any PBJ sandwich or gel would ever do. Thank you goes to whoever that was!
I got to Timberline Ski Resort and had no issue with going up the mountain (called Upper Salamander). Then we ran down the mountain which seemed like a DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND. However, it was only a blue, for you skiers, but it sure felt like a double black diamond. If the body had not already had enough abuse from RD Dan, he decided to throw this at us. Once down the ski mountain it took me a while to get the feeling back in my lower extremities. I got some help when I saw a “friend” in regards of a draft horse that was on the trail. I race Clydesdale (weight base) so when I saw my big friend with his head down and moving forward, I just made up my mind that I would do the same.
The final aid station to the finish was the war of attrition. Here you see runners who are making deals with themselves. You don’t actually hear it, but you see it on each of their faces. “Just get me to that tree.” “Hang on, for a few more miles.” In the same respect you also see a lot of encouraging. “Keep it up, we are almost there.” “Run with me to the shade.” As I turned into the resort I was not sure how many miles I had left because my watch had died right before Timberline. As I headed into the final trail section I caught up with a runner and he was going to let me pass and I told him, “Dude, I have had 9 hours to catch you, I am not going to pass you in the last 30 sec.” And for me, that is how I can summarize my race. I was out to have fun with my fellow athlete, (I would not call myself an ultra-runner yet). Sure it is nice to have a good finishing time, but for me and my first ultra, hey it’s a “PR” anyway you look at it, right?
Suggestions for first time runners of the Highlands Sky 40 miler:
- Don’t worry about the nettles; they don’t differentiate between the 1st timer and the veterans. They only sting for a little bit.
- Change socks and shoes at halfway point.
- Bottles or backpack? I think RD Dan gave the best advice, use what is comfortable for you.
- Stay up on nutrition.
- Have fun and enjoy it. Make friends and keep moving forward.
