Frozen Sasquatch 2015

The 6th running of the Frozen Sasquatch Trail Race happened on January 3rd, 2015. One thing about this race is, you never know what the weather is going to do this time of year. We’ve had 7 degrees at the start, 65 degrees, 4″ of snow the night before the race and even a windy year where it didn’t break 20 degrees all day. And I believe the long range forecast was wrong each year. But, as soon as the 10 day forecast was available, I checked it. Hi 63 and 80% chance of rain. I thought “that doesn’t sound too bad. Maybe it will clear up between now and then.” Well, for the first time in history, they were exactly right on the 10 day forecast.

I was pretty excited about this year for a few reasons. I love to run in the rain and the mud, and knew it was going to be a fun day for the runners (well, most of them).I was super pumped to meet Chief and Emily, who flew in all the way from Sydney, Australia to run the race. They were extremely friendly people, and seemed to enjoy the sloppy trails in good ole WV. I was also excited about planting someone in a Sasquatch suit in the middle of the woods to surprise (or scare the poo out of) oncoming runners. I had a very hard time of keeping this a secret from everyone. I wish I could’ve been there to see the look on everyone faces when they saw that big hairy beast!

Congrats to our overall winners. Robert Smith won the men’s 25k with a time of 2:00.02. Afterwards he told me “That’s the most I’ve ever had to walk in a race.” This was surprising to me considering he ran last year’s 50k race with 7 degree starting temps, and a few inches of snow. But thats pretty much what everyone said. I heard lots of “It’s easier to run in ice and snow than that mud”, and “Hemlock trail was MUUUUUDY”, and “a mud puddle almost ate my inov-8’s”. Ian Custer came in 2nd with a time of 2:08:09, While Bob Luther was 3rd with 2:11:14. The ladies 25k champ was Missy Jordan with a quick time of 2:36:11. 2nd place went to Diana Johnson in 2:41:38. The race for 3rd place was a close one, Jamie Fields finished in 2:48:37, with Natalie McBrayer a few steps behind.

Before the race started, I made the prediction that the female 50k course record would be beaten today. But I didn’t think it would be by a whole 15 minutes. Heather Parks in her first Ultra smoked the record in 5:08:15. Aussie Emily Hames came in at 5:51:53. The battle for 3rd was even closer in the 50k race. Lisa Hazlett was 5:53:21 and Michelle McLellan finished a close 4th place in 5:53:23.4.

We also had a few “Golden Sasquatch” winners. This prestigious award is given to those who have finished the race 5 times. Paula Smith, Gred Smith, Jeff Ranson, Jim Sandford, Garrett Burnett, and Mary Jane Baniak.

At the finish line, we had some great food. My wife made some cabbage soup, and bean soup. Dan Todd made some cuban bean soup, and Blues BBQ made some BBQ. This was very nice and warm…..until the power went out. Yes, a tree fell across the power line a few miles down the road and split the line. The awesome park staff came with a small generator and we had power to the timing equipment, and 2 croc pots. But we were still all smiles, watching the mud encrusted runners cross the line. That is until we realized a runner was missing. All who were still at the park came together and came up with a plan. Some grabbed headlamps and ran back on the trails. I went with some others in a nice shiny, clean SUV up the road. We eventually found our runner and got back safely. It was a frightening experience for a little while, but it is good to know you have friends who are willing to do all they can do to help when you really need it. Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors, and Roberts Running/Walking Store for the Pre-race packet pickup. Thanks to Matt Young, Ashley Dolin and Natalie McBrayer for course marking. Gregg Yarborough, Charles Belcher, and Sarah Jarvis for Sweeping. All my Aid Workers, Victor, Jeremy, Janelle, Zach, Brandon, and others. Stephanie and Pamela for a huge help with the food. Jeanie, Matt, Chris, and Dan at the finish line. All the Park Staff. and anyone else I forgot.

“I ran … an aid station at the Frozen Sasquatch-” Volunteer “Race Report”

I’m going to start this off with a pretty bold, perhaps debatable statement, to consider yourself a true trail runner, I believe one of the requirements should be to volunteer at a trail run. Why? As an ultra trail runner, there is sometimes literally nothing like approaching the warm welcomes of an aid station after spending miles along a beaten, rugged, often muddy path. The smiles, cheers, and of course fuel, make whatever came before an accomplishment and what lies ahead an adventure. Being able to bring that spirit of renewal to other runners can be refreshing, motivating, and provide a new level of appreciation for the challenges of putting on a race and a sense of achievement that parallels finishing the actual run.
Running is often a solo activity. I too prefer to train that way on most occasions; however, over the past year I have found a new love and method of accountability through volunteering and leading group runs on the Kanawha Trace. Being inspired by the kindness and patience given to me by friend, neighbor WVMTR, and modest running god, Bob Luther, I have learned that the only true way to get better at what you love, is to share it with others. This year’s Frozen Sasquatch often such an opportunity.
Through the delicate balance of charm and manipulation, I was somehow able to convince six participants in our group runs to work aid stations. Three of us, myself included, are ultra-trail runners, while three others are converted roadies—having never worked a trail aid station, going only on “my good word.” The majority of us worked Aid Station 2. Our mission simple: account for the safety of every runner and make’em feel like they are at the finish. As such, each runner who was seen in the distance was (hopefully) welcomed by the ringing of a cow bell, load cheers, and offerings of support—everything from filling water bottles, to warm miso soup, to freshly made s’mores, in addition to the traditional trail “buffet.” Being able to assist those who are in a position you have been in before is a great act of service. We all laughed, joked with them about the conditions of the trail, “small, clean” climb ahead… with my favorite runner quote coming from good friend and 25k Winner, Robert Smith, as he blazed by “The trail is epic!” To the 50kers, providing them with the needed, “your almost there,” even though it was a slight exaggeration brought smiles on their tired faces. When runner’s weren’t present, the “party” continued, sharing stories, tips, future running goals, and eating and dancing to the occasional 80’s classic…although dancing didn’t occur on tables it was heavily discussed at various points throughout the long day. Seeing the end of our station, the food ravaged, iphone almost dead, and cutoff time approach, we all knew that our part in their journey was done, I think a collective sense of pride was felt.
As I watched my aid station friends depart, my run on the trail began, sweeping with Charles Belcher and Gregg Yarborough. I was spoiled as the fun continued, this time on a path beaten by rain, 25kers, and 50kers—twice. The conversations were great, knowledge shared was enlightening, and somehow (perhaps through grace) my short-legs kept up with these towering giants, as we cleaned and closed the trail. From this experience and the one that followed (looking for a lost runner in the dark); my admiration and appreciation for these two runners grew tremendously as we ventured with limited supplies following the faint sounds of hope in the woods. The collective sense of comfort was felt by all when she was found and the “we are all in this together,” “leave no man behind” themes were steps in action.
Morale of the story, if you run, volunteer. If your race sells out, sweep, work an aid, at the finish, something. The “race” isn’t the run, it’s the one you live, through the steps taken daily and shared with others. Greater fulfillment, drive, challenge, and betterment can come, making you a better runner. Perhaps the challenge is not running every race in the series, but maybe taking on the greater challenge of stepping away from the pride and pursuit of your “time,” but to, at least once a year, “run” by volunteering.
“Seek to do good, and you will find that happiness will “run” after you.”—James Freeman Clarke