Bryce 100

I had selected Bryce 100 for the following reasons:
- The time of year
- The reasonable running temperatures (average of mid 60s for high, to 30's at night)
- A place I had travelled to before 12 years ago on part of our honeymoon trip.

THE WEEK BEFORE
I tried to trust in my training that I was ready for Bryce 100.  I was starting to feel like I should have done more.  My friends reached out and assured me I was ready and well trained.  I was so busy at work with our biggest sale of the year that I got plenty of good sleep that week.
MORNING
I got up at 3am after a restless night feeling way to nervous.  I got in some calories, a bagel, banana and I was lucky enough to get some things 'cleared out'

 



ON THE WAY

 The temperature gauge in the car read 34 degrees but it was a calm, still morning.  Harry claims he saw 28 degrees as the temperatures continued to drop that morning.  I took some warm layers I could drop off at the start to be taken back to the finish. I assured Caroline Williams that I wasn't going to run in my fleece pants as we huddled around the fire can.  The director Matt Gunn called us over for a quick talk, he mentioned there was some obvious trail vandalism to our markers but they fixed those up.  It was time to strip down to my shorts and t-shirt and we were soon on our way.  All tensions and worries eased as we began to move.

 

0-10.6 THUNDER MOUNTAIN AID

We begin on the Coyote Hollow Trail which seems more tailored to bikes, we wound in and out and up and down gentle rolling hills.  We begin at 8000ft, mostly walking as we waited for the runners to spread out.  I was patient and enjoyed the nice easy start.  Soon people where taking out there cameras snapping pictures of the views.

 

I ran gently downhills so as not to 'blowout' my quads early in the race.  These ended up being some of the easiest miles of the course.  I spotted a horny lizard as the temperatures began to warm and the sun started to hit us.





We popped out on a ridge and ran along the orange sandstone hills past huge vertical rock formations known as 'hoodoos' shaped by natural elements. Sometimes you stand in wonder at how they haven't just toppled over already.

 

We dropped 500ft down from the ridge to the lowest point of the course and ran through some lovely meadows before arriving at Thunder Mt Aid where Harry was waiting.  I was hungry and stocked up on some fig newtons to take with me and put on some sunscreen before getting on my way.

 

10.6-19.5 PROCTOR CANYON AID

 

The section to Proctor Canyon Aid was mostly down at lower elevation.  I was feeling good and pacing myself well.  We ran more windy, rolling single track.  The trails here are well packed but sandy and you can taste the dirt easily kicked up by other runners.  After a few miles of easy terrain we faced a small climb up to Proctor Canyon Aid.  I can usually maintain a strong  power walk on my uphills, my legs felt great but suddenly I would find myself breathing hard and my heart beat pounding in my chest.  I would have to stop every 6-8 steps on the steep climbs just to let my heart rate recover.  The short climb was over quickly and I arrived at Proctor Canyon Aid.  Harry was having his own grand adventures driving  the dirt roads to come and meet me at the aid stations.  I am glad he had made it to another one, I know there was no guarantee that he could find or even get to these aid stations.

 

19.5 -25.5 BLUBBER CREEK AID

The next section is shorter but wow was it hard.  After a short descent from the aid station we soon began climbing. At first a nice easy gradual climb through more meadows

 

which turned into a steep ravine with huge boulders where I found myself stopping again to catch my breath.  We were gaining altitude and I knew it wasn't going to get any easier so I just went with it.  We approached the top of that climb we came into some Aspens.  Just as breathtaking as any other part of the course.  The colors astound you with the white bark and fluorescent green leaves.

 

We peaked out on a hill and it felt good to be running again after a slow ascent, we went down through some shrubs and into the pine trees descending 500ft  before we began our big climb of 1000ft up to the next aid in just a couple of miles.  The climb got steeper and I had to stop a little more frequently.  The girl in front of me wasn't stopping on her climb but she moved very slowly up the climb. Even with my breaks I was able to catch back up.  When we arrived at Blubber Creek Aid we were rewarded with amazing views.  I was pretty hungry when I arrived and the nice volunteer made me just a jelly sandwich. It had been hard to eat on the move with all the nausea I was dealing with, but I was eating well at the aid stations.

 

25.5-38.3 TO KANAB CREEK AID

This section reminded at an altitude of around 9000ft we ran along some beautiful ridges and along cliffs

 

The air was thin up here and even running these easy looking rolling hills could be difficult.

We went into the pine trees on a wider section of trail, even with the trees the afternoon soon was blazing down on us

 

There was alot of runnable sections here but with the altitude alot of us were walking, even running downhill winded you! I caught up to some friends on the trail who said they had no intentions of running at this altitude, he told me we had just approached 9300ft a little earlier.  It had now taken 9 1.2 hrs to make it to the 100k turnaround meaning I had come 50k.  My longest 50k time yet!   Still I accepted the time easily due to the difficulty of this course and that I was still making good time. Plus I wanted to begin this way, I still had a ways to go.

 

I met Harry at Kanab Creek Aid at 3:30pm right on his estimated time of my arrival.  Burrito and pudding while I sat on a log, a cool wash cloth felt great on my head. I changed my shirt and was soon again on my feet.

 

Climbing with Jeff to Kanab Creek - an experienced hardrocker! I knew I must be in good hands.

 

33.2 - 38.3 STRAIGHT CANYON  AID

We ran along some beautiful sections here towards Straight Canyon Aid along cliff edges with amazing sandstone features

 

 

 

We ran some wider trail here littered with small rocks. The grade was easy and with some nice downhill stretches.  We were making a turn to the east we got this great view of a forest of pines and cliffs in the distance. I think it was clear where we were headed.

 

 

 

I was feeling very strong through this section and could run most of it. Making my way into Straight Canyon Aid.  It was time for a fresh pair of Hokas, my toes felt like they were bumping in the older ones.  I grabbed some fruit and a toastie sandwich to snack on as I headed down the dirt road.  I feel I am fueling well. Replacing my GU bottle about every 20 miles.

 

 

38.3-44.7 TO PINK CLIFFS AID

 

We took the dirt road down from Straight Canyon Aid for a mile and then crossed an open meadow surrounded by pines.  So we began another long climb up to the highest point of the course at 9500ft. After climbing gently up through the meadow we climbed a long dirt road, other runners headed on there way back flying down the road offered me encouragement.  I was taking breaks again on this long climb.  The last 0.15 up to the top of pink cliffs was the shortest but probably the hardest climb of the day!  After taking in the view I began the climb.

Doug Campbell catching up on me at Pink Cliffs

 

 

 Finding I now had to stop every 4 steps, Doug Campbell from VA joined me and couldn't move any faster either.  Glad to know I wasn't the only one having trouble out there.

 

44.7-50 TO CRAWFORD PASS

 

I would see Harry again at Crawford pass as he skipped pink cliffs with it being so hard to get to. I was happy he was able to get some rest.  The 5.3 to the halfway point went by fast as I was mostly running and feeling great.  I ran down the long dirt road for a few miles dropping 1000ft and then some single track I looked up to the towering cliffs above me and hoped to heck I didn't have to climb up that!

I got reassured after I asked a runner if we had to go 'up there'! Phew. I was happy I would make it to the aid during sunset to see Harry.  I arrived to Crawford pass aid station -the half way point- to an amazing bunch of cheering volunteers. It felt great to be there!  I took some time here to brush my teeth, grab some layers for the night.  I saw Doug Campbell again who was looking a bit rough, Doug would make it 2 more aid stations to mile 61 before dropping out due to a huge blister.  I met Linda Dewees here too from CA, we ran very close to each other during the trip back passing each other back and forth.  She gave me great encouragement that I looked great though somehow that was hard to believe.  My chest felt tight, the climbs back where getting slower.

 

THE WAY BACK

 Back up the long dirt rd to Pink Cliffs. I caught up with Doug Cammen from NJ.  We had been back and forth, mostly with him being forth.  I felt really good and strong on the low grade climb back up.  The night was here and the cooling temperatures felt great. I powered up to pink cliffs and it was supa windy up there.  I got in some hot ramen soup while Doug was patching up his feet.  It was taking him a while due to the cold.  We would find out the next day that It was around 28 degrees again for the low that night.  Even though the tent was staked the kid was holding onto the tent, others volunteers where curled up on the floor trying to stay warm.  It wasn't long before I was shivering so I knew I had to get moving. I was pretty scared about the short steep descent from pink cliffs with the trail so close to the edge.  I hoped I wouldn't get blown off.  I made it down (phew) and was running alot of the dirt road back down to Straight Canyon Aid.  Shadows played tricks on me as I ran back through the meadows and sometimes I thought the lights on the course markers were eyes.

I walked up the dirt road back to Straight Canyon Aid.  Harry was awake and saw me coming from the car.  The volunteer at the aid station helped me put in some new headlight batteries.  I had more warm soup but it didn't take long before I was trembling.  Harry had my tights but I refused to put them on because I didn't want the hassle of 'changing'.  I went into panic mode as I left the aid station, I couldn't remember the next section well, my chest ached and I was cold.  My first real low point of the course. He assured me I would be ok once I got moving.

The next section was slow, I climbed up the wide trail section that I had loved flying down earlier.  It was only 5 miles back to Kanab but it took me over 2 hours to get there. There was no one else around and I thought I might have missed the aid station and be disqualified. Harry was surprised by my late arrival.  I was getting sleepy and just wanted to curl up on the trail for 10 minutes.

Finally I arrived at Kanab Creek.  They had a nice fire going, chairs and blankets!  It was nice to sit around the fire with the other runners.  I grabbed a blanket and got hot soup in me - I was doomed to ever get out of this aid station!!  This would be one of my longest stops at 30 minutes.  I slouched in the chair and closed my eyes for a minute.  I soon told myself I had better get moving but as I tryed to step away from the fire my my body convulsed in the cold and I couldn't stop shaking.  I felt ill and Harry 'told' me to put the tights on.  So I went back to the fire and pulled them over my shorts (why didn't I think of that earlier), instantly that felt better and I began moving again.  Harry helped me so much, he told me I was looking and moving good.  It wouldn't be light till I saw him again.  Once again before dawn I began getting very sleepy.  I stopped to sit on a log and close my eyes knowing I could very easily sleep right there. I pushed onwards, I wasn't running to much on this section of rocky trail I just found it easier to power walk it.

I arrived at Blubber Creek it was still very cold even with the sun coming up.  The aid station volunteers were shivering and wrapped up in blankets.  I got in some pancake for breakfast and a fruit cup.  I had now reached a new distance of 74 miles.  It didn't feel as long now.  I didn't realise the next aid station was Proctor Canyon again.  Linda came into the aid station saying I looked really good.  Harry helped get her some food.  As I left Kanab Creek Aid, Harry would walk with me a short ways.  He was very concerned by how much I had to  stop and that my chest was sore, he asked me if it was a heart attack, but the ache was mostly on my right side.  It was good to be leaving 9000ft and we had (what I thought) was a mostly downhill section to Proctor.

I became very confused on my way to the next aid.  Harry said it was 5 or 6 miles but it felt much longer.  I couldn't remember so much downhill - I was worried I was following old markers from the previous morning - no one would know where I am, I would run out of water, I can't climb back up all the way I just came down. All panic where flashing.  So I decided to wait around, 10 minutes and no one was coming.  I called out ' HELLO?' .  I just wanted to cry I came this far and now I would fail.  I was angry, frustrated and sad. Finally Linda was coming down the hill after I about 20 minutes of waiting, she assured me it was the right way that she remembered all the long hill. Big relief, I was having fun again, but a little more pushed for time now.

We started to climb, I kept looking for the trail we came off the morning before which would tell me the aid  station is near.  I kept thinking I saw it and then some of the trees in the distance would look like a car, playing tricks on me.  Finally after a long slow journey uphill I arrived at Proctor Canyon Aid at 10am.  Harry didn't meet me here as we would be running down the road and they tried to keep as many off the road as they could.  I knew I couldn't stay long at Proctor with the speed I was moving.  I took off my layers from the night which I had now been sweating in with the morning sun.  I quickly ate a fruit cup and took some grilled cheese to go.  Another long dirt road ahead of us.  First we climbed a couple of miles then all downhill to the keyhole arch trail and Kings Creek Aid.  I tried to run some of the downhill but my form just failed.  I could make a quick walk down the road just as fast.  It felt like forever to reach the unmanned aid station.  Then I faced another good climb ( I was hoping the RD might have skipped this part in the course changes)  there were tons of switchbacks up keyhole arch and I was surprised how many people where behind me climbing slowly too.  Where did they all come from?   I felt a little re-energized getting to the top of that climb and ran most of the way into the final aid station.

Thank goodness Harry got some sunscreen on me.  I was so stubborn that he just pumped it on me.  We were informed the finish was 11 miles from there and mostly on ATV trail, a gradual climb and then a flat road to the finish.  We had 5 hours from here to finish.  If only I could run it, it would take me half that time. The tought of running for that long pained me.  It was getting very warm and the heat slowed us all down.  There was very little shade on the road, I swung my arms and power walked as much as I could.  I ran a short stretch of downhill but the road was mostly flat, so I ended up walking again.  Linda was walking very strong and passed me.  Every time we got to a little raise on the road we expected to get a view of Rubys Inn in the distance, but we never did so it was hard to know when it was coming up which felt like forever.  After a long walk I spotted Harry taking pictures.  I ran a few seconds, but it was too much of an effort. I walked up to Harry and he asked what I tought of Bryce 100 and I TOLD HIM.  I didn't mean what I said ('it sucks')  I had actually had alot of great moments on this trail.

I didn't feel a high or surge of energy when I approached the finish. I didn't feel satisfied with my accomplishment. But it took some time to set in.  I plopped to the ground after finishing just wanted to sit.  Beer tasted good and it took some time to realize I had made a great accomplishment and I have many happy memories.   I had finished a truly tough, brutal 100 miler for my first one!  Bryce is going to be a very popular destination for Ultra runners, the course is just amazing.

 

 

 

Stats:

I placed 15 out of 16 women

103rd place out of 114 finishers.

Total time for 100 miler: 34 hours 47 minutes 40 seconds





 

Terrapin Mtn 50k

Terrapin Mtn 50k held in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Luray Virginia is one of the most scenic courses I have experienced.
Race starts at 7am with the Terrapin gong gets you excited, a good size crowd of runners for this race with 2 distances - the 1/2 marathon and a 50k. Only the 50K is part of the Beast and Lyncburg Ultra Series.

A fairly crowded start but wide trail for a good stretch so you can pass people. This is on our first climb just over a mile in with a nice following creek alongside for a good ways, which you have to cross over a little later.  Some people decided to get by on the rocks while most of us just got our feet wet.  The sunrise was coming up behind us and we climb and set a lovely red light on the trees around us.

I started conservatively as usual and hung near the back to start. It didn't take long to get to the first aid station after a few miles of climbing. Our next section would be a long down hill dirt road.. we were all flying and loving it.

You could look around enjoy the views and some interesting features in the nature around you...

 

The long downhill would send some runners charging by me... we passed some farms and came to the next aid station before more climbing on dirt road where we made our first loop in the course, I caught up to some friends and we happily chatted for a few moments, but today I was feeling strong and wanted to push hard. Downhills are a good strength for me and I felt comfortable on the single track out there, they are fairy rocky... but after doing so much training in the Massanuttens lately I didn't think much of these rocks :)

After the loop you climb back up the dirt road to visit the first aid station again and then went onto another loop which is the longest section without aid of about 6 miles, which took you on some of the Promise Land 50k Course... it was nice to be a little familiar with some of this course. I passed some friends, and we made quick compliments and words of encouragement to the fast people just finishing this loop section. They all looked strong.

There aren't so many clear views around you on this section so no pictures here I was talking to a Brian who was running his 2nd Ultra we were back and forth a lot in the race earlier.  After hitting the top though I didn't see him again because I was flying down the hill and back to the first aid station again for the third and final time. They did such a great job at this aid station because it was always busy with runners and they were working hard to refill bottles and supply to our needs.

Next we face a good climb up Terrapin Mtn which was not really that long, maybe a good 1/2 mile climb? but its steep with some loose dirt and rocks... here's a picture...

 

 

It was pretty up there offering more open views around us of the mountains and some color with the Rhododendron bushes.

I knew the fat mans misery was coming up that Caroline had warned me about, after seeing a picture of this the night before it was not how I had imagined it to be. A very short out and back to a magical look out....

... and it was time for the Fats mans Misery..
As you see its a squeeze and big step down and onto angled ground in between these 2 rocks made it tricky to get your footing without slipping and today it was a little icy in there which made it fun.  I got to bring back some of my old rock climbing skills and looked for features in the rock to hold onto.  Duck under the chalk stone in between held between the rocks and your free...

... or so you think... after punching your bib again there is one more obstacle. Which isn't was technical and if you have longer legs than me it won't be a problem for you... but it includes a big step up and I though I was going to need a push and ask the people behind me to be prepared to give me a push... haha... but then I looked at the boulders and was able to find a flake on the rock that helped to pull you up and through the 2 tall boulders... I shared this feature with the people behind me and they thought that was very helpful and he let his friend know...  here's the big step up

 

From here about mile 23 it was mostly downhill from here as they say... with some rocky sections and steep slippery loose dirt sections which really start to burn your quads out, and your legs remind of all that downhill running you pounded out on the dirt road in the earlier sections comes back to bite you!

Some amazing views and we headed down to our last aid station..

It was a perfect day and the sky's were finally starting to clear from a mostly cloudy day, temperatures cool made for a good, strong race for me.  I was making great time and still passing people. A runner who I passed within the last few miles of Holiday Lake 50k I passed again in the last few miles of Terrapin. He encouraged me on and made a compliment.  It was rolling hills from here. A you could see the field of cars in the distant valley.  More creek crossings and one final big crossing with tricky footing and you are just a couple of miles from the finish.  

 

I had a great day, finished strong in 6hrs 47 mins with a total of 7560 ft of elevation gain and loss.

Many of my friends set new PRs and enjoyed an amazing day in the mountains. There is no place I would rather be.

Holiday Lake 50k +

Holiday Lake 50k. February 9th 2013 the first race in the Beast Series!

I arrived at Camp 4H at holiday lake in plenty of time on Friday to get a look around the area and get settled in my bunkhouse which is located right at the Start/ Finish area of the race.  I met some really nice ladies in the bunkhouse all of us very excited for the race the next morning.  It was a little unsettling that there were so many ladybugs right above our heads in the bunkhouse, but it turned out fine and they made there way over to the lights in the restroom after we had lights out.
We had all planned to awake at 5am to get ready, but when I woke up at 4:45am I just got up and sneaked out for some breakfast at the cafeteria. They have a whole breakfast spread with bagels, juice and they also have a microwave, toaster and coffee maker that you can use.  I just went with my usual breakfast routine of oatmeal, banana and other fruit.
I was wearing my tights at first as it was a bit cool out but not as cold as most of us expected. A low of 34 is a pretty nice running temperature, a little cool but eventually it was going to warm to around 40's, so after seeing everyone else in there shorts I decided to change.

Since our bunkhouse is right outside the start line, we just hung out in there till a few minutes to the start.  Horton is always great about starting the races promptly on time.  I dropped a bag at the start/ finish as this would also be our halfway point.
We started the race up the road which was uphill to start, I walked the first hills as I usually do early on, It wasn't worth rushing too much because when we forked off the road right onto the single track it got all backed up. Still I was happy to walk the first hills as I wanted to feel strong later in the race. So it was a slow walk a least for the 1/4 mile pciking up to a steady walk. A little frustrating at first but soon it picks up...It would play out alright later on.  It was still pretty dark so the tiny LED flashlight I had helped a lot, you can just take something really small and then put it in your drop bag later on. The single track is rooty so its worth taking one... The sunrise was coming up as we ran the single track by the lake and it felt energizing.  I got to the first aid station, grabbed some fluids, a few chips, and an orange slice and the next section of the race was right along some more single track, gentle and rolling my favorite kind of trail! I could run that all day!... I passed a group of runners that I felt were holding me up a little too much and I wanted to make back a little time from the start.

The course then ran along some open dirt road with a large open area of pine trees, used mostly for logging, it really caught my eye - I just had to take a picture...

It looked pretty here in the morning sun which was feeling starting to feel good and take some of the chill off my cold red legs!

 

Feeling good and making steady time, the ground was nice and firm with the morning frost, I was about 2 1/2 hours into my run when the leaders came heading back.  We all exchanged encouragement as we pass by each other, I am amazed by there speed and how good they all look!  After running some more single track which amazing views of Holiday Lake...

 I finally made it to the half way point around 9:45am.  I got rid of my light, jacket, grabbed some food and Heed and off I went again headed back in the direction I just came from.  Feeling happy and strong I was now to be on the way back and I really liked this single track section again by the lake.

It was feeling good and warm now and I had a great run on the way back, it was a little more slick now on the roads, sliding a bit I tried to stay on the dry grass when I could.  I ran as many of the hills on the way back as I could and felt that my pace was picking up. I felt strong on the hills and was now passing quite a few people too.  There was one fun section I had this guy running behind me, he wouldn't pass me but he was right on my tail. It was a nice strong pace and I was having fun with it. It was a great section of single track too, mostly smooth trail through the leaves and pretty flat. Altough I did manage to take one fall here!  It felt like a little competition but I think we were just both eager to get to the last aid station and on to the finish.  He confirmed he was just trying to hang onto me!
After making it through the last aid station the energy really picked up. I did get some tendonitis around my right knee which was just beginning to bother me a bit towards the last couple of miles.  But I felt strong enough to keep running and fly down the last hill to Dr Horton.  I didn't have anyone else waiting for me at the end so Horton's hug made my day and a great finishing time (negative splits!) of 6:22:50

Thats one off the list for the Beast Series!

Willis River 50k - Jan 12th 2013

First race of the year went really well.
We headed down to Bear Creek Lake State Park some 30ish miles west of Richmond, VA at 4am in the morning with Ultra runner Caroline Williams.  Stopped for a sugary latte at Mc Ds which woke me up from a sleepless night.  Scary drive down in thick fog, passing a big truck on fire off the highway and after a small detour we got there around 6:30am. Plenty of time to use the nice facilities :D

It remained foggy for much of the morning during the run which was perfect - it kept the temperatures low and the mist felt good and cooling to the skin.
The first 5 miles were probably the most tricky where people got lost, they said to follow white blazes and tape.  Sometimes you end up with white blazes going 2 different ways and was really confusing. After some debating with others and spotting some taped markers further down trail we headed in which was hopefully the right direction.  Although I remember one spot that was taped in a couple of different ways - so you have to use your best judgment. Not the best marked trail. Lucky I stayed on course.

Stream crossings were not bad - I have heard one year it was waist deep (brrrr)!

 The aid stations have little in the way of food so come prepared if you plan to do this one. I found myself pretty hungry by the end. 
The course is 2 out and backs so its nice to see some familiar faces, there was maybe around 80 people doing the race so you don't have to step off to the side too much.
The course is very scenic. No big climbs or mountains - just some rolling gentle hills, a few rocks, roots and pot holes so you have to pay attention to those ankle breakers, mostly soft with pine needles and single track with a couple of short stretches of dirt road. You follow a river much of the way which I was always find to be relaxing.

I would do this one again, but would bring a little more for food and some Gatorade mix.
Happy trails!

Prince William Forest 12 hr run.
I decided I would take on Prince William Forest - I couldn't help myself.  I go there so much but I enjoy it every time!

So I had another job to do that day so I decided I would have time for 1 loop in the morning and maybe 3 or 4 more in the afternoon when I returned. 
My friend spotted me in the dark, how he did that I don't know :) - and said he didn't think I was coming. He was running his first Ultra as was many others, including a 12 year old girl and Tonya, who I was friends with a while but only just got to meet her that morning! She was awesome and got in her 32 miles! I love seeing people accomplish their dreams! She was super pumped raising her arm as she crossed that line.

I got in my first loop then headed over to my other job with was an REI volunteer project at Meadow wood.  Here we all are at an Ultra painting job!  After 3 1/2 hrs of painting I returned to the forest which was turning into a rather warm day. I got in another 4 loops and was very happy with that.  People thought I was hurt because I had black all over me which was just some paint.
It was great to see Gary Knipling there after his return from UTMB helping out. All the volunteers rock as always and the food as this one was one of the best! Maybe that's why I love running ultras so much good food and great friends!

Here is my friend Tonya, fist raised in glory of her first Ultra! You are amazing girl!

Iron Mountain 50 miler

Iron Mountain 50 miler - September 1st 2012 - 7 am start (12 hr cut off)

August 31^st Harry, myself and Caroline Williams set off on a long drive down to Damascus VA – a 6 hour drive.  It’s a scenic drive after you get out of town and closer to Shenandoah and the Blue Ridge mountains. I was very excited for my second 50 miler – but my first mountainous 50 miler! I knew this would be a great challenge.  The cut off is 12 hrs so I knew I needed to keep a 4 min/mile pace to finish.  That doesn’t sound so bad right? 

I had done my homework and watched a video of the trail race 3 times before going out there. It consists of some rocky single track and dirt roads where you can pick it up and make up some time. So that was my plan, I typically run the downs, flats and power walk uphills J

After picking up our bib, we retired to the lovely Super 8 in Abingdon and had Pizza at Luna.  I actually didn’t sleep too bad, maybe got in 5hrs.  We hovered around the lounge and met some other runners heading out there.

We arrived in good time and only waited some 15/20 mins before we were headed up the Virginia Creeper.  It was good to see a couple of familiar faces at the start including Dr David Horton, he always adds an element off challenge to the air J

 

 

 We set off up a lovely wide gravel trail for 5 miles along a rocky river with some little cliffs and Rhododendrons, I chatted with Caroline a short while, she is a great fun gal, so much energy and love for people J

This was a great stretch to make up time (although I don’t like going out fast).. someone let me know we were running a 10:30 – 11 m/m pace. Weeeeee! I was flying along, but I also know that means I could struggle later on in the race, but I focused on staying calm, relaxing my breathing, posture and staying at a comfortable pace.

 After mile 5 there was a nice little climb up to a ridge. It was a humid morning and I think we all started to feel the sweat here...
After popping up on the ridge I started to add some running and was flying down the trails here having so much fun.. Maybe I let myself go too much.  I was impatient with the runners slowing me up and had to ask to be let by.. I am usually nice and relaxed but this race, the warnings of it being gnarly and lots of climbs, extremely dangerous in sections.. got me feeling on edge. 

I arrived at mile 9 aid station then it was off onto a section on the ridge that was up and down, up and down, Rocky but runnable. I tripped myself a couple of times here and saw a person in front of my take a tumble too. Then after a gnarly beaten trail down to aid station 16 (and first drop bag) I saw Dr Horton again who told me I was 'moving good' :) I got all excited and encouraged.  I filled up my bottles again and was off to aid station 22.




This next section was just like Promise Land 50K with the wide grassy roads going over little creeks.. quite a bit of climbing here but some nice runnable sections of rolling down hill... very enjoyable and still I was making good time - 1/2 hr ahead of aid station cut offs... that is a comfortable amount of time for me but I know a problem would cost me dearly if I got lost or something.  So I make sure I see the ribbons marking the trails especially at any intersections.  They do a great job marking this trail.  It was still cloudy, humidity was dropping, it was warm but comfortable. Life is feeling so great right here :) I also got to see some horses and a couple of very friendly boxers.

And so it wasn't long till I popped out at mile 22 feeling great




I am still feeling great and still 1/2 hr ahead of cut offs :) Ate some oranges here and potatoes, filled my bottles and off I went.
We were now on a pounding downhill dirt road section, flying along. Fun times. Passing some horses who I thought were going to kick me. I was courteous and asked if it was ok for me to pass. Phew,.. made it past the horses :P

Then we hit a sharp left turn and onto some single track trail which was super fun, a small creek crossing and nice runnable single track.... a slight grade going up so I just decided to walk a bit here and enjoy my surroundings. Life is good.

I was enjoying this section so much.. I wish it lasted longer.  I started to run now and was going downhill. The trail popped out on a dirt road and it was all downhill to mile 29 aid station which seemed like the longest stretch. Now I start to feel the trips, rocks and all the braking I had done earlier in my now probably swollen tendons. Things were starting to get sore around the sides of the knees.  But still I ran and pounded all the way to 29... I kept hoping it was around the next corner then the next.  You know what happens when you think like that? It makes it feel even longer!  So here I am arriving happy to be arriving at Mile 29 finally.



Look at that descent... from 20 to 29!! oy!



I was thrilled to be at mile 29 still about a 1/2 hr ahead of cut off.  I had done my homework and knew I was now in for a good walking stretch and climb up the mountain to the highest point of the course.  After leaving the wonderful volunteers who were sympathetic to my whining and told me I would get a nice chance to stretch out on the climb. I knew that would feel good, they handed my a tasty ice cold popiscle which hit the spot and then I began my climb feeling reenergized after meeting such nice, caring people.

This section was really quite memeorable for me.  My knees were feeling good getting stretched out with a nice power walk uphill.  It is singletrack here.. runnable at first but steeper later on. But I decided my pace was good and decided to walk this whole 3 mile climb to the next aid and give my knees a break.  You are also walking along the edge of a hill here and can look down to Rowland creek which was flowing good, a peaceful and enjoyable place to be in this race :) 





A few creek crossings here which are so refreshing. I dunked in my scarf and cooled myself off.   I see some other people were doing the same thing  v




With wet shoes and socks I kept climbing and then to my amazment a huge falls called Rowland Creek Falls came into site. Amazing !!! That is the first picture at the top ^

I passed a couple of people here and gave them some encouragement that we were almost at the top. Though I wasn't sure myself - haha. 

We got another short runnable road then right into aid station 32 (the same one as 22 - I had know done the loop section).
I refuled a bit and after thanking the wonderful volunteers I was off again.  Not long till my drop bag at mile 37 were my dry shoes and socks were waiting for me.

I was able to start running again on a nice downhill dirt road section and then some single track before we got to 37.  I was hurting a bit more now and my other knee was starting to bother me too - same location. Oy.  I needed to be extra careful on footing and walk down anything too steep.  But now even that started to hurt.  I wasn't sure If I was going to finish this race.  I had decided to run in my Montrail Bajadas which I like because they are light and I can manover good around rocks in but I don't think they are as well cushioned for all that downhill pounding - which was probably causing my soreness.  So I looked forward to my other shoes I had ran in alot and knew they had nice cushioning and a firmer rock plate. 
SO ... here's how I look at this point.... I am just coming downhill on the singletrack into the mile 37 (and change of shoes) aid station ...

Ouchie.

I got my dry socks on (eventually) and shoes.. thanked the wonderful volunteers who bring your drop bag to you.  I knew what I was in for now.. I was basically retracing my steps back to the start (except for one final steep section into town that they say is dangerous.. I was worried how my knees would do there and decided to try and give myself extra time for that decent if I could get there early enough).  I had arrived at mile 37 around 3:20 ish and left after about 5 or 6 mins. So I was now only 20 mins ahead of cut off... ahhh  but I hope my shoes would serve me well and make up some time.

A nice runnable section for a mile and my shoes felt like they were helping :)

So back on the ridge up, down, up, down. rock. skip. jump.... ohhh ouch the downhills still hurt.  I grimaced and swore now, clenched my teeth and foucused on getting to the next aid station at mile 43.  I had just about an hour and a half to get there, I needed to keep moving fast. No time for rests.  I noticed some girl was behind me and kept focus on my competition in trying to stay ahead of her (nothing like some motivation!!) hehe

This seemed like the longest stretch... maybe it had something to do with me not being able to count . I had it in my head that this was a 5 mile section to the next aid. when it is 6. hehe. I almost cryed when I finally arrived at 43 with now only 15 mins to spare.  The aid station told me I needed to get going! Love it... So i grabbed some fluids a bit to eat and off I went...   This is the last main aid so I knew I was going for the finish now but it was gonna hurt :P

Never has 7 miles seemed so long (oh good I can count)
I arrived at a sign that said 6 miles to Damascus... I had 1 hr 30 to do it! oh *&%$#*  This was gonna be tight... I hoped the dangerous part wouldn't be so bad.  I caught up to a couple of guys and told them my concern about making it in time. They seemed relaxed about it, but I didn't know how badly they wanted it. I think I striked up some concern with the one guy coz then he took off! haha.  I too asked to pass and went for a run down a lovely winding down hill section.  Gradually it got steeper and a little rough but it didn't last so long.  Now I had about an hour to do 2 or 3 miles. Just keep it going I was golden.  Here I met Stephanie Wilson... A super Ultra girl would loves the trails and had done this before, she let me know we were almost to the road. 
I shreiked out load like an eagle or something when I saw that road just round the corner. She was like 'really?' and I was like ' YES!'
We were both whooping in delight and singing back into town :)   Glad I saw some people running in front of me coz I had no idea which way to the finish line thru this tiny town.  Steph went ahead and I ran walked a little.. basking in the glory of the last stretch. Over the bridge then thru the field. Where a huge smile spread across my face! 
Then I saw my wonderful supportive husband right in front of me cheering me on. What a great day!





Some one said to me later.. which sums it up...

"Knowing what we endure during these races and the pain that we push through, makes it so much more satisfying when we cross the finish line! Mental toughness is a must! Way to go, Diane!!! :)" Thanks Karna!

Thank you to everyone out there being so supportive and so caring to us stinky, kranky ultra runners....
I enjoyed making new friends out there and look forward to seeing you all again! 

more fun times on the trails are definitly coming my way.

Finish time: 11:41:50

THE END