Trail Nut Half

Be sure to read last year's more detailed report HERE.

I remember saying "I'll be glad when this one is over"
I ran much harder than usual.

I've honestly never tried to race a 13 mile run before. I've run them, but not raced them... trying to see how hard I can push it. I have tried to race a 10 miler once last summer. That was the longest I've really tried pushing it for. You can read about that event HERE. It earned me a 2nd place in my age group. I was quite excited. That was October 22nd, and 10 races later, I finally place again. I've always said that it all depends on who shows up with how well you place in your AG.

Event details.
Date: May 5, 2012.  
Location: Falling Creek park / complex in Bedford, VA
Event: 13.1m and 10k distances offered.
Presented by: Mountain Junkies LLC
Event Website: HERE
Cost: Only $30
Swag: Nice moisture wicking T-shirt. 
Other race reports on this event:  Cardioholics Anonymous

The shirt for this event appropriately reads "Peace Love Trail Run" pictures of it are in the blog listed above, which you should take a moment to read anyway.

I've run this event for 2 years previoulsy. in 2010 it was incredibly HOT and I ran it horribly. In 2011 I ran a 2:01:14 and my goal this year was to make it under 2 hours. I think I had a good chance at that.

I was being told constantly in the week leading up and the day of by my friend Eddie Mann that I had a good chance to place in my AG at this one. I'd never placed in my AG before at a MJ event, but I was excited at the opportunity. I was even told by Sarah Holbrook that she thought I could do it in 1:51. but I knew that was a long shot. under 2 was my goal. with 1:55 being something I'd be super excited to do, but I really didn't know what I could do.

Pre-race

Excited to again be sharing the event with Lydia, as she was running the half as well. Ruth and 2 other friends came along, Laura and Kate. It was nice to all ride in one car and share the excitement to and from the event.

Arriving. packet pickup. bathrooms. sharing handshakes and smiles and recent race stories with others. It was that common "extended family" feeling you get at a Mountain Junkie event!

All lined up
Ready to go, I'm eye balling those I should try and keep up with vs those I know will either soon  fall behind or soon pull far ahead.
About a half a mile in I notice I'm running with others that I only see at the finish. Slowly they pull ahead and I settle in along Joe, another runner I only see when collecting his age group results winning medals from time to time... I was thinking that if I could only keep up with him! I started fast again and help my pace with the starter group for longer than I have previously. Once we got to the trail I think it ensured my place in line and kept me running fast.

A few miles in
I was happy to remain behind Joe and being able to keep up with his pace, I knew I was pushing it hard for it to still be early in a 13 mile run, but I was willing to see if I could hold on. My goal was to not let anyone else pass... That goal turned into not wanting anyone else in my AG to pass. Which was the better option.

The "half" point seemed longer than it should have been. I cross the half point at 1:01:XX and realize it isn't my 10k time, as it was longer than 10k having been run all ready, but I recall the second half was shorter. Still behind Joe and enjoying it. I'd walking up some of the hills now and then because I realize they slow me down quite a bit. There aren't any significant climbs on this course. It doesn't appear that there is any one climb being over 100 vertical feet according to the elevation profile.but the course surely rolls up and down. MUDS and PUDS I call them. multiple ups and downs / pointless ups and downs.

I felt comfortable that the gap between me and the next person behind me was a big one. Many times I looked after switchbacks and long straight portions for the people being me, and saw none. After the half mark, I began to see the trailing group. 2 girls leading 2 guys. I didn't see them long enough to estimate the guys ages. but the distance still let me feel comfortable to slow down a bit.

Pass and be passed
I slowly approached 2 guys who were slowing and passed them, but it took some effort. The 2 girls trailing me caught up and passed. I knew Courtney was way ahead and I think she was the only female ahead of me, so I tell them I believe that they are second and 3rd female. They seemed surprised and excited to hear that. I knew Courtney had secured first female and I was pretty sure there was no other ladies between she and I.

Don't miss it!
After a short distance of them and Joe ahead of me, they almost missed a turn. It allowed me to pass them but that just made me run faster for a short while until I stepped asked and allowed them to pass even though they weren't ready, I knew they soon would and didn't want to hinder the race they had going on for 2nd vs 3rd female. I was imagining them 2 battling it out in the final stretch and got excited.

The struggle
joe and I were struggling to keep the paces we had been holding. I just didn't want to be passed again. I caught up with Randy Blevins. Another runner that I shouldn't have been running with, as he is always much faster than I. Then I see Bill Vickery... I'm gaining on him. I jokingly yell ahead asking if he's waiting up for me. He explains how his past week at the beach and a recent 5k PR just a couple days ago have given him some rubber legs. I was excited to be doing so well even if I was passing respected runners on a not-so-good day of their own.

The final moments
I keep thinking about who is behind me. All I want is to hold my place. I know I can't possibly pass another runner ahead of me, I've not enough energy for that. In the final moments of the trail I see Jim Mullens in very reachable distance to me. He pressed me on to run harder when I thought I couldn't. I reminded myself that in an hour I'd be telling myself "I think I could have ran harder" but I felt myself pushing it a little too much... I walked a few steps up a final climb. saying out loud "I can't let him pass me" eventually out on the grass for the final stretch I pushed it hard as I could... I finished 6 seconds ahead of him. I don't know if he felt he was racing that part or not, but I surely was! Immediately after I thanked him and told him he was really pushing me. I thanked joe also for just being there and giving me someone to keep up with.

Post race
Social time. food. smiles. My face was hurting from smiling more than my legs were hurting from running... That is always a good sign. James Decker asked f I've checked the results and sure enough... preliminary results said I earned 3rd place, with Jim Mullens in 4th only 6 seconds behind me!!!
WOW! Sharing the top of my age group with David Tingler and James Decker was pretty cool for me. I say it all depends on who shows up. Had I run that time last year, I still would have only earned 5th place. but I was glad that today was today. Others in my age group took overall winnings. Shows how fast and competitive my AG is.

Thanks to the Mountain Junkies and all the volunteers for making it happen.

During this race I was excited to be wearing my Patagonia shorts I earned from finishing Promise Land 50k last weekend!.  I carried my hand held filled with ViSalus PRO. I took 2 GU gels, I'm estimating at about mile 6 and mile 10. I took 2 salt caps when I felt some calf cramping around mile 9 or 10. I'm considering that my Montrail Masochist shoes may be needing replacement, but not fully sure. I felt some "burn" and some flattening of my soles during this race, but I'm not sure they are "done" yet. I'm still liking my Smart Wool PhD socks, the thicker ones. Not sure how they will do over the summer, but we'll see.
weather was a drizzle and humid. I diddnt do much different this time except racing it rather than just running it. Pretty excited about my time of 1:58:XX and 3rd in my AG. I look forward to beating that time next year, but I've also considered doing the 10k, we'll see.

Next
Conquer The Cove Marathon will be next, in about a month from now. 2 weeks after that is the Eastern Divide 50k. Conquer the Cove will mark the end of the RNUTS (Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series). Then as for the other series I'm running the Lynchburg Ultra Series. I've still got one event in November, the Mountain Masochist 50 miler... I'm scared (but equally excited) of what that day may bring!

Much to look forward to!

Promise Land 50k

Event info
Date: 4/28/12
Location: North of Bedford, VA
Event Distance: 50k 
Hosted by: Extreme Ultra Running
Series: Lynchburg Ultra Series - event 3 of 4
Event Website: HERE

Other race reports on this event: currently 15 reports listed HERE



The Plan
You should know all ready if I titled a section "the plan" that it didn't work out. Of course it didn't. I PLANNED to have a friend run with me a part of the way, but the layout of the course, and when "crew" could be present and when they couldn't sort of hindered the plan. not knowing the exact details of the course did as well. Ultimately I asked the RD and he suggested my friend could run the last 5 or so miles from Sunset Fields to the end. whereas I was hoping he could trail the last 15 or so, but the course didn't allow. So then I considered him running along with me from the first Sunset Fields visit. This was greatly discouraged, so I just chalked it up as a rookie mistake and jumping the gun on the excitement of having Eddie run with me. Thankfully he understood, but I know he was disappointed.

The reason I wanted such a plan was because Terrapin's 50k was such an emotional experience. I liked the idea of either having someone to unload emotions on, or (maybe better yet) help buffer them away.

A first for many
Countless times I heard that this was someone's first ultra. I wouldn't have suggested this for anyone's first, but It hunk I may be wrong. elevation profiles can be so intimidating, but they only tell a small part of the story, until you really get out there and experience it.
For example check out this pic of the Promise Land 50k elevation profile as compared to the Boston Marathon elevation profile that circulated on Facebook in the days after Promise Land.

Of course, I love to irony of the photo, but really these are 2 separate challenges. 2 very different races.

As for this being someone's first ultra. in hindsight I'm not sure if it actually may be a GOOD first ultra. As daunting as that elevation profile to the left looks! My first consideration of running PL50k was one year ago at Terrapin when I finished the half. Dr. Horton said to me "Are you running Promise Land?" for which I said "I've not even run a full marathon, man!" and his reply "YOU DONT HAVE TO! - PEOPLE DONT GET THAT"... and I learn that he is right.

So PL as a first - here's my thoughts. the course is tough enough that you just can't run for much more than 6 miles at a time. then you hike up some big 'ol climb, and then yoga re back to running again. give it a half mile to find your running legs again and settle into a stride, drop a couple miles. then uh-oh, hiking agin up the next big climb. The pattern of this course is a lot of stop and go. Climbs that most mortals wont even consider running up. but hey you are traversing mountains. A first timer still needs to know what they are getting into and should prepare to be on their feet for 7 or 8 hours, maybe more.


What a crew!
Countless Mountain Junkies were present! I really liked the local-Roanoke community support we had with each other there. Many familiar faces. I think that was in part what made Terrapin so difficult of me (one of the many reasons). I enjoy sharing new moments with others. Dragging a friend through something they've never done. It is exciting to me to share it. I like being the encourager. My friend Ed McKeown was taking the challenge! I was excited for him and encouraged by his determination, motivation and courage to do it. With so much of the unknown before me as well, we shared many moments together.

Taking it in sections
I've started to plan my approach to ultras in 3 sections. 10 miles or more for each section. This held me divide up the elevation profile in my head, so I can anticipate - though I usually end up totally forgetting the elevation profile and just take it as it comes. today's approach was to take the first 10 much slower than previously. At Terrapin I dove in too fast, and I knew this. I hoped to stay with Ed for at least the first, and hopefully the first 10 miles. Not only was I with Ed, but Sean Cooper, also doing his first ultra was with us for much of that time as well. I enjoyed the conversation with those around us, the encouragement that was given and received from Ed and Sean. I think after that first 10, Ed seemed positive and hopeful for the remainder of the day. Slowly I began to pull away and I knew it was time for me to increase my overall pace.

Watch this!
This was my first event wearing my Garmin Forerunner 110. Lydia had bought it for me for my birthday and we both know I'd been wanting one for a long time now. I considered all the models, but settled on the 110, cause it was a watch I could wear normally, and it would do all the fancy running stuff I wanted it to do. Sure there was other features that I would have liked it to have, but I knew I was capable of just getting all way too geeked out on it, so I settled for the simple and stayed with the 110. It does all the necessary things to help with my training and I'm very happy with it. Ed was my coach for how to use and operate the watch, as he too uses the 110.

It all blurs together when you go 30+ miles
I dont recall much about the middle section, but I do recall really enjoying the first downhill sometime after mile 10. beautiful single track, fairly steep but I could finally open up and RUN! I was passing a few here and there. Always thinking that they would pass me again sometime. interestingly this race was much different. The second and third sections after mile 10 to the end, I was consistently passing others. The closer I got to the end and was still passing others, I knew I had prepared with taking my first 10 miles carefully - I finally did something right!

Weather or not???
The most difficult climb was up Apple Orchard Falls. It happens to you (and I mean it HAPPENS TO YOU) between miles 27 and 30 or so and then you are in for a nice long downhill - the same hill that was the first climb. Coming up AO Falls was tough. I wasn't expecting any rain. Not that I would have done anything differently, but it began to rain just as I hit the aid station at the bottom of the mountain. Rain was one thing but cold rain is another. But again... not that I would have done anything differently. Maybe I would have carried gloves but they would have done little good. and I don't have a super cool thin running jacket, but I hope to get one someday.

What came from the sky at that moment has been described as freezing rain (it indeed was freezing cold!) sleet and hail. I don't know what a weatherman would say it was, but I was super cold! The only solution was to move and not stop. I was unable to run due to the steep hike that was before me and I felt for those behind me that had to endure it for longer. The climb which was around 2 miles, but I'm sure it was less than 3, yet it seemed to never end. Fingers immovable. My exposed forearms would sting and radiate over my whole arm when a rain drop hit it just right. I was unable to squeeze my water bottle but I knew I still needed to drink and remain hydrated. I still had a lot of miles left. About 5 miles AFTER I finished this climb... if I finished this climb, but I HAD to. There was only one way out and that was within what lay before me, and so onward I pressed. At the top I needed to refill my bottle, but only stretched out my hand to the AS volunteers who removed my bottle for me and refilled it. I struggled to get it back on my hand. It was the same at the next and last AS as well. Just frozen.

I knew this was purely a mental thing I had to overcome here. Sure the climb was a physical feat, but if I wasn't focused mentally and if I diddnt stay focused and positive - if I got negative and let MISERY sink in. I knew it would be so much more difficult. I recalled the saying on the shirt from the Willis River 50k that I ran in January "Pain is expected, Suffering is optional" I knew not to let the suffering set in. Stay positive I kept telling myself "Don't get negative (Win at this mental game), press on, you'll be bragging about this tomorrow". I appreciated that the other runners I was around said very little. Every once in a while a slight complaint of what froze or what they could no longer feel. I was thankful I could still feel my feet unlike one of the ladies around me at the time. I considered that they too were fighting that mental game and their silence affirmed that.

The TOP
Tammy Gray (she doesn't know I know who she is he-he) was at the top and said "you are freezing, you've got to keep going" She's a voice of experience and I knew she was right. I spent little time at the AS and took on down the hill. I knew this was a chance to move more and warm up, and it was a welcomed change. I diddnt exhaust myself on the climb but I was excited to still be pressing on... thinking to myself "I'll be bragging about this tomorrow" I even shared that thought with another runner or two on the climb to try and encourage.

The long gravel road toward the end, as expected, felt much longer than it was on the way up the mountain. I was still pleased to be passing runners. I glanced at my watch to see what my pace was, I was logging 8-minute miles for the last couple of miles and I was excited to be feeling this good. From gravel, to paved and then the distant sounds of the finish line. The cowbells and cheering for the runners ahead of me. I turned onto the camp property and let out a victorious Woo-Hoo, and then crossed the line at 7:45 or so. Immediately I thought, "better beat that next year". Despite the discomfort experienced one hour ago on that climb, I was all ready planning a rematch of man vs. mountain.


What I did differently
The most important thing I did was a low fiber and high carb diet for 3 days leading up to the race. I diddnt have to "pit-stop" in the woods like I had for the last 2 50k events. I read about going low fiber. and I mentioned it to a GI surgeon that I work with who knows quite a bit about running. He said it sounded like a good plan. It felt good to get his approval.

Post race smiles
The familiar faces were welcomed and I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Jerry and Dru and Andy and Ed and Gina and Helen and Sean and Anita and Jay after the race (I'm sure I forgot many others). Veggie burger, chips and water was on the menu for me. Phones didn't work so I was unable to call home and share the excitement. I was excited to have in hand my finisher's shorts. What a better finisher's award than just another cool shirt. I'd been needing a new pair of shorts anyway. I suggest a new pair of shorts every year!!!
I'm still wearing the Montrail Masochist shoe. I'm anticipating I'll be getting a new pair soon. I've had minimal foot and toe problems. I'm nervous what a new shoe will bring.

Looking forward
I'm curious how to progress from this solid foundation of the 50k that I've built up, to whatever it takes to go for about 12 hours and finish the Mountain Masochist 50-miler in November. I've run one ultra every month since December. I'm asking and listening to any advice from others. My calendar shows that I'm basically taking the month of May off from the really long run. June includes the Conquer The Cover trail marathon and then the Eastern Divide 50k, also. I expect I will try to do some back to back runs, say a 20 miler and then 15 or so the following day on tired legs. I've also been told just take it slow and I'll be fine. But still I signed up for the 40miler in Douthat State Park put on by Odyssey Adventure Racing - The Trail Running Rampage in September. I also know that Jerry Ballard will be doing all these listed events with me, as well as the MM50-miler. Cant wait for those days ahead.

Conquer The Cove trail 25k and Marathon

Yet another fine event from Mountain Junkies LLC. This race took place on 6/5/2011 from Lock Haven lake in Roanoke, then into the Carvins Cove trail system. I ran the 25k and was successful on many accounts.

ABOUT THE RACE
a 6:30 AM start, which seemed daunting at first, ensured better temperatures. The day was hot, but trails were very well covered from the elements and race headquarters had a nice pavilion providing shade, and even access to dip in the lake, which many runners did.

Please see the news paper's write up about the event HERE.
While I'm promoting other info about the event, be sure and visit Philip's blog "Cardioholics Anonymous"... you know you are one.
and Jimbo at So Far From Normal wrote a report as well.
Hopefully more to come. If I've missed one, let me know in comments below.


I was truly looking forward to this event, and I knew it was years in the making. Gaining access for a marathon on the precious property and natural reserve at Carvins Cove wasnt an easy task. The property encompasses a primary water source for the Roanoke Valley.
...and if you allow me to share some history here... It was in the 1940's that the town of Carvin's Cove, VA was intentionally buried in water due to the construction of a dam and the reservoir was created. (Yes, I like Wikipedia).

Josh and Gina worked for years to get permission to use this property for an event, and they also desired to top the Roanoke Non-Ultra Trail Series (RNUTS) with a marathon.

The venue Lock Haven Lake is very accessible and less than 10 minutes off I-81.  Parking was expected to be crowded. I was thankful that my sister-in-law was volunteering at the event, and could drop me off on her way in. Runners were requested to check-in and confirm that they have a source of water to carry with them. It was mandatory that each runner, regardless of event was carrying water.


I DID SOMETHING RIGHT
I wish I could put my finger on what I did right for this event, but I know it wasnt just one thing. I think my taper had something to do with it. 2 weeks ago, I ran a peak distance of 14 or 14.5 on the AT from 220 heading north through Fulhardt Knob and to mile post 97, where my wonderful wife arrived to pick me up. It went as planned, and I ran leisurely, chatting with the AT hikers along the way. It included a good climb as well (estimated to be about 1200 Vertical ft.) and I took about 3.5 hours to do the entire run. The next Thursday I did a double loop at the Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail, close to 11 miles. I diddnt run again until Ruth (that sister-in-law, I mentioned) and I ran about 4 miles in the neighborhood the Thursday before the race.

2 days before the race, I got super focused on eating, sleeping and hydrating. Until this, I had not been sleeping but 6 hrs or less a night. so, I had to improve that. Things went well. Saturday, the day before the race I was sure to drink the extra 2 liters (Gatorade) I had been drinking the past day or so, and I also drank 2 16oz glasses of NUUN electrolyte drink that evening. I've been really enjoying NUUN, I buy it from Fleet Feet.

RACE DAY
In the morning before the race I woke at 4:45. I knew that I diddnt sleep at all.  I awoke to a cup of coffee and about a half cup of oatmeal. I was fearful about the heat of the day, and so I shook about a teaspoon of salt out into my hand and tossed it into my mouth. I had done this once, back in 2004 at my second half-marathon but never since. I diddnt think about it much before doing it, I just did it. Had I thought about it, I would have planned to consume some salt in a different manner... and so my stomach diddnt like it. I felt the cramps, my breathing rate increased and I began to salivate. I thought I would vomit. I was quickly regretting this. Thankfully it subsided, and I convinced myself that it would pay off later in the day.

After Ruth dropped me off and checking-in, I looked for a place to drop my bag and get my items together. It was important to identify the row of porta-johns and take advantage of them at this time.

I arrived in my shorts and running shirt, but soon switched to a different shirt. I had pre-filled my hydration pack at home and "burped" the air out of it was well, so I hadnt worry about that. I was focused to continue hydrating and nourishing, as I had in training runs. I also ate 1/3 of a Cliff bar about 15 mins before the race start.

I'm somewhere in that mess of almost 250 runners. (pic stolen from Mountain Junkies Facebook page)

WHAT I ATE DURING THE RACE
Overall in the race, I consumed 2 GU gels (just before the aid stations), almost a liter of Gatorade from my hydration back pack, and at the aid stations I drank water, ate some pretzels,  a piece of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and some Salazon salted chocolate. The aid stations were well stocked and staffed! Very encouraging volunteers. I recall at the 3rd aid station being adamant about getting my GU wrapper in the trash bag, and the group of them insisting that I should toss it on the ground. See, the top of the GU pack had torn off, and I feared it would get missed and remain on the ground, but with great humor they insisted and pushed me back on the trail, I was laughing.


MORE REFLECTIONS
I believe my taper in the 2 weeks before the race was important. Yet I feel that I should have run more short runs in those 2 weeks. Whereas I just played it lazy and found excuses not to run because "hey I'm tapering down my mileage". I think that eating well the previous days and sleeping better helped as well. I think that eating and drinking along the run was vital as well and I am constantly learning more about how to properly do this.

Lately I had been running out of energy at somewhere as early as mile 10 (like at the Trail nut 13.1) or soon after. Today I felt fairly strong until the last half mile. Which by the way, a 25k measures out to 15.5 miles and this was 15.8. So many things played into why I felt so good. I wanted to be sure and feel that I gave my all and that I did. In that last half mile, despite "contracting" with Scott Meyers (whom I had just met on those last few miles) to keep up with him,  I said "you go ahead and I'll do what you do" HA! famous last word. He pressed on - I did not. I just couldnt, but I wish I had that opportunity again. I'll have to run another 15 miles to get to that point. Until then Scott and I really seemed to appreciate one anothers company for the last few miles.


THE CLIMBS
I should say something about the 2 big hill climbs in the 25k.
I recall Brent Williams referring to the 800ft climb as "runnable" and I believed that to be true. I was pleased to say that I ran about half of it, in a slow run / fast hike stride... but eventually my heart could no longer fuel my muscles and I dropped to a full on hike. It felt good to be passing others and I felt that I was tackling the climb fairly hard. It was when I had almost caught up with Mark Anderson that I ran out of gas and started hiking. This was the second climb. I dont recall much to say about the first one, but that I'm sure everyone walked it and that was about how it needed to be done.

Elevation profile for the 25k. Stolen from Mountain Junkies website.

IN CLOSURE
Again, I wish I knew what I did right.
I've never felt so good after a 10+ mile run or race. I felt fresh soon after the race was over. I wish all runs felt that way. I had 2 minor sore spots on my feet, and now over 36 hours later, I still feel good. I need to duplicate this somehow. Bottle up that success and sell it!

I feel that this report is kind of scattered, and I wish to do better than that. I dont have any pics at the moment and I'll have to steal them all from the Mountain Junkies FB page when I can.

Please share your own race reports, I enjoy reading them too.


I know you have heard the advice to not do anything different on race day... well, I'm always doing something different.

Finishers medal

WHAT I DID DIFFERENT THIS TIME:
Drank more NUUN in the 12 hours before the race and immediately after.
Moments before the race I used Body Glide for the first time, thanks to Andrew from Fleet Feet's time answering my questions about it.
I also sprayed OFF on my legs to avoid ticks.
Tapered smart.
Took a shot of salt in the AM.


WHAT IS NEXT?
My next event, and yes I am signed up and so excited that it will be the Hinson Lake 24 Hour ultra Classic!
I am looking for others to join me, so please consider it, and sign up ASAP! The event is in September, but registration is filling up and it is 57% full at the moment. I hope some fellow Mountain Junkies like, Graham Zollman and Anita Finkle will join me. Doug? Phillip? Samantha and Matt? Mark?  I've been trying to recruit.

Race Report: Mill Mountain Mayhem 10k

Today I ran the Mill Mountain Mayhem 10k, another excellent event put on by Mountain Junkies LLC.
 Mill Mountain is a Roanoke landmark, the mountain with the star overlooking the Roanoke Valley.


The weather, like other previous Mountain Junkie events, was rain before, and rain after but not rain during... How Josh and Gina Gilbert pull that off is beyond me! The weather was perfectly chilly, and when you got to the top it was quite foggy. Making for not-so-excellent views, but it was surely peaceful and misty.

So the crowd was around 130+, a smaller crowd than has been at recent events, possibly the smallest event of the RNUTS series (Roanoke Non Ultra Trail Series), but understandably so. There was even 180+ that ran the Frozen Toe 10K in January, in the snow.

The elevation profile says there is 1305 ft. elevation gain, and 1461 ft. loss. Which explains that you walk a short distance up the mountain before starting the race, but run all the way to the bottom. The total length of the event was just over 10k (6.2) and was a total of 6.4miles.

Despite that increased length, the overall woman leader still broke the women's course record, which now stands at 49:20. Way to go Lisa Homa!

The parking was challenging, but went well and I heard no complaints. The small parking lot for the trail head to the Star Trail, just off of Riverland Road in Roanoke is smalls and was reserved for race directors and volunteers. There was a small lot across the street, but most had to park just down the road on the far side of the grocery store (IGA) parking lot. Ideally avoiding any interference with IGA customers. I parked on the far side of that lot. After walking to the lot where pre-race announcements are soon to occur, I’m reminded how thankful I am that port-a-potties are available.

As I left my car, I brought with me a bag of my “comfort items” that I feel I need to have access to before and after a race, and placed them in a plastic trash bag, then stashed it to the side before the race began. Things like, my usual race food, phones, camera, gloves hat, extra socks and race shirt…just things I feel I need if something goes wrong or if it is too cold. I was also able to throw some clothes in the bag, and have them to change into for after the race… much needed in chilly weather. I just hate to have to go back to the car and miss out on some of the post race festivities and excitement.

So the race begins a short distance up the Star Trail, where it crosses Fishburn Parkway… the road that people always call “the one that goes up to the star” After some pre-race announcements by Josh, we began walking up the trail to the starting line. At this time I enjoyed conversations with Brent from Fleet Feet, met his friend Andy, and joked a bit with James Decker at the starting line as well.

The race began on the road at this crossing. It finished at the parking lot we just walked from. Once the race begins on the road and runners get almost to the top, you turn sharp right and hit Monument Trail, this ends at Sylvan Rd. taking us to the “Old Road up to the star”. Runners are on the old road about half a mile and then take a trail on the right Big Sunny Trail (where we lass the mysterious old black car), to Riser Trail (they all seem to be rising trails), then Ridgeline Trail. Once you think you’re at the top and realize that you’re not really at the top, you are then on sidewalk going from the zoo up to the star. Runners go right in front of the star (where on a clear day would be a very nice view of the valley but not today, only fog) around a bend to the top of Star Trail, and go a little over a mile, possibly 1.5 on what is affectionately called a “screaming fast downhill”. So true!

The terrain was rocky at times, of course roots and much clay underfoot. I really enjoy this style single track trail. Passing other runners was not an easy task in most places.

Picture borrowed from the Mountain Junkies Facebook page

I started what may have seemed a little fast for me, but I kept up my effort. I Ran to catch up with Kemp and chat with him a moment, to only realize, that no one else was chatting as in many other races. I suppose oxygen conservation was important to everyone as you’re running up a mountain. I was excited to be running with familiar faces once again, and soon focused on my own effort and trying to keep up my pace. Kemp was disappointed that he never caught back up with me, but he was never far behind. I felt that overall I ran much harder than most races I’ve run lately. Soon after getting onto the Monument Trail I found myself behind other runners in a row of about 5. I wanted to pass, but I allowed the single track hinder me. Reminding myself that this is really a good thing. When risking running too fast too soon. It is good to get “stuck” behind someone for a little while, run at a slower pace and let my heart rate drop just a little… keeping some gas in the tank for later.

The climbing seemed to never stop. I had run this course once a few months ago, and felt that I climbed 3 mountains. Once you get almost to the top, you go down just enough to get you excited, but then you go back up again. It’s like climbing Mill Mountain twice.

Here is the elevation profile so you can judge for yourself. 

Mill Mountain Mayhem 10k elevation profile

Close to the top, I chatted a bit with young runner of 17 years old, Dillon Anderson he was struggling to keep his pace up and just needed to stay far enough ahead of his dad for bragging rights. Loving the spirit of that competition I did what I could to encourage him and press him on. Later learning that his dad Mark was a runner that I had passed earlier and commented to him about his “fast hike” stride that seemed to embody what I was aiming for in my own pace and stride when going up hill. Mark and I spoke briefly about this after the race. It was nice to meet you, Mark and Dillon!

Running right past the star. This give you a good idea of how foggy it was at the top.
 This picture borrowed from the Mountain Junkie Facebook page.

During the screaming fast downhill, I’m running almost as fast as I safely can and I feel that there’s a good distance between me and the person behind me. There is no one in front of me in sight after Dillon took off. I’m thinking to myself, “I wonder how in the world people run this terrain any faster than I am right now” but I know they do. I really need to see how faster runners navigate their footing on steep rocky downhill, I could learn a lot from that. Strangely enough I hear the person behind me gaining on me, and it keeps pressing me forward as much as I can go. He never caught me, but Henry Schaefer and I had a nice talk about it after the finish. We both appreciated the competition and was using one another to push ourselves a little harder. I thought for quite a while that he was going to catch me.

I finished the race at 54:51, an 8:39 pace. I am very pleased with that, as I hoped to make it under 55 minutes. I had to run harder than I had imagined I would have to for me to make that time. I still placed at my usual position in my age group 7^th of 11. I’m always getting around 7^th. 

The finish line after the "screaming fast" downhill. the old course came down the gravel road you see, This year it changed and a the trail comes out of the woods just before the finish gate.

After the race was a vibe that was noticeably more exciting than previous races. I think this was because of the intimidation that many felt running up Mill Mountain. There was a sense of exhaustion and accomplishment that was shared among all.

Post-race chatter and excitement

Post race I was able to make a point to meet a few runners that I see at every race, but hadent talked to yet, one of whom was Philip Settle. I wanted to introduce myself to him for a variety of reasons.

It was nice to meet you and I look forward to talking again at up coming events.

Chocolate chip pumpkin bread, Dru’s cookies Salazon Chocolate, bananas, apples, bagels with peanut butter, cream cheese or Nutella, and a tray of broccoli and carrots in addition to Gatorade and water were all spread out for us to enjoy in typical Mountain Junkies fashion.

What an excellent race. I think the weather added to the excitement, making things just slippery enough to increase the intimidation of the course. The camaraderie and conversations just keep getting better too.

Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors that help make these events happen. I’m excited to be a part of it.

Here is another local runner that wrote a blog about this event: Doug Falls's blog

Race Report: Montvale 10 mile

I started this blog after these events below, so I am back-posting about them, after the date. This is a recollection of the events even if a few weeks later.

The Montvale 5 mile and 10 mile. I ran the 10 mile. Another excellent event from the Mountain Junkies.

Photos used by permission from the Mountain Junkies LLC Facebook page

This was my first time running this race, and the first time running at this park. The Montvale park and it's trails are maintained by Kenny, the same guy who takes care of the trails at Bedford, where the Mountain Junkies host the Trail Nut 10K and Half marathon (May 7th, 2011). What a guy, I must say. He shows up at the races, seems to have good communication with race directors and makes an overall good impression. I remember him from when I ran the Trail nut last summer, and I was sure to approach him and shake his hand to say thank you prior to the race as well. He was there to make sure all went well and assist with parking etc. The work he puts in to the trails is much appreciated. We should be glad Bedford County's parks and recreation recognizes the value in having him there.

So the area of the race headquarters changed location from previous years and since I wasnt there previously, I cant compare, but this year's race headquarters seems to be a work in progress for the park. It was sufficient, but underdeveloped yet it's future seems so promising, I really want to attend next year. The parking lot was gravel, but enough parking for the 150+ runners in attendance. There are cement slabs placed around to serve as the foundation for what is soon to be built there. These will likely be pavilions, picnic shelters and the like.

Montvale Park, This area is still under development.

I had expected the race to be a little less hilly that the previous Explore Park event, but I was mistaken. During the morning's packet pickup I asked Gina Gilbert (Race Director) about how "hilly" the course was and I got the expected answer that It was "rolling", and yes it was. I was hoping for an elevation profile on it, and since there wasnt on on the site or any mention of elevation, I assumed it was flatter than the other Mountain Junkie events. I really wish I had a Garmin Forerunner watch or smartphone so I could obtain this info, not only for my personal knowledge on various runs, but also to help communicate about events such as this.

There wasnt much to say about any specific important climbs, but it was slow and steady. There was definitely hills but I diddnt feel that there was a "big climb" along the course that was hard to run through.

The week had given us much rain previously, so there were areas that were wet and a little muddy but nothing horrible at all. The course changed slightly from the previous year and a short conversation with someone who had run it last year (so I could get an idea of where the start was) I was told that last time they ran through a fairly "boggy" area, but we diddnt run through any such area this time.

And they're off!

During pre-race announcements delivered by Josh Gilbert (Race Director) Runners were advised to not run through the volunteers at the area where the 10 mile runners begin the second loop. This was the first event that I have been in where someone was gong to mark my race number after a certain part of the course was completed. Runners were advised to not run over the volunteers, but that is almost exactly what I did. At the checkpoint, I was not thinking at all, I was just in a daze. One of the volunteers had begun to run after me, but I soon understood and turned around. I think the person in front of me at the moment must have been doing the 5mile or something, because I dont recall seeing them mark her number. It diddnt take but a second and I was back on my way.

At one point in the race, when I found myself catching up with another runner. I made myself stay behind them for a while and match their pace so I wouldnt overdue it. I would qualify this as "running smart" Opportunities like this present themselves in many races and I find that I run a better event by sticking alongside others from time to time while running. At times they help keep me running faster, and at times they help me stay a little slower. it depends on what I feel I need for that race at that time. And plus, when possible, I like the conversation.

I crossed some walkers as I was coming out of the woods and back on the common trail. I had first thought someone may have been an injured runner, but was soon assured things were OK. I know Josh has said something in the past about hoping to have more walkers enter the Mountain Junkies events, so I hope to see more walkers as well.

Me rapidly approaching the finish line.

I felt that I finished strong and was excited to be getting in 10 miles, as it had been a while. My training had taken a set back more than I had desired. Part due to a busy schedule, part due to weather and part due to feeling like I should taper a bit before the Terrapin Mountain half.

The Mountan Junkies always have creative awards for the age group winners.

I enjoyed the post race spread of food! Which the Mountain Junkies are quickly becoming famous for. The ever popular homemade chocolate chip pumpkin bread, Salazon chocolate (which is very good and has a salty surprise), the usual bagels but with peanut butter, and Nutella available too, bananas, local cookies (I think Drew's cookies), trail mix etc.

I'm hoping to enter again next year.
Thank you to the Mountain Junkies and all the volunteers for another great event.
It's good that there is no rule about men running in kilts, cause I saw atleast two, I know.
:)