Swinging Bridge 35k / 50k AKA Willis River 35k & 50k Wilderness Trail Runs

The event used to be called Swinging Bridge, but since the race route no longer takes runners to the swinging bridge, the name was changed to Willis River.

Date: January 14, 2012.  
Location: Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland, VA
Event: 50k (35k and 50k distances offered)
Presented by: Richmond Road Runners
Event Website: HERE
Cost: Only $25Other race reports on this event: Lost In The Woods Running (Mike Bailey)


Cheap
It seems like you don't have to search much to find the expensive races, but to find the events with less fuss not only do you have to search deeper, but you have to register quick too.
Not only was Willis River 50k a cheap event (same price for 35k and 50k) but it was also full many weeks before race day.

A first REAL ultra?

I ran 50k for the first time at Hinson Lake's 24 hour event. I completed the 50k in 7 hours. That was my main goal, 50k. This was in late September. My total miles for the event was 55 miles.

I ran 50k for the second time at the Crooked Road 24 hour event. The structure of the day did not allow me to keep time like I did at Hinson. My total miles for the event was 62 miles.

Believing that I could cover the distance, I did feel a little concerned that it was a measured distance and a bit less supported than a 24 hour event. (had good aid stations, but not the FOOD that you get at those 2 24 hour events). Thinking to myself that it would be different as I'd likely log in many more miles alone, rather than shared with whomever was on the loop course, that you get at those 24 hour events. Still I was confident that I could, and would.

Pre-race research

Of course I researched as much as I could for the event. I found limited info. One of the most helpful sources I found was a race report from Mike Bailey, whom I had just shared the course with at the Crooked Road 24 hour event. He wrote a report on his blog after he ran it in 2009 in blistering cold weather.

Weather omg!

The event takes place in January... in 2009 (see Mike's blog above) temps were as low as NEGATIVE 1 degrees! I'm learning that the course has some mandatory creek crossings where you WILL get wet. I'm excited and nervous both. I would much rather submit myself to such conditions at an organized event, rather than on my own training run somewhere all alone. I figured worst case is I sign up, waste $25 and not run, but either way, I was going to be there before I decided to DNS (Did Not Start).

Dead Last finish is better than Did Not Finish which is even better than Did Not Start. 

I prepared for the cold temps by buying my first pair of running pants. OK they are tights, but I researched around and decided on Patagonia Speed Work Tights. Retail $69 affordable and a simple design, no external pockets or fancy anything, just quality material.

I also bought a Smartwool neck gaiter and headband. When worn together is could simulate a balaclava, which is pretty much a ski mask. 

I had recently upgraded my gloves from simple polyester liners to a much nicer Mountain Hardwear momentum running glove.

I was concerned about what the weather would bring, and there was only one thing I could do about it, and that was to prepare. I made sure some cold training runs took me through water so I could run with wet feet and I tried not to let the cold weather hold me back in my running.

Plans - driving arrangements

After I assembled a list of those that might be attending, and learned what running friends would indeed be running this event. I began to talk with them about their past experiences there and how to prepare. We also made driving and traveling arrangements. I was excited to be invited to ride with Josh and Gina Both of them having run this race previously were able to offer a lot of important support.

The drive up and pre race prep.

Meeting early on Saturday AM in Roanoke, we were on our way. Josh, Gina, Dru, Mike and myself. I was thankful to not have to drive. Josh having made everyone some muffins, I think they were chocolate chip banana nut, pretty good stuff! Wish I had one now actually. Discussion about who ran what race, and comparing ultras and some talk about who really knows how to put on a good race. We all seemed to enjoy one another's company and conversation.

Race headquarters was in a nice heated building with restrooms (additional "john's" outside) and water fountains.

Arrival was just over an hour early. Perfect. Packet pickup and time to dress, prep the body and mind. Rid of all the pre-race heebie-jeebies, take pre-race pics and enjoy a lot of nervous chatter and reunions. 

Photo courtesy of Tom Rickard, Mike is missing from the pic.

Questions about about what items of hydration to bring. Wear a pack, or just the hand held bottle? I opted for the hand held bottle as I knew there would be an aid station every 5 miles so I could refill.

The course - weather, trees, mud and water


The new name of the event includes that it is s "wilderness trail" I believe that is to let others know that is may be a bit unmaintained in places, and possibly difficult to follow. The course mostly followed white blazes on the trees, and there were white streamers tied to trees every so often, especially in the difficult areas. I think the white was hard to see, I'd prefer a brighter color. It was obvious that the course had some preparation to it. There were a couple areas that made me feel like we were being used to forge a new portion of trail rather than following an established trail.

I heard it many times, and I must say it here as well (and if you hear one thing about the course other than the potentially cold temps it will be this) but there are many down trees that every runner must step over or climb over. These provided nice breaks in the running though. Well, I thought that at first, but after you get a good number of miles under your feet, your legs don't want to lift that high off the ground!

Other than temps and trees there was mud and water. At various times in the past 3 days leading up to the race it rained. I was thankful it wasn't raining today, but the rain left countless mud pits and filled up the creeks just right. Mud pits so deep that the ever present leaf covered trail became shoe sucking black dirt soupy sections that at first you try to dance over, but soon enough you tie in and just tromp right through. I still don't know how I'm going to clean those shoes.

The creeks included many countless crossings, perhaps 10 times? Not all of them required you to submerge your feet, but a couple of them did for sure. At this race and for this time (another day might be completely different) you could find some areas that would put you in as deep as mid calf. Usually there was a better option. Personally after all the mud, it was kind of cleansing to run through cleaner water. The cold temps of the water only penetrated for a very short time. I wonder if that was in part because I was wearing Smart wool socks, and I've read that wool stays warmer when wet than other fabrics? Who knows.


35k complete stop or go?
I was aware that this course didn't have a lot of elevation, but then was surprised that it has 1800 vertical. I would have considered it more flat than that. It had plenty of simple short ups and down (muds and puds - multiple ups and downs, pointless ups and downs).

After 5 miles out the first aid station. Aid stations were stocked with only water and soda for drink. food included cookies, m&ms pretzels and potato chips. Gummy items and I forget what else.

It was nice that before the turn around, I could see the lead runners as they pass. I was excited to see that Josh was in 3rd place at about that time, and not far from the guys ahead of him.

After returning to the start and completing the 35k. Many choose to call it quits, but I knew what the plan was and I was determined to stick to it. I knew I had 5 more miles out and 5 more miles back. I was feeling good having crossed the line in under 4 hours. I rested a moment and refueled at the aid station, then went back down the trail. It was good to see some friends in our group (Mike and Walker) there resting after having completed the 35k a while ago.

Once I headed back in tot eh woods for the final leg of the 50k. I noticed who came into the aid station behind me. He eventually passed me.


The final 10
I think the last 10 miles were more attractive than the first 20. Arriving at the turnaround aid station. I was pleased to be seeing some greenery and a nice river not too far away. I stopped at the aid station. the Race Director was there encouraging the runners. I thanked him for his work on putting the race together. I enjoyed some m&m's, Pringles, one Advil and I forget what else.

The first 5 of the last 10 were heavily hiked. The last 5 of the race, I felt stronger than the previous 5, and I ran more than before. Perhaps it was more downhill? I do know that I think the last 10 miles were more hilly than the first 20. That could be perception though too as my legs were quite tired by that point. There was definitely less mud water and down trees. it was easier to run without interruption. There was a section of forest road (well, there was a section on the first out and back too) which was a nice change of pace for a short time.

It was again exciting to see the oncoming runners. Constantly wondering how well Josh was running, I finally saw 2 figures emerging through the woods toward me. Josh was in the lead!!!

The runner that passed me in the final 10, never got too far ahead, as I could tell from the turn around how far ahead he was.

At the finish
As I was nearing the last mile. I came up on the runner that was behind me before I began the last 10. We enjoyed one another's company and conversation for that last mile. I really appreciated that as I had so little conversation during this run. We crossed the line together.

It was great to see familiar faces at the finish and Gina there to take my picture. It made me feel right at home like I was at a Mountain Junkie race. Pictures at moments like that are priceless, Thank you!

The clock read something short of 6:30 and I was pleased that it was below 7 hours, but soon thought that it took an extra 30 mins to cover 10 miles, when on the first half of the race I ran 10 miles every 2 hours. Despite my instant negativity, I enjoyed the moment. Soon I asked how the end of Josh's race turned out, and I was happy to hear that he won! His first ultra win!

Driving home... 
After a short cool down, food was on my mind. I knew the other in my group were waiting only on me and ready to go. I wanted to refuel. I partook in what the aid station at the finish had to offer, but knew I wanted more. Soon we were in the car and headed down the road.

Like the good husband, I make contact with my wife. Soon to learn that Lydia is at the race and looking for me! What a nice surprise! She had arrived about 15 mins behind what may have been ideal. We had the option of turning around to meet her, or just to stop at a gas station and let her meet us there. I was thankful for my friends for waiting for me, and the finish would not have been the same without them there. I was also glad to see my family happy for me and providing comfort.


Things I did differently - NEW products
Not too much to say here. I'm getting a little more consistent with what I do at long runs now. I have enjoyed the Salt Stick caps. I'm convinced that they help ward off cramps and assist in keeping me hydrated. I began taking them much less than suggested, but now I'm taking them as suggested with one an hour. I would have had some electrolyte product (Gatorade or NUUN) in my bottle on any other given day, but today this is where I did things differently. I'm trying out a line of products by Visalus Sciences. I used PRO in my bottle, which is a powder to mix in water. I did this for my first and 3rd bottle refills. It is recommended not to exceed 4 servings a day, so I felt that 2 was conservative in testing out something new. How did it work? I'm not sure. It surely did not hinder me at all. It tasted better than plain water. I know it lacks the electrolytes in other products, as it is an energy product not electrolyte replacement drink, but then again I'm taking the Salt Caps for that. I will continue to use the PRO and see how I feel about it.

PRO is only one item in a long list of products from a company which I have begun to work with. I am promoting their products to be used for a 90-day challenge after you set a goal for 90 days. Is it weight loss or athletic performance, go to my website at eliminate waist.bodybyvi.com and learn more about these awesome life changing products. I have seen it effect the lives of others, if I had not, I would not be talking about it here. Check it out.



What is next?
Holiday Lake 50k in 4 weeks. I am confident as this trail claims about 2000 ft in elevation, just slightly and probably not even noticeably different that I just ran. I have not committed to the entire Lynchburg Ultra Series, but I do want to do it. I've even signed up for Terrapin Mountain 50k in March, the second event of 4 in the series. I ran the half-marathon distance at Terrapin in 2011. I am excited to return there in 2012 for the full experience.

Frozen Toe 10k

Date: January 7, 2012.  
Location: Along the Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail in Roanoke, VA. The start and finish is at New Hope Christian Church
Event: 10k (actually 6.15 mile) trail run
Presented by: Mountain Junkies, LLC
Event Website: HERE
Other race reports on this event: Cardioholics Anonymous, Running because I can, Doug Falls


Yet another fine event courtesy of the Mountain Junkies.

Up and coming Mountain Junkies. Josie, Bentley and Sutton
Photo courtesy of the Mountain Junkies

We met at the New Hope Christian Church on a Saturday morning that was much warmer than the previous 2 years. I ran this event last year and there was a couple inches of snow on the ground. This year, unseasonably warm, but welcomed.

Courtesy of Brandie Bailey

Courtesy of Brandie Bailey

Despite the fact that my favorite Race Directors were told that they could not maintain the trail prior to the race (something about it being on national park property, I think) it was still in very nice shape for the race.

The absolute coolest thing about this event, was the excitement that it brought. The vibe there was such like it had been a long time since many of us had seen one another. Of course it was October since the last Mountain Junkies event. Some of us have run together in one form of another since then, but it was sure nice to all be together again and with many new faces as well. This event's registration was full at 300!

Pre-race
The days leading up to the race. All I could think of is how fast could I really run this loop? The Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail (CRL) is as "home court" as it gets for me. I've run this trail more than any other in my whole life, but I know many others can say the same thing. I prefer to access it from the parking area just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the Roanoke Campground. The trail does loop around the campground.

So many time I set out to run the CRL fast, and come in at 52 mins. Another day, I'm sure I broke 50, but no, 52 mins. Another day I thought I'd take it easy... sure enough 52 mins. Is it a magical place? Some would wonder.

Not long ago, I ran it in 50 mins. It was an attempt at running it fast. Of course the weather was much cooler than previous times I attempted to run CRL fast.

I am surveying my friends and seeing who will run it at which planned speed. Some I knew I couldn't hang with, and others I thought I may be able to. I think I choose wisely.

At the starting line
I think I choose wisely because I stuck with Doug Falls for the first 2 or 2.5 miles. Which wasn't easy to do for most of it. but once we got the main hill for the course, I figured if I was still with him at that time, that it would be at this point that I would pass him, and it was. I really enjoy running with Doug. He is faster than me on average, but I'm learning that I'm faster than him on hills. We run well together. We push one another. That is the way running friends should be. I always look forward to running with Doug.
Phil on the other hand... I mentioned at the start something about keeping up with him at the very beginning, until we got to the trail. HA! He was gone from the start!

Courtesy of Brandie Bailey - pretty awesome pic of the race start

Course
The course is along the Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail. one of my favorite places to run in town. It is so close to the hospital and downtown, you can be there in minutes. This trail makes you feel like you are deep in the woods, but then you realize you are on the outskirts of a campground and a neighborhood here and there. You cal feel like you are far away, but you never really are. The loop crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2 locations. For the race we went under the parkway at a cross road as the National Park Service didn't want runners crossing the parkway at a race.  The elevation profile for the course is below, courtesy of the Mountain Junkies, LLC whose website I STOLE the image from.

Elevation gain and loss is right at 800 ft. The biggest most noticeable climb is from mile 3 to 3.5. The final downhill is a nice ending. nothing too horrible on this course as long as you are used to running hills. If all you are used to is flat roads, then this event will prove to be a tough one... but if you are really up for a steep Mountain Junkies race. Check out the Mill Mountain Mayhem. There is no question why it is the lowest attendance of any of their events. It is quite intimidating. I have a race report on it from 2011 HERE. Interested parties will have to wait until April to run it.

So... how did the race go?

I really felt settled in to a pace after the hill climb at mile 3.5, in fact my plan was to push it harder than normal until before the hill... settle down a bit to save some juice for the hill. Run the hill slow and steady as I normally do, and then after recovering from the hill try to settle into a flowing pace, but something consistent with those around me.

I noticed that very little passing was happening with those around me. I felt that this was a good sign, that I had placed myself well in the starting crowd, and that I ran the first portion of the race at the correct pace, to have settled in to the pace that I did, that there was little to no shuffling going on.

Last year I started out slow, and it was just a mess once on the trail. Passing on single track isn't easy. Fortunately many parts of the trail are wider than single track and allow for passing.

The last portion of the loop flowed nicely. Knowing the terrain I was on, I could easily prepare for what was ahead. I settled in, maybe a little too well.

The last mile or less
I found myself behind the 3rd female overall. I was pretty excited to be that far up in the overall results that there was only 3 ladies running ahead of me. I was reviewing in my head the goals I had for this race. I had no number for the time I wanted to see on the clock. I just knew I wanted to run it harder and stronger than I ever have run on that trail, and by this point in the race, I knew that I had accomplished that. I also wanted to try and place well in my age group. Knowing I would not likely make top three in AG, but I still wanted to run strong.

At this point in the race I had settled in to the thought that my mission was accomplished. I looked ahead on the turns and saw no competition ahead of me. No apparent age group runners in what I would this would be a catchable distance... and so I settled in. I shouldn't have let this happen.

The final stretch
Finding myself behind the 3rd female overall, I was pleased with my performance... until. I had concluded that I wouldn't blatantly pass this lady. I had thoughts that it might be rude to do in the final moments of the race...until. I was happy with how I had run and knew any age group competition was not in reach and so I figured I would take this pace to the finish right behind this lady.... until.

Photo courtesy of the Mountain Junkies

Out of no where she and I were passed. Immediately I thought 2 things "Oh no you don't!" and "He might be in my age group!"I kicked it from there to the finish and even though I passed the girl whom I had committed myself to not passing, the important thing is that I passed the guy that passed me in the final stretch. He didn't end up being in my age group after all.

Immediately after
It hit me that I should have run that last half mile downhill a bit harder and suddenly I began to think of next year. How come after conquering a course stronger than I ever had, I begin thinking of next time. Me and the CRL have an interesting relationship. There is a lot of training left to do there... I'm not done with it. Not at all. I think that is what hit me at that moment. I began to tell myself "Good job, but you can still do better"

I found a couple running friends and had some quick post race conversations. I grabbed a couple of bites to eat... of course chocolate chip pumpkin bread! A Mountain Junkie post-race staple. then off to the car I went as I had an assignment.

Post race assignment
My wonderful Mother-in-Law had been sick all week, but she still agreed to watch the kids for us as we ran this race. So instead of coming to the race with them, she stayed at the comfort of our place and I was to pick them up. The plan was right when I was done running my hear tout, to go home (Across town) pick up 3 kids and return to the race! Sure no problem, right?

Josie and I after the race. Courtesy of Brandie Bailey

It worked out quite perfectly actually. I called to let her know I was on the way. When I arrived the car was loaded with babies and accessories! I jumped from one car to the other and was back on the road. If this was in between stages at a triathlon, my Mother-in-Law would be the best crew EVER!

Returning to the event
In the car I had my 2 children and my nephew. During the time I was gone Lydia and Ruth both finished the race and had time to cool down. Then I show up with the kids. I think it worked out perfectly. I'm thankful that Connie watched them for us and allowed us to have the fun that we did. Conversations, awards and eating. Post race not only included the typical fruit and bagels and drink, but also Salazon salted chocolate, chocolate chip pumpkin bread, Dru's cookies, and WARM apple fritters. Where in the world can you get post race goodies like that?!?!?

 We were of the last to leave and just couldn't get enough of the Mountain Junkie love that was so apparent in the air. Lydia even said to me after the race that she wanted to go run!

What is next?
One week until the Swinging Bridge / Willis River 50k. It will prove to be a cold, wet and challenging run. I'm glad there is a group of us from the Roanoke area going, so I will have familiar faces around me. That is always a plus.

Thank you to Mountain Junkies, LLC and to all the other Mountain Junkies that ran on this day! What fun times are ahead. If you were there and didn't sign up for the RNUTS series, the price went up after today.

Crooked Road 24 Hour Ultra

Date: December 3 & 4, 2011. 8AM Saturday to 8AM Sunday
Location: Waid Park Recreational area, Rocky Mount, VA. USATF Certified 0.95 mile loop.
Event: A 24 hour foot race. Entrant limit of 100.
Presented by: The Crooked Road Running Club
Event Website: HERE
Funds: After event costs are covered, extra money goes to support the Franklin Country High School Cross Country Team.

Other blogs:
Dena Harris
Mike Bailey
Bobby Aswell, Jr. at Davidson Running
Jimbo at So Far From Normal

Other info / news paper articles:
Very short story on 12-7 in the The Franklin News-Post
Since this was the first USATF certified 24 hour event Many of us running set STATE RECORDS!!!
Visit the Virginia State Records website... you'll see I am the record holder in my age group too!!! Along with many other runners from this date!


The short story
I didn't have a clear goal, but knew I wanted to match what I did at Hinson in September. My first 24 hour event. Read my blog HERE to get that story. I knew I wasn't as confident about my preparation for this event as I was for Hinson. I wanted to go 50k and then see what I was capable of afterward. I ended up with 55 miles there. this event was further challenged by the cold weather. I knew it had the potential to hold me back, so I didn't get too set on a certain distance. I ended up covering 100k = 62 miles. Lydia did a total of 50k.

A 24 Hour Run
It's not like any "normal" race. There is no planned measured distance. Each participant has their own goal. There are more smiles and conversation than at other races, as you keep seeing the same people over and over. The volunteers that count your laps often call you BY NAME, which makes you feel like a celebrity. There is plenty of food and drink awaiting you every lap, and they serve you meals too. The encouragement you get from volunteers and other participants is unlike any other. You find many walkers, and the majority develop a walk / run alternating rhythm. Either run a number of laps, and then walk a number. Or approach each lap with a walk / run pattern over intervals of minutes, or as I do over sections of the course. Some participants are there to complete their first 10k, some their first 10 miles, and other was to see what they are simply capable of. Some are family members or friends getting in laps while helping crew for a more serious runner. Everyone has a different agenda, they are as diverse as the runners themselves.

Lydia taking some laps.

Hinson and the stress
I stressed so much prior to Hinson Lake 24, I think I stressed enough for both that event, and this one! Of course, I stressed on this one, but it wasn't the same. For Hinson I was much worried about the logistics of the event. Where and how I'd set up my personal "camp" and sitting area. If it would be in a convenient location related to the lap start / aid station area and my car. Would the loop I would be running seem too short, or too long? Who would I share my time with there, and how would running this entire event alone effect my later miles? Those were similar thoughts. but for the Crooked Road 24, I had none of those concerns. I was most occupied with when I'd get to run vs. when my wife was running, and who had the kids when and how the kids were going to be provided for. How would the cold effect them etc.

Goals
I had a goal, of course. it was to run 50k. I'd would have liked to run 50miles if I had the opportunity. I wasn't confident that I'd be running through the night, it was all weather dependent. I had no idea i would reach 100k, but I knew I was capable of it. I think I was capable of it at Hinson, too, if I had spent more time on my feet. My primary goal outside of me covering 50k in a decent time, was to allow Lydia to cover her planned distances. I knew the nature of the 24 hour event and how it would allow her to reach some pretty cool goals. We decided it would be good for her to run 3 2-hour sections of time. where she would be able to go 8 miles each 2 hour section she ran, bringing her really close to a marathon. Then with an extra lap here and there, she would hit the marathon. Things changed.

Arrival and packet pick up
Our 2yo Pauly had a sleep over at Auntie Ruth's house and he had a lot of fun play time with his 4yo cousin, Nasir. This meant that we packed the car with us two and our 4 month old, Josie. I didn't plan the best with the directions, and figured I could do it like we used to 10 yrs ago, and just write them down. Well, that worked out like it used to. Still needed to stop and ask directions, to find I missed a turn, but we still arrived with plenty of time.

Arriving at the gate to the park were volunteers to hand you your race packet right at your car, and direct you to the parking lot you were assigned to.

Packet pick up at the gate.

2 parking lots


Arrival and familiar faces
It is true, that you want to go where everybody knows your name. It sure is nice to pull up to a race and see a familiar face. Ricky Scott one of the main Race Directors (as it was put on by the Crooked Road Running Club) was there handing me and Lydia out packets at our car, and ushering us to the assigned lot. I was excited to soon see Sarah Holbrook, Anita Finkle, Graham Zollman, all from the Roanoke area and Mountain Junkie events! Fellow Crooked Roaders Johnny Nolan, Pam and Tom Rickard were also other smiling faces, I was happy to see. Also Annette Bednosky was there, and I was glad to have a quick chance to meet her before the event began. She is a well accomplished runner currently recovering from an injury due to a car accident that has set back her running.

Ricky Scott and Pam Rickard appreciating Josie

Unpack and get ready to run!
We unpack and complete dressing according to the weather. I brought the tent and began to set it up, but really just spread it out on the grass, so I could tend to it later. It was arranged that Lydia would run for the first 2 hours, as I spent time with Josie, and then we would switch. Her goal in 2 hours was 8 miles.

Soon we were lined up
...and with a very anti-climactic "GO!" (which made Lydia laugh at it's simplicity) we were off! We waked our first lap together to feel out the weather, and our attire, and well, just cause there was absolutely no reason to be rushed at all!

Everyone ready to go.

The course

The course wiggles around the park, maintaining at least a 2 person wide path at all times. Alternating from cinders (most of the path) some paved areas, and a gravel road for a short part of it. Each lap started at the table where the volunteers were to count your laps. progressed to the only hill on course, which was more significant that Hinson, and though very runnable it was walked by most without question. The downhill on the backside of the hill, I thought was much worse than the up hill. Especially once my knees became weaker through the miles. It then encountered the "far side" of the large parking lot. Then looping around that lot, past a playground and crossing the road which we all drove in on, where the volunteers awaited the late comers and monitored traffic for runner safety. then the short gravel road back to the start and aid station where you cross through the smaller lot (and small pavilion). There is also another playground here and plenty of space to set up camp / tents etc.

One of 2 playgrounds along the course

Approaching the "small lot" and pavilion / picnic area

Small lot, just before the start / aid station

Progress
Lydia completed her first 8 miles and took Josie, then I began to run. About 2 and a half hours had elapsed by now.  I was well loosened up for walking around, and showing off the baby. The excitement level was up high and all who I spoke with asked why I wasn't running but soon understood.  Lydia kept walking. Ruth soon arrived with Pauly my 2yo and her son Nasir. They hung out at the playground most of the time and Ruth took Josie, who slept like a champ in the warming weather and comfort of the running stroller. I was surprised to see that Lydia was out running again. This wasn't the plan. She was supposed to have 3 2-hour sessions, spaced out, but she really hadn't stopped moving since her first 2 hour session.

Josie and I while Lydia ran

We are so thankful for Ruth to have entertained Pauly the evening before, and to watch him during the day allowing Lydia and myself to run.

Fun along the course

I only stayed a couple laps ahead of Lydia as she was making her own laps too. Soon enough it was time for her to begin her second 2 hour block of running. Ruth still had all the children, and Lydia was feeling good, so she continued on. I was approaching 31 and Lydia was approaching 26 soon after! We arranged for Ruth to head home, and Lydia was going to finish a couple laps and be behind her about an hour. sure enough, Lydia and I timed our laps to that I hit 31miles (50k) and she hit 26.2 (marathon) upon completion of the same lap, an sure enough - Lydia had finished her first marathon!!!

Goal accomplished
With Lydia having had hit a marathon + and headed home, I knew she would arrive in the AM fresh and able to take a couple more laps, making her total mileage for the 24 hour event a 50k, and that became my goal for her. She didn't refuse!

Lydia and I just at dark, having completed our initial distance goals.

Time to run
At that point on, thought it was late, and darkness had arrived. The evening was still early, but I was left unattended with only one goal left... RUN. I kept telling myself, I had all ready covered more than 50k, but I wanted to run. I decided to take the night in 6 and 8 loop segments, and alternating between either 6 loops or 8 loops. on each segment of 6, I would run 2 and walk one. then run 2 and walk one. total would be six for that set. for my sets of 8 I would run 2 walk 1 and run another then repeat, which made me run 3 in a row in the middle of the set of 8. Methods like that I believe is part of what allow you to endure the distance, the run and walk pattern, but I also think the for myself setting up a set, an assignment perhaps, gives me a task to complete. and it takes a lot of mileage, and breaks it down into smaller bites, that I can sort of check off as the miles pass, and the hours pass too.

Me running Alongside Tracey Minnix, with Anita Finkle just behind us chatting with her husband Jay

It wasn't long before I hit 50 and though I knew that was another goal of mine. I knew I wanted more, so when I hit it I didn't feel that I'd "earned" a break at all I kept pushing through. When I did take breaks in between sets of 6 and 8 laps at a time, I tried to limit them to 15 or 20 mins at most. use that time to really hydrate and eat some. More than I would be in between each lap. As I often made sure I grabbed something from the aid station on each pass.

Time is running out
4:00 came early and I got a text message from Lydia that she was up and would be on her way soon. I started calculating how many miles I needed to do to get to 100k, and what time Lydia would arrive. I had to hustle. My plans for the sets of 6 and 8 just went out the window and I kept a run walk pattern, alternating through parts of the lap - and kept pressing on. I think that during the hours of 4 to 5 and maybe 5:30, I ran the hardest that I did for the entire event, and yet after all those miles too! I really wanted Lydia to complete a 50k for the 24 hours, and I knew that to do so , I wouldn't be able to run once she arrived and an hour and a half would be minimal for her to complete it, yet it all depended on how well she felt and how fast she could get there.

I knew she would have both kids with her. I knew I'd have to stop running once she arrived. I had always told myself that for this event, her goal would be more important than mine... but with being so close to 100k, I just HAD to get there. Lydia suggested that she arrive and cover a few laps then we do our last lap together with the kids completing her 50k, and my 100k... and that is exactly what we did!

Is this a problem?
Lydia got there and I covered 2 more laps, hustling to go as fast as I possibly could. The problem began here, in that I essentially stopped eating and drinking at the aid station. I should have known better. This is where having someone crew for you really comes into play. They would have made me drink at least. and I didn't think about it until after the 4th pass or so of the aid station. It hit me that I wasn't drinking. I don't think this had any real tangible negative effect, but once I realized it, I got concerned. I had gained focus on the task, but lost focus in other areas. I'd say that is expected when you've been up all night and running distances and times that you've never done before.

With all that serious aid station support, you wonder why anyone would pass it up!

Victory!
Lydia got to running and I stayed in the warm car with the kids. I felt that we had plenty of time. Lydia covered 4 of her 5 laps and we had 30 mins left. We got the kids all bundled up and walked a final lap with them in our arms. it was sweet, but goodness my arms were barely able to carry my 25lb 2yo for a while mile! funny how it's my arms that were weak, when you'd think it should be my legs? While my legs were demanding all the nutrients my body could offer, when I asked my arms to pitch in for a while, they weren't ready at all.

After 100k and 50k, the Victory lap with the kids!

Stick lap
At Hinson it's called the banana lap. but at the Crooked Road they give you a popsicle stick and it has your number on it. You head out on the last lap and when the car alarm (horn) sounds across the park you drop your stick along the path and they then measure your final distance from the start.

Post-race
Soon after we all gathered around for some post-event announcements and awards. Winners were announced, you can get to the results and some links to pics at the CR24 Results page. Some who remained in attendance got a free pair of Injinji toe socks. Lydia and myself got a pair, and we were glad to have! I have run in them before, but I prefer them after long runs, they feel good on my toes, when I've run so much that my toes are sore. I should try to run in them again for the second half of a long run, to minimize toe rubbing blisters. which is one of my main tangible injuries from this event.

Congrats to Glen Redpath and Anita Finkle for top male and female! They won awesome mini hand made banjos! Amy Surrette gave a solid, SOLID effort for her cause (raising money for a family in need, Brian and Elise Cakes, their TRIPLETS!!!)

During announcements I had though on a couple occasions that I came in the top 10 of men overall, but I was wrong, cause once the results were posted, I was 19th over all and 13th for men. with 62.72 total miles. Lydia was about 16th for women. When at one time we had thought we both were in top 10. but that was just the way they were doing results at the end of the event, based on who was still in attendance.


What I did different
The most obvious is the distance covered. This was also an event, that not only did I complete with Lydia, but we shared the event together. Another reason to like 24 hour events! I didn't consume and NUUN, or GU. I did drink Ensure as the most different thing I did. 2 during the event. I was concerned how the dairy-like substance would settle on my stomach. but I drank one before a walk lap. and I drank another during a walk/run lap while I was on my walk portions, and I took the full lap to drink it. Otherwise nothing really different. I washed my feet at 2 times through the 24 hours. I switched shoes after 50 miles. Switched socks one time in the middle of the 50. I was running with Patagonia running tights. that was new for me, this is my first event with them. I've only used thin polyester first layer items on my legs before in the cold, but this is my first pair of running pant / tights, They worked just fine and didn't cause any problems. I did sleep for one hour in a chair at the fire, but otherwise I stayed busy all night, taking rest breaks, but never fully stopping except for that nap and then I was back on the trail.

This picture really captures the fun that was had on that day.

How I felt after
This is an interesting one. Immediately after, once things slowed down and I was back in the car, Lydia driving me home. Nausea set it. We even had to stop somewhere to hit the bathroom, but no real production of the feelings I was having. I knew I had pushed myself too far, but didn't feel nauseous during the last 30 mins we were there, through the results etc. they did have pancakes for breakfast and I was enjoying them with no problem. Perhaps it was the car ride? that is my only guess. I've never had much nausea from running, I just don't push myself THAT hard, so I'm unsure how it feel to my body, but it could sure be related. as I was quite exhausted and I knew I slept most of the way home.

Thankfully What ached on my body was not chafing, not knee pain, and not even muscle pain. but I suffered one blister on my pinky toe, and my ankles felt over worked and sore.

What is next
This concludes my awesome 2011 running year! As of now, my ultra running adventures are lining up, with all but a signed application to the Lynchburg Ultra Series. which includes 3 50k events, and one 50 miler. That begins with Holiday Lake 50k++ in February, which I am all ready signed up for. but prior to that I've got the Frozen Toe 10k and then the Swinging Bridge 50k in January as well.

Look out! Cause here I come!

Look out! Cause here I come!