Chatooga River 8.15.10

Woody, me and Doug at trailhead

It is hard to believe it has been over six months since my last blog entry. It's not like I haven't had anything to write about. Quite the contrary. I have ventured on a couple of good trail runs with friends in North Georgia, ridden a beautiful century ride at Lake Tahoe, ran some miles on a legendary pilgrim route in Northern Spain and enjoyed a few weekend runs near home. However, my trail race calendar has gone through several revisions and a few cancellations with much of it due to work and family. That's just life. You have to prioritize. But I have a couple of races coming up in the Fall and I am ready to get this blog back into gear.

I'm running the Stump Jump 50K in October and I am considering the Lookout Mountain 50-miler in December. With those races in mind, I have slowly been ramping my mileage back to what it was earlier this year. This past weekend, I joined my usual running mates, Doug and Woody, to head up to Sumter Forest National Park in South Carolina to hit a 23 mile loop consisting of the Chatooga River trail, Fork Mountain trail and Foothills trail. Woody researched and found the loop and it would turn out to be a fun day of trail running.

We headed up there early on Saturday morning in an effort to get on the trail by 8:30am. We woke up to overcast conditions with the threat of rain, but it would turn out to be the best possible forecast. The cloudy conditions pulled down the triple digit heat index we have been experiencing in Atlanta this Summer and as a result, we actually got to run in temps in the 70's for almost the entire run. Unreal.

Anyway, we made it to the trailhead which is near a fish hatchery off a creek that leads into the Chatooga River. We got started at about 9:00am. The first few miles were great, as we were mostly following the creek down stream and the trail did not have much climbing. What it did have was alot of storm debris, hanging branches and rooty trail. It made for some tricky foot work while having to watch our heads. We soon came upon one of my favorite parts of the run, a 40' tall rock wall off the trail that extended for about 100'. This thing was really amazing to see and the picture here does not do it justice. It was a great site.

After playing tourist and taking a couple of pics, we kept on the trail and we came closer and closer to the Chatooga River. The Chatooga River is the state line boundary between South Carolina and Georgia. So it was kinda nice to think that we would be running in South Carolina and having Georgia just on the other side of the river. When we made it down to the river's edge, we took the trail to the right knowing that we would be making it around the loop to end up at this very same point later in the day. If we thought the trail was rooty along the creek, it really got technical along the river.

We passed a couple of campsites and saw a few campers who had spent the night down by the river. Everybody's always really cool when we go by giving a friendly wave and a nod. We would stay on the Chatooga River trail for about three miles while nearing Ellicott Rock. Ellicott Rock is a marker which corners the three states of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Pretty soon, we would head East and straight up what would be the worst climb of the day. Not a bad climb, but just a hard climb when having enjoyed several miles of mostly downhill and flat running since we left the car. A couple of switch backs and a couple of hundred feet and we were suddenly on a completely different type of trail than the one running along the river below.

We ran mostly single track trail along rolling terrain. Now clear of the rooty trails, we were making good progress. But we quickly learned that this trail is not as well-traveled due to all the spider webs across the trail. At first, Woody and I were taking turns at the front but we would keep hacking away at these webs or having them break across our face. As we complained about it, Doug would make fun of us by meowing. Insinuating we were a couple of pussies, but he would change his tune when we threw him out to lead us for a few miles. Wasn't long before we were meowing back at him. He did manage to dodge a couple of shoulder level webs that would end up still getting me or Woody. Bastard. It became a running joke through out the day when ever someone bitched about the webs. "Meow!"

The Fork Mountain trail saddles North Carolina and South Carolina. Eventually, we would come out on Route 107. There was another trail head at the road that hit the Foothills Trail. Before heading down that trail, we busted out some sandwiches and took a little break. The mist was weird, we were soaked but it was appreciated as it kept the temperatures down. After some calorie replacement, we took off down the Foothills Trail.

I don't know what was my deal, but I would end up on my hands or on my butt a few times during the run. One time because the ground gave way under my right foot. Another time because I slipped on some mud. And yet another time, out of poor clumsiness right near a little creek crossing. This, of course, triggered more "meows" as I bitched while getting up. These guys don't cut any slack.

On the Foothills trail we came across another impressive landmark, a 50' waterfall right off the trail. Another reason to love trail running!

After a few miles we actually crossed the road that led down to the hatchery, the trailhead and our car but we had more trail still to cover and kept going. Short time later we would begin descending in a major way. This is always fun especially when the legs are tired. Woody pulled away and Doug and I just tried to keep up, dodging trees and watching our feet as we went down for a couple of miles. Soon we were down on the Chatooga River again.

The water looked to good to pass up. We only had a couple of more miles to get back but took advantage of a small beach area to get in the river. Ahhh! It felt amazing. The cool water after almost 20 miles was just what the doctor ordered. We stayed in the water for about a half an hour before putting our shoes back on and finishing off the run.

It was good that we only had a couple more miles to go as all of us had run out of water. I went through my entire bladder in my North Face light pak and one hand held. Plus for the first time all day, the sun was breaking through the crowds. Good time to wrap this thing up.

Once back at the car and after a round of high fives, it was time to change into some dry clothes and make our way to Clayton, GA for some major calorie replacement.

Another good day on the trail. I can't wait to get a few more of these in before the 50K in October. Happy trails!

Fun in the Snow

While I write this, most of the east coast is completely paralyzed with the worst blizzard in decades. I'm hearing about record snow fall in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland. Here in Atlanta, we hit some chilly temps today, but remain dry and snowless. I was easily able to get my run in this morning with my dog.

A week and a half ago however, I did have some fun in the snow. I set out with some friends on a birthday run for my buddy, Doug, who turned 31. The original plan was to camp at the Standing Indian campsite near the AT up in the Nantahala Forest just over the stateline into North Carolina and then hit 31 miles of tasty trails comprised of a couple of loop trails and a portion of the AT. A bad weather system was forecasted for the weekend, so we skipped the camping part and got up early on Sunday instead and drove up. Good call on skipping the camping as the area got dumped with 5" of snow and temps were down in the teens at night. I like to camp, but no reason to freeze like a popsicle unnecessarily.

Anyway, Doug, Woody, Roxanne and I got up there early on Sunday morning and the place was a gorgeous winter wonderland. Stunningly beautiful with snow everywhere and just enough ice on the trees to make the whole place seem crystalline and delicate. I was excited about the run and was looking forward to a day of running and hiking some great trails. Part of the itinerary included two big climbs, one of them up Standing Indian mountain at 5,500 feet. I know, not a big deal by Colorado standards, but pretty hefty for us here east of the Mississippi.

We couldn't take the road down to the campsite area due to ice, so we had to park the car off the road and run a mile and a half or so down to the trail head. We would hit the Park Creek and Park Ridge trails first which formed a 10-11 mile or so loop, mostly following a couple of creeks but with a couple of pretty good ascents and a brief ridge line portion. At first, I was having fun, but it wouldn't be long before I was having some trouble. The snow was fine, although in parts, I underestimated the added effort it took to run through it. And the trail itself was actually very easy to follow even with the snow. But my stomach was giving me problems and I was falling behind the rest of the group. Rox, Woody and Doug were looking strong and having a blast.

At one point, we did have some good laughs when we needed to cross a rather wide creek but no one wanted to get their shoes wet. I found a log that cut across and walked along it to the other side. When Rox gave it a whirl, she stepped in the water and with the cussing coming out of her mouth, we couldn't help but chuckle. Doug and Woody made it across sans wet shoes.

As we finished up the loop, I realized that it wasn't my day. Here I was in a beautiful setting with good friends on a fun run, but I just wasn't in the game. I was having stomach problems and even worse, some doubt about finishing up the run. I didn't want to be a drag on the rest of the group, so I gave Doug some of my water and gels and split off from them back to the car. They in turn began the trail that led to Standing Indian and the climb up to the top.

The rest of the story from my perspective is rather uneventful. I got back to the car, changed into drier, warmer clothes and headed into Franklin, NC for some food and a clean bathroom. I came back to the same spot and ended up having to wait only a couple of hours. Woody texted me from the top of Standing Indian and let me know that they were coming down the same way they went up and coming back to the car. Good call, because at the pace they were going, they would not have made it down and run the rest of the planned course, AT and all, in time to be back by dark.

When I heard about the climb up and the view from the top, I admit, I was pretty envious. I didn't know that they would end up coming down and calling off the rest of the run or who knows, maybe I would have been a bit more adamant with myself to push on. We definitely want to go back later this year and check it out again. But all in all, it was a good day and I did have fun. I definitely know, Rox, Woody and Doug had a good time as you can see from the photos below. I ended up running about 13-14 and they got in a little over 24 plus the summit of Standing Indian. Happy Birthday, Doug (and thanks for letting me use some of your photos here)!

twenty.ten Fat Ass 50K

I can't think of a better way to start the year than doing it on trails with dozens of friends enjoying what we love to do most, trail running! The epitome of low-key "races", this year's GUTS Fat Ass 50K will go down in history for four specific things: the cold, the company, the shirt and the Moon Pie.

The Cold: Holy shnikies was it cold! Even though I had just spent two weeks over the Holidays in frigid temps, waiting for the race to start when it was in the teens, sure made me think twice. I know all you people up North are thinking, "What's the big deal?" But we're just not used to it down here in the ATL. Average highs in early January tend to be in the forties or even low fifties here. So it was in the teens before the race and I don't think it warmed up much during or after.

The first bone chilling experience was the "shuttle" service from the off-site parking. It was a pick-up truck! You've never seen anything until you've seen 8 or 9 trailrunners freezing their asses off in the back of a pick-up truck in 18 degrees weather. Brrr! Once at the race start, everyone huddled around each other until it was time to get going. Things did warm up during the race, some where into the mid-20's. Someone say "heat wave"?

Luckily, I do better in cooler temps than warmer ones. I was one of the few, the proud, wearing shorts during the race. I think the blood capillaries in my knees are just now coming back. My compression sleeves on my calves were more for protection on my skin versus any compression benefit. Gloves, hat and proper layering up top kept me comfortable for the race.

The Company: At the starting line, we were all kind of staring at each other when someone happened to say "go!" It took a few seconds to register, so we heard a second "Go!" It was such a discreet way to start the race, that all of us almost missed it, but we finally got it going and took off. My first couple of miles, I ran with Spurgeon. Spurgeon was also in shorts, so we shared in that initial agony until our legs got numb. We maintained a pretty good pace and we were keeping the lead pack within a few dozen yards. I soon realized that I wasn't going to be able to keep this up. I told Spurgeon I was going to let up on the pace and he dropped me without any trouble.

I ran by myself for a while until somewhere towards the end of that first loop, John Dove and another runner caught up to me and we all ran together for a while. Eventually, it was just me and John as the other runner also moved on ahead. I would end up running with John for the next two and a half loops of the race. I was honored to run with John, as he is a longtime ultra-runner and fellow Ironman, and we had plenty to talk about. John kept me laughing with his jokes and we shared stories about his past adventures at ultra classics like Western States, Hard Rock, Vermont and Massanuten. We also talked about our dogs, families, cycling and triathlons. Running with John made a good chunk of my race just fly by. I lost him when he stopped to talked to Rob Apple and Susan Donnelly, while I ran on down the trail. I finished the last loop by myself, but I really enjoyed the miles shared. Good company!

The Shirt: So you run 31 miles and you'd think there would be some kind of special moment at the finish, right? Nope. I came in from my last loop, checked in with the time keeper and proceeded to take advantage of the mac n cheese some one brought, opened a can of PBR and caught up with some of the other runners that had finished before me. No fanfare, but that's OK. I was enjoying the food and even the PBR when someone handed me my race shirt. Yep, they had race shirts this year at the Fat Ass. Who would of thought? And you know what? It's easily one of my favorite race shirts I have ever gotten. Simple, discreet, but with a "phat" ass design. Check it out on the right. Pretty cool, huh?

The Moon Pie: Remember Moon Pies? Those chocolate covered, gooey marshmallow-filled cookie sandwiches that most people associate with RC Cola? Well, turns out they are pretty popular amongst several off the GUTS runners. Some of which have just been named to a new sponsored ultra team, Team Moon Pie. The folks at the Chattanooga Bakery, that make Moon Pies, sent a giant Moon Pie for all to enjoy.

This thing was the size of a pizza. Spurgeon delivered it and he placed it on the table that morning with a big, wicked grin on his face. That thing was just about wiped out several hours later as each finisher took a good chunk of the Moon Pie.

There you have it. The twenty.ten Fat Ass 50K. I didn't really mind the cold, I enjoyed the company, loved the shirt and took part of the giant Moon Pie. Happy Trails!

Photo credit: I stole the photos above from Janice Anderson's Facebook page and Beth Blackwell.

On Down the Trail...Leaving 2009 Behind

Figure that I would join in on all the 2009 recap or review reports and write one of my own. Last year, so much of my training revolved around the Ironman that I got pulled away from what I really love to do, trail running. Don't get me wrong, I am very proud of calling myself an Ironman and enjoy competing in triathlons, but for me, trail running is what I truly enjoy. 2009 was an opportunity to re-embrace this love. The year saw me run four 50K's, a 40-miler, a road marathon and many, many miles on the trails.

I started this blog earlier this year to share my experiences on the trail. Most of the time, I report on my races, but I don't normally report on the other many long distance trail runs through out. The photo on the right is of me at the foot of Amicalola Falls. My running buddy, Woody and I ran 21 or so miles that day from the Falls to and over Springer Mountain along the AT approach trail, Appalachian Trail and Benton-McKaye Trail. Great scenic run and one I hope to repeat many more times. The other photo is of me and Woody at the top of Springer Mountain on the same day. This is symbolic for us as we have yet to complete our goal of running the entire Appalachian Trail section in Georgia. We tried twice earlier this year, but for various reasons, mainly due to weather, we couldn't complete the journey. However, we learned alot from the experience and we also enjoyed the camaraderie that comes with running miles together along long stretches of trail. We hope to be back on top of Springer Mountain in 2010, but hopefully as the crowning moment of our third attempt at finishing the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. You can read about our second attempt here.

It would be difficult to pick any one race as my favorite race this year. Everyone of them had something unique or special about it. The GUTS races, Fat Ass 50K, Pumpkin Butt 50K and Pine Mountain 40-Miler are always fun for their low-key nature and because usually there are a ton of friends in the race as well. PM40 gave out some great swag too! The Mt. Cheaha 50K was epic due to the heavy rains the night before the race and the precarious creek crossings as a result. Of course, it also has "Blue Hell" with which to contend. The SweetH2O 50K also had a significant river crossing, but its the power line hills and this year the heat that made that race a tough one. If I had to pick one of the bunch, I would have to select the Mt. Cheaha race. I felt great that day and enjoyed the challenges along the course. By far, my worst race this year was my lone road marathon at the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. The heat kicked my ass and made me finish well off my usual marathon time by over 40 minutes!

One highlight of 2009 was my trip to Colorado to hike and climb Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. We climbed both "14'ers" in a weekend and I was blown away by the experience. It was my first time visiting Colorado and I can understand why people fall in love with this state and the beautiful Rockie Mountains. I may not be able to return in 2010, but I hope to return many times in the years to come.

So what's in store for 2010? Well, I still plan to focus on trail running. My year starts off again with the GUTS Fat Ass 50K and then possibly Mt. Cheaha again. Hopefully, we'll tackle the Georgia AT in April, but that is yet to be confirmed. Later in the year, I'm looking at Stump Jump 50K in October and the Lookout Mountain 100K in December. I'm also on a team for the 200-mile plus Southern Odyssey Relay race in October. No 100-miler planned for 2010. That may have to wait until 2011. I logged almost 2,000 miles in 2009 and I hope to hit that and farther in 2010. I'm looking forward to it.

However, 2010 will also see me get back in the saddle and riding my bike. I have rejoined Team In Training, this time to train and ride for the America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride at Lake Tahoe in June. I've neglected my bike in 2009 and I have my cross hairs squarely on completing both the century ride and my fundraising goal for the team. If you would be so kind, please consider supporting by visiting my fundraising page, www.tinyurl.com/javisride.

The happiest event for me of 2009 had nothing to do with running or any sport. The happiest event of 2009 was the birth of my son, Ivan. My wife and I are blessed with a wonderful, healthy son and we have begun the longest endurance event of life, parenthood. Good stuff!

So with just days left for 2010, I wish all a very Happy New Year and that the new year will be as good or better than 2009. I look forward to sharing my new adventures with you from the trail and beyond. Until then, cheers!

Pine Mountain 40-Miler

Back in the 40's, Franklin D. Roosevelt made Warm Springs, GA and neighboring Pine Mountain his home away from home. He would first come here to treat his polio, but soon fell in love with the beautiful scenery of the Appalachian foothills. Today this area is maintained by the state and called FDR State Park. When visiting, it's not hard to understand why FDR loved it so much. Even in the late stages of autumn, the area boasts a certain mystique and beauty.

The Pine Mountain Trail begins in FDR Park and extends 23 miles mostly along a ridge. The trail is known for its diverse terrain, crossing creeks, climbing up and over ridge tops and traversing past oak, hickory, pine and maple trees. Many sections of the trail are also known for the degree of technical difficulty. The trail is littered with protruding rocks made even more difficult in the fall by the leaves covering the trail.

The annual Pine Mountain 40-miler put on by GUTS uses almost the entire trail and adds some adjoining ones. This year's race was held on Sunday, December 6th.

I arrived at Kelly's house at 4:00am and we quickly hit the road. Even after having taken the wrong interstate and making a small detour, we still managed to arrive at the park around 6:00am. We picked up our race packets and waited in the car with the heat on. It was a chilly 28 degrees. Other runners were also arriving and beginning to gather. At 6:50am, we got out of the car, met up with everyone and soon walked up to the road where the race would start. It was barely dusk as we stood there listening to last minute instructions. Something in the instructions stuck in my head, "You road runners are probably going to hate this course, but all you trail runners, you are going to love it!" That's all the motivation I needed to hear. I was ready to roll and soon we were off!

We ran a short segment of asphalt before we hit the single track trail going through the woods. Another running buddy, Robin, ran along with me and a few others. Robin was just off of winning the Pinhoti 100 miler a few weeks prior. It was good to run with her although it wouldn't be long before she ran up ahead and left me behind.

The initial part of the race takes you up onto a ridge by the FDR Overlook. The sun was peaking over the horizon and the views were already spectacular, but there was no time for sightseeing. I hooked up with a small group of three other runners. The guy leading the "train" had a heavy accent and was a cross between Ernest ("Now what I mean, Vern?") and that mumbling guy on King of the Hill. Anyway, they were setting a pretty good pace and every once in a while they would pull ahead and then I would catch up. We kept up this rubber banding action through the first aid station at Fox Den Cove (5.9 miles) and through the next aid station at Mollyhugger Hill (10.8 miles). We came down a long decline off a ridge and were about to cross a road in the park, when I saw Robin. She apparently had decided that she wasn't up for the full course and was turning around. We encouraged each other as I ran by.

After seeing Robin, we began a long ascent. The trail here was increasingly rocky and the guys ahead of me started hesitating more and more with the terrain. I thought they were being just a tad too cautious and I decided to make my move. I found a spot along the trail and passed them. I was actually surprised how quickly I pulled away, but was glad to be on my own and set my own pace.
I was also glad to see the Dowdell Knob aid station (13.5 miles.) I took advantage and scarfed half a turkey and cheese sandwich while washing it down with a Coke. You haven’t tried a Coke until you’ve tried it in the middle of an ultra race. Amazing! As I left the aid station, the guys I left behind were making their way in. That would be the last I would see of them. Heading down the trail with sandwich still in hand, I saw another friend, Beth and she said, “Go Javi, you’re looking good!” I replied, “Tell me that on the way back.” There was more than half the race still left to run.

I somehow managed to get into no man’s land. It’s a weird part of an ultra race where you don’t see any runners ahead of you or behind you. It was just me and the trail. Also, I was amused to see signs occasionally on the trees that read, “Safety Zone, No Hunting”. It made me wonder if I should have brought my orange running vest.

Soon I came up on the aid station at Rocky Point (17.82 miles), appropriately named I might add. My spirits were high and I was feeling pretty good. I grabbed a PB&J, downed some Powerade, thanked the volunteers and continued down the trail. The next section of trail would change considerably from everything I’d seen so far. It soon came into a creek bed that I would have to cross several times. The vegetation was different too. I managed to keep my feet dry and just kept on pushing. I was excited to get to the next station since it would be after the midway point. However, it seemed like it took forever to get there. I guess I was starting to feel the miles.

After some time, I finally saw the tip of the TV tower that marked where the next aid station would be. I picked up my pace and was glad to see my buddy Tom greeting me at the station. I was looking through the items on the table. Cookies, pretzels, potato chips all in abundance, but nothing sounded good. When all of a sudden an aluminum tray filled with grilled cheese sandwiches was put in front of my face. Nirvana! Maybe it was the miles on the trails, but that was the best tasting grilled cheese sandwich I’ve ever had. Onward!

It was only a couple more miles to the next aid station and mostly down hill, so I had a good pace going. Once at Rocky Point aid station, I topped off my water bottle and continued down the trail going back the way we came earlier in the day. The next few miles were uneventful and I eventually came into the aid station at Dowdell Knob. I was just about to leave the station when I turned around and there was Kelly. I was surprised to see her. We left the aid station together and I would soon realize that I was going to have a hard time riding her coat tails. She was running strong and steady, even on the climbs. I hung with her for about three miles and then saw her quickly leave me behind. It was fun to run with her while it lasted. I wouldn’t see her again until the finish.

Once again I was by myself. After the next aid station, I was sent down a different trail we hadn’t yet traveled. This was to be the toughest portion of the race for me. This white blazed trail was extra treacherous with even more leaves covering the trail and the rocks beneath. Plus it was very undulating, so I couldn’t keep a good pace. It was only 2.5 miles to the next aid station, but I thought I would never get there. Of course I did, but it seemed like an eternity.

Once there, I refueled and chatted with the volunteers. I realized that I only had six or so miles left to go. All of a sudden, my melancholy mood from the last few miles changed to a much more positive one. I thanked the volunteers and headed out like a horse to the barn. My feet were sore from the rocky terrain, but I was pushing ahead and making good progress. There was one more hefty climb to tackle and I was soon at its initial slopes. I chugged ahead, walking up the hill and putting one foot in front of the other. As I made my way up, I was slowly coming back onto the ridge we were on that morning, this time under the full light of day. Great views!

At the top I came upon the last aid station. This one was unmanned, but water is all I really needed, so no problem. I crossed another road and enjoyed the long descent down the other side of the ridge. This was it, I could feel the end was near! My pace picked up when I realized that I could still make it under eight hours. Down the trail I went. Beth, who I ran into earlier at an aid station, was waiting on the trail for her husband. It was good to see her and she told me that the finish was just minutes ahead. That pushed me even more. A few more turns on the trail and then I could just make out the camp area through the trees. Next thing you know, I was crossing a foot bridge and running across an open field straight for the finish. As I stomped on the orange spray painted line, I saw the clock which read, 7:56:16. Sweet, I was done and made it under eight hours!

Kelly was there to greet me and so were some of the other runners. It was good to be finished and I was soon enjoying some chili and a beer. Why else would you do an ultra, but for the food at the finish? I’m sure FDR would approve.

I borrowed a couple of pictures taken by Beth Blackwell and Amanda Tichacek, I hope they don't mind.

Other Pine Mtn 40 reports:
Beth Blackwell
Susan Donnelly

Wayne Downey
David Ray
Joe Reger
Jason Rogers

Pumpkin Butt 50K

Five 10K loops. Sounds easy enough, right? Now throw in 950 feet of vertical climb on each loop. Well, now its getting somewhere. And if that wasn't enough, throw in a pumpkin on the fourth loop and you have yourself one interesting race. But wait, it gets better, hold the race on Halloween, make sure there's rain, fog, mud and wet leaves on bald granite and now there's a helluva race!

That describes this year's Pumpkin Butt 50K, held yearly by the fun folks of the Georgia Ultrarunning and Trailrunning Society (GUTS). I barely beat the cap of forty runners by getting my application in just days before the race. I didn't feel confident that I would complete all five loops. My running in September had been pretty good with solid mileage, but October saw very sporadic running with the coming of my newborn son. I barely got a 20-miler in a couple of weeks before the race. Still, I'm registered for the Pine Mountain 40-miler in December and if anything, I needed to treat this race as a training run. So, the idea was to go out conservative and see how I felt.

Up and at 'em early on Halloween morning and I made my way to the race. The day was looming dark and dreary with the forecast of rain. However, it was eerily warm although it would cool off as the day progressed. I arrived at the race site, checked in with the race crew and caught up with everyone as they arrived. The great thing about small, low-key races is the intimacy of the event. Everyone is chatting it up and exchanging predictions for the day. The set up looked promising with plenty of food, snacks, drinks and of course, pumpkins. Each race participant is obligated to bring a pumpkin. You see, the course is five loops and on the fourth loop, each runner draws for a pumpkin. You might get lucky and draw a tiny pumpkin or you might get unlucky and draw an 8-10 pounder. When I was at the super market the night before picking out my pumpkin for the race, I wanted to create good karma, so I picked a decently sized 1.5 pounder. That karma would come back to help me.

After a few short words from GUTS president, Janice Anderson, we were off. It was still dark as we entered the park and hit the trail, but soon it would lighten up. It was raining too, so plenty of puddles and mud along the trail. There was a small group that quickly got ahead while I was just trying to get into my groove. A buddy of mine, Darren, caught my stride and the two of us would run together for a good part of the race.

Within a couple of miles of easy, rolling terrain, we hit the first climb. It has a steep start before easing up a bit. Then you hit a patch of rocky terrain where you have to really watch your footing. This part is called Pigeon Hill. Once you get through that, an even steeper climb begins with a bit of a switchback as you make your way up the west side of Little Kennesaw Mountain. At this point, you are taking your first walking steps in earnest. When you summit, you are welcomed by a pair of Civil War-era cannons. Experiencing the climb first hand, I imagined how tough it was for the Union fighters to get up the hill while being fired upon from above by the Rebel troops. Anyways, this wasn't the end of the climbing, after another lower summit, there's another hefty climb to the top of Big Kennesaw. At the top, visibility was poor due to the fog. On a good clear day, you can see the Atlanta skyline, but not today.

I felt good on my first go at it. Darren was still with me over the top. We were on trail all the way until you get over the top, then you take the asphalt access road back down off the mountain. As I was making my way down, another buddy, Spurgeon, caught up and passed me. He was joking that if I heard rumbling cannons, it wasn't Civil War ghosts. It was the chili he had for dinner the night before. Ha, ha. He was also telling me to hit the tangents on the way down. Made sense, think cycling tactics. You gotta cut the right line to shorten the distance through the curves coming down the mountain. Almost at the bottom, you hit the trail once more to go the last mile or so of the loop. And you're back at the start.

As I was coming in, I counted who was going back out for their second loop. You alternate direction on each loop. I tell ya, the verdict is still out for me on which direction is more difficult. Anyway, I counted who was going back out and who was at the aid station when I arrived. Turns out I was eighth (?!?) place. One of the guys who had arrived before me was in costume as the Pope. Of course, I had to beat the Pope. Also, Darren, came in ahead of me too. But I replenished with some pretzels and refilled my water bottle and got out of there for my second loop with Darren ahead of me in 6th place.

So back the way we came. After a bit of trail, we were going up on the asphalt road to the top of Big Kennesaw. Obviously not as technical, but a mean climb nonetheless. The worst grade is in the middle of the climb with the last third evening out some, before a final steep push to the top. I could see Darren ahead of me for the entire climb, but I caught him near the top and was passed him by the time we got to the top of Little Kennesaw. The descent off Little Kennesaw in this direction is very rocky and rooty. I was having a little less trouble apparently than Darren and was able to put some space between us. At the bottom, I caught up with another one of my buddies, Jon, who was dressed as a giant whoopie cushion. He had a very fast first loop, but look like he was having trouble with this second loop. Maybe it was the custome. So now all of a sudden, I was in 5th place. Couldn't believe it. But I knew that Darren had the legs to catch me, especially once we got off the technical portion of the trail.

Sure enough, once I arrived back at the aid station. Darren was right behind me. We left together for our third loop. We ran together until we were back at Pigeon Hill going in the same direction as the first loop. Darren decided to walk this part and I felt like I could once again pull ahead. As I made my way up, I came across a strange site. Adult men playing with remote control cars on the rocks. Weird to me, but I guess no stranger than a bunch of people going up and over a mountain several times for the hell of it. We'd see them again on the last couple of loops.

Now on the third loop, the legs start to definitely complain with each climb. I made it to the top of Little Kennesaw with Darren still behind me, although he was catching up on the saddle trail to Big Kennesaw. Another summit and back on the road down. I tried to remember what Spurgeon told me, cut the straightest line possible off the mountain. Quads were burning on the way down, but I made it back to aid station feeling relatively good. Ate a couple of sandwiches and then it was time to draw for my pumpkin. I reached into the hat and came out with #34. Turns out #34 was a dinky little pumpkin. Sweet, that good karma coming back for me! It fit nicely in my Nathan gear vest. I was hands free for the rest of the race. I left the station as Darren was drawing for his pumpkin. It would be a while before I would see him again and I wouldn't need to worry about him for the rest of the race. You'll learn why in a bit.

Fourth loop...ugh! Here we go again. The thing about this race is that the start/aid station/finish is at the lowest point of the course. Every time you head out for another loop, you can expect to be mostly climbing for a good while. So, back up the asphalt road to the top of Big Kennesaw. I was relieved by two things, 1) knowing this was the last time going up in this direction and 2) I would catch Nils close to the top of Big Kennesaw. That put me in 4th place! I remember thinking, "Shit, you gotta hang on Javi!" I pushed to put some distance between me and Nils, but I was thinking that he would catch me. Nils is a much stronger runner than I am, but this day he never would catch back up.

After passing Nils, I hit the tops of both summits and hurried down Little Kennesaw and then Pigeon Hill. The climb down hurt with every step, and the rocks were extra tricky now. Still, in my head was one mantra, "Keep it moving!"

About a mile from the aid station, I saw the first place runner. Then a huge gap before I saw Sally in second place as I neared the aid station. Next in line was Spurgeon and for a brief moment I thought maybe I could catch him. As I passed by him, I joked that I would try and he said, "Just keep movin' and you most likely will." Not the case. Anyway, I came into the station, ate a bit, topped off my water bottle and thanked everybody there. Out for my last loop!

Back out on the course, I saw everyone that was "behind" me, it was a while before I saw Darren coming up the trail. "I was wondering about you. What happened?", I said to him. He smiled, turned around so I could see his backpack. He had one of the largest pumpkins in his pack, probably a 10-15 pounder! No wonder I left him far behind since I last him. He had to carry that big ass thing, while I lucked out with an itty-bitty pumpkin.

This time the climb up Pigeon Hill was extremely slow and painful. I kept looking over my shoulder thinking surely someone was going to catch up at any moment, but I remained on the climb totally by myself. That also meant no sight of Spurgeon and Sally in front of me either.

Nearing the top of Big Kennesaw, you cross the road that you take to go down. As I was going across, I heard Sally coming from my right as she had already begun her descent. I yelled, "Sally, I'm not going to catch you now." She replied, "Not much left now. Hurry up!" And that I did. Topped Big Kennesaw for the last time and made my way down. While I was descending, I was thinking back on the race. Here I was originally thinking that I wouldn't finish all five loops and now I was trying to hold onto fourth place. How cool is that? Still, no time to reminesce. The job wasn't done. The run down also hurt, but I knew it was almost over. I looked at my watch and realized that I might just do this in under six hours. Holy crap, I needed to step up! As I got closer to the finish, I felt the pressure of beating the watch. Half mile to go, watch read "5:55". Surely, I could squeeze out a ten-minute mile to finish this off. Luckily, most of the way was down hill. I ran my ass off and my legs were screaming. Off the trail and just a few hundred yards left to go..."5:58". Almost there! Turn the bend and I could see everybody. Just a few more yards... I ran in and while the time keeper was recording my time, I repeatedly asked, "Did I beat 6 hours?" He looked up and said, "Yep, 5:59:49." Wow, just made it! And I was officially fourth place!!

As exciting as that was, there's not much celebration. A pat on the back with a "Good Job!" and that was it. I picked up my free prize, a cool pair of wool GUTS socks and proceeded to get a beer and a plateful of BBQ. Gotta love low-key ultra-trail races!

(Thanks to Rahn for the pic of me on the trail and the photo of the cannons.)

P.S. Check out my buddy, Dave, and his blog for another take on the same race:
http://seedadrunrundadrun.blogspot.com/

or Beth's version:
http://lifeafter40isgreat.blogspot.com/2009/10/pumpkin-butt.html

Birthday Midnight Run

I have heard of now many people who have run their years worth of age in miles on their birthday. One friend of mine ran his years worth in hours; putting in a 90+ mile run in 26 hours on his 26th birthday. Although, not quite that ambitious, I still liked the sound of the challenge of completing the same number of miles as years of age on my birthday. So the idea stuck in my head.

With my birthday on the horizon, the original plan was to hit the Duncan Ridge Trail. One of the so-called toughest trails east of the Mississippi, the DRT is a 32 or so mile trail that intersects the Appalachian Trail twice in north Georgia. Back in July, seven of my running buddies attempted to complete it, but only two did. Granted it was a hot day, but it definitely proved the ruggedness of the trail. I wanted to try it. However, recent torrential rains that dropped over 24 inches in the Atlanta and north Georgia area, quickly made us have to reconsider the idea of running the DRT. Mainly due to the fact that one end of the trail is only accesible by forest road and all the rain would have made getting through the mud impossible. so the back up plan was to run about 39-40 miles on the Appalachian Trail, starting at Woody Gap and traveling southward to Springer Mountain and then back.

We then had to ditch the idea when I learned about my dad having to go into see his cardiologist for a procedure on the day we had set aside to make this birthday run. I almost cancelled the whole idea until we came up with yet another alternative that would allow me to get my b-day ultra run in and still be there for my dad. Instead of running up in north Georgia on the Friday we selected, we decided to run over night at a local state park through the night. Not quite the same bragging rights, but it would still accomplish the goal of getting my birthday miles in. It would mean sacrificing that night of sleep, but it sounded like fun to me and my running buddy, Woody. I did run 9 miles that morning, however, this was before I realized that I would be running through the night that evening. I was committed to getting in the 30+ run in with one run.

I gathered all my gear together, water bottles, hydration pack, food, headlamps, fresh batteries, extra clothes, etc. I picked Woody up at about 10pm and we made our way to the park. On the way, we stopped to get coffee knowing we would need it and also discussed where the best place to park the car would be. We didn't want to park it in the usual spots of the park, because we wanted to avoid any unneeded attention by park rangers or area police. We found a quiet spot in a subdivision about a mile or so from the main visitor's center at the park. Entrance to the park and the trail was a little over a mile away. 11pm, time to get on with it. Just like that, we were off!

We soon encountered a problem, a bridge on the road towards the park was out due to construction. Normally, the bridge goes over a railroad track, so we had to back track a ways to find access to the rail bed and run on that to find a way out on the opposite side of the road. A little bush-whackin' later and we were on the other side. This set us back about 10 minutes, but we were not going out to beat any time.

Visitor's center is at the north end of the park. There is a trail that begins at the center but the ranger's quarters are also near by. So we had to run down the road past the entrance and parallel the park until we could get on another trail entrance that connects with the park's trail. Fired up the headlamps and for the next eight hours or so, we would be running on park trails for the most part. One thing you get right away when running in the dark with a headlamp is this unusual feeling of running with tunnel vision. It takes a little while to get used to it, but once you do, your peripheral still suffers. Careful to pick up our feet over the roots and rocks, we got into a groove and within the first couple of hours covered quite a bit of miles.

Being used to running at this park in the day time, it was a completely different experience running it at night. The park trail crosses a couple of local roads. In order to disctract attention, we would turn off the headlamps as we neared these roads to cross. The trail was quiet and for the most part, we were covering alot of ground with out much trouble. The night was moderately humid and in the open fields there was a low lying fog. At one point, we noticed a couple pair of gold dots in the trees and quickly realized that it was two pair of deer eyes. The white tails ran away and from that point forward we would see several pairs more through out the night, always hoping they were deer and not coyotes.

We were both carrying our own water with a bladder hydration pack and a couple of hand helds. With the humidity, it was important to stay well hydrated. Luckily at one end of the park, there's a water fountain which allowed us to top off our hand helds. A couple of times, we stopped to eat a sandwich or take a gel. It was important to stay well fueled too. Pace was easy going and although there are several good inclines in the park, we stayed away from taking the trail that goes over the top of a couple of substantial summits. The run was about getting the miles in. that was the goal.

Towards the last couple of hours, we were definitely walking more. Woody had more legs than I did, but he was being a friend and keeping with me. Great pacer! In order to cover the miles we needed, we had to double up on sections of the trail. Sounds simple enough, but sometimes covering the same ground is discouraging. Particularly hard when we were getting closer to the car and then have head back out the opposite way. Regardless of the self-inflicted cruelty, we were enjoying the run and counting down the miles.

We noticed that the glow in the sky was slowly, but surely, changing to daylight. We were on the trail on the way back past the visitor's center. Soon that was it, we were done with the trails. Out on the roads, civilization had come to life. Commuters were making their way to work and we were wrapping up an all night run. I'm sure our idea of fun, was their idea of crazy. I guess it's just all perspective. We backtracked along the train tracks, made our way back to the other side of the downed bridge and in no time were back at the car. Mission accomplished!

Neither of us carried a Garmin, but knowing the distances in the park and calculating the various trails we ran and the distance back to the car, we called it 39 miles. If we are off, it's only by plus or minus a mile or so. Eight plus hours of running and it is safe to say we got the distance in. Also, recall that I ran nine miles that previous morning, so all in all, I got almost fifty miles of running in within 24 hours. Not shabby.

We changed into dry clothes at the car and cleaned up some. What next? How did we celebrate? Breakfast at Chick-fil-a. Chicken biscuit, hash browns, coffee and a chocolate shake. Too much reward for my birthday miles.


By the way, my dad did great with his procedure and I was able to be there for him along with the rest of my family.