tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10602081071851445322024-02-07T01:12:06.433-05:00RunningwithN8Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-48333819758952310452018-11-11T20:10:00.000-05:002018-11-12T10:42:41.212-05:002018 - Upchuck 50k<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Upchuck 50k, the greatest running reunion in the south! It’s the one race my kiddos ask about all year long... the post race hangout at Soddy Daisy community center, playing for hours at the playground, cheering for fellow runners, and topping off the day with a tractor ride and potluck at the @fredDoss farm makes for one of the best family days of the year! After the race Katy told me that on the way down to the finish Heidi says “I can’t wait until next year’s Upchuck” ... Katy laughed and said “Heidi, Daddy’s not even done running this year yet! Let’s enjoy the fun from this year and then we can look forward to next year.”</span><br />
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I want to thank God for an absolutely breathtaking day. There were times on the course where He literally took my breathe away... the beauty of the fall leaves, the mountain views, the roaring creeks, oh... and the icy cold knee high water crossings, and the waterfall showers raining down on our heads from the cliff lines above... perfect in mid-30 degree weather 😁! This was my 7th Upchuck and I cannot stop thinking about how lucky all of us were to spend the day in the woods and enjoy God’s beauty. </div>
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Ever since 2014 Upchuck when Cody Goodwin set the new gold standard for what could be run on this crazy course (4:23:23) I’ve tasted chased that record every year! I was thwarted one year due to fires on the course and a course change, I found some 🤮🤮 on the course a couple of times trying to run hard and fell short, and then chasing it last year I came up to a friend on the last big climb of the day and was already a little behind CR pace and opted to hang with him until the finish line and came up just a few minutes short. So, with a nice cold morning, some fasties in the mix who could help push me, I figured I could it was another year and another chance to try for that record.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsEDsvT4eB3yWdTwASM9P3ksNbsoykFAkkr_VRf4XEzbJUF8MMlRJjyXctgpBcc1FV_608188dlh2ikbILXvLhTBRgvC_E4Pd1Fbd-Y4GEqcXU6XC5xopsbCJWbJQJ5zq0Lz8ewsNy8E/s1600/IMG_3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsEDsvT4eB3yWdTwASM9P3ksNbsoykFAkkr_VRf4XEzbJUF8MMlRJjyXctgpBcc1FV_608188dlh2ikbILXvLhTBRgvC_E4Pd1Fbd-Y4GEqcXU6XC5xopsbCJWbJQJ5zq0Lz8ewsNy8E/s320/IMG_3559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo: <a href="https://lavenderroots.smugmug.com/Upchuck-2018/" target="_blank">Lavenderroots.smugmug.com</a></div>
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Before I get into the race, I have to start with a recap of the best part of Upchuck... well, at the funniest part of the day! If your an Upchuck veteran, you know what I’m talking about and if you’re not, well, just remember “It all starts with the bus ride!”</div>
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Photo: <a href="https://lavenderroots.smugmug.com/Upchuck-2018/" target="_blank">Lavenderroots.smugmug.com</a></div>
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Upchuck is a no frills, minimally marked, tough and technical point to point trail race along the Cumberland Trail. Race morning folks meet at the Soddy Daisy Community Center (finish line) and huddle around a couple of fires, two restrooms, and get their “packet” pickup. Packets involve a barf bag, a few choice stickers, your token Upchuck swag (@Patagonia Upchuck hat and sunglasses this year), ohh... and your bib number. Or better yet, a magic marker sharpie somewhere on your exposed skin! Like I said, no frills. Once you’re checked in, you’ve caught up with fiends and race volunteers the bus arrives and you file on the bus for a magic bus ride to the starting line in Sale Creek. It never fails, runners are bundled up at the check in like they’re going on an attic adventure, they strip down to the skibbies, and cram about 80 adult size humans into a bus made to carry 60 little kids... it’s glorious 😂! It also gets to about 120 degrees in the bus with that many people, heat turned up to “melt your face hot,” and the pre-race nerves flowing through everyone’s veins. To get a final headcount the Soddy Daisy prison escape RayJay performs a little racy and boarder line inappropriate role call of all of the runners. Note, this is all in jest and is not supposed to be mean or hurtful. Being able to laugh at yourself, your fellow runners and most of all RayJay is a great way to calm everyone’s nerves and get the laughter juices flowing before an amazing day in the mountains. In 7-years I’ve only ever seen one person get their feelings hurt and I honestly believe that they must have just had a bad experience with whatever joke RayJay came up with about their name or look and I still think that persons found some humor in the jokes and for past it. However, for any future Upchuckers, just remember to bring your thick skin for the bus ride! You’ll definitely need it once the race starts because the course will eat you alive so it’s a good idea to have it for the bus ride! After 15 minutes of RayJay jokes and commentary as role call is completed the inmate makes his way off the bus and back out into the Soddy Daisy hills to find his keen and hunt “them tight-wearing runnin’ fools.” During the bus ride everyone gets a quick course update; what the trail is like, who to thank for clearing blow downs, who marked the course, where the money for this race goes, and what to do/don’t do on the course. One thing about Upchuck is that the entire course is run along the CT (white blaze), other than the first couple of miles along a blue blaze connector trail. So, considering there are only two aid stations along the entire course, miles 8 and 18, and the entire trail is blazed, most years the flagging is very minimal and you can/should expect to get off course a time or two or at least have to stop and look around a couple of times throughout the day to spot the next blaze. Believe me, the blazes are there and the only reason runners get off course or miss a turn is if they’re in too big of a hurry to make double or triple sure they’re going the right way. I know because I’ve gotten lost to some extent almost every year I’ve run the race and I love that that’s part of the adventure and it requires runners to be a little more self sufficient that even most trail races. Spotting blazes becomes harder when your total focus is playing the game of “rock or hole in between the rocks that will break my leg I half!” Oh and not to mention the 1.5 zillion leaves that are covering those rocks, making it even harder to see what lies beneath each foot strike!</div>
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Once the bus pulls up to the Rock Creek trail head in Sale Creek runners file out of the balmy 120 degree bus back into the 30 degree frigid morning. Within 30 seconds there’s not a runner in site that’s not marking a tree as their own personally territory. 2-3 minutes later we all gather for a group photo and then in grand-Upchuck style RayJay emerges from the parking lot and yells “alright, GO!” </div>
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Photo: <a href="https://lavenderroots.smugmug.com/Upchuck-2018/" target="_blank">Lavenderroots.smugmug.com</a></div>
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Just before the start @Bob asked me if I was going hard off the start again? “Of course!” It’s funny how often I’ve gotten this question and I have three reasons for this approach at Upchuck (1) it’s freezing cold (2) the first 8 miles are climbing and that’s my strength (3) anyone who wants someone to “show” them the course is going to have to earn a spot for a free show! Remember, learning how to run fast in the rocks and still stay on course is part of the challenge and I don’t intend to make that easier for anyone by showing them the ropes, at least not at the beginning of the race 😜. This first 8 mile stretch has plenty of climbing, plenty of rocks and today had plenty of water flowing on the trails. Within a mile I was out of site of anyone else and I tried to settle into a good hard effort and focus on enjoying the scenery and not push myself too hard too early. I had a goal of one hour to aid station 1 and by the time I was within site of the aid I looked down at my watch and saw I was at about 1:05... not a bad time considering, but I needed every minute I could find to have a chance at the record.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZCmVy39jmly6m8XLWpW_3u92viFWFg2nN00aa9-fPp3C2Q8Tjup-u3LSEAJNMA98kPvSx6ZaWilVi7tXpJMsU-1pvpqE-DZecncyWW8EIM31HSOiGY-IxWQm3FoZ8Hj90bPHLdEq2Cs/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZCmVy39jmly6m8XLWpW_3u92viFWFg2nN00aa9-fPp3C2Q8Tjup-u3LSEAJNMA98kPvSx6ZaWilVi7tXpJMsU-1pvpqE-DZecncyWW8EIM31HSOiGY-IxWQm3FoZ8Hj90bPHLdEq2Cs/s320/IMG_3562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo - Start: <a href="https://lavenderroots.smugmug.com/Upchuck-2018/" target="_blank">Lavenderroots.smugmug.com</a></div>
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Photo - AS1: <a href="https://lavenderroots.smugmug.com/Upchuck-2018/" target="_blank">Lavenderroots.smugmug.com</a></div>
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The next 3 miles or so after AS1 are nice and runnable. There are few rocky sections and it’s relatively flat. It’s not my cup of tea and I knew a few people behind me would likely make up some time on me here so I just settled in and enjoyed all of the cold and refreshing water crossings 😉. After two big climbs along this section I was closing in on AS2 (18 miles) and slowed to put some powder in my flasks. Michael came around me and made his way up to the aid just a minute or so before me. I had a goal for AS2 of 2:30 and looked at my watch as I filled my bottles and it was 2:32 elapsed. Made up a few minutes from the first section. </div>
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Leaving AS2 you get a relatively easy 3-4 miles before it gets technical again and I was trying to keep Michael in site but he had some serious speed that kept him just out of site as we crossed off of the highway and back into the woods. I decided to just push hard but not so hard that I couldn’t keep a good clip through the rocks and climbs that would come at the end. We were treated to some great views along this section and as we finally got away from the creek and dropped back down into the gorge we were treated to a few ice water baths from the cliff lines above. After probably 5 miles I caught a glimpse of Michael ahead and as I rounded a huge boulder and popped out to a weird intersection on the trail I saw him running down the Jeep road the wrong way and yelled for him to turn around and that he had missed the single track straight across the road. I knew this turn well from experience... I accidentally took it one year and added an extra mile to my race and lost a podium spot... but earned some Upchuck strips 😜. Back on course we talked for few minutes and when he decided to stop and tie his shoe I figured I should go on and go for it. With a few more miles of technical running and one last big climb. Putting in some solid miles as I came down into the last gorge at Big Soddy I heard a familiar voice as Ginny Kelly was down at the last creek crossing cheering on runners. This last climb seems to go on forever and I had it in my head that I needed to be at the top at 4-hours to have a chance at the record. After what felt like an hour I finally created the “top” and had 4:03 on my watch... knew it was going to be tight... I bombed the last descent and hit the road. Looked at my watch and prayed to God that it was only 1.5 miles to the finish and not 2 miles. I wouldn’t have time if it was 2! That last 1.5 miles as ridiculous. My legs were screaming, my feet were burning and my heart was pounding. As I closed in on the train tracks I made one last prayer for no trains. A few trains have held up runners in the past and I didn’t want this to be the year I got held up. I made it past the train tracks and around the last couple of turns down long straight to the finish. I finally saw Katy and the girls as I made the last turn into the parking lot and ran to tag the trashcan and finish this thing! Course Record 4:21:16... finally!<br />
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Now, it's time for the post race family and friend hangout! <br />
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Harlow Kate enjoying the playground!</div>
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Heidi K. rocking that Upchuck hat!</div>
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Photo: <a href="https://lavenderroots.smugmug.com/Upchuck-2018/" target="_blank">Lavenderroots.smugmug.com</a></div>
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I wasn’t able to shave much time off of Cody‘s record but I’ll take it! I couldn’t of asked for a more beautiful day to get the record! I wanna thank all of the volunteers who helped clear the trails in the weeks leading up to the races, all the volunteers who market the race, and all the people who helped work the race to make sure that we all had a great experience!<br />
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Until next year! </div>
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#GodsGloryOurJoy #patagonia #PatagoniaTeamCha #TimeToPlay #salomon <span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">#salomonrunning #salomonsquad #Skratchlabs</span></div>
Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-7011557283229669162015-10-22T10:19:00.000-04:002015-12-06T10:08:29.468-05:00100 Facts & Realizations from the Summer of Slam<div style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
100 Facts & Realizations from the Summer of Slam</div>
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1. Four (4) oldest 100-mile trail races (Western States, Vermont, Leadville, Wasatch)<br />
2. ~77,000 feet of total elevation gain<br />
3. ~81,000 feet of total elevation loss<br />
4. 11 week span from beginning to end<br />
5. 17 work vacation days<br />
6. 11 plane rides<br />
7. ~80 hours of riding in a car<br />
8. ~30 puking rallies<br />
9. 1,000s of prayers<br />
10. One (1) black toenail<br />
11. One (1) left tingly foot and toes (lasted ~10 weeks)<br />
12. Attempted two (2) 100-mile trail races in 2014, completed one (1)<br />
13. Attempted four (4) 100-mile trail races in 2015, completed four (4)... barely!<br />
14. 42 people started The Grand Slam<br />
15. 25 people remaining after Western<br />
16. 22 people remaining after Vermont<br />
17. 16 people remaining after Leadville<br />
18. 13 people remaining after Wasatch (Class of 2015, ~31% finishing rate)<br />
19. 280 people to ever finish the Grand Slam<br />
20. 315 times that the Grand Slam has been completed (multiple finishes by same people)<br />
21. 30th anniversary of the Grand Slam<br />
22. 100-mile runs are hard<br />
23. Thankful for the countless new friends<br />
24. Lifetime of memories<br />
25. Mouthwash at mile 80 is heaven in a bottle... Thanks <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100001772291055" href="https://www.facebook.com/jobie.williams.5" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Jobie Williams</a><br />
26. Nine (9) months of planning<br />
27. The struggle bus is real... I rode it all summer<br />
28. The Grand Slam is an expensive endeavor... especially living in the east<br />
29. Capturing a photo of someone when they are battling through a dark low speaks a thousand words (Jobie is very talented)<br />
30. You can run 40-50 miles on nothing but Coca Cola & Water... thanks <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=708690709" href="https://www.facebook.com/dshamilton1" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Daniel Scott Hamilton</a><br />
31. 1 expensive handbag for my wife (payment, aka "reward" for the Summer of Stress)<br />
32. Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."<br />
33. I still don't understand this sick sport<br />
34. I missed out not having a "mule" at Leadville<br />
35. Not sure how <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1332741394" href="https://www.facebook.com/brian.costilow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Brian Costilow</a> has run Leadville TEN times!!... mental issues<br />
36. My favorite race was my most challenging... Wasatch<br />
37. Realizing that the girl at Pinhoti who said it was just as hard or harder than Western was an IDIOT!<br />
38. Wanting to punch <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=46701511" href="https://www.facebook.com/joshua.cole.923" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Joshua Cole</a> for ever talking me into my first trail race<br />
39. Wanting to kiss Josh Cole when realizing I was going to finish the last race of The Grand Slam<br />
40. No sunscreen and Breathe Right Strips make funny nose tan lines<br />
41. Clothes smell really bad after 100-mile races<br />
42. Clothes smell even worse when you leave them in a Ziploc bag, in the back of truck while driving across America, in the middle of the summer!<br />
43. Eating ice cubes can fool your brain into thinking you're eating real food<br />
44. Sleep is overrated<br />
45. Trail runners are the nicest people in the world<br />
46. Just because you run a "fast" 50-mile time does not mean you can do that two times in a row to run a fast 100-mile time<br />
47. Finishing a 100-miler is a HUGE accomplishment<br />
48. It's hard to breath above 12,000 feet<br />
49. Poles are good for hiking and for leaning forward to hurl<br />
50. Isaiah 40:31, "But those who put their hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will sore on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint."<br />
51. Running Badwater 135 in the middle of The Slam is just insane... <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=518058988" href="https://www.facebook.com/joshuaholmes" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Joshua Holmes</a><br />
52. Lots of different body parts hurt during and after 100-miles<br />
53. A massage after a 100-mile race is worth every penny!<br />
54. 100-mile races are humbling<br />
55. The Rocky Mountains are one of God's most beautiful creations<br />
56. Running with horses sounds cooler than it is<br />
57. My family/crew work harder than I ever do during a race... I am so thankful for each of you!<br />
58. Trying to pee and run at the same time is hard to do<br />
59. People who don't live in the southeast don't know what real humidity is<br />
60. New weight loss idea... run four (4) 100-mile races in 11 weeks or be the spouse of someone running those four (4) races<br />
61. Pacers do a LOT of work with little reward or recognition<br />
62. Crews do EVEN MORE for little reward or recognition<br />
63. How to stay cool with a homemade Jimbo bandana and ice in arm warmers<br />
64. That God truly does listen and answers prayers<br />
65. The beauty of seeing two sunrises during one race<br />
66. Sometimes smelling bad is better than bathing in a lake with a bunch of crawdads biting your toes<br />
67. Taco Bell is an awesome post-race recovery food<br />
68. Naked Stormtrooper dancing is acceptable at mile 80 @ 11,000 ft up and 25° outside<br />
69. Finding the energy to run the last 5 mile stretch faster than any other miles in the race<br />
70. <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=752350382" href="https://www.facebook.com/katy.kennedyholland" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Katy</a> knows best!<br />
71. Teaching life-long lessons to my girls even if they are too young to understand them now<br />
72. The word "run" is very loosely based when speaking of a 100-mile run<br />
73. Sometimes taking the time to stop and rest will save you more time down the road<br />
74. There are not enough toys to keep kids from getting bored when waiting at aid stations<br />
75. People look at you funny when you tell them you got into The Slam after only completing one (1) 100-mile race<br />
76. Saw the; '<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1804539316" href="https://www.facebook.com/cary.long.3" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Cary Long</a> in the headlights look' from some girl doing her business in the middle of the trail<br />
77. It's really hard to keep going when your 4-year old is telling you it's okay to stop<br />
78. Anything worth doing is not necessarily easy<br />
79. I finally understand eating early and often<br />
80. It's very, very dusty at Wasatch<br />
81. The pre-race meeting at Leadville is almost better than most standup comedy clubs<br />
82. Smiling does make you feel better no matter how crappy you feel<br />
83. The only way out is through... (<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=705472627" href="https://www.facebook.com/billy.simpson.731" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Billy Simpson</a>)<br />
84. Words of encouragement are the best medicine for a busted spirit<br />
85. The love and support from my family means more than my family could ever know<br />
86. A fresh pair of socks during the middle of a race can make a world of difference<br />
87. I completed The Slam in 2015 in ~105 hours...<br />
88. Ian Sharman completed The Slam in 2013 in ~69 hours (record holder)... mind blowing!<br />
89. Despite swearing off 100-mile races numerous, NUMEROUS times over this summer, two weeks later I'm already scheming of my next 100-miler adventure<br />
90. Seeing how strong people really are and what we are all capable of doing with the right mindset and determination<br />
91. My crew is my greatest asset during any race<br />
92. Without risk of failure we have no opportunity for success<br />
93. Squirrels in Utah will in fact scream at you<br />
94. Challenging yourself physically and mentally will only make you that much stronger for life's journey<br />
95. PRAYER IS POWERFUL<br />
96. Pain is easily forgotten<br />
97. 100-mile runs are more mental than physical<br />
98. Nothing tastes good after running and puking for 10+ hours<br />
99. Rule of 3's... In any 100-miler you can expect at least 3 things to transpire that you weren't planning on (<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=549600427" href="https://www.facebook.com/niemimaa" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Ken Niemimaa</a>))<br />
100. The bald eagle trophy for The Slam represented in Isaiah 40:31 (see #50)</div>
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<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thegrandslamofultrarunning?source=feed_text&story_id=910803705674389" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">TheGrandSlamofUltrarunning</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/n8_grandslam2015?source=feed_text&story_id=910803705674389" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">N8_GrandSlam2015</span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/holland2015?source=feed_text&story_id=910803705674389" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">Holland2015</span></a><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/godsgloryourjoy?source=feed_text&story_id=910803705674389" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">GodsGloryOurJoy</span></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Slam of Utlrarunning Award</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Class of 2015</td></tr>
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Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-23182301101667146882015-09-30T09:23:00.000-04:002015-12-06T10:01:18.913-05:00"Are you Nate's wife?" - 2015 Wasatch Front 100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">"Are you Nate's wife?" guest blog (within a blog) Grand Slam series: Volume 4 - Wasatch 100!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>The Final Chapter</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Ahh... The Wasatch Front 100 - the coveted last race of the Grand Slam series! Boy was I happy to be at this point! This is the race that Nathan had most been looking forward to from the very beginning and me too, I guess, since this meant that the months of planning and stress were about to be finished! Just kidding, <i>but really!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The little bit of time that we were able to spend at home in between Leadville and leaving for Wasatch (12 days to be exact) were busy with trips back and forth to Heidi's preschool as her classes had started again while we were in Leadville, gymnastics classes, and Wasatch </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">strategizing. Before we knew it, it was time to leave again to head out west for our final trip. Our girls are complete pros at flying now and I couldn't tell you how many times people told me how amazing they were on the plane rides! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We arrived in Salt Lake City on Sunday night and made the quick 40 minute drive to our condo in Park City. Our amazing friends/family Josh & Candice Cole and their two cutie kids, Jude & Erin, had made the trip out the day before and we were all going to be spending the week together out in Park City! Josh and Nathan have been best friends since high school and Josh was actually the one who introduced Nathan and I all those years ago! (We owe him a lot more than just the thanks and praise for this race, I assure you!!) He was also the one that convinced Nathan to run his first ever Ultra back in 2010!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIyXZNemyrvNr3dAnB7Vxk7HpMbnObp4W8tw532RTdjUwfHy16aia8heIVVtkHEH_SqquvMv95y5ge36BT_SXFTIuad9LVsbpFMYP_zCtIMc2UNBq4nfmx-_tHVKYcP9NCtt6aBxp1a0/s1600/IMG_9669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIyXZNemyrvNr3dAnB7Vxk7HpMbnObp4W8tw532RTdjUwfHy16aia8heIVVtkHEH_SqquvMv95y5ge36BT_SXFTIuad9LVsbpFMYP_zCtIMc2UNBq4nfmx-_tHVKYcP9NCtt6aBxp1a0/s640/IMG_9669.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The week wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though. Everyone had a touch of some kind of cold, we dealt with 24-hour stomach bugs, lost luggage, and stolen bank information. But no matter what cards we were dealt, just being together for the week was a wonderful blessing for all! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">On Thursday we got the opportunity to go and explore the walking trails around Silver Lake - Cottonwood Canyon and we actually got to see some Moose!!! That was a highlight of the trip for me! It was beautiful up there and the company made it even better!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female moose on the left and bull moose antlers on the right</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DjkG6EfnBJ-gfRTAyQXkCdiT95PRn2r6SZQtlb2f63ScnMQfq7oGFU5Eo9Le1g51yBZsxqBclij41Jk99krrj7QYqNh9n8KU38yc5dW1YTg5PeVBu68O_2rVk4epHVBDhriE9uPBUEU/s1600/IMG_9725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DjkG6EfnBJ-gfRTAyQXkCdiT95PRn2r6SZQtlb2f63ScnMQfq7oGFU5Eo9Le1g51yBZsxqBclij41Jk99krrj7QYqNh9n8KU38yc5dW1YTg5PeVBu68O_2rVk4epHVBDhriE9uPBUEU/s640/IMG_9725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">After we left the lake we made our way to SLC and the pre-race meeting and packet pick-up. There was a playground nearby and Candice was a trooper and watched all four of the kids so that Nathan, Josh, & I could go to the race meeting. </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The meeting was short, sweet, and to the point! Just the way I like it.</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> After the meeting we went back to the condo where Joshua Holmes joined us and our parents (who had just gotten into town that afternoon) for some amazing pre-race dinner. Candice and I cooked up some homemade fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and rolls! It was delicious and the boys ate well! With bellies full it was time to try to get some sleep before the <u>last race start</u> in the morning!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>It's officially race day!</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSSzlYOkNDBlGeI4UqqKliTcSvspGhSEMA2yVbq6T01vdEHiNkI8GyMbF4n6ytkrtko3RyRNijSw_OnGvZcdJqxC_7j1WpnwOC44gwbxGsHorUGoI-HtXqQoZwqSLBa7AC7HPM64DXwg/s1600/IMG_9731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSSzlYOkNDBlGeI4UqqKliTcSvspGhSEMA2yVbq6T01vdEHiNkI8GyMbF4n6ytkrtko3RyRNijSw_OnGvZcdJqxC_7j1WpnwOC44gwbxGsHorUGoI-HtXqQoZwqSLBa7AC7HPM64DXwg/s640/IMG_9731.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Our condo was about an hour drive to the race start so no extra sleep for this race! We were out the door and on our way by 3:15-3:30am. There weren't a ton of parking spaces at the Start but we found a spot on the road not far from the line and made sure the guys had everything they needed! One of the things that made me most anxious about this race was the fact the we were only going to be able to see Nathan <u style="font-weight: bold;">three</u> times for the entire race, with the first time being all the way at mile 39, so making sure Nathan had whatever he might need was crucial. Once his pack was stuffed and ready to go we went up to the Start line (which was a thin piece of material strung loosely across the entrance to the trail) and got a few pictures before the countdown began. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Once again, it was time for the 10 second countdown, and this one was going to be the last one. 3...2...1... and they were off! </span></span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We cheered for all the runners and then headed back to the condo to try to get a little bit of rest! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh fueling up to do some pacing!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Fast forward a few hours and it was finally time for Dennis, Josh, & me to make our way to the interim parking lot to wait for the okay to head up to the Big Mountain (mile 39) aid station. It was a quick 20 minute drive from the condo to the interim parking. They had a big mobile command center set up and you had to get the okay from them that your runner had made it past the last aid station before they would sign your pass to send you on to the crew aid station. (Although, to be honest, I never saw anyone that was checking passes at either of the aid stations.) </span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">In the short amount of time between Leadville and Wasatch I tried to set out my hopes and intentions for Nathan's last GS run. I was hoping for no sickness, to feel great, and really just to have fun! With no more pressure of more races to come and finally being able to visualize the completion of the 'Summer of Slam' I was just hoping that this race might be different from the last three. So when we finally made it up to the aid station I was full of excitement and energy! They could pick up pacers at this aid station and Josh was excited and ready to go! He and Nathan had decided beforehand that if Nathan was feeling good when he came in here and didn't necessarily need Josh yet then he would save energy and just meet him at the next crew station. Well, the aid station was situated at the bottom of a short decent and if you knew what to look for you could pick out your runner coming down the switchbacks and Nathan was easy to spot because of his orange R/C race shirt. He was jogging and not walking (which is usually a good sign) but gave me a shake of the head when he came in that told me he wasn't feeling good. <i>Already?? I mean come on! </i>He checked into the aid station and then made his way to the port-o-potty where he spent the next 5 or more minutes throwing up, dry heaving, and struggling in between both to tell me what he needed to continue on. When he finally came out of the bathroom he went to sit in the chair and said he had started throwing up around mile 30-33 and that it had hit him out of nowhere. He wanted to lay down and rest already but after sitting for a few minutes and managing to keep down a popsicle he decided to keep going and that he would rest at Lambs Canyon (mile 52) aid station instead. He wanted Josh to go on and start pacing and I was glad. I told him that he was doing great and could pull out of this. We filled their sleeves up with ice, wrapped their Jimbo bandanas around their necks and they checked out of the aid station to tackle the next 13 miles before they would see us again. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Mountain Aid Station - mile 39</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Dennis and I made our way down from Big Mountain and we had some time to kill before we could head to the next Crew aid station and didn't want to just sit in the interim parking lot. Our conversation went something like this... "Dennis: We have some time to kill so we could go get something to eat if you're hungry. Me: I'm not really hungry but we can get something for you if you want. Dennis: Yeah, I'm not really hungry either." The worry sets in more when Nathan starts getting sick and we could tell the toll it takes on the both of us. It was a pretty silent trip as we made our way back into Park City to find a gas station with some ice to refill our cooler. But even though our mouths were silent - our hearts and minds were working overtime sending up lots of prayers!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">My Mom was hoping to bring the girls and meet us at the Lambs Canyon aid station and it broke my heart to call her and tell her that I thought it would be best if the girls weren't there. It was terribly hard on them <b>and</b> Nathan at Western when they were there when he was so sick. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Once we got our ice and some soda for ourselves we made the quick trip back to the interim parking lot to set in and wait for permission to head on over to Lambs Canyon. Around 6:00pm I got a text from Josh that said they were about 1 mile from the Alexander Ridge aid station. Dennis and I patiently waited for the tracking website to update so that we could go and get our pass. By 6:45 the website still hadn't shown they were to the aid so I went over to the command center to see if they knew more than me. The man was really nice and said that he was expected to be through almost 45 minutes ago and he would go on and sign my parking pass so that we didn't miss him at Lambs Canyon! I was extremely grateful. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Lambs Canyon is only roughly about 5 miles and 1 exit away from the interim parking and situated on the road that runs underneath the overpass for the interstate. We made a quick pass by the aid station and decided to park just on the other side of the overpass pointing the direction that the runners were going. Dennis did some quick calculating and told me that the sun was due to set soon and we needed to say some prayers that they would make it to us before it got completely dark because they didn't have any lights with them. I quickly passed along the prayer request to our wonderful prayer group and sent up a bunch of prayers myself. When it started getting close to time for them to come in I walked down to the aid station to watch for them. The runners come up a dirt road before hitting the aid station so it <i>should've</i> been easy for me to see them coming. Well, all of a sudden I catch a glimpse out of the corner of my eye and there is Josh almost to the aid station. I ran over to meet him and tell him where we were parked and so forth. He said Nathan should be coming so I ran back over to the ledge to watch for Nathan. I had only been standing there a few minutes when I hear Josh calling my name. He tells me that Nathan had already been through the aid station and was heading towards the car. <i>Crap! How had I missed him!</i> Josh and I head towards the car and find Nathan leaning against the car losing what little stuff he had in him. He was cold and wanted to rest. I threw his dad's jacket on him and got him situated in the backseat of the car. It was about 8:15pm. I asked him how long he wanted to rest and he told me 15 minutes. <i>As if!</i> I told him I would wake him up at 9:00pm. He agreed and was asleep in seconds.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">While he slept I tried to help Josh any way that I could and get them both prepared for the long night ahead of them. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><i>It's taken me a long time to write this next section because the emotion is still so raw.</i> I am finally at the point that I can retell this part of the race with only a few tears streaming down my face. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It was getting close to the 9:00pm wake-up mark and Josh and I were talking in the front seat when all of a sudden Nathan woke up in the backseat and quickly threw open the door to throw up/dry heave onto the road. He was in <b>awful</b> shape. Even worse than his worst at Western. He said that he needed to get moving. His entire body was shaking... and I don't mean like a little shake, I mean like <b>big </b>uncontrollable shaking all over. His eyes had big dark circles under them and he had a spaced out look on his face. I would have to repeat some of my questions because he would look at me all spacey like he didn't even hear me the first couple times. I was worried. Big time. I started out with polite suggestions like "are you sure you don't want to rest a little longer?" and "you've got plenty of time, maybe you could just stay here a little longer." But he was resigned to leaving. He just kept saying that he just had to get moving. My whole body was in knots. I didn't know how I was going to send him off into the dark night abyss and the hardest part of the race when he was so sick and out of it. It just didn't feel right. I remember walking to the trunk of the car where Josh was getting some final stuff together, putting my arm around him, and telling him that he had final call. That Nathan wasn't in the right state of mind to pull himself from the race and that it would be in Josh's hands to make the decision if it got to that point. I remember Josh looking at me and telling me that I was putting a lot of pressure on him and I said, "I know and I'm so sorry." I went back to Nathan and helped him get his warmer clothes and stuff on. I remember feeling so torn. He was so close to his end goal - the thing that we had all worked so hard for and put so much into this summer and I just wanted him to stop and stay here with me where I knew he would be safe. Every single race of this GS series he has been sick and every single time I have tried my best to build him up and tell him he could do this, just keep pushing! But not this time, one more look at his confused face and I said the thing that I had promised myself that I would never say, "Please stop. Please just stay here with me." But he just kept saying that he had to go, he just had to go. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I held Nathan's hand and walked with him & Josh up the road about 20 yards or so. Had Josh not been there to go with him I never would've been able to let him leave that car. There are unique times in our lives when God puts the right people in the right place at the perfect time... and that is exactly what he did when Josh decided to pace Nathan for this race. We said a quick goodbye and Josh promised me that he would take care of him for me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">When I got back to the car I was crying. I had held in the tears to try to be strong for Nathan but I couldn't do it anymore. Dennis was packing things up and when he saw that I was crying he looked at me and asked me if I could catch them. I said, sure I guess. He told me to run down the road and tell Josh that we would wait here for 30 minutes. If Nathan got worse or wasn't any better then he was to turn him around and bring him back. So I took off down the road, running with my crappy headlamp once again, trying to catch them. My lungs were burning and I didn't know how long the road went before they got back on the trail. I finally saw two headlamps up ahead of me and started calling out their names. After a few tries they seemed to finally hear me and stopped so that I could catch up. I was sobbing as I threw my arms around Nathan and told him I was sorry and asked him if he was sure that he was okay to do this. <b>He</b> <i>held</i> <b>me</b> while I cried and told me he didn't know. He didn't know if he should keep going or if he would make it to that finish line. He suggested that we say a prayer because he didn't know what else to do, so the three of us huddled together in the middle of this dark road and asked the Lord for the wisdom to know whether he should keep going or stop, here and later on; for energy and a calm stomach; for peace with the decisions either way; and for overall protection and safety. That would have to do for now. I relayed the message about staying for 30 minutes to Josh and then I left them there, continuing their way on the road and I turned and took my time walking the mile or so back to the car. On my walk back I had a deep, sincere, honest heart to heart with God. I asked him to take all of it from me because I just couldn't do it anymore. I was so worried that it was literally making me sick. I had a headache that was entering into migraine land. I could feel every heartbeat in my eyeballs and temples. I was so sick to my stomach I felt like I was going to throw up at any minute. I asked the Lord to give me that 'Peace beyond all understanding' (Philippians 4:7). </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I got back to the car around 9:45pm. I don't know if Dennis will ever understand what this next hour and 15 minutes would mean to me, but let's just say that I have am blessed with an amazing, God-fearing Father-in-law that was able to talk me off the cliff. Another answer to prayer from God I do believe. He told me that a lot of times when we put our trust in God (like the prayers that we had prayed after Nathan came through the first aid station sick) then we expect things to get better or, at the very least, not to get worse. So when things get worse it's easy for people to think that God doesn't care or isn't listening; when really, God wants to know: <b>Do you <u>still</u> trust me? </b>Those simple words were exactly what I needed to know that God had truly heard my crying out to Him. He knew that I <u>still</u> trusted Him and I knew that He would take care of Nathan. Dennis said lots of other wonderful things to me during this tense time while we waited to see if they would turn back and most of the things he said I can't clearly recall. But I know what that time meant to me and it is special. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We ended up staying until 11:00 (1 hr 15 min from when I got back to the car) before deciding that since we hadn't heard from Josh that they must still be moving in the right direction. We drove the 15 minutes back to the condo and once we got settled God answered my prayer for peace. Normally in a race I am too anxious to sleep. I was still feeling rather ill and as I laid down in bed I prepared myself for a long night of worry. But the good Lord allowed me to sleep - which ended up being the greatest distraction for me. I fell to sleep almost immediately. I remember waking around 3:30am, looking at the clock and turned over when I got a text message from Josh. (God had woken me up right on time!) He told me they were through one of the aid stations (I honestly can't remember which) and that Nathan was craving a cold peach or apple and a slushy. I forwarded the message to Dennis and Candice and we decided what time we would need to leave to head up to the Brighton aid station. Mom came down and stayed with all of the sleeping kids so that Candice could come with Dennis & me to this aid station. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">About 4:30am we headed out to see them at the last Crew aid station Brighton (mile 75). Half a mile from our condo was a 24-hour Fresh Market so we ran in quick and got him a peach and a nectarine to throw into the cooler and around another corner was a gas station where we got him a cherry slushy. Hopefully these will be what he needs to keep some food down! It was about a 35-40 minute drive from our condo to the Brighton aid station. It's only about 13 miles but it's mostly curvy mountain roads and I felt bad for Candice because she got a little car sick on the way up. While we were driving Candice and I saw a real life porcupine. It was weird and cool all at the same time. That is officially the first and only time I've ever seen one in real life! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">When we made it to the aid station we sat in the car to wait for a little bit. We had been following the projected times on the tracking website and they had been pretty accurate so far. We knew that our friend, Joshua Holmes, was a little bit ahead of Nathan so we decided that once we saw him come into the aid station then we would get our stuff and get set up. I saw someone come in that I thought might be Joshua so I got out of the car and walked up the stairs into the aid station to see if it was or not. Lo and behold it was! He looked good but really sleepy. He had already gotten his drop bag so I helped him get some food and washed out and refilled his bottles for him. I talked with him for another minute then headed back out to get Candice & Dennis so we could get all our stuff ready. I had just made it back to the car when Candice and I both thought we saw our Josh walking inside the aid station. All three of us grabbed our stuff and ran up to the aid station. Nathan was only a minute or two behind and we worked quickly to get all of their supplies refilled. Nathan was looking forward to the slushy but a couple sips in it ended up coming back up. So we quietly put it in the garbage. Joshua Holmes stopped to say hey for a second before he headed back out and offered Nathan a sweet tea that he had in his drop bag. It was perfect for Nathan! We knew not to keep them any longer than absolutely necessary at this aid station because it was indoors and they say it is a bad trap if you stay too long. You get all warm and comfy and don't want to leave. So after a few hugs and kisses and lots of praise we got them out the door. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Brighton</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dennis took this picture at Brighton and at the time I had no idea that he even took it. It is the most special picture of this entire race and GS series to me! How hard it is too send the one you love back out... "Love lifted me"<br />
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I must say that even though the worry was still there - it did diminish slightly after seeing him at this aid station. Was he miles ahead of where he was (technically yes)? No. But he was still pushing forward and I <u>knew</u> that there was no more "what if" when it came to him finishing because he was definitely going to finish! With lifted hearts Candice, Dennis, & I made our way back to the condo. We were just able to see the sun starting to peek over the mountains as we were arriving back and it felt to me like God's way of saying, "I told ya I've got this!"<br />
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<i>"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5 </i></div>
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The rest of the morning was spent getting our stuff together since we had to check out by 12:00pm and constantly refreshing our phones and tablets to see how he was moving through the aid stations. We left the condo and made our way towards the finish line, stopping on the way at a McDonald's so the kids could eat and play for a little bit. We got to the finish line in plenty of time to find a nice spot in the grass close to a huge tree and relax a little in the shade while we waited. The runners have to run about a 0.5 mile on the road to the finish and Dennis had his big zoom on his camera so he was able to see when they were coming! Before long we saw them making their way up the road and the happy tears were streaming down all of our faces as we ran over to see them cross the finish line! </div>
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<u>In conclusion:</u></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>This summer has been one of the best and worst summers of my life. We got to travel to places we had never been and see beautiful and amazing things that some people will never get the chance to see. I also had to see the one that I love go through some really tough times and I had to learn to deal with the fact that I couldn't do anything else to help him. The only way I can put that into perspective for myself is to see the similarity between this and natural child birth for me. I now know how Nathan must've felt to see me in so much pain but still resigned to my final outcome. </div>
<div>
Above all else this summer, my faith has grown exponentially. I have learned to truly and wholeheartedly trust God with everything and anything. The things I can control and the things that I cannot. As I was recounting this story to my good friend Jenny (you may remember her from my Leadville post) she told me that she has often heard stories from others about God really showing up and showing what He can do and she wondered to herself how she could get that to happen in her own life. Her conclusion was that a lot of the time these people (including us) were taking some really big risks without being completely certain of the outcome, but putting our trust in God regardless. I agree 100%. Our shirts say it all - "God's Glory - Our Joy"!! </div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I want to say a quick thank you to everyone and anyone, people we know and don't know, for all of the prayers, thoughts, and well wishes through this entire journey! We couldn't have done this without y'all! </div>
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It still doesn't quite feel like it's actually over. Maybe once we stay in town for a solid 6 weeks with no traveling it will finally start to set in! ha ha</div>
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Now I am going to go take a nap! </div>
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Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-20981419950413591152015-09-29T13:19:00.001-04:002015-12-06T10:00:14.686-05:00Wasatch 100 - A Pacers Perspective - by Josh Cole<!--[if !mso]>
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<b>An American Tail, Nathan Goes West. Wasatch 100 – A pacers
perspective</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1060208107185144532" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I have known Nathan (N8) since we were about 14. Playing
soccer year round was our thing then. I actually knew his wife before becoming
friends with him. Like many, many others, I have been following his progress
through the Grand Slam series, praying and nail biting the whole way. Fast
forward many moons and both our families are in Park City, UT letting our kids
run around like the wind. It was a little stressful for my wife, Candice and I
because we have a 7 month old daughter, Erin, and 3 year old son, Jude. We
managed to survive, minus a 24 hour stomach that thankfully only plagued Jude.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The day before the race flew by with a little site seeing
then pre-race meeting / playground for the kids. Candice was super mom while
she watched 3 toddlers and an infant so N8, Katy, and I could attend the
meeting. How lucky I am to have a spouse that supports my crazy adventures and
still tells me she loves me at the end of the day! After the meeting, we all
went back to our room and picked up another Grand Slammer, Joshua Holmes.
Candice promptly started making her famous homemade fried chicken and Katy got the sides together: mashed
potatoes, green beans, corn, and some tasty rolls. What a nice southern meal
before the expedition began. After supper, there was about an hour left to let the
kids get their shenanigans out before the 8 pm bedtime.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Race day:</u> Seeing that the 5am start was ~1 hour away, I
decided to sleep in since Katy and Dennis were going to the start. I ate a big
breakfast and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee. Dennis, Mary, Katy, Candice, and I
all chatted while the kids were keeping themselves entertained. Before we knew
it, it was time to see Nathan at Big Mountain aid station (AS), mile 39. I was
nervous and excited all at the same time. I had run my first 50 mile race almost
10 months prior in December 2014, then another 50 miler 3 weeks after that.
Chattanooga Mountains Stage race in June that ran 60 miles over 3 days, and
multiple 20ish mile runs over the next couple of months. I felt somewhat
confident that I could “run” the last 60 miles with him, at least in theory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After I drank my hospital approved strawberry Ensure and ate
a banana, Katy, Dennis, and I drove over to Little Dell Reservoir to wait until
we got the ok (due to limited parking) to head up to Big Mtn AS. There was not
one cloud in the sky and it was super windy, so that made it hard to know exactly how
hot it was. While we waited on N8, Katy talked to me about what to look and
listen for when he isn't feeling good. I started getting very nervous then; what
did I get myself into? 60 miles, ~15,000' of gain and loss... was I ready for
that? Maybe if he was feeling good, I could stop at mile 75 (36 miles for me).
I had also been suffering from plantar fasciitis (mainly on my left foot) on/off
since the 2nd 50 miler. I rolled my feet with a golf ball all week and put some
super oil my wife made on my feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We saw N8 coming down the hill to the AS, I ran over to him
and asked how he was doing, “Threw up at mile 33.” And he looked very tired.
Fittle sticks... I walked him through the aid station over to Dennis and Katy. He
excused himself to talk to the port-a-king... Katy talked to him and he said he
wanted to change his pack so he can carry more water. Katy got him a blue
popsicle, rubbed some zofran on his arms, we donned some sleeves and jimbo
bandanas, stuffed them with ice, and off we go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5E_gs0vMMpRQslD-B75wlEuChi09_y6S_lRjcRF1L99PH13cZoqdEQjQsIpA98YmXvMPrwCqbnWhpw4GLJHO_aaoqA7cHNVa_ajEXGqoB9mhamC6GRW3vYwcpPvxd0LE31btd5tw30M/s1600/IMG_9757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5E_gs0vMMpRQslD-B75wlEuChi09_y6S_lRjcRF1L99PH13cZoqdEQjQsIpA98YmXvMPrwCqbnWhpw4GLJHO_aaoqA7cHNVa_ajEXGqoB9mhamC6GRW3vYwcpPvxd0LE31btd5tw30M/s640/IMG_9757.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Providing shade when there wasn't any</td></tr>
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<u>Big Mtn AS to Alexander Ridge AS (46.8 mi):</u> My goal was to
get him to recover and not just survive like he did in the previous three 100
milers. I had complete confidence we could do it. Take it slow. “I just want
him to have a good race, enjoy himself, and smile,” Katy told me multiple
times. I could help make that happen...! Thick brush and some rolling hills
covered most of the terrain as we made our way to Bald Mtn. What a view! It had
been about 30 minutes since we left the aid station, no throwing up for N8, he
was sipping water and coke, even some jogging. Looking good! 45 minutes with no
throwing up, awesome! We had a steady thing going, then he had to make a pit stop...
made it 1 hour with no throwing up... Tried to give him some silence for a bit
because I know he gets mad at himself for not being able to keep stuff down. I
took that time to make sure I was keeping up with my nutrition (mainly Perpetum
and Honey Stinger chews at this point).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Making our way down Bald Mtn was what I expected to see in
big mountain running. Big, rolling ridges and very open. It was pretty cool to
see other runners a few miles up and down the ridges. Then, another pit stop...
dang it! All our ice had melted, it was hot being totally exposed even in the
wind! N8 wanted to sit down for a minute... not a good idea, pit stop. Back to
making our way down the ridge and still no shade. “About 2 miles to the next
aid, and more ice!” I told him, trying to lift his spirits. Praying for him to
keep food or liquid down. I felt bad for eating my chews because it made noise
when I got them out of the package...<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, the AS! I told him I would get his pack and refill
it with water and coke. He said he was getting a blue popsicle and sitting
down. I ate some glorious, cold watermelon and almost everything else they had
(pretzels, grapes, M&M's). Got our packs filled and stuffed the bandanas
with more ice then head over to N8, he looks exhausted! ...pit stop in the
chair, dang it! I was failing at helping him recover. I put the icy bandana
around his neck and off we went.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEElKdat4fnKhud3Lo4AYpvwaLTUHcNr5YqyLO2phhw8IQujZIYzzV74Y2Dezb4zGcMvJ-ubqXrHs0q9FR-KHuPrXPTHpXJ_N0D1xtwwIsr5ziZJX3-kghESnYFQLsYvFj7fIhRQqBbfo/s1600/bald+mtn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEElKdat4fnKhud3Lo4AYpvwaLTUHcNr5YqyLO2phhw8IQujZIYzzV74Y2Dezb4zGcMvJ-ubqXrHs0q9FR-KHuPrXPTHpXJ_N0D1xtwwIsr5ziZJX3-kghESnYFQLsYvFj7fIhRQqBbfo/s640/bald+mtn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Bald Mtn</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TV1e8Ob1JCY1lDBYp1Q7xV2KeYB3ZSARf3F34QA94WLf1C3sv39W2GsFN4qlO8zZfCdAU_0vsMOodOG8hQ5YPV10a-ZPtQAo4PWMzIjIZAgqOSpKR0NKg42gxMNtuFqktDhzcA1kr3o/s1600/josh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TV1e8Ob1JCY1lDBYp1Q7xV2KeYB3ZSARf3F34QA94WLf1C3sv39W2GsFN4qlO8zZfCdAU_0vsMOodOG8hQ5YPV10a-ZPtQAo4PWMzIjIZAgqOSpKR0NKg42gxMNtuFqktDhzcA1kr3o/s400/josh1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObvniBGMYXUKJbziiD2Qp-_xyWzp_tHQrqBhgV2_wXaZigYhyphenhyphen-d0FQ0xyCrhdEmkOzErYw0U-Kg6SN755Q2bTPD1cRZZo-YEatenzDlAxS07eGln2WWKBJuNfHouK2KGVCxHmeshoZ1A/s1600/downbaldmtn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObvniBGMYXUKJbziiD2Qp-_xyWzp_tHQrqBhgV2_wXaZigYhyphenhyphen-d0FQ0xyCrhdEmkOzErYw0U-Kg6SN755Q2bTPD1cRZZo-YEatenzDlAxS07eGln2WWKBJuNfHouK2KGVCxHmeshoZ1A/s400/downbaldmtn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming down Bald Mtn</td></tr>
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<u>Alexander Ridge to Lambs Canyon (52.48 mi):</u> After a slight
down hill, we had around a mile of running through a grassy field. It felt very
nice with a slight breeze and ice cold water running down our back. I continued
to try to stick to my nutrition of Perpetum and chews.</div>
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The valley gave way to a thick forest and quick/steep
climb. We started our descent to Lambs Canyon AS. We were moving now, probably a
solid 10min/mile pace. Felt good to stretch the legs. ...pit stop... Guess the
increase in speed was too taxing on his gut. I have to give it to him, after
every time he threw up, he immediately started drinking water. I would only
have to remind him every 10 minutes or so to drink, but he did really awesome
trying to get rehydrated with the quickness. The sun started to disappear as
we continued our descent. He told me when he got to the aid station he wanted to
change his shoes, socks, shirt and lay down for a quick nap. I talked him into
taking a zofran, hoping that it would start to kick in by the time he got
there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSljID0DP8ZfUCuDZ-JGOYgEdRgb5xhs20YoCFI54FNqA2Guf6vStWwg8GWntss0LkCAlJq0flbiJUIFE4Dg2hhv1T4lAro_J8ioPsIbpYO7CTJahhUSBuNzRSyvAM8W3Rgol4nXaZ0Q/s1600/josh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSljID0DP8ZfUCuDZ-JGOYgEdRgb5xhs20YoCFI54FNqA2Guf6vStWwg8GWntss0LkCAlJq0flbiJUIFE4Dg2hhv1T4lAro_J8ioPsIbpYO7CTJahhUSBuNzRSyvAM8W3Rgol4nXaZ0Q/s400/josh2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We were about a mile out when I told him I would run ahead
to tell Katy and Dennis his plan. I found Katy and informed her what he wanted.
She told me where they had parked the car so I could go tell Dennis. Dennis was
already walking towards the AS so I talked to him for a minute and told him how
N8 was feeling. Then N8 popped out of nowhere... without Katy; guess they
missed each other. Dennis took him to the car while I searched around for Katy.
We hurried back to the car... another pit stop, shoot! Katy helped him change
and get warm in the car so he could “nap.” The three of us started getting
everything ready for some night running. Dennis made sure to put an extra head
lamp and the Nao backup battery in our packs; he thinks of everything!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I ran to the aid station to satisfy my inner goat and
proceeded to eat almost everything they had (watermelon! Oreos, chicken broth and
noodles, chips... I'm never like this during a run, I will enjoy it while it
lasts). I took a warm cup of chicken broth back for N8 when he woke up. About
45 minutes after he laid down, he started getting cold. Another pit stop
or two... “I just need to get going, I'll warm up when I get to moving,” I
believe I heard him tell Katy. He seemed very dizzy and TIRED! Dennis gave him
a stern “pep” talk and I could tell Katy was upset with how he looked. “I won't
let anything happen to him,” I told her as I gave her a hug.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Lambs Canyon to Upper Big Water AS (60.95):</u> Katy walked with
us for about 20 yards. We had about 2000' of climbing over ~3.5 miles. Around 2
miles of that was on a paved road. We used that time to let N8 get down some
mountain dew. “It's going down easy,” he told me. Awesome! Haven't heard those
words about any nutrition in about 6 hours. We started hearing someone yelling,
I turn to see a couple of head lamps about 50 yards behind us. That runner and
pacer must be having a good conversation, I thought to myself. Then I heard
someone yelling “Jason.” We stop and turn around. “Josh, Nathan!” It was Katy.
We had gone maybe around a mile or more so I didn't expect to see her. I felt so
bad, because she was running. She told Nathan that she was very worried about
him and if he wasn't feeling better in 30 minutes, then I was to turn him around and he would be dropping. Nathan
lead a prayer asking that he or I would know if he needed to quit, the strength
to carry on, and for all the other runners. Such an emotional time! With
another long embrace and kiss, Katy sent N8 off to run through the night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a LONG and steep climb, we crested another mountain.
No pit stops going on another hour or so. Things were looking good. The climb warmed us up quite a bit and the breeze was nowhere to be found in the trees. I
shed my sleeves and we slowed down for N8 to take off his jacket and put it in
his pack. He still had tights on over his shorts and wanted to take them off.
That meant taking his shoes off, which meant sitting down, that meant risking
puking... We tired the make a it a quick process... not quick enough... pit stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We could see some city lights during the long and steep
descent. I continued to drink my Perpetuem and snacked on some beef jerky. We
reached the bottom of the ridge and immediately started a 1000' climb. “Aid
station in couple miles, slow and steady. Focus on just sipping that water and
coke.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was the first time I've run all through the night, I cannot
recall much in between these sections. I do remember filling my 7 oz flask
MULTIPLE times for N8 with cold river water for him to douse his face. It was
quite chilly already and that was keeping him awake. I remember turning off our
head lamps and looking up at the millions of stars! We worked our way up a
paved service road and started to see lights to the aid station! He was just
going to grab some mountain dew, ice, and head up the trail. I had to work
quick. I fumbled around the aid station with semi-frozen hands trying to get
his pack refilled. Now, to get mine refilled... “What do you have hot to eat?”
I asked. “Grilled cheese,” “Um, no... any noodles/broth?” “Yes!” “Bring it on!”
With both our packs filled, and warm broth in my hands, off I went. Runners had
to check in and out of each aid station, so as I was leaving, I told them I was
with runner 167. “You're about 10 minutes behind.” Dang it!</div>
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<u>Upper Big Water to Desolation AS (66.02):</u> I settle into a
nice jog since I was trying to scarf down some broth and noodles while holding
his pack and trekking poles... trekking poles, where are the trekking poles...
Crap, back at the aid station. I had made it a couple hundred yards up a big
climb and had to turn around... At least the guys checking runners out got a
good laugh at me for that... I had to laugh a little too, what else could I do.
Back on track, I see a puke pile next to a tree, hope that's not his.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I finally catch up to him. “Did you throw up?” “Yeah,
mountain dew didn't sit good.” Well Richard... Another big climb... We chatted
about lots of past events in high school, our kids, job stuff, listened to
other's conversations. I bet this forest would be beautiful during the day. We
pop out into a field containing a small aid station. They had a nice fire, but
we had no time to enjoy it. I quickly scarfed down half a banana and peanut
M&M's. No coke, very limited supplies; we were in some back country.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Desolation AS to Scotts Peak AS (69.94):</u> “Just over 3 miles
to the next aid, we got that easy.” A short climb and we were atop a ridge with
some fantastic views over Park City, Brighton, and Salt Lake City. We settled into a nice run/jog down a gravel
service road. We start to see a bright light in the distance, “That's the aid.”
Time seems to go by a little faster and “running” seems a little easier
when there is more human interaction. This AS had more selection of nutrition.
I ask N8 what he wants, “I don't know, I'll look.” I gorge myself on most
everything; most of the time in between AS, I was drinking water, Perpetum,
chews, and beef jerky here and there. I ate a couple slices of oranges. “Feel
like some oranges?” I ask N8, “I'll try some.” Back in the saddle again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Scotts Peak to Brighton AS (74.63):</u> N8 told me the oranges
were quite delightful and went down easy. Awesome, maybe things are looking up.
I stop for a pee break, then catch back up with him. “Have you peed in a
while?” He told me no, so I start hounding him a bit more about water even
though I feel like he has been doing really good. “You have to pee by the next
aid.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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This section went by a little quicker too. We saw many
military personnel, maybe reserve, doing middle of the night/early morning hikes. We said hello to
all of them. From the gravel service road, we popped out onto a paved road that
goes up/down the mountain. As we are crossing through the gate, a man asks us,
“Which way does the race go?” I'm thinking to myself, sir, its 5am in the
morning, we're doing good to keep our feet in front of us, don't ask us
questions like that... I believe he was talking about the Big Cottonwood road
marathon. We passed MANY school buses with loads of runner going up to the start.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This road was seriously hurting my feet, they felt like
pimples ready to explode! N8 stopped to pee, didn't look very concentrated
either, God sure has his hand on him! He has been throwing up on/off for over
12 hours and ~35 miles, how is he even remotely hydrated. God is good all the
time! I start asking him what he wants at the next aid. He rattles off: pack
change, plain water to mix perpetrum, coke... maybe he told me a shirt too...
He had also told me a slushy earlier, which I sent Katy a text, hoping she may
have gotten it. Off I go, “running” like the wind. My feet hurt, I want to
quit. I know I can push myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I get to the AS and start searching for Katy. Can't find her
anywhere, crap. I run back out side, they were running up the steps! We go back
inside and I start rattling off what all N8 wants. Candice woke up early so she
could see us, what an awesome wife! I steal a glorious kiss then down a
strawberry Ensure, that sure hit the spot! I try to hurry and change my socks because
my feet are throbbing! I drench my feet in some of Candice's magic oil and put
on some new socks, what a wonderful feeling! I look over to see N8 throwing up
the slushy they got him... he said it was too sweet. BUT I am happy to say,
that was the last time he threw up! He did drink some sweat tea that seemed to
agree with him though. Another embrace from the wives and pep talk from Dennis,
then off we went again.</div>
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<u>Brighton to Ant Knolls AS (79.14):</u> This section would bring
us the sun rise and the highest peak in the race. The sunrise hitting the rocks
was quite spectacular!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This may have been my favorite section. I am a morning
person and love seeing the array of colors that manifest during the sunrise. I
remember telling N8, “God's timing has been perfect for this race, we made it
to Lambs Canyon and our headlamps just before sun down. Now, we get to see the
sun rise on the highest peak.” What an inspiration. The decent was very steep
and lots of loose rocks. N8 must be starting to feel good, he's pushing the
pace. Wish my feet didn't hurt so much... wait they don't hurt right now! I
love my wife's magic oil! We arrived to a nicely stocked AS. I helped myself to
some watermelon and other fixens. They were awesome at this AS. Music playing,
very lively and helpful! N8 was killing some OJ. Off we went.</div>
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<u>Ant Knolls to Pole Line Pass AS (82.31):</u> Right out of the
bag we had a serious 600' climb called the grunt... No fun, but I made jokes
about grunting which I think helped pass the time. We held a steady climb, no
lolly-gagging. N8 was feeling good... or ready to be finished! This section was
only 3 miles; these shorter sections made it much less daunting. It was
starting to smell like a Waffle House, was I getting that delusional... We
arrived at the AS to find them making breakfast burritos! Wow... too bad I
couldn't stomach that right now; we had a mission, get finished! N8 was getting
his bandana filled with ice, so I spotted a sausage link that looked enticing,
YUM! Stuffed my mouth with some cantaloupe and filled my bandana with ice. N8
was asking for more OJ, they didn't have any... More water, ice, and coke then.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Pole Line Pass to Station North AS (87.28):</u> A gradual decent
gave way to more of a wash out trail with steep sides, very awkward running. We
made our way to another service road and the sun beating down on us. We had a
gradual climb to a more frequented service road. We heard some hoodlums in the
distance racing up and down the road. We stuck to the side for fear they would
top a hill and clip us. Rounding a corner,
we spotted the aid station, and a climb right after... “Are we going to climb
that?” N8 asked. “It's suppose to be all down hill from here.” He looked at the
tattooed map (given out a packet pick up) on his arm. “Looks like all down
hill...”<o:p></o:p></div>
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All the aid stations up until this point were great... The
two guys “working” seemed uninterested in carrying on a conversation or
acknowledging our questions... Although they did fill up N8's water bottles and
bandana with ice. Maybe they were just tired. Ate a handful of grapes,
pretzels, refilled with water, ice, and mountain dew and bid our farewells.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Station North to Decker Canyon AS (93.89):</u> We climbed the
small, daunting hill, and worked our way around the totally exposed service
road; it was starting to warm up! We settled into running the flats and
descents to what felt like forever! We saw an aid station down the ridge to our
left... we kept running away from it. “Are we going the right way?” We kept
seeing markers... We were both ready for some shade and more ice, ours was melting
fast! Running further and further away from the last AS before the finish, we
started to die a little on the inside.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally a switch back
down to a road with about 4-5 cars parked. “Maybe this is just a water
station.” Nope, it was the last 'pacer exhange point' at mile 91.7. I thought
to myself, “I wonder if Dennis and Katy are there, I could get a ride back to
the finish. My feet were starting to hurt again, my legs were thrashed and N8
was running better; he could finish the last 9 miles, no problem. ...No, I'm
his pacer and am going to finish with him!” A nice man gave N8 some ice cold
water and ice from his cooler. I told him I was fine until the next AS. Behold,
another steep climb... steep decent... steep climb... relentless. I remember
telling N8 that they should rename the race, the Wastach Hill Monster!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now we were running a steady downhill... every single step
hurt my feet. Just kept telling myself, one step at a time. Push the pain
below. We ran through a gate and were now dodging cow patties left and right. I
told N8, “One more aid station then its homeward bound!” We arrived at the AS
and were greeted with warm smiles, it was so lovely to see. There was a nice
lady who rubbed sun block on my reddened face from 4 hours of direct sun. N8
wanted only water and lots of ice. He had been eating ice since the night/early
morning. We stuffed a couple pieces of oranges into our bellies and off we
went.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Decker Canyon to Finish (99.66):</u> “One last push, we got
this!” Little did I know, N8 would be pushing me more to the finish. We saw a
huge reservoir, hoping to be able to run close enough to it so we could
submerge ourselves and get away from the heat. N8 said he would kill for
another iced tea like he had had at Brighton AS. I told him he should take an iced tea
bath, what a glorious post race celebration. We had been running for about 30
minutes on a big rolling gravel trail. Every time we crested a hill or rounded
a corner, we were hopeful of seeing the finish. I learned A LOT about him this
last section. I told him he wins races because he can push himself so hard,
especially at the finish! All I wanted to do was lay down or walk, here we were
running about a 10/min pace, crazy kid! He pulled me to the finish when I was
supposed to be pushing him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We saw a man and asked how much further, “about 0.75 mile to
the road and then 0.5 mile to finish.” What were we waiting on! Even though N8
was able to push me even harder, I left my lungs about 5 miles back. How was I
even breathing right now? We made it to the road. “I can see it, we run to
those flags” he told me. My head was throbbing, heart pounding, legs crying,
how was I running right now? I would be lying if I didn't get a little
emotional and had a tear in my eye for N8. I thought about the past couple of
months, how much he struggled and grew closer to God and learned to trust Him.
What a privilege it was to run the past 60 miles and finish of the Grand Slam
with my best friend! I was holding back a waterfall... we had made it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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apologized for my stench and face planted on the grass. It felt so good. After
a shower, Candice “made” me get a massage. It was painfully delightful. I think because of this was actually able to “walk” the next day. Immediately after the race,
I had another ice cold ensure and a hamburger. I felt a little nauseous after
but it was worth it, I didn't throw up. I am thankful that my wife and family
came with me so I could kiss her and hold them at the finish! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-48031725997159031712015-09-15T21:07:00.004-04:002015-12-06T09:58:58.365-05:00"Are you Nate's Wife?" - 2015 Leadville 100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">"Are you Nate's wife?" guest blog (within a blog) Grand Slam series: Volume 3 - Leadville 100!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Whew! Halfway finished <b>and</b> a five week break between races?!? That felt almost like a vacation! Except for the </span><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 20px;">tiny</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 20px;">little</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><i> nagging</i> thing that took shape in the form of Nathan's achilles injury from Vermont. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">When we returned from VT Nathan could hardly walk and the future of the last half of the Grand Slam races was questionable, to say the least. I don't think he ever really thought that we wouldn't go to Leadville - but I certainly did. I mean, how could he go do something as difficult as run 100 miles when it took him 10 minutes to cross the street? Well, let me tell you that it came down to <u>one</u> week before we were supposed to leave before I was convinced he was healthy enough to attempt Leadville. He came home from a 12+ mile run on that Saturday morning and said his achilles hadn't hurt during his run, so I went right then and bought our tickets! And boy am I glad that we did!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">This trip to Colorado has been my favorite GS trip so far! I had only ever been to Colorado in the winter and was really looking forward to getting to see it in the summer. It did not disappoint. </span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Living at an elevation of 680 ft. above sea level and going to an elevation of 10,200 ft. without getting altitude sickness can be quite the challenge. Thankfully my FIL had a wonderful plan set out for us and other than a few headaches in the bunch I am happy to report that no one ended up with altitude sickness. Our plan was to spend two nights in Estes Park (elevation 7,522 ft) and one night in Silverthorne (elevation 8,730 ft) before heading up to Leadville. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">Our hotel in Estes Park was only about 0.5 mile from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and on Sunday we drove the narrow and curvy road up to the Alpine Visitors Center (elevation 11,796 ft) where we had lunch and enjoyed the views. (Except for our poor Heidi who got car sick on the way up and did not enjoy any part of that trip.)</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMf43xnMccR4sQm720CBG7azVhlCBWUEfP4WaR8VOlHzydF5pnghvOb75AhCaDc3p_F2VVARY3oTX0ZNF0ZyICknFrNrFNE65DL3Gs3wvuViiprP5QMpVo_buiTPz8gDWuf90vrtlWIvw/s1600/IMG_9684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMf43xnMccR4sQm720CBG7azVhlCBWUEfP4WaR8VOlHzydF5pnghvOb75AhCaDc3p_F2VVARY3oTX0ZNF0ZyICknFrNrFNE65DL3Gs3wvuViiprP5QMpVo_buiTPz8gDWuf90vrtlWIvw/s400/IMG_9684.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Alpine Visitors Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfpTuFti2C5NbE_zC22aqDZ3YQnBa8Q43U6PGCkK-iMUTA3Q8oUVawUxA6wLChJhVHnwmV42JkHMvXu_DMHuJVgtpbOfsEM144ax7hXnPluwmMg2Z5kh6jw_MVmjI3VlpGo0K89rz76M/s1600/IMG_9324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfpTuFti2C5NbE_zC22aqDZ3YQnBa8Q43U6PGCkK-iMUTA3Q8oUVawUxA6wLChJhVHnwmV42JkHMvXu_DMHuJVgtpbOfsEM144ax7hXnPluwmMg2Z5kh6jw_MVmjI3VlpGo0K89rz76M/s400/IMG_9324.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The many faces of a car sick Heidi<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">On Monday morning we left Estes Park and made our way to Silverthorne, CO. Nathan had spent a winter season working in Keystone years ago so it was nice to take the girls and walk through the village. We tried to take the girls up in the Gondola to the top (for some more altitude training) but a storm came blowing through and they wouldn't do anymore rides for the day. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Tuesday morning we loaded our things into the car and headed to Leadville. Our friend, and Rock Creek Race Director, Brian Costilow and his family were so awesome and let us rent their house in Leadville for the week! It was perfect for us - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and only 3 blocks to the Start/Finish! (Not to mention the playground park for the kids at the other end of the block - where we spent <b>a lot</b> of time!) We spent the next few days walking and exploring the town and going on the famous Leadville train ride! It was probably my most favorite thing we did!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">On Friday we went to the Race Expo and got to visit with some of the other Grand Slam runners before the mandatory race meeting. We stayed for the Crew meeting afterward (mostly because I wanted to) and got some good tips for the course. My favorite tip that I actually put to use was to get some index cards and make a card for each aid station so that the Crew could remember to grab all the things that he may need or want! I will definitely be using these in the future!! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">That night we had a delicious dinner of homemade turkey meatballs, mashed potatoes, and vegis before heading off to an early bed!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Race Day is finally here!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Woo! Those 4:00am race starts come way too quickly! Thankfully being so close to the race start allowed us to sleep in just a tiny bit later! I came down the stairs, put my coat on, and we were pretty much out the door walking to the start. Joshua Holmes (fellow Grand Slammer <u>and</u><b> </b>$lam Water finisher) had come that morning and was going to be leaving his car at the house and then coming back and showering/resting after the race before the awards ceremony and it was nice to get to visit with him on the warm up walk to the start. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The Start line had lots of energy with plenty of family and friends cheering on from the stands and the side of the shoot. Nathan & Josh made their way towards the front and I got into position to get the 10 second countdown (I have a video from each of the races so far) and with the traditional Leadville shotgun blast they were off! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">In the months leading up to Leadville I had reached out to Brian for crewing advice and he pointed me in the direction of his sister, Kay. She had crewed him for <b style="text-decoration: underline;">10</b> Leadville races and she is the Leadville crewing Queen! She was so amazing and sent me a wonderful email chock full of information and tips about the aid stations and what worked for them in the past. Thanks to her we knew to <i>avoid </i>May Queen-Outbound like the plague and head back to the house to get ready for our day! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">So while my wonderful Mother (and best Gramma ever, seriously) stayed at the house with the girls so that they could keep sleeping... Dennis (Nathan's Dad) and I headed out to the Outward Bound aid station (mile 24.5) just before the sun came up! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The aid station was set in a field this year and it was really easy to crew. They had plenty of parking in a big open field and a large section marked off just for the Crewing Zone! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxRJ6zXaQSX6uMPuMAArPKt-Bd06AZnBBJKGSjRD-Ypj-g_BeMo2sZj_vxFJ93xnp3XBXMDnjSEqrcDOnQv7GHbWWSzwlml4QzZZATNS3hDWp02whPAc8m0-x7-ttnVqO3XZJ3zti_0w/s1600/IMG_9473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxRJ6zXaQSX6uMPuMAArPKt-Bd06AZnBBJKGSjRD-Ypj-g_BeMo2sZj_vxFJ93xnp3XBXMDnjSEqrcDOnQv7GHbWWSzwlml4QzZZATNS3hDWp02whPAc8m0-x7-ttnVqO3XZJ3zti_0w/s640/IMG_9473.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sunrise hitting the mountains at the Outward Bound aid station</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It was easy to watch for Nathan coming down the road into the aid station and we were able to get some nice people whose runner had not come in yet to let us move in front of them to be able to assist him better. He was looking and feeling good so we refilled his supplies and he was out of there!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We packed up our things and decided to head straight over to the Twin Lakes aid station (mile 39.5) to find a parking spot. They were not allowing you to park in the town this year and were supposed to be shuttling people in. My mom and the girls met us at this aid station and even though we were parked right by where the shuttle pick up was we never saw it and had to walk the 0.5-0.75 miles into the town. Yes, Twin Lakes is a town. Granted, a very tiny town. We found a spot close to where they jump back on the trail off of the paved road through town and set in to wait. Like I've said before, my FIL is amazing at figuring out Nathan's pace and calculating when we should expect for him to come in, so when it got close to time I walked up the hill and around the corner to meet him where he comes off the trail. I waited and started getting anxious thinking he should've been in already. I swear in the future that I am <u>not</u> going to wait to meet him at another aid station like that, because every time that I do I swear he comes in feeling like crap. Which is exactly what happened. He was walking and said that he hadn't thrown up but that he felt really awful and hadn't eaten much since we saw him at the last aid station. <i>Crap. </i>I see why most people drop at this aid station... because they feel like Nathan felt and still know that the hardest part of the race, Hope Pass, is staring them right in the face. Well, if we've learned anything from the last two races it's that Nathan isn't a quitter and so even though he felt lousy he pressed on to the mountain that was before him. </span></span><br />
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Now the worry starts to set in. I prayed <i>a lot</i> on our way to Winfield. Prayers that his stomach would settle so that he could eat, prayers to give him the energy he needs to climb up and over Hope Pass, and most importantly just to deliver him back to me safely.<br />
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Leadville is an out and back race and Winfield (mile 50) is the turn around point. A lot of Crews don't go to Winfield and I can see why. The dirt road leading up to it has ruts so big you can lose a car in them. Once the first runner hits the road in Winfield then they stop allowing cars all the way up to the field at the top and they start parking you on the side of the road and you have to walk in.</div>
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Our backpacks were heavy and the oxygen was low as we made our way to find a spot in the grass and wait. This was also the place where the pacers could start running and I got some good entertainment "people watching" all of the nervous pacers waiting for their runners.<br />
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From where we were sitting you could just barely see the runners as they came down the road and Nathan was easier to spot because of his orange R/C shirt and yellow-green shorts. So as soon as I saw what I thought was him I ran down the road to meet and walk in with him. He said that he had thrown up a few times after he had left us and again up and over Hope Pass. We made a quick pass through the aid station for some fruit and went to meet Dennis. As soon as Nathan sat on the ground any of the fruit that he had decided to eat came back up - time to get moving - so Dennis and I made quick work of refilling his pack, changing his shirt, and making some ramen for him to carry with him. </div>
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I walked with him down the road and told him over and over again how proud I was of him and how he's got this. I tried to remind him to smile because it magically changes your entire attitude! When he was about to get back on the trail I wrapped his jimbo bandana full of ice (it gets hot at 12,600 ft) on his neck and a told him I would be waiting for him in Twin Lakes!<br />
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Dennis and I made the trek back down to the car and down the rut-ridden road back to Twin Lakes (mile 60.5). We ended up getting a sweet parking spot right in the middle of town and it was nice to not have to carry our stuff far to get set up. My Mom & the girls brought us some dinner from High Mountain Pizza and I wish I had had more of an appetite because the 2-3 bites that I had were <i>really</i> good! I also grabbed some cokes and such from the tiny little store in town, Pass Gas, and giggled to myself like a 5 year old. </div>
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It was just before dusk as Nathan made his way to us and when I finally saw him he was actually jogging which totally lifted my heart! He got to where we were set up and we changed out his socks and shoes, refilled his nutrition (aka: coke and perpetuem), and stuffed his pack with warmer clothes and his headlamp since it was about to get dark and cold. He had originally planned on switching to his other pack and ditching his poles at this point, but with some more climbs coming he made a good choice and decided to keep them! I walked with him up the road until he got back on the trail and may have tried to guilt him a little with reminding him that he would get to run with me in 2 more crew aid stations!<br />
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After we left Twin Lakes we had to swing back by the house in Leadville to get a few things. I took the opportunity to take a quick 30 minute rest on the couch as the girls climbed all over me and told me all about their day. I also felt super guilty because here I was laying on the warm couch and Nathan was out pushing through miles in the cold dark. </div>
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Once we got the text that he had come through the Half Pipe aid station (non-crew) then we gathered our jackets and headed back out to Outward Bound (mile 75.5). Before we left I had changed into my running clothes and then put my other clothes back on and I was thankful for the extra layer because it had gotten cold. By this time the runners are so spread out that there was plenty of room to find a spot to set up and we didn't have to fight for space.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headlamps coming across the field</td></tr>
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One of my favorite sights of the night came from this aid station as well. The runners came in across the huge field that they went out of that morning and it was so cool to see spots of headlamps coming across the field in the dark! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path"<br />
Psalm 119:105</td></tr>
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Dennis was right on the money <u>again</u> and Nathan came strolling through at about 12:15a. Dennis stepped away for just a minute and almost missed him. He was cold and needed his warmer clothes so I stripped off my warm jacket to wrap him up as we worked to get his clothes on him. Once we got him dressed and drinks refilled I went with him through the aid station and then up the road for about 0.75 of a mile or so. In the aid station he picked up some "mashed potatoes" that were more like mashed potato flavored soup but the few bites he took ended up coming back up once we hit the road. I told him to hang tough because he would get to pick me up at the next aid station to pace for a few miles and that is something that we both have been looking forward to from the beginning of these races. With a quick kiss on the cheek he was off and I headed back to pack up at the aid station.<br />
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The drive over to May Queen (mile 86.5) was pretty quick since they allow you to go over the dam on the inbound trips. It was still pretty busy, but nothing like it was that morning I'm sure, and we had a small hike to get to the aid station. It was about 1:30a in the morning now and we weren't expecting him until around 3:30 so we used the spare time for a mediocre attempt at some rest. When it was finally time then we got out of the warm truck and got a nice "warm-up" walk into the aid station. While we were waiting for Nathan I remember looking up at the sky and just being <i>amazed</i>! I had never seen so many stars at once in all my life! You could even see part of the Milky Way! It was the most beautiful sight and I wish I could've gotten a picture of it. It truly was stunning! <i>What an awesome God we have!</i></div>
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Now back to the race... this was going to be my first ever experience pacing <b>and</b> running at night. Until now I had never done either of these things! I was extremely nervous - everyone knows that Nathan is the hare and I am the tortoise in our relationship. But this was also something that he had wanted me to do ever since these races started and something that I hadn't had the chance to do yet. He came jogging down the hill (yay!) and with a quick refill on his coke and perpetuem we were off. It was a 6-ish mile section to the Tabor boat ramp around Turquoise Lake and we had actually run this section earlier in the week so I felt a tiny bit more comfortable. I learned quickly that my headlamp sucks as I easily tripped over every rock and root there was but somehow managed to stay on my feet. When he walked, I walked. When he ran, I ran. In between sucking air I tried to keep a tiny bit of a conversation and the miles flew by! Nathan said he was feeling pretty good and I knew that the next section after this was mostly road and dirt road and I didn't want him to have to wait on me when I knew he just wanted to be done; so I told him to drop me at the boat dock with his Dad and I would just see him at the bottom of 6th street. So before I knew it we were there and I went with Dennis and Nathan took off towards his last few miles. </div>
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I had originally planned to run in from the bottom of 6th Street to the Finish with Nathan but on the short drive over there I started feeling like crap. I was super nauseas and couldn't stop shaking. (Now I know how Nathan felt/feels, blech) I spent most of the time waiting there with my head in my hands trying not to puke all over the car. Finally Nathan crested the hill off of the Boulevard and was looking for me to run with him. I told him I felt awful and that I would just meet him at the Finish. He understood, of course! So Dennis and I booked it up the hill, found a parking spot, met up with Mom & the girls and quickly made our way to the Finish just in time to see him close the last couple hundred yards! He deserved every step of that Finish and I could not be more proud of him! He is truly one remarkable human being that I love so so much!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming up from the bottom of 6th Street</td></tr>
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I would also like to take this time to say a special <b><i>Thank You</i></b> to a few people. Jenny Baker is a beautiful, God-fearing woman and ultrarunner who came up with a wonderful idea to start a Prayer group so that our friends and family could send prayers for Nathan, our crew, and the runners during the race. (As well as provide emotional support to me during the race!) She is a friend that the Lord has recently brought into our lives and He has really blessed us with her and Franklin's friendship!<br />
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Also, my amazing sister/best friend, Theresa, who helped set up and organize the time slots for those that wanted to cover a certain time frame in prayer! I love her to the moon!</div>
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And lastly, all of the wonderful and amazing friends and family that sent up their prayers during the race. There are too many to list, but they know who they are, and I just want you to know that we felt the prayers during the race and know what a difference they made! You all mean the world to us! </div>
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We are seriously the luckiest! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#threedownONEtogo</span><br />
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Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-84855001107922072242015-08-22T09:58:00.000-04:002015-12-06T10:09:27.812-05:002015 Leadville Trail 100 Run (Grand Slam Race #3 of 4)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Leadville Trail 100 Run (Grand Slam Race #3 of 4)</b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Saturday, August 22 - Sunday, August 23, 2015</span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gear:</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</span></a>, </span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/mens-pants-run/Surge-Tight?cc=0001&skuId=3565439&catId=mens-pants-run"><span style="color: blue;">Lululemon Surge Tights</span></a>, <a href="http://www.sockwell.us.com/why-sockwell.html" target="_blank">Sockwell Plantar Ease Socks</a>, <a href="http://www.sockwell.us.com/why-sockwell.html" target="_blank">Sockwell Compression Sleeves</a></span>, <a href="http://shop.pearlizumi.com/index.php"><span style="color: blue;">Pearl Izumi Thermal Sleeves</span></a>, $1 Walmart Special Gloves, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/xt-wings-glove-wp.html"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon XT Wings Gloves</span></a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/bonatti-wp-jacket-m.html"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon Bonatti WP Jacket</span></a>, <a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/"><span style="color: blue;">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</span></a>, <a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/quick-grip/d/1001"><span style="color: blue;">Camelbak Handheld Bottle</span></a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-4-ultra.html?article=373243" target="_blank">Salomon Sense 4 Ultra Shoes</a>, <a href="http://www.tailwindnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Tailwind Nutrition</a>, <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a> & <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a>, and <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/NAO">Petzl NAO Headlamp</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Race: </b> I'm going to be honest, I don't get too nervous for any race but for some reason Leadville had me a little rattled. Originally it was because of the altitude but after Vermont 100 it was also a fear of my achilles injury flaring up. However, the week in Colorado leading up to the race really helped settle my nerves. Katy, the girls and I had an absolute blast the week leading up to the race! We spent a few days in Estes Park and one day in Silverthorne before heading up to Leadville. All those years vacationing in Colorado in the winter I never realized that I should have been coming here in the summer. Those beautiful summer mountains and that amazing crisp mountain air really got me excited for the race. </span><br />
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My friend Brian, fellow Rock/Creek runner and ten-time Leadville finisher let us rent his family's vacation home for the week. What an awesome friend! It's hard to beat a three bedroom, two bathroom house in Leadville that's only three blocks from the start/finish. I would love to plan a future trip to Leadville where we could spend a couple of weeks and get out to hike/run some of the beautiful mountains surrounding the town.</div>
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Our week flew by and before we knew it Friday was here and it was time to put the finishing touches on my race prep and do the pre-race meetings. To save some sanity Katy and I decided to let the girls hang out with Gramma and Granddad while we attended the pre-race meeting at the local high school. I have to commend the race staff, volunteers and speakers at the pre-race meeting. Katy and I haven't laughed that hard in quite a while... we didn't realize that the Leadville Standup Comedy Club was in session for our pre-race meeting.</div>
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The nice thing about staying in a home for the week was the ability to cook real food, and cook we did! Mary decided on homemade turkey meat balls, mashed potatoes and green beans for dinner... be jealous! So, with full bellies and running shoes ready for some abuse we all laid down around 8-9pm. Being three blocks from the starting line REALLY paid off with a 4am starting time. It's hard to beat waking up at 3:15am, rolling out of bed, throwing on some running stuff, and making the short walk to the start/finish line. </div>
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My friend and fellow Grand Slammer, Joshua Holmes met at the house Saturday morning to leave his car and walk with us to the start. It's worth mentioning that Josh decided that his attempt at the Grand Slam would not be complete without adding a fifth race into the middle of the summer's festivities with a Badwater 135-Mile run to make it more of a challenge... what a glutton for punishment!</div>
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With about 650 runners, their crews, families, friends, and volunteers all coming out to cheer on the start, energy was pouring through the streets of Leadville. With a kiss from Katy and a hug from my Dad I said a quick prayer for everyone enjoying the race and settled into a starting position.</div>
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I was a little disappointed that I was so wrapped up in the excitement of the race start that I didn't even notice the famous Leadville shotgun blast start. Oh well, Katy had made a habit of videoing the countdown at each of the Grand Slam races so I knew I could see it later. A mad rush of people set off down 6th street for a quick 1-mile stretch of road before jumping on to the boulevard. The boulevard is a nice, VERY wide dirt road that would lead us about 5-miles down to the first section of single track at Turquoise Lake. It is very easy to get sucked into this section of the race because it is almost all downhill and because it's so early and everyone is so pumped up it can be easy to burn through some fast miles and pay the price later. So, thanks to the advice from a few of my buddies I made sure not to hit the first aid station at May Queen (13.5 miles) any earlier than 2-hours. As we made our way around the lake we got our first glimpse of the sun and some beautiful views of the mountains. We hit the pavement at the end of Turquoise Lake Trail and ran up the road, past the campgrounds and into the aid station. I wasn't going to see my crew here because they had been warned to skip May Queen on the way out because of the issues trying to get in and out. So, with a quick refill I was on my way again.</div>
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This next segment would carry us up and over the Sugarloaf climb and down the power line descent on the backside of the 11,500+ foot pass. The first couple of miles had us running along the Colorado Trail where we got to see some beautiful greenery and some technical rocky trails. A few miles later we popped off of the trail and back onto a dirt road that lead through a couple of long switch backs up to the top of Sugarloaf Pass. By this time the sun was above the horizon and looking back down toward May Queen gave some of the most beautiful views I would see all day.</div>
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I settled into a nice mix of running and hiking with a fellow from Colorado and before I knew it we had crested Sugarloaf pass and were starting our descent down the power line. The power line was not so steep that it was unrunnable and bouncing from side-to-side down the ravens it was just a short amount of time before we came out to the road that took us past the Fish Hatchery to the Outward Bound aid station (24.5 miles).</div>
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Katy and Dad made quick work of my bottles, refilled my supplies and sent me on my way. Leaving Outward Bound was pretty awesome. It felt like we were running in the bottom of a big mountain bowl. This section of the course ran through the lower basin of the bowl and beautiful mountain peaks surrounding us made up the rim of the bowl. After a short jog down the road we detoured back onto the trail heading back toward the tree line that would guide us around the base of the mountains all the way over to the Twin Lakes aid station. Coincidently, there was another aid station once we hit the tree line called Tree Line. The trail from here consisted of wide, jeep roads littered with small golfball-to-baseball sized rocks. Other than a few small climbs this section was very runnable and would be a nice section to run later in the race on our way back into Outward Bound. Just before the 3-mile descent into Twin Lakes the trail wrapped around a few bends along the ridge giving the first views of Twin Lakes. </div>
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The Twin Lakes aid station (39.5 miles) was the last stop before heading up to the top of Hope Pass. Despite my best efforts to have a "sick-free" race I had been queasy and behind on calories since somewhere around mile 30. My spirits were lifted coming into the aid because I found Katy, Dad, Mary, Heidi, and Harlow. Regardless of how crappy I feel it's always a great boost to see their smiling faces. I switched my pack, grabbed some poles and hit the trail wanting to start toward the base of Hope Pass. </div>
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Running through the meadows around Twin Lakes I decided to start my Grand Slam ritual and started my puking sessions at about mile 40... Well, at least this was one of the most beautiful places I've ever thrown up. With a quick wipe of my mouth I picked my head up and kept on trucking. The next couple of miles wound through the knee high grass meadows and 7-8 water crossings with one larger river crossing that was about knee high deep. At the base of the mountain the meadow trail turned to a nice double track leading up through the trees. </div>
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The entire climb up Hope consisted of 90% hiking and maybe 10% running. Not feeling queasy anymore I decided to make the most of my post retching high. I kept my head down, prayers consistent and my breathing steady. I knew that the tree line would start to disappear as I approached ~11,000 feet and would only have about ~1,500 feet more of elevation gain. After a short while the trees started to dissipate and I could see the trail opening ahead of me into the basin just below the final climb to Hope Pass at ~12,600 feet. There was an aid station about 0.75-miles shy of the summit and I made quick work there as my stomach was still not taking food. The views were breathtaking and definitely worth the lung-busting climb. I snapped a few pictures and started down the backside of Hope toward the turnaround point at the Winfield aid station (50 miles). </div>
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The trek down was pretty intense. Steep grades and multiple switchbacks had my gut turning because I knew that within a few hours I would be working my way back up this climb. After dropping a few miles the trail tucked back into the trees and eventually met up with the Continental Divide Trail and ran a couple of miles over to the dirt road into Winfield. </div>
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To my surprise my stomach held out during the entire Hope Pass climb and descent. It wasn't until about 0.25 mile from the aid that I found myself laid out again losing what little contents of my stomach I had left. Katy found me as I made my way down into the aid station. She walked with me as I tried a handful of items from the aid station. I grabbed a seat with my Dad and Katy, changed my socks and tried to get down some Ramen... no go. I was reminded of my 2-hour stop at Western sitting here puking and did not want to repeat that again... So, I knew sitting around wasn't going to do me any good and I got up and headed back up the road. </div>
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On the climb up the back side of Hope there was a slew of crossflow traffic as runners made their way to and from Winfield. By this time the afternoon sun was shinning pretty bright and popping in and out of the trees made for some pretty hot segments. Once we got above the tree line the sun was really beating down on the switchbacks and I was really struggling. This was one of the lowest lows I've ever experienced during an ultra. I am pretty sure I was moving at about 40-45 minutes per hour on some of the really steep sections and was very thankful to have my poles for this climb. I found that poles worked really good as a prop when you need to lean over for a good retching.</div>
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Reaching the top of Hope Pass again felt almost as good as crossing the finish line. I knew that getting back up here for the second time was probably the apex of this race. I still had 45 miles to go to finish but knew that after completing this climb that the hardest part of the race was behind me. I said a few prayers thanking God for helping drag me back up this climb and put my head down focusing on getting back to Twin Lakes before the sun set. Sometimes in 100's it's working toward the the small goals that will ultimately help get you to the finish. A few more retching spells on my way down the front side of Hope and I found myself in a good rhythm with a couple of runners and together we worked to pull each other back into Twin Lakes just before the sun set. </div>
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Coming into Twin Lakes the sun was just going down behind Hope Pass and I was actually feeling pretty good. Just 5-miles earlier at the top of Hope the only thing I could think of was getting back to Twin Lakes and grabbing a few minutes of rest in a chair... Now, with a little new found energy I wanted nothing more than to get back on the move to knock out the last 40 miles. Katy did a good job of keeping me motivated also by telling me that this would be the first time she was going to get to pace for me in a race so I needed to quit being a baby and get to May Queen so she could run with me. What a great crew chief! #nosympathy</div>
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I decided to keep my poles for the 3-mile climb out of Twin Lakes and with the sun setting they also did a good job of keeping my upper body warm as I was hiking this climb. Once at the top, I stashed my poles and started working on this runnable section back toward Tree Line and Outward Bound aid station. It was riding the sugar highs and lows from drinking Coke and Perpetuem. I would get into a good grind and run for 2-3 miles strong and then hit an uphill section that was just a little too much to run and would slow to a quick hike. Some quick hits of Coke would turn this around pretty fast and before I knew it I would be back to running a descent clip. The next few miles rattled off pretty fast and I hit the road section that would take me down to the hard lefthand turn into the field that lead over to Outward Bound aid station (75.5 miles). Well, I hit a pretty low sugar crash on the road section somewhere before my left hand turn and I started nodding off as I was hiking/jogging. All of a sudden I came too and there were bright headlights coming right at me and I staggered back to the side of the road. Some lady promptly hung out of her window and told me that I had missed the turn off... crap!! I turned around and backtracked but never saw the turnoff. I turned back around and kept plugging down the road and found the turnoff... It was about 0.25 mile past where that lady had told me to turn around... not a cool thing to do to someone at about mile 75 of a 100 mile run.</div>
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Coming back into Outward Bound I realized just how cold it had gotten. It was about midnight at this time and the wind had really picked up in this section. I found Katy and Dad and grabbed pants, insulated sleeves, a dry shirt, jacket, gloves, and some warm mashed potato soup stuff. The quick change helped but I needed to keep moving. Katy walked with me out of the aid and up the road as I tried to eat some soupy-mashed potato stuff and that stayed down for about 20 seconds before I decided to see if it tasted any better on the way out... It really didn't taste any worse...</div>
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I told Katy from here on out I wanted nothing else to eat. I would stick to Coke and Perpetuem and would see her in about 13-miles. The next section was the last big climb. Runners leave Outward Bound and run back up the power line climb to the top of Sugarloaf Pass at `11,500 feet. After a few miles down a paved road, and a short run up a dirt service road I found myself grinding away at the power line climb. This climb is deceptively long. There are about 4-5 false summits, or that's about how many it felt like. I heard that there was an additional aid station that signaled the summit of this climb so every climb I crested or every corner I rounded I kept searching for that elusive glow of Christmas lights and music that I just knew would signal this God-sent aid station. Finally, I rounded a corner at the top of this climb and could see a faint glow of lights ahead and could hear some music. With spirits lifted I found an interesting crowd holding down the top of the mountain. I won't give too many specifics but this was the liveliest bunch of volunteers I had seen all day and I saw some pretty crazy scenes or some wild hallucinations. <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">It's not every day you find a 6-foot tall Stormtrooper running around at ~11,000 feet with nothing on but his Stormtrooper helmet and birthday suit. Oh, and did I mention it was about 30 degrees and windy up on the top of this climb. Whether a hallucination or reality, I had some good laughs got a fresh flask of Coke... not that kind of Coke, and hit the trail down toward May Queen.</span></div>
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The downhill to May Queen aid station (87 miles) was pretty good. A lot of very runnable downhill with the last couple of miles on the Colorado Trail that were pretty technical. Not as much running through here but it was a good break from the downhill trying to shake the Stormtrooper images out of my head.</div>
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I found Katy ready to run just outside of the May Queen aid station. I sat down, ditched a few items and grabbed more Coke and Perpetuem and the most beautiful pacer. Katy and I run occasionally but haven't had a chance to run together on any of these Grand Slam runs so this was something I had been looking forward too for quite some time. I was a little worried about the run because the first few miles of the Turquoise Lake Trail are pretty rocky single track. I knew Katy hadn't run much at night and her light was so-so at best. She wouldn't take my light and never once complained about the technical sections. When I ran, she ran. When I hiked, she hiked. She kept my spirits up and did a great job of keeping me focused on the trail and before I knew it we were coming up on the Boat Ramp aid station at about mile 93. Katy knew that no matter how cruddy I felt that the last 5-6 miles of any race was going to be an all out grind to just get it finished. Once you get close enough to the finish of any race it's easy to find another gear to just set in and pound out some miles. I would have loved to run those final 6-7 miles in with her but she knew that it would be better for both of us if I just put my head down and ran and she would meet me at the finish. So, that's what I did. I thanked God for getting me this far and knew that less than 3-weeks earlier I was still barely able to walk following the Vermont race. The day had been long and hard, probably my hardest 100-miler to date, but at the same time was the most rewarding. The week leading up to the race had been some of the best family time we had ever spent together and views of the mountains reminded me how small we really are in this world and how Great our God really is! </div>
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I knew that the next 6-7 miles to the finish were pretty much all uphill, especially once we hit the boulevard, and would hurt. But, I think that's just the kind of hurt I needed. I knew that I wouldn't be finishing with any kind of time that I was exceptionally stoked about but knew that I could finish and finish strong and would forever be proud of that. I was treated to a beautiful sunrise and a second wind to give me some extra energy to run those last miles. </div>
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Rounding the last turn onto 6th street I hit that last climb to crest the hill about 0.5 miles from the finish and immediately started scanning the finish area for my family. </div>
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I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> was so excited to see them there, all of them, Katy, Heidi, Harlow, Dad, Mary, and even a few friends from Chattanooga to cheer me in. The ultra community is so inspiring and I love that I can be a part of this crowd. There were people there cheering me just as much as my own family and it's the same at every trail race I've ever participated in. I grabbed some hugs and kisses from my family, a handshake and hug from Ken Chlouber and his wife who were there congratulating each and every finisher. I stick with my rendition of Ken's moto... "</span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">With the Lord</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> you are stronger than you think you are... you can do more than you think you can!"</span></div>
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I have to start with a huge thanks to my Lord and Savior. Immediately followed by another huge thank you to my loving family/crew, the Leadville community and volunteers who made this race possible. The course will forever be one of my favorite courses with the beautiful landscape making this area so inspiring. </div>
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Also, one thing I mentioned in my Leadville Preface blog was that I was 100% certain that no matter what happened in the race that God brought our family/friends to Leadville to bring us closer to Him and each other. Thanks to the idea of our Chattanooga friends Jenny and Franklin Baker, before race day we put together a message group for family and friends who might be interested in following the Leadville journey through message group updates and who would also help support my effort through prayer. I know that I didn't have a sick-free run like I hoped but I ended up completing the hardest 100-miler I have ever attempted to date and was carried for almost 60 miles on next to nothing as far as food goes. I didn't get myself to the finish, it was the prayers of so many people who believed that the Lord could carry me when my legs gave way, and I am so thankful for each and every person who helped get me to another finish. I hope that these runs bring you some enjoyment/encouragement because without your support I would have failed before I ever began.</div>
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#3down1togo</div>
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Until Wasatch,</div>
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Nathan D. Holland</div>
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2015 Rock/Creek Race Team</div>
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Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-64867203175449866252015-08-20T18:28:00.001-04:002015-08-20T21:58:29.494-04:002015 Preface - Leadville Trail 100<b>Mathew 19:26 - "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."</b><br />
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The week after Vermont 100 I realized that two 100-mile races within the previous three weeks had taken their toll on my body. Vermont was the second of four 100-mile races in this quest to complete The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. The Slam is very similar to a multi-day stage race. Running each stage of the race is a challenge in itself but one of the greatest hurdles to overcome is simply making it to the starting line of each race. Let's be honest, training for a 100-mile run is a challenge, running a 100-miler is difficult and trying to string four 100-milers together over an 11-week span is just grueling.</div>
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Like any other runner, I deal with a few little nagging injuries throughout the year. I've got those reoccurring ones that I know exactly what they are when I start to feel a little niggle and know exactly how to deal with it. Then there are the "new" injuries that pop up every now and then that can completely knock the wind out of your sails. I know that my attitude is usually pretty poor when I'm out of commission due to an injury... and Katy can probably vouch for that too. So, a while back I asked God to help me stay positive through injuries and accept the down time as forced rest from above. Don't get me wrong, I still get pretty crabby from time to time but at the end of the day I'm ten times better than before. </div>
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So the day after Vermont 100 my Achilles was pretty inflamed but I <u>knew</u> that it would be easily fixed. I've dealt with some Achilles injuries... it was one of my usual nagging injuries... or so I thought. Well, a week after Vermont I was still barely able to walk and my usual recovery methods weren't making any difference. What I thought was just "normal" Achilles tendinitis was actually insertional Achilles tendinitis. I had never heard of it until trying to find out why it felt like there were knives stabbing me on either side of my right heel when I tried to walk. Well, turns out it's pretty serious. I have had plenty of leg issues over the past 5-6 years of running and to date this is the most painful. With only 5 weeks between Vermont 100 finish and Leadville Trail 100 I was already down to 4-weeks and was already eating into my training plan I had laid out for LT100. I was pretty frustrated... I found myself getting upset at the smallest things or snapping at my family/friends for no reason. I did NOT like who I was or how I was acting. Selfishly, I was thinking more about what "I" wanted and not what "God" wanted. In March of this year I had already committed to running the Grand Slam and was dealt an ankle injury at Georgia Death Race. I was pretty bummed then too and had realized at that point that if I was going to have a shot at any of these four 100-mile races it would not be from my own strength and determination but from the Lord's. I remembered, just like in March, that when I quit trying to control every little thing and put my hope and faith in God's plan that I found peace with whatever the outcome was to be. So now, halfway through The Slam I found myself back in a similar predicament and realized that I was focusing on my own goals instead of the Lord's. Like many believers, I know what I should do day-to-day but am easily lead astray and away from God's path. </div>
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I've heard many sermons about praying specifically for what is on our hearts and putting all of our faith in God. Now, I don't know about you, but most of the time my heart is filled with my worldly desires and the things that "I" want for myself. I'm not the most Godly person by any means, but I'm pretty sure that's not what was meant in <b>Mathew 21:22 "<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="margin: 0px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."</span></span></b></div>
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When I think back on some of my best conversations with God and some of the best times of my life they all have one thing in common. They are when I put "MY" wants aside and asked God to simply use me for His glory and to use me to help bring others to His kingdom.</div>
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With more focused prayer about the rest of The Slam as well as the other day-to-day things going on with our family I found peace in knowing that God would take care of us just as He always has. If that meant I was to run Leadville then great and if I was done after two races then I was thankful for the experiences He had provided. </div>
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Fast forward 3-weeks post Vermont 100 and I was finally able to walk without pain and run with little pain. It wasn't perfect but then again God seems to gain more glory when things seem more impossible. To be clear, I had only run approximately 12-miles over a 3-week span and that wasn't exactly what I had planned for my training before Leadville. But, we could wait no longer to make air travel and lodging plans. So, we put our faith in God that He would use this trip for His glory one way or another and made our travel reservations. It was pretty ironic too... We had talked about making airline reservations on a Friday evening and I told Katy that I was going to go and try an 8-mile run that next morning to see if I had any pain and to just wait to see how that went before making the airline tickets... Low and behold that was my first pain-free run and when I got home to let her know the airline tickets were $50 less each.</div>
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My Dad, Stepmother and Jodi (trail dog) left on Friday, August 14th to make the drive out to Estes Park while Katy, the girls and I flew into Denver and drove to Estes Park Saturday, August 15th. We spent Saturday and Sunday night in Estes Park to get a few days at an elevation of ~7,500 feet. Here we visited the Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoyed some of the beautiful mountains this area has to offer.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in Rocky Mountain National Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain National Park Driving to Alpine Visitor Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain Nation Park</td></tr>
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Monday we made the drive to Silverthorne to stay one night at ~9,000 feet of elevation. It was nice to drive over to Keystone Resort and see some old memories. My Sister, now brother-in-law and a buddy of mine spent a ski season a number of years back living, working and ski-bumming around Keystone. I now understand why everyone always said that if you come for the winter and stay through to the summer you'll never leave. Colorado in the summer is absolutely breathtaking. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out in the morning sun before heading to Silverthorne, CO</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found some flowers outside of Silverthorne</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNfP_wbr3yx9L76wJ5YFSAFn-vKAoTAmIr3hNF6KRoQkz3shPHc4e6kEafK2o-hLJc3rRI-8uhoNxLLXYMY6Hbpmtqxy2PCtwxwnapch4Rzqz3fF3GcPw58aMkNaM8cZLu8E_vwv0RT8/s1600/katy+and+me+keystone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNfP_wbr3yx9L76wJ5YFSAFn-vKAoTAmIr3hNF6KRoQkz3shPHc4e6kEafK2o-hLJc3rRI-8uhoNxLLXYMY6Hbpmtqxy2PCtwxwnapch4Rzqz3fF3GcPw58aMkNaM8cZLu8E_vwv0RT8/s400/katy+and+me+keystone.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keystone Resort</td></tr>
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Tuesday morning we got up and packed the rest of our things to make the 45-minute drive through the mountains to Leadville. The elevation in Leadville is ~10,200 feet above sea level and we wanted to take our time getting there to try and minimize the chances for altitude sickness for all of us and also to allow our bodies to acclimate slowly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-vPPVaZmTNvkfB0IdTk1DROFpXouRmbI6ox4PwsZCG-CKjCMcTB-_8d_KjsjrgWmttXxkDC-7CRjniLLaNV_X9kZ6GkXoLgk5Fiphs6Ov35K_w6mtlHvarCukTeFcTnAxcRagwkGVoE/s1600/katy+and+heidi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-vPPVaZmTNvkfB0IdTk1DROFpXouRmbI6ox4PwsZCG-CKjCMcTB-_8d_KjsjrgWmttXxkDC-7CRjniLLaNV_X9kZ6GkXoLgk5Fiphs6Ov35K_w6mtlHvarCukTeFcTnAxcRagwkGVoE/s400/katy+and+heidi.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katy & Heidi Hanging out in Leadville</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP8k5P3cLAUdpwFn2hkmSqbftXxCD58mE0xyTUbLSMMhawhw3M0AZZSnmdVi3IU50a5hroVHsXc5x6J9ycLDGPi_3G4AnI-tbbPolQhZQQZ_Lbid9vhO_sr_oyyiucfErz_VYsUWpoKM/s1600/harlow+and+grandad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP8k5P3cLAUdpwFn2hkmSqbftXxCD58mE0xyTUbLSMMhawhw3M0AZZSnmdVi3IU50a5hroVHsXc5x6J9ycLDGPi_3G4AnI-tbbPolQhZQQZ_Lbid9vhO_sr_oyyiucfErz_VYsUWpoKM/s400/harlow+and+grandad.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granddad & Harlow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running around Turquise Lake Trail (~13 & 87 miles)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin Lakes (~40 & ~60 miles)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continental Divide Trail just before Winfield</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winfield (50 miles & turn around point)</td></tr>
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Leadville is an awesome town and I can see why this race brings so many people. You really do feel like you're "racing across the sky." You are sitting at ~10,000 feet and yet you're surrounded by all of these 12,000-14,000 foot peaks. As Del Gue says in Jeremiah Johnson when referencing the Rocky Mountains, "<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Rocky Mountains is the marrow of the world, I ain't never seen 'em but my common sense tells me the Andes is foothills, and the Alps is for children to climb!" and </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">"These here are God's finest sculpturings..." This land really is one of God's greatest treasures on this earth. I am so excited to be able to toe the line on Saturday, August 22 for the 2015 Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run. I have had little to no Achilles pain for the past 2-weeks and am thankful for the wonderful family time we've shared this week leading up to the race. I'm 100% certain that no matter what happens in Saturday's race God brought us out here as a family to bring us closer to Him and each other. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leadville</td></tr>
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<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mathew 19:26 - "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."</b></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Until my post race blog,</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Nathan D. Holland</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">2015 Rock/Creek Race Team</span></div>
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Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-75675627421620362452015-08-04T19:58:00.001-04:002015-08-04T20:01:32.839-04:00"Are you Nate's Wife?" - 2015 Vermont 100<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">"Are you Nate's wife?" guest blog (within a blog) Grand Slam series: Volume 2 - Vermont 100!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Pre-Race: </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Coming into this race I had quite a bit of nervous energy. After all of the craziness that encompassed Western and the fact that I would be leaving our girls for the first time </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">ever</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">; I was feeling pretty anxious when it came time to leave on Thursday. We were planning on driving all through the night on the way up and the way back so we laid our second row flat and put up the third row so that whoever was in the back could stretch their legs and then later on we could inflate the twin size air mattress and use it to sleep. Nathan, Dennis, Daniel, & I loaded up in the car and after lots of goodbye kisses from the girls and some tears from me we finally got on the road about 7:25pm. Now anyone who knows me knows that I </span><u style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">hate</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> to drive; if it is over an 8 hour drive time just put me on an airplane. But I can honestly say that the drive up to VT wasn't bad! We had ice cream, learned a lot about Genghis Khan (thanks to Daniel's podcast series), and everyone was able to have some decent periods of resting and driving. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We made it up to the Start/Finish around 2:00pm and got Nathan all checked in! We had some time to kill before the 4:00pm mandatory meeting so we were making our way towards the trail to see what the last mile of the course looked like when we stopped to chat with a man named Paul and his horse Adam. Paul had explained how the runners and the horses were really similar when it comes to endurance races. They have to watch how much the horses are eating/drinking, keep their electrolytes in check, and make sure that their bowels and such are still functioning. Here are some of the things that we learned: the horses have mandatory rest points at certain aid stations where they are thoroughly checked over by a Veterinarian who determines if they were well enough to continue on, that further along in the race he would actually dismount his horse and hold the horse's tail and hike behind him to give the horse's back a break when going up climbs, that if you're passing a horse at night to talk to the horse/rider as soon as you get the chance as to not spook him, and to not look at the horse with your headlamp on when passing because you can blind him for a few seconds. I know I was pretty curious how the race would go with runners and horses racing together so I was thankful for the chat and the information! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We finished with the mandatory meeting, picked up some dinner on the way back to the hotel (which wasn't as easy as it seems because there isn't a whole lot in Springfield, VT), and finally got into bed at about 8:00pm.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Race Day: </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We woke up around 2:00am and got ready for the day ahead of us! It was raining pretty good and didn't let up until right before race time. When we got back up to the Start/Finish we met up with the rest of our Crew and lined up to cheer the runners off! Now that the rain had stopped the weather was spectacular, despite the warnings for humidity from some of the Northerners, (clearly they have </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">never</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> been to the South) and soon enough they were off! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The Vermont 100 is mostly run on private property so they have some pretty strict rules to keep all the landowners happy. One of the biggest rules had to do with Crewing. You are only allowed <u>one</u> Crew vehicle (which is checked in the day before with your runners number written on the windshield) and they don't give you <i>any</i> Crew directions until your car is checked in with their staff. I assume this is to keep people from going up and trying to pre-run sections of the race before race day. But, as I am a planner, I was a little stressed because I didn't have any directions or information. Well let me tell you - their directions were <i>amazing</i>!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">After the race started we went and loaded all of our stuff into my sister-in-law's 15-passenger van. We had more than enough room for everyone and everything! We decided to make our way to the first aid station because parking was limited and we knew that he would be in or around the Top 20. There were two versions of directions to each aid station that I nicknamed "Men's Directions" and "Women's Directions". The women's directions had landmarks and streets that you would pass along the route which kept you knowing that you were going the right direction (and similar to how most women give directions - especially with landmarks) and the men's directions were straight and to the point. They also had estimated travel times from one aid station to the next which was so helpful as well! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We made it to the Pretty House aid station (mile 21.3) in plenty of time and everyone took about 20-30 minutes to rest before we got our stuff out and ready. Nathan came cruising into this aid station and was looking great! He hit the bathroom, had us fill up his water, switched out his bottle of perpetuem for a fresh one, and grabbed some pickles and a banana and he was back on the move! I was thrilled to see him feeling good and smiling!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The next aid station was Stage Rd (mile 30.3) and with it being so close we packed up pretty quickly and made the short drive over there to get set up. (We made quick friends with the parking crew when we offered them some of Gramma's famous homemade chocolate chip cookies all the way from Tennessee.) At this aid the runners have to run down the road and around the corner to get to the aid station so part of our crew went over to the turn to see him coming down the road (and ring the cow bell so we knew he was coming, thanks Annabelle!) while the rest of us stayed with our stuff. He came cruising into this one much like the last one and headed straight for the bathroom. (Which is a good thing!) We made quick work getting him the things he needed and he was in and out pretty quickly! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">From here we went on to Camp 10 Bear for the first time (mile 47) - we revisit this aid station again at mile 69.4. We found a nice spot right past the aid station with easy access to both the aid and the exit. It's always so nice to have a runner in the front of the pack because then you get all of the good parking spots! We knew we had some time to kill and so Kristin and Daniel went to check out some later parts of the course that she would be running, Deborah and I tried to catch a little shut eye, Deming took some pictures, and Dennis & Annabelle played some card games! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">I ended up not getting any sleep, but that was okay, and we went and got our stuff set up close to the weigh-in station. Well as we were hanging out waiting for him to come in all of a sudden there was a huge crack of thunder and next thing you know it started pouring down rain! We scrambled to get our stuff together as Dennis hoofed it to the van to get the pop-up canopy so that we could have a dry place for Nathan to come in to. We got the canopy set up, while getting completely soaked in the process (2nd time getting wet for the day), and were kinda scrambling to get all of our stuff for Nathan set back up when it started letting up and thankfully it stopped raining right before Nathan came in. He got weighed-in and wasn't down much (thanks to the weight from his pack) and we got him over to the canopy to get his socks and shoes changed out. I made the crucial mistake here of moving his perpetuem bottle off of one of his bins so that I could get him out some wipes and that is the same bottle that didn't make it into his pack when he left. He took off and we were packing up when I realized that he didn't have any perpetuem and my stomach just dropped. Daniel reassured me that he would be fine since we had sent along a baggy of perpetuem and he had his water that he could mix it into if he needed it. I felt awful for forgetting it and hoped it wouldn't mess him up since he was feeling so great so far!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It was only 11.5 miles between that aid station and the next aid station at Margaritaville (mile 58.5) but there were some harder climbs so we took the opportunity to stop in at a little general store called Watroba's and get a sandwich from their deli! It was a cute little family owned store and since they didn't have a restroom the lady even let Daniel use her personal one upstairs where they lived above the shop! It also worked out nicely since the day before Nathan's mom & stepdad, Deborah & Deming, had left their car here (they weren't going to get to stay for the whole race) and we were able to see where we would be dropping them off after the next aid station. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Back in the car and on to Margaritaville we went! We didn't have to wait too long for Nathan to come into this aid station since we had used up quite a bit of time getting lunch so we maybe only waited about 10-15 minutes before we saw him... <i>walking in</i>. Immediately my mind flashed back to Western when he came death marching into mile 55. I knew that he had gotten off track because of the bottle we had left out and no matter how many times he "tries" to reassure me I know that was the reason. He walked in and went to the bathroom where he spent a little bit more time than at the previous stations. When he came out we gave him some plain Lays chips and those almost immediately came back up. <i>Oh crap</i>. After Western we had gotten him some rub on Zofran cream in case he wouldn't be able to keep anything down so I grabbed it quickly and rubbed some on his arm. The only problem with this was that as he sweat it would come out of his pores or would not get absorbed well from the beginning. He said he wanted to keep moving so he grabbed some puréed chicken noodle soup and kept moving on down the trail. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">We left Margaritaville more worried than we had been all day but with the hope that he could turn it around. I remember saying a lot of prayers on our way to Watroba's to drop off Deborah & Deming. We got them set and on their way and headed back to Camp 10 Bear (mile 69.4) for the second time. I was afraid that the parking here would be an absolute nightmare since that is where the 100k runners also meet up with the rest of the race and with all the 100 mile runners who would be coming into Camp 10 Bear for the first time... but as we came in from the opposite direction as everyone else we saw some prime spots right by where we had parked the first time and were able to just drive by everyone else (sorry to all those people walking half a mile in) and got a great spot! This was also the aid station where Nathan could pick up his first pacer, Kristin! While Kristin was getting ready and we were waiting the sun decided to make an appearance and it got HOT, quick! I took a second to thank God that it hadn't been this hot all day and then Annabelle, Dennis, and I got to work stuffing ice into some jimbo bandanas, for Nathan & Kristin, that his mom and I had made! I knew he would probably not be feeling great when he came into this aid after getting sick at the last station and then now with the heat. Down the hill he came where he had to weigh-in again and then came over to us where he asked for Coke in a bottle and no more perpetuem. <i>Crap again!</i> We put his arm warmers on, stuffed them full of ice, wrapped his bandana around his neck, and he & Kristin took off. <i> </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Over to Spirit of 76 (mile 76.2) aid station and Daniel was going to be picking up running with Nathan from here so he got all his stuff ready and we had to walk a 0.25 mile or so down to the aid station. The sun was still out and it was still warm so we brought along another jimbo bandana and bag full of ice. Thankfully the aid station was in the shade with plenty of tree coverage so we didn't have to sit there and roast while we waited for them to come in. Of course the aid station was at the top of a climb and before too long we saw them coming up the hill. We had everything ready to go into his pack but as he gets to us he tells us he is ditching his pack and just wants his hand bottles. So we scrambled around a bit to get different bottles ready and while we were working on that Nathan throws up again. For whatever reason he doesn't do well with stopping once he's been sick. So we finally get him the things that he needs and he and Daniel get moving. Back to the van we go!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Kristin fills us in on her leg of the race as we head over to Bill's aid station (mile 88.3). We even got lucky enough to see Nathan & Daniel on one of the "gravel roads" on our way there! Once we got to Bill's we took some time to clean out and organize the back of the van. I remember feeling weird that it was this early and we were already this close to the finish. We started the short walk down from the parking area (another grassy field - more on that in a minute) when we looked up at the sky and saw a dark, dark rain cloud. Right after we got down there I forgot that I was going to grab a baby zofran from the van in case Nathan needed one and so I turned around to head back to the van when it started raining. I ran to the van, grabbed everyone's rain jackets, and ran back down to the aid. It <i>monsooned</i> for a good 20 minutes and we got <i>soaked.</i> Head to toe we were just wet. (For the 3rd time that day!) It quit raining and was getting mostly dark when I saw Nathan's headlamp coming down the road. His Nao headlamp is so bright it's easy to pick out from a distance. He had his last weigh-in at this aid station and he grabbed some fresh coke and told me that he expected me to run at the next aid station before heading out. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">So we get back into the van and peel off our rain coats to try and dry out some on the way to the last aid station when we have to exit the grassy field out of a small uphill section. After that momentous downpour the grass was so soggy and slick! We got close and then would spin. Back up and try again; keep spinning. Kristin did great and with some coaching from Dennis and some praying we finally made it out of the field and onto the road. I can't imagine how bad that field was by the end of the race and just how many cars got stuck!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Oh, Polly's. Polly's aid station (mile 94.9) is officially the last Crew aid station before the Finish and also the point that I was supposed to start pacing with Nathan. I have always been wary of pacing Nathan. I mean I run at a tortoise pace and he is, well, the hare. I always joke that it takes him running 95 miles before I can keep up with him for 5 miles. At the beginning of the race I was actually looking forward to running this section with him, but as the race went on I knew that the smartest decision would be to let him keep running with Daniel. If he decided to push it those last 5 miles (which he did) there would be no way that I could keep up and as much as I wanted to run with him - making him slow up to my pace was out of the question. So as they came rolling into the aid station it was pretty clear that I wasn't going to be running with him. I told him it was the better decision and that I would see him at the Finish line shortly!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It took just a few minutes to drive from here to the Finish and when we got there we made sure to park Kristin on a downhill so she wouldn't have to worry about getting stuck and started to unload our stuff out of her van and back into my car. We had just finished when Dennis said that we should probably make our way over to the Finish line in case Nathan decided to pull some crazy 10 minute miles out of his hat for these last 5 miles. (Which, funnily enough, is exactly what he did!) We <i>literally</i> were at the Finish line for about 3 minutes when I saw 2 headlamps making their way down to the Finish. I knew that it was Nathan and Daniel because right before the Finish Daniel pulled off the trail, shut his light off, and then Nathan crossed the line! (Daniel is so thoughtful about letting Nathan cross the finish line alone, which is one of the things I really appreciate about him! Plus, his awesome race videos!!) I couldn't believe our luck and am so thankful that the good Lord put us down there right on time! So completely and utterly proud of him! Vermont 100 complete!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Many blessings, </span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-72522131455617586782015-08-02T22:11:00.001-04:002015-08-02T22:12:27.385-04:002015 Vermont 100 - (Grand Slam Race #2 of 4)<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><u>Pre Race:</u></b> It's been three weeks since Western and my legs seemed to have recovered pretty well, or at least I hope so... I suppose I'll find out come 20-30 miles into Vermont. Vermont was going to be the only race where we weren't going to take the entire family. Because Vermont was relatively close to Tennessee we decided to make this a long weekend trip and drive to and from Vermont at about 17-hours each way. Thursday evening Katy, my Dad, Daniel and I got finished packing and hit the road to make the overnight drive to Vermont. If our timing was right we should get to the race check in on Friday afternoon with a few hours to spare before the 4PM race meeting. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traveling in Style</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBONq6jI3YSuntWC13JM9M31e5S9qzOx5uGmBjcxW7_f-FEz7ZDOhrLvQKEI6QNv6qbF8sU4C4Rvla6DvF01UPfffGkDjNt3OAShF2GAacHmbMMBIPa1xDJyBLCExGGMguinLfPHfBU_M/s1600/IMG_9206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBONq6jI3YSuntWC13JM9M31e5S9qzOx5uGmBjcxW7_f-FEz7ZDOhrLvQKEI6QNv6qbF8sU4C4Rvla6DvF01UPfffGkDjNt3OAShF2GAacHmbMMBIPa1xDJyBLCExGGMguinLfPHfBU_M/s400/IMG_9206.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3-Hours in and Someone's Already Tired of Traveling...</td></tr>
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<div>
Once we arrived, we spent about 30-minutes getting checked in, going through medical check-in and strolling around the vendor tents. Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run is a unique race with people and horses racing side-by-side. The foot race has both a 100-kilometer (100k) and 100-mile distance offered. While the horse race offers three distances; 50-miles, 75-miles and a 100-miles. Each of the 5-races start at different times throughout the day and are staggered enough to allow for some more constant flow of finishers throughout a narrower time frame.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGv774sU2VyMgc4iv1CYYoLn42PyRu0xbqOa_bk92opI7jGtjjv2DkErp8YvCmTyd0cX1X85EhIJ4k5soHhHfhIhuSgbJ_FI2gTof7Qt8J8JyvogfkWkf5DmWrB3f009bMD4I8iN5Xy0/s1600/IMG_9224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGv774sU2VyMgc4iv1CYYoLn42PyRu0xbqOa_bk92opI7jGtjjv2DkErp8YvCmTyd0cX1X85EhIJ4k5soHhHfhIhuSgbJ_FI2gTof7Qt8J8JyvogfkWkf5DmWrB3f009bMD4I8iN5Xy0/s400/IMG_9224.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew Stuff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSuuBsLNqeQc52J1HazLsYnVVnjgUfOp_4Q2Zw1WuuXzBFKOuh0OrW-YniNcmRPOqVS4ZYNz1fkDKkAQzeBZng0BdaYe7BEmfjPtR47IjueszqKq2a90zxXN4wxdPmEgNvxuC93NW47A/s1600/IMG_9220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSuuBsLNqeQc52J1HazLsYnVVnjgUfOp_4Q2Zw1WuuXzBFKOuh0OrW-YniNcmRPOqVS4ZYNz1fkDKkAQzeBZng0BdaYe7BEmfjPtR47IjueszqKq2a90zxXN4wxdPmEgNvxuC93NW47A/s400/IMG_9220.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Ladies (Katy & Annabelle)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QeKYr8bENxiRfA1wgBJ34CtldW1B9-RD_jS26cshzTBETCsKfDaLXIFguDCgNVZodvoAeLO9junSNvC7RD1m_8810P0Mkl0469xFD3o_no8N1hOLFxD8MpCFV_NnXrCDXfEah-oxNKw/s1600/IMG_9221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QeKYr8bENxiRfA1wgBJ34CtldW1B9-RD_jS26cshzTBETCsKfDaLXIFguDCgNVZodvoAeLO9junSNvC7RD1m_8810P0Mkl0469xFD3o_no8N1hOLFxD8MpCFV_NnXrCDXfEah-oxNKw/s400/IMG_9221.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacer Swag</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmGfC7et4uEhL_4Zm1qN_SGGDfJx89yKY_yhPWC5cpEAjlcZJHZH4bSD65sW91W2E33J0hKO6YhFeIWahfyX5sYeq60lnNEBtVaC8U0T2tgs6kXXcSTnJumP7gUzpvJLoATifG8X5-YA/s1600/IMG_9222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmGfC7et4uEhL_4Zm1qN_SGGDfJx89yKY_yhPWC5cpEAjlcZJHZH4bSD65sW91W2E33J0hKO6YhFeIWahfyX5sYeq60lnNEBtVaC8U0T2tgs6kXXcSTnJumP7gUzpvJLoATifG8X5-YA/s400/IMG_9222.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad's Scoping Out the Area</td></tr>
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<div>
We met a gentleman, Paul, and his horse, Adam, who spent about 30-minutes explaining how the horse race would transpire and how many similarities Adam and the runner shared. I'm not going to lie, there were more similarities than I would have ever imagined. Also, after talking with Paul and Adam I'm convinced that it is more difficult to ride a horse for 100-miles than to run 100-miles. With a new-found knowledge on equestrian endurance racing we made our way up to the 4PM race meeting and settled in for a quick run down on Saturday's logistics. </div>
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We had decided to get a hotel room for Friday night so that we could hopefully get an early bedtime and make good use of some hotel room nightshades. With driving through the night and rotating sleeping positions in the car we were all pretty worn out and looking forward to an early bed time. Now we just needed to eat some dinner, finish some last minute race prep and get to bed for some rest. </div>
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<b><u>Race Day:</u></b> With about 7-hours of sleep 2AM didn't feel as early as I had thought it would. I was kind of excited about the 4AM start. I've grown to love early morning runs and being treated to some beautiful sunrises. It was in the low 60's and a little rainy when we got to the race. Joining my regular crew today was my Mom, Step-Dad, Sister, and Niece... I suppose I can never use "lack of support" as an excuse for a bad race... and I'm very thankful for that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr13f7AXjblUJK0y8N9HC-UMnMNXJjottxBjkG2MIwuGLl4nERr_gxuyQzy-1i1yC2EPcNaN6mh5y2ZQgA3t3ZHm2FpwQpcPM8yLV2rhgvEEIEuPOT1l4SmgheMOYG_FpXF35qo5YAlE/s1600/IMG_9301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr13f7AXjblUJK0y8N9HC-UMnMNXJjottxBjkG2MIwuGLl4nERr_gxuyQzy-1i1yC2EPcNaN6mh5y2ZQgA3t3ZHm2FpwQpcPM8yLV2rhgvEEIEuPOT1l4SmgheMOYG_FpXF35qo5YAlE/s640/IMG_9301.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Race Smiles with my Wife of Choice!</td></tr>
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<div>
With just a couple of minutes left I gave my love to my crew and found my way over to the starting line. Amongst the 300+ runners I found my friend, and fellow Slammer Joshua Holmes. We chatted for a minute and took off through the starting line together for the first little bit. It had stopped raining but there was a small nip in the air. It felt great to get moving and get some blood flowing to warm our limbs. After a few miles the road turned onto a small dirt path through the woods and I found myself running along by myself for a little bit. I took the silence and alone time to thank God for just getting me to this race. I was remembering the rough times I had experienced at Western just a few weeks earlier and was so thankful for Him getting me to the starting line of Vermont. </div>
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The Vermont course was not one that I was particularly looking forward too. It was touted as having ~70% gravel roads, ~28% trail and ~2% road... Gravel roads and roads are not my cup of tea so I wasn't sure what the day would hold. After an hour or so I quickly realized that I better get used to these "gravel" roads or I was in for a long day. They weren't "gravel" in the sense that I usually think of gravel roads. Around Tennessee gravel roads consist of thousands of marble-to-golfball sized rocks making each step a little dicey with risk of turning an ankle on quick descents, dealing with foot slippage on uphill climbs and of course dealing with the stone bruising that goes along with pounding out mile after mile on these little buggers. Apparently people in Vermont do not define gravel roads the same as Tennesseans. The only gravel I found was a few 10-20 small rocks off to the side of the road every few miles. The "gravel" roads were so smooth I had a hard time telling if it was gravel or just a dirty asphalt road. I settled into a nice easy pace with a couple of guys who were holding about the same pace and who seemed to have some pretty interesting stories. I was that creeper about 20 yards back laughing at their stories for about 2-3 miles before I finally just pushed the pace a little to run with them and join in the conversation. Bob and ... Joel... maybe... sorry I forgot your name. Anyhow, these guys were seasoned veterans to Vermont 100. Joel had attempted and completed the 100 five times and completed four. Bob had completed something like six or seven and both had a vast amount of information about the race. They knew every single person that came running by us or each of the few that we passed. I thoroughly enjoyed their company. They rattled off tales of previous Vermont 100 races, other ultra experiences, made funny remarks when someone came roaring by on the uphills like we were standing still... noting that those people would pay for that foolish effort late in the race when the relentless hills took their tole. For those that have not seen the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByXjU_dMFMAhbGU3WkpjSVh4Q2c/view" target="_blank">Vermont 100 elevation profile</a>, I encourage you to find one and try to find some "flat" areas. The entire course is either up or down. It appears that there are no flat areas on the entire course. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmNZoEfaCP4a5UFX0UIWuqyQiNLbwsKYk2nqqxXKZbakT9IDWI6PeV6APNowoptgYyt6-EOJehSgWZ5gHaEBvzllL9DeJUiramH1sPoIY3a1Vz9XPYZjcfUaVapkoTtNYgSuDvRtwilI/s1600/IMG_9242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmNZoEfaCP4a5UFX0UIWuqyQiNLbwsKYk2nqqxXKZbakT9IDWI6PeV6APNowoptgYyt6-EOJehSgWZ5gHaEBvzllL9DeJUiramH1sPoIY3a1Vz9XPYZjcfUaVapkoTtNYgSuDvRtwilI/s400/IMG_9242.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Pretty Awesome Covered Bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1pvtwgtYhyphenhyphenUu9dmHtL7SVt_MaJAPLPjM7SswG2UmI2ktWgp9QRWuarCYueXvQVy-A-Y2eTxjLSyW2V0pzsPLe5yF4h7UXstxMBBvejNYVn6fziGT9iF5qOM8Qtyo1pHg5UFxwtpPmQ4/s1600/IMG_9244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1pvtwgtYhyphenhyphenUu9dmHtL7SVt_MaJAPLPjM7SswG2UmI2ktWgp9QRWuarCYueXvQVy-A-Y2eTxjLSyW2V0pzsPLe5yF4h7UXstxMBBvejNYVn6fziGT9iF5qOM8Qtyo1pHg5UFxwtpPmQ4/s400/IMG_9244.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really Awesome Truss Work</td></tr>
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Anyhow, after spending the majority of the first ~20-miles with these two guys I found my way coming into the first crew aid station at Pretty House (21.3 miles). The day was flying by. The company was great, my stomach was doing well and my legs still felt great. I knew my digestion system was still up and running because I knew a Porto-potty was in store or I was going to be looking for an inconspicuous area to make a Cary Long Pit Stop. Funny enough, at the pre-race meeting the race director was pretty adamant about people being careful not to make any #2-deposits in anyones front lawn. The majority of this race is held on private land and apparently those land owners aren't too fond of anyone making poo-castles in their front yards... I can't imagine why. Pit Stop completed I got some pickles, chips, and a banana from my crew and took back off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmCSW20B_ntO6_DM-wiTsoWxn3RqruWqqZeX-m0MfS5WZvKjT1Ho_3kpLUUBtZFBccF7HMXXrX5zGUMX0ps8qqmyPLacmWollKS8JWGfRSfffkjx3Q5_Bg7Fk7WTXLy_nZW14UuApF-Q/s1600/IMG_9245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmCSW20B_ntO6_DM-wiTsoWxn3RqruWqqZeX-m0MfS5WZvKjT1Ho_3kpLUUBtZFBccF7HMXXrX5zGUMX0ps8qqmyPLacmWollKS8JWGfRSfffkjx3Q5_Bg7Fk7WTXLy_nZW14UuApF-Q/s400/IMG_9245.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical "Trails" for VT100</td></tr>
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I lost my running buddies and was on to running by myself for most of the next few sections. The rolling hills continued on as they had been for the first 20+ miles. The elevation map proved to be pretty spot on. There was plenty of ups and downs and it was pretty rare to find any true flat areas on the course. I mean, there were plenty of "flat-ish" sections that were close enough that it broke up the climbing and descending. As I descended down off a nice open meadow section of the course I found the Stage Road aid station and second crew aid station (30.3 miles). Grabbing another restroom break and bid farewell to my crew and knew that it would be a few hours before I saw them again. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE-5eCdeelCDKjJjt8jUtYn7IPnkCWWAgt0RCMXl4A5U-9ddBK1zu1NX8VX8hc0kHeP6hsyACz9UNbrCEUvKaqjyFm3QuIzuk6u-44uZ5JAK0KlGU51w24aCXwPCLqAOZb2sO-GzDvUQ/s1600/IMG_9261.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpE-5eCdeelCDKjJjt8jUtYn7IPnkCWWAgt0RCMXl4A5U-9ddBK1zu1NX8VX8hc0kHeP6hsyACz9UNbrCEUvKaqjyFm3QuIzuk6u-44uZ5JAK0KlGU51w24aCXwPCLqAOZb2sO-GzDvUQ/s400/IMG_9261.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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The next few sections were filled with a good mixture of steep short climbs, runnable downhill and a mixture of double-wide dirt trails and gravel roads. I ended up running most of the next 17-ish miles with another seasoned Vermont 100 veteran, John. I swear, it seemed like everyone I met during the race so far had run Vermont at least three times or more. But, it was great news for me because all of these vets were giving me loads of advise for upcoming sections. John and I had been running pretty well together through this last section between crew aid stations. He let me know that a few miles past the next crew aid at Camp Ten Bear we would have one of the biggest and steepest climbs of the day. So, we decided to try and stick together again after Camp Ten Bear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-y_XFshDLW37DQldx_nlbs9IkHmQDxQzJ0nXTsT7C0R_SdN9CRb20AGlS0ZJSfOHS0eo4CD9StOJvYF3gck-K657idqnFodsa6_KgpKEal_D7Pyxo5WKAK6o1uT79gJjFMEhd4vR1jg/s1600/IMG_9283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-y_XFshDLW37DQldx_nlbs9IkHmQDxQzJ0nXTsT7C0R_SdN9CRb20AGlS0ZJSfOHS0eo4CD9StOJvYF3gck-K657idqnFodsa6_KgpKEal_D7Pyxo5WKAK6o1uT79gJjFMEhd4vR1jg/s400/IMG_9283.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse Spotting</td></tr>
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<div>
As we rolled into Camp 10 Bear (47.0 miles) I found my crew and some fresh socks and shoes. In my haste to get out of the aid station quickly I didn't realize that I left my bottle of mixed drink laying on the ground as I ran out of the aid. I found John and got about a mile or so down the road before realizing what I had forgotten. I wasn't too worried because I knew I would see my crew again in about 10 miles. Just as John had said we hit a pretty steep climb right around mile 50. Settling into a strong hike I quickly found myself alone as I trudged up this climb. Continuing on by myself for most of the next few miles I could feel my first low coming on. I slowed my pace and tried to get in some calories to see if I could minimize the low. As I made the final climb up to Margaritaville (58.5 miles) I decided to scarf down a whole banana. I found Katy and the rest of my family and realized that banana was not going to set well in my stomach. It was just a couple of minutes before I started throwing up again... Well, trying to stay on the positive side of things I figured at least this time I made it roughly 3 miles further than Western before I got sick... not that it was much consolation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50LiiYbhi17tD0LxzZ0fEMh2OWcwrZq_nklQlVhZ-THgkojbOHGdFKTEabrWaWGTP8X0OK5GE4v7wYjy5vkEjSKbFcV69DiDDJE3x4b9XQ_OxU1Jj8fJ6A8Ll8NZbpx6XgUQqnQ5bucw/s1600/IMG_9278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50LiiYbhi17tD0LxzZ0fEMh2OWcwrZq_nklQlVhZ-THgkojbOHGdFKTEabrWaWGTP8X0OK5GE4v7wYjy5vkEjSKbFcV69DiDDJE3x4b9XQ_OxU1Jj8fJ6A8Ll8NZbpx6XgUQqnQ5bucw/s400/IMG_9278.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Gravel" Roads</td></tr>
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So, with great thinking on my crew's part they let me finish getting everything out, made sure I had all of my supplies and got me out on my way. They knew that once I had gotten sick the best thing for me was to keep moving. I gave my love to my crew and thanked them for everything. I really wanted to apologize for getting sick. I knew they were worried about me but I was pissed at myself for getting sick. It's hard to explain, but I almost worry more about them worrying about me. Every ultra run has so many highs and lows for a runner and equally as many for those people who crew; but, I hate adding any additional stress to my crew's already stressful job. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's all Smiles at the Top of the Climbs</td></tr>
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From here I had another roughly 10 miles back to Camp 10 Bear. Luckily for me this section ended up being a lot of downhill and I was able to maintain a pretty good pace despite not feeling 100%. About a mile out from Camp 10 Bear for the second time the sun finally made an appearance. It was nice to see the sun for a bit but it soon out grew it's welcome as the temperatures immediately started raising. Coming into Camp 10 Bear (69.4 miles) my crew knew exactly what I needed before I even got there. They had my new ice bandanas and arm warmers ready to be stuffed with ice. I was excited to pick up Kristin (big sister) here and was happy to have her run with me for the next roughly 7 miles. It ended up being a lot of hiking as we had a big climb from about 70-73 miles. I didn't mind though because that gave us more time to talk, well more time for me to listen to Kristin talk. I still hadn't eaten much since my mile-58 puking rally and I still hadn't been able to get much down. For Kristin's first pacing job she did a fantastic job. She kept my mind going on all of the conversation and I didn't even realize how fast we were getting through this section. Before I knew it we were already making our way into the Spirit of 76 aid station at 76.2 miles. The last 7 miles were roughly 3-miles of trail climbing, then 2-3 miles of gravel road followed by another mile or so of trail into the aid station. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sister Pacing Duties (Thanks Kristin!!)</td></tr>
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I grabbed a few things from crew and tried to see if I could eat something to get some calories in and within a minute or two I found myself puking out everything for the second time today. Well, nothing to do now but keep on moving. I was glad to have Daniel for the next 20+ miles. Daniel is a great pacer and does a great job of pushing when you need to be pushed and good job of giving you mental boost when your mind gets into those real negative places. Back on the move again my stomach soon settled back down again. I was still having trouble with anything except broth and other liquids but I knew from Western that with prayer, Coke and Water it was possible to keep moving.<br />
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Daniel filled me in on the day's events to help keep my mind off the run and I filled him on the previous 70+ miles. I told him of the beautiful stacked stone walls that were lining all of the gravel roads. They looked to be 100+ years old and looked to me like they would have taken more than a 100 years to build. Another cool thing about Vermont was the number of aid stations. Early on in the race there were a couple of unmanned aid stations, and then there were manned aid stations no more than 5 miles apart from then on out. The crew aid stations ended up being about 10 miles apart after the first one at roughly 20 miles. It was great for getting those little boosts from the volunteers and crews so often throughout the race. Right around dark Daniel and I found the one thunderstorm that had been looming all day. This storm did not disappoint. It rained so hard that I could barely see 2-feet in front of me. It was one of the hardest rain storms I had ever been in and lasted for a good 15-20 minutes. Despite now being soaking wet as the sun dropped and the dark set in we realized that we were almost to the Bill's crew aid station (88.3 miles). I was a little leary about this aid station because it was the last weigh point and by this time I had been almost 30 miles without eating anything and I knew I wasn't drinking as much as I should. I want to thank God for the thunderstorm and the extra weight as I was completely soaked to the bone as I jumped on the scales... down only 3-4 pounds... good enough to continue!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Stone Walls Along the Majority of the Gravel Road Sections</td></tr>
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Apparently the thunderstorm found my crew as well. God love them, despite being soaked to the bone they looked so thrilled to see us and even had a couple of popsicles! I am so lucky to have such an awesome crew! We grabbed a few items and I scarfed down a popsicle as we headed back out. Daniel and made it about 1/2 mile down the trail before my stomach quickly reminded me that it wanted nothing but Coke and water. I left my popsicle on the side of the trail as quickly I had scarfed it down. I tell you what, I seemed to be getting this puking thing down to a science... I felt like I hardly missed a beat as I got rid of my popsicle and continued on with our run... Not sure if that's something to be proud of or not... oh well!<br />
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The next few miles were kind of cool as we seemed to be running through a huge open field spotting markers through the fog and darkness. Daniel and I would randomly pass people as we were catching some of the 100k runners as well as a 100-miler every now and then. Daniel fell right back into his Western pacing routine. As we closed in on aid stations he would bark orders to the volunteers for nothing but some broth, Coke and water. Our mantra was to get in and out of aid stations as quickly as possible. We both knew that wasting time at the aid stations trying to eat was futile and my best bet was to minimize stoppage and keep moving. Somewhere around mile 90-ish we turned onto some gravel roads and I noticed where we were. We had just taken a hard right hand turn and I pointed back to the left and told Daniel that down that road less than 1/2 mile was the start finish line... we would be running the last few mile of the race within earshot of the finish line. Luckily for us the finish line festivities were kept to a minimum and didn't toy with our minds for the remaining few hours.<br />
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I had told Katy that at the last crew aid station, Polly's (94.9 miles) that I wanted her to run in the last 5 miles with me... she had said she would just have to see and wasn't going to commit. So, as we made our way into Polly's I had hopes that I would get to join Katy for the last few miles but as soon as I saw her I realized she was not going to run in with me... She is such a selfless person that she did not want to risk "slowing" me up. I had reassured her plenty of times that she would not slow me up, especially in the later stages of a 100-miler, and not to mention, that finishing time was nowhere near the top of my priority list. However, I knew that I had put her through enough stress today and it would mean just as much to her for me to finish as quickly as possible. So, with a quick hug and kiss I told her we would see her at the finish shortly. Daniel really did an awesome job of pushing me the last 5 miles. He didn't have to say a word, he just ran hard when I needed to run and hiked when I had to hike. It was no time at all when we saw a little sign saying that we had 1 mile to go. We pushed and pushed this last mile... which ended up being all up hill and what felt more like 50 miles!<br />
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As we pushed the pace for this last mile I realized that my right Achilles was hurting a lot more than I had let myself believe for the last 10-15 miles. Coming over the last climb we rounded the corner and found the finish area. I was so thankful for another run completed. Just like Western, God had provided me the strength and support I needed to get from start to finish. Katy and the rest of my crew were there to cheer us across the finish line. Crossing the finish line of any race is always the ultimate goal but many times I find that crossing that finish line after battling all day is a little bit of let down. Don't get me wrong, 95% of the time finish is all I want to do in the later part of a race but at the same time I know that once I've crossed that finish line the adventure is over, the challenge of the race is complete and inevitably my body will know that my journey is done and will shut down completely with that first step over the line. <br />
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<b>19:38:26, 21st Overall</b><br />
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<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Post Race:</b> The greatest lessons to be learned from Vermont were learned after the race. I made the most rookie mistakes... My stomach was still not there but I tried to force down a thick chocolate protein drink because I knew I needed the calories for recovery. I should have taken it slower because I was only 1/4 of the way through the drink before I couldn't keep it down any longer. Next I cleaned off in the race shower, which happened to be a small pond around the camping area. I didn't really have a good choice since we were getting back in the car to make the 18 hour drive back home. After an hour of trying to roll out my muscles unsuccessfully and still not having eaten anything I made my way to the pond. With my headlamp shining I noticed an infestation of crawdads in the pond. Oh well, I figured they would pay no attention to me as I waded thigh deep into the water. Not the case! It took all of about 45 seconds for those little buggers to find my feet and calves to start pinching me all over. So here I am trying to not fall over into this freezing cold water, trying to be as quiet as possible to keep from waking fellow campers and trying to bathe enough so I didn't kill everyone in the car from the stench. With a few new pinch marks and a 1/2 a bath I finally got warm as I crawled onto the blow up air mattress in the back of the car to start our drive back home. It had now been close to 2 hours and I still hadn't eaten. I knew this was a HUGE mistake but could not persuade myself to do otherwise. All I could think about now was passing out for a few hours on that mattress. So, that's exactly what I did and when I woke 4-5 hours later I found myself in a world of pain. Every muscle in my body hurt, my Achilles had only worsened and my head was pounding. My body had feasted on my muscles and anything else it could post race. I had not provided any nutrition to help with recovery so it went to the only thing available...<br />
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The last and most dangerous mistake that I made was not planning to stay the night/morning at another hotel or at least bringing a tent to sleep in post race. Not just for me but for my crew, who had been up just as long as I had during the race. By the grace of God, Katy and my Dad where able to drive us from the time we left the race around 1AM through to the morning when I awoke and we found some breakfast. I know that they both battled to stay awake and keep us between the paint. In hindsight our desire to get back home quickly put us and others in an unnecessary danger. However, we managed to get all the way home without any real issues. This was only possible by rotating drivers every 1-2 hours throughout the entire trip home and lots and lots of caffeine. <br />
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<b><u>Gratitude:</u></b> I want to give all the glory to God and thank Him so much for another successful run. The crew/family support He provided was more than I could have ever wished for. Thank you so, so much to Katy, Dad, Mom, Kristin, Deming, Annabelle, and Daniel for making the trip with me and for supporting me all day. Thank you to Mary (Gramma) for watching Heidi and Harlow for the weekend and for all of the encouragement and support from Chattanooga. A huge thank you to everyone who sent prayers and good vibes to get me to the finish. Thank you to Rock/Creek for race team support on this journey.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supporting Daddy During the Race all the way from Tennessee! (N8's Crew)</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gear:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</a>, <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0">Patagonia Strider Pro 5” Shorts</a>, <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/phd-compression-calf-sleeves-40.html">Smartwool PhD Compression Calf Sleeves</a> and <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/run/mens-phd-run-ultra-light-low-cut-socks.html">Socks</a>, <a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-ultra-set.html?article=371990" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Ultra Set</a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-4-ultra.html?article=373243">Salomon Sense 3 Ultra</a> & <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-4-ultra-sg.html?article=373244">Ultra Soft Ground Shoes</a>, <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</a> & <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html">Endurolytes Extreme</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nutrition Plan:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every Hour</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - ~16oz of <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html">Hammer Perpetuem</a>, 1 Whole Banana, ½ Pack of Energy Blocks (GU or Stinger), 2 <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html">Hammer Electrolyte Extreme Tabs</a>, ~5oz of Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>After 40+ miles </u>– Added Chicken Noodle Puree, Beef Jerky, Pickles, and Coke as Needed</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Until the next race,</span><br />
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Nathan Holland<br />
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2015 <a href="http://rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a> Race Team</div>
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Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-53916872120594269332015-07-15T20:38:00.000-04:002015-07-15T20:38:30.653-04:00Are you Nate's wife? - 2015 Western States 100<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey everyone! And welcome to the "Are you Nate's wife?" guest blog (within a blog) Grand Slam series: Volume 1 - Western States 100!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided a few weeks ago that I might try my hand in the blog world with a couple guest posts of what it's <i>really</i> like to be a Crew Wife in this crazy Grand Slam endeavor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First let me introduce myself: My name is Katy; aka "Mommy" or "Babe". In the trail-running community you can usually find me behind the packet pickup table for most of the Rock Creek and Wild Trails races or pounding out my miles at Enterprise South Nature Park a couple times a week. The most common question that I get asked is "Are you Nate's wife?" and I always happily answer... "Yes, I am!!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was as surprised as anyone when Nathan's name got drawn for the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run in December as he had <i>assured</i> me that there was less than a 4% chance that he was going to get drawn, especially his first year. Riiiight. And before I even had a chance to wrap my head around this one race, that was located on the opposite side of the country, came the talks about the Grand Slam and how this might be his only chance to complete it. I was probably the least excited because I was responsible for thinking about all the "practical" parts of the races: Where will all the money come from? How will the girls handle all the long car rides and crewing hours? How will I juggle everything and keep my sanity? But after some long discussions with Nathan (that may or may not have included him promising to sell his Jeep that has been sitting in our garage for 2+ years... Seriously though? Does anyone want to buy a Jeep??) and lots of praying I felt comfortable in telling Nathan to go on and go for it! I mean, this is a <b>once</b> in a lifetime chance! (At least it better be! ha)</span><br />
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Our week in Lake Tahoe seemed to fly by, as most times do when they are filled with wonderful family/friends and super fun activities to do, and all of a sudden it was the night before the race. We had hoped to be in bed earlier and fall quickly to sleep, but as anyone with children can understand, what <i>you</i> want is not always what <i>they</i> want. The girls were up at different times throughout the night and none of us got a good nights sleep. 3:00am came too quickly and by 4:00am we were off to the race start. My stomach was in knots as we watched all the runners getting ready and lining up, but Nathan was cool as a cucumber, just excited for the race and the day. 3..2..1.. and they were off - and so were we! After the gunshot we watched for a minute and then headed to the car to make our way to our first Crew station (<u>Robinson Flats 29.7miles</u>).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX13Ygxxgg-kxW02hXxIfPlrwo2_yko__HKpuyFh35JVyw-QblddrnXftdsdj_-Mk4eiyclgXqWzfnr2nlwYRSSx4Wm4G2YDCHlhODFJ-LJVwXUxFYOKa8KT1poi5_HYQIni8X_XxqbM/s1600/IMG_9053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX13Ygxxgg-kxW02hXxIfPlrwo2_yko__HKpuyFh35JVyw-QblddrnXftdsdj_-Mk4eiyclgXqWzfnr2nlwYRSSx4Wm4G2YDCHlhODFJ-LJVwXUxFYOKa8KT1poi5_HYQIni8X_XxqbM/s400/IMG_9053.jpg" width="400" /></a>Crew #2 consisted of myself, Mom, Patty, Heidi & Harlow. The drive there was windy but thankfully on paved roads and we made it there without much trouble. All of our Crew stations for the day were shuttle-to aids and for this first one we got to ride on a School Bus and Heidi was so excited! We got up to Robinson Flat and found a place in the shade to set up and wait. I was very impressed with this aid station and the way that they had a path marked off for the runners and they wouldn't allow any Crew in the path. It kept the way clear for the runner's to easily find their Crew and get in and out quick and easy. As we waited for Nathan we watched as the first runner's came in and what their Crew's were doing; I mean, what better way to pick up some pointers? They were filling arm warmers and bandanas full of ice and sending them on their way. We didn't have any of the bandanas (called Jimbo bandanas we later learned) but had a pair of thin arm warmers in the box and got those out and ready. When Nathan came through he didn't look terrible, but he didn't look great. He told us that he was <b>behind</b> on his eating and feeling a little <b>tired</b>. Those are some of his key words that usually indicate that he is in a low of some sort. Chris Luberecki was there and he helped convince Nathan to take a couple extra minutes to eat and drink while he was with us. I felt good about the time that he spent with us and after we filled up his arm warmers and hat with ice, put on his cool neck wrap, and gave him some food to go - he was off again!<br />
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As soon as he left we packed up our things, hopped back on the bus, and made our way down to our next Crew station: <u>Michigan Bluff mile 55.7</u>. The shuttle that took us to this aid was a mini school bus and we were thankful to not have to walk down the huge hill to get to the bottom. When we got to Michigan Bluff it was around 12:15p and there weren't a ton of people there yet. We set up shop in some of the only shade that we could find which was nestled nicely in between some other crews who were nice enough to share. There was a little restaurant up there that was selling some delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, and popsicles so we got some lunch and then Patty and I were able to catch a quick 30 min cat nap.<br />
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Let me take a second and brag about how awesome Mrs. Patty Hamilton is... She handled all the crazy adventures of the day with grace and ease. She was amazing with helping to keep the girls entertained, she never once complained about anything, she did whatever was asked of her and more, and was just so easy going. I am so grateful for her and her sweet soul. If you don't know her, you are definitely missing out! Now, back to the race. This aid station area was an absolute zoo. The more crews that came the more people just starting piling up in front of the ones that were already there, eventually taking up almost the entire road. We didn't expect Nathan until around 4:00p based off of his last updates on ultralive.net (big shout out to Joshua Cole for keeping us updated with texts as our phone service was spotty at best) so as it neared that time we had to move from our original spot to try to find a spot close to the road but still in the shade. My mom had suggested that I go down to the road that runs beside the aid station and wait for Nathan to come in. So I did and I waited. And waited. And waited. I knew that something was wrong. So I prayed. I knew that he should have been here by now. So I kept praying. When he finally came in he was death marching. He looked like crap and I could tell he was suffering. He told me he had <b>thrown up</b> a bunch and <b>wasn't feeling good</b>. He made a quick pass through the aid station and then came to where we had our stuff set up. A super helpful and sweet couple offered him their chair when we didn't have one and I changed out his socks and shoes. He kept saying he was so <b>tired</b> and just needed to <b>rest </b>but he decided after a few minutes that he didn't want any of the food that we had in our boxes and wanted to make another pass in the aid station. So I walked down with him and when we got down there he spoke with some of the volunteers and they put him into the care of the medical staff. They ushered him into one of their lounge chairs and allowed me to join him. He promptly vomited again as soon as he sat down and they were great about getting him some possible food and drink options to help in any way they could. After about 20 minutes they told him that he needed to keep moving and hopefully that would make him feel better. So we left the aid station and headed back towards our Crew area. By the time he had walked the couple hundred yards to where we were set up he was white as a ghost. Mom & Patty were great and took the girls for a walk so that I could focus on Nathan. Thankfully Jobie showed up and reminded Nathan that a few extra minutes here could save him big time down the road. So Nathan gave in and decided he wanted to lay down. We spread a blanket on the ground in the shade and let him lay down. As soon as he was on the ground he threw up everything all over again - so I ran to the medical box and grabbed a 5mg baby Zofran and just enough water for him to get it down. He took the Zofran and told Jobie & me to wake him up in 10 minutes. Yeah, sure. During this same time Patty had taken the shuttle back up to the car to call Nathan's Dad and have him come to this aid station. So I decided that I would let Nathan sleep until his Dad got there. And... now I get to brag about Jobie! Jobie stayed there with me pretty much the entire time before and while Nathan was sleeping. He kept me talking about just whatever and it kept my mind occupied so I didn't become so stressed with worrying about Nathan. He continually assured me that this was just what Nathan needed to get back on track. I trust him and am thankful that he took the little bit of extra time out of his day to just shoot the bull with me and help to keep me calm. He is also the same super awesome friend who delivered the mouthwash to Nathan at the Rucky Chucky aid station. His family is beautiful and we still owe him and his sweet wife Sherrie a dinner in Chattanooga!!<br />
Even though this was probably the worst part of the entire race I never really thought that Nathan would pull - I know his determination and how bad he wants these races! I knew that his time for this race didn't matter as long as it was under the 30 hour cutoff. But that doesn't make my worry for his health lessen any. After about 30-35 minutes Nathan woke from a dead sleep with a terrible cramp in his left thigh. After that he said he felt better (but still looked like crap) and wanted to get moving. The sweet couple from earlier gave him a lemon lime popsicle and I walked with him as far as the aid station check out and with a quick peck on the cheek and a lot of <u>faith</u> I sent him on his way.<br />
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As he took off down the trail the bus was coming down the hill so I decided to hang around for a second to see if Patty was on the bus. Lo and behold, Patty & Daniel got off the bus and I told Daniel that he had just missed him. He asked if he could catch him and I told him that "No, he was already checked out of the aid and if you followed him he would get disqualified." So Daniel turned and booked it up the 1/2 mile hill back to the truck to meet Nathan's Dad; which was not an easy feat I assure you. We gathered all of our things from Michigan Bluff and headed on to the Foresthill High Aid station (mile 62). <br />
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Both Crews reconvened at Foresthill and it wasn't too long of a wait for Nathan and Daniel (who had met Nathan at Bath Rd.) to come into the aid station. I have to admit, he looked better. I mean, at least he was jogging into this aid station. A quick run through the aid station and a short stop by the Crew to grab his headlamp and some food (not that he ate any of it) and he and Daniel were off!!<br />
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After they left Foresthill we had another break before seeing them again at Rucky Chucky (Mile 78) so Patty & I took my Mom and the girls to the hotel and grabbed some McD's before heading back out. The girls had had about as much as they could take. We had spend nearly 7 hours at Michigan Bluff and they handled it like champs, but to ask them to stay out all night would've been more than their little selves could handle. I am again so grateful for my Mother and the awesome Gramma she is to our girls. It made Crewing life so much easier knowing I didn't have to worry about them anymore. Seriously, what a blessing! So Patty & I made it to the parking lot to catch the shuttle to the Rucky Chucky Aid Station. She and I joked that each shuttle got smaller and smaller because the shuttle we took to the bottom was basically just a rafting van. I sat on the window side of the seat and soon realized that I had made a huge mistake. I could see off the side of the mountain and felt for sure that we were going to drop a tire and careen down the side. I did a <u>ton</u> of praying during this ride. But we made it to the bottom safely and found our way over to the aid. We sat on the ground and got comfy for the wait. Monica was still there and we were happy to see her. She was volunteering at Rucky Chucky and had stayed past her shift so that she could see us and another local, Michael Sherzer, through. We chatted off and on and soon Jobie joined Patty & I at the aid. (With his special bottle of mouthwash!!) We talked and kept each other awake - joking with Jobie for trying to catch a ride across the river in a raft so he didn't have to get all wet and again I was very thankful for everyone's company! When Nathan and Daniel came into the aid they were quick. Since Daniel had enacted his "No sitting and No leaning" law they were in and out pretty fast. We watched them cross the river, said our goodbyes to everyone else, and headed back up to the car. (Which was an equally scary bus ride in case you were wondering!)<br />
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Crew #1 had the next two Crew aid stations so after a little back and forth Patty and I made our way to the Finish and decided to try to get a little rest in the car while we waited. I set my alarm to go off every 30 minutes and would wake up and check ultralive.net to see what kind of progress he was making. So I basically got no sleep, ha. Finally my father-in-law called me and said they were on their way to the school. A few minutes after they got there we met up with them and Dennis (Nathan's Dad), Kristin (sister-in-law), Patty & I started walking up the hill and towards Robie Point. After we topped the hill Dennis & Kristin decided to turn back and head down so they could get pictures of Nathan coming in. Patty and I waited for the boys at the top and we didn't have to wait long! When I saw them coming down that road I was so happy I don't think there is even a word for it! We ran with them down the hill and Daniel & Patty dropped off right before we entered the stadium. I was so deliriously happy for Nathan that I couldn't stop laughing as we made our way onto the track. He grabbed my hand and we made our way around and into the chute. I tried to let go at the beginning of the chute so that I could get pictures of him crossing the line and so that he could cross the line by himself since he (and God) had worked so so hard to get there. But he told me no and wouldn't let go of my hand - so we made those last few special steps together. Even now it is hard for me to put into word's how incredibly <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">proud</u> of him that I am! These are the stories that I will use to encourage our girls as they grow and encounter situations where the easy decision is to just quit. I don't think there were many dry eyes as he crossed that line and every happy tear was well deserved!<br />
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Now on to round two!<br />
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Many Blessings,<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Nate's Kate </b></span><br />
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<br />Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-71045765904242381772015-07-13T21:48:00.001-04:002015-08-02T21:24:12.507-04:002015 Western States 100 (Grand Slam Race #1 of 4)<b><u>WSER Entry:</u></b> The 2014 <a href="http://runningwithn8.blogspot.com/2014/11/pinhoti-100-nov-1-2-2014.html" target="_blank">Pinhoti 100</a> was my first successful 100 mile finish and was the qualifying race that I used to enter the lottery for the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. I had told my wife and myself that I was going to put my name into the lottery for the 2015 Western with the expectation that it would take three or four years, at least, before I had enough tickets to get drawn. I mean, I only had about a 4% chance at getting my name drawn. This would let me get a few more years of "longer" ultras under my belt before going out west to the big show... Well, the Big Guy upstairs must have had other intentions for me. Low and behold, my name got drawn on December 7, 2014... I was a little taken aback as I was not expecting to get in on the first try... <br />
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The first time I read about Western States was while reading an article about <a href="http://www.run100s.com/gs.htm" target="_blank">The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning</a>. The "Slam" is a recognition of those who complete four of the oldest 100-mile trail runs in the U.S. in the same year. This includes <a href="http://www.wser.org/" target="_blank">Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run</a>, <a href="http://vermont100endurancerun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run</a>, <a href="http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/run/leadvilletrail100run/" target="_blank">Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run</a>, and <a href="http://www.wasatch100.com/" target="_blank">Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run</a>. Oh, and all four of the races are ran over an eleven week period from June through September! This challenge enthralled me and really sparked my interest in all four of the races. I remember thinking that if I ever got the opportunity to run Western that I would almost have to try the Slam. I mean, it's getting so much harder to get into Western States now that a guaranteed spot year after year is harder and harder to come by. So, who knows when another opportunity would come around. Entry and travel to any one of these races is fairly expensive let alone all four and this was not an adventure I wanted to attempt on my own. I wanted to spend it with Katy and our two daughters. So, after much prayer and discussion we found peace with signing up for the remaining Grand Slam races. We didn't know exactly how it would all shake out but we trusted God to guide us and provide for our adventures. <br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Pre-Race:</u> We flew into Sacramento on the Monday before Saturday's race and made our way up to Squaw Valley by mid-day to find our vacation home for the week. We were really blessed to find that we had a family connection to a house right in Squaw for the week. The place was less than two miles from the starting line and offered plenty of space for my family/crew. Funny how God provided us the perfect place to stay and free of charge!<br />
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It was a blessing and a curse to be in such a beautiful place for the week leading up to Western. I knew that I needed to take it pretty easy during the week but couldn't resist going and doing as much as I could without running myself ragged. <br />
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Monday was pretty much filled with flying, driving, settling into the house, hitting up a quick hike at the base of Squaw, and... of course scoping out the local playgrounds. Heidi and Harlow can spot those from a mile away!<br />
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Tuesday morning Daniel and I woke up early to get in a run to the top of the Escarpment at Squaw. Since I had not run a single step of the Western course I figured I could at least scope out the first 4-miles of the course and see what the first big climb was like... The views from the top were amazing! Following Tuesday morning's run most of my family/crew and I went and checked out Tahoe City and enjoyed the town, Lake Tahoe and some local stores. My Dad and Mary (step-mother) decided to drive around to all but one or two of the Western aid stations to make sure they were prepared for Saturday... I really am fortunate to have a crew who is so dedicated to helping get me to the finish. Not that many people would sacrifice a whole day of their vacation to drive around doing reconnaissance work for someone else's race. #Thankful</div>
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Wednesday morning before anyone else was awake I really, really wanted to go for a run, but decided to just go for a walk around the base of squaw to try and save my legs some for Saturday. I was treated to some breathtaking views as the sun awoke and burned through the early morning fog.<br />
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Because we didn't get enough of Lake Tahoe the day before we headed back over that afternoon to enjoy some kayaking and paddle boarding.<br />
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Thursday we enjoyed some time at Squaw enjoying the festivities at the Squaw lodge, getting some of my crew signed up for Friday's Montrail 6k Uphill Challenge and finished getting some last minute crewing items situated. We had some pretty awesome crewing tools... be jealous! A big thanks to my buddy Chris for taking us to a fun farmers market street fair in Truckee Thursday.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jobie Williams (Left) & Joshua Holmes (Right) #$lamWater</td></tr>
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Friday was upon us before we knew it and it was jam packed with pre-race activities. At the pre-race check in we were treated to some pretty sweet Mountain Hardware bags which were promptly filled with all kinds of goodies as runners proceeded through the check-in line... definitely not a bad swag pull. About mid-morning Daniel, Patty and Kristin (my big sister) got lined up for the 6k Uphill Challenge. In years past the 6k Uphill race ran up the same climb that we do on race day to the top of Squaw. However, this year they changed the course to take runners around the base of Squaw and up the Shirley Canyon Trail to the top of the mountain. A good lung buster for everyone racing! Friday afternoon was filled with seeing friends and trail running legends. I was thrilled to know about 6-7 people at the race. Some were running and some were crewing but all were there to support everyone attempting the race. With all of the pre-race stuff completed, drop bags delivered and cars packed the only thing left to do was tidy up the house and get some sleep. <br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Race Day:</u> Boom! Race morning and I was ready to run! With so much crew support my family/crew was splitting into two cars and were going to split the crewing duties throughout the race.<br />
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N8's Crew #1: Dennis (Dad), Kristin (Sister), Andrew (Brother In-Law), Daniel (Friend), & Jodi (Trail Dog)<br />
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N8's Crew #2: Katy (Wife), Mary (Step-Mother), Patty (Friend), Heidi & Harlow (Greatest Gifts from God aka Daughters)<br />
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So, once we got to the starting line Crew #1 left to make the long drive around the mountain to Duncan Canyon (23.8 miles) and Crew #2 hung around the start to see me off. The buzz around the starting line was phenomenal. I grabbed a few hugs and kisses from Katy and the girls and said a few prayers for runners, crews and volunteers and lined up for an awesome day! I've lined up with 300+ runners for other races but never felt as much energy that was flowing the crowd at this race... 3... 2... 1... We were off!<br />
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Even with starting at 5AM there was no reason to start the race with a headlamp. The first 4-miles climbed to the highest point of the entire race at ~8,700 feet. The trail along this climb was jeep gravel roads for the majority of the climb with the last 1/2-mile on a more narrow single-track climb over the top of Emigrant Pass. This part was pretty fun because everyone was treated to an awesome sunrise and some beautiful views. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise During the Climb Up Squaw</td></tr>
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There were quite a bit of people along this climb cheering runners on and getting everyone primed for a huge day. After passing over the Emigrant Pass I was on uncharted territory. I had watched a few movies on the course and read quite a few race reports and thought I had a good understanding of the course. However, I was not ready for the amount of technical running I would have for the next 20 miles. The trail was littered with just enough baseball-to-softball sized rocks to make it very easy to roll an ankle or throw you out of rhythm. The trail was definitely a good mix of these rocky sections with more runnable segments but it required a lot of attention to keep from rolling an ankle or eating a face full of trail. I'm sure I exacerbated the problem by pulling my phone out every 5 minutes to take some pictures. I was blown away by the beauty of the trail and the mountains as we made our way along the Red Star Ridge toward the first crew aid station at Duncan Canyon (23.8 miles). This first 24-mile section averaged roughly 7,000+ feet in altitude and had been mentioned in plenty of the race reports as a section that could easily take more out of a runner than they may expect if they were not careful. So, I tried to stay relaxed and maintain an easy effort to not get into a bad spot early on.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Smiles Early On</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Trees & Views All Day</td></tr>
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I ended up running a lot of this section by myself or with someone for just a few minutes as they were making their way around me. The trail wound in and out of trees as it guided us along the ridge line and provided plenty of distractions to take your mind off of the effort being used to carry us on the journey. There were two non-crew aid stations through this section of the race, the first at Lyon Ridge (10.5 miles) and the second at Red Star Ridge (16.0 miles). These aid stations were top notch just like everything I had ever read about the volunteer support at Western. The aid stations were a "zone" and once runners came into an aid station they had 1-2 people "assigned" just to them. They made sure you had anything and everything you needed. Water, mixed drink, food, medical, ice, etc... It really was great to have such amazing support at each and every aid station. Before I knew it I was closing in on the first crew-accessible aid station at Duncan Canyon (23.8 miles). I was pretty stoked because I love the boost I get when I see my crew. Daniel, Kristin and Andrew were standing there ready to go as soon as I arrived. They got my bottles filled, packed me back up with energy blocks and a banana, and had the crewing down like a finely tuned pit crew. They had me filled and ready to go so quick I wasn't ready for such great service. I thanked everyone and jumped back on the trail to start toward the second crew-accessible aid station at Robinson Flat (29.7 miles). I knew that I would get to see Katy and the girls at the next aid and I wanted to get there as soon as I could. If anyone really gets me pumped up during a run it's Katy and my girls.</div>
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About a 1/2 mile outside of the Duncan Canyon aid station I realized in my rush to get out of there I had forgotten my cold neck wrap... oh well it was still pretty early and probably wouldn't be too hot by the time I got to Robinson Flat, I mean, it's only 6 miles. I soon realized I was going to eat those words. Within the next mile I really started to heat up and I had fell a little behind on food and drink. There were a few small creek crossings so I did my best to get my head, chest and limbs as wet as possible to try and cool off a little. I had taken some ice in my hat at the previous aid and that was providing a little bit of cooling to my skull and I was definitely thankful to have that. I think the lower amount of humidity and lack of sweating was playing a little role in me not drinking as much water as I may normally do in that type of heat. I knew that this was a risk to running out west in low humidity conditions and tried to stay on top of drinking but by the time I could tell I was heating up more than I should it was a little late and now I was going to be working to get out of that hole. I decided to slow my pace and take my time getting to Robinson Flat. In any ultra it's easy to get caught up in the hype of "I'm falling behind" or "I can just push through this low." If you're in a calorie deficit or dehydration situation it never really plays out in your favor to "just push through!" 9.9 out of 10 times your only bet is to slow down, get in some calories and/or hydration and turn a new leaf before picking back up the pace. So, I slowed and really worked on getting in some hydration and food but was having a little harder time than normal catching back up; maybe because of the heat or maybe because of something else, but either way I stayed in a pretty good low all the way into Robinson Flat. It was a good 4 miles of "ugh" feeling and I just figured it would get better once I got to the next aid and could get cooled off better and find something to sit better in my stomach. <br />
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As I rolled into Robinson Flat I went straight past the aid station fair and found Katy, the girls and the rest of Crew #2. They knew right off that I wasn't feeling 100%. I told them I had overheated on the last 6 miles and needed to cool off and get some calories down. They pointed me to some volunteers who where soaking people down with cold water and I quickly got dowsed with water all over my body. When I walked back over to my crew they had some food ready and suggested that I take a few extra minutes to try and eat some more and drink to make sure that I was ready for the next push. They said that while they were waiting they were watching the other crews and noticed a few people (mainly Top 10 runners) running with arm warmers stuffed with ice to keep their forearms and pressure points around their wrists cool. I had never tried it but was willing to go for anything that would keep me cooler. So as they packed my arm warmers full of ice, filled my hat and shirt with ice, I grabbed some food and drink for the road, and... grabbed my cool neck wrap. Spending that extra 10-minutes here really paid dividends. Within a mile I was feeling good again and settled back into a comfortable running pace. The trail opened up a little through the next section and no longer required as much concentration due to the baseball-to-softball sized ankle breakers. Still feeling great I rolled through the Miller's Defeat aid station at mile 34.4 knowing that I would see my Crew #1 at mile 38 at Dusty Corners. The miles were rolling off easily and I was thanking God for my crew every step of the way. The cool arm warmers and food break had turned my low around and I was feeling great. Into Dusty Corners I grabbed a couple of items, got a fresh cold neck wrap, ice, and a good soaking from the volunteers and set out for the canyons section of the course.<br />
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When I left Dusty Corners I knew that I would be getting into the canyons section of the course where the heat could be brutal and had wreaked havoc on runners in the past. I may have underestimated this section somewhat in my new found running high. I got quickly caught up in the glorious views and focused on where I was and this experience when I got to the bottom of the first canyon and aid station Last Chance (43.3 miles). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Bridge at River Crossing at Base of Devil's Thumb</td></tr>
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I realized I was starting to heat up again and had fallen behind again on calories and drink... It's pretty bad that I could make the same mistake twice in the same race and within a 2-3 hour span. Anyhow, I grabbed a sponge soaking, fresh ice and some water for my bottles as I made my way out of the aid station and started the climb up Devils Thumb. I had read a few things about this climb and even looked at the climb on the elevation profile... It didn't look that hard... really! It didn't take long to realize that this was going to be a brutal climb. I focused on keeping my gaze about 5 feet in front of me and kept the bill of my hat pulled down low to keep my eyes from wandering up to see how steep the climb was and how much more climb remained. I figured I could keep grinding through to the top and drink and eat at the top at the Devil's Thumb aid station (47.8 miles). Not the best idea... When I got to the top I had overheated quite a bit and was now getting into another good low point. I took a few minutes at the aid to try and get cooled off and tried to get some food down. Food wasn't really sitting well now and liquids were questionable. I ended up taking a popsicle and decided to keep moving. I had a pretty long downhill section to the bottom of another canyon and the next aid station at El Dorado Creek (52.9 miles). The trail down into the canyon was pretty runnable with some sections of switchbacks and minor rocky sections to slow runners but overall was a nice wide single track winding down into the canyon. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descent Into the Canyons</td></tr>
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I started having muscle cramps on this descent and could really feel my energy draining. I kept moving and worked on eating whatever I could manage even if it was small. It wasn't much but I was still moving so I just kept grinding and eventually found my way to the 52.9 mile aid station at El Dorado Creek. Looking around the aid station fair I figured something would look appealing but everything made my stomach lurch just thinking about eating that. So, I just grabbed a few handfuls of things hoping that I could get something down on my hike out of the canyon and up to the next crew-accessible aid station at Michigan Bluff (55.7 miles). Katy and the girls were at this aid and I knew they would lift my spirits and hopefully help me turn this low into a high again. This next climb out of the canyons wasn't as difficult as Devil's Thumb but was no easy task, especially with it getting into the afternoon by this time and some really stagnate hot air hanging in the canyons. My rev-limiter was pegged out for a lot of this climb and my calorie and drink intake was next to nothing for the majority of the way out of the canyon. It really sucked because I knew I was heading down a bad path but couldn't persuade myself to stop and take the time to get myself right at that time. I just kept focusing on getting to the aid to see my crew and then work on getting out of this funk. I finally made it to the top of the climb and down toward the aid station. I had made it less than 50 feet from the top of the climb when I lost everything I had in my stomach. I started throwing up and within a few minutes I had emptied any amount of food and drink that was in my body. I continued dry heaving for a few minutes before it finally subsided. Crap! I knew it was my own fault for continuing to push when I wasn't feeling good but it was too late now. Like most endurance athletes I've dealt with nutritioning and nausea quite a bit over the years. However, I've been on a pretty good streak for the past 18-months and was on a good run of not puking my guts out during races. Well, that was not the case today! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death Marching Into Michigan Bluff After a Puking Rally</td></tr>
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With the retching subsided for the moment I made my way down to the aid station where Katy spotted me on the way in. They had been waiting for a few hours by this time and she knew that something must have been wrong. There were masses of people here at Michigan Bluff and crews were lining the road. Katy and the crew had a spot just up a few hundred feet from the main aid station. I felt like crap and really wanted nothing more than to grab a seat and try to find something that I could stomach. A nice couple let me sit in one of their chairs and I started trying do decipher all the different food options... M&M's... no... chips... no... gels... Heck No... etc... Everything I had for options sounded terrible. So, I started trying some of the different options from the aid station... Nothing was going down. So, in trying to make use of my down time Katy jumped on changing my socks and shoes and even reapplied my foot cream! Yeah, I'm that lucky! After 15-20 minutes of not really eating anything in front of me we decided to walk down to the aid station and let me get a look at the options to see if anything looked more appealing. Once at the aid station tent I spotted some cots behind the station at the medical area and decided to lay down there to get into the shade and work on some food. I tried some rice & water, chips and Coke. After getting down a little food and drink I figured I was on the mend... then I felt it coming back up again. Katy has always said my vomiting is REALLY loud and sounds like I'm dying. I have to admit, it usually feels like I'm dying and today was no different. I had been battling negative thoughts since about mile 24-25 when I had my first low that lasted a bit longer than usual and started to come around until I hit the next low once into the canyons. Now, with almost an hour wasted at this one aid station alone and everything I had just tried to eat and drink gone again, I was really down about my ability to make it another 45 miles to the finish. The medical personnel said that I should just keep going and that I would probably feel better just by getting going again... I understand their reasoning about keeping runners moving and appreciated their help but I knew that I was completely drained and I was concerned about trying to run the next 6-7 miles to the Foresthill aid station (62 miles). So I headed back to my crew's spot and after the short walk there I felt like I was going to pass out. My blood sugar had dropped, my head was spinning and I had zero energy. Katy and Mary quickly got me into a chair for fear I was about to pass out. Probably the worst part of the entire ordeal was having to be so sick in front of my two little girls. At two and four years of age they couldn't really comprehend what was wrong with daddy. They knew I was sick and wanted to help but didn't know what to do. Heidi, my four year old, had came over to me and told me, "Daddy, you don't have to keep running, you can just stay here with us and you'll feel better." She has such a loving soul and I was now at my lowest point ever. I hated myself for not being able to just stay there with them and show them that I was okay and hated myself for thoughts of quitting the race because I couldn't do it. I was overcome with emotions and wanted nothing more than to lay down and rest for a minute. Jobie, a good friend of mine and a few others were there and had agreed that trying to rest for a minute may do the trick. I asked Katy if there was anywhere I could lay down and she quickly threw out a small blanket for me. I asked her to let me rest for 10-minutes and then laid down flat on my face and stomach. Just as soon as I laid down I felt more sickness and propped up just enough to keep my sick off of the blanket. I cleared out any food or drink that I had been able to get down from the aid and finished off with some dry heaving to wipe me out. My gut was in knots, every muscle in my legs were cramping and my head was spinning. Katy had found a baby Zophran in her medical kit and brought it to me with a small sip of water to see if that would ease my vomiting. As I took the medicine my mind was swimming of thoughts of failure, inadequacy and memories of my first attempt at a 100-miler at the <a href="http://runningwithn8.blogspot.com/2014/05/2014-thunder-rock-100-dnf-part-1.html" target="_blank">2014 Thunder Rock Race</a>. I was overwhelmed and just needed to rest...<br />
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I barely remember closing my eyes but was soon awoken by a severe cramp in my left thigh. I sat straight up and could tell that I had been out for more than just the few seconds it felt like it had been. Katy and Jobie were sitting to my right and jumped to see what I needed. I massaged my thigh and realized that I actually felt pretty good. I still hadn't eaten anything but my stomach was settled, my head was cleared and my legs were good enough to hold me. The Lord had sent me some relief through children's medicine and great advice (Jobie) for a short cat nap when I was completely wiped out. Katy said I had been out for 35-40 minutes and that my Dad was on his way from the other crew aid station. I hated that my dad had made all of the effort to get over here to see me but I told her I had to go and had to go now! God had sent me some strength and was providing me the energy to move so I was not going to sit around and waste His gift. With some quick hugs and supplies I started to make my way out of Michigan Bluff. Roughly two hours spent at Michigan Bluff were more than I had ever bargained for and I was ready to leave that place. On my way out God sent me one more gift in the form of an ice cold popsicle. The couple who had been kind enough to lend us a chair offered this icy cold elixir of life! I thanked them again for the chair and the popsicle and started on my way toward Foresthill. The trail was similar to the previous canyon sections, it was fairly runnable and non-technical and the descent and ascent of this canyon was much more tame than the previous two. I wasn't flying but was able to maintain a steady shuffle and was just glad to be moving again. At the top of the next canyon runners jump onto Bath Road where they can meet crew members who are allowed to run the next 1.5 miles into the Foresthill aid station with their runners. It was nice to see my buddy Daniel Hamilton here. He was jazzed up and ready to run so I'm sure it was a little disappointing for him that I was forced to hike most uphills and my flats and downs were pretty tame. However, he was a good boost of energy to keep my spirits up. We made our way into Foresthill and we found some stuff at the aid station to carry over to my full crew. Both crews 1 & 2 were here and were getting me taken care of. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Jobie Williams - Crew Hard at Work Trying to Revive a Depleted Runner (Foresthill Aid Station)</td></tr>
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Food was still not really working for my stomach and after having sat for a few minutes I knew I needed to get going again or risk getting stuck in that chair. We grabbed supplies, headlamps and cheers on our way out of Foresthill. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel in Pacer-Mode</td></tr>
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Daniel did a great job of taking my mind off of any pain and overall lack of energy. My legs were still giving me fits as I had now been going for 10+ miles on pretty much just Coke and water. Daniel joked with me that plenty of runners would finish the last little bit of a race on nothing but Coke and water. I agreed but knew that in most situations it was only meant to sustain someone for 5-10 miles max, not 45 miles! Regardless, we continued on the next 16-miles rolling down into the American River Canyon as the dark started to set in on us. We jostled back and forth with some runners and pacers around us mainly at aid stations. Daniel quickly realized that it was not a good idea for me to grab a seat at an aid station to try and eat and drink anything. Something inside my stomach was not handling those breaks very well. At two of the aid stations on our way toward Rucky Chucky (78 miles) I made the mistake of sitting down to rest and try and eat for a minute and quickly found myself in a heap retching all over the place. So... with that Daniel made an executive decision that I was not allowed to sit or lean on any aid station tables until the finish... Easier said than done. The trail through this section was fairly easy. There were rollers, smooth dirt sections and only a few minor technical sections on some of the descents. My original plan was to feel good back at Foresthill (62 miles) because I had read that a lot of the last 38 miles were runnable. Well, I was able to run some through here and even tried to run any uphills but it never failed that during any decent grade uphill I was forced to a hike. I was looking forward to the river crossing at Rucky Chucky because I knew the river would feel good on my cramping legs and I would get to see my crew here again. Using this as a goal we continued to work as hard as my body could handle. My energy levels rose and fell pretty evenly riding those sugar spikes from the Coke and water. Daniel suggested mixing in a little Perpetuem back into my water to start trying to get some more liquid calories and maybe a little protein. This worked for a bit and I think it provided a little nutrition but after those couple of mini-puking rallies I just couldn't really stomach any mixed drink anymore. Back to Coke, water and prayers. As we made our way toward the river the trail seemed to open up more and more to a good sized dirt road that carried us down and down closer to the river. We could hear the water roaring below and we were getting ready for a refreshing dip in the water. We found a familiar Chattanoogan at Rucky Chucky, Monica Manning was volunteering at this aid station and had stuck around past her shift to see us through as well as another friend and local runner Michael Sherzer. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scope Lifesaver!! P.S. I Owe Jobie $3.99 + Tax</td></tr>
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Katy and Patty were here as well and Jobie, who was waiting for his runner, came with an awesome gift - A bottle of Scope mouthwash! At Foresthill someone had asked if I needed anything and I said I needed a toothbrush or something because I had the worst taste in my mouth from mix drinks, energy blocks and vomit... Little did I know that Jobie would drive to the only convenience store around and purchase me a $4 bottle of mouthwash... Now that's a great friend right there... #runnerfriends<br />
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So, with a quick swish, gargle and spit of the Scope I was ready for a quick good luck kiss from Katy and off to finish this last 20 miles. Daniel made sure I was full again on Coke and water and we made our way across the river. It was early Sunday morning now and we were ready to finish this thing. At the other side of the river crossing we started a long hike up to the top of Green Gate. This was about a 2 mile hike up a pretty steep grade gravel road. The legs felt pretty good from the cold river and seemed to have a little more pep for this hike. It was great to see my dad, sister and brother in-law at the top of this climb. I got two fresh Coke flasks and said that we would see them once more at Highway 49 (93.5 miles) before the finish. Originally, I had wanted to run a few of these shorter sections with Andrew (brother-in-law) or Kristin (sister) but Daniel and I had good rhythm going and I was leery to try something new. Especially since they had never paced for me before and I was still unsure about completely blowing up and not wanting them to have to deal with me. I found that if I could continue "running" whether it was up, down, or flat I was very aware and focused on my footing and such. However, when forced to hike my low energy levels caught up with me and I started to grow weary. I tried smacking myself but couldn't muster up enough to jar my senses so I asked Daniel what any good pacer will do for their runner. "Hey man, do you think you could smack me... like, smack the crap out of me." I wasn't sure if he thought I was kidding but I confirmed that it was okay and I needed it. So, every now and then I would ask for another and promptly get a quick smack across the face to jar my senses... I did notice once or twice he was ready to smack me pretty quick and maybe he enjoyed knocking some sense into me a little too much!<br />
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There were a few aid stations along the next 13-14 miles from the river over to Highway 49 (93.5 miles) but I scarcely remember much from any of these except for shots of anything caffeinated and toping off water and Coke flasks. One other little trick that I got from one of the aid station volunteers was to carry some hard candy and suck on that if nothing else would stay down. It would trick the mind into thinking you were eating some and would provide a few calories. I appreciated the advice because if nothing else the peppermint provided some good flavor in my mouth which was a train-wreak of terrible flavors from the previous 20+ hours. As we closed in on Highway 49 we could hear cars and crews ahead and were really moving at a good clip now. We had been steadily picking people off now for the past 13-14 miles and my leg cramps had become almost nonexistent. We refueled for the last time with our crew and told them we would see them at the finish. We continued on towards No Hands Bridge (96.8 miles) and were able to pretty much maintain a runnable pace all the way down to No Hands Bridge. This bridge is pretty amazing and it felt great to know that we were less than 4-miles from the finish by this point. The only thing that sucked was that I knew we had one last big climb up to the top of Robie Point (98.9 miles). We didn't talk much through here. We just kept our heads down and ran when we could run and hiked when we had to walk. The climb to Robie was steep at times and we didn't even waste time at this aid because we knew how close we were to the finish. Runners get onto the pavement for the last time just past Robie Point but continue to climb for a 1/2 mile or so before beginning the final mile down into Auburn's Placer High School. <br />
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I couldn't believe that I was almost to the finish. To think that about 12 hours earlier I was basically finished and ready to call it quits at Michigan Bluff (55.7 miles). I had big intentions for Western and had grand thoughts of crushing this run and just really having a great all around day. The day before I had sent thoughts and prayers out to all my friends, family and every other runner to have fun and enjoy the opportunity God had given each of us to experience this awesome adventure. I had read and posted one of my favorite verses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last 1/2-Mile Toward Placer High School</td></tr>
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Isaiah 40:31 ... <i>but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.</i><br />
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I got caught up in the moment and tried to run my race and tried to do it on my own. When I finally hit the bottom at Michigan Bluff and was ready to throw in the towel I snapped to my senses and called on the Lord to give me strength. Within the hour He had sent answers to my prayers... Katy, Jobie and complete strangers who convinced me to lay down and rest. When I woke from my rest I had renewed strength! He provided the perfect pacer in Daniel. There was joking when I needed laughter, there was sternness when I needed tough love and there was plenty of encouragement when I was falling into negativity. God carried me for 45 miles on Coke and water! Seriously, there's no other explanation for being able to continue on for 45 miles and 12+ hours of running and hiking without His promise to "run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint." The Lord provided the jolt I needed to not be faint through the hand of Daniel (I still appreciate those slaps in the face buddy). I am truly blessed to have such wonderful support from my family, friends and so many loved ones. I found out after the race that so many people had heard or watched on the internet that I had fallen way behind at Michigan Bluff and sent good thoughts, prayers and messages my way. I am forever grateful and thank you from the bottom of my heart. <br />
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Katy and Patty met Daniel and me about a 1/2 mile from the high school and ran in with us. Daniel and Patty rolled off to let Katy and I run in together. I was so thankful to see her smiling face and was thrilled to be finishing the last of this race with my beautiful wife. I am very humbled by my Western States experience and forever grateful for the experience and finish! This was one of the most beautiful courses I have ever run and I am so thankful for the challenge I faced. I want to thank God first and foremost for all the answered and unanswered prayers. I trust that everything I learned at this race will carry significant weight in my heart for future races. I am so thankful for my crew's support and encouragement; Katy, Heidi, Harlow, Dad, Mary, Daniel, Patty, Kristin, and Andrew! Without your help I never would have made it to the finish. Thank you so much to my friends on the course who helped me throughout the day; Jobie, Monica, Ryan, Michael, Robin, strangers who gave me a chair and a popsicle... you were heaven sent wether you knew it or not. There were so many supporters back home that sent me good vibes and prayers that I did not deserve; Mom, Deming, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, Josh, and so many more friends. Your prayers were there when mine were not. I may not have run the race I had in mind but I am so happy to have represented Rock/Creek and am very proud to call all of the <a href="http://rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a> family my friends. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monica Manning, Stayed Up All Night to Watch me Finish #runnerfriends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iHuTlvL9gltWtj04UhPZyh6Ou91aTqINd4hUE5OC5mLE7bgEN1fi6KLnFe2pkSxkwn-6eyeD5XV_o-E-WnjVGBNe07rJtN7GzNnKz1AqeXJZzp8pR2zvntFDO6yN1hN7SRkw68AQGpE/s1600/IMG_9041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iHuTlvL9gltWtj04UhPZyh6Ou91aTqINd4hUE5OC5mLE7bgEN1fi6KLnFe2pkSxkwn-6eyeD5XV_o-E-WnjVGBNe07rJtN7GzNnKz1AqeXJZzp8pR2zvntFDO6yN1hN7SRkw68AQGpE/s320/IMG_9041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel & Patty Hamilton Great Crew/Pacer Friends #runnerfriends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifi8gQTaE0bQMGdv3KJYLlKDmOnq72pvOaFQTOtxCy-7wFtrYwhuNtc1i3PHS5bF-qaMutrn0tdOaASBGoT6HlOzThmsxIEta9bpmFnxfOLFNcJI4tUrugkFl5QOfBKRQyqU13Q4Jx47Q/s1600/IMG_9068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifi8gQTaE0bQMGdv3KJYLlKDmOnq72pvOaFQTOtxCy-7wFtrYwhuNtc1i3PHS5bF-qaMutrn0tdOaASBGoT6HlOzThmsxIEta9bpmFnxfOLFNcJI4tUrugkFl5QOfBKRQyqU13Q4Jx47Q/s400/IMG_9068.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Beautiful Family Before the Day's Adventure</td></tr>
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<b>25:02:51, 101 Overall</b><br />
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Race #1 of 4 in the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning complete and I am proud to say that I believe I ran the race God had intended for me and I hope to make Him proud in the remaining 3 races this summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXz42mYUgtbASdkKt73IFAILhQE-WqH0A1G21104fR3DyMVdGUrvV0AiDxAZC_D5-wcVBFM6SqKMXGouANpBiRWNbZTixCjCWdS8bBnwqN5bHK9KhbEOnqsDfX0jvs2MjWBe2P-sO1RNc/s1600/IMG_9107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXz42mYUgtbASdkKt73IFAILhQE-WqH0A1G21104fR3DyMVdGUrvV0AiDxAZC_D5-wcVBFM6SqKMXGouANpBiRWNbZTixCjCWdS8bBnwqN5bHK9KhbEOnqsDfX0jvs2MjWBe2P-sO1RNc/s320/IMG_9107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#GrandSlamGameFace</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gear:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</a>, <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0">Patagonia Strider Pro 5” Shorts</a>, <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/phd-compression-calf-sleeves-40.html">Smartwool PhD Compression Calf Sleeves</a> and <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/run/mens-phd-run-ultra-light-low-cut-socks.html">Socks</a>, <a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-ultra-set.html?article=371990" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Ultra Set</a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-4-ultra.html?article=373243">Salomon Sense 3 Ultra</a> & <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-4-ultra-sg.html?article=373244">Ultra Soft Ground Shoes</a>, <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</a> & <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html">Endurolytes Extreme</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nutrition Plan:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every Hour</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - ~16oz of <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html">Hammer Perpetuem</a>, 1 Whole Banana, ½ Pack of Energy Blocks (GU or Stinger), 2 <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html">Hammer Electrolyte Extreme Tabs</a>, ~5oz of Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>After 40+ miles </u>– Added Chicken Noodle Puree, Beef Jerky, Pickles, and Coke as Needed</span></div>
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Until the next race,<br />
<br />
Nathan Holland<br />
2015 <a href="http://rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a> Race Team<br />
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Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-8838807558976300742015-03-22T17:53:00.000-04:002015-03-22T18:02:44.124-04:002015 Georgia Death Race - "Stick" to it!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.runbumtours.com/">Run Bum Tours</a> - <a href="http://www.runbumtours.com/#!georgia-death-race/cr80">The Georgia Death
Race</a> (Amicalola to Vogel)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pre-Race:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> What a crazy few weeks leading up to the 2015 <a href="http://www.runbumtours.com/#!georgia-death-race/cr80">Georgia Death Race</a>.
There was a considerable amount of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/615177105229433/">social media</a>
traffic with course updates/changes, laughter about everyone’s pending doom,
controversy on obtaining permits for the race, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that a lot of the hype about death on
race day was more about psyching everyone out for the race I simply enjoyed in
the banter back-n-forth and laughed along with everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I was a little concerned about the
potential issues with permitting and also the constant changing of the
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that permitting issues
can be treacherous on race logistics and I was concerned that if it didn’t get
sorted out before race day then the course may be drastically different or the
race could be nixed all together. Thankfully, the race director, Sean (aka
RunBum) was able to obtain the necessary permitting and worked with the local
U.S. Forest Service to refute some false accusations that were made against
this race and other organized events on the local trails.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The weather forecast leading up
to race day showed heavy rain all week and a potential for rain on race day. Other
than deciding on which jacket to wear and what shoes to wear, I normally don’t
think twice about the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
there was some discussion just 2-3 days before the race about the possibility
of yet another course change due to the possibility of so much rain… seriously!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The USFS had required RunBum to submit an
alternate course for potential “heavy rain” conditions that would eliminate all
foot traffic from the trails and would be rerouted to only forest service (FS)
roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, with such heavy amounts of
rain predicted in the days leading up to the race and the day of the race the
decision came to RunBum to make a split decision on Wednesday before the race…
we could (A) gamble on the amount of rainfall and risk having to run from Vogel
State Park to Amicalola Falls via all FS roads; or (B) run the course in reverse
from Amicalola to Vogel with some ~30 miles of FS roads at the beginning and
then get single track all the way to finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The decision for the RunBum was easy; we were going with option “B” and
would be running from Amicalola Falls to Vogel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What did this mean race-wise… well, now we were going to get the easiest
FS road miles done in the first ~30 miles of the race and then have the
hardest, steepest, single track miles at the end of the race!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and most of the later hard miles would
probably be run in the dark now too </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Times; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I mean,
that's what we paid for, right? We signed for a race called 'The Georgia Death
Race..." It's not called The Georgia Snuggly Unicorn!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting Packed for Race Day</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This required a lot of last
minute re-figuring for crewing, accommodations, course planning, etc. that had
to take place with only a couple of days before the race. But, those minor
inconveniences for the runners were nothing compared to the nightmare that the
RD and support staff went through to make all of the last minute changes to
ensure that runners would still have a great race. Thank you again to RunBum
and all of the volunteers who jumped through so many hoops in those last few
days to still put together all of the race logistics for runners and their
crews.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All of the details were discussed
in great detail at Friday night’s pre-race mandatory meeting and it was evident
how much this race really means to RunBum and seeing the passion he had for
this race made it clear that we were all still in for a great race and he and
the volunteers had and would continue to work tirelessly to make sure that
everyone had a great race day experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My favorite RunBum quote from the entire pre-race meeting was, “When in
doubt run up hill!”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u>Race Day:</u></b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t really
sure what to expect with this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
wasn’t even on my list to do this year since I was focusing on the Grand Slam
starting in June but when an opportunity came to run I figured it would be a
great chance to test my mountain running legs in preparation for the climbs I
would see out west this summer. This was going to be my first <a href="http://www.usskyrunning.com/">US Skyrunning</a> Race and I was really
excited about the anticipated 20,000 feet of elevation gain and 20,000 feet of elevation
loss over the 68ish mile course. The two 50-milers I ran at the end of the 2014
and the beginning of 2015 resulted in me taking some extra time off through the
end of January and really only gave me about 5 weeks of training coming into
this race so I wasn’t expecting to be in top form but was perfectly okay with
just enjoying God’s beautiful landscapes in the North Georgia Mountains and
taking the day one mile at time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZmjydTzjEF3BOb9iGEWunex-CFBEYodGXDVbQLfy2NC5M3nwokxrLDO6Sv1mK_tCPq1ARW9Kpr4Awq3rNCEHvXbIAZkcK2AVg2PPVWwz-7SwGJVDwDtsL5YMwSFZNagts-o-kKuJaE4/s1600/IMG_7255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZmjydTzjEF3BOb9iGEWunex-CFBEYodGXDVbQLfy2NC5M3nwokxrLDO6Sv1mK_tCPq1ARW9Kpr4Awq3rNCEHvXbIAZkcK2AVg2PPVWwz-7SwGJVDwDtsL5YMwSFZNagts-o-kKuJaE4/s1600/IMG_7255.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Did I Forget... Crap, I Didn't Fix my Hair!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3xVoIMulUUDLkUxosRuybRRd0Pc1uQhRQiPbr8iJjHFZoa5HJvrMoZCHkSMbeg-uotNdzd6Aoimg6C0D_RwSJFQAogb4nLQ0kJiMx5wyef2_Mt-Qn-agyf0BJwB3EJdoEdWjECkWQ94/s1600/IMG_7256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3xVoIMulUUDLkUxosRuybRRd0Pc1uQhRQiPbr8iJjHFZoa5HJvrMoZCHkSMbeg-uotNdzd6Aoimg6C0D_RwSJFQAogb4nLQ0kJiMx5wyef2_Mt-Qn-agyf0BJwB3EJdoEdWjECkWQ94/s1600/IMG_7256.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel and Me Pre Race</td></tr>
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My Dad, Step-mom, Jodi (their
trail dog) and my good friend Daniel Hamilton were going to be crewing me
throughout the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife, Katy and
daughters were going to be joining us at the finish along with Daniel’s
wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer getting to see my wife
and girls periodically throughout the race but sometimes it just doesn’t make
since to drag them all over the place so seeing them at the finish is a great
way to wrap up a long day on the trail after I’ve been out running with a bunch
of sweaty trail runners all day!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GDR is the first race I've ran
with a mandatory gear list that everyone was required to have on them for the entire
race. This included; water proof jacket, thermal top, warm hat, whistle,
working headlamp (w/ extra batteries), space blanket, and capability to carry
minimum of 22 ounces of water.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually do a good
job of carry plenty of things but never had to carry his much for a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I picked up a new <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-adv-skin3-12set.html?article=371615">Salomon
S-Lab Advanced Skin3 12-L</a> pack to help manage all of the gear and my other
essentials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4hdrFvQ5L1DYVyFbmYvuSMJvjVQDnCAaGf75RQ2kSdeEiLwDoO-_CON4rJYpIwY4LHkub_f5NqL7z6ld0ABQHBjTSn4y-Gu2s_-n4GnqF1hlE15kVPiQBN5Ofib0FFbjS26MsNIskko/s1600/IMG_7262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4hdrFvQ5L1DYVyFbmYvuSMJvjVQDnCAaGf75RQ2kSdeEiLwDoO-_CON4rJYpIwY4LHkub_f5NqL7z6ld0ABQHBjTSn4y-Gu2s_-n4GnqF1hlE15kVPiQBN5Ofib0FFbjS26MsNIskko/s1600/IMG_7262.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgia Death Race Starting Line</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amicalola</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to Nimblewill (9mi):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing on the starting line I noticed a few
familiar faces either through previous races or Facebook, Twitter, Strava, or
other social media “friends” I’ve met over the past few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>As a special treat for the course reversal
this year we were being treated to a 1,000-foot gain in the 1st mile of the
course to the top of Amicalola Falls via some paved road, paved walk path and
604 stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there we immediately
dropped a 1,000 feet back to the entrance of the Amicalola Falls Park on a
washed out gravel road in the 2nd mile of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the best way to warm the legs up for
the 3rd mile of the race that lead runners up the 25% grade pavement from the
entrance of the park up to the lodge at the top of the Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, that’s about 3k feet of elevation
change in the first 3 miles of the course!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had decided to run the race to feel good by the time I reached Point
Bravo aid station (43ish miles).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
was where the race was supposed to get really “interesting” and I figured it
would be better to save some legs for these climbs and steep descents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing on the starting mat with my fellow
200+ brave souls we started the race to the ‘honk-honk’ of RunBum’s car and
rather slowly found our way to the bottom of the paved path leading us to the
Falls. Everyone seemed a little shy to take the lead in this section, maybe for
fear of what was looming ahead or possibly for fear of banter from the RD as we
passed him at the end of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either
way, I didn’t necessarily care to lead the charge but also didn’t mind when
someone came around me just before the walk path to lead the charge to the
stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The climb to the stairs was
actually pretty nice with an absolutely gorgeous view of the Amicalola
Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once on the stairs the slow jog
turned to a steady 2-step hike as we made our way to the top of the climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Falls made the climb worth every
step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the top we made a short trip around to the steep softball-sized gravel road toward the park entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A short run up the road and we were cheered by family/friends/crew as we made our next climb to the top of the park via the 25% grade pavement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This climb gave way to a runnable FS road that we would climb and descend all the way to the Nimblewill aid station (9mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this section I jockeyed positions with a couple of guys and finally settled into running a nice relaxed pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although FS roads are not generally my cup of tea, this section was actually very beautiful.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsf3YM4NqZAhosKMlgG0WKz8Ww1B81m6XFHa2VF7M9b7yk8MJF-8at3-JoEs7ho5w9cmqlW4eSP9mVzKB5wYHe5VWokZa6v_VRzYEZRVnaWLVU1JoJtOycAxDUOGIZy2MGkNk5WPyK18/s1600/IMG_7217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsf3YM4NqZAhosKMlgG0WKz8Ww1B81m6XFHa2VF7M9b7yk8MJF-8at3-JoEs7ho5w9cmqlW4eSP9mVzKB5wYHe5VWokZa6v_VRzYEZRVnaWLVU1JoJtOycAxDUOGIZy2MGkNk5WPyK18/s1600/IMG_7217.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Amicalola Falls from the Stairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OABkrvL13fVp686c0coXGWO_qdrwZDqrh3zb0znwgbB2WmzbXlEehegUm8EwveOJDtVJRvS1zzKEmPtXEeLFvNEBpNEJI_S4tQIBPF9jH9Iy22AB-PApCNDoen6vulv67AKh9HhkjW0/s1600/IMG_7219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OABkrvL13fVp686c0coXGWO_qdrwZDqrh3zb0znwgbB2WmzbXlEehegUm8EwveOJDtVJRvS1zzKEmPtXEeLFvNEBpNEJI_S4tQIBPF9jH9Iy22AB-PApCNDoen6vulv67AKh9HhkjW0/s1600/IMG_7219.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View Back Down the Stairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh301m3SvU_W6O7hdjU6WPkFNgifApJU8osVTNxhYK0jULr9fT1CdVhztKS7eClYknv_X1AcfMNnkeEhdSnFR2kARkiEGXwu-QGhyphenhyphenpi0Xt1AV_IXNX6tgFtAfKuVhUUj0aMA97YTIYRZTM/s1600/IMG_7223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh301m3SvU_W6O7hdjU6WPkFNgifApJU8osVTNxhYK0jULr9fT1CdVhztKS7eClYknv_X1AcfMNnkeEhdSnFR2kARkiEGXwu-QGhyphenhyphenpi0Xt1AV_IXNX6tgFtAfKuVhUUj0aMA97YTIYRZTM/s1600/IMG_7223.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walk Path Leading to the Stairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPYyp5X27W6PqwnRLkUGxrvXuS85BLCNgpA8IxklrdQLnk4Ferf_Z9n76bvknxPLK8i3WIl6IAP8IAsSuy29IKfNeT6swIKrYPXcZ70ByznA6ygAhV15rcB0BBEjXW-MJPKLo50vxMZI/s1600/IMG_7237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPYyp5X27W6PqwnRLkUGxrvXuS85BLCNgpA8IxklrdQLnk4Ferf_Z9n76bvknxPLK8i3WIl6IAP8IAsSuy29IKfNeT6swIKrYPXcZ70ByznA6ygAhV15rcB0BBEjXW-MJPKLo50vxMZI/s1600/IMG_7237.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running Through the Amicalola Falls Park Entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ49hawhjBdMxwE2bILwf7aBCrXpaqG_kkuF_GBxjmRgLzO-__DS4wbKx_ngp8mU19eHhSjPM6et3p5RJTUa0zhIgGpmMhe-ApjPm98_bdHWBJfFbbzPWM125DvEcjVwlDlhaEO9Mh7t0/s1600/IMG_7225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ49hawhjBdMxwE2bILwf7aBCrXpaqG_kkuF_GBxjmRgLzO-__DS4wbKx_ngp8mU19eHhSjPM6et3p5RJTUa0zhIgGpmMhe-ApjPm98_bdHWBJfFbbzPWM125DvEcjVwlDlhaEO9Mh7t0/s1600/IMG_7225.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25% Grade Leading Back Up to Top of Amicalola State Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VuRQsyrkFXnYW0WC6SHNlDTfvMlVHVQDmC0yjAfJY9B8VoK6AGFvtwm4tUhUA8ILWkr1Qxg7DMLvpd6mhIulrI7RL4Jl_w_cEVMAxZHVMvkMaS9sGXBuLWHZJ6unwlNC-ZETqQ6QoEg/s1600/IMG_7228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VuRQsyrkFXnYW0WC6SHNlDTfvMlVHVQDmC0yjAfJY9B8VoK6AGFvtwm4tUhUA8ILWkr1Qxg7DMLvpd6mhIulrI7RL4Jl_w_cEVMAxZHVMvkMaS9sGXBuLWHZJ6unwlNC-ZETqQ6QoEg/s1600/IMG_7228.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gravel Forest Service Roads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nimblewill to Jake
Bull (8mi):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FS roads continued from the Nimblewill aid
station down the mountain for the next few miles and dropped another 1,200+
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fortunate to pick up a
running partner just after leaving Nimblewill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clay Warner, a friend I had just met in person the night before was
caught up with me and we fell into pace with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t recall a lot about the next few miles
of the course other than it was a bunch of downhill on FS roads which finally
ended at some pavement and continued downhill for the next couple of miles
until we hung a left at the Nimblewill Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clay and I talked about all kinds of stuff and I am thankful for the
wisdom he shared from his vast experience with running ultras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think either of us really felt like
we were working very hard but it was no time at all and we were at the Jake
Bull aid station, 17ish miles into the race.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKDIt21lk6Vvb9gcbGWvY0kAam29A6tlZd-TzAzOLnxe4T-VxKqXMA_GduVYpIKqeSDnbynB7EfEM4Zp0E2AQFLB00G6Sd6cAOd7b1VxJF4z8gOS1xz8bxR4mX4cxXyEI2ihV00VhstU/s1600/IMG_7281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKDIt21lk6Vvb9gcbGWvY0kAam29A6tlZd-TzAzOLnxe4T-VxKqXMA_GduVYpIKqeSDnbynB7EfEM4Zp0E2AQFLB00G6Sd6cAOd7b1VxJF4z8gOS1xz8bxR4mX4cxXyEI2ihV00VhstU/s1600/IMG_7281.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake Bull Aid Station with Clay Warner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jake Bull to <span style="color: red;">Winding Stair</span> (6.5mi):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended up spending an extra couple of
minutes at the aid station getting rid of some fluids and in that time Clay had
already departed and I found that pushing just to make up a minute or two now
wasn’t necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had been pretty
evenly matched on pace so I figured through the natural order of things with
ultra racing that we would find each other before too long and hopefully share
some more miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had got back onto FS
roads when making the turn at Nimblewill Church and continued on the FS roads
after leaving Jake Bull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutlIQbenAcWp1ZsBeaNXtj0rTyGYxuK-aYTbU4CmABVwENwJCjxlaiEdX6EakkP5Gj9fEIxwA6s0K1RqXT9ZjmwRVGMHRyZnEkA_AWQpDyAQ9OivQKjkw8JfNLKp4BToQL4xzpmhJ-6o/s1600/IMG_7227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutlIQbenAcWp1ZsBeaNXtj0rTyGYxuK-aYTbU4CmABVwENwJCjxlaiEdX6EakkP5Gj9fEIxwA6s0K1RqXT9ZjmwRVGMHRyZnEkA_AWQpDyAQ9OivQKjkw8JfNLKp4BToQL4xzpmhJ-6o/s1600/IMG_7227.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing FS Roads in the Mud</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In less than a
mile from Jake Bull our course shared a long FS road climb up toward Winding
Stair Gap with a mountain bike race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was a local 50-mile mountain bike race that was sharing 5-6 miles
of the same FS road that we were using for the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a lot of fun and definitely helped
pass the miles on the normally boring FS roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This section of the course contained roughly 2,000 feet of elevation
gain in the 6.5 miles to the next aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The grade was just steep enough that my running pace was slightly faster
than most mountain bikers so I was able to run with or just beyond the bikers
and this was great mental encouragement for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was nice to have conversations with the mountain bikers about their
race, talk with them about our race and share in some laughs about what kind of
people would pay money to get out and put themselves through so much to earn a
railroad spike!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked God for the
company through this section and was especially glad to have some amusement
from the bikers slipping and sliding around in the mud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I knew it the mountain bikers were no
more and I was coming to the top of the climb and had made it to the Winding
Stair aid station, 24ish total miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was excited because I would see my crew here; my sponsor <a href="http://rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a> was working
this aid and most of all because I still felt really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming into the aid station I was had just
caught a fellow runner and came in about 20-minutes off the lead and in 7th
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHy4d8V20DByc4uClnizXRtHrKKdL9kyupcl_TRpqVcv4rnbEMrA4Cym-3FA6A-YkhmX0lbPaSaEbwuZ7zyw4j4fw8EoiXPRIeGGM92jP5AjRuaBLNpIaJbxDKfPeLTodVkq89P9N1cE/s1600/IMG_7278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHy4d8V20DByc4uClnizXRtHrKKdL9kyupcl_TRpqVcv4rnbEMrA4Cym-3FA6A-YkhmX0lbPaSaEbwuZ7zyw4j4fw8EoiXPRIeGGM92jP5AjRuaBLNpIaJbxDKfPeLTodVkq89P9N1cE/s1600/IMG_7278.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winding Stair Aid Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j0S5ARub5C04Qwax90VoASebOGH7MLGLtvV6QtBPWst8VIuKOvl8UMp-ZNvoAlSKcUHVavvLVhAvNjHmkKA_ry3wj2xxtN8aGyOZ-84FaR6PS20mm2hw0QZlkWR3FgwLSYkBEpWNL7Q/s1600/IMG_7295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j0S5ARub5C04Qwax90VoASebOGH7MLGLtvV6QtBPWst8VIuKOvl8UMp-ZNvoAlSKcUHVavvLVhAvNjHmkKA_ry3wj2xxtN8aGyOZ-84FaR6PS20mm2hw0QZlkWR3FgwLSYkBEpWNL7Q/s1600/IMG_7295.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N8's Crew - Taj MaN8</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Winding
Stair</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to Long Creek
(6.5mi):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed some supplies and got back on my
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew we once through Long Creek
we would be pretty much done with FS roads and I was itching to get onto some
single track. The next 2 miles down were run right beside a beautiful creek and
provided some awesome background noise to the soft thumps of your feet
descending the dirt/gravel path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
bottom of this climb we hung a right onto another FS road that would carry us
the next 4.5 miles to the Long Creek aid station. This section boasted more of
the same lush vegetation and sounds of creeks rumbling off the side of the
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I knew it I was coming up
on Long Creek aid station, 30ish total miles into the race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Long Creek to Sapling
Gap (8mi):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few items from the aid station and I
quickly finished up the last mile of FS road to the “T” gate that would take us
up a short steep climb into an open field and from there we would hang a right
running directly into the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) (white vertical
diamond).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At last!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite how much I am bored on FS roads, the
previous 30ish miles were actually fairly pleasant and good company and
beautiful surroundings really made the mile roll off quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, now I was actually on some trails
and was looking forward to the challenges that were to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was shortly after getting going on the BMT
that I finally caught back up with Clay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said his legs were feeling a little… “Ehh” so we kind of fell in
together again and continued with our conversation as though we had never
missed a beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were times of
silence and I don’t think either of us felt the urge to force conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We simply enjoyed the fact that we were on
some beautiful trails and were enjoying the fact that we had some company, even
in silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was pretty
runnable through here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would run the
flats, downs and moderate climbs, but we would hike the steeper sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A great piece of advice Clay shared with me
was to run any little flat, down or slight uphill in between hiking sections because
even 5-running steps will help you transition in to or out of hike that much
quicker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used that throughout the day and it worked
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Sapling Gap aid station we
were at 38ish miles in to the race and both were feeling pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sapling Gap to <span style="color: red;">Point Bravo</span> (5mi):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We continued on the BMT and made our way down
to an awesome swinging bridge that crossed over a gorgeous creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slowed just long enough to get a picture
or two and then fell right back in the grind as we climbed our way up and over
Tooni Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was about a 700+
foot climb in just over a mile or so and then a 700+ foot descent in immediately
after that as we made our way down to Point Bravo, the second crew accessible
aid station of the day and roughly mile 43ish for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkNJEz9bojho59JlB4AvNZqIEQn1tFD_Q0U2ZUeOOZAEtob-sSFIksw_Xj2fmOtX9npvu9Wz8XRtzkYfuHtuU_GVSmaTSjJtzbuQo0bqUGdP0S6T9IwlPI9hl7L6mF4tSBUJmpfc2eI4/s1600/IMG_7233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkNJEz9bojho59JlB4AvNZqIEQn1tFD_Q0U2ZUeOOZAEtob-sSFIksw_Xj2fmOtX9npvu9Wz8XRtzkYfuHtuU_GVSmaTSjJtzbuQo0bqUGdP0S6T9IwlPI9hl7L6mF4tSBUJmpfc2eI4/s1600/IMG_7233.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging Bridge with Clay Warner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht85_Yv67h8owTgeDJI1S9sbn1NlqB4hbIJcvCF12MgSvYBgFI7Ie4c7VvIPuz3DDUR4SF7RuDrNMQSwK0cu9sfFiCmKhgCBbLTSz-iki5Uda-nS0fQfc7CTW_0w9I_RoIDtqsw7C5HGQ/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht85_Yv67h8owTgeDJI1S9sbn1NlqB4hbIJcvCF12MgSvYBgFI7Ie4c7VvIPuz3DDUR4SF7RuDrNMQSwK0cu9sfFiCmKhgCBbLTSz-iki5Uda-nS0fQfc7CTW_0w9I_RoIDtqsw7C5HGQ/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Bravo with Clay Warner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz4wJLEo9dJdFDqhyOGv5cOqhnUJHiE_CnKNrZAOsIkG2z_EteEwR390fKbz-WtVCSLmbhtHsfNbIxxmh8_Kg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span id="goog_1919858470"></span><span id="goog_1919858471"></span><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Point Bravo</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to Fish Gap (8.5mi):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My focus all day was about feeling good up to
this point in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From here to the
finish was supposed to be where the race really began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next 25ish miles to the finish were
nothing but steep, steep climb and steeper downhills with little to no flat
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly my legs really felt
good and I had a good feeling about this section of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took just a few minutes to change my socks
and shoes, grabbed some supplies and joked around with RunBum about what a
“sick individual” he was with this course!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Back on the BMT it was time to give my climbing legs a workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving Point Bravo we immediately started a
1,200-foot tall climb in just over a mile followed by a short steep 300-foot
descent and immediately back up another 700-foot climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would continue along the fairly
non-technical BMT for the next 4.5 miles where we picked up the Duncan Ridge
Trail (DRT).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The DRT continued with
relentless up and down climbing for another 4 miles to the Fish Gap aid
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About a mile or so before Fish
Gap a friend of mine William caught up with me and we shared some small talk as
we made our way into the aid station at roughly mile 52ish.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fish Gap to <span style="color: red;">Mulky Gap (2.5mi):</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither of us spent much time at Fish Gap
since we would be seeing our crew’s again in the next couple of miles at Mulky
Gap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We grabbed a few items and
continued on our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was
really pretty nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The terrain was
fairly soft dirt with minimal rocks and roots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was easy to tell that these trails don’t see a lot of foot traffic
and nice to know that GDR and maybe one or two other organized races throughout
the year are the only reason that these trails stay even halfway
distinguishable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The climbing and
descending continued for the next couple of miles as we made our way over to
Mulky Gap, mile 54ish. Mulky Gap would be the last time we saw our crew’s until
the finish so we were both pretty excited to get through this aid station and
head out for the last few miles of the race.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1igmG3kJ_dnZjqNBhFAFdkMV-J0YvT3hn_T4f1ckeak2gTPYCdBy4C4UMt0HSI4k_vl_sssNGjenlkHU4QN9jaxnI__QMbySqEK42GLFhYwWBTwiiiglwD5SMkuHhOl5MMLt6ja89_U/s1600/IMG_7266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1igmG3kJ_dnZjqNBhFAFdkMV-J0YvT3hn_T4f1ckeak2gTPYCdBy4C4UMt0HSI4k_vl_sssNGjenlkHU4QN9jaxnI__QMbySqEK42GLFhYwWBTwiiiglwD5SMkuHhOl5MMLt6ja89_U/s1600/IMG_7266.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulky Gap Aid Station </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6O9OElCEd6WvbHPIa21RkjYfs7YDr-VeYSMv1Y0mjfzomhyYRi5_C3Fy5oGcziVCmwrnV8IW4WNQqn8_L1z9Z4qlyvgz9HnEGe2hQcOFdLTF6h7AfdKR3gmR7_lO-14l-PB-awUaHCQ/s1600/IMG_7290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6O9OElCEd6WvbHPIa21RkjYfs7YDr-VeYSMv1Y0mjfzomhyYRi5_C3Fy5oGcziVCmwrnV8IW4WNQqn8_L1z9Z4qlyvgz9HnEGe2hQcOFdLTF6h7AfdKR3gmR7_lO-14l-PB-awUaHCQ/s1600/IMG_7290.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulky Gap with Dad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFB5pBb2dEnaNvj1YTLWFHebG_gdBwp0i41VojweWCDY7Jq9M-8myk7oII1X4YlbnxpQXLMUl3ndWiHyJEH3mZre47192kbNZHn_b4tsQBaJMKjNL8TgwGVyRubSKVdnthCq1QSyTMWTk/s1600/IMG_7273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFB5pBb2dEnaNvj1YTLWFHebG_gdBwp0i41VojweWCDY7Jq9M-8myk7oII1X4YlbnxpQXLMUl3ndWiHyJEH3mZre47192kbNZHn_b4tsQBaJMKjNL8TgwGVyRubSKVdnthCq1QSyTMWTk/s1600/IMG_7273.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Mulky Gap Aid Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mulky Gap</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to White Oak Stump (5mi):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming into this race I hadn’t really had a
chance to test my downhill legs too much and I was pretty concerned how my
quads would handle the steep descents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was pleasantly surprised to feel so good at mile 54ish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking at my watch I didn’t know if I would
have a chance to make up the roughly 20 minute lead that 3<sup>rd</sup> had on
us, but knew that I had would have a chance at meeting my goal time of just
under 11-hours if I could maintain my pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we left the aid station William got a little jump on me and continued
to run strong over the next couple of miles, putting some time on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time all day I had found myself
in a little low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t loosing much
time but just found that I had lost a little bounce in my step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having dealt with plenty of these little
funks in the past I knew that the best way to get out of them was to focus on
eating and drinking, maybe take something sugary and keep on grinding until I
found my legs again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, worked like a
charm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After just a couple of miles my
legs were back and I was feeling great again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="text-align: center;">I couldn’t see William but wasn’t too concerned, I knew that I still had
10+ miles and could still make good time as long as I stayed on top of my
calories and continued to push through for a strong finish.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Around mile 57ish I made my way up another
steep climb and began down the steep descent on the other side.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">All day I had been approaching downhill’s a
little differently depending on how steep and how “runnable” the section
was.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Some were so steep that it was
everything you could do to hold back and not tumble down the hillside, while
others were slightly more runnable with a ski-type approach of running/bouncing
back and forth as you made your way down the loose dirt descents.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">This particular descent was slightly more
runnable and I was letting the legs fly as I made my way down.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Bounding down the hill I jumped over a small
boulder in the trail and I landed directly on a small odd-shaped rock and
immediately felt my left ankle roll outward and hit the ground with a loud
pop!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">… Crap!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">I knew that it wasn’t your “typical” trail
runner ankle roll.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">The kind where you
roll your ankle and run a little funny for the next mile or so and then it kind
of works it’s way out for the remainder of the run.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">This one was going to hurt and might be
really bad.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Picking my self up off the
ground I tried to keep running to check out the damage… not happening.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">It was pretty painful and already felt really
weak.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">I looked around for a hiking stick
and picked up the first one that looked reasonable.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">With adrenaline pumping and my new stick I
tried to hobble/run as quickly as possible down the grade.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">I knew there was another aid station coming
up within a mile or two and I could get something there to address my ankle.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Just then… Snap!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">That stupid hiking stick snapped in half and
before I knew it I was laying on the ground again writhing in pain from rolling
the same ankle again.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Back on my feet I
looked around for another hiking stick.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="text-align: center;">With the second stick in hand I continued down.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Another 300 feet down the trail and this
stick cracked and fell apart in my hand.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="text-align: center;">Luckily I didn’t eat it this time but I was really wishing I had brought
some hiking poles now!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Taking a few deep
breaths and calming down I said a quick prayer asking God to help give me some
strength to finish this thing.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">A few
minutes more hobbling down the trail and I found a decent hiking stick.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">As I got into a hobble/hike and hobble/run
rhythm I finally saw the White Oak Stump aid station coming into view, mile
59ish.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">White Oak Stump to
Wolf Creek:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The volunteers at this aid station knew that
I was hurt and quickly helped me into a chair to see how they could help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone mentioned some duct tape and I
quickly jumped on that opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
a couple of strips run under my ankle and up the sides we wrapped two or three
strips around the ankle to try and give some support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t perfect but it was better than
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hadn’t taken me any time to
realize that I had ‘some’ mobility with my foot flexing up and down like on
flat ground, but I had zero lateral support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Good thing it was nothing but flat ground from here to the finish!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it was going to be slow going from
here to the finish so I tried to get going as fast as possible knowing that my
crew would be expecting me around the 11-hour mark and I was going to be quite
a bit slower now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving White Oak
Stump we had about a 900-foot climb over the next couple of miles and I quickly
found that steep ups and downs were very, very painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gritting my teeth and praying almost continuously
now I tried to keep moving as fast as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Focusing on the trail in front of me became my number one priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was excruciatingly painful to come down on
my left ankle and roll it, even slightly to the outside or inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was putting so much focus on each step that
I was falling behind on food and drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I finally made it to the top of Coosa Bald, the highest point in the
race at roughly 4,300 feet and started the 2,200-foot descent down to the last
aid station at Wolf Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really
at a loss for this section… my legs felt great like I could have really run
this section but my ankle reduced me to some weird hobble/run that was at best
something like 15min/mi downhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
climbing speed had slowed to some 20min/mi and my downhill wasn’t much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, after what seemed like an eternity I
saw the river crossing and last aid station at Wolf Creek, mile 64ish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just before reaching the river I heard the
inevitable footsteps of someone catching up to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that it would only be a matter of time
given how slow I was moving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wolf Creek to <span style="color: red;">Vogel (3.5mi):</span></span></u></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was just starting to get dark as I
was climbing out from Wolf Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
thought about taking my “good” headlamp from the last crew aid station at Mulky
Gap but was feeling great at that point and thought I would have no problem
finishing before dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I had a
decent light but it was nowhere near as good as my <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/NAO?l=INT#.VQ71tFy4n1s">Petzl
Nao</a> that I wished I had grabbed from my crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With every odd step and lateral movement my
ankle throbbed and pain shot up the outside of my leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, with dark setting in I was focusing every
bit of my attention on the trail and trying to find solid footing for every
step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily this last 3.5 miles of
trails were substantially easier and I was able to hobble/run most of this last
few miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After just a short while I
heard voices and saw flashlights ahead yelling that a runner was coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They asked if I was Nathan and then quickly
yelled out to let someone know that I was coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that it was my crew and they had been
worried since it had taken me over an hour longer than I had anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I dropped off the trail I turned to make
my way down the pavement to finish at the pavilion beside the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in considerable amount of pain and very
frustrated that I had gotten hurt but was still extremely thankful that God had
helped me ‘stick it out” through the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpGIEqZZz2XS3MwvjaCTIHwA4P9uLQ9uoos0lZkB7_vrMYyv_gFCncxbCfbujdFtzu1Ou9U8YxAawrRzInpIFDM4lfKMTpkUHTJYIOFVRYXiMcDroKM1TGJNfbyjDSGnz4ZuSM3kHT_k/s1600/IMG_7238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpGIEqZZz2XS3MwvjaCTIHwA4P9uLQ9uoos0lZkB7_vrMYyv_gFCncxbCfbujdFtzu1Ou9U8YxAawrRzInpIFDM4lfKMTpkUHTJYIOFVRYXiMcDroKM1TGJNfbyjDSGnz4ZuSM3kHT_k/s1600/IMG_7238.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RunBum Welcoming me to the Finish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTnJwRzmkmBBgbXZAzmaD1zQcbqTPKBn3QGqrx-BZmXRVg5-dZgsblkJUQ6FoK7wesuWNN8awgYMTrzofPhyURbNIRtD67XV12jc7VyJp6IZkx7jg8wVm70zIYtyTRYdc9Map-m9rvxc/s1600/IMG_7275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTnJwRzmkmBBgbXZAzmaD1zQcbqTPKBn3QGqrx-BZmXRVg5-dZgsblkJUQ6FoK7wesuWNN8awgYMTrzofPhyURbNIRtD67XV12jc7VyJp6IZkx7jg8wVm70zIYtyTRYdc9Map-m9rvxc/s1600/IMG_7275.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Oldest Daughter and my Hiking Stick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">5<sup>th</sup> Place Overall, 12:13:08</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4W2zRwpRLfmzUV7H9imj5VlXemBjTDzPsV1lAGbr44UBvo6hPiVXXew8ky0Ah8r1Shr7Y7UU2nTBYhwgHjMrJk5-z_iu2lJZ3nIyK4GOw8UnC_ESs7b2W_vPoMxWf5AeN9wCoUshn3s/s1600/IMG_7236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4W2zRwpRLfmzUV7H9imj5VlXemBjTDzPsV1lAGbr44UBvo6hPiVXXew8ky0Ah8r1Shr7Y7UU2nTBYhwgHjMrJk5-z_iu2lJZ3nIyK4GOw8UnC_ESs7b2W_vPoMxWf5AeN9wCoUshn3s/s1600/IMG_7236.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post Race Ice for my Ankle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gratitude:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, I want to thank God for the
opportunity to toe the line and enjoy some of His beautiful landscape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was my first time running in the North
Georgia Mountains and I loved the terrain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Steep climbs, steeper descents and relentless ups and downs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you <a href="http://www.runbumtours.com/#!georgia-death-race/cr80">RunBum</a> for
putting this awesome event together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
fantastic day and I look forward to a redemption run next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to all of the volunteers, USFS and
everyone else who made the race possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you to my wonderful family/crew/friends for coming out and
supporting me in these crazy adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having the love and support from my family is the most rewarding part of
these races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/">Rock/Creek</a> and <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/home">Patagonia</a> for the support and
awesome racing gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/">Hammer Nutrition</a> for the great
nutrition products helping fuel me in training and races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One last big thank you to <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/index.html">Salomon</a> for the great
products, your <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-4-ultra.html?article=373243">S-Lab
Sense Ultra</a> and <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-4-ultra-sg.html?article=373244">Ultra
Soft-Ground</a> shoes kept my feet feeling great all day, the <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-adv-skin3-12set.html?article=371615">S-Lab
Advanced Skin3 12-L</a> pack carried all my race essentials and the <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/bonatti-wp-jacket-m.html?article=371389">Bonattie
WP Jacket</a> for keeping me dry throughout the day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8yg2c7HbyHbNzgAuvKMGwLmMckyWSsTrnP-Nu-I8t1PVOLq-Ca7m_-ET2MmhI4zrnT75sl3SrylvrYpgG_TpB58Au2Frq5Vj2QLXWKZ1p0M_DsnGZgBf6IzjN_y7Q0HZTsefiKKdkY8/s1600/IMG_7239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8yg2c7HbyHbNzgAuvKMGwLmMckyWSsTrnP-Nu-I8t1PVOLq-Ca7m_-ET2MmhI4zrnT75sl3SrylvrYpgG_TpB58Au2Frq5Vj2QLXWKZ1p0M_DsnGZgBf6IzjN_y7Q0HZTsefiKKdkY8/s1600/IMG_7239.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family/Crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgo87JajCbSzIjSBlsXQ0f4kSAKugrtMlruLhJ8RK6yx6p2StY0TuORxBIjm6z9KaYyD_VGK_vgx3m4paYdlm7ADsb5B1Yn8A7icvZ5BDf0a9Zre_mGP_L18S5PLVq_AwPvikjit32co/s1600/IMG_7244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgo87JajCbSzIjSBlsXQ0f4kSAKugrtMlruLhJ8RK6yx6p2StY0TuORxBIjm6z9KaYyD_VGK_vgx3m4paYdlm7ADsb5B1Yn8A7icvZ5BDf0a9Zre_mGP_L18S5PLVq_AwPvikjit32co/s1600/IMG_7244.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Wife and Girls</td></tr>
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Air Flow Shirt</a>, <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0">Patagonia
Strider Pro 5” Shorts</a>, <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/phd-compression-calf-sleeves-40.html">Smartwool
PhD Compression Calf Sleeves</a> and <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/run/mens-phd-run-ultra-light-low-cut-socks.html">Socks</a>,
<a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/xt-wings-glove-wp.html?article=328710">Salomon
XT Wings Gloves</a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/bonatti-wp-jacket-m.html?article=371389">Salomon
Bonatti WP Jacket</a>, <a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/">Suunto
Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-adv-skin3-12set.html?article=371615">Salomon
S-Lab Advanced Skin3 12-L Pack</a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-4-ultra.html?article=373243">Salomon
Sense 3 Ultra</a> & <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-4-ultra-sg.html?article=373244">Ultra
Soft Ground Shoes</a>, <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html">Hammer
Nutrition Perpetuem</a> & <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html">Endurolytes
Extreme</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nutrition Plan:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every
Hour</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
- ~16oz of <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html">Hammer
Perpetuem</a>, 1 Whole Banana, ½ Pack of Energy Blocks (GU or Stinger), 2 <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html">Hammer
Electrolyte Extreme Tabs</a>, ~5oz of Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
Mile 43</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
– Added Chicken Noodle Puree, Beef Jerky, Pickles, and Coke as Needed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Details:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is a link to my </span><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/268323809" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Strava</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> file and a link
to my </span><a href="http://www.movescount.com/moves/move55960677" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Suunto Movescount</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
file.</span></div>
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the next race,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2015
<a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/">Rock/Creek</a> Race Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-16458870614427396972015-01-16T16:20:00.000-05:002015-01-27T16:56:38.191-05:002015 Cloudland Canyon 50 Mile - Cold Day at Cloudland<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmIBtUIlG9iUF0neZXhc9N0s_wAh84g1ogssMkoLX3cVBe80pJglNY_KUmutfzz7fHN2QPteVtA2Yafli5q03BV910FyrKbmfxqi3Be_RXViNQxDH3Nws6IrOucKod_lAewyscf12OuE/s1600/IMG_6332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmIBtUIlG9iUF0neZXhc9N0s_wAh84g1ogssMkoLX3cVBe80pJglNY_KUmutfzz7fHN2QPteVtA2Yafli5q03BV910FyrKbmfxqi3Be_RXViNQxDH3Nws6IrOucKod_lAewyscf12OuE/s1600/IMG_6332.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.runbumtours.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Run Bum Tours</span></a> - <a href="http://www.runbumtours.com/#!cloudland-canyon-1150m-/c1uqg"><span style="color: blue;">Cloudland Canyon 50 Miler</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday, January 10, 2015 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gear:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia
Air Flow Shirt</span></a>, </span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/mens-pants-run/Surge-Tight?cc=0001&skuId=3565439&catId=mens-pants-run"><span style="color: blue;">Lululemon Surge Tights</span></a>, </span><a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914"><span style="color: blue;">Smartwool
PhD Graduated Compression Socks</span></a>, <a href="http://shop.pearlizumi.com/index.php"><span style="color: blue;">Pearl Izumi Thermal Sleeves</span></a>, $1
Walmart Special Gloves, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/xt-wings-glove-wp.html"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon XT
Wings Gloves</span></a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/bonatti-wp-jacket-m.html"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon Bonatti
WP Jacket</span></a>, <a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/"><span style="color: blue;">Suunto
Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</span></a>, <a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/quick-grip/d/1001"><span style="color: blue;">Camelbak
Handheld Bottle</span></a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-3-ultra.html"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon Sense
3 Ultra Shoes</span></a>, <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer
Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a> & <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme
Endurolytes</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/NAO"><span style="color: blue;">Petzl NAO
Headlamp</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong>Race:</strong></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span>What an awesome race... This was my first <a href="http://www.runbumtours.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Run Bum Tours (RBT)</span></a>
race and also one of the my favorite races to date!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This race offers an 11 mile option as well as the 50 miler.
The 50 miler starts at 5am while the 11 miler starts at 8am. The 5am start is
one of the things that really appealed to me as I've grown to love running in
the early morning or anytime after dark. Something about the tunnel vision you
get with nothing but your headlamp, sweet single track and the dark. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This was the inaugural year for the race and the <a href="http://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon"><span style="color: blue;">Cloudland
Canyon State Park</span></a> was the perfect venue for family, friends and
runners to get together for an awesome weekend. For anyone who's never been to
the park, they offer some great camping, hiking and some gorgeous views to make
some great memories.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This was going to be my fourth 50-miler and I had really
grown to love that specific distance. My first 50 hurt so bad I couldn't run
for about a month after, my second 50 had me itching to do another and after my
third 50 (<a href="http://runningwithn8.blogspot.com/2014/12/2014-lm50-too-long-to-read.html"><span style="color: blue;">2014 #LM50</span></a>) I was hooked! Eight, ten, twelve
hours for a 50-miler is about perfect. You can be out on the trail for the
majority of the day and still have plenty of time to enjoy the post race fun
with friends and family before having to go pass out from exhaustion. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The weather for Saturday's race was going to be VERY cold.
Temperatures for the 5am start were supposed to be 14 degrees with a single
digit wind-chill. The high was only supposed to reach 30 degrees at the warmest
part of the day. So, figuring out appropriate clothing for the race was going
to be crucial to having a good day. I watched the weather like a hawk once it
got within the 10-day forecast schedule and saw it Saturday's temps bounce all
around but never strayed too far from the mid-teens early in the morning and
very low-thirty's later in the day. Heck, there was even one point when it
looked like it was going to be a chance of snow for Saturday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been doing a lot of early morning runs before work so
that my wife can do her runs after I get off work and before it gets dark. So,
I've been able to figure out layering a little bit better so that I'm not
freezing my tail off 2-miles into the run or stripping off everything I put on.
My major dilemma for the race was running with a handheld bottle and pockets
full of food or my <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-adv-skin-hydro-5-set.html"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon S-Lab Pack</span></a> loaded down with supplies. I
prefer the handheld and stuffed pockets, but with temps this cold I knew I
needed to wear tights and I hadn't been too successful in the past with being
able to carry enough supplies with tights. So... I started looking through all
of the clothing in my drawer and found my <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/mens-pants-run/Surge-Tight?cc=0001&skuId=3565439&catId=mens-pants-run"><span style="color: blue;">Lululemon Surge Tights</span></a> and remembered that they
had two large hip pockets and a small rear zip pocket that might be just enough
pocket space. The hip pockets didn't have any kind of zipper or flaps but were
fairly deep (~6 inches) and figured that might be enough to keep my supplies
secure. So, Friday morning before the race I got up early and went for a quick
run around the neighborhood with my pockets stuffed full just like race day to
see how they did... score! These tights did great! I was able to carry a 7
ounce soft water flask, two packs of GU energy blocks, a whole banana, a baggy
full of extra <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html"><span style="color: blue;">Perpetuem</span></a>, and some <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html"><span style="color: blue;">Endurolytes Extreme</span></a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zz2idgq3OcekyWsylv5syFOoGQYqNZfqp7aiWCxV95XV0oX45JRn3MnPkpoE8uG-sPaH2XL_csh72WrTPrSPDh1-Ecs1ipGbtQSBzXhn6zeLajSF4zJNrhlSV2w5Zvo_d_j2hKelYN0/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zz2idgq3OcekyWsylv5syFOoGQYqNZfqp7aiWCxV95XV0oX45JRn3MnPkpoE8uG-sPaH2XL_csh72WrTPrSPDh1-Ecs1ipGbtQSBzXhn6zeLajSF4zJNrhlSV2w5Zvo_d_j2hKelYN0/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Family & Friends Photo at Falls</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> My family, good friend and I decided to make the most of the
race and make the weekends into a camping trip at the park. Friday late
afternoon we got to the park and all of us got our campers setup and killed a
little time before packet pickup that evening. As the afternoon turned to
evening more and more runners started showing up around the campground.
Apparently crazed runners willing to get up and run 11 or 50 miles in sub-20
degree temps were also willing to brave the cold and camp. We were really
"roughing" it in our camper, but hey... I can blame that on the two
and four-year old... or at least I tell myself that I'm still tough enough to
go out and tent camp in single digit temps if it wasn't for the kids!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday morning we got going around 3:30am and eventually
worked our way up to the Group Shelter, aka start/finish area around 4:30am to
get checked in and ready to run. I was happily surprised to see that the place
was packed! I knew that most trail and ultra runners were tough but kind of
figured that the cold temps might deter a bunch from running... but not today.
A few minutes before race start all of the 50-milers gathered into the group
shelter to get some last minute info from <a href="http://www.fastbreakathletics.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Fast Break</span></a>
and the race director Sean.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Listen up... thanks for coming
out... blah blah... follow pink ribbon with black polka dots...blah blah
blah... too many turns to count... thanks for coming out... blah blah blah...
any questions... <o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As you can tell I didn't get much out of that probably
15-minute pre-race brief other than make sure I'm following pink ribbon with
black polka dots. I figured that was the main thing to remember.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With that, everyone stripped off any extra clothing and
walked outside to get started. Standing at the starting line I said a quick
prayer for everyone’s safety and wished good luck to my friends.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqO1i85JWLIeOQxUSdwSimDOW5zdHk163aRkvR_rByDPD8McXNm-oCdSnoJdZPnaIqV07uYHyKZQmSfuc32oVwaVoX-Imybh8bDFJr0dHpb4cC3o-p1lIKEqnc30PQ5-seC1nat4NKwk/s1600/IMG_6367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqO1i85JWLIeOQxUSdwSimDOW5zdHk163aRkvR_rByDPD8McXNm-oCdSnoJdZPnaIqV07uYHyKZQmSfuc32oVwaVoX-Imybh8bDFJr0dHpb4cC3o-p1lIKEqnc30PQ5-seC1nat4NKwk/s1600/IMG_6367.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">50 Mile Start</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we took off through the start I quickly jumped out front
with one other guy. I noticed he was wearing some super short shorts and I
thought either that dude is really stinking fast and/or is going to freeze his
tail off! After a quick 3/4-mile run down the road and through the Cloudland
Canyon main parking area we jumped onto the trail and immediately started
climbing back up behind the Start/Finish area. I didn’t really feel that cold
and didn’t think I was running too hard but when I turned to ask the guy behind
me a question I realized I was already by myself... Crap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have missed a turn… Nope, there’s a
flag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, I enjoy running alone and
all trail runners understand that running alone is the nature of the
beast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really doesn’t matter if you’re
leading the pack, riding mid-stream somewhere or bringing up the rear, in any
trail ultra race you’re going to have some times where you’re running
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From behind the start/finish area
we continued along the Backcountry Trail over toward Aid #1 where the trail
intersected Highway 189.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trails over
to Aid #1 were very runnable, with nice wide smooth trails that made running
through the dark effortless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
no substantial climbs through this section which made for some fast miles early
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the cool things about this
section was that the trail twisted and turned quite a bit in a relatively small
area so you could look around and see headlamps bouncing around through woods
and really made for a cool experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Coming up toward Aid #1 some crazed runner came darting down the trail
toward me and I realized it was Sean (race director) coming to ask how
everything was going and check on the course markings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far so good everything is marked great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed a little water in my handheld and
kept on rolling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Somewhere just before Aid #1 we changed over to the
Cloudland Connector Trail (CCT) and would continue along this trail all the way
over to the next aid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section
followed fairly close along a creek with easy rolling climbs and smooth fast
trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing bigger than
maybe 300 foot climbs and the majority of it was very non-technical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a few sections that got moderately
technical for a mile or two and even a couple of short stretches with small boulder
fields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a lot of fun and was a
nice change of pace from the easy stretches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Despite following the creek there weren’t any places that required your
feet to get wet which was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a huge relief
considering the frigid temperatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
ran with a <a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/NAO"><span style="color: blue;">Petzl
NAO</span></a> headlamp and have been using it for the past 12-months with no
complaints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally I run with the
lamp on the “Reactive-Low” setting to maximize battery life but this morning
since I knew it would be light within 2.5-3 hours of the start I had that thing
on “Reactive-High.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man alive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That light was great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see for days and never had the first
problem finding solid footing when ever the trails turned more technical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I rolled into Aid #2 was I was looking
forward to see my family/crew as this was going to be my chance to see them now
at mile 14 and again at mile 26.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ascalon Trailhead parking lot it was full of crews and volunteers ready to help so I quickly grabbed
by supplies and kept on trucking for fear of getting cold should I stop moving
for too long. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvkD3itbZpllUqCykIBRBOJmNireRLPmChfhRGBgvivjRH-ion6GHD2nBfgjeQNe_LgGNTIXk1vu23jeXKZGA6fzxmmepRp6doR4GPNn53NeOvmazSIsWOe8JC8oxgSRlBE_EPFBpFys/s1600/IMG_6262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvkD3itbZpllUqCykIBRBOJmNireRLPmChfhRGBgvivjRH-ion6GHD2nBfgjeQNe_LgGNTIXk1vu23jeXKZGA6fzxmmepRp6doR4GPNn53NeOvmazSIsWOe8JC8oxgSRlBE_EPFBpFys/s1600/IMG_6262.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aid #3 - 5 Points</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was looking forward to running in this section since I've
heard good things about these trails. With pockets stuffed full of food and a
full bottle I set out clockwise toward Aid #3 at the 5 Points intersection. It
was somewhere around 7 miles to the next aid station and it was all a good mix
of wide double track trails that climbed and ran along the side of ridge with
only a couple 200-250 foot climbs. Somewhere around mile 17 or so my bottle got
so frozen that I could no longer get any fluid out of the cap. I was forced to
slow to a brisk walk and pull the lid off to drink... I always enjoy slushies
but they just aren't as good when it's only 13 degrees outside. About this same
time I pulled a Cary and found a good place in the woods to send some an
email... Back on the trail a few minutes later I found that stopping for a few
minutes in when it's that cold outside was not ideal. I quickly got my finger
tips warmed back up... yeah I had some Hot Hands in my gloves and continued on
my way. I battled the urge to send more emails for a little while and finally
made it to Aid #3 at 21 miles. Coming into this aid station I asked if they had
any warm water so I could thaw my bottle cap but no luck. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Back on the trail I soon found myself running a massive pump
track section that was filled with 3-to-8 foot tall mounds that were scattered
all over the trail. These mounds were relentless and wound up and down, left
and right, back and forth… it was brutal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It probably only lasted a mile or so, but it felt like an eternity and
was by far the most difficult section of the entire race. I couldn't keep a
rhythm for anything through here. Finally, I found my way back onto the main
trail and turned to run back to the Ascalon Trailhead parking lot and Aid #4. I
was thrilled to be back to this aid because I knew I could change out my water
bottle and would now have some cross flow traffic. The last 25 miles had been
solo running and I was still in a little bit of a low so seeing some friendly
faces I knew would give me a boost to get running hard again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to hit the facilities here since my
stomach had been churning again for the past few miles… Cary Long must have put
something in my drink… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My crew informed
me that at Aid #2, ~12 miles earlier, I had a little over 20 minutes on the
second place runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured I had
lost a ton of ground over the last 12 miles with restroom breaks, pump track
issues and generally hitting a lull.. So, with no time to waste I grabbed
everything I could from my crew and hit the trail again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">
<br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This section back to Aid #5, the earlier Aid #1, was all
familiar trail back the Highway 189 road crossing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to have the cross flow traffic
of runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Encouragement abounded for the
next few miles!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried my best to cheer
everyone I saw and I sincerely appreciate all the words of encouragement I
received… if I did not return the favor I apologize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With an unfrozen bottle I knew that I could
keep fighting with the frozen lid for the remainder of the day without
suffering through dehydration and not getting enough calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I found that if I drank from my bottle
and then stuffed into my waistband of my tights and pulled my jacket down over
the bottle the heat from my back would keep the bottle thawed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had tried this earlier around mile 18 or so
but once the bottle was frozen it never seemed to get warm enough to thaw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rolled into Aid #5, grabbed a banana and
kept on moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that only a few
more miles and I would be back to the start/finish area and see my wife and
daughters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">
<br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Heading back to the start/finish was again familiar trail,
however now I got to enjoy it in the daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>About a mile from Aid #5 I saw a familiar face running down the hill
toward me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My buddy Daniel Hamilton, who
was racing the 11-miler, was running toward me and I slowed my pace a little to
see how his race went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me
kind of strange and he looked to be a little out of his head…<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Me <em>- “How’d the race go?”</em></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Daniel <em>- “I’m in the lead!”</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me<em> - “… Uhhh… What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The finish is back the other direction”</em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Daniel<em> - “Do you have any food… I haven’t had anything in
awhile”</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me<em> - “… Uhhh… Yeah, I have a banana… wait, I have some GU
blocks also… do you want something to drink?”</em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Daniel<em> -</em> scarfs down a handful of GU blocks…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me<em> - “ I’m pretty sure you’re going the wrong way, but I
also know that you’re only about a mile from the next aid station… you can keep
going and ask them what’s going on since I don’t know EXACTLY what the 11-mile
course is, but I’m pretty sure you missed something.”</em></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Daniel <em>-</em> still out of it<em>… “I got to keep going… I’m still in
the lead”</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me<em> - “Alright, buddy be careful and I’ll talk to you later.”</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><br /></em></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I felt bad letting him keep going since I knew he was pretty
far from the finish area but I also knew he would be at an aid station within a
mile or so and running with me was 4-5 miles uphill to the finish area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to stop again for another email…
stomach was giving me fits today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
I knew it I was coming into Aid #6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
found my family and friends, grabbed some kisses from my wife and began getting
whatever supplies I needed to finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They told me that I had at least 30-40 minutes on the next runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently the person running in 2nd early on
dropped at Aid #4 and the person running in 3rd broke his arm!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found out later it was in that pump track
area… I told you it was brutal! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yOSCuaR2CBkPzANH__eYAuTiFZw8pgI-vucVbPwPWiD9r2GYbIFQMUZ_d12FeB9A9nl3z0XwoMQas6kSt_r6-fkEGz8sWqoMBJY9hwW2oh73ThJnTc3EuIQSw1GJmikuG2j1zvQ4Vak/s1600/IMG_6271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yOSCuaR2CBkPzANH__eYAuTiFZw8pgI-vucVbPwPWiD9r2GYbIFQMUZ_d12FeB9A9nl3z0XwoMQas6kSt_r6-fkEGz8sWqoMBJY9hwW2oh73ThJnTc3EuIQSw1GJmikuG2j1zvQ4Vak/s1600/IMG_6271.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fans at Aid #6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leaving Aid #6 was the 11-mile course and I was looking
forward to this section most of all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew it would be more technical than what we previously ran and also knew that
we would be descending into the gorge via the stairs but I like the vert and
love technical running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sean came out as
I was leaving the start/finish area and told me that I would be following the
road for the next 3-miles or so around to the far side of the park where I
would pick up the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those roughly
3-miles of road really showed me how heavy my legs felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had racked up quite a few miles and
back-to-back races since October and I kind of figured it was only a matter of
time until I blew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my surprise, I
was still ticking off fast miles through this section and figured I would
continue to push.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around on the other
side of the park I jumped onto the West Rim Loop Trail and was immediately rejuvenated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I welcomed the rocks and roots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running quickly through technical tight
trails is what draws me to the trails… the more technical the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was drinking and eating a lot more than I
usually do this late in a race and was really feeling great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next few miles along the WRLT were
fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You make your way out on the
edge of the ridge and are treated to some amazing view of the gorge and some
fantastic running trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These trails
are well maintained and the trails wrap all around the beautiful trees and rock
features to make the experience that much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The WRLT brings runners back around the rim
toward the main parking and overlook area of the Cloudland Canyon Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running down across a few really awesome
wooden bridges you are running across the water that is making it’s way toward
Hemlock and Cherokee Falls.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Coming to the first stair section I knew that
I was only a mile or so from the start/finish area but just as I expected there
was a course martial directing 50-milers down the stairs and onto the Sitton’s
Gulch Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trail descends into
the gorge via more stairs than you care to count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stairs are worth the effort because of
the beautiful rock and ice formations along this trail… and not to mention the
gorgeous waterfalls.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorWM3czJR_K1jKHKcbDqEoLhtAvwP8F2Ez15a6AhVpzdp0xUwP6WlHYQyGVAr2wvUpZgJsWskvJ8NJKDRk2rh9N8wrpRBhQEd6usHdw-nuG0LWNGSZaXzpnts8hECgcZP_cYRFl7qTiM/s1600/IMG_6313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorWM3czJR_K1jKHKcbDqEoLhtAvwP8F2Ez15a6AhVpzdp0xUwP6WlHYQyGVAr2wvUpZgJsWskvJ8NJKDRk2rh9N8wrpRBhQEd6usHdw-nuG0LWNGSZaXzpnts8hECgcZP_cYRFl7qTiM/s1600/IMG_6313.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSM-9HR4PiXko0K7sGSaAP0ZrGMtb7XynfKMj8SdzBX6VRaVuzk_7hgqxGTEy5OrgdJLdIrcStbOdY2Q4zGlBxFXHESjPPbmZQe8O0BJJfTxHwKXrlDlMLIn-WqkhI13QiifCiEcIed0/s1600/IMG_6315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSM-9HR4PiXko0K7sGSaAP0ZrGMtb7XynfKMj8SdzBX6VRaVuzk_7hgqxGTEy5OrgdJLdIrcStbOdY2Q4zGlBxFXHESjPPbmZQe8O0BJJfTxHwKXrlDlMLIn-WqkhI13QiifCiEcIed0/s1600/IMG_6315.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Making my way down
the stairs I asked some of the 11-mile runners who were making their way up
back up the stairs how far it was to the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my surprise there were a few people who
glanced a their watches and said it was a couple of miles... Dang, a couple of
miles… I was thinking the aid would be pretty close the bottom of the
stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, what was a few more
miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I reached the bottom of the
stairs I started out the ~2-mile path toward Aid #7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never been this far into the gorge and
had been missing out on some beautiful landscape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT67NB3R7erpk62OPDBqEHJLbHpGtCRX1DWP-EeoQPuJ1jLy5nTFgEUcd8o5wxcpTLMEu1_r1FuPiuKyIZ3oIoDXuMxPC4M2eIxqIxcWWzJG6mONEg-M-DqQ7KcXgYND2JvYPqcxzmyY/s1600/IMG_6382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT67NB3R7erpk62OPDBqEHJLbHpGtCRX1DWP-EeoQPuJ1jLy5nTFgEUcd8o5wxcpTLMEu1_r1FuPiuKyIZ3oIoDXuMxPC4M2eIxqIxcWWzJG6mONEg-M-DqQ7KcXgYND2JvYPqcxzmyY/s1600/IMG_6382.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">The wide double track followed the creek
through beautiful vegetation that surrounded the creek, the gorgeous rock walls
and boulder fields that filled the creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were a few icy water crossings that required some finesse to keep
your feet dry and to keep you safely on your feet and not on your
backside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually… and it seemed to
take a little while, I came up to Aid #7 at the Sitton’s Gulch Trailhead
parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw a good friend Michael
Scott, grabbed some water and took back off to for the slow steady climb back
to those stairs.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">My only thought was that I need to make it to the stairs before
I saw the next place runner to make sure that I had about a 4-mile lead and
then even if I had to death march the stairs all the way to the finish I would
be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my head down and as much
energy I had I ran and hiked every step of that trail back to the stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were only a few short, steep climbs
that required hiking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cresting a small climb
I could see the stairs… no second place runner yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVSabCeFKXn0tlRKuayMgXpbexPgoKl0SzpZPjbj1uGEp5H11KgUEXgsHxP5quN4IDAt5NhSIN8Q69dGfIOpSzjJSRkTZQte5RFLlD8naotgKIK55ohU_gyd-S3ufyREyjBCVxH3ZvgM/s1600/IMG_6311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVSabCeFKXn0tlRKuayMgXpbexPgoKl0SzpZPjbj1uGEp5H11KgUEXgsHxP5quN4IDAt5NhSIN8Q69dGfIOpSzjJSRkTZQte5RFLlD8naotgKIK55ohU_gyd-S3ufyREyjBCVxH3ZvgM/s1600/IMG_6311.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">Alright, I would try and make it to the top
of the stairs before seeing the next runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I ran/jogged a few of the first flights of stairs then turned it into a
two-steps at a time ascent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured skipping
every other stair would cut the amount of stairs I had to climb in half!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This actually helped and the next thing I
knew I was at the top of the stairs and still hadn’t seen anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you God for letting my legs hold out! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a sharp left to head around on the Overlook Trail and make the last short climb up to the finish.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3INhyU31eYynN6OruCxKKbbE1LMebwfmQSUKxNcvxFFKw8YGsEqIPsLZVzheEnmpyyJ86_b9oz2ScHK6k0gtp8rgePTLC3vLcOZsOg6VqeNTh-QV7J3x8yQGXwlpxPC4vJ-TsuEL7mv4/s1600/IMG_6370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3INhyU31eYynN6OruCxKKbbE1LMebwfmQSUKxNcvxFFKw8YGsEqIPsLZVzheEnmpyyJ86_b9oz2ScHK6k0gtp8rgePTLC3vLcOZsOg6VqeNTh-QV7J3x8yQGXwlpxPC4vJ-TsuEL7mv4/s1600/IMG_6370.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last Set of Stairs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">The view around the Overlook Trail was
fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see all the way
across the gorge to the West Rim Loop Trail that we started on a few miles
earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkhsTuUFbqyezA5xCPr0mu5bTq_MNP9kVyKAmIY_hpoQhtywNxoK9xAItJV6WgMWggjWgBBed-tbhyphenhyphenL6mFVK_N1VdN8IPAFQHeHymDHWKPRaaP5y2HF9a52_KdMYWT5T3QdJo_7va5Zo/s1600/IMG_6373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkhsTuUFbqyezA5xCPr0mu5bTq_MNP9kVyKAmIY_hpoQhtywNxoK9xAItJV6WgMWggjWgBBed-tbhyphenhyphenL6mFVK_N1VdN8IPAFQHeHymDHWKPRaaP5y2HF9a52_KdMYWT5T3QdJo_7va5Zo/s1600/IMG_6373.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overlook Trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">As I made my way up the last
climb to the finish I was extremely thankful for another good race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God really helped me with a lot of
nutritional gains in 2014 and I was hoping to continue my good fortune in 2015
and today worked out pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
stomach was a little screwy for 10-12 miles but overall I was still able to
take in a significant amount of food and drink and never once had the urge to
throw up, which is always a blessing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rounding the corner I could see my family/crew and friends standing
around the finish cheering me in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was ecstatic
for another win but was more grateful for a beautiful course and a safe day in
the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIG7pp0iQLOs4H8Lg9wi-8_6tNwZIvQAiE6u9-MLsmcZUVI7AF05muJNObpMqVJbIyHsxgi8MMpeZ_FbEfHgjNx0PfpkcMmWEHkrIWz6fJ0vKmhhTI7-D_MYsoUPY8yXr0k6VYtuSHCs/s1600/10917086_770275226386296_67761550791560409_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIG7pp0iQLOs4H8Lg9wi-8_6tNwZIvQAiE6u9-MLsmcZUVI7AF05muJNObpMqVJbIyHsxgi8MMpeZ_FbEfHgjNx0PfpkcMmWEHkrIWz6fJ0vKmhhTI7-D_MYsoUPY8yXr0k6VYtuSHCs/s1600/10917086_770275226386296_67761550791560409_n.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deminggray.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Deming Gray Photography</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">I grabbed my wife for a much
needed kiss and got high fives and hugs from my girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDcwltQ4Uv0wp9XecehKnGOuKD1OfrppyUGqrtqeeBWR7zfqTw1jXKQFvGO1llNJCC0yaeGykkvohPiXIuRzMXF5GUK_bWcGgS-AWnKFDXkNdeyc_KfYuYA7tS-tgbQFGHdgaMRhuSac/s1600/10834859_770275243052961_316262762032014039_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDcwltQ4Uv0wp9XecehKnGOuKD1OfrppyUGqrtqeeBWR7zfqTw1jXKQFvGO1llNJCC0yaeGykkvohPiXIuRzMXF5GUK_bWcGgS-AWnKFDXkNdeyc_KfYuYA7tS-tgbQFGHdgaMRhuSac/s1600/10834859_770275243052961_316262762032014039_o.jpg" height="592" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deminggray.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Deming Gray Photography</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gratitude:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> First I want to thank Jesus Christ for an absolutely
beautiful course and thank him for an overall safe day for almost
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is beautiful country and
everyone should get out and enjoy the beauty around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congratulations to all of the racers in the
11 and 50-mile distances. The weather was extreme today and it was a battle of staying
warm that was fought everyone throughout the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that running in and around gorges
and specifically down into flowing creek beds that a lot of these areas seldom
get more than a few hours of direct sunlight per day and the cold running water
can drop those temperatures even more when running along the creek beds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you so much to my family and friends
for being out there to support me and for making this a family camping trip weekend
that I hope everyone will remember for a very long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A tremendous thanks goes out to </span><a href="http://www.runbumtours.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Run
Bum Tours</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><a href="http://www.fastbreakathletics.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fast Break</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and </span><a href="http://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cloudland Canyon State Park</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
for putting together such an awesome race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The volunteers, crews, friends, and families are the real warriors in a
race like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Runners have the ability
to stay somewhat warm but the rest of the supporters are out in the same
conditions braving the elements trying to help those crazy runners achieve their
goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you race supporters for
your time and your frozen phalanges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a> for giving
me the opportunity to represent your company and all of the great gear… I swear
I had it on under all of the other layers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp"><span style="color: blue;">Lululemon</span></a> for
letting me be a participant in the League and providing me with some great
running tights (<a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/mens-pants-run/Surge-Tight?cc=0001&skuId=3565436&catId=mens-pants-run"><span style="color: blue;">Surge
Tights</span></a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last, but not least… I’m
thankful that Daniel was picked up… way off course and returned to the finish
area were he was still awarded 1st in the 11-miler and I’m sure given plenty of
apologies for the course not being altered to show the turn and subsequent 200
foot run to the finish… Daniel just go in an extra 5 mile stroll to make sure
his 11-miler was closer to 18!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit; mso-spacerun: yes;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>1st; 7:34:24<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nutrition
Plan: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Every Hour</u> - 1 Bottle Perpetuem, 1
Whole Banana, 1/2 Pack of Energy Blocks (GU or Stinger), 1 Extreme Electrolyte
Tab, Plain Water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>After 26 Miles</u> - Added Chicken Noodle Puree
and Coke As Needed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Details:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Here is a link to my <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/239897432"><span style="color: blue;">Strava</span></a> file for
this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>race and here is a link to my
Suunto <a href="http://www.movescount.com/moves/move49830301"><span style="color: blue;">Movescount</span></a>
file for this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a lot of discussion
about the actual length of the race and total elevation gain…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Suunto Ambit 2 came up with 49.1 miles and
5,830 feet of elevation gain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Strava
file (pulled from the same data) came up with 49.1 miles also but showed an
elevation gain of 6,855 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve ran a
lot of “known” distances with this watch and generally come up with about 10%
short on total distance unless it’s all road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, take it for what you want but I would figure that from Start-to-Aid
#6 was about 40.5 miles and then the remainder, also the “11-mile” course was
an additional 13.5 miles for a grand total of about 54 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Total elevation gain… I don’t know…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, my “laps” got a little hosed up but
below is a quick table with what I showed for the distances from one aid
station to the next on my watch as well as with the 10% adder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 417px;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 6058; mso-width-source: userset; width: 142pt;" width="142"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 4522; mso-width-source: userset; width: 106pt;" width="106"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 4266; mso-width-source: userset; width: 100pt;" width="100"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 2944; mso-width-source: userset; width: 69pt;" width="69"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" colspan="4" height="15" style="height: 15pt; text-align: center; width: 417pt;" width="417"><u>Cloudland
Canyon 50 Miler</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" colspan="4" height="15" style="height: 15pt; text-align: center;"><u>Saturday, January
10, 2015</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u>Aid
Stations<br />
(<span class="font5" style="color: red;">Crew Access</span><span class="font0">)</span></u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>Suunto Leg Miles</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>Leg Miles +10%</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>Total Miles</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red;">Start</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">0</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">0</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">0</span></u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u>#1 - Hwy 189</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>5.7</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>6.27</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>6.27</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red;">#2 - Ascalon</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">8.1</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">8.91</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">15.18</span></u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u>#3 - Five
Points</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>7.5</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>8.25</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>23.43</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red;">#4 - Ascalon</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">2.8</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">3.08</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">26.51</span></u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u>#5 - Hwy 189</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>8.1</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>8.91</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>35.42</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red;">#6 - Group
Shelter</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">4.7</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">5.17</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">40.59</span></u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u>#7 - Sitton's
Gulch</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>8.9</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>9.79</u></td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u>50.38</u></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="15" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;"><u><span style="color: red;">Finish</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">3.3</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">3.63</span></u></td>
<td class="xl66" style="border-left: none; border-top: none;"><u><span style="color: red;">54.01</span></u></td>
</tr>
<!--EndFragment-->
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Until the next race,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nathan Holland<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2014 Rock/Creek Race Team</span></span></span>Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-15349826834249903232014-12-24T17:51:00.001-05:002015-01-27T16:50:39.388-05:002014 Lookout Mountain 50 Mile - Too Long to Read!<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Lookout Mountain 50 Mile<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Saturday, December 20, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Background:</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
first ran Lookout Mountain 50 Mile race in 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That race was the culmination of my first
full year of trail and ultra races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of my best friends, and the guy who got me addicted to trail running, Josh Cole
had wanted to run all of the Salomon <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a> Trail Series Races and I
decided to give it a shot in 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
missed out on the first two races in the series at that time, R/C River Gorge
10.2 Mile and R/C Scenic City Trail Marathon due to a bicycle accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I was able to experience the rest of
the races in the series and finish the year with my first 50 mile race…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved #LM50… Well, I hated and loved it
because I hurt, like couldn’t hardly walk kind of hurt, for about three weeks
after that 2012 race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That race taught
me a LOT about the importance of patience for that kind of distance and also my
most useful ultra-mantra… “If I’m hiking, I’m eating or drinking.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to get overly frustrated when I would
have to slow to hike/walk and felt like I was loosing so much time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’ve learned to anticipate those
hike-able sections and make the most of those opportunities to get in some more
calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those hiking-calories are
worth their weight in gold during the later stages of an ultra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished the 2012 #LM50 in 8:56:27 and was
immediately jonesing to run it again the next year with a goal to break
8-hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQg3-6ZEN7ZpJuh0VEZfAJgdiOTK-_yN-m-9y3ys-UCKe1ycBmeOY4OW43Yn0yJJpkknRoa0uclJkdVgE0mh1nF_q9N4zJSMyq518uWTX1FHor4_13ATmD1PmGYAx3r-iwy-5IGPWn6Y/s1600/Lookout+50+-+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQg3-6ZEN7ZpJuh0VEZfAJgdiOTK-_yN-m-9y3ys-UCKe1ycBmeOY4OW43Yn0yJJpkknRoa0uclJkdVgE0mh1nF_q9N4zJSMyq518uWTX1FHor4_13ATmD1PmGYAx3r-iwy-5IGPWn6Y/s1600/Lookout+50+-+2013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In
2013 I was able to compete in the entire Salomon R/C Race Series and I gave
#LM50 another go that December… Well, I’m sure anyone who was around for the
2013 Lookout Mountain (</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kBZE9Aan9o" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2013 Video</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">) remembers how fantastic the running conditions
were that year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rain and cold
weather predictions that were in the forecast for this year’s 2014 run were
what we experienced for the first 2-3 hours of the 2013 race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cold rain, slippery conditions and my
failure to stay on course around mile 23 resulted in a few extra miles and a
2013 finish time of 8:10:58.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy
to have improved my time and really enjoyed the day but still wanted that sub
8-hour finish time…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, God willing
I would give it another go in 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2014
has been a pretty amazing running year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m so thankful for the running community that God lead me too and I’m
so grateful to have such wonderful support from my family, friends, Rock/Creek,
Wild Trails, and so many others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
like any good ultra I’ve experienced plenty of highs and lows throughout this
year’s races and was looking forward to try and break 8-hours on #LM50.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
was coming off of my 50k PR at <a href="http://runningwithn8.blogspot.com/2014/11/upchuck-50k-saturday-november-8-2014.html" target="_blank">Upchuck</a> and feeling great, well mentally I was feeling great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body was hurting and my legs felt like
someone had run over them a few times with their car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier in 2014 I was fortunate enough to
gain the friendship of my buddy </span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Daniel Hamilton</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> and he really helped give me some good
recovery tips and has been a real asset for giving me some direction on my
haphazard training regimen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I doubt
there are many of you that don’t know Daniel and his passion for running… he’s
a great guy and a huge advocate for the sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After about a week off my legs were feeling slightly better and I slowly
got back into it so that I could try and get after that sub-8 goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it was toward the end of November
when another good friend of mine </span><a href="http://rootsrated.com/stories/qa-nashville-runner-cody-goodwin" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cody Goodwin</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, a Nashville celebrity who
had just destroyed the Upchuck 50k course record, shot me message about the
possibly of also running #LM50… To paraphrase the conversation… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cody - “Odds are good that I’ll see you at
Lookout, at least to see you tear off into the woods”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me - “Awesome, and yeah right… I don’t think you’ll
ever have to worry about that”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cody - “The CR (~6:52) for that one looks
attainable, we could work together to tackle it”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in my mind</i>)
- (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yeah, I can’t do that…</i>) “Haha, I
love it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me think about it and I’ll
let you know”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cody - “I’ll be honest, it will be risky”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me - “That’s alright, without risk there’s no chance
at reward”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cody - “Ok, no commitment, we can talk
about it more and get a plan together”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me - “Alright, I’ll let you know man”<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cody - “Even if we don’t run together, you
need to push for it”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Me (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in my mind</i>)
- (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seriously?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t go after that by myself… could I?</i>) "Yeah, I'll think about it"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Well,
that little bit of back and forth with Cody got me thinking and gave me just
enough confidence to at least look at the course and make an aggressive plan to
see what might be possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I sat
down with a the elevation profile, my previous time for each section and broke
down each section from aid station-to-aid station and built a LM50 Strategy
Spreadsheet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to think about each
section with the thought of ideal conditions, ideal nutrition through the first
~30 miles and then what I would be capable of without completely blowing
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trudged through the entire course
with no expectations other than to see what the final estimated completion time
was… Low and behold it came out to ~6:51, about 30 seconds under the existing
CR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still didn’t think it was
possible, but I went on and sent it over to Cody to check it out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A few weeks passed by and about
a week before the race I got some news that Cody probably wouldn’t be able to
make to the race due to some unforeseen reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, the weather for Saturday’s adventure
was really shaping up to be terrible; i.e. lows in the mid-30’s, high’s only in
the low-40’s and a 100% chance of rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sub-8 hours was looking to be problematic again, let alone anything
faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Thankfully </span>God has a pretty funny sense of
humor, because almost immediately after I accepted the fact that it was just
going to be a long cold wet race day the weather improved significantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, only a small prediction of
rain for late Friday evening and the temps were shown to get into the low-50’s. Thanks Eric Loffland for holding steadfast to your race day weather predictions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thinking
about Cody’s words of encouragement, the successes and failures (aka learning
opportunities) I’d had over the past two years I made a decision to at least be open to going out hard for this race if I felt good Saturday morning. I didn't ask God to help me achieve my goal, but to let me enjoy the experience and I trusted Him to take care
of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, the conversation I had with
my wife and my family/crew was a little different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve seen me in some pretty bad places
before and have seen the results of my bad days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my Mom and friends keep my medicine
cabinet stocked with IV bags and other medicine to help me recover from those
really bad days that’s doesn't go over too well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were already savvy about the
conversation Cody and I had begun a few weeks earlier and knew that it was at
least on my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew they would give me some solid advice and I was glad to take it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Race Day:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I woke up to find that the ground was
slightly damp from a small rain storm that must have rolled through that
evening and temperatures in the upper-30’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My wife and daughters weren’t going to be up there to help crew this
race since there were only a limited number of “crew-accessible” aid stations
so I made sure to steal as many kisses as I could before I left that
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully my Dad and
Step-Mom were still going to be out there crewing for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m 100% honest when I tell you that they’re
more pumped about my runs than I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’re excitement about the races is enough to get anyone jazzed up to
go run 50 miles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We swung by and picked up Josh as today was going to be
his first 50-miler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was super pumped
for him because I knew how much he was going to enjoy the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
Lookout Mountain 10k and 50-miler both start and finish at the Covenant College
Campus on top of Lookout Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
50 mile race begins at 7:30 AM treating runners to a beautiful early morning views as they
run along Lookout’s historic Bluff Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is just enough light so that runners won’t need to fool with any
lights to get through the first 15-20 minutes before there is an abundance of
daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 10k runners begin at 8:00
AM allowing the 50-milers to get out and on their way before they fly out of
the starting shoot for their quick romp through the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my liability waiver signed, my bib
number pinned to my shorts and my Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts packed to the
max I was ready to get down to the starting line to say some hellos and get
going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw friends from Chattanooga, Nashville,
Huntsville, Tri-Cities, and plenty of other places. Everyone was abuzz with
joy over the great weather we had for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before we knew it the time had come to gather around the starting shoot
and let the day’s adventure begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up
until this time I really hadn’t made a decision about going out hard or just
taking it easy…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About that time I saw my new friend Mike
Conkel and grabbed a quick handshake/hug and wished him best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a young guy who’s going to be destroying
the ultra-scene in 2015 and something about seeing the excitement on his face
for his first 50-miler made me feel like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>throwing caution to the wind and going out hard from the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured I had already had a pretty successful
running year and if I blew up then I could suffer through and still feel good about the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The count down began… 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Covenant College-to-Cravens (8.5
miles):</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m6t9MsRotV0ZQKi9dRBP2E7yRW9qc1cIHwJDxy7XoFwG_xZBFhvWKZmKlW1efieqYqElZBQBp7A9ovNiKa3kUe5YGQ27varxvUy1obTG1k6eLYqrty4cevjHphEnYNYqGDTaB80VUHw/s1600/LM50-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m6t9MsRotV0ZQKi9dRBP2E7yRW9qc1cIHwJDxy7XoFwG_xZBFhvWKZmKlW1efieqYqElZBQBp7A9ovNiKa3kUe5YGQ27varxvUy1obTG1k6eLYqrty4cevjHphEnYNYqGDTaB80VUHw/s1600/LM50-1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming
out of the shoot I jumped in with two other guys and we literally about
trampled the mountain biker who was supposed to be leading all the runners
around the back of the campus to the beginning of the single track trail. Once the mountain biker realized we weren't going
for some leisurely stroll in the park he kicked it into high gear and got out
front. I fell in with Mike and one other tall lanky fellow. Turns out
this guy was Harvey Lewis, pretty awesome guy!
Record holder for longest distance in 24-hours, the winner of the 2014
Badwater 135 Mile Race, a whole bunch of other really impressive stuff, and one
heck of nice guy. The start carries
runners around the road to the back of the campus and down to a left hand
turn onto a small single track path that takes you down to the Bluff Trail. This little path can be
treacherous due to the poor morning light, heavy leaf coverage and loose
footing so it’s best to give yourself a little distance if you’re running in a
pack. Harvey was leading Mike and I into
this section and I was trying my best to not eat it this early in the race and I looked up to see that Harvey had missed a slight right turn down to the main trail. A quick yell that the turn was to the right
and he corrected himself and fell right back in behind Mike and me.
Once onto the main trail the leaf coverage significantly reduced. I would describe this single track as a nice 4-foot wide trail allowing for plenty of room to pass and
is all quite runnable despite the rocks. About
1.5 miles into the run the trail drops out on the edge of the bluff and you’re
greeted with the most beautiful views. Feeling good I kept the pace high since I
knew this first section down to Aid #1 would be relatively fast. The Bluff Trail is about as technical as it
gets all day. The trail stays 4-foot
wide or so the entire way and has the best views around. These 4+ miles
will have you running on the edge of 60-foot high bluffs and under
equally as high cliffs above. The rocks
strewn across the trails are easily runnable but require all of your attention
and can lead to some pretty serious injuries if you’re not paying attention. I generally say a
few prayers for everyone through this section. The 2014 course was different than the 2013 course which was altered due to a massive rock slide. You come to a quick 3-4 switchback descent to
turn right around and climb 5-6 switchbacks twice as high as you just descended... it's a good lung buster.
Eventually you’ll make your way down to a forest service road
that runs down to Craven’s House and Aid #1. The map showed this as 6.3 miles, but I
believe it’s closer to 8.5 miles with the course changed back to include most
of the Mountain Beautiful Trail. Coming
down to this aid station I looked around and didn’t see anyone. I had been running by myself now since
around 2 miles and figured that someone would probably catch up with me
shortly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My nutrition plan for this race was really
pretty simple; every 1/2 hour energy blocks, every 1 hour one whole banana, every 1 hour drink one bottle of <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html" target="_blank">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem mix</a>, and sip plain water,
coke, and whatever other food sounded good.
So, coming into the aid station I asked about a banana and… that was a
big negative. Oh well, grabbed some
water and kept on rolling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Craven’s House-to-Nature
Center (6.3 miles): <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpJwwYC81Pu_opSz2xvK4Cbs7B8Ntuo63kFjmpk12bBLDyU9oxChuvCrMDzP6ztzQqZVu4IunwYKFxchEIPl6UJuRS-S5-qorbP-wXjUPFQy6Yth56YbspWikfi4Oi9jI3Sf_mv-FKQA/s1600/LM50-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpJwwYC81Pu_opSz2xvK4Cbs7B8Ntuo63kFjmpk12bBLDyU9oxChuvCrMDzP6ztzQqZVu4IunwYKFxchEIPl6UJuRS-S5-qorbP-wXjUPFQy6Yth56YbspWikfi4Oi9jI3Sf_mv-FKQA/s1600/LM50-7.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Leaving
Aid #1 runners get back onto a nice wide single track for the next 1.5-miles down to another forest service road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section of the course has a lot of downhill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are only a few very small climbs toward
the bottom of the mountain but is definitely a place to make some very fast
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Once on the forest service road runners continue for about</span> 2.0-miles down to the Jura
Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jura is a true single track that
rolls nice and easy for the next mile down to another intersection where
runners pick back up another forest service road and continue down to the foot
of the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This second section of
forest service road is very leaf covered so mind each step for loose
footing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite being all downhill this
section of the race is actually quite nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not so steep that your quads feel trashed after bombing down the
last few miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once at the bottom
runners make their way over to the edge of the creek running along the
bottom of the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll quickly
realize that it doesn’t take a lot of rain for this rather large creek to run
over the banks and flood the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily for us, the water was still a foot or so below the shore line so
no wading through calf-high water this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before I knew it I was coming up on Aid #2 (14.8 miles).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kris Whorton was there and immediately asked
what I needed and how I was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Told
her I was doing well and could really use a banana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me the warmest smile, a banana,
filled my water flask, and cheered me on as I left just as quickly as I came.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Nature Center-to-Covenant
College (7.7 miles):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">About a 0.5-mile from Aid #2 runners are
treated to a quick 500-foot climb up the 0.75-mile long Blue Beaver Trail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I put in a hard effort up the Blue Beaver climb and once I reached Skuyka I laid off a little to recover and take in some calories. </span>Then roughly 2-miles later down the Skyuka
Spring Trail runners begin the biggest climb of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is about a 1,200-foot climb in a 2-mile long
section up the John Smart Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
climb is broken up into almost two perfectly even 1-mile sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was planning on putting in hard effort on this climb as I know it well and figured I could recover after reaching the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that I needed to be through the Aid #3
(22.5 miles) in less than 3-hours but couldn’t remember how much
climbing/distance I still had once I got to the top of the 2-mile John Smart
climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I've always felt like the</span> first 1-mile climb of John Smart is the
hardest so I focused on completing this climb. There are only
3-4 switchbacks and I generally try to run all of this climb with the exception of those switchbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the top of this
first 1-mile climb the trail flattens out for just a few hundred feet before
starting another 1-mile climb back up toward the Bluff Trail and Jackson Spring
Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section is still pretty
tough but isn’t quite as steep and has a lot more beautiful features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some amazing rock lines and some
pretty good views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section only
has a few switchbacks and once you hit those you’ll know you’re almost finished with the John Smart climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Runners hang a hard right onto the Jackson Springs Trail that will take them the
last couple of miles up to Aid #3 at the start/finish area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section is no walk in the park and still
has some climbing but is relatively easy compared to what you just
climbed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking off of the side of the
trail I could see part of the John Smart climb below and figured I would see
someone climbing the trail, but to my surprise I was still running alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming
into the aid station I looked at my watch and saw that I was well under my pace,
only ~2:40 had elapsed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been
thinking of nothing but the restroom for the last 45-minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty funny to hear
Randy on the speaker as I was making my way toward the start/finish line… “Here
comes the first place runner… and… and there he goes… to the restrooms.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All followed by lots of laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, despite what Cary thinks, I was not met
by an uproar and pandemonium like he thought in his ever so funny </span><a href="http://hotwingrunner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">race report</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a
much needed 3-4 minutes restroom break I found my family/crew at the
aid station and grabbed a handful of supplies and took off again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Randy shared a few hundred yards with me
checking to see how I was feeling and checking to make sure I was eating and
drinking properly… Randy’s ultra-mantra “eat more than you think you need!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Covenant College-to-Lula Lake
(7.4 miles):</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
trail heading down to Lula Lake aid station is a pretty runnable double track
trail that consists of quite a few downhill rollers, a short power line section and a few decent creek crossings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With some careful steps and choice routes you
can manage to cross these creeks without getting your feet wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After roughly 4-5 miles of the rolling double
track I finally made my way to the road crossing that brings you into the Lula
Lake Property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My crew was here to see
me as I passed and they let me know that I had roughly 15-minutes on the second
place runner at mile 22.5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually do
a pretty good job of just running my own race but I’ve found that anytime you’re out front it’s very hard not to feel some added pressure to maintain that position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So, </span>I decided to just focus on the sections of trails coming and try not to worry about
what was happening behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
crossing the small foot bridge at the Lula Lake parking area I could have swore
that I was going the wrong way…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came
across the bridge and hung a right going the opposite way from where I knew the
next aid station was located.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> However, I was pretty confident that I didn't miss any flagging and a</span>bout 0.5-mile
down the trail I got my bearings back and remembered that this was the correct
way. The trail would soon climb about halfway up the ridge line before
doubling back toward the Lula Lake aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This section of trail has a few good small climbs but rewards you with
some nice rolling single track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming
into Aid #4 (29.9 miles) I was pretty pumped for the upcoming section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This aid station was filled with some of the
best characters of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grabbing
some water for my bottle, a banana and some oranges I kept on moving despite
the urge to take a few minutes and enjoy the good company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Lula Lake-to-Long Branch (4.1
miles):<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e6NSDN7BbdwMrv27lYtCiB1n5EO8FbuwqcSOzI-8CFlGTbhZfC8c6iIG5Mcj_iqaoEZytoI1yQZx8KeDPFXmChpe4OpvTx2K-nF5dm_4TMRYtgMefZDnvdhlyI0BYPiFuWBDA9BAUeU/s1600/LM50-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e6NSDN7BbdwMrv27lYtCiB1n5EO8FbuwqcSOzI-8CFlGTbhZfC8c6iIG5Mcj_iqaoEZytoI1yQZx8KeDPFXmChpe4OpvTx2K-nF5dm_4TMRYtgMefZDnvdhlyI0BYPiFuWBDA9BAUeU/s1600/LM50-9.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One
of the best features at Lula Lake is the beautiful water fall that is located
just past the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back
over your left shoulder is a gorgeous cascading water fall that’s definitely
worth the time to stop and enjoy the view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After stealing a quick look at the falls I glanced at my watch to
see that I was still on pace. The real fun begins about a 0.5-mile past the aid station as you get back onto the single track and begin the steep climb up to the ridge line. This climb consist of 4-5 steep switchbacks and some roped climbs to aid
in scrambling up the rock faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For anyone familiar with the Chattanooga Stage Race they'll know this climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once past the roped climb I decided to take a
few minutes to hike and scarf down the banana that I had grabbed at the aid
station below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I was falling
behind on my calories and that's never a good thing with still roughly 20-miles to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I finished off the banana the single track
opened up to the super-wide double track trail that slowly climbs the ridge
line for the next 1.5-miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views
off of the ridge really brought me some good vibes and I found running this
climb pretty easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t flying, but
knew that I was still making good time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the top of the ridge runners hang a hard right hand turn and bomb
down toward the F4 trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The F4 trail connects the Lula Lake Property
over to the Long Branch Property and has had a lot of trail work over the past
few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trail was damaged pretty
heavily during the 2011 tornado that passed through the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once through the F4 connector trail you jump
on the road for a short 0.25-mile run down to the Aid #5 (34.0 miles).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to see my family again at this
aid station and they quickly got me some puree chicken noodle soup and a fresh water bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed a shot of coke and
told them a few things I would probably grab when I came back through in about
4-miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad jogged with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>me for a minute and said that I was still
about 15-minutes in front of the next runner but that I had fallen about
5-minutes off my pace chart…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, I would see what I could do during
the Long Branch Loop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Long Branch-to-Long Branch
(4.5 miles):<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Oh,
Long Branch Loop… you’re always more difficult than I choose to remember. When I looked at the elevation profile for this section I didn’t give any credit for the difficulty of the twisty
and windy trail system that makes up the last 2-miles of this 4.5-mile
loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like many others, this 4.5-mile
loop were the hardest miles of the entire race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pushed when I could and hiked/ate when I needed a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The climbs in this section are relatively
small compared to the rest of the race but nonetheless, I was struggling
mentally and physically through this section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tripped a few times through the tight-twisty trails that are strewn
full of rocks and roots reaching out to grab runners feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making up my lost 5-minutes was slowly
slipping away as I fought through to complete this loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep, as I came back out from the loop toward
Aid #6 (38.5 miles) I looked at my watch and realized I had lost an additional
15-minutes or so. Now, I was looking at almost a 20-minute deficit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling a little low and wasn’t in the
mood to eat or drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, my crew did exactly
what I needed and forced me to take more food and drink with me than I
wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Long Branch-to-Lula Lake (4.1
miles):<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As I
set out from this aid station I was battling the urge to just stop eating
completely but knew that I needed the calories if I wanted to hold off a really
bad bonk and have any kind of energy to finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t think I ever realized how much stronger the mind is than body
until I witnessed my Wife's determinedness to have both of our children
drug-free and naturally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kind of
mental determination made me realize that a strong mind can force the body to follow suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made the
decision to eat and to make the most of my last 12-miles despite the low I was feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Because the course follows the same trails back to the finish I was at least mentally prepared for what I had left to finish. The other great thing about this return trip is that now I would get the opportunity to see some other runners. U</span>p until this point I hadn’t run “with”
anyone for the past 36-miles and was thoroughly looking forward to seeing some
friendly faces on the return trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A warm
smile and “good job” do more for the mind and body than anything during the later stages of a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To everyone that I saw
on my return trip I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the
encouragement and cheers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed them
more than you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I hope that
you’ll forgive me if I didn’t return the favor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried to do my best to return warm smiles and words of encouragement
but I’m sure that I missed a few of you and for that I apologize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After way more encouragement than I deserved
I finally found my way back down to Aid #7 (42.5 miles).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought the volunteers at this aid station were lively the first time I saw them and now they seemed to be bouncing off the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were in full
swing now… warm fire blazing, food and drinks abounding, and great cheers for
all the runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got some special reassurance
from my great friend Michael Scott… “You’ve only got like 6-miles to go, you
better run like Hell!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>quick chug of some Mountain Dew and a quick
double-take when someone yelled “Here’s second place," which was followed by a bunch of
laughter, I set back out to finish this last leg and hopefully finish strong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Lula Lake-to-Covenant College
“Finish” (7.5 miles):</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">According
to my watch I had managed to
maintain my goal pace for that previous 4-mile section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that with such a short distance to go
that I wouldn’t be able to achieve a course record time but knew that just
finishing strong would be great nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily the still steady stream of runners helped me keep the good pace and I was able to maintain my planned pace for the remainder of the
Lula Lake portion of the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I knew it I was back at the road crossing to get on the connector
trail that would carry me back up to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My crew was there again to give me an update
and cheer me on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They informed me that
coming off the Long Branch Loop that I was still around 15-minutes ahead and I finally
realized that I had a very strong likelihood of winning this race. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My crew also let me know that Katy and the
girls were already at the finish line and waiting on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a huge boost and really gave me a
shot of adrenaline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to finish
quickly to see my girls and hang out with my wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I wasn’t going to get the time I had
strategized with Cody, but I also knew that originally my goal had only been to
break 8-hours and that was almost a given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The climb back up to Covenant College is not all bad. There are a
few little kickers that can really knock the wind out of your sails but the rest is fairly runnable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, with as much resolution as I could muster
I found a good rhythm that kept me moving all the way back up the college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ydCtd5YzHTIcxw0P8zJez4DNPEDptFKgpZ56g1XeLj7gZlatqgDqIkkqFfYw7126RKg5e_2JY6h_G_-RYoCBtEhee2JOnYKdoZfjeh9GUQ12tctaZOq8L5GSSR_0cj6_4zzi_8Qc_Lw/s1600/LM50-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ydCtd5YzHTIcxw0P8zJez4DNPEDptFKgpZ56g1XeLj7gZlatqgDqIkkqFfYw7126RKg5e_2JY6h_G_-RYoCBtEhee2JOnYKdoZfjeh9GUQ12tctaZOq8L5GSSR_0cj6_4zzi_8Qc_Lw/s1600/LM50-3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I got within earshot of the finish line
festivities I got a little chill knowing that I was about to finally finish a
Rock/Creek race on top of the podium and almost an hour faster than my 50-mile
personal record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been fairly
successful in the Rock/Creek races but have never actually finished a
Rock/Creek race in first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
tackling both at the conclusion of a long 2014 running year was very
humbling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said more than a few prayers
thanking God for the safe day and for the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the finish was in view the only thing I
really focused on was my beautiful family and crew standing on the other side
to welcome and cheer me through the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZD0U5WGvfZsGmlKpIVSLJSeXtdnPRvPtG0UNvuX2EI8Hp-0biCW0oWGnos4hF6YWWKvl9vkn1K35BojROphsxmMrBtg0dmfhkqrjHW-KTZNssHXSgJ5lVGjtqOtkwKCTcNfQv9NzmqE/s1600/LM50-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZD0U5WGvfZsGmlKpIVSLJSeXtdnPRvPtG0UNvuX2EI8Hp-0biCW0oWGnos4hF6YWWKvl9vkn1K35BojROphsxmMrBtg0dmfhkqrjHW-KTZNssHXSgJ5lVGjtqOtkwKCTcNfQv9NzmqE/s1600/LM50-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Gratitude:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro7VlqYEXyuGmB04pKBWa-FN6fT0vIKfFRURC5Q5szTCYxyD8EQxV2FBbzxPYzie4eQ1LJdmfVVBe1ifkI80Nll1eWqvEWgovbAMyvITt9DdIdK9iEz15YbNhFWJoEdh3RYkSwY-36eE/s1600/LM50-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro7VlqYEXyuGmB04pKBWa-FN6fT0vIKfFRURC5Q5szTCYxyD8EQxV2FBbzxPYzie4eQ1LJdmfVVBe1ifkI80Nll1eWqvEWgovbAMyvITt9DdIdK9iEz15YbNhFWJoEdh3RYkSwY-36eE/s1600/LM50-4.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDU6FbTXMsg4XWG2X4WtBr3g80d9Qohq2pF_chjNvfZdWfg5n7piYAen68m1z7Pfd7T_Pci4igV5FTNWRzqniLKqqYtitRQfLRhyoPZVBIFsqugzQOajNEeRbSFHQJrp-Gvh2WsC0rd4/s1600/LM50-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDU6FbTXMsg4XWG2X4WtBr3g80d9Qohq2pF_chjNvfZdWfg5n7piYAen68m1z7Pfd7T_Pci4igV5FTNWRzqniLKqqYtitRQfLRhyoPZVBIFsqugzQOajNEeRbSFHQJrp-Gvh2WsC0rd4/s1600/LM50-5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m
extremely thankful for God keeping everyone safe and for helping
give me the strength to end 2014 with a strong race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of
my beautiful family; Katy, Heidi and Harlow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you for putting up with my running and supporting me in these
adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Dad and Step-Mom for
crewing me and getting me generally pumped up about every running
adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A huge thank you to the race
personnel and all of the volunteers who made #LM50 possible. Thank you for
<a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a> allowing me to represent you this year and for providing me some
pretty awesome Patagonia race gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cody,
thank you for having that confidence in me to go after #LM50… the CR didn’t
fall this year but I look forward to another attempt in years to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel and Josh, thank you guys for all
you’ve done for me too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A huge thank you
to my new found trail running friends (too many to list).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The experiences we share during these
adventures is something I will cherish for eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m completely honest when I say that the
conversations and time spent cheering on finishers throughout the remainder of
the day was by far more fun than any aspect of the entire race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The comradery in the trail running community
is what makes these events so special and for that I’m thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Congratulations
to everyone who participated in the Lookout Mountain 10k & 50-Mile events,
finishers and non-finishers alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
getting out there and taking that first step is an accomplishment that will
inspire so many others to do the same and that’s the greatest achievement of
all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Gear: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Air Flow Shir</span></a> & Strider Pro Shorts, <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914"><span style="color: blue;">Smartwool PhD Graduated Compression Socks</span></a>, <a href="http://shop.pearlizumi.com/index.php"><span style="color: blue;">Pearl Izumi Thermal Sleeves</span></a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/xt-wings-glove-wp.html"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon XT Wings Gloves</span></a>, <o:p></o:p></span><a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/"><span style="color: blue;">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</span></a>, <a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/quick-grip/d/1001"><span style="color: blue;">Camelbak Handheld Bottle</span></a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-sense-3-ultra.html"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon Sense 3 Ultra Shoes</span></a>, <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a> & <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">7:14:47 (50-Mile PR), 1st Place<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2014 Races<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Distance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Date<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Place<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Time<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mt. Cheaha<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">50.0 km<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">02/22/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5:03:33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Savage Gulf Marathon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">26.2 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">03/15/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4:22:47<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Fall Creek Falls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">50.0 km<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">03/16/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4:36:30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C River Gorge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10.2 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">03/22/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1:12:49<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C Scenic City Trail
Marathon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">26.2 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">04/26/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2:54:33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C Thunder Rock 100<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">100.0 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">05/16/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">DNF<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C Chattanooga Mountains
Stage Race - Day 1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">18.0 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">06/13/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2:08:46<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C Chattanooga Mountains
Stage Race - Day 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">22.0 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">06/14/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2:34:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C Chattanooga Mountains
Stage Race - Day 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">20.0 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">06/15/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2:58:57<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C Chattanooga Mountains
Stage Race - Overall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">60.0 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">06/15/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7:41:53<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C Still Hollow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">13.0 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">08/09/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1:30:31<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C StumpJump<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">50.0 km<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10/04/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4:54:25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">PTS Pinhoti 100<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">100.0 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">11/01/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">20:36:02<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C Upchuck<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">50.0 km<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">11/08/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4:36:19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 15; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="bottom"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">R/C Lookout Mountain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">50.0 mi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">12/20/14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7:14:47<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Until
2015,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Nathan
D. Holland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2014
Rock/Creek Race Team</span><o:p></o:p></span>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IimCBHomoWU%2FVJr8kgUZXkI%2FAAAAAAAAAGg%2Fc50SoU6I9ns%2Fs1600%2FLM50-5.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDU6FbTXMsg4XWG2X4WtBr3g80d9Qohq2pF_chjNvfZdWfg5n7piYAen68m1z7Pfd7T_Pci4igV5FTNWRzqniLKqqYtitRQfLRhyoPZVBIFsqugzQOajNEeRbSFHQJrp-Gvh2WsC0rd4/s1600/LM50-5.jpg" -->Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-53670704573570397552014-11-29T00:28:00.002-05:002015-01-27T16:51:10.945-05:002014 Upchuck 50k - No Chuck UpChuck<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Upchuck 50k</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Saturday, November 8, 2014</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Race Details:</span></b> Man, oh man… what an
Upchuck! Upchuck is always a memorable
experience and one of those small and challenging races that truly embraces the
ultra running experience at it’s simplicity.
Runners won’t find loads of swag here or pre-race bags stuffed full of
useless flyers and junk. Runners get a
basic cotton t-shirt and a white paper barf bag with one gel and a few choice
stickers. Heck, my favorite part of the
race is that runners won’t even find a racing bib and definitely no fancy
timing chip. You can expect a sharpie
marker to any exposed skin for your number and the most sophisticated timing
system known to man, each runner must write their name and time on a tri-fold
white board after slapping the infamous trashcan at the finish. This race prides itself on no frills, scarce
course markings and very minimal support.
There are two official aid stations at miles 8 and 18, and if you’re
lucky there is another around 26 miles, but it’s more like an emergency
water-only aid station for those who have fallen victim to the relentless
beating the course delivers. A history
of the race can be found <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/upchuck.rco#." target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">here</span></a> as well as a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-eiIIzOqfg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">video</span></a> account from the founders, Chad Wamack and Matt
Sims.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For
anyone that knows me, they know that Upchuck has long been my favorite
Rock/Creek run and probably my favorite trail race period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This course offers some awesome single track
along the Cumberland Trail, has plenty of technical running and some relatively
big climbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing that really makes
Upchuck so difficult is that the early November weather always brings lots and
lots of leaf coverage that really makes spotting a good runnable line tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s something about spotting trail blazes
20-30 yards out, putting your head down and trying to run a tough technical
section without wiping out in the rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It adds another element of risk that makes the experience all that more
memorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All runners can expect to run
off course a handful of times throughout the race… hopefully you just realize
it before you’ve gone too far!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I
was kind of on the fence about signing up for the 2014 Upchuck since I had made
the decision to run the Pinhoti 100-mile race the weekend before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when I saw that Upchuck was a raffle
for 2014, I really wanted to put my name in the hat to see if I got drawn. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone with two or more previous Upchuck finishes
were placed into one drawing and anyone with less than this were placed into a
second drawing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew my chances were
pretty good considering I had two Upchuck finishes and so I told myself and my wife
that if I got drawn I would just treat it as an easy recovery run following
Pinhoti.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Well,
following my Pinhoti finish I was feeling pretty stoked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been itching to complete a 100-miler
since my DNF at <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a>'s Thunder Rock 100-miler early this year and had put
all my focus on getting that under my belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With so much attention on the 100-miler I really hadn’t put much thought
into Upchuck and honestly figured my legs and body would be pretty shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming off Pinhoti my right ankle and lower shin
was very inflamed and sore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to
run on the Wednesday following Pinhoti but I made it 1-mile before having to
stop because of the inability to bend my right foot…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I figured with a couple more days of rest
and an ankle brace I might be good enough to hobble through a finish for Upchuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my two previous Upchucks I had tried to
break 5-hours but had fallen short both times. So I picked up an ankle brace
Thursday night and tried running around the store to see how it felt… It wasn’t
terrible so I figured I was golden for Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck I figured I might as well give that sub
5-hour goal another shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs really
felt pretty good with the exception of my right ankle but I figured with the
new ankle brace and a lot or prayers I could probably run through any leg/ankle
pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Friday
evening was the start of the Upchuck experience with a pre-race meeting at one
of the “Upchuck Founder’s” home, followed by a dinner downtown with some of
Huntsville, Nashville and other Tennesseans finest trail runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharing some laughs and stories with these
friends is always the best part of any race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After everyone was fed and sore from a couple hours of laughter we all
set off to find some rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Runners
gather Saturday morning at the finish area to start the pre-race shenanigans. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This includes barf bag pickup, sharpie bib
numbers and getting loaded onto the school bus to be shuttled to the starting
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RayJay, the hillbilly prisoner is
what makes the bus ride so hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RayJay
rattles off everyone’s name to makes sure they’re checked in, warns everyone
about his redneck kin that live in the Soddy Daisy hills and makes sure to
embarrass everyone who’s turned out to run for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a 20-minute bus ride everyone arrives
at the Rock Creek Trailhead for the 8 AM start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Gathering
around the parking lot for the start I found myself standing near my Nashville
friend Cody Goodwin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cody and I had
chatted a little before the bus ride and I asked him if he was going for the
course record today…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that he had
finished this race two years ago and only missed the course record by a few
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t really say one way or
another, but I knew that Cody was a strong runner and was very capable of
breaking the record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With everyone ready
to run, Chad climbed onto the roof of some random car, snapped 1-2 pictures of
the group, looked at the time on his phone, and yelled, “Go!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzj0Vr6aWyOIRaYhLkGdXZLgxQbdMKKHrRoFEdwOsQVzM4PATcugMptzWoE4T5SxImzVQJSBbBMPPoP3-SZ2HwB_0-0A8Z-yI45T0OzYedgZDjXLm5FydBhcE_4QU1DSBI260ly7058s/s1600/IMG_5418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzj0Vr6aWyOIRaYhLkGdXZLgxQbdMKKHrRoFEdwOsQVzM4PATcugMptzWoE4T5SxImzVQJSBbBMPPoP3-SZ2HwB_0-0A8Z-yI45T0OzYedgZDjXLm5FydBhcE_4QU1DSBI260ly7058s/s1600/IMG_5418.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Reuben Watkins Photography</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A
few 100-feet down the asphalt and we took a hard right onto the blue-blazed
single track for the next couple of miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I fell in right behind Cody and figured I would sit there for a bit and
see how the pace felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well… it didn’t
take long to realize that Cody was on a mission and I wasn’t going to be able
to hang on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, about a mile into the
race I was already running alone and was trying to find a groove that didn’t
irritate my ankle/leg too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere
in the first couple of miles I came across a life-sized grim reaper mannequin
standing beside a tree and as I passed a voice asked if we had started the race
on time… I’m not going to lie; it scarred the crap out of me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheridan Aims, was out there cheering/scaring
on the runners before starting his grim sweeper duties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheridan runs sweep for Upchuck every year,
the Grim Sweeper, and starts 1-hour after the race start and if he catches you
before the 18-mile aid station you are done for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not that he’s out there trying to run
people down but more to make sure that everyone makes it off the trail safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a brutal course and getting stuck out
on the course in the dark is not good for anyone…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to running… the first 6-miles are a
pretty consistent climb and are littered with technical rocky sections to throw
off your pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling really
pretty good on the uphill and flat sections, but the downhill’s were giving me
some trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually let my legs fly
and really stride out my downhill runs but today my ankle really wasn’t
handling that too well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere around
mile 6 or so I finally heard some leaves rustling behind me and realized I had
picked up some company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael Barlow,
from Aspen, Colorado had joined me for the next couple of miles up to Aid #1
(8mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the climb tops out at
approximately 6-miles, the trail turns to a very soft, pine needle covered
trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a nice break from the rocks
and a good time to get some calories in before hitting the first aid station.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU03JUhn66ZVgz0NkP8gU-fXCHF309bmDoPmz_HC8bEUfoizSul2LFVQYKT2_7GP1MSDQet7AFwNMSdM7YX-zYmw5dEKQterDVtHwWCwBBxh-CDdgi0hu5GkE0aE3DP1MOmRQc064XNtk/s1600/IMG_5416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU03JUhn66ZVgz0NkP8gU-fXCHF309bmDoPmz_HC8bEUfoizSul2LFVQYKT2_7GP1MSDQet7AFwNMSdM7YX-zYmw5dEKQterDVtHwWCwBBxh-CDdgi0hu5GkE0aE3DP1MOmRQc064XNtk/s1600/IMG_5416.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Reuben Watkins</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming
into Aid #1 I decided to ditch my light jacket and handheld bottle. My family/crew were meeting me here and I had
planned on grabbing my hydration pack so I would be able to carry plenty of
food and drink to get me the next 10-miles to Aid #2. With everything already stuffed into my pack
I barely even missed a step as I made my way across the road and back onto the
trail. The first year I ran Upchuck
(2012), I didn’t make it 1/4-mile past Aid #1 before blowing chunks all over
the trail… my first real Upchuck experience in any trail race… and it definitely
wasn’t my last “upchuck” in a race either.
The next roughly 5-miles of trail are pretty much all downhill with a
good mix of pine needle covered double track, some short quick climbs and some
rocky, leaf covered descent down into Possum Creek. After dropping down into Possum Creek there
is a nice steep 500-600 foot climb out of the gorge. By this point I was again running by myself,
Michael had pulled away from me around mile 10 and was off to try and catch
Cody. I had fell back into a nice pace
and was enjoying the trail and my level of effort. I was working fairly hard but not so much
that I ever felt that I was on the verge of blowing up. My nutrition was actually going very
well. Like most endurance athletes I
have had my fair share of stomach issues and have struggled through many puking
rallies mid-race. Recently I made the
decision to try a combination of two fairly successful nutrition methods for
me. I’ve tried all energy products; i.e.
gels, gummy blocks, etc. and have ended up throwing all of that up mid-race or
unable to eat anymore because of the strong energy product flavors not sitting
well in my gut. I’ve also tried only all
natural items; i.e. apples, bananas, oranges, nuts, etc. but usually feel that
I’m not getting enough from those items alone and end up bonking pretty hard
after 3-3.5 hours. So, for this race I
thought I would try one whole banana at the top of each hours (~100 calories),
half a pack of energy blocks at the half-hour mark (~80 calories),
approximately 3-4 electrolyte tabs every 45 minutes, one bottle of Perpetuem (1
scoop = ~80 calories) every hour, and sips of plain water throughout. I’ve found that with the Perpetuem if I drink
plain water throughout the run as well it will keep me from getting dehydrated.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1PMdq6zQr0fX_s4A0iz0Um1077v4z_hr-dMAPuAKIT_dNttNAq7LG-YdZReaPYEtugRg7buBr_1X9teMS5VJr-Fy4Gh8MdJrsQ5P2r-UaM3YYbxDYuq1nhbYKNqGG9qBXr84DutKNMY/s1600/IMG_5421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1PMdq6zQr0fX_s4A0iz0Um1077v4z_hr-dMAPuAKIT_dNttNAq7LG-YdZReaPYEtugRg7buBr_1X9teMS5VJr-Fy4Gh8MdJrsQ5P2r-UaM3YYbxDYuq1nhbYKNqGG9qBXr84DutKNMY/s1600/IMG_5421.JPG" height="320" width="218" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Reuben Watkins Photography</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After
climbing out of Possum Creek runners get a quick downhill before the last
3-miles up toward the Aid #2 (18mi). This 3-mile section is pretty runnable but
is not very fast considering the steady climb up to the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This aid station comes out to a small side
road running parallel to Highway 111.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is the last “official” aid station and it’s important to grab
plenty of food and drink to make sure you have enough to make it the last
13-miles to the finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Runners leave
this aid station and run about 1/2-mile up the road to the Jones Gap Road Convenient
Store mentioned in the Upchuck history, then they will cross over the highway
and run down the off ramp heading the opposite way onto Hwy 111.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just before runners leave the exit ramp the
trail picks back up on the left side of the highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those that have never run Upchuck, my
best piece of advice is to make sure that you save some energy for this section
of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can make it to Aid
#2 and muster up enough energy to push a good pace for the next 5-miles you can
really make some good time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Miles 18-23
are very runnable and a lot of downhill with very little technical running to
throw off your rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In years past
I’ve never felt that I’ve done well on this section and haven’t been able to
take advantage of these easy miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, this year was different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Other than a bothersome ankle I really felt good and was able to pick up
my pace and make some really good time on this section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s important to make good time from
miles 18-23 because after this it gets really technical again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section can be very treacherous
considering most people are very tired by this time in the race, the course gets
very technical on flat sections, descents and climbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My advice for running through these technical
sections is do your best to spot some blazes off in the distance, put your head
down and do your best to step on all visible rocks rather than gambling at a
faulty step on the leaf covered trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One wrong step on the leaf covered trail could mean a twisted ankle,
getting sprawled out across the trail or finding a shin-deep hole that swallows
the lower portion of your leg!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of
those will put quite the damper on a good run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lucky for me, I only busted once through this section, finding only one
foot swallowing hole and made it out without twisting anything. I really enjoy
this last 5-miles of trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gorge is
so beautiful and the rocks are a blast to run through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around mile 25-26 you come across Big Soddy
Creek and arrive at the last “non-official” aid station for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jarret Kinder had ran/hiked in to offer water
for anyone who may have run out and to get a good runners count to make sure
everyone made it through okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Climbing
out of this gorge I ran across local Rock/Creek legend Brain Costilow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and one of his sons were on their way down
to join Jarret and help aid and cheer runners as they made their way across Big
Soddy Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my first Upchuck in
2012 I spent a fair amount of time running with Brian and he saved me a time or
two from running too far off course as I seemed to miss trail markings every few
hundred feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once runners leave Big
Soddy Creek they have somewhere in the 3-mile range of trails before descending
back onto the road that will carry them the last couple of miles back into
Soddy Daisy to find the finish area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After making the last big climb of the day out of Big Soddy Creek runners
get a few flat runnable sections, a couple of quick downhills and a few tough
little climbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally you can expect
to see some hikers on their way down to Big Soddy Creek and this really helps
when your legs are feeling shot and you really just want to grab a seat and
rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s always something that
makes you want to look like you’re suffering just a little less when you come
across other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>After a couple of
miles I knew I wasn’t too far from hitting the road and I still hadn’t seen
anyone since about mile 10. Jarret had
told me someone was only a few minutes in front of me about 3-mile back but I
wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make up that time with only a few miles left. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As the road finally came into view and I
started the last couple of switchbacks down toward the road I really kind of
hoped that I wouldn’t see anyone else… I knew that if I saw anyone I would have
to run harder to try and catch them and I really didn’t feel like it to be
honest. Well, of course as I made the
turn onto the road I saw another runner a few hundred feet down the road…
Crap! This roughly 2-mile road section
down to the finish is all downhill but can really give the body a
pounding. I figured I would do my best
to try and reel in the next runner.
About a mile or so down this section runners come to a railroad crossing
and there have been quite a few runners that have been held up by a passing
train. Coming down to the crossing it
appeared that the runner in front of me and I were going to be stopped by the train
roaring by… just before the guy in front of me had to stop the tail of the
train came flying by and the chase continued.
I was about 100-feet back from the guy in front of me when I looked up
and saw that he had missed a hard right turn and I started yelling that he’d
missed the turn… He quickly turned around to correct his mistake and I rounded
the corner about the same time he made it back to the turn. With 3/4-mile to the finish I gave it
everything I had to push hard to the finish.
Legs burning and lungs about to bust I was just praying that I could
catch a glance of my wife and daughters at the finish area to get that extra
boost of energy. Finally I could see
them in the distance standing at the corner of the parking lot yelling and
cheering. It was exactly what I
needed. Hanging a left into the pavilion
parking lot I spotted that stupid trashcan that signaled your completion of
another Upchuck. You’ll never feel so
relieved to smack the fire out of a trashcan.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbpBZJ7PIPVfSI7knFlV4Z8sPiq4_1TmKB9ZaaGoHgzXAELZfb8X1jH4KhPWR4JP2UJ5nzEnv-Pstp_II6QD4bitWluDQLbPp8mMBJkiK-AyUwj8fHt0xm8kOPSI-lvmdj5WdESX9Hmo/s1600/IMG_6783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbpBZJ7PIPVfSI7knFlV4Z8sPiq4_1TmKB9ZaaGoHgzXAELZfb8X1jH4KhPWR4JP2UJ5nzEnv-Pstp_II6QD4bitWluDQLbPp8mMBJkiK-AyUwj8fHt0xm8kOPSI-lvmdj5WdESX9Hmo/s1600/IMG_6783.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Cody Goodwin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I
made my way over to the official timing log to write my name down beside my
finish time and check out Cody’s time to see how well he had done… Man, oh man… Cody destroyed the old course
record. He ran a 4:22 something and beat
the old course record by approximately 25-minutes! What a machine! As modest as he is fast, Cody never boasted
one time about his amazing run. Just a
few seconds after my name was logged and I was able to join my family and friends
around the finish area the 3rd place runner came in to find the trashcan and
log his name down as an Upchuck finisher.
It really was an awesome day and we were all so fortunate to spend such
a beautiful day in God’s beautiful countryside.
The beautiful weather and great running conditions allowed three new
time records, with the new course record being set a pretty high level for
future Upchuckers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILNjiKrS0Iaxor8kF02tCuFHn7gdHyjk6l6tCwLj2fweHZ1nZaOB_mGbdemnuduGZchmtimXcSdOXCM6Q-RKyLPyUZ1KAOWyYnT6vvLf3tK5RM21hKQf7FFc8NLHgsl5kb9hBKtFDTaI/s1600/IMG_6811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILNjiKrS0Iaxor8kF02tCuFHn7gdHyjk6l6tCwLj2fweHZ1nZaOB_mGbdemnuduGZchmtimXcSdOXCM6Q-RKyLPyUZ1KAOWyYnT6vvLf3tK5RM21hKQf7FFc8NLHgsl5kb9hBKtFDTaI/s1600/IMG_6811.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
finish area is perfect for the small, family oriented trail running experience
that Upchuck offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a small
pavilion with plenty of seating for food and drink, a nice playground area for
kids to play and run, and the perfect spot to sit and lounge around in the
grass and cheer on runners as they make their way to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This really is the best race in around
Chattanooga and probably one of the best 50k races in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For anyone looking for a great course, a challenging
50k and one of the most enjoyable trail running experiences Upchuck is a
“must-do” for your future race calendar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvqormCuiyurJAGkA_jq_Pw2TQhOoMVc_SyTOqaLgdQzs3QnAG902KOlHm6SMY6YPRK5CaNLpgfgWMV-RwI0_zDCmO7xkd23GsSIIvw42Mbv-P5fl97JkOIySc0n02JgNecXuB2sn5FY/s1600/IMG_6818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvqormCuiyurJAGkA_jq_Pw2TQhOoMVc_SyTOqaLgdQzs3QnAG902KOlHm6SMY6YPRK5CaNLpgfgWMV-RwI0_zDCmO7xkd23GsSIIvw42Mbv-P5fl97JkOIySc0n02JgNecXuB2sn5FY/s1600/IMG_6818.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Cary Long</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This
year ended with the normal cuts and bruises and even a broken arm, but I still want
to thank Jesus Christ for a relatively safe day on the trails. Dreama, you definitely
win the toughest person on the trail award… You are my hero for being tough
enough to complete the last few miles of the race with a broken arm!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will continue to pray for a speedy
recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to all of the
wonderful volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A huge thanks to
the locals who helped get out there and clear the trails as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course was spectacular and it’s all
thanks to your hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course to
my family/crew, thank you for sacrificing your time to come out and support
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You mean the world to me and I’m so
thankful that God put you in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
big shout out to Hanna Elrod for the awesome podium awards, these are stunning
and definitely worth any amount of suffering endured throughout the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last but not least, I want to thank <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a>,
WildTrails and the Upchuck founders for the support and for hosting such an
amazing run!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDtPLgpCsG2r4FK9VoaUvD9u05fz_SD09u4_6KnsnNMLcrXS6s-xVexx4Cg6Av9V8AdQz57gSvbE98ydeelO_jxkhCnbqNF3s-kntJJgA1enfdtR-P6kf5BedKxQTdyt6xwMylzXIrns/s1600/IMG_5423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDtPLgpCsG2r4FK9VoaUvD9u05fz_SD09u4_6KnsnNMLcrXS6s-xVexx4Cg6Av9V8AdQz57gSvbE98ydeelO_jxkhCnbqNF3s-kntJJgA1enfdtR-P6kf5BedKxQTdyt6xwMylzXIrns/s1600/IMG_5423.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Gear: </span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</span></a> & Strider Pro Shorts, <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914"><span style="color: blue;">Smartwool PhD Graduated Compression Socks</span></a>, <a href="http://shop.pearlizumi.com/index.php"><span style="color: blue;">Pearl Izumi Thermal Sleeves</span></a>, Marmot Trail Wind Jacket, <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp" target="_blank">Lululemon Gloves</a>, <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</a>,</span> Ultimate Direction Handheld Bottle, Salomon Sense Pro Shoes &
S-Lab Advanced Skin Hydration Pack, <o:p></o:p></span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a> & <a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">4:36:19 (50k PR), 2nd Place<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Until
the next race,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Nathan
D. Holland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2014
Rock/Creek Race Team</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-54841244355156119532014-11-27T23:27:00.001-05:002015-01-27T16:51:32.217-05:002014 Pinhoti 100 - A Run Just to Finish<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pinhoti 100</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday, November 1 - Sunday, November 2, 2014</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Gear: </span></b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</a>, <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0" style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts</span></a><span style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;">,</span> <a href="http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">North Face Tights</span></a>, <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914" style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;" target="_blank">Smartwool PhD Graduated Compression Socks</a><span style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;">,</span> <a href="http://shop.pearlizumi.com/index.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Pearl Izumi Thermal Sleeves</span></a>, <a href="http://marmot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Marmot Trail Wind Jacket</span></a>, <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Lululemon Gloves</span></a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/sense-pro.html" style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Salomon Sense Pro Shoes</span></a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.374990463256836px;">,</span><span style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;"> </span><a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/" style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;" target="_blank">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</a><span style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;">, <a href="http://ultimatedirection.com/p-571-20-oz-bottle-with-kicker-valve.aspx?category=bottles-essentials" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">U</span></a></span><a href="http://ultimatedirection.com/p-571-20-oz-bottle-with-kicker-valve.aspx?category=bottles-essentials" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">ltimate Direction HandheldBottle</span></a>, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-adv-skin-hydro-5-set.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon S-Lab Advanced Skin Hydration Pack</span></a>, <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.petzl.com/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/NAO?l=INT#.VMKzf8a4n1s" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Petzl Nao Headlamp</span></a>,</span> </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html" style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a><span style="line-height: 23.374990463256836px;"> & </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html" style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.374990463256836px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Background:</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Coming
out of my first attempt at a 100-mile run, and also my first ever DNF, from
Rock/Creek’s Thunder Rock 100 I was pretty determined to get back on the horse
and give another 100-miler a shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
very thankful for all the words of encouragement I received from family,
friends and complete strangers from my Thunder Rock DNF race reports, </span><a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/nathan-holland-on-his-thunder-rock-100-dnf-part-1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Part 1</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> & </span><a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/nathan-holland-on-his-thunder-rock-100-dnf-part-2" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Part 2</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. Using the lessons learned from
my DNF and some great advice from friends and long time trail running gurus I
decided to find another 100-miler relatively close to home and Pinhoti 100
looked like the perfect option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
anyone unfamiliar with the </span><a href="http://www.pinhotitrailseries.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pinhoti Trail Series</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, they are a group of five
(5) races with multiple distances offered at some events and range from 10k to
100-mile runs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these runs take
place in Alabama and runners are treated to some of the most beautiful trails
that the Talladega National Forrest has to offer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Organization
was one area that I was lacking during my Thunder Rock attempt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for the Pinhoti my wife found some awesome
</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027ACBKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ArtBin</span></a><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> clear plastic boxes for
organizing running gear and food during these long races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I highly recommend a couple of these for your
crew if you need a better way to arrange your running stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A big thanks to Brian and Natalie Picket for
the organization ideas and another huge thanks to Katy and Mary for finding
these specific bins and getting me organized.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Another
area I normally spend a lot of time studying and reviewing prior to any race
are course descriptions, elevation charts, old race reports, pace charts, etc.
to make sure I have a good idea of what’s coming and set myself some goals
times throughout the race… Well, not for this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since my main goal was to complete a 100-mile
race in under the cutoff time, all I was focusing on was completing this run in
less than 30 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To help my crew I
spent about 10-minutes looking at the elevation profile for the race and set
some arbitrary pace estimates from one aid station to the next so that they
would have some idea when to expect me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It really was kind of nice to not worry about what time I needed to be
at this aid station, how long I had to go until the next crew accessible stop,
where I was in relation to my finish estimate… I was really looking forward to
simply running by feel and enjoying the race with no predetermined goals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My
biggest issue with Pinhoti was the fact that it starts the day after Halloween and
having a 2-year old and a 3.5-year old meant missing trick-or-treating was not
an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we made plans to head
down late Friday evening following the Halloween festivities and camped at Mt.
Cheaha state park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On paper we figured
we were only 30 minutes from the starting area and figured we could leave early
Saturday morning with plenty of time to get to the starting line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, what we didn’t take into account was
that we had quite a bit of gravel jeep road to drive to get to the starting
line parking area, which was about a ½-mile up the road from the starting
line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jumped out of the truck with
less than 15 minutes to run down to the starting area and find my number,
timing chip and get situated to spend a few hours in the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quick run down served as a nice warm up,
the volunteers got me checked in with no difficulties, I got my number and
timing chips pinned on, and ran back up the road to find my Dad/crew to grab my
pack... With my pack secured, my shoes tight and my gear-situated I looked at
the starting clock and realized I had a little less than 2-minutes… perfect
timing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Race Details:</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A
cold front had blown in Friday evening and Saturday morning was pretty chilly
with temps in mid-to-upper 30’s and expected highs in the 50’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, most of Saturday morning, evening
and Sunday morning would see pretty windy conditions making it feel even
colder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Battling hypothermia was an
issue for me at Thunder Rock and I did not want to deal with that again so I
took my Dad’s advice and decided to start the race in my tights, thermal
sleeves, lightweight running jacket, and gloves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t have but a few minutes at the
starting line to look for familiar faces and I definitely didn’t have time to
catch up with any of my friends before the race started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I found my friend Brian Picket and knew
that we generally run around the same pace and figured I would start out with
him to get a good feel for the first little bit of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian is a great runner and very methodical
about his planning and execution for a race so I knew that he would be a good
person to run with and pick his brain for some insight on the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5_Kye08cRalbCFGoKpVIPOrQ9jE97GQxncPxzZdj98ZBzSIuCvHo-_X7Ns9l285wXPDQgko3yvzulfhYEC38ofSxCB1TPyBJbosC-zl16Yi9nBwybpFPfrIFCCp3yz-noAaMRA-QrOQ/s1600/Pinhoti_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5_Kye08cRalbCFGoKpVIPOrQ9jE97GQxncPxzZdj98ZBzSIuCvHo-_X7Ns9l285wXPDQgko3yvzulfhYEC38ofSxCB1TPyBJbosC-zl16Yi9nBwybpFPfrIFCCp3yz-noAaMRA-QrOQ/s1600/Pinhoti_5.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3LhxYlsJsFMkv6_BYoKH1S-VeV09kKkrjY4K3evxRGAsdXotCcS7T9Bt8LfO4rPEsPJ7eXzhzI69-g4QBhTPwqhV4hIOXg9ARc1nD5HJDxiUgvElpdDoe6woaQRHPaiRJsnIj3fHJo8/s1600/10629762_10154789191835710_4778581873050521357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3LhxYlsJsFMkv6_BYoKH1S-VeV09kKkrjY4K3evxRGAsdXotCcS7T9Bt8LfO4rPEsPJ7eXzhzI69-g4QBhTPwqhV4hIOXg9ARc1nD5HJDxiUgvElpdDoe6woaQRHPaiRJsnIj3fHJo8/s1600/10629762_10154789191835710_4778581873050521357_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Well,
before I knew it the starting clock was counting down with less than 10-seconds
and we were off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian was quick to let
me know that we had only a few hundred feet before we dumped onto the single
track so we pushed a little to make sure we were sitting somewhere in the top
10 to make sure we didn’t get held up in the conga line funneling onto the
Pinhoti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we made our way toward Aid
#1 we settled into a nice comfortable pace that took advantage of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our fresh legs, easy rollers through the first
~35 miles and good conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
quickly lost count of the stream/creek crossings from the start over to Aid #1
(6.7mi) but thanks to the relatively dry conditions there were no crossings
that required runners to get their feet wet, which was a nice relief
considering the cold temps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we
knew it we could hear the cheers from Aid #1 as we rolled into this aid station
and quickly grabbed a few items from our crews.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Three
of us had settled into a group just before Aid #1 and continued to enjoy each
others company toward Aid #2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brian,
Kelly and myself continued on the smooth single track toward Aid #2
(13.3mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More dry creek crossings
littered this section of the course and careful footing was keeping all of us
dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming into Aid #2 we made our way
onto a forest service road to meet our crews again for the second time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a train crossing here that stopped
all three of us as well as two runners ahead of us for a few minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may have been a good thing as it allowed
me a few extra minutes with my crew and a few more minutes to grab some
calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few pictures with some
friends… thanks Cary Long, and we were off again as the end of the train pulled
out of site.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym4sDUgxzDwQhlKP8dmROlEEK19Teh_rhnGNRdDeCrPSYtmO9W6Dm-m0ifUMKGcGPnDIkb0JNew8hk6GQnS7V4dNjfltadlQnAtiNle6xr4MDazGhtFYOnaIxamHy1Hb3j_SpGX_U0Uc/s1600/Pinhoti_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgym4sDUgxzDwQhlKP8dmROlEEK19Teh_rhnGNRdDeCrPSYtmO9W6Dm-m0ifUMKGcGPnDIkb0JNew8hk6GQnS7V4dNjfltadlQnAtiNle6xr4MDazGhtFYOnaIxamHy1Hb3j_SpGX_U0Uc/s1600/Pinhoti_4.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The
trails leading us toward Aid #3 continued just the same as the first 13+ miles
of trails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were easy rollers with a
few minor creek bed crossings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every now
and then another runner would join our group and some would surge off in front
of us to only be picked back up a few minutes later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our group grew from three, to five, to six,
and settled back at three as Brian, Kelly and I continued to chug along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty routine with hitting a low around
18 miles into any run and just before Aid #3 (18.3mi) I started to feel a low
coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew we were close to the aid
station and also knew that the best thing to do during a low was to eat and
drink if I was forced to slow down and I could expect to turn the low around
relatively quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a few more
minutes at Aid #3 since this was the last crew accessible aid station until Aid
#7 (40.9mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve found that grabbing
some items at an aid station and continuing to walk/eat works better than
trying to stop and spend too much time at the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, with some hot soup, a variety of food and
topped off drinks I continued up the road toward the trail head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Jumping
back on the trail heading to Aid #4 (22.7mi) I was battling a little low so I
decided to drop my pace slightly and fall off the back of my running
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pinhoti trail continued with
more easy rollers, minor creek crossings and some occasional pine needle trails
sections which were so soft it felt like I was running on a mattress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowing my pace and taking a minute to
eat/drink more during my low paid off quickly and by ~mile 20 I was feeling
great again and settled back into a nice pace through the next few aid
stations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aid #4 came and went pretty
quick and Aid #5 (27.7mi) did the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Aid #5 had a small out-and-back section to get to the aid station beside
Lake Morgan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was kind of nice
because I was able to see about 4-5 runners coming in the opposite direction as
I was heading back out toward Aid #6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since I hadn’t done a lot of pace planning for this run and really
hadn’t studied the course I couldn’t remember a lot of the details about what
was coming as far as course layout, but I did remember that once I left Aid #6
(34.6mi) that I would get to see my crew/family at the top of Bald Rock Aid
#7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was all I was thinking about as
I came into Aid #6 and I quickly topped off my water, grabbed a few items and
took back off knowing that I was going to have the first big climb of the race
to get me to the top of Cheaha State Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As I
started up the climb toward Bald Rock I remembered that on the elevation
profile this climb looked like it was going to be brutal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In February of this year I ran Mt. Cheaha 50k
which runs some of the Pinhoti 100 course, in reverse, from Porter Gap, Aid #13
toward Bald Rock, Aid #7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I had
climbed to the top of Bald Rock from the opposite side which was VERY technical
and steep so I was anticipating this side to be similar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, a few miles into the climb it really
was pretty tame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t technical and
it didn’t feel all that steep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
moving slower than I had due to the climb but overall it wasn’t nearly as bad
as the elevation map makes it seem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About
halfway up this climb the views really started getting pretty spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mt. Cheaha has the highest elevation in
Alabama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cool crisp temperatures
made for some amazing views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking of
the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>weather… It was still pretty cold
and windy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t really ditched many
layers like I had planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured
that by 10, maybe 15 miles into the race I would be burning up and ready to
ditch my long pants and my jacket for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, with the wind blowing pretty steady, not having much direct
sunlight and not running all-out I was still pretty comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each foot of elevation gain the trail
become more technical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rocks started
popping up throughout the trail and you had to start picking your path through
the rocks to continue to the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally at the summit everyone was treated to the most amazing views and
it made the last 40 miles completely worth the effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail dumped onto the wooden bridge that
carried people from the Bald Rock parking area out to the bluff to enjoy God’s
beautiful masterpiece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoying the view
as I ran down the wooden bridge toward Aid #7 I decided to make a pit stop
since I figured this would be the last real facilities that I would find for
the duration of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There to greet
me at the parking lot was my beautiful wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She grabbed my pack and I quickly told her some things I wanted and she
rushed off to get them taken care of while I made my pit stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finished with the facilities I decided to
take another minute at this aid to change my socks and shoes so that I could
take the time to put some more cream on my feet and hopefully prevent any
blisters… another lesson learned from Thunder Rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was probably the best part of the entire
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran down to my wife/crew’s car
and piled in the back seat were my two daughters, my niece and my
sister-in-law, while my wife and step-mother helped me change socks and
shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these beautiful ladies
cheering me on and laughing and giggling made me feel very loved and I said a
few thankful prayers for the support from my family.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYuYbtFthnc3uOdugWyRxR8Uujr7T3b2L2z7NU7ohK-sbZE0MN82v2E_-oDju0qNAWvD7qE0IkW2VTcfvaYpXskMTAU9h-_dCFAoP3RWD3attEem-3Z-tBzRQeuBM_5LqF4V6Xn1F-v4/s1600/IMG_5341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYuYbtFthnc3uOdugWyRxR8Uujr7T3b2L2z7NU7ohK-sbZE0MN82v2E_-oDju0qNAWvD7qE0IkW2VTcfvaYpXskMTAU9h-_dCFAoP3RWD3attEem-3Z-tBzRQeuBM_5LqF4V6Xn1F-v4/s1600/IMG_5341.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Stealing
some kisses from my wife and two little girls I figured I had burned through
enough time and needed to get going again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I continued down the road following the signs that lead runners down
toward Blue Hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the trail that
I mentioned earlier that Mt. Cheaha 50k runners are treated to on their climb
to Bald Rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, if I thought it was
difficult to climb, I think it was even more difficult to descend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trail is not for the faint of heart and
can lead to some serious injuries if you’re not careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what I would consider a scramble
using hands, arms, legs, feet, any available body part to get yourself safely
down the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a 1/2-3/4 mile
decent on Blue Hell the trail gets more runnable and runners can pick their way
through rocks without having to clamber down the rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming off of Blue Hell runners have another
mile or so of pavement before taking a hard left onto a forest service road
that runs down to Aid #8 (45.3mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVzL3R3y7H7l-J23v4-d2hNiLIWaW8mMPtQN64tOeNcVW1WwmPF14jVeTIGyBn9a6DR5mLLFxzKOGuQJobzYMy2lOhwFdjhvjq9w5TOjih5w-qgbxHv3W2UhXFW3u54eAAMTYKIHS9oA/s1600/Pinhoti_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVzL3R3y7H7l-J23v4-d2hNiLIWaW8mMPtQN64tOeNcVW1WwmPF14jVeTIGyBn9a6DR5mLLFxzKOGuQJobzYMy2lOhwFdjhvjq9w5TOjih5w-qgbxHv3W2UhXFW3u54eAAMTYKIHS9oA/s1600/Pinhoti_3.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Coming
into Aid #8 I was again treated to cheers of encouragement from my crew and
even a high five from my 3.5-year old as she ran out to meet me on the
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walked with my wife out of
this aid station my friend Randy Whorton (Rock/Creek Trail Series Race
Director) walked with us and asked how I was doing and offered some advice for
my comments of “my legs feel a little crampy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mentioned that I was doing about two (2) electrolyte tabs per hour and
Randy immediately insisted that I up the tabs to make sure I was getting enough
electrolytes and then said to always eat more food than you think you want so
that you try to stay ahead of the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So… I grabbed a large handful of tabs and a cup of soup I wasn’t going to
take and was on my way again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trails
toward Aid #9 were in and along some larger creeks than early on in the race
and I was sure I would be getting wet through some of these, but to my surprise
the water was low enough that with some quick assessment I was able to stay dry
across all of the crossings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
section of trail was really quite beautiful and really pretty peaceful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere through this section I got in with
a group of runners, one of which is a trail friend from Chattanooga, Ryan
Meulemans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a nice change of
pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ryan and I talked for the next
10-miles all the way through Aid #9 (52.1mi) and Aid #10 (55.3mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ryan set most of the pace and really showed
me that a good strong hiking pace is worth it’s weight in gold in a 100-miler…
I would have to run/jog to keep up with his hiking pace!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not want to stop running with Ryan but
after burning through Aid #9 we were at Aid #10 and I knew I would get to see
my family/crew again so I decided to take a minute to enjoy their company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this time in the race I knew it would be
getting dark soon and it was important to make sure I stayed warm throughout
the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another lesson learned from
Thunder Rock was not staying warm and getting the uncontrollable shivers that
is an early sign of hypothermia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxajYW9TK5F3Rqj3BuVpPYuMeGcnn7mk7S0xsl5ovm6AmtPU1xRFmv6JmGzyakeTsqyZ4kJw5XNxImsdBBmgk4LlH7rajb7njDn_Q5RJzboVPmp3wBItYf0R9fguFzCudQAB9K_IpNjA/s1600/Pinhoti_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxajYW9TK5F3Rqj3BuVpPYuMeGcnn7mk7S0xsl5ovm6AmtPU1xRFmv6JmGzyakeTsqyZ4kJw5XNxImsdBBmgk4LlH7rajb7njDn_Q5RJzboVPmp3wBItYf0R9fguFzCudQAB9K_IpNjA/s1600/Pinhoti_1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">With
some fresh supplies, a headlamp, neck warmer, audio book, and most importantly,
some Hot Hands in my gloves I headed back out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leaving Aid #10 was probably the most difficult station to leave of the
entire race. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought this would be the
last time I would see my wife and daughters until the finish line and I knew
the night was coming and colder temps would be coming with it too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section of trail was mainly gravel
forest roads and resulted in a lot of slow steady shuffling as I made my way up
the climbs to then run the downs and then repeat again as I continued on toward
the next aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As mind-numbing as
forest roads can be the audio book I was listening to really helped pass the
time and before I knew it I was at Aid #11 (60.3mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in a nice rhythm so I grabbed a few
things quickly from the aid and kept on shuffling and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This continued for another 4-miles or so
before finally getting back onto a single/double track trail that would take me
the last mile down to Aid #12 (65.4mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
people I met, even if just for a moment, at each aid station were so
enthusiastic and truly happy to see you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It really made for a memorable trail run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming into Aid #12 (65.4mi) I remember
seeing my Dad and immediately asking if Katy, my wife, was still there… about
that time I heard her cheering on runners and my spirits were lifted
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling pretty good, but
having them there for another stop really made my night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally I only get to see my wife and girls
at the beginning and end of a race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
very rare that I get to see them along the way and so far I had seen them four
times throughout this run.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCivKNPdnVWN81NlSRUY8iwO6ggbjFxWjG3YF6UpHBDGmmTe_Fx9vt_sjiYtLzkfrCrNS_DKWmDDvw43-tw6ix0-xJQbC4gDa1AeBwiwo5UialUGUwmYeA4N3nwNaUS_fEQaBD81Oh3Lc/s1600/IMG_6660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCivKNPdnVWN81NlSRUY8iwO6ggbjFxWjG3YF6UpHBDGmmTe_Fx9vt_sjiYtLzkfrCrNS_DKWmDDvw43-tw6ix0-xJQbC4gDa1AeBwiwo5UialUGUwmYeA4N3nwNaUS_fEQaBD81Oh3Lc/s1600/IMG_6660.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Lu... Ready to Run</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It
was only about 3.5-miles from this stop to Aid #13 and I knew that my
brother-in-law was going to be joining me at that aid station to run so I made
sure that my wife would be at the next stop, kissed my 2-year old and took off.
The trail over to Aid #13 (68.4mi) was pretty nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section included one steep climb and
then a long descent into the aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I jumped off the trail and into the Porters Gap (Aid #13) parking lot
I recognized it as the starting area for the Mt. Cheaha 50k race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spotting my family/crew I ran down to meet
them by the road and grab a fresh light and other gear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Lu
and I didn’t waste any time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
ready to go when I got to Aid #13, so I hugged and kissed my wife and told her
I would see her at the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next
aid station was Aid #14, The Pinnacle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
few people warned me that this was a tough climb so I figured having Lu run
this section with me would be ideal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lu
is the owner of the Tennessee Bouldering Authority (TBA) in Chattanooga,
TN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a great family man, an avid
rock climber, a real outdoor enthusiast, and most of all a great friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lu is a good runner but up until August, the
furthest distance he had run was a half marathon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sections Lu signed up to help me with
were from Aid #13 to Aid #16, a total of ~17-miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ensured him that he would be fine since I
would more than likely be hiking the climbs, jogging the flats and running the
downs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as we made our way toward The
Pinnacle climb we chatted a little about the race, other runners Lu had seen,
our families/crew and it really helped pass the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we knew it we were climbing and we
both asked ourselves if this was the climb… it wasn’t anything too steep and,
even though we were hiking the climb it didn’t seem as bad as it was made out
to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we continued to climb and
eventually we started hearing some music and seeing some decorations scattered
around the trees as we continued to climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We knew we were getting toward the top as we started seeing more and
more rocks, we reached a series of switchbacks, which Lu had been told were on
The Pinnacle climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The past 5.5-miles
had flown by with the company and the nice double track trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again there had been beds of pine needles
throughout the lower portion of the trail which made for nice soft steps and
even as we approached the top the rocks weren’t even technical enough to really
warrant any special lines through the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were met by the most excited group of volunteers yet at Aid #14
(74.5mi)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a hot fire, chairs,
blankets, lights, music, food, drinks, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told Lu I need to check my feet as I felt I was getting some blisters
and was quickly given a chair and provided all the help I could wish for by a
couple of volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After pulling my
socks and shoes, reapplying some foot cream and lacing back up I knew we needed
to go quickly because stopping for just a few minutes already had me shivering uncontrollably.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Many,
many thanks for the warm potato soup, bananas, and help with my feet and we
took off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopping hurt now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me a mile or so to warm up and get my
legs loose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that I wouldn’t be
able to stop anymore and sit down for fear of not getting back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lu and I got back into our rhythm of
hike/jog/run and were making pretty good time across the top of this
ridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail was a mix of gravel
forest roads, runnable double track and rocky/technical single track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that my legs were getting tired as I
had a couple of close calls through this section and almost face planted a few
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we closed in on Aid #15
(79.5mi) we could again here music and saw some more decorations hanging on
trees throughout the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
really uplifting and was an awesome way for the volunteers to lift each
runner’s spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This aid station
welcomed us just as wholeheartedly as the rest and they even had steak
tips!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, steak tips and they were
delicious!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">With
roughly 6-miles to go to Aid #16 I was not looking forward to loosing my
running partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lu had provided a lot
of encouragement and had really helped push me more than he knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere through this section he mentioned
that he felt great and he thought he could run more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly jumped on the opportunity to let
him know that I wouldn’t complain at all if he wanted to keep running with
me…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t say that I had prayed that
God would give me an opening to ask Lu to keep running with me, but I won’t say
that I didn’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t remember what
total mileage this next aid station was but thought it was somewhere around 86-miles
and knew that I had about a half-marathon left to finish out my first
100-miler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could hear the music from
Aid #16 (85.6mi) from a good 1-1.5mi away which was nice to give us a boost to
get there as quickly as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
last 6-mile section had been rougher toward the top with some technical single
track and then opened up into a nice runnable double track that carried us all
the way down to Aid #16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Coming
in here it was great to see some Nashville running friends and great to see my
original crew who had been out here supporting me throughout the entire
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dennis (my Dad) and Mary
(Stepmother) were still as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as they had been all
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of my crew had long gone
to go and get some sleep but I’m truly thankful for my Dad and Mary being there
throughout the entire day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without their
help I wouldn’t be doing as well as I have and there’s no way I would have been
as well taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They quickly got
on board with Lu continuing to run and would see us one last time at Aid #18
where they would take Lu and meet me at the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lu and I grabbed some Coke and soup and took
off down the forest service road toward Aid #17.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few hundred yards of walking so I
could drink some soup and chug some Coke we took off, and I mean we really took
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if it was the Coke,
the idea that I only had about a half-marathon left or what but we had thrown
our old rhythm to the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
running up hills, flats and down hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This section of the race was forest service roads and something lit a
spark in us because once we started running we only stopped to take a
leak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the short facility break I
asked if he knew how far it was to the next aid station and figured that we
still had a little time, but little did we know that just past the next rise
was Aid #17(89.6mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at my
watch as we ran into this aid station and told Lu we just ran that last leg as
fast I had ran any of the previous ~85 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Not
wanting to break our new tempo we grabbed some more Coke and took back
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next 5-miles of forest road went
almost just as fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only slowed once
or twice to catch our breath on a few small steep climbs and then immediately
got back into a quick pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
only one time during a walk section that I felt sleepy and I yelled out a few
times, Lu looked at me and asked if I was tired… I nodded and he said “Well,
let’s get it!” so there was no more walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lu did great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly felt
bad, because the first 17-miles he ran with me were pretty tame given the
amount of climbing/hiking we did and the ~10 miles of extra running that Lu
added were not anywhere like the first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Despite my best efforts though, Lu never fell off pace and helped get me
through to the final aid station at Aid #18 (95.2mi).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we neared the aid I thanked Lu time and
time again and decided that I needed nothing more than a full bottle of coke to
get me through to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I yelled
out to my crew to fill a bottle with Coke, ran into the aid grabbed my bottle
and was out immediately.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They
yelled that I had roughly 2-miles of trail down to the road then 3-miles of
road to the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This 2-mile section
was wide double track and jeep road mixture with lots of runoff gullies. I said
a few prayers that I wouldn’t twist or break my ankle as I was determined to
get through this 5-mile section to the finish as fast as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail section had a few grassy clearings
that we ran through with the Moon beaming down and the tall frosty grass on
either side of the trail making for a pretty amazing section to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I found my way to the road I knew that I
was almost done and I started to run through things in my head and quickly
realized that overall God had helped me with a very successful run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had only really had one low that I could
honestly remember, usually I have at least two during a 50-miler, the weather
turned out to be terrific, I was treated to some of the most beautiful scenery,
and my family/friends were there throughout the entire race to cheer me
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lost in my thoughts I quickly
realized that I could see the stadium lights and knew that I was just a few
minutes from finishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I turned
between the fencing to head toward the track I was met by my gorgeous wife who
had just run over from the camper to meet me for the last 1/4-mile into the
finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never been fortunate enough
to run across any finish with my wife and it worked out that on my first
successful 100-mile race I would get to enjoy this with her.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkJ9AoMmpi5Z9vXMqIQZWJdDPr_CS6-o8diZiMpzqMPbi5Tq3fif1o90kRkParC9len8Tp7Pfzu05yIegLX9ymxOFFIQSPg8pYC_84Y-uW7-sxTODa56JHLTMlzNXifMZbEvLw8vWodo/s1600/Pinhoti_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkJ9AoMmpi5Z9vXMqIQZWJdDPr_CS6-o8diZiMpzqMPbi5Tq3fif1o90kRkParC9len8Tp7Pfzu05yIegLX9ymxOFFIQSPg8pYC_84Y-uW7-sxTODa56JHLTMlzNXifMZbEvLw8vWodo/s1600/Pinhoti_2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">20:36:02, 9th</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">First
and foremost I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to run and enjoy
this beautiful course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also want to
congratulate everyone who ran in the 2014 Pinhoti 100, both finishers and
non-finishers alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone who
attempted the run should be very proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just by taking the chance to try is an accomplishment because the
biggest risk to anyone is failing to take that chance and missing out on life’s
great journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As
always I want to give all the glory to God and thank Him for keeping me and all
of the other runners safe throughout the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was truly a blessing to run in such a beautiful part of the
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A big thank you to my family/crew
for being there to support me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to
my family for being there throughout the day and lifting my spirits more than
you could ever know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lu, thank you for
busting out a midnight trail marathon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to thank <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a> for all of the great running gear and support
throughout the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last but not least,
I want to thank all of the volunteers and personnel who helped put together the
2014 Pinhoti 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guys did an
amazing job taking care of all the runners and keeping people on course for
such a long race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail community is
lucky to have met many of you and I look forward to repaying the favor in the
future and pray that I can help others as much as you helped me throughout this
race.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Until
the next race,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Nathan
D. Holland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2014
Rock/Creek Race Team</span><o:p></o:p></span>Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-13164614458413177472014-10-04T18:02:00.000-04:002015-01-27T16:51:59.023-05:002014 Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k - A Day to Remember<div style="color: #555555; line-height: 23.374990463256836px; margin-bottom: 1.692307em;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k<br />Saturday, October 4, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Tributes:</b> It’s hard to find the words to pay respect to someone who I didn’t even know… However, from runner-to-runner, father-to-father, son-to-son, and brother-to-brother through Christ Jesus I wanted to honor Eric Jacks, the ultimate runner from Saturday’s race. Our prayers and thoughts are with Eric’s family and friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To all of the volunteers, runners and people who helped Mr. Jacks and his family I have the utmost respect for each and every one of you. I always knew that the trail running community was a great group of people who sincerely cared for one another and that was truly shown on Saturday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="color: #555555;">Gear:</b><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><span style="color: blue; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</a>,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/search/arm%20warmer" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Arm Warmers</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, Walmart “Special” $1 Gloves, </span><a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914" style="color: #555555; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Smartwool PhD Graduated Compression Socks</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/sense-pro.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Salomon Sense Pro Shoes</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/" style="color: #555555; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/quick-grip/d/1001" style="color: #555555; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Camelbak Handheld Bottle</span></a><span style="color: blue;">, </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> & </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Race Details:</b> <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a>’s StumpJump is by far the largest and most popular race in the Salomon Rock/Creek Trail Series. Both the 11-mile course and the coveted 50k course give runners a beautiful experience of running through some sensational double and single track trails in Chattanooga. Runners are exposed to some of the best double and single track trails around Chattanooga in less than half a mile from the start. Once onto the trails runners will continue on these beautiful trails for the duration of the each race with only a few minor road crossings on the 50k course. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/1.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="clear: left; color: #609e3f; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/1.jpg" height="400" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: left; height: auto; margin-right: 20px; max-width: 100%; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" width="300" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">StumpJump also signifies the first sporting event of Chattanooga’s River Rocks festival. Now in its 5th year, River Rocks is the 30-day event that brings world-class and amateur athletes together to enjoy all that Chattanooga has to offer for the outdoor lifestyle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #555555;">The real StumpJump experience begins 2-3 months in advance. Thanks to </span><a href="http://www.meetup.com/Chattanooga-Trail-Runners/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Meetup.com</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> and the local trail running community there are generally 4-5 group and/or demo runs hosted by </span><span style="color: blue; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span></span><a href="http://wildtrails.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Wild Trails</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> or just local enthusiasts that get people out on the course many, many weeks before race day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">These group runs are great opportunities for locals and out-of-towners to come and experience sections of the course before having to put it all together on race day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As race day starts closing in the StumpJump buzz really gets fired up with the very popular Vendor Fair. The Vendor Fair brings all the of the biggest names in running and outdoor gear out to Chattanooga’s Coolidge Park to show off their latest paraphernalia. This is a great opportunity to try on the latest gear, talk with vendors about future products and developments, hang out with friends, pick up your race packet, eat some great food, and of course get some free swag! This year was a little different due to some foul weather that was moving through the area. So, the 2014 Vendor Fair was a scaled down version that took place at <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a>’s Two North Shore Store and still provided a great location to hang out, check out some of the latest outdoor gear and visit with friends before Saturday’s run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to the storm front that wreaked havoc on Friday’s vendor fair the cold front on the tail end of that system made for great conditions for Saturday’s race. The mid-80 degree temps that had been around in the days leading up the race were nowhere to be found. Saturday morning saw lows in the 40’s and highs just barely creeping into the 60’s providing fantastic running conditions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">StumpJump starts are always a lot of fun. There are generally a lot of spectators, vendor booths setup all around and a lot of energy in the air getting everyone amped up for the races. To help separate the two runs the 11-mile race starts at 7:50 am with the 50k runners getting started at 8:00 am. This year my wife, Katy, was able to volunteer at the start/finish area and I was thankful to steal a good luck kiss just before the start of the race… this is a much better way to start the race rather than looking for good luck loving from one of my friends… I’m sorry Cary Long and Michael Scott, you know I still love you guys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Before we knew it the starting clock was down to less than 10 seconds and we were off. Running out of the school parking lot runners take a short 1/2-mile run down the asphalt toward the soccer fields before jumping on the double track trails that surround the high school. The double track trails very runnable, consisting of well packed dirt and rock mixture, with a few washed out gully sections and a good mix of up and downhill running that wrap all around the school grounds for the next 3-4 miles. At roughly 4-miles into the race you come to the Cumberland Trail intersection at Mushroom Rock and begin a quick, technical 400-foot descent on some very fun single track down into the bottom of the gorge. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/3.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="clear: right; color: #609e3f; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/3.jpg" height="400" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: right; height: auto; margin-left: 20px; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" width="300" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At the bottom of the descent runners jump onto a gorgeous swinging bridge carrying them across the gorge. Coming off the bridge on the other side runners are met with a steep, gnarly 400-foot climb. Make sure to enjoy this climb while the legs are fresh because on the way back after 20+ more miles you’ll REALLY enjoy the climbs! Just after making it to the top of this climb you begin back down for another 400-foot descent toward Suck Creek Road and Aid #1 (6.1mi). The majority of the descent toward Aid #1 is very runnable and it only gets technical about a 1/4 mile from the bottom and just before reaching the aid station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming out of the Aid #1 runners will climb a small hill and jump the guardrail onto Suck Creek road to pick up the trail a few hundred feet up the road on the left. Once across the road runners will climb a set of wooden stairs onto the trail taking them into the Prentice Cooper State Forest. The volunteers/safety personnel did a great job with this intersection. They had cones up on the road and volunteers at each end stopping traffic to allow safe passage for runners. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Back on the trail, runners have a beautiful 5-mile section out toward Indian Rock House and Aid #2 (10.6mi). This section of single track has good technical rocky sections, runnable descents, a couple of great dry creek bed crossings, and some beautiful views of the Tennessee River Gorge. There are plenty of sections here that are worth taking a few minutes and enjoying the view. The views and surroundings in this section are what make trail running such a wonderful experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A few miles out from Aid #2 I fell in line with two other runners and lead them into the aid station. It was a nice surprise coming into the aid station and getting to see some Nashville friends who were down to help work at the aid station and run sweep for sections later in the race. We were runners 3, 4 and 5 into the aid and were about 1-2 minutes off the leaders. Glancing at my watch I realized that I was about 2-3 minutes off my target time for this point in the race but was feeling good and didn’t want to push too hard and blow up later in the race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For those familiar with the Rock/Creek River Gorge 10.2-mile race, leaving Aid #2 begins the majority of the R/G course. Runners have a little under 3-miles out to Snoopers Rock and Aid #3 (13.3mi) and are treated to a few more stunning views and some more great single track. This section of trail has a few small climbs but for the most part feels like an almost all downhill run to the next aid station. A word of caution, be careful running and admiring the views at the same time… your body tends to go where your eyes are staring and you don’t want to take a bad step. The short run over to Aid #3 hadn’t changed anything in our overall placement. We were still 3, 4 and 5 and about 1-2 minutes off the leaders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The single track continues from Aid #3 out toward Haley Road and Aid #4 (16.8mi). This section of trail is probably the “flattest” section of the course, if you could call it flat. Don’t get me wrong, just because it’s “flatter” doesn’t mean it’s any easier. This section has areas where you can pick up the pace and get the legs moving and a few sections mixed in to slow your rhythm. This area is one of my favorite sections of the race. I don’t know exactly what it is about this section but it always feels so quiet and comfortable through this section. A few miles into this section I started feeling a bit nauseas and decided that I better back off just a little because I didn’t want to battle nausea the next 15-miles to the finish. My two running companions came on around and started putting a little distance between us. Backing off a little helped somewhat and I was able to keep the runners within sight from there and into Aid #4. Just before reaching Aid #4 runners pop off of the single track and onto a forest road (Haley Road) and begin a climb up to the aid station. I hadn’t eaten a lot due to the nausea so I just grabbed a little water and jumped right back onto the single track leaving Haley Road aid station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This single track leaving Aid #4 consists of a good steep climb with 3-4 switchbacks before plateauing at the top. Runners continue on the plateau for a little over a mile before dropping down a quick 200-foot descent into the infamous Rock Garden. The Rock Garden is glorious! I enjoy technical running and this rock garden is great for bounding from rock-to-rock, especially today since it was relatively dry. However, unfortunately enough for me my nausea decided to set back in during my descent toward the Rock Garden and I was forced to walk/jog most of the section trying to compose myself. Coming out of the Rock Garden runners have a slow steady climb all the way back to the Aid #5 (19.5mi) at Mullens Cove. Somewhere just after the climb out of the Rock Garden I decided to try and get some food down since it had been sometime and my muscles were starting to cramp. Bad choice… that set off a chain reaction that caused me to empty my stomach all over the side of the trail for the next few hundred feet… That sucks! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve been down this road many times and my biggest issue with getting sick during a race is that generally just after a good puking rally you feel so much better that you end up pushing too hard trying to make up for any lost time. This doesn’t usually pan out too well when you still have any kind of distance left in your race. So, trying to learn from past mistakes I decided to take it very easy for the short distance into Aid #5 since I knew it was less than a mile. Coming into the Mullens Cove aid station I was greeted by many cheers from friends and volunteers. It was great, but I was just thinking about not getting sick again and trying to fight off the cramps in my quads. I was still in 5th place, but knew that I was behind my goal time and knew that it was going to be nearly impossible to make it up now that I had emptied the tank. I decided to grab as much food and variety as I could since I didn’t know what would taste good or what I could get down. I also grabbed a fresh bottle of water and a fresh bottle of Perpetuem. Thanked my Dad and the volunteers and set out again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Leaving Aid #5 runners head down a 3/4-mile section of single track back toward the Indian Rock House aid station (Aid #3) and begin running back toward Suck Creek Road and Aid #6 (24.8mi). At this point in the race all of the trails back to the finish line are trails that runners have already run and now get to enjoy them in the opposite direction. I said a few prayers and asked God to help me listen to my body and push when I could push and eat when I could eat. I set into a steady jog/walk pace and made it a point to eat and drink if was forced to walk. I continued this for a mile or two and before I knew it I was able to get down about 2/3 of a banana and about 1/4 bottle of water. Continuing with this mantra I was able to increase my jog/walk to a run/jog pace by the time I started closing in on Aid #6. I had dropped a few places through this section and figured there would be a steady stream of runners picking me off now. However, to my surprise as I came down the wooden stairs and back onto the pavement at Suck Creek I hadn’t seen anyone else. I grabbed a few more bananas from the aid station and kept moving because any downtime seemed to ignite my quad cramps back into life.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="clear: right; color: #609e3f; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2.jpg" height="320" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: left; height: auto; margin-right: 20px; max-width: 100%; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Leaving Aid #6 the cheers from the volunteers encouraged me for the two climbs that I knew were coming to get me back up to Aid #7 at Mushroom Rock (26.8mi). Just into the climb another fellow runner came around and I gave my words of encouragement and continued up the first climb walking and jogging when possible. Lots and lots of discussions were had between God and me about keeping my leg cramps manageable… I knew it was unreasonable to ask for no cramps at all but simply prayers to help me from completely seizing up seemed more realistic. Like I said earlier, if runners didn’t like the climbs from Mushroom Rock out to Suck Creek at the beginning of the race they will REALLY like them on the way back! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On the way back to up to Mushroom Rock runners get the double whammy for back-to-back steep technical climbs. Although it’s slow going this really is a nice section of the course and the swinging bridge in the middle of the two climbs is a lot of fun. After the swinging bridge and the second big climb back toward Aid #7 at Mushroom Rock runners start to get a little bit of a high knowing that they’ve completed the most challenging sections of the course. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a great accomplishment, that is somewhat short lived when you realize that despite being back at Mushroom Rock you are not at the top of the climb and still have roughly 4-miles back to the finish line!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This last 4-miles back to the start has been pretty brutal in the past. The first year I ever ran StumpJump I had only trained a handful of times. I went into the race thinking it would be a cake walk and as a result I had my butt handed to me throughout the entire race and that last 4-miles to the finish was the longest death march to date in all of my trail running experiences. There is no good way to put it, you leave Aid #7 and begin some slow steady climbing for the next mile or so, before dropping back down to climb back up again; and all the while you can see the school and even hear the finish line music and announcements. You will swear that you’re lost and endlessly circling the school. Take my advise, remember to keep a positive attitude and know that with every step you are one step closer to completing the race and before you know it you’ll be at the finish. Runners will know they’ve made it as they crest the last climb and see the small swinging bridge on their right. The pavement just a few hundred feet ahead will lead them back around the school and to the finish area celebration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I made my way onto the pavement I glanced at my watch and knew that I was going to miss my goal time by more than 20 minutes but was happy to know that I had slowed the pace when things weren’t going as planned and was still able to salvage a respectable finish. As I rounded the last turn toward the finish area my spirits were lifted and I barely noticed the leg cramps that I had been battling the last 13-miles. My family and friends were there cheering me on and I couldn’t have been more thankful to see each of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to thank God for the fantastic weather, the great trails and beautiful scenery throughout the entire day. None of this would have been possible without all of the wonderful volunteers who helped organize this event, Rock/Creek, WildTrails, Salomon and all of the other great vendors, and all of the other people who helped put the 2014 R/C StumpJump together. Thank you to my wonderful wife, little girls, parents/crew, friends, and all of the wonderful people that I met before, during and after the race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Congratulations to everyone who participated in Saturday’s events, finishers and non-finishers alike!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall – 7th place, 4:54:25</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Until the next race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nathan D. Holland</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2014 Rock/Creek Race Team</span></div>
Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-21253218812080960562014-06-15T15:31:00.000-04:002015-01-27T16:53:02.493-05:002014 Chattanooga Mountain Stage Race, Day 3<div style="color: #555555; line-height: 23.374990463256836px; margin-bottom: 1.692307em;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rock/Creek Chattanooga Mountain Stage Race – 3 Days, 3 Mountains, 60 Miles<br />Friday, June 13 – Sunday, June 15, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gear: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0" target="_blank">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</a>,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Smartwool PhD Graduated Compression Socks</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/sense-pro.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Salomon Sense Pro Shoes</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/quick-grip/d/1001" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Camelbak Handheld Bottle</span></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/soft-flask-250ml-8oz.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon S-Lab Soft Flask</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> & </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 3, Signal Mountain (20 Miles):</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Stage-3-Post-Run-2.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="clear: right; color: #609e3f; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Stage-3-Post-Run-2.jpg" height="320" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: left; height: auto; margin-right: 20px; max-width: 100%; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, we finally made it to Day 3. The first two days had taken their toll on quite a few runners and for good reason. Forty miles, a little over 4,000 feet of climbing and plenty of heat and humidity. They always say ‘save the best for last’ and Day 3 is by far the best day of this stage race. These trails have a great mix of super technical trails, steep climbs, fast down hills, almost 2,700 feet of climbing, and some gorgeous views.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Just like Day 2, Day 3 has never been a ‘good’ day for me. I’ve usually been so shot by day 3 that my favorite course ends up being a long suffering day in the woods. However, this year was shaping up a lot better… Thank you Jesus. Going into Day 3 my legs still felt good, I wasn’t having any issues with cramping/soreness and was doing a pretty good job of staying hydrated and fueled up for the last day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Stage 3 course starts at the Signal Mountain High School soccer fields and runs some of the same trails as R/C StumpJump 50k course out to the Suck Creek Road crossing. From there runners make a 180-degree turn and head back up the same steep rocky climbs they just completed to begin a big 15-mile loop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone limped, hobbled and gathered around the starting line for the last 20 miles of fun. The last few seconds ticked off of the starting clock and in no time we were off and running. A short run through the parking lot and then off down some small gravel double track for the next mile to help spread the field before reaching the single track at Mushroom Rock. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This gravel double track has wreaked havoc on plenty of runners in the past and this year was no exception. There are plenty of washouts and areas that jump out and grab runner’s ankles and can take a runner out very quickly. Thankfully I didn’t have any issues of my own for this section. Once at Mushroom Rock (MR) you take a long sweeping left hand turn down to some fast single track that drop runners down to an awesome wood swinging bridge at the bottom the gorge. My best advice for getting across the swinging bridge quickly and efficiently is a very fast walk/shuffle. Trying to run makes the bridge oscillate and causes any running difficult and extremely awkward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Across the bridge runners start making their way back up the climb on the other side. This climb is fairly runnable with very little technical sections but the roughly 400 feet of elevation gain in such a short distance make it difficult. At the top runners have a short ‘flat-er’ section before dropping down another 300 foot steep technical trail to the Aid #1 (3.3mi) at Suck Creek Road. Anyone shooting to beat any of their fellow runners will like this out and back section because it gives you an opportunity to see how far ahead or how far behind you are from your competition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Leaving Aid #1 runner turn right around and begin heading back toward Mushroom Rock. The trip back to MR is a little more difficult than the initial trip from MR. Despite having two difficult climbs and only one good down hill on the way back to MR the return trip always feels somewhat easier because of the cheers and encouragement runners give each other as they pass on the out and back section. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming back up to Mushroom Rock I noticed that I hadn’t seen a couple of runners that had been ahead of me on the overall time from the previous two days. I found out from some people at MR that one had dropped and the other was taking it very slow both due to some ankle injuries. Relieved to be back up the second climb and at the MR intersection I knew that the next few miles over to Aid #2 (9.4mi) were a relatively flat. The trails over to Edwards Point and Aid #2 are a lot of fun. These trails twist and wind around through the woods running right on the edge of the ridge giving some great views. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are plenty of runnable trails, rocks, roots, vegetation, and all the great elements of trail running that make this a very fun section. Rolling into Aid #2 at Edwards Point there is a spectacular view of the river below and the ridge lines surrounding the river. It’s definitely worth a quick look and photo while you refill water bottles and refuel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I was sitting in 5th place at Aid #2 and hadn’t seen or heard anyone in the last 4 miles. It sounded like the four runners ahead of me were doing pretty well and I would have to make up a decent amount of time to catch them. Everything still felt pretty good and I figured I would do my best to make up some ground but was still shooting to have a sick-free Stage Race and figured I would do the best I could with the last 10+ miles of the race. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The trail over to Aid #3 at Signal Point is only about 2.5-miles but is some of the most technical couple miles of trail out of the entire Stage Race. There are a few wooden swinging bridges in this section and plenty of rocks for those who enjoy the technical terrain. To top this section off there is a real hard climb as you reach the base of Signal Point. There are a combination of man made wooden stairs, rock steps and cables to help everyone make the climb up to Aid #3 (11.8mi).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Immediately leaving Aid #3 everyone runs up a short road section, past some families standing on the road handing runners lemonade and coke drinks and then past a senior home where there always seems to be some elderly people rocking on the front porch and cheering on everyone. It’s great to get some encouragement from everyone after making that Signal Point climb. Just past the senior home the course turns left off of the road and runs down beside a golf course on a nice double track trail that rolls smoothly down to some more difficult creek running sections. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The creek running section is quite interesting, there are a lot of off-camber sections, rocks, roots, loose dirt, sketchy “trail” sections, etc. I was happy that I was able to run most of this , where in years past I’ve had to walk a large portion of this section. With God’s help too I didn’t break anything. I ate it at least 2-3 times and had even more close calls. As you close in on Aid #4 you start to run up and away from the creek. At Aid #4 (16.4mi) runners emerge from the single track onto a jeep road and gather any last few supplies for the last 3+ miles back to the finish area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">These last few miles back up the finish are non-technical and consist of forest service roads and a little bit of double track once you get back toward the school. I still hadn’t seen anyone since early on in the race so I figured I would push on as much as possible and at a minimum try to maintain my 5th place position. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This last few miles went much faster than years past but were still fairly difficult considering the uphill climb that makes up a good portion of this section. The thought seeing my wife and daughters at the finish liner were a great motivation for me to run this last section strong. I noticed if I could maintain my current pace I had a chance to break 3 hours. I talked with God a little to take my mind off the hurt, focused on maintaining a good stride and before I knew it I was within earshot of the finish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming up the last small climb I started looking for my family and found them standing down by the finish line cheering me on as I emerged from the woods. Coming up to the finish I was able to grab my youngest and cross the finish line with her. What a great Father’s Day! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I wasn’t able to chase down any of the lead four runners but managed to hold on to 5th place for the day and with God’s help was able to do it in under 3 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I found my way straight to the ice pool to congratulate the other runners and cool off. My wife, daughters and other family gathered around the pool to congratulate me and the other runners as well and I was able to steal a few kisses from my beautiful wife.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Shaggy.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="color: #609e3f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Shaggy.jpg" height="400" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: right; height: auto; margin-left: 20px; max-width: 100%; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" width="400" /></a>Thanks to all the good memories and laughs from all the runners. Nashville crew… thanks for the great competition and the Shaggy comparison. I love it! Thanks to God for the great trails and beautiful scenery on all three days. Thank you to my family for crewing and cheering me on for this Father’s Day weekend. Thanks to <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="color: #555555; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://wildtrails.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">WildTrails</span></a> and all of the volunteers and personnel who put Stage 3 and the entire weekend together.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 3 – 5th place, 2:58:57</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall 3 Day Total – 5th place, 7:41:53</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Until the next race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nathan D. Holland</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2014 <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a> Race Team</span></div>
Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-16571835510045393472014-06-14T15:27:00.000-04:002015-01-27T16:53:50.840-05:002014 Chattanooga Mountain Stage Race, Day 2<div style="color: #555555; line-height: 23.374990463256836px; margin-bottom: 1.692307em;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rock/Creek Chattanooga Mountain Stage Race – 3 Days, 3 Mountains, 60 Miles<br />Friday, June 13 – Sunday, June 15, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gear: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0" target="_blank">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</a>,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Smartwool PhD Graduated Compression Socks</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/sense-pro.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Salomon Sense Pro Shoes</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/quick-grip/d/1001" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Camelbak Handheld Bottle</span></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/soft-flask-250ml-8oz.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon S-Lab Soft Flask</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> & </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 2, Lookout Mountain (22 Miles):</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo.png" rel="lightbox" style="color: #609e3f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo.png" height="225" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: left; height: auto; margin-right: 20px; max-width: 100%; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 2 takes place on Lookout Mountain starting and finishing at the Lula Lake Land Trust area. Lula Lake offers some great hiking/running trails with some beautiful ridgeline views and a gorgeous waterfall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This area is only open the first and last Saturday of each month so it’s a real treat when you get an opportunity to visit. The trails are moderately technical with most of the trails being double track or relatively wide single track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the past, Day 2 has never played out in my favor. On both of my previous attempts I ended up throwing up a few times during the race, struggling through to the finish, and left completely drained for the final stage on Sunday. This year I wanted to do my best to recover for Day 2 and complete this stage still feeling good. So, following Friday’s Stage 1 I spent plenty of time in the ice pool, I started refueling as soon as my run was complete, rolled and stretched my muscles numerous times, and tried to get as much rest as possible. It must have worked, because I woke up Saturday morning feeling great. My legs were loose, nothing was hurting and I felt nice and rested for the day’s run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Stage 2 course is shaped kind of like a dumbbell. There are two circular loops that are connected by an out-and-back trail. Of all three days, Stage 2 offers the best and easiest venue for family and friends to watch the runners. The start/finish area starts at the main parking area on the Lula Lake property and runners will run through this area twice throughout the race before coming back in for the finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday’s race had been extremely humid and the late afternoon and evening thunderstorms that rolled through the valley Friday really helped knock down the humidity for Saturday’s race. The temperatures Saturday morning were in the upper-60s and were forecasted to be into the mid-70’s by noon. The atmosphere was very lively and runners were looking forward to the great running conditions and some beautiful trails. The race director, Randy had warned runners on day 1 that most runners hold back on Stage 1, feel great at the start of Stage 2 and end up blowing the wheels off, and end up wiped out for Stage 3. It was true, I had fell victim to this scenario in my previous two attempts so I was focused on not putting myself in that position again this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Before we knew it, it was time to start. Everyone took off under the Salomon Start/Finish Arch for a nice ~3/4 mile run down the gravel road to spread the field. Runners are treated to a beautiful waterfall on their left about 1/2-mile down the gravel road. Past the waterfall a single track trail juts off to the right taking runners over to the steepest and most technical climb of the day. There is a short steep climb that involves a few rocky switch backs and ropes for aid in making the ascent. With the steepest climb of the day complete within the first 1.5 miles of the run the single track opens up to a nice double track trail that continues climbing up the ridge line. Off to the left are some gorgeous views of the valley and usually a nice breeze. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This easy ridge climb continues for the next mile or so with a few flat sections mixed in to give your legs a break. It can seem like the ridge is never going to end and finally you make a hard right hand turn heading back down on another double track trail. Once you get closer to the bottom of the descent the trail narrows back to single track and starts winding in and out around the trees with some fun short climbs and quick descents. The last little bit of this initial loop has everyone running beside the creek back to an awesome wooden bridge that carries you over the creek and back to the start/finish area, Aid #1 (5.3mi). Coming through this aid station I was sitting around the top 10 again and felt like I was maintaining a reasonable pace that wouldn’t have the wheels falling off midway through the race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Leaving Aid #1 runners run through the Lula Lake parking area and begin the climb out of the Lula Lake area and take a connector trail up toward Covenant College. For anyone familiar with the R/C Lookout Mountain 50 Mile Race some of this trail is similar to a portion of that race. It is a pretty consistent uphill climb for the next 5 miles to Aid #2 (10.7mi). The trails up to the next aid consist of washed out double track, smoother more runnable double track, some easy single track, and a little bit of exposed power line trails. There are a few downhill sections throughout to break up the perpetual climb up to the Covenant aid station. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally when you come out on the steepest and longest power trail climb of the day you’re almost to Aid #2. I had caught a runner on my way up to this climb and had been running with them now for the past mile or so and it was nice to have a little conversation. This Aid was stocked with all the normal aid station paraphernalia; water, HEED, sweet and salty stuff, oranges, apples, and then… some watermelon… Awesome! Cold watermelon on a hot day’s run is phenomenal! With some fresh water bottles and two fists full of watermelon we were off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The nice thing about all that climbing up to Aid #2 is that for the next 5 miles back to Lula Lake you know that it’s pretty much all downhill! It’s the reward for the last 5 miles of climbing. About 2 miles out from Aid #2 I heard some fellow runners coming up from behind and was able to run with a small pack of 3-4 runners for about 2 miles. Just a couple miles past Aid #2 you finish the lollipop portion of the Covenant aid station loop and get back onto the stick portion heading back on the same trail that you ran on when you left Lula Lake. This is a nice motivational section because runners are now going both directions and it’s nice to give words of encouragement to your fellow runners and it’s just as nice to receive encouraging words from them as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As we made it back within earshot of Aid #3 (15.5mi) the couple of runners ahead of me got an extra boost of energy and picked up the pace and I let them go as I was not concerned with running anyone else’s race and was still feeling great and wanted to make sure I stayed with the plan of finishing day 2 with plenty left for the last day of running.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Leaving Aid #3 I was in 6th place and had a new that there was just a little of 6 miles left to get back to the start/finish line and see my wife and kids. Great motivation to finish as quickly as possible! Leaving Aid #3 runners head out to run the original loop in reverse, counterclockwise. This means a mile or so of flat single track winding around beside the creek before a nice steady climb back up on the ridge. This climb has really put a hurting on me in the past but not today. Before I knew it I had reached the top of the climb and began the next 1-1.5 mile “downhill” run along the ridge line. This ridge is considerably harder than it should be for a “downhill” run… or at least that’s what my body tells me every time I run this section. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s a fact, it’s definitely uphill when running it clockwise so it just make since that it should be downhill when running it counterclockwise. However, my legs always feel like it’s uphill both ways. Oh well, at least there are beautiful views off the side of the ridge which almost makes up for the difficulty to run this ridge fast. You’ll know you’re coming to the end of the ridge run and getting ready to make the quick descent back down to the gravel road when the double track ends and you jump back on single track. This single track runs for a short distance before starting a series or quick switch backs down to the hand-rope climb that will drop you down to the gravel road. Once at the bottom runners take a short 1/8-mile run up the road and past that amazing waterfall, now on your right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Most people will have missed the waterfall at the start because it’s behind them as they’re running down the road, but this direction gives everyone an awesome view of this beautiful waterfall. After a quick view it’s time to get back to running because you’ve only got a mile or so to get back to the finish area. At the bridge runners will take a left and up a steep climb back on to some really fun single track. This trail climbs up and down, in and all around the roots, rocks and trees all along the creek that’s feeding that gorgeous waterfall. This is a fairly technical section and with 40+ miles over the past two days it can be somewhat treacherous if you get out of control. I’ve eaten it a few times in here but never more than a minor cut or bruise. As you make your way to a clearing and usually a small crowd of people you’ve made it to the last water crossing. This calf-high water crossing is pretty fun and feels great on tired legs and feet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve always seen these awesome pictures of people running through this creek and it looks so easy. In the past I’ve been on the verge of death and have only felt like crawling through the creek. This year I felt great so I figured I could run through and maybe get one of those “cool creek crossing” photos… Well, I almost made it. I was mere feet from the end of the crossing and I busted. So, instead of a cool photo of me running gracefully through the creek I got a picture of me on all fours clumsily climbing out of calf-high water! Oh well, it felt great. With only a 1/4-mile of gravel road to the finish I laughed off my clumsiness and sloshed off to meet my girls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The finish area at Lula Lake is a blast. Runners can hang out with the family/friends and cheer on runners that are finishing as well as those that still have an hour or so of running. There is a great place for kids and adults to climb into the creek and lay around in the cool water. WildTrails and Rock/Creek have music, food, popsicles, and cold drinks to help runner recover for the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Recovery included another bottle of Perpetuem, pasta, ice pool, and some playing in the creek with my little girls!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #555555;">I thank God for the amazing trails and beautiful scenery at the Lula Lake Land Trust and for being able to enjoy this with my family and friends. Thank you to Mary (stepmom) for coming out and supporting me all day, Jodi (step… dog?), Katy and the girls for cheering me on through the finish and for hanging out with me in the ice pool and creek. A BIG thanks to </span><a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="color: #555555; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://wildtrails.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">WildTrails</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> and all of the volunteers and personnel who put Stage 2 together.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 2 – 7th place, 2:34:10 </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Until Day 3…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nathan D. Holland</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2014 <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a> Race Team</span></div>
Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-91137503102032652072014-06-13T15:20:00.000-04:002015-01-27T16:54:21.607-05:002014 Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race, Day 1<div style="color: #555555; line-height: 23.374990463256836px; margin-bottom: 1.692307em;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rock/Creek Chattanooga Mountain Stage Race – 3 Days, 3 Mountains, 60 Miles<br />Friday, June 13 – Sunday, June 15, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="color: #555555;">Gear: </b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0" target="_blank">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</a>,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Smartwool PhD Graduated Compression Socks</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/sense-pro.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Salomon Sense Pro Shoes</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/quick-grip/d/1001" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Camelbak Handheld Bottle</span></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/soft-flask-250ml-8oz.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon S-Lab Soft Flask</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> & </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Background:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh stage race… You have been an elusive sphinx for me in the past. The past two years I have tried to break the eight-hour mark for this three-day event, each time falling short by roughly 30 minutes. Well, God willing, not this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Competition this year was pretty good, there were some fast people from Nashville, Huntsville and the surrounding Chattanooga area. Then there were some super-fast people from Florida/Colorado who came out to burn up the course. The Stage Race always seems to attract a great group of people from around the country and is one of my favorite aspects of this race.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 1, Raccoon Mountain (18 Miles):</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Nathan-stage-1.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="clear: right; color: #609e3f; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Nathan-stage-1.jpg" height="240" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: right; height: auto; margin-left: 20px; max-width: 100%; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Raccoon Mountain trails are minor-to-moderately technical, very runnable single track trails that are a lot of fun to run. The very popular <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a> Scenic City Trail Half and Full Marathons are run on most of the same trails with Day 1 of the Stage Race adding a few miles of different trails.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Driving up to Raccoon Mountain on Friday morning, there was an awesome cloud/fog mixture engulfing the entire mountain and temperatures were in the mid-to-upper 60s. After catching up with a few old friends and putting some faces with some new social media friends at the Laurel Point start/finish area everyone started gathering around for the start of the race. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The start of Day 1 sends runners down a short 1/8-mile pavement section before taking a hard left onto the single track. Thus, it is vital to push hard for this first pavement section, as otherwise you’ll be stuck in the conga line of walking and jogging the first mile or so until you have a chance to spread out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As we counted down the last five seconds off the start cloc,k everyone put on their game face and was ready to go out and run. As we shot off the starting line I was running beside Memphis superstar Olaf Wasternack and not 100 feet into the run he abruptly pulled off to the side of the pavement and fell out of sight. I knew that Olaf was a strong contender, so I was hoping that everything was alright. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The first few miles up to aid station one seem to fly by with all of the excitement at the start of the Stage Race. This makes it easy to get sucked in and push yourself too hard and pay for it later. Keeping that in the back of my mind I decided to focus on staying comfortable and keep reminding myself that I still had two more days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Within a mile in the race we were spread out from the main pack and I was running alone somewhere in the top ten. Coming through Aid #1 (4.7mi) everything still felt good except the buckets of perspiration pouring out of my body… I didn’t realize how humid it was at the beginning of the race but could definitely tell how high it was now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The next 3+ miles rolled by quickly as I worked my way down to Aid #2 (8.0mi). For those that are familiar with the Scenic City Trail Race, just past Aid #2 is where the course changes for the Stage Race. In the stage race runners run the Small Intestines trail before running up the Grindstone trail over to Aid #3 around the Visitor Center. Small Intestines is a nice section of trails that winds in and around allowing runners to see people in front of them and behind them throughout various stages of the section. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Somewhere around mile 10 or so I finally heard someone coming from behind me and turned to see Olaf blistering his way up the trail. Come to find out, Olaf’s running watch was ripped off his arm only 50 feet into the race and he made the decision to stop and grab the expensive piece of equipment. This minor setback put Olaf at the complete back of the pack and really shows how good of an athlete he is to have worked his way all the way back up to the top ten despite having to pass some 200+ runners and all on tight single track trails. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We had caught another fellow superstar, Cody Goodwin. Once the two were together they seemed to feed off of each other’s energy. I ran with them as long as I could but soon realized I was feeling very tired and decided I couldn’t stay with them as I seemed to be hitting a low. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By the time I reached Aid #3 (13.0mi) I was almost completely out of energy. I knew the next 5 miles were going to be a little rough but figured as long as I could get through it without losing too much ground I could recover for Saturday and Sunday stages. Leaving Aid #3 runners have 1/2-to-3/4-mile of easy downhill/flat running before coming to the visitor center and getting a very fast downhill section that really lets runners fly. Once at the bottom runners begin climbing out of the other side via a few quick switchbacks followed by some rolling climbs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Although this section of trails offers some of the most gorgeous views of the river and gorge I was not in the best mood to enjoy the views. I wasn’t expecting to hit a low like this on Day 1… I figured holding back and taking it easy would have left me feeling great the entire race with plenty of extra for Saturday and Sunday, but it didn’t feel like that at all. I struggled to keep any kind of decent pace through these last 5-miles. About 2 miles from the finish I heard the inevitable sound of footsteps and conversation as two other runners caught me and quickly passed me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to God for giving me the strength to push through to the finish because I managed to retain a jog/run on flat and downhill sections and a walk/suffer-fest on the climbs. Finally I found my way to the R/C flags taking me off of the single track and back onto the pavement section that would lead me back to the start/finish line at Laurel Point. Crossing the line I was greeted by my beautiful wife and daughters who came out to cheer me on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Recovery included a bottle of Perpetuem, bananas, pretzels, ice pool, and figuring out why I bonked so bad. As it turned out “everyone” seemed to struggle more than expected for Day 1. At the end of the day I wrote it off as very high humidity and changing my normal drink plan to Skratch Labs products versus Perpetuem and some decreased calorie intake. Don’t get me wrong the Skratch Lab products are great and I don’t fault them, just my failure to play with concentration mixtures enough before the race to understand how my body would fare during race conditions. Decided I would go back to my tried and true mixtures for Day 2 and see how that played out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As always I want to give all the glory to God and thank Him for keeping me and all of the other runners safe throughout the day. Thanks to my beautiful family for coming to watch me finish. Thank you <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a> for the running gear and support. Thanks to all of the volunteers and personnel who made the first day of the Stage Race happen.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 1 – 6th place, 2:08:46 </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Until Day 2…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nathan D. Holland</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2014 <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a> Race Team</span></div>
Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-17616246769215587032014-05-17T15:58:00.000-04:002015-01-30T06:49:52.160-05:002014 Thunder Rock 100 - DNF Part 2<div style="line-height: 23.37px; margin-bottom: 1.69em;">
<a href="http://runningwithn8.blogspot.com/2014/05/2014-thunder-rock-100-dnf-part-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Continued from Part 1, published yesterday. </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Reliance-Aid.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="color: #609e3f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Reliance-Aid.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: right; height: auto; margin-left: 20px; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" /></a>Coming into Servilla Church (Aid #7, 50mi) I was pretty pumped to see my family and get some dry socks and shoes. I was still ahead of my schedule, maybe more than I wished but there wasn’t a lot I could do now other than just roll with it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Roughly 8 hours and 40 minutes had elapsed by mile 50, and I was feeling pretty good. I pulled off my wet shoes and socks, put some moleskin on pinky toes — not that it really mattered since they were encased in blisters from the inside all around the front, bottom and around the outside. Weirdest blisters I’ve ever had. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I got some fresh socks and shoes, put on some arm warmers and kissed my wife. Someone offered me a jacket, but I turned it down thinking I would be warm enough since I would be running most of the next 15 miles. <strong>Mistake #3</strong>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As my safety runner and I headed out, we started talking about the day and what the next 15 miles would entail. I was feeling pretty good from the boost of energy after seeing my family. However, within about 10 minutes I noticed that I was a lot colder than I realized. I pulled my arm warmers up to my shoulders and pulled my cheapo $1 gloves on my hands. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A few minutes later I was still cold and asked my buddy to pull my jacket out of my pack for me… no luck, nobody put my jacket in my pack. A miscommunication on my part. Oh well, I could manage the next few hours without my jacket. Before too long I was feeling very tired, not necessarily tired from exhaustion but it felt like I was extremely sleepy tired. If I was hiking an uphill section I was really cold and really tired. I was almost nodding off on the hiking uphill sections. As much as I could, I was running just to try and warm up and keep myself awake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming into the Iron Gap aid station (Aid #8, 54mi), I got a little bit of warm soup and a quick shot of Mountain Dew thinking that would help wake me up a little. After the quick shot of caffeine my blood sugar spiked, and I got a little jolt of energy that helped me run a little quicker. This, subsequently, warmed me up a little bit. The only issue with this was that once the sugar dropped and I started slowing again I quickly went back to being cold/tired. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I cycled back and forth through these really cold/tired spells and short bursts of energy right up through Bullet Creek (Aid #9, 59mi) and all the way to Starr Mountain (Aid #10, 65mi). When I got to Starr Mountain I had really hit a low. I really felt like I was going to pass out from being so tired… It was a different kind of tired, and I wasn’t really sure why I felt like my eyelids weighted 15-pounds each. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I got up to my crew and told them that I needed to sit down for just a few minutes and rest. I really felt like 5-10 minutes of sleep would do me a world of good. I didn’t want to take any more time than that because I knew that I was under a tight time crunch. Not really thinking straight, I just sat down in a camp chair and grabbed a couple minutes of shut eye. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What felt like seconds later, one of my buddy’s shook me a little and woke me up. I was freezing. <strong>Mistake #4.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If I had been thinking more clearly, I would have grabbed some warm food and then jumped in my crew’s warm vehicle to grab a few minutes of shut-eye. Instead, I didn’t eat anything and just sat down in a cold chair with nothing to keep me warm and passed out for a few minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I got up and put on both jackets that I had, trying to warm up a little. My Dad could tell that I wasn’t doing real hot, and told me to stay for a few more minutes and warm up and eat something but I convinced him that I was fine and just needed to get moving again. <strong>Mistake #5.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I rolled out of the Starr Mountain aid station I knew that I had roughly 10 miles back down to Iron Gap aid station. My second safety runner got out on the trail with me and we were off. Well, we weren’t off very long before I had to stop and walk. That 10 minutes of rest really didn’t do much for me. I was still freezing cold, and it wasn’t helping me warm up now that I was moving at a snail’s pace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I hadn’t really dressed for moving this slowly, and I was paying the price. Almost immediately once back on the trail, I was nodding off again and struggling just to keep my eyes open, let alone keeping one foot in front of the other. The next few hours were pretty hazy. I know that I came to a few times with my safety runner grabbing the back of jacket and saving me from falling face first in the dirt. Things were going downhill quickly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that I was struggling just to stay awake and couldn’t seem to get warm, I was having an even harder time eating and drinking. I knew that eating anything was crucial to keeping moving and was trying my hardest to eat anything I could, but I was not very successful. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we started coming down the road back the Iron Gap aid station (Aid #11, 75mi). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I made my over to the aid station looking for a blanket or something to try and warm up. One of the aid station workers saw that I was not feeling well and grabbed me a blanket. I wrapped up and sat down for a minute, thinking I could warm up some and eat and would instantly feel re-energized and ready to get back to running. Sitting there trying to eat some warm soup, my hands were shaking so bad that I could hardly keep the soup in the cup. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My safety runner pulled a thermal blanket out of his pack and wrapped it around me; then, with the help of the aid station volunteer, they wrapped me up in a total of 3 blankets. I told my buddy to let me try and eat some and then give me about 10 minutes to get a power nap and hopefully some extra energy. About 20-minutes later, when I awoke, I found my buddy, an aid station volunteer and a couple of fireman safety crews standing around asking me talking and looking concerned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then they started with the questions; how are you feeling, are you cold, what’s your name, do you want to keep going, etc. It took my by surprise and then I realized that I was REALLY cold. For the life of me, I could not stop shaking. It didn’t make any sense. I had a thermal blanket and three (3) big wool blankets wrapped around me and I felt like I was standing out in a snow storm in my underwear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the fireman told me to go over to his truck and get in where they had the heat going. As I made my way over to the truck, I felt like someone had broken my left ankle while I was passed out. It would not bend, and the pressure under my sock told me that I must have sprained it sometime between the stumble-fest that I had from Starr Mountain down to Iron Gap. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I hobbled up into the fire truck I was still trying to put together where I was, how much further to the next aid station and where I was on my target times to finish in time to make graduation. Talking to my safety runner and doing some rough math, I found out that I had lost quite a bit of time in the last 10 miles and knew that I would not be able to finish in time to make the graduation, especially at the pace I had slowed to now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">About this time, someone came over and stuck a thermometer in my ear and asked what I had decided. I told them to give me a minute and let me think. Like I mentioned before, I’ve gotten myself into pretty bad spots before, both in races and training runs. I’ve been lost, dehydrated, throwing up sick, and have taken one too many IV bags. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My wife is a God-send and does so much taking care of our 1 and 3-year old daughters while I’m out on these running adventures. So, when I push myself to the point of sickness I don’t do her any favors because now she gets stuck taking care of all three of us and it’s not fair to her. I knew now that I was behind schedule, hadn’t been eating/drinking enough, was feeling pretty bad, and knew that pushing on to the next aid station may make me miss a graduation that I promised to attend I made the hard decision. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I told my buddy to let the aid station know that runner #189 was going to withdraw… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Almost as soon as my buddy walked off to tell the aid station one of the fireman jumped in the truck and said that he was taking me down to see the EMS??? What, why? “Your temperature is too low (<96̈°F) and we have to take you down get checked out.” I argued for a few minutes telling them that I was cold but I definitely didn’t need to see the EMS. Well, apparently it didn’t matter because they were ordered to take me regardless of what I told them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh well, I had already made the decision to stop so I finally convinced them to first radio ahead to my crew at Quinn Springs so they would know where I was going and could come and pick me up. After being in the truck with blankets and the heat going full blast in face for 30+ minutes, I started to warm up and really started to feel a lot better. I didn’t feel like I was going to pass out anymore and started to think more clearly. After a short time hanging out in the EMS vehicle my crew showed up to the fire station and came in to the ambulance to check on me and give me some warm clothes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I apologized to my crew about 100 times for pulling out and really started to feel the weight of the DNF as I climbed into the truck. By the clock on the dash I knew that would I have stayed on pace I should have been climbing to the top of Oswald Dome by this time and would be looking at about 13 miles to the finish… It hit me pretty hard and I felt like a huge failure. I didn’t want to look anyone in the face because I felt like I’d let them down so I just put my head against the window and decided to pass out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Back at the house I got cleaned up and had enough time to get about 30 minutes of sleep before heading out to the graduation. My family and friends were doing their best to make me feel better. They told me that they were proud of me and the effort I’d put into the 75 miles I had completed but I still felt like crap and wasn't proud of myself at all. This pretty much summed up the rest of my day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then, sometime Saturday evening I realized that even though I didn't finish what I had set out to complete that I wasn't a failure. I do not understand why but sometimes God’s greatest glory comes from our failures not our successes. No, it wasn't the plan I had put together, but I know that sometimes God has different plans for us that may not have anything to do with what we want. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Coker-Falls.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="color: #609e3f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Coker-Falls.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: left; height: auto; margin-right: 20px; max-width: 100%; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" /></a>I had prayed many times before and during the Thunder Rock 100 that God would keep all of the runners safe and help bring each of us home to our loved ones. I had also told God many times that I was not worried and trusted him no matter what. Then I realized that my pity party and being upset about the outcome of the race was not someone who was “trusting” that God knew what was best and realized that I was truly blessed just for being able to participate in the race. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to congratulate everyone who ran the inaugural Thunder Rock 100 both finishers and non-finishers alike! The elements were at their finest these two days and really made it special for those who completed this 100. Even though I wasn’t fortunate enough to finish this year’s Thunder Rock I learned quite a bit from my mistakes and will be sure to log those away in the experience bank for the next race/run. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the greatest things I learned from my first trail race DNF is that I have a lot more support and encouragement from friends and family than I ever realized. I’ve had plenty of congratulations from successful races but I’ve never received so much words of encouragement and praise for what I had accomplished than what I did after my DNF. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A good friend of mine sent this message from Galatians 6:9 ESV: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Did Not Finish (DNF); Completed 75-of-100 miles</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As always I want to give all the glory to God and thank Him for keeping me and all of the other runners safe throughout the day. It was truly a blessing to run in such a beautiful part of the country. A big thank you to my family/crew for being there to support me. A big shout out to <a href="http://rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a> for all of the awesome running gear and support. Last but not least, I want to thank all of the volunteers and personnel who helped put together the 2014 Thunder Rock 100. You guys did an amazing job taking care of all the runners and keeping people on course for such a long race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Until the next race,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nathan D. Holland</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2014 <a href="http://rockcreek.com/" target="_blank">Rock/Creek</a> Race Team</span></div>
Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-79269279122277264002014-05-16T15:37:00.000-04:002015-01-27T16:54:55.798-05:002014 Thunder Rock 100 - DNF Part 1<div class="entry-content">
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<a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Pre-TR100.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="clear: right; color: #609e3f; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Pre-TR100.jpg" height="320" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: right; height: auto; margin-left: 20px; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" width="320" /></span></a><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rock/Creek Thunder Rock 100<br />Friday, May 16 – Saturday, May 17, 2014</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><strong style="color: #555555;">Gear:</strong><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0" style="color: #555555; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">, </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Smartwool PhD Graduated Compression Socks</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/sense-pro.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Salomon Sense Pro Shoes</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span><a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span><a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/quick-grip/d/1001" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Camelbak Handheld Bottle</span></a><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #555555;">, </span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/s-lab-adv-skin-hydro-5-set.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon S-Lab Advanced Skin Hydration Pack</span></a>,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span></span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/soft-flask-250ml-8oz.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Salomon S-Lab Soft Flask</span></a><span style="color: #555555;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> & </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Background:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 23.374990463256836px;">It’s funny how you can build something up so big in your mind, and think you’ve worked out all the nitty-gritty details, and just know that it’s going to unfold exactly the way you’ve got it worked out… and then, when that plan actually comes to fruition it takes on a life of its own and develops completely different from what you had planned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rock/Creek’s inaugural Thunder Rock 100 mile trail race was, without a doubt, going to be my first ever 100 mile trail race, I knew that I was going to be a finisher at R/C’s maiden 100-mile voyage, and I knew that I was going to finish in time to attend my little sister’s graduation Saturday morning at 09:00. I knew that if I put in the training and had a game plan to get me from start to finish in 20-hours or less then I had nothing to worry about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t trying to be overly confident in my abilities; I mean, the furthest I had run in any single day up until race day was a little over 50 miles. I knew that my time constraint was aggressive but I liked the challenge and it gave me something to work toward. I figured if I really believed in the plan and removed all doubt from my mind, I could attain that goal without any real issues. Well, spoiler alert: I did not finish the Thunder Rock 100. I pulled out of the race at mile 75, but I was still able to make my sister’s graduation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Late Saturday morning, following graduation I had concluded that I was not going to be writing a race report. I mean, I didn’t finish the race! Who would care to read a report about 3/4 of the race, a report from someone who had failed? Then, later that day I realized that I was being selfish and unfair to all my fellow runners (finisher and non-finishers), my family/crew, my friends, and most importantly to God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I consider myself a pretty new trail and ultra runner. My first trail and ultra race was the 2010 R/C StumpJump 50k. Man… what a brutal day! I think I trained for that run with about 6-8 actual training runs and then proceeded to get my tail handed to me over and over throughout that race. It was great! I finished, but paid for my unpreparedness for the next 3+ weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I didn’t run another trail race until the 2011 StumpJump. I knew that I could do better and had a real drive to finish stronger than the previous year. I wanted to get under 5 hours and worked pretty hard to get there. I missed it by about 7 minutes, but had an awesome time trying. I realize that my Thunder Rock 100 mile attempt was similar in that I went out with a couple of goals (finish in <20hrs & make a graduation), I didn't complete both goals but had a great time trying. Luckily for me, I learned some great lessons and can use those in my future runs/races and have other opportunities for completing my first 100-miler.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Race Details:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Weather on race day was crazy. The week prior to the race, temperatures had been in the high 80s and humid. About 2 days before the race a cold front pushed through the valley, bringing quite a bit of rain and cooler temperatures. Now race day temperatures were forecasted as high 60s and low 40s, with a very low chance of rain. About 15 minutes before the race, dark clouds rolled in above the Ocoee and unleashed a ridiculous amount of rain. </span></div>
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<a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/TR100-Start.jpg" rel="lightbox" style="clear: right; color: #609e3f; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/TR100-Start.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(229, 229, 229); float: left; height: auto; margin-right: 20px; max-width: 100%; padding: 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 240px;" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Knowing the rain was going to make it a lot colder, my Dad started down to the truck to get my arm warmers and jacket — but almost as soon as he left the rain stopped and the sun came back out. Thinking that all of the rain was gone, I yelled for him to come back and don’t worry about the sleeves or jacket. <strong>Mistake #1.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">With the rain stopped all ~175 runners lined up at the main bridge crossing the Ocoee directly behind the White Water Visitor Center. Sun was out, water dripping from the vegetation, crisp clean air, and an awesome buzz from all the excitement at the start line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. we were off! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The 5 miles over to Thunder Rock (Aid #1) were nice and easy. I came through Aid #1 somewhere in the top 10, grabbed my hydration pack and kept on trucking across the road to jump onto the Benton MacKaye trail toward Reliance. This section had a nice climb up from the road for a mile or two before jumping off the main trail and heading down a bushwhack section to a beautiful grass-covered forest road. It started to rain on us through here and then turned to hail. Not baseball sized hail or anything, but BB-sized and it was cold. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Man… I wish I had that coat, or the arm warmers. It didn’t last too long and we were running at a decent pace, so it didn’t take too long to warm back up. The grass fire road was nice and wide allowing people to run in groups and beside each other for conversation. Feet were soaked the whole time thanks to the nice mid-calf high wet grass that wrapped around legs as we pushed forward. Just as everyone was warming back up from the rain/hail storm, it started up again! This was somewhere around 11-12 miles, and the second storm was a lot more hail than rain. It really made for some cold extremities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After a few miles it let up again and I was puzzled for a minute when I saw white areas along the sides of the trail where there was still canopy shade. I realized that these white areas where hail drifts that had accumulated during the storm. Other than the fact that I was frozen, it was pretty cool to have such crazy weather for mid-May in Tennessee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A mile or two later, we came in toward Deep Gap aid station (Aid #2, 15mi). A big thanks to the volunteers at Aid #2! My hands were so frozen that I couldn’t work the zipper on my shorts pocket and I couldn’t grasp the lid on my bottle. I tried a few times, and finally someone came over and gave me a hand, an unfrozen hand. A fresh bottle and I was off again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Running out of Aid #2, the singletrack is fairly overgrown, and with the hard rains the vegetation was laying over and across every part of the trail… so it was like running through a car wash. Even though the rain had stopped, I was still soaking wet from all the water coming off of the vegetation. See what all the road runners are missing, trails are so much more interesting! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The next 10 miles over to Reliance are pretty much downhill the whole way with some absolutely stunning views of the creek. During a training run up here I got to see a beautiful black bear on this section. That was not the case today. I don’t think I saw any wildlife all day. Just before coming into Reliance there is a nasty little climb up from the creek trail that breaks and sends runners down a short road section and runs everyone through a mid-calf high water crossing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I try my best to not focus on my running hardware too much during a race, and just stick to how I’m feeling, but glancing down at my watch as I was coming into Reliance (Aid #3, 25mi) I realized that I was pretty far ahead of schedule; I was on about an 18.5-hour pace. I met my crew and ditched my pack and bottle while I ran to find the facilities. Figured I wouldn’t be at another restroom for a little while, so I had better make the best of an opportunity. I finished my business, grabbed my supplies and took back off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I didn’t want to push too hard through the next 25 miles because I had a goal of not being at 50 miles until right around 9 hours. I figured that holding back some for the first 50 miles would leave me enough energy to finish the last 50 in 11 hours or less. Leaving Reliance, runners jump onto the bridge that will carry them over the Hiwassee and along the other side of the river via river trails and intermixed road sections. By now it was just after 4PM, and temps had actually warmed up. The sun provided some nice warmth to cold bones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are about 8 miles between Reliance and the Powerhouse aid station. This was a nice, fairly flat section that was actually a little difficult to run… not because I was tired or because it was difficult, but mainly because I’m not used to holding myself back while running. So, trying to slow myself down so that I didn’t get to 50 miles too fast was kind of difficult. I was running with a fellow runner through this section who had a sub-20 hour goal and we would get caught up in conversation and then quickly realize that we were running too hard and would tell each other to slow down and pace ourselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We came into the Powerhouse (Aid #4, 33mi) and grabbed a fresh bottle of water and some oranges. Leaving the Powerhouse I knew that we were about to get back onto some good trails and would get some more technical running and climbing… my favorite! The next 7 miles consist of a continual saw tooth climb up to the Coker Falls aid station. Most of the climbs include 2-3 good switchbacks and then a few hundred yards of mid-ridge trail running, amazing views over the Hiwassee river, and then a couple of quick downhill switchbacks for some more creek-level trail running. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is by far the most gorgeous section of the first 40 miles. The last 3 miles of the trail up to Coker Falls are pretty spectacular, with some amazing water sounds from the many waterfalls that stair step up to the main falls. Coming into Coker Falls aid station (Aid #5, 40mi) I was still about 15 min under my goal time and was still around an 18.5-19 hour pace. My family/crew insisted that I take a minute and change my socks and shoes at this aid, but for some reason I reasoned that I didn’t need to change them and would hold off until mile 50. <strong>Mistake #2.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">From the Coker Falls aid station, runners have 6 miles of gravel forest roads to the Manning Cabin aid station. Not a lot to tell from this section, other than about 2 miles into the run I realized that not changing my socks and shoes was a BIG mistake. I stopped to adjust my shoes and realized that I had some monster blisters on both of my pinky toes. Oh well, too late now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I came into the Manning Cabin aid station (Aid #6, 46mi) I was starving! This aid station stole my heart! They had watermelon, grapes and some ridiculously good ramen noodles. I grabbed a few things for my pockets and got back to running. With less than 4 miles up to the Servilla Church (crew only aid station) I let my legs fly, a little with anticipation of seeing my wife and daughters at mile 50. </span></div>
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<a href="http://runningwithn8.blogspot.com/2015/01/2014-thunder-rock-100-dnf-part-2.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Continued on Part 2...</span></a></div>
Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060208107185144532.post-31293853700593522032014-03-15T17:00:00.000-04:002015-03-18T12:58:35.953-04:002014 Double Trail Race Weekend: Savage Gulf Marathon & Fall Creek Falls 50k<a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/running-gear.rc" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Gear</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">: <span style="color: blue; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-air-flow-shirt?p=23504-0" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;">Patagonia Air Flow Shirt</span></a><span style="font-family: Times;">,</span></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Times;"> </span><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-strider-pro-shorts-5-inch?p=24631-0" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;">Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"></span>, North Face Arm Warmers, <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/socks/compression.html?gender=9914" style="color: #555555; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;">Smartwool PhD Graduated Compression Socks</span></a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Times;">, </span><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/sense-pro.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Times;">Salomon Sense Pro Shoes</span></a><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">,</span><span style="color: #555555;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.suunto.com/en-US/Products/Sports-Watches/Suunto-Ambit2/Suunto-Ambit2-Black-HR/" style="color: #555555; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;">Suunto Ambit 2 (HR) Watch</span></a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Times;">, </span><a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/quick-grip/d/1001" style="color: #555555; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;">Camelbak Handheld Bottle</span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;">, </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/perpetuem-reg-.pp.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;">Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem</span></a><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Times;"> & </span><a href="http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes-reg--extreme.xel.html" style="color: #555555;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;">Extreme Endurolytes</span></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqekBvVXgrqWwcfVar8ONffZSL133PKP5UY43Op7v-GN196ITpTKQTabuJmGpUBKRdbyOXvOFDOm72-3YIvrXJfgou0U24dgm5Wt6sCz0hasDvmoe7UIDfnqLB5s9T8_fC0sUo7JNemh8/s1600/Savage+Gulf+Badge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqekBvVXgrqWwcfVar8ONffZSL133PKP5UY43Op7v-GN196ITpTKQTabuJmGpUBKRdbyOXvOFDOm72-3YIvrXJfgou0U24dgm5Wt6sCz0hasDvmoe7UIDfnqLB5s9T8_fC0sUo7JNemh8/s1600/Savage+Gulf+Badge.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pre-Race Saturday: I heard about Savage Gulf Marathon in late 2013 and was immediately interested since it fit the bill I’m generally looking for in a race; i.e. super technical and relatively close to Chattanooga. I usually don’t like to drive too far for a trail race when there are such great runs around town. Soon after this I found out that there was a 50k run at Fall Creek Falls on the day after #SGM. So, I figured I might as well make it a double trail race weekend and guarantee myself some good R/C Thunder Rock 100 training… Plus there’s a little extra motivation to get out for two long trail runs in the same weekend if I’m paying for the races. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My family/race crew and I decided to stay both Friday and Saturday nights at Fall Creek Falls Camp Grounds and make it a fun-filled camping and running weekend. The great thing about these two parks is that they are only about an hour drive from one to the other.</span><br />
<a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-1.jpg" rel="lightbox" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday, March 15, 2014 – #SGM – “The Toughest Trail Marathon in the Country:” </span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday was shaping up to be an awesome day with morning temperatures in the mid-40s, sunny and highs predicted to be in the mid-60s. I discussed hydration plans with a fellow Rock/Creek teammate a few days prior and decided that my best bet was to carry one hand-held bottle and a small Salomon soft flask to give me ~28oz of water. In previous years people had run out of water between the last couple of aid stations due to the difficulty of the trail and the early afternoon heat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-4.jpg" style="width: 240px;" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">To help combat this they added a water-only aid station around mile 20, so I figured my ~28oz of water would suffice. I gathered my items together and prepped a drop bag to be sent down to the Sawmill aid station, which was Aid #1 (6.3mi) and #3 (17.1). About 10 minutes to 8AM we all gathered around the starting line to listen to drill sergeant orders being barked out about the race and do’s and don’ts for the run. It was pretty comical and made for a few laughs before the race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The race began with a loud bang and billowing smoke from the Davy Crocket lookalike and his muzzleloader riffle, which made for an awesome starting experience. I joked around on the starting line with a few people about having a goal for this race of just trying to stay on course, since I was three-for-three with my last three races and getting lost. Well, to my dismay as soon as I left the starting line I found myself hanging a right hand turn through the parking lot when I should have been hanging to the left with the majority of the other runners… here we go again <img alt=":-)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lucky for me that ended up being the only ‘misdirection’ all day. The Tennessee Park Rangers Association and the Boy Scout troops who marked the course did a fantastic job. I only had one other questionable turn throughout the rest of the race and I quickly sorted it out. As we exited the parking lot we ran onto a dirt access road out to a beautiful single track that ran along the edge of the Big Creek Rim trail where we were provided beautiful views looking out over gulch. This trail was very run-able and reminded me a lot of the Cumberland trail running along the edge of Signal Mountain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">About 3-miles into the run we came to the hard right hand turn to the Stone Door. Up to this point I was intermittently talking with the couple of people around me and was enjoying a nice comfortable pace, maybe a little faster than I needed considering I still had 20+ miles today and another 31-miles tomorrow. As we started down the beautiful stone steps of the Stone Door I immediately felt a sense of euphoria because I knew it was about to get very technical and I just had an itch to let go and run quickly as possible through the rocky boulder fields that lay below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I quickly found myself out front and didn’t really pay attention to anything behind me as I was enjoying the feel of bounding from boulder to boulder. This section was a blast and exactly what I love about trail running. The running along the base of the cliff included many boulder-strewn sections intermixed with short quick climbs and descents and easier, less boulder filled sections of trail. We had some pretty sweet creek crossings both on suspension bridges as well as through the creek beds. Lucky for us the water was down so we were able to cross the non-bridge sections without any issues and enjoy the riverbed running. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Arriving at Aid #1 (6.3mi) I found that I was in the lead, couldn’t see anyone behind me and was feeling great… this wasn’t really the plan today but I figured I would just keep running whatever felt good and be okay with whoever ended up catching me later on. Grabbed some fresh water and a few bananas from Aid #1 and continued on with some more trail and intermixed riverbed running. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few creek crossings past Aid #1 we began an ascent towards Suter Falls. This section of the trail was extremely beautiful. There was an awesome waterfall, beautiful vegetation and an amazing rock shelf that protruded above the trail as we cut along underneath it. The trail from here continued toward Collins East. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aid #2 and had a pretty awesome boulder field to work through as the trail climbed out. As I rolled into Aid #2 (11.1mi) I realized that my family/crew weren’t there like they had planned. I knew that I had enough things stuffed in my pockets to get by without the items they had for me, but I was worried that they may have had issues hiking in to the aid. So I said a quick prayer for them, grabbed some more bananas and some water and took off with no one in sight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Leaving Aid #2 is a very run-able section of the trail as you follow the Collins Rim Trail that snakes around the bluff on the opposite side of the gorge from the start. This section of the course gave about a 4-mile break from the super technical rocky sections that made up the first half of the race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Around mile 15 the easy running Collins Rim Trail took a sharp left back down the gulch via the Stage Coach Road. This historic trail is just what it sounds like; a wide roadbed heading down into the gorge littered with golf ball-to-grapefruit sized loose rocks. This section was pretty tricky as one wrong step could put you on the ground pretty fast. Bombing downhill has never been my strong suit and this was no exception. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was relieved as I came to the bottom of the roadbed and jumped back onto some more single-track trail running and new that I was only a short distance from Aid #3 (17.1mi). Coming back into Aid #3, same as Aid #1, I knew still had not seen anyone since coming out of the bottom of the Stone Door Steps and I just knew that someone would be coming along at any time. Since I was okay with being caught, and mentally expected someone to be along at any time, I decided to take my time at Aid #3 and grabbed some fresh stuff out of my drop bag, refilled my water bottle, my Salomon soft flask, and grabbed some bananas to stuff my pockets full. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few minutes I thanked the #SGM volunteers and was off again along the only repeat section of trail for the entire day. This Connector trail was roughly 3 miles of rollers back along the riverbed with technical sections intermixed into the single track sections. By this time in the day I had passed around 5-6 groups of hikers and most of them were large groups of as a dozen or more people. The entire Savage Gulf area was extremely beautiful and it was easy to see why there were so many people out enjoying the day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I came up the next intersection of Big Creek Gulf trail and the Connector trail around 20 miles and found the newly added water only aid station. I wasn’t that low on stuff but figured I had a good climb coming so I went on and topped of my bottles once again. This section was still rocky and technical following the creek. Somewhere around mile 22 we came out to another roadbed littered with golf ball-to-grapefruit sized rocks and began the steepest climb of the day. This was a “hands-on-your-knees-head-hanging-full-on-heartpounding-eyeball-sweating-ears-ringing” kind of climb… or I was just extremely tired by this time and really got my butt handed to me on this climb. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Either, way I KNEW for CERTAIN that someone was going to catch me on this climb or I was just going to die due to my heart pounding out of my chest. By the grace of God I made it to the top of this climb and still couldn’t see anyone behind me. It was probably a good thing because when I got to Aid #5 (23.3mi) I knew that roughly 3-miles of running and I would be done, and maybe I could hold on to the lead position and finish on top of the podium… a first for me as a trail runner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These last 3-miles were easy enough, no more technical rocky sections, no big climbs, if anything it was pretty much flat or downhill. As I came around the last trail corner I saw my Dad standing at the road cheering me on and I knew at once they were okay and hadn’t been injured or anything trying to hike into Aid #2. I didn’t know what my time was up to this point because I couldn’t remember the last time I had looked at it. I just knew that I was still in the lead and was going to finish there because I hadn’t seen another runner in since about 3.5-miles. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I came to the finish line I was able to run across with my 17-month old daughter and tried to get my 3-year old but she decided that would be too much attention for her that afternoon <img alt=":-)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> Just after I finished they informed me that I had missed the course record by something 1:40 min… Dang! Oh well, I was happy to have run a good race and still feel good because I knew I had another run the following day. This was by far the hardest trail marathon I’ve ever run and believe that it’s probably the hardest trail marathon in the Southeast and maybe even the country? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-1.jpg" style="cursor: move; opacity: 1; width: 240px;" unselectable="on" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was EXTREMELY thankful that God kept me safe through such a technical course, my family for the support, <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times;">Rock/Creek</span></a> for the awesome gear and support, <a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/sense-pro.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Times;">Salomon Sense Pro Shoes</span></a><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"></span></span>… these shoes did awesome and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for some new shoes. Huge thanks to Wild Trails for helping get this event re-opened and the Savage Gulf State Park/Tennessee Park Ranger Association for putting on such an amazing run with awesome personnel to help support the runners. For anyone who wants an amazing race experience and a good challenging course this race should be at the top of your list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>1st Place Overall; 4:22:47</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pre-Race Sunday: Saturday afternoon was spent around the start/finish line area of Savage Gulf Marathon and hanging out with a lot of really cool trail runners and talking with the SG rangers and personnel. That evening was spent back at Fall Creek Falls camping area with my family hanging out, stretching occasionally and keeping fairly active so I wouldn’t get too tight for Sunday’s run.</span><br />
<a href="http://blog.rockcreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/photo-4.jpg" rel="lightbox" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday, March 16, 2014 – Fall Creek Falls 50k:</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I woke up Sunday morning to the sound of rain and considered just rolling back over and going to sleep… I figured, it’s just money and I didn’t need any more race shirts so sleeping in a nice warm bed would be hands down better than going and running 50k in the rain. Well, that thought only lasted a few seconds because I quickly remembered that I needed another good day of running in to help build my endurance for R/C Thunder Rock 100. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After I choked down a peanut butter, honey and granola bagel I got my gear on for a nice long run in the rain. Conditions were extremely different from the previous day. Saturday delivered ~60°F and sunny while Sunday was ~45°F and rainy… blah! When I got to the starting area I saw a slew of people standing in line to check in. There was no day before check in options so everyone was forced to stand around in the cold rain Sunday morning waiting to get checked in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Always trying to find the silver lining of situations, I did learn that a huge umbrella that your Step-Mom loans you will automatically get a lot of people to huddle around you to steal shelter from the rain. One up side to this is that it is a great way to stay warm considering all of the body heat from 6 people huddled under one umbrella <img alt=":-)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://www.rockcreek.com/gear/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Due to rain and check in delays the race was postponed approximately 30 minutes to allow everyone to get their numbers and timing chips. There are two distances options offered, a half marathon and a 50k option, with both courses sharing a lollipop shaped course. The stick on the lollipop is a 3/4-mile uphill road section to the trail, then an 11.5-mile loop through the woods back to the same road intersection. After one loop the half marathon runner’s head back down the stick to the finish, while the 50k runners go for another run around the 11.5-mile loop. When 50k runners get to the road for the second time they do a 180° turn, run 3 miles back the direction they just came from and then do another 180° turn to come right back to the road for a third time. Once back to the road 50k runners head back down the stick to the finish line. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Around 8:30AM everyone was checked in so we shuffled over to the starting line. My legs felt pretty good considering the effort from the day before. I decided that I wouldn’t worry about who were half marathon runners and who were 50k runners and would just run whatever felt comfortable. As we started off the line I quickly settled into a comfortable pace and ran the first 3/4-mile up to the first turn onto a forest road for another 1.5-miles to the actual trail… or what I thought was a trail. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I guess it was a trail in the sense that it was cut through the woods and had white trail blazes to follow but other than that it was a little different than what I was expecting. I grew up camping and hiking at FCF and knew about all of the beautiful trails that hiked in and around the falls and down in the gorge. It’s nobody’s fault but my own for not understanding the course better before the race but I suppose I just expected it to run some of the beautiful FCF overlooks trails. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, so far the trail was at least easily run-able without too many problem areas. I was probably somewhere in the front 10-15 people so the trail wasn’t too muddy and trampled yet considering the rain coming down. As the race progressed the terrain changed slightly from mile-to-mile, with some easy running flat sections to short rolling hills and even a few minor rocky sections. I prefer more technical rocky courses over the easy trail forest running but I soon realized that it was actually a very nice trail and a welcome break from the technical course the day before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Around 9.25-miles into the race the trail dumps out onto a short 1/4-mile road section and Aid #2. I was fortunate to have my family/crew there today and was able to get a fresh bottle of Perpetuem, baby food flask and a flask full of chicken noodle soup. The warm chicken noodle soup was wonderful considering I was soaking wet and really contemplating turning in to simply run the half marathon once I got back the main road section. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just past Aid #2 we jumped off of the road and back into the trail. This next 3-miles of the trail was a mix of easy climbs, gentle down hills and very run-able single and double track. As I approached the main road section that would eventually be my turn back to the finish line the rain started to let up and my body finally started to warm back up so thoughts of cutting my 50k into a half marathon went away and I figured if I had already put in roughly 12-miles what was another 19+ miles. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I crossed the road and Aid #3 (12.25mi) I walked for a few minutes with my family/crew again and got some more baby food and another fresh bottle of Perpetuem. I found out that I was in the lead for the 50k race. Apparently everyone in front of me was in the half marathon and had turned on the road at Aid #3 racing for the finish line. Well, this was not what I was expecting and not necessarily what I wanted. When out front you can’t help but get a little bit of that anxious feeling that someone is right on your heels or about to catch you at any moment and if you’re not careful you’ll run yourself into the ground trying to push too hard to maintain the lead. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I told myself that it didn’t matter who or how many people caught me since I was only trying to get another solid run in following Saturday’s effort. I grabbed the last of my fuel and took back off for a second loop around the 11.5-mile loop. Once off of the forest road and back into the woods the previous run-able trail was not so run-able now. Apparently the 200+ people that had followed me through the first loop did a number on the trail and it was now a muddy soupy mess. Every descent that was manageable the first loop was now a treacherous slip and slide down the trail trying to keep your feet right side up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I approached Aid #4 (20.75mi) I heard the sound of muddy footsteps coming up from behind me and looked over my shoulder to see a couple of guys catching up. I admit I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t maintain the lead any longer but was also relieved to have someone to chase now for a little extra motivation. I was greeted at Aid #4 by my Wife and two little girls and got a second wind from their smiling faces and cheers. I was able to hang with the now second place guy for about the next 2-miles before slowing just a little as the pace was getting a little too dicey for me on the descents and I didn’t want to risk eating it hard and getting hurt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aid #5 (23.75mi) was coming into sight and I was not looking forward to turning right back around to run back out this same section of trail again in the opposite direction. I grabbed another fresh bottle of Perpetuem and another chicken noodle soup flask and got a good boost of energy to push back through the out-n-back section. The nice thing about the out-n-back section was that you passed other runners and it provided a bit of motivation to keep pushing hard and finish strong. I was actually surprised how fast the 6-miles total of the out-n-back section went. Rolling back into the final aid station at 29.75-miles I knew that with only 3/4-mile of road back to the finish line I should be able to maintain 3rd position overall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Crossing the finish line I made my way straight over the pavilion to join my family and grab some post race food. I don’t recall ever having been so hungry immediately after a race. I sat around the finish line and ate until I was about to explode, cheered some other finishers on as they finished then made my way to the nearest showers to warm my bones. Overall the Fall Creek Falls run was a success. It wasn’t my favorite run that I’ve ever completed but for anyone looking for a nice double trail race weekend, this run coupled with the Savage Gulf Marathon makes for a good weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Again I was very thankful that God kept me safe through the muddy and wet conditions, my family for the motivation, <a href="http://rockcreek.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a> for the </span><a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/running-gear.rc" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">running gear</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and support, and the Fall Creek Falls personnel that made this run possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>3rd Place Overall; 4:36:18</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Until the next race,<br />Nathan D. Holland<br />2014 <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Rock/Creek</span></a> Race Team</span>Nathan D Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12609658591635778212noreply@blogger.com0