2014 FOTM Race Report - The Final FOTM

Fire on the Mountain 50k

 

As race day approached I didn't feel the usual combination of pre-race emotions.  This year there was a few new feelings taking up room in my head.  Kevin the RD had made the official announcement that 2014 would be the final FOTM.  Being lucky enough to have run every FOTM, it was sad news that the fifth running would be the last.  While the possibility of the race ending (hiatus, Kevin, remember it's just a hiatus) was a sad note, there was a bright spot in the happenings.  My sister would be running her first ever race.  First ever ultra trail race no less.  I was excited for her and nervous that I may have encouraged her to take a leap that was a bit extreme.  Little did I know that once again my tiny big sister would be setting the example that I would try to follow.

 

 

Packet pickup

 

We headed to Flintstone Maryland to the Green Ridge State Forest Headquarters to pick up our bibs and unfortunately get a refund for our race t-shirts.  The RD lives several states away and is the owner of a new business which left little time for some items on the race day check list.  But I have to say that was the only detail of the race that was disappointing.  I am so grateful that despite all the challenges being so far away and running a business Kevin and his family were still able to put on one of the best trail races I have the privilege to run.  Many thanks to Kevin and his family, all the volunteers, DCNR and the beautiful Green Ridge State Forest for allowing us safe and supported passage on a perfect day.

 

 

As the sun rises

 

There was no sun as I went through the pre-race drill and quietly slipped out of the house and headed to pick up my sis.  Being an early riser she was wide awake and waiting for me to hit the road.  Mostly we drove in silence.  I was lost in my mind, still trying to wake up.  As for my sis I can only imagine the thoughts that were swirling in her mind.  I wanted to do everything I could to help make this first race a successful one for my sis but it was hard to shake the sadness that it would be the last FOTM.  It is silly to get so sentimental about a race but as I made the long winding drive I couldn't help but think of all the past years. 

 

View from the start line

 

 

In no time I had to get back to reality as we pulled into the open field that would welcome us as a finish line after 32 miles through the Green Ridge State Forest.  Sis and I hopped out of the truck to check in, make a quick nature call and then readied our gear in the warmth of the truck.  The minutes ticked down and it was time for us to get on the bus that would take us to the start line.  On the bus we chatted and listened to other runners talking.  Sis and I shared a seat with Janelle who was running her first 50k.

 

 

Sis and I about to hit the Red Trail

 

The ride has always been longer than I'd want with nervous anticipation growing by the minute but soon enough we were at the start line.  One last nature call, a few snapshots, chatted with a few friends and we were ready to get on the move.  The RD gave his usual final instructions; Red Trail, Green Trail, Fire Road, Purple Trail and we were....not off.  Just as the RD was about to send us on our merry way, several runners yell "Car!"  There were two cars making their way to the start line.  Thanks to the winds the night before there had been an alleged tree down that delayed a few runners.  Graciously the RD waited for them to grab their gear as their driver declared she had photos of the down tree.  After a few minutes delay and a few laughs, we were finally set on our way down the fire road for a quick mile before entering the Red Trail. 

 

The perfect day

 

RED TRAIL

 

The Red Trail was just as wonderful as ever.  The day was beautiful, the leaves were abundant and our spirits were high as we moved quickly along the trail.  I love how much I remember the route of this race.  After about 3 miles we turn left to continue on the Red Trail but a few runners had turned right.  With all our trail training miles, we were moving well over the terrain and making great time as we hit a hard left uphill we saw another group of runners who had missed the turn and incorrectly continued straight.  We ran into the first aid station and paused long enough for me to tighten my one shoe then continued down the course.  As usual, the trees in the Green Ridge State Forest beckon me to visit them but happily this year I would only need a few nature calls through my journey.  I enjoyed some technical trail running throughout the remainder of the Red Trail only falling once luckily without paying any blood dues.  We hit the second aid station in high spirits.  I encouraged my sis to eat and drink more than she was doing.  I had some banana, pringles and a little to drink.  Sis sent out a quick text to update the family on our progress.  We were happy with our pace and still feeling strong as we hit the Green Trail.

A pause at the Oasis

 

GREEN TRAIL

 

My history with the Green Trail has been a wet one but this year the course was as dry as I can remember it.  Sis took the lead through this section as we had decided to run together or at least within eye sight.  My main role would be to keep her on course and keep her from going to fast early in the race.  It was a challenge to contain her enthusiasm and even though I was certain she could probably run much faster than we were going, we hadn't tested how long she could hold those paces and I didn't want her to burn out at mile 27.  So we wove our way through the low laying section of Green Trail hopping across the creek only to hop back across the creek. 

 

Sis ready for the climb up to the Oasis 

 

The Green Trail went by quickly as we came out to the water only aid station shortly after passing the open front shed that I recalled being so happy to see in a section with little cover.  Since we knew that volunteers were limited, we had planned to be able to run heavily self-sufficient.  We paused only briefly before heading back down the trail.   

My favorite part; the climbing.

 

Through the Green Trail we passed several runners.  My sis was running strong but quiet.  Every time I'd check in with her, she was "fine" or "good."  It was a different experience to run with someone who is running their first ever race.  I can only imagine what all was going through her mind as she was going farther and farther, getting closer to going farther than she had ever gone before. 

The Oasis view

 

THE OASIS

 

As we hit the Fire Road, the RD's daughter was there taking pictures of everyone.  Another of many great perks of FOTM, awesome free race photos!  In five short years she has gone from a little girl to a beautiful kind young woman.  I'd call getting to see her and her sibling grow another of those FOTM perks.  Another perk is the Oasis aid station.

Sis loved the oranges

 

We climbed the hill to the Oasis aid station dubbed "half way" on the course due to the "easier" second half.  I added water to my hydration pack, drank some coke, ate bananas and chips.  Sis enjoyed the oranges.  Stephanie snapped a few photos of us and we were off again. 

Enough energy to celebrate

 

We hadn't made it too far in fact I knew where we would answer another nature call because I stop at this spot nearly every year.  Thanks to the nature call my tummy settled from the influx of sugar and we were off down the nearly 8 miles of fire road.  There isn't much to say about the fire road we ran a lot, we talked some - although now I can't remember what we talked about.  There were descents and climbs, rocks and more rocks and finally an aid station across the bridge.  We didn't bother really stopping.  I just whined that I'd love some sugar and caffeine. 

The finisher's trophy - worth it!

 

My achilles/heel of my left foot was really bothering me.  I was complaining about little things just to hear myself talk.  Thankfully sis gave me some pain medication and a couple of runners who settled in beside us briefly offered me more...it must have been obvious that I was uncomfortable.  But sis just kept motoring on.  It was awesome to see her dig deep and not complain when I know she was working hard.  We came to the next aid station but no soda to sugar up on so I risked drinking whatever sports drink they had and thanked them for being there before we headed up the next hill.

 

 

5th FOTM - 7:16

 

PURPLE TRAIL

 

Quickly we were approaching the entrance to the purple trail and after directing some fellow trail brethren to the correct direction, we took the lead and enjoyed the softer footing.  In previous years, I had complained about the purple trail.  After my time on the Massanutten trails, I now enjoy the purple trail and felt like we were making some good miles as we worked our way further along the course.

32 miles.  No worse for the wear.

 

As we made our way along the purple trail I remember quite a few places in this final section.  As we passed under power lines sis mentioned how much it reminded her of our hometown pipeline route on the Mid-State Trail.  We passed a particular large tree that has a fondness for me since we shared such intimate moments during one of the early years of this race.  We passed a random spot along the trail where Champ had greeted me during the first FOTM. 

Salty as ever

 

As I relived all those happy memories my sis had grown really quiet.  This was the first time during the race that I thought she might be tiring.  But still she continued ahead.  If I said run, she ran.  If I said hike this hill like you mean it, she hiked.  But there was an unmistakable air of "I just want to be done" about her.  Of course I was eager for that finish line too but as always the longer I go the more comfortable I feel about continuing to put one foot in front of the other. 

How I celebrate my 5th FOTM 50k

 

We came on the last aid station put didn't take any aid since we had our hydration packs.  Only about 4.5 miles to go!  The remaining trail was a nice mix of descents, climbs, easy footing and technical running.  It was a beautiful day.  The conditions could not have been closer to perfect for my sister's first race and honestly, if FOTM has to see an end (Remember Kevin, hiatus.  right?!) what better way for that to happen than this perfect day. 

5th or 1st, it's a sweet success

 

It was a celebration of the ending of one thing but the beginning of others.  Life is like that.  Sometimes things have to end but there is always something new to begin.  As we started what I knew was the final climb I prayed that my sister's daughters had found their way to the finish line.  I knew that nothing was going to stop her from seeing her first ever finish line.  I shouted that we were almost there.  I was happy I was in the lead because I could hardly hold in the tears.  Now tears of happiness that we could share such an amazing journey together.

Our cheering crew

 

And there they were, two beautiful young ladies waiting for their mom.  Cheering and snapping photos as they ran to the clearing that would start our final victory lap to the finish line.  That open field that had held one of my favorite finish lines for the past five years.  I have loved it and hated it but each time I longed to see it knowing it held another piece of this wonderful journey that I am on.  A journey that really has no finish line.  A journey made up of moments like this one.  Moments that matter.  Moments that make me closer to the person I want to be.  There I am running with my sister, my big sister.  The one I spent my life trying to be just like and in this moment I couldn't have been more proud to see her being a little bit more like me.  Minus the complaining.

 



2014 The Hat Run Race Report

This time of year winter fights so hard to stay as spring struggles to get some traction. It reminds me to dig deeper when things get tough. No matter how long it takes, eventually just as winter will turn to spring, I will see each of my challenges through.  I kept this thought in mind as I walked to pick up my race bib the morning of the 2014 HAT Run 50k.  It was a thought more of my challenges to come than the HAT 50k I was about to run.  It seems as though I have been preparing for a race that never comes for such a long time.  And it has been a long time, nearing two years now since I first started to train for the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100.  Every race has been in preparation for that one event and day in the woods has been to train myself for the conditions I would face over that day and a half.  The downside to all that focused training was a bit of a loss of my joy for simply running.  But today as I parked my truck and walked to pick up my bib greeted by some many friendly faces I was determined to simply run for the fun of it. 

 

 

I focused on gathering with trail friends and being surrounded by so trail legends who frequent the HAT Run each year.  Quickly I found D and we dropped our bags at the pavilion aid station.  The pavilion station would be our start, finish and aid station twice as we passed through it four times  This year I head my own advice and leave my hydration pack in the aid station for the first small loop.

 

WE'RE OFF

 

In classic HAT fashion roughly 450 runners gather in an open field and are given our last instructions before starting our first out and back and then hitting the tree line for a small loop.  I line up with P and D but lose P in front of me and D behind.  With tight single track and a large field of runners, pace is quickly set by those in front.  I relax into an easy pace and work on passing runners when possible and necessary but I'm focused on simply enjoying this first short loop.  The day is quickly warming and trail conditions are great.

 

 

 

I pass through the pavilion aid station and pause only to grab my hydration pack and head out for the first of two 14 mile loops.  It doesn't take long to hit the first creek crossing.  The course is a nice roller coaster of hills, descents and flats.  Runners around me are mostly quiet so I focus on just finding a steady pace and enjoying the scenery. 

 

Having been fortunate enough to run this race before I was nice to be familiar with the course but that didn't take away my urge to pause to snap photos of some of the interesting spots along the way.

 

 

 

The quick photos I snap do not do justice to the beautiful of the trails and trees I am running through.  I wonder if I am lucky enough to still be running as the decades pass if I will always find these things so amazingly beautiful.   

 

It is beginning to get warm and I have had little time to adjust to the warmer temperatures.  It is early in the day and I am already covered with salt.  I make a quick stop at the aid station to grab some salty fries which the HAT Run is famous for.  Not my typical race day fueling option but a fun staple while running the HAT.  I continue on knowing the gravel road section is coming quickly.  The trail section goes by quickly.  I am still running with other runners, moving through groups as I pass and get passed.  While on the road I chat with a few runners but mostly run alone since my pace is faster than it should be.  But thanks to a quick pace I am entering the aid station in no time and limbo under the hitching post just for the fun of it.  I grab some fluids and salty calories and even sample a fresh perogie.  Yum! 

 

AID STATIONS

 

It really does go beyond aid stations, it's really a need to thank all the volunteers who helped make my day of playing in the woods possible.  The race directors who deal with all the permits and politics necessary to put on an event at this level really do much more than work on race day and I know they are not alone.  Dozens and dozens of volunteers give their time long before race day to make this all happen for 500 lucky runners.  So thank you all, to the race directors, Phil, Tim, Mike and Jeff, the countless volunteers, Maryland DNR, the State Park, the rangers and the families who gave of their time to be out cheering not only for their runners but for every runner who passed.

 

THE NEXT 5 MILES

 

Every year I forget the next 5 miles.  I only remember the giddiness of the trail and tuck those less then favorable memories deep in a corner of my mind.  But as I leave the aid station that sense of déjà vu sweeps over me and I know that the most challenging miles of the race are in front of me. 

 

I focus on enjoying the views and keeping my effort consistent.  The chatter is mostly mine and I remember not to linger too long with any one runner and get stick running their pace.  It's great to see faces I remember as I move along the trail.  Including Phil Anderson (the A in HAT) who is sitting at the bottom of our last climb as we enter Phil's Forest.  He greets everyone with a smile and a handshake.  The final section goes quickly as I enter the final open hay field that leads to the pavilion aid station and the final loop.

 

As I top the hay field I see Tim Gavin and ask if I can use my poles on the second loop since the runners will be more spread out.  He gives me an "are you crazy look" but says yeah, just don't stab anyone.  I grab some fluids, some calories and my poles and head out again.  I run over an open field lengthening my poles.  Although the HAT course is not really one where you would need poles, I need the practice of holding them, adjusting them, and using them so that my mind and arms are ready to use them during MMT.  Today will be practice for running with them when I don't really want them in my hands.

 

SECOND LOOP

 

This loop goes much like the first with the exception that there are fewer runners to alter my pace.  Somewhere along the loop Natalie and I start running together.  We have mutual friends.  This is her first ultra distance event and she is making it look easy.  I most likely talk more than she does and she is kind enough to listen to my chatter.  This loop I do not pause for photos.  I am simply enjoying the moments like when the trail falls silent and all I hear is the sound of my feet and the birds in the air.  I notice the rising sound of water each time the trail draws near a creek and the smell that says the water is getting closer.  I eavesdrop on fellow runners as the trail winds higher.  I can hear their distant voice raising.  I see the wind stir the leaves along the trail and watch the sun cut it's way through the branches that lay bare.  I breath it all in.  I think back to the thoughts I had this morning, that I had lost some the joy in my running and realize that I couldn't have been farther from the truth.   

 

As I saw that small opening in an old field row that leads to an open hay field, I remembered how lucky I am.  Lucky not only to be able to be doing this but to do this for all the reasons that matter.  I simply love to run through the trails, across the creeks and around the next turn to see just how far my body will take me. 

 

My fourth HAT Run 50k done.

Boyers Furnace 40 Run Report

Ready for the long drive to the start

 

After a phone call that began, "First off, I'm alright." it was no wonder I didn't sleep much in the few hours I could have slept prior to the Boyers Furnace 40.  The super secret spy had been in a minor accident back home while I was preparing for my race.  My restless night was caused more by the concern whether I should still be running than it was from any worry that the race would be challenging.  But with his reassurance that he was okay I gathered my gear and headed out into the darkness.

Being late also meant I got to see the sweeper, Diane.

 

I often say that my biggest worry about each race is simply getting there on time.  Boyer Furnace provided me with practice on what happens when you don't get there on time.  I was the last person to arrive.  I started about 18 minutes late.  One wrong turn will do that.  Luckily being the last one to arrive had it's perks.  Alan was generous enough to give me a drive to the start with all my aid station donations and gear.  It was only three tenths of a mile but not having to carry everything and potentially make two trips was a real help.  Thanks Alan.

The sun rising over the mountains

 

After dropping my aid station donations and drop bag, I was off running to catch up with the runners.  First I caught up with Diane who would be sweeping the course.  We chatted for a while but I soon had to continue on to attempt to get a little closer to the pack of runners.

Finally starting to warm up

 

Within the first five miles I had caught up with other runners.  I fell into pace with a gentleman and he and I passed several runners.  He chatted with me about the history of the area as we ran over the trails.  As the sun was rising and the day was beginning to warm we paused to remove a layer at the top of a climb.  While we were enjoying the scenery two female runners caught up to us.  I told them I would catch them and they continued on as I finished gathering my gear.  I enjoyed running solo for a while and only hearing my lone footfalls on the fallen leaves.  I came to a split in the trail where a pink trail went left off the orange blazed Massanutten Trail.  For a moment I wondered if the other runners had taken that trail but, not seeing anyone I continued to follow the orange trail happy to have the forest serenity all to myself.

 

Mile 12.  Wonderful aid station volunteers.  Hot soup!

 

After some miles I heard voices ahead of me on the trail.  I would catch glimpses of two female runners as the trail weaved through the forest.  Certain that they were the runner I had been with earlier I quicken my pace to catch them.  However they were not the runners from earlier, it was Katie and Tracy.  Two wonderful trail companions that I would share the majority of the remaining day with. 

A quick shirt change at the mile 21 aid station

 

Tracy, Katie and I ran together into the mile 21 aid station.  The pace felt relaxed and with no need to push I enjoyed getting to know my trail companions.  We chatted about Whole30, running plans,  and families.  We shared running stories.  Katie entertained us with a tale from one of her Laurel Highland experiences.  We discussed the interest techniques of all the dog-laden bear hunters we ran past.  The miles ticked away as we ran into the Camp Roo aid station.

Dave providing runners with peanut butter banana hor d'oeuvres

 

I grabbed a dry shirt from my drop bag and my headlamp.  Although we had made it Camp Roo under 5 hours I knew that the second half of the race would be much slower.  I ate some banana and a small cup of coke from the aid station and some apple sauce from my drop bag.  We all headed up the orange trail for the climb to the east ridge. 

Beautiful single track

 

As we climbed I seemed to hit a slightly faster pace than Tracy and Katie and felt comfortable so I continued to pull ahead.  I knew I would benefit from a little alone time under the trees. 

Amazing views

 

Running solo again I paused to take in the scenery, answer a nature call and simply enjoy where I was lucky enough to be.  My thoughts had never left the super secret spy.  I wondered how he was feeling and hoped the kids were being helpful.  His accident regardless of how minor was a reminder that I am so very blessed to be doing what I love to do.  Although a thread of guilt did run through me all day that I was out in this amazing place while he was uncomfortably recovering at home.  I knew that he wanted me to be getting everything I could from this run.  He wants to see me cross those finish lines more than anyone else so I pushed.

Loving being on the trail

 

 As I left the Camp Roo aid station I was told that the next 12 mile stretch was a tough one.  So I was determined to push to keep my effort up.  As we topped the climb and turned left to head to the ridge line I was surprisingly greeted with wide open trail to run.  It would take a while for the trail to narrow and climb to it's ultimate rocky ribbon of a trail and force my pace slower and slower as I took in the amazing views. 

 Doesn't do the view justice

 

Although I knew the turn sheet had 12 miles on the orange trail before the next mention of a trail change, I was still puzzled when I came onto a set a double pink ribbons on a side trail.  I ran a bit farther up the trail but returned to the ribbons and waited to Katie and Tracy to confirm the course.  It was a treat to sit and be still in the middle of the forest.  To listen to the nothing that was all around me.  Occasionally I'd hear a bird call or something crunch across the fallen leaves but mostly it was blissfully quiet.  Finally the girls arrived and confirmed that we were to stay on the ridge line through the next aid station at Milford Gap.

Orange blazes remind me that "I" can do this.

 

Once again I pulled ahead of the trail companions before running into Milford Gap but not before Paul passed me.  He was running as if rocks and a ribbon of trail were he native ground.  Paul and I chatted briefly and he was off to Milford.  Shortly after Paul's departure Alan caught up to me and we ran into Milford together.  I was so happy to reach the aid station.  The section had been hard and I had gotten the warmest of the day, going through all of my water.  I had chosen to only fill it with about 40 oz. at the race start and not top it off until Milford.  That choice was almost a bad one when I realized the aid station was almost out of water.  Luckily they had enough to give Alan and I enough to carry us through.  They did have super hot soup!  I enjoyed my third cup of soup for the day as I walked out the of aid station and into the next section.

Much of the ridge line was burnt

 

Boyers Furnace is considered a "fat ass" event.  That means you don't pay, you don't get a medal and the race is "limitedly supported."  VHTRC doesn't "limitedly support" anything in my experience.  The aid stations were abundant, cheerfully staffed and generously supplied.  At three aid stations I had warm soup which is my favorite fueling option!  The volunteers would helped support this race gave much more than just their day.  It takes more than just stand behind a table in the middle of the woods to pull off this level of support.  I can't thank everyone involved enough.  Thank you to Tony and Carter for organizing the event.  Also to Carter and Alan for opening their home to a group of less then clean but cheerful runners.  And many more thanks to all the volunteers who cheered us along the way. 

It's going to get dark

 

Back on the trail I was running solo again.  I could occasionally hear Katie and Tracy chatting in the distance but I moved along hoping I could make Veach Gap before darkness fell.  I knew that my pace would slow in the dark and I wanted to make as much ground as I could before that. 

 

The trail was IN the river! 

Thanks Katie K for the photo

 

As darkness fell my pace did slow and I ended up running with Katie and Tracy again.  The company was nice and the occasional chatter was welcome.  We made good progress down the blue/orange trail.  I had another moment of indecision as I pulled ahead again but thankfully the girls were close behind and we headed down the trail again together.  The trail had returned to the low lands and was wet shoe sucking mud running.  We were treated to some more company as we approached our final trail when we came upon Paul.  He waited when he wasn't sure where the yellow trail was.  He had good reason for question because the yellow trail actually continued within a river and headed downstream before existing the other side.  With our feet numb from the icy water we made our way to the trail end and a final aid station.  Tracy was surprised to see her husband waiting for her there.  I ate half a nearly frozen banana and we were off. 

Wet, cold and dirty but done.

 

The final section of race was a stretch that seemed to go on forever changing from trail to gravel road as we ran into the night.  After a challenging day in the woods we finally turned onto Carter's road and ran through her front yard and to her front porch, our finish line.

 



2013 Stone Mill 50 Mile Race Report

Run your own race. 

That is something I have been advised to do ever since I started running ultras.  I've been offered that piece of advice with increasing frequency ever since my MMT experience.  I almost said unsuccessful MMT experience but that may not be the most correct description of what happened at MMT because my experience at MMT taught me more about ultra running than anything I've ever been told or read however I digress.  Run my own race.  That was the plan for my third running of the Stone Mill 50 mile endurance run.  Little did I know that I had already set into motion a series of events that would completely shape my race day into something that was much better than any number I thought I could have gotten on my own.

 

 

The Start

 

The moon had decided to stay tucked under a thick blanket of clouds as I found myself in the cold morning picking up my bib with Nicole and her BF after sharing a hotel room to save everyone from having to wake up even earlier than we had.  The school that would serve as our "after party" was closed in the morning but the field house bathrooms were open and heated a nice perk for a $35 ultra race.  I'll take a heated bathroom over a race tee any day.  I chatted with the many trail friends that were already there while Nicole checked on the status of her bib which had been picked up for her by friends.  With only a few minutes to spare Nicole's race bib finally arrived and we made our way to the start line.  We chatted with many friends in the minutes before the race, Charlie, Ron, Gary, Janet, Adam and as with every race many more whose names were lost among the effort in the miles to come.  Then we were running.  Running around the school after instructions and a command to go that it seemed no one heard or listened to.  We rounded the school and slid down the steep hill and slipped into the woods to enjoy some single track running in the dark.

 

 

Charlie photo bombed us on the dam

 

  I doubt you wondering about that plan I had made to run my own race seeing how Nicole and I had only just started running but I had already forgotten that pledge to myself.  That silly notion was a foggy memory.  Nicole had graciously shared her first Mega and first 50k with me, how could I give up the chance to share another milestone with this amazing new ultra runner for two silly letters. 

 

 

 Early in the race enjoying the foggy morning

 

The course was a bit congested as we hit the trails but we were moving well thanks to the very runnable trails.  Usually the train of runners that the single track creates is a point of frustration for me but the everyone moving well the frustration we offset by the benefit of shared light.  We were moving well finding our place in the pack, passing and being passed.  Unfortunately this seems to be an increasing mention in race reports; poor trail etiquette.  The course's out and back section is run in the morning which means a lot of passing on a narrow section of muddy single track while runners are still jockeying for position.   Since this only deserves a mention all I'll say is why is it so hard for passing runners to say, "on your left"?

 

Having fun cheesing for the camera

 

Nicole and I chatted as we made our way to the first aid station.  Knowing we needed to avoid losing time at each aid station, I didn't stop.  I had my pack and knew the next station was only a few miles.  I nearly forgot to drop my headlamp in the box but thanks to a very observant volunteer who offered to take it for me, I avoided having to carry it for 23 more miles.  The volunteers were awesome!



Around Mile 22 can't wait to see the PennyLock aid station

 

Throughout the first 20ish miles we were moving at a steady pace and keeping each other entertained with chatter.  We came through an aid station and were uplifted to hear that "their" mileage was 2 miles more than we thought.  After grabbing some coke and banana we headed out towards Quincy Orchard with renewed enthusiasm.  It was great to hit Quincy and hear Matt and Larry cheering as we ran in.  Of course I gave them big sweaty hugs which were far better than any fuel I could eaten.  With introductions kept brief we grabbed another round of coke and bananas.  As I grabbed a couple olives I noticed Alyssa and Kara running into the station behind us.  Hellos were quick with the long push to the Penny Lock half way point. 

 

The delicious trail...with skinny trees

 

Nicole was carrying a handheld and nothing else but I kept my "trail mothering" under control during these early miles and focused on keeping our pace strong and attitudes positive.  The only issue I pushed was nature calls which at times were an effort since modest still runs strong until the miles add up.  There were lot of trees to choose from if you are a twig but I need a tree with a few more years on it to cover my backside.  Finally we found several uprooted trees to avoid to much exposure. 

 

Rt 28 Aid Station

The section from Quincy and Penny Lock seemed to hold the most challenge for Nicole.  I tried to keep the chatting going.  I tired focusing her to lead.  I tried pulling a head a bit and giving her a break from my cheerful chatter.  I know that having to listen to an upbeat happy runner while you are struggling can sometimes bring out the wrong emotions.  So I just kept our pace up.  I knew that there were only two options.  The Penny Lock aid station would either be a recharge for Nicole or it would be the beginning of a drag through the canal miles. 

 



Loving my fresh dry YMX shirt

 

We ran into the aid station with a few other runners.  I woohoo-ed and cheered as we ran the short gravel road into the station.  This would be one of our longer stops.  Nicole used the port-a-potty while I visited with everyone at the aid station.  We had seen Janet at an earlier station changing her shoes but didn't stop to talk.  She didn't look like she was having the best day so I offered a bit of encouragement but remembered that cheerful runners sometimes do more harm than good in their efforts to rally a struggling runner.  Still it was great to see her giving the course everything she had and looking so great while she did it.  Nicole was refueling and told me to try a piece of lemon cake.  OMGosh.  I think I ate two.  It was so amazing.  I drank coke and ate some banana.  My pack still had water in it so I still did not refill it wanting to keep it as light as possible since I had been running every thing.  Just as I was trying to get out of the aid station we heard the phenomenon that is Bob Gaylord coming into the aid station.  (I just have to say that I am incapable of creating through words the experience of sharing the second half of this race with Bob.  What follows is my attempt and it will fall very short of the actual experience.)

 

Where as I am a cheerful chattering trail runner, as anyone who knows him will testify, Bob is a running heckler.  And capable of running vast distances while talking nonstop.  You can see why I'd like him so much.  He was running with Kelly and I saw the perfect opportunity to distract Nicole's struggling mind from the temporary aches and pains that invade while running long distances.  Introductions were made and let's just say that it was love at first sight.  I knew that Bob was going to make the difference in the second half of Nicole's 50 mile experience.  The four of us left the aid station, Nicole running with Kelly and I with Bob.  I usually try to "gain some time" over the canal miles but Bob kept me reeled in.  The slower pace was probably just what Nicole needed.  It seemed that her attitude and posture were improving

 

 

Hard working volunteers serving up HOT food

 

 

Over the next miles we would be entertained by Bob and his vast repertoire of stories and remarks.  The canal section whizzed by and Bob told us we had 5 minutes to use our drop bags, refuel and get out of there.  I only wish I could have hear the thoughts inside Nicole's head as General Bob barked out his orders.  Our bags were at the Stone Mill aid station and so was something else.  Grilled cheese sandwiches.  It's an amazing running moment when you are sick of bananas and chilled to the core to bite into a gooey warm sandwich.  With Nicole's socks changed and my fresh shirt on we headed out of the station headed toward Rt. 28 and another big boost for Nicole.

 

 

All the salty sweet you could want plus a few little surprises

.

What about me? 

 

I'm having the running day of my life.  Well at least the near best running day I can long remember.  Yes, my hamstrings a talking but it is a lively conversation they are having.  It is not like the call the cops domestic dispute they sometimes have on the Massanuttens.  Yes, I've had a few nature calls that wasted more time than I wanted.  And yes there is that issue of wanting previously wanting those two little letters.  (pr, duh! If I actually had to tell you) I am filled with such giddiness that even my low moments are not actually low.  While Nicole and I have been together the entire run, there have been many moments when other runners have joined us and I pulled away to steal a moment somewhat alone to listen to the crunching of the leave under my feet.  This day was a reminder that for me ultra running is rarely about running my own race.  Running for me is about sharing something so simple that it has almost been forgotten.  It's about stripping away the pretenses and doing something for the sheer enjoyment of doing it...with no other incentive or reward. 

 

A breath taking day at the feet of trees

 

RT. 28 aid station holds family for Nicole and warm food for me.  Several of the aid stations have had broth or noodle soup which hit the spot on the damp day.  We snap a few photos, thank the volunteers and hustle on our way.  I'm eager to capitalize on the energy surge Nicole might get from seeing family but Bob reels me in.  The "to push the pace or not" debate will continue to the finish line.  We laugh.  We talk.  We run inching our way closer to that finish line.  Along the way we gather KC and Toni who had been running with Bob earlier in the race.  We find what might be the only two shirtless guys running the race.  We debate about getting across the finish line before the darkness sets in.  Then Riffleford Road aid station is there.  There is music, of course I dance.  More coke.  Burritos for the brave.  Hot soup for me.  More pace debates with Bob but with only 7ish Stone Mill miles to go the debates were pointless but fun banter.

A great crew to finish with

 

Those last few miles always seem to be the longest and often they are the quietest.  The light was leaving the sky and the day had almost come full circle as we could hear the cheers from the finish line.  I joined in the cheering to get Nicole across that line first but missed seeing it when Bob tripped right before the finish.  Ironically making it all day unscathed only to stumble at the end.  Bob was up just as fast as he went down and we crossed the line right behind Nicole and cheered as Toni and KC crossed.  It was a great feeling to share so many miles and finish together. 

 

Stone Mill 50 Miler - 11:36

 

My experience this year at Stone Mill was a great way to end my 2013 racing season.  Getting to be part of someone else's big moment as I have with Nicole is really a gift.  In helping someone else I was actually helping myself.  I think back to the goals I used to set and remember that somewhere along the way my focus got a little skewed.  I definitely hit my A Goal;

 

Finish Feeling Fine Having Fun.

 In the end I did run my own race.  I just chose to run it based on more than just myself which turned out to be exactly how I run at my best.

 

Thanks to Doug, Bob, Kelly, Toni, KC, Charlie, Larry, Matt, Gary, Ron, Jonathan, Janet, Gary K, Alyssa, Kara, the countless name that I am forgetting and Nicole for giving some of their day to me and helping me create the best Stone Mill adventure...so far.