Post by greggoodson on Mar 20, 2005 21:00:26 GMT -5
This is the report I always write for my family, but I suppose I could share. Sorry for the length, I get carried away sometimes:
After driving for a few hours due west from Atlanta, my friend and I arrive in a town called Pelham, AL, home of Oak Mountain State Park. A night in the local Travelodge was due for us, where we watched NCAA upsets, grabbed some hash browns at WaHo, and finally hit the sac around 11:00 with visions of running my 5th 50K in my head.
After waking up 3 times in the middle of the night, the alarm finally goes off at 5:30. Thankful that I don’t have to sleep anymore (come on I wanna run!), I go shower, suit up, check the weather for the last time, and head to the course.
This race was special for me in several ways. First, this is my “return” to the trail 50K. I had run a road 50K a month prior, but the last 50K I had run was the Stump Jump in October, where I had big time problems with my IT band in my left leg, and had to walk a good portion of the race just to complete it. This was my form of revenge on the trails I guess you could say. Last time the trails won, this time I wanted the victory! :-) Second, one of my buddies and fraternity brothers from college came with me, and it was nice having someone else there to finally see what I love to do; most of the my friends in school don’t take me seriously when I say “yea, I am going to run a 33 mile race”. Finally, even though I haven’t been training to my full potential between school and being busy a lot, I felt that I could run a very strong race, and was prepared to go out somewhat hard, as opposed to taking it very easy the first 10 miles which is what I usually do (I was prepared to face to consequences).
After arriving at the race, stretching, and eating some food, I was talking with my friend. But in the middle of the conversation, we heard a child’s voice… “GO!” People took off, so I ran to catch up! I had a $4 long sleeve tee-shirt from target on over top of my jersey and shorts due to the low 40 degree start which was a little too big for my own good, so it felt really awkward running in. I felt like the Michelin tire man to be quite honest. Anyways, the beginning of the race was very nice. Great weather, soft trails, rolling hills… it was just what I expected. After a good 30 to 40 minutes or so, we had a stream crossing, which was also new to me. You were forced to get your feet wet (unless you could jump 20 feet!). I took two steps in the stream before exiting. To my surprise, no water seeped through my shoes, so I was very impressed.
By this time there was a line of about 10-12 of runners; a convoy, a snake winding through the woods, whatever you want to call it. We all stayed together until we hit the first aid station 8 miles into the race in 1:22:00. I grabbed some bananas, a cookie, and quickly left (my trademark is usually in and out of the aid stations fairly quickly). Of the 12 people who arrived at the station at the same time, I was the 2nd to leave. I ate and speed walked while shoving bananas and gel shots down my throat. After jogging for a bit and a rest stop, I found myself running with a group of 4 others. This was a great part of the race... we were on top of a ridge on a single track trail all running the same pace for what seemed to be hours. It was relatively flat on the top of the trail, and none of us said a word. It was a beautiful silence, and no one wanted to break it. Finally, we had a little uphill section where we had to walk. I took a breather, and walked for a few minutes, and finally caught back up for a pair of runners at the waterfall area.
There is a very steep descent and ascent that surrounds a beautiful waterfall on part of the course. Even though the terrain was some of the most difficult on the course, I had a lot of fun hiking up and down it, and even getting wet in the stream below the falls. There were parts of the ascent back up to the trail where you had to get on all fours to climb. It was a lot of work but you were paid off with a good view of the falls, and an aid station within a mile or so.
At this next station at mile 14.5, I was feeling pretty good running into it. I grabbed some food and headed off like last time on a slightly downhill trail, but after a bit of running and eating, I hit a little wall. The food in my stomach was not cooperating, and neither was the trail. I started to get very tired, nauseous, and a bit discouraged at the fact it had taken me almost 3 hours to go 14 miles (my goal that would have made it a good day was 7 hours, and 6:30 being a stretch goal). I took a pit stop, tried to regain myself, and walked for 5 minutes. A good portion of this was uphill as well, so I was getting more tired by the minute.
Finally I hit a cross in the trail which had a jug of water. I took some and splashed it on my face, feeling a little better. I managed to eat a clifbar at this point, which totally agreed with my stomach (I eat these all the time during training runs, I guess that would make sense). I ran/walked a part of this trail, and decided to pop some Advil (my knees were getting a little sore from kicking all the rocks in the trail). This was probably the best idea I had all race, because almost all the pain and tiredness went away from the point on.
I hit a ridge, and it felt I was the only person on top of the mountain. I mean this trail was right on a ridge; to my right and left were views of mountain mist that was pretty breathtaking. With this view, I got inspired. I knew that no matter what the outcome of the race is, this is one of the reasons why I love these runs so much; it’s so great to have an organized run allowing one to see 33 miles of nature! I hit a downhill section, which I had been looking forward to. I had been “practicing” my downhill form and running lately in training runs at Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia, so I was excited to come across a trail that mimicked my training. I bolted down the hill, only to catch a pair of runners that I had been passed by about 4 miles back. The next section of the race was one of the best sections. We were probably pounding out an 8:30 per mile pace, and flew into the next aid station at mile 21 in the time of 4:12.
I got to the aid station and to my surprise there were a lot of people there from that original convoy of people who I ran with in the beginning third of the race. I was happy I caught back up, and was ready to jet out of there, hoping I wouldn’t lose my second wind. I threw down a sandwich and headed back onto the trail. Last in and first out of the aid station and running at a great pace.
Even though there were only 12 miles to go, I knew I couldn’t keep this pace up forever. After 5 minutes of running, I caught up to another runner by the name of Wayne. He had taken a spill earlier in the race, and was still running strong (and at a good pace at that). We had a great conversation for quite a while. This was Wayne’s 5th ultra as well, so it seemed we had a good amount in common. Our conversation really kept us moving forward and took my mind off everything; my sore legs, my dizziness, and my hunger. We probably stuck together on this long fire road trail for about 20-30 minutes, and we caught up to a pair of runners in front of us who were on a walking break. I was starting to get a little kick, so I trudged ahead while Wayne joined the other two, just to turn onto another single track ridge trail a little ways up.
Not long after on this trail, I passed one runner and hit the final aid station at mile 26. Everyone at the aid station here was very supportive. We talked college basketball for a bit, and after a few minutes of talking about our brackets for the NCAA tourney, I was off again. When I left, they said “OK… 6.5 miles until the finish!” I looked down at my watch which read 5:20 to my surprise, which gave me a great chance at breaking 6:30. I figured all I had to do was run a sub-hour 10K. Thankfully, the remainder of the course was very easy footing, and downhill, so I ran almost the whole thing. The sun began to come out, so to me it seemed like 90 degrees, so I splashed myself with more water and kept going, saying to myself “only 30 more minutes!”
After a long winding trail, I hear in the distance, “Is that Greg?” I look over and my friend was walking the trail, and he quickly told me I had within a mile to go. I saw my watch and it said 6:18 so I knew I was looking good. Fortunately, my friend is really bad at judging distances, and I crossed the finish line in 6:20:56 dazed and confused. I had run the last section in an hour exactly, and I was winded, hungry, exhausted, and dizzy! Everything from this point seems like a blur, but I wander over to some food, and realize I have a beer mug in my hand that said “Oak Mountain 50K Finisher”. It finally kicked in that I did it, and in a great time as well. I drink some, eat a bit, and quickly hit the road back to Atlanta (had to get back before 6:30pm EST!) with my friend at the wheel. A drive thru McDonalds hits the spot, especially the McFlurry, and I pass out in the passenger seat.
Looking back on the race, I had a great day. The people were all very friendly, everyone was very supportive, and the course was very well marked. The weather was perfect, and I love the finisher’s award. The tee-shirt is great, and the memories of the course are even better. To my surprise, my legs are in great shape; just a little sore. Next up is to help out mark the course for the Bel Monte 50K in Virginia (which I will leave for in 12 hours) and my first 50 miler at the Relay for Life event in a few weeks (which I now feel very prepared for and very excited about!) Looking forward to it all!
Greg
After driving for a few hours due west from Atlanta, my friend and I arrive in a town called Pelham, AL, home of Oak Mountain State Park. A night in the local Travelodge was due for us, where we watched NCAA upsets, grabbed some hash browns at WaHo, and finally hit the sac around 11:00 with visions of running my 5th 50K in my head.
After waking up 3 times in the middle of the night, the alarm finally goes off at 5:30. Thankful that I don’t have to sleep anymore (come on I wanna run!), I go shower, suit up, check the weather for the last time, and head to the course.
This race was special for me in several ways. First, this is my “return” to the trail 50K. I had run a road 50K a month prior, but the last 50K I had run was the Stump Jump in October, where I had big time problems with my IT band in my left leg, and had to walk a good portion of the race just to complete it. This was my form of revenge on the trails I guess you could say. Last time the trails won, this time I wanted the victory! :-) Second, one of my buddies and fraternity brothers from college came with me, and it was nice having someone else there to finally see what I love to do; most of the my friends in school don’t take me seriously when I say “yea, I am going to run a 33 mile race”. Finally, even though I haven’t been training to my full potential between school and being busy a lot, I felt that I could run a very strong race, and was prepared to go out somewhat hard, as opposed to taking it very easy the first 10 miles which is what I usually do (I was prepared to face to consequences).
After arriving at the race, stretching, and eating some food, I was talking with my friend. But in the middle of the conversation, we heard a child’s voice… “GO!” People took off, so I ran to catch up! I had a $4 long sleeve tee-shirt from target on over top of my jersey and shorts due to the low 40 degree start which was a little too big for my own good, so it felt really awkward running in. I felt like the Michelin tire man to be quite honest. Anyways, the beginning of the race was very nice. Great weather, soft trails, rolling hills… it was just what I expected. After a good 30 to 40 minutes or so, we had a stream crossing, which was also new to me. You were forced to get your feet wet (unless you could jump 20 feet!). I took two steps in the stream before exiting. To my surprise, no water seeped through my shoes, so I was very impressed.
By this time there was a line of about 10-12 of runners; a convoy, a snake winding through the woods, whatever you want to call it. We all stayed together until we hit the first aid station 8 miles into the race in 1:22:00. I grabbed some bananas, a cookie, and quickly left (my trademark is usually in and out of the aid stations fairly quickly). Of the 12 people who arrived at the station at the same time, I was the 2nd to leave. I ate and speed walked while shoving bananas and gel shots down my throat. After jogging for a bit and a rest stop, I found myself running with a group of 4 others. This was a great part of the race... we were on top of a ridge on a single track trail all running the same pace for what seemed to be hours. It was relatively flat on the top of the trail, and none of us said a word. It was a beautiful silence, and no one wanted to break it. Finally, we had a little uphill section where we had to walk. I took a breather, and walked for a few minutes, and finally caught back up for a pair of runners at the waterfall area.
There is a very steep descent and ascent that surrounds a beautiful waterfall on part of the course. Even though the terrain was some of the most difficult on the course, I had a lot of fun hiking up and down it, and even getting wet in the stream below the falls. There were parts of the ascent back up to the trail where you had to get on all fours to climb. It was a lot of work but you were paid off with a good view of the falls, and an aid station within a mile or so.
At this next station at mile 14.5, I was feeling pretty good running into it. I grabbed some food and headed off like last time on a slightly downhill trail, but after a bit of running and eating, I hit a little wall. The food in my stomach was not cooperating, and neither was the trail. I started to get very tired, nauseous, and a bit discouraged at the fact it had taken me almost 3 hours to go 14 miles (my goal that would have made it a good day was 7 hours, and 6:30 being a stretch goal). I took a pit stop, tried to regain myself, and walked for 5 minutes. A good portion of this was uphill as well, so I was getting more tired by the minute.
Finally I hit a cross in the trail which had a jug of water. I took some and splashed it on my face, feeling a little better. I managed to eat a clifbar at this point, which totally agreed with my stomach (I eat these all the time during training runs, I guess that would make sense). I ran/walked a part of this trail, and decided to pop some Advil (my knees were getting a little sore from kicking all the rocks in the trail). This was probably the best idea I had all race, because almost all the pain and tiredness went away from the point on.
I hit a ridge, and it felt I was the only person on top of the mountain. I mean this trail was right on a ridge; to my right and left were views of mountain mist that was pretty breathtaking. With this view, I got inspired. I knew that no matter what the outcome of the race is, this is one of the reasons why I love these runs so much; it’s so great to have an organized run allowing one to see 33 miles of nature! I hit a downhill section, which I had been looking forward to. I had been “practicing” my downhill form and running lately in training runs at Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia, so I was excited to come across a trail that mimicked my training. I bolted down the hill, only to catch a pair of runners that I had been passed by about 4 miles back. The next section of the race was one of the best sections. We were probably pounding out an 8:30 per mile pace, and flew into the next aid station at mile 21 in the time of 4:12.
I got to the aid station and to my surprise there were a lot of people there from that original convoy of people who I ran with in the beginning third of the race. I was happy I caught back up, and was ready to jet out of there, hoping I wouldn’t lose my second wind. I threw down a sandwich and headed back onto the trail. Last in and first out of the aid station and running at a great pace.
Even though there were only 12 miles to go, I knew I couldn’t keep this pace up forever. After 5 minutes of running, I caught up to another runner by the name of Wayne. He had taken a spill earlier in the race, and was still running strong (and at a good pace at that). We had a great conversation for quite a while. This was Wayne’s 5th ultra as well, so it seemed we had a good amount in common. Our conversation really kept us moving forward and took my mind off everything; my sore legs, my dizziness, and my hunger. We probably stuck together on this long fire road trail for about 20-30 minutes, and we caught up to a pair of runners in front of us who were on a walking break. I was starting to get a little kick, so I trudged ahead while Wayne joined the other two, just to turn onto another single track ridge trail a little ways up.
Not long after on this trail, I passed one runner and hit the final aid station at mile 26. Everyone at the aid station here was very supportive. We talked college basketball for a bit, and after a few minutes of talking about our brackets for the NCAA tourney, I was off again. When I left, they said “OK… 6.5 miles until the finish!” I looked down at my watch which read 5:20 to my surprise, which gave me a great chance at breaking 6:30. I figured all I had to do was run a sub-hour 10K. Thankfully, the remainder of the course was very easy footing, and downhill, so I ran almost the whole thing. The sun began to come out, so to me it seemed like 90 degrees, so I splashed myself with more water and kept going, saying to myself “only 30 more minutes!”
After a long winding trail, I hear in the distance, “Is that Greg?” I look over and my friend was walking the trail, and he quickly told me I had within a mile to go. I saw my watch and it said 6:18 so I knew I was looking good. Fortunately, my friend is really bad at judging distances, and I crossed the finish line in 6:20:56 dazed and confused. I had run the last section in an hour exactly, and I was winded, hungry, exhausted, and dizzy! Everything from this point seems like a blur, but I wander over to some food, and realize I have a beer mug in my hand that said “Oak Mountain 50K Finisher”. It finally kicked in that I did it, and in a great time as well. I drink some, eat a bit, and quickly hit the road back to Atlanta (had to get back before 6:30pm EST!) with my friend at the wheel. A drive thru McDonalds hits the spot, especially the McFlurry, and I pass out in the passenger seat.
Looking back on the race, I had a great day. The people were all very friendly, everyone was very supportive, and the course was very well marked. The weather was perfect, and I love the finisher’s award. The tee-shirt is great, and the memories of the course are even better. To my surprise, my legs are in great shape; just a little sore. Next up is to help out mark the course for the Bel Monte 50K in Virginia (which I will leave for in 12 hours) and my first 50 miler at the Relay for Life event in a few weeks (which I now feel very prepared for and very excited about!) Looking forward to it all!
Greg