Second Quarter 2009 Page 1 www.getguts.com Straight From The GUT A Quarterly Publication of the Georgia Ultrarunning and Trailrunning Society Greetings From The President Happy DayLight Savings to everyone! Hopefully you have all already begun to enjoy the longer evening hours of daylight, and squeezing in a few extra miles on the trails or roads. It’s time to put up the tights and break out all the shorts and tank tops for good. Maybe you even ordered some new gear with the GUTS logo (should be here in just another week or so!). It’s also time to get in some serious training and run a few fun races. This year the trail races are springing up everywhere with XTERRA and Good Run Productions putting on several, plus good “old” Twisted Ankle and Sweetwater coming in May. Of course if trails aren’t your thing (say it isn’t so!) there is always the must-do of the Strolling Jim 40 miler, on May 2nd, a true classic in ultra running. Maybe I will see you there. We continue to meet every Tuesday for a run at Kennesaw Mountain Park. Meet at 6:15 p.m. at the water fountain located next to the trail, behind the visitor center. We generally go for an easy one hour run. Don’t forget the first Tuesday of each month the run is followed by beer & pizza at the Marietta Pizza Company. Now that daylight savings has brought us extra hours of daylight, we have plenty of time to run over the top of the mountain. To be kind, we’ll just do it on the first Tuesday, besides it’s a good way to build up an appetite! Happy Trails, Janice Anderson GUTS Board Janice Anderson President Sally Brooking Vice-President Sarah Tynes Secretary/Web Master Debbi Legg Treasurer Jaydene Reardon Public Relations Vikena Yutz Membership Susan Breeding Floren Ansley At-Large GUTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit through RRCA.
Transcript
Second Quarter 2009
Page 1 www.getguts.com
Straight From The GUT A Quarterly Publication of the Georgia Ultrarunning and Trailrunning Society
Greetings From The President
Happy DayLight Savings to everyone!
Hopefully you have all already begun to enjoy the longer
evening hours of daylight, and squeezing in a few extra miles
on the trails or roads. It’s time to put up the tights and break
out all the shorts and tank tops for good. Maybe you even
ordered some new gear with the GUTS logo (should be here in
just another week or so!).
It’s also time to get in some serious training and run a few
fun races. This year the trail races are springing up everywhere
with XTERRA and Good Run Productions putting on several,
plus good “old” Twisted Ankle and Sweetwater coming in May.
Of course if trails aren’t your thing (say it isn’t so!) there is
always the must-do of the Strolling Jim 40 miler, on May 2nd, a
true classic in ultra running. Maybe I will see you there.
We continue to meet every Tuesday for a run at Kennesaw
Mountain Park. Meet at 6:15 p.m. at the water fountain located
next to the trail, behind the visitor center. We generally go for
an easy one hour run. Don’t forget the first Tuesday of each
month the run is followed by beer & pizza at the Marietta Pizza
Company. Now that daylight savings has brought us extra
hours of daylight, we have plenty of time to run over the top of
the mountain. To be kind, we’ll just do it on the first Tuesday,
besides it’s a good way to build up an appetite!
Happy Trails,
Janice Anderson
GUTS BoardJanice Anderson
President
Sally BrookingVice-President
Sarah TynesSecretary/Web Master
Debbi Legg
Treasurer
Jaydene ReardonPublic Relations
Vikena Yutz
Membership
Susan Breeding Floren Ansley
At-Large
GUTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit through RRCA.
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Make A Difference!Volunteers needed for GUTS Trail Work Day & Training Run- Sunday, May 10, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Kennesaw Mountain has a great trail system that's perfect for long training runs. As a way to give back to the community, GUTS has partnered with the park to adopt a section of the trail. GUTS volunteers set out 2-3 times per year to check on the upkeep and make sure the trail is well maintained.
On Sunday, May 10th, we will gather again for a little muscle-building trail work. We are asking all volunteers to meet at 9:00 a.m. at the visitor's center to help with apx. 3-4 hours of work. There's no need to bring anything besides work gloves, long pants or socks and your enthusiasm! For those interested in a little more energy burning, we will meet earlier at 7:15 a.m. at the visitor center for a run before the work begins. This is a great opportunity to help your community and earn volunteer credits needed for any of your upcoming Ultra events! Not to mention the warm fuzzy feeling you'll get after it's all done.
To top off the day, GUTS will then host a cookout immediately following the trail work at the President's house. There will be plenty of food and beverages for all! Please RSVP to [email protected] with the subject line 'TRAIL WORK DAY' if you are interested in coming to help out.
GUTS Training Run Sunday, April 19Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center
Join us on Eastern Orthodox Easter for a jaunt around the many short trails at the Center. We will meet in the parking lot at the Center (directions link below) @ 8:00 am. There are several short loops (refer to trail map link below). Most trails at the Center are unpaved, but the Center is connected to the Ivy Creek Greenway, so if you’re in need of a longer run, you can head out on the paved Greenway path. Dogs are welcome, but you’ll need the leash! (Also, please remember to clean up after your pet)
Snacks will be provided so if you plan to make it, please email [email protected] with the subject “Environmental Easter Run” by April 17 so we will have an idea how much food/beverages to bring. Unfortunately the center is not open on Sundays, but it’s a great place for an educational visit if you have the chance another time!
More info about the center, including directions and a trail map, can be found at www.gwinnettehc.org
• Jennifer & Lane Vogel are running a whole bunch of races over the next year to raise awareness for The Getting 2 Tri Foundation. You can help out by making a donation at www.active.com/donate/getting2tri/teamvogel. To learn more about Getting 2 Tri, visit www.getting2tri.org.
• Congratulations to Tony & Allison Gonzalez on the birth of their son, Miles Parker, on March 20. Miles weighed in at 8 lbs. 5 oz. And yes, his initials really are MPG!
Welcome, New Members!Ana Bailie Atlanta GARonnie Brownell Big Canoe GANell Brownell Big Canoe GAJohn Cremers Cartersville GAWoody Dover Decatur GACarl Fleming Smyrna GABess Garris Kennesaw GAPeter Kaiser Roswell GARon Keyes Lilburn GAMona Landry Decatur GAMark Lindstrom LaGrange GARamsey Ludlow Kennesaw GATracy Montgomery Atlanta GAGreg Myers Dallas GAAllison Parker Atlanta GALisa Popovic Woodstock GAPaul Portwood Selma ALScott Stetson Seale ALPete Ward Hiram GARobert Wildes Jonesboro GAMichele Young Atlanta GA
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Q: What exactly IS the endocrine system and how does it play a part in a runner's recovery plan?
A: The endocrine system is all the glands that produce hormones. These hormones regulate things such as metabolism, growth, digestion, sexual development and stress response. When you run an ultra you put enormous stress on your body. The endocrine system reacts to enable the body to respond to the stress. Although you can in a sense train your endocrine system (along with your legs), it is important to recognize symptoms of over-stressing and rest properly. Check out this great article for more information:
http://www.succeedscaps.com/endocrine.html
Q: I am attracted to a runner. How do I break the ice?
A: Get to know them on some group runs! Then you can always ask “'Your pace or mine?”
Q: My next race has several stream and river crossings. What’s the best way to cross a fast moving stream?A: Preferably in a boat! Assuming that is not available, first you should take a good look at the river and set your plan for crossing. Look for level stretches of water, a shallow bank or sandbar. If possible, select a point upstream from the bank so that the current will carry you to it if you lose your footing. Choose a course across the river that leads downstream so that you can cross the current at about a 45-degree angle. Avoid rocky areas, deep channels, and waterfalls. If the race supplies a rope for the crossing, hold on tight and use it to cross.
Did you renew your GUTS membership! GUTS memberships expire December 31st of each year. This year there will be a GUTS event or group run every month! That means more time to catch up with fellow members and even more motivation to explore the trails. You will also continue to receive the quarterly Straight from the GUT e-newsletter that's full of race recaps, photos and latest news. As always, we will offer reduced entry fees to all GUTS events for members, as well as even more great discounts to local sponsors.
You can join online at http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1653748 or download a membership application at www.getguts.com
April 25•XTERRA Chicopee Woods 10K Trail Run. Elachee
Nature Center, Gainesville, GA
May 2•Strolling Jim 40 Mile Run. Wartrace, TN. •Qu'est-ce que c'est? 12 h Run. Mt Pleasant, SC.
May 3 •Buncomb Trail 34 Mile Run. Joanna, SC.
May 8•Ultra Miles for Moffitt 12 Hour Endurance Run.
Tampa, FL.
May 9•Dances with Dirt: Indiana 50 Mile, 50K & 100 Mile
Team. Gnaw Bone, IN.
May 16•Twisted Ankle Marathon & 1/2 Marathon.
Summervile, GA.•KEYS 100. Key Largo to Key West, FL.•Massanutten Mountain Trails 100. Front Royal, VA.
May 30•Sweet H20 50k. Lithia Springs, GA.
June 7•XTERRA Deep South 15K Trail Race, Dauset Trails,
Jackson, GA.
•Chattooga River 50k. Oconee County, SC.•Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon. Deadwood,
SD.
June 13•Bethel Hill Moonlight Boogie. 50M. Ellerbe, NC.
July 11•Rattlesnake Trail 50k. Charleston, West Virginia.•Dances with Dirt: Devil's Lake 50 Mile, 50K & 100
Mile Team. Baraboo, WI.
July 16•Vol State Road Race. Dorena Landing, MI to Castle
Rock, GA.
July 18•Landsford Canal 50k. Landsford Canal State Park,
SC.
August 8•Laurel Valley. Pickens, SC.
August 15•The Moose Ultra. 300km, solo & relay. Ontario.
August 23•Lean Horse 100 and 1/2 Hundred. Hot Springs, SD.
See www.getguts.com for a more complete schedule.
Calendar of GUTS Events
Hot To Trot 8 Hour Run August, 1, 2009Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve. Decatur, Georgia. Registration will open soon.
Mystery Mountain Marathon & 12 Mile Trail Run October 11, 2009Ft Mountain State Park. Chatsworth, Georgia. More details soon. Registration will open May 1.
Pine Mountain 40 Mile Trail RunFDR State Park. Pine Mountain, Georgia. Registration will open in June. December 6, 2009
Carl Touchstone Mississippi 50K Trail RunMississippi 03/07/09Andy Velazco 7:36:00
Carl Touchstone Mississippi 20K Trail RunMississippi 03/07/09Jennifer Vogel 2:34:59
Delano Park 12 Hour RunAlabama 03/14/09Matt Kahrs (2nd OA, 1st M) 75 miles Spurgeon Hendrick (1st M Masters) 59 milesDebbi Legg 57 milesChristian Griffith 52 milesJason Rockman 51 milesPhilip Sustar 50 milesVictor Zamudio 39 milesWalt Prescott 28 miles
Delano Park 50 Mile RunAlabama 03/14/09Prince Whatley 8:39:28
Little Rock MarathonArkansas 3/15/09Dan Burnstein 4:04:30
Oak Mountain 50KAlabama 03/21/09Phil Canning 5:04:25Drew Burnett 5:16:32Mark Elson 6:26:07Christian Griffith 6:34:40Vikena Yutz 7:11:30David Ray 7:33:27Steve Michael 7:40:30Michael DeLang 7:54:59Thomas Skinner 8:01:45Evelyn White 8:17:50
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GUTS BadAss Of The QuarterGUTS is instituting an award to single out a GUTS member who has exemplified the GUTS
attitude by doing something completely BadAss or was able to HTFU to get through a tough spot. At the end of the year party we will elect a BadAss of the year, who will receive a very special award.
The idea for this award came from member Margaret Taylor. Her brother, David Meeks, was an excellent ultra and trail runner, and a bicyclist extraordinaire. He always enjoyed hanging out with GUTS folks at events like the FatAss and Stump Jump. David was killed this spring while riding his bike to work. He was renowned for his biking abilities, determination and enthusiasm. For an inspirational story about David check out this link: http://lookoutdoornews.com/content/badass-month-david-meek
Our first award goes to none other than Jon Obst. In the last quarter he has accomplished amazing things. In January, on one of the worst weather weekends (freezing cold, torrential rain, howling wind), he completed 60+ miles of the GA Appalachian trail – for fun! Not long afterwards, to celebrate his 26th birthday, John ran for 26 hours straight on a hilly loop course in North GA, again on a miserably cold winter weekend. These were but training runs for his Iron Horse 100 miler in February, where he finished in a stellar 21:43 for 5th overall. And lastly, he joined Jen Vogel to do a double-ING. The pair started the ING the first time at 2am. Jon then went on to run an amazing 2:53 to place 16th overall! Jon did this with quiet determination and excellent attitude, all while quietly dealing with Type 1 Diabetes. If you ever met him or watched him race you probably never even realized he had Diabetes. Next time you see Jon be sure and congratulate him!
Red Top Rumble 2009The heat wave in Georgia came just in time
for the 2nd Annual Red Top Rumble 11.5 Mile Trail Run. With highs in the mid 50’s, runners gathered at Red Top Mountain State Park in Cartersville, GA on Sunday, February 8, 2009. The course wound its way along scenic Lake Allatoona and offered several bridge and creek crossings. “We changed the course this year by alternating the direction of the 3 mile Homestead Loop halfway through the race”, said race director Jaydene Reardon. “Most runners found the hills to be a little tougher than last year yet the overall male and female winners still managed to beat the previous course records.”
Two weeks before the race, a team of volunteers created a makeshift trail connecting the Iron Hill Trail to the campground in the park. Runners were in for a big surprise when they encountered a 3 foot creek crossing in the middle of the woods. Some dared to make the leap chancing some wet feet while others took the safe route around.
Three fully manned aid stations helped the runners as they made their way along the red clay trails. Aid stations were stocked with the usual goodies that can be found at most GUTS races such as Moonpies, GU Energy Gels, M&M’s and Gummy Bears. Several volunteers were on hand to cheer the runners including one course monitor, David Ray, who brought his own cow bell to help create some noise in the quiet woods. “The energy of the volunteers lining the race course was
contagious and the atmosphere – invigorating!” exclaimed overall female winner, Deanna McCurdy, “On top of that, unbelievable weather at race time helped set the stage for one of the best races I have ever run.”
The Red Top Rumble course had its fair share of hills but that didn’t stop the lead runners from pulling away and putting in fast times at the event. “The course was laid out nicely for anyone trying to run either their first trail race or advanced runners who wanted to see how fast they could go. The trails gave you a little bit of everything, single track to rolling terrain alongside great views of Lake Allatoona”
commented Jeff Campbell who placed well as second overall male in the event.
With the anticipation of much cooler weather, all participants received a pair of running gloves after crossing the finish line. They were then treated to a steaming bowl of vegetable soup and hot apple cider. Master GUTS volunteer chef, Wes Breeding, coordinated the menu
for over 200 hungry runners. Other post-race festivities included
Race director Jaydene Reardon (center) with husband Dennis Reardon (left) and father John Moralee (right).
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Special thanks to the race sponsors for their support in making the Red Top Rumble a success!
beverages from Steaz, energy bar samples from Larabar and, of course, corn bread from Sweet Tomatoes to go along with the hot soup.
The race was coordinated by GUTS to help raise money for the Friends of Red Top
Mountain. The proceeds help to fund maintenance of trails and community programs.
Overall 2009 Red Top Rumble Winners MALE FEMALE 1. Nathan Hoskins 1:07:16 1. Deanna McCurdy 1:26:252. Jeff Campbell 1:10:06 2. Michelle King 1:28:303. Brennan Pratt 1:11:01 3. Kate Brun 1:28:454. Tim Tatarka 1:11:15 4. Kaye Anne Starosciak 1:29:395. Joseph Gibson 1:12:02 5. Jenny Callaway 1:33:046. Todd Liscomb 1:17:35 6. Erin Gower 1:33:387. Matthew Kahrs 1:18:18 7. Hattie Johnson 1:37:488. Mike Cosentino 1:19:35 8. Amelia Kane 1:37:509. Jason Hamlin 1:20:09 9. Nicole DeMoss 1:38:4910. Michael Howell 1:24:00 10. Ashley Vince 1:39:10
MASTERS MALE MASTERS FEMALEBill Stewart 1:31:03 Thalley Mattox 1:39:08
GRANDMASTERS MALE GRANDMASTERS FEMALEWilliam Harman 1:32:54 Malissa Piersol 1:42:58
Complete results at www.getguts.com
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Overall Female, Deanna McCurdy, strikes a pose during the creek crossing
Red Top Rumble Super Chef, Wes Breeding (far left), and crew.
Rami Odeh and Chris Engels stick around for the post-race raffle
Matthew Kahrs speeds through the course to a 7th overall finish
RTR sweeper, Sean Snyder, checks in to say 'the course is clear!'
Dan Orsini GUTS it out Craig Arnold puts his trail face on Kim Fuller & Vikena Yutz
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GUTS Board Member Spotlight:
Sally Brooking, Vice President• Age: 52
• Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii
• Years Running? Does this include running from the law?.
• A trail runner? An ultra runner? Yes/Yes
• Favorite quote(s): “….because without beer, things do not seem to go as well”, Diary of Brother Epp, Capuchin Monastery. “I just don’t want to die without a few scars”, Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club.
• Personal philosophy: Just keep moving forward, you’ll get there eventually.
• Personal hero: Lionel Higdon, just because.
• Book you are currently reading: Term Limits by Vince Flynn
• Favorite vacation: Anywhere on a beach or in the mountains. Love doing the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia every year.
• Pet Peeve: Politicians.
• Favorite place to run: Locally: Kennesaw Mountain or anywhere on the AT. All time favorite has been the Grand Canyon.
• What is your favorite time of day to run? Would prefer the mornings but work and traffic doesn’t allow me to do that during the week.
• Short Term goal: How short are we talking? Currently, it’s to get a new roof.
• Long Term goal: Stay healthy, quit work and play more.
• Best race experience: There are many but most recently being able to finish Mt. Mist 50k this year with a bum wheel.
• Most monumental struggle during a race: Dealing with altitude, nausea and heat…..and in Kansas: THE WIND!
• Favorite piece of running gear: I don’t have a favorite piece of running gear.
• Favorite post-run food/drink: Chocolate Milk. Beer and pizza or whatever the RD is cooking
up!
•Chronic injuries?: None.
•Favorite pacer and crew: Marty used to be my favorite pacer but he won’t run with me anymore…...the bum. Never had a crew but I do appreciate seeing my favorites out on the course that I don’t hesitate to utilize: Michelle Hackett, Teri Dove, Ray Swords, Angela Barringer
to name a few.
• Most intriguing item found on the trail (money doesn’t count!): Can’t think of anything intriguing like a dead body or anything like that but did run into some crack heads in the woods once and of course the occasional shopping cart. Seen a lot of wildlife including bears, coyotes, rattlesnakes, copperheads, porcupines, green aliens, deer, a turtle laying eggs, mountain goats, sheep, elk, moose, Prairie dogs….
• Favorite non-running leisure activity: gardening, reading, biking, sitting on a porch drinking beer, camping….
• Interesting fact about you that we’d never think to ask: Used to fight forest fires.
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• Age: 37
• Birthplace/Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama
• Years Running? 10 plus years
• A trail runner? An ultra runner? 1 year
• Favorite quote:
• Personal philosophy: If you are willing to work for it, you can achieve most any goal.
• Personal hero: My friends.
• Book you are currently reading: Running Formula by Jack Daniels
• Favorite vacation location: The beach
• Pet Peeve: Tardiness.
• Favorite place to run: I can’t really say because most anywhere is enjoyable to me
• What is your favorite time of day to run? In the morning.
• Short Term goal: QUALIFY FOR BOSTON
• Long Term goal: Keep running
• Best race experience: Completing Mountain Mist
• Most monumental struggle during a race: Making the decision to
DNF at Jacksonville Marathon
•Favorite piece of running gear: My trail shoes. I’m up to three pairs now.
•Favorite post-run food/drink: Chocolate Milk and a hamburger
•Chronic injuries?: None
•Favorite pacer and crew: I would have to say Vikena Yutz. She is the only person that has run longer than a 50k with me.
•Most intriguing item found on the trail
(money doesn’t count!): rednecks
• Favorite non-running leisure activity: Napping
• Interesting fact about you that we’d never think to ask: I can’t think of anything.
GUTS Member Spotlight:
Kim Fuller
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Delano 12 HourPhi&ip Sustar
Since this is my first ever race report, it is a little hard to know where to begin. The anxiety. The weather. The sheer question, “Can I really do this or am I kidding myself.”
I choose this race with the intention of it being my qualifier for the AC100. You have to run a 50 miler before they let you attempt 100. Smart people! It was close to home and the expense would be minimal. The thought of going in circles did not seem to appeal to me at all, but after thinking about it, this would be a great setup to have my family come with me. Rhonda, my ever so smart shopper wife, found us a good deal on a hotel that we decided to stay 2 nights. I did not know how I would feel, and driving a car for 4 hours after 50 miles seemed torturous.
I knew going into the race that it would be raining a good portion of the time, if not raining all day. We started at 6:00 am, in the dark and rain. Portions of the track around the park were already so flooded that we had no choice but to go right through it with the water coming up to your ankles.
The first hour was honestly one of the hardest for me. I remember being 5 miles into it thinking “THIS REALLY SUCKS!!!” I wasn’t sure how in the world I would be able to do this for 45 more
miles. I started thinking about the advice I had been given before the race and just starting trying to figure out how to break the race down in my head. “Ok, just get to 10 miles and see how it feels,” I said at one point. When people had asked me how I was going to run 50 miles in a circle, the only thought in my head to deal with it was to get to mile 25, change shoes and do the last 25. I really didn’t have much more of a plan other than that. I knew I could run 25 miles with little to no issues, at least that’s what I kept telling myself. I have tried to always have the mind set
that if I can make it halfway, then it is all down hill from there. Not always literally, but I think you get my point.
It was brought to my attention again in this race that I have
to do better in fueling. I was drinking enough; at least my many times to pee seemed to be stating that I was ok there. But, the food, I still didn’t eat enough at the beginning. Because of the rain, I didn’t want Rhonda and Grace (my eight year old) sitting out there the whole time. Even with them sitting under a canopy we had borrowed, they still got rained on, due to the wind pushing the rain. They showed up with my fuel of choice, double cheeseburgers! I didn’t think I could eat 2 of them fast enough. Around noon the race started serving pizza that I snatched a piece on my walk breaks.
I decided to keep going with all the current clothes and shoes after passing mile 25. It was so muddy out there; I hated the idea of all my gear either being wet or muddy. I kept going to mile
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38 and started to feel what I thought was a blister building under my big toe. I decided to check it out plus switch out shoes at that time. Lucky it was not a blister, but just my feet needing to be dried out from constant wetness.
For the first 25 miles I had planned to run for the mile and then walk for a minute after crossing the chip mat, keeping count of the laps. I would also eat at this time. For the last 25 miles, I ran certain portions and then walked certain portions like the slight inclines. I think this worked quite well for me. I walked the last lap with Rhonda and Grace, helping me finish the race.
It is 2 days later and I am truly surprised at how good my legs feel. I am still sore. When I first get up from a chair I look like a 90 year old man, but I do get moving after that. This was truly a great experience for me and I am already looking forward to the next race!
Janice, thanks for “Beware the chair.” Because of that, the only time I sat down was to change my shoes.
Pat, thanks for “keep the positive attitude” and “smile.” It really did help, more than you know. I even threw some of the positive vibe Victor’s way and tried to make him laugh.
Vic, thanks for being there. I would have never believed I could run a 9:30 pace at mile 49 if you had not cracked the whip. It hurt pretty badly, but you proved to me I could do it. Every day above ground is a good day!
Rhonda and Grace, thank you so much for supporting your husband and dad!
Little Rock Marathon Dan BursteinGoal: Break 4:09 PR ( Ultimately to break 4:00 “barrier”)Results: 4:04:30Website: www.littlerockmarathon.comGeneral Summary
Great course,and aid stations. They had plenty of gels, bananas, oranges,and drinks even for slow guys like me.
Flat until mile 14. Then a few nice climbs and very nice descent to mile 18. One more hill at mile 24.5. Aid station at mile 25.5 was a fantastic beacon for the finish!!
Things Done RightEnjoyed the
downtown area the day before and had the best burrito at Flying Brothers for dinner.
Wore a Nathans Hydration race vest. Did not go out too fast. Never stopped running even when others were falling back. Never wanted to stop and puke!! Passed up guy wearing uni-tard and choke chain at top of hill at mile 25!!
Things Done WrongSince it was a PR for me it is hard to think of a
thing done wrong. Can always say “should have trained harder.” Of course the challenge is what keeps us all going back for more (44 marathons, and 2 ultras and I am still learning).
Any Other StuffWeather was perfect. Overcast,not too warm,
light breeze.
Oh yeah, finishers medal is huge!! Plenty of spectators, nice downtown to walk around.
Dan and his BIG medal.
Blog RollKeep up with all the latest
announcements on the GUTS blog. It’s full of yummy goodness, regularly updated for freshness!
A Virgin’s View Of The BarkleyJason Barringer : 1 lap 11:33Photos Courtesy Peter Jo&es
I first decided I wanted to give the barkley a try a few years back. Lots of my early training runs involved long self-supported runs, or getting off the beaten path to follow a cool game trail up a hollow to see where it went, so barkley seemed like a natural progression. A couple of friends (spyder and Drew) had been to frozen head and talked about how great the experience was. I eventually put my name in the hat for the 2008 race and ended up on the wait list. I had planned from the beginning that year to head up to frozen head regardless of whether or not I got in just to get a feel for what this was about. I didn’t get in that year (I think I was eventually 3rd on the wait list behind Allen and Marcia) but apparently being on that wait list was my short straw for this year. A few days after the midnight email frenzy I got the dreaded reply. I was in. It sort of dawned on me that maybe it’s not so good to get what you had wished for. I had nightmares that night. About exactly what I don’t know, but it was based around this amorphous concept of the barkley and involved many different things like showing up to the starting line naked and with an empty water bottle, the barkley being a roller coaster and my restraint didn’t work, etc.
When I set my mind on trying to get in the barkley, I had made a decision to not see any of the course until my virgin race and after it is all over, I am very happy with that decision. Maybe I could have finished the loop a little quicker, or prepped a little better, but I think it would have taken away from the overall experience.
Since everyone knows about the chicken, the legends around the race, etc. I’ll leave that out. The conch shell blew at 9:53, many of us had been up since 6 or 7 milling around talking about how tough a late start would be due to the expected heat, and Laz apparently took that whining as a wish and granted it. For some reason, I didn’t feel the nervousness I usually do before starting an ultra, I was definitely anxious, but it was somehow different. The starting cigarette was lit and we slowly started the long walk up bird mtn. I knew from the reports that the first climb would be long, but not too tough and that turned out to be the case. It was a really nice warm up and almost got too hot, but as soon as we crested the hill and began our descent to book 1, I cooled off nicely. Our group of about 7 or so reached book 1 with no problem and then began to climb again. This climb was a little tougher, and a little hotter. Here I started remembering what Laz had said the night before “when you get to bald knob remember that you’ve just finished the easy part of the course.” I was feeling sluggish and hot so
Jason at the start of the Barkley.
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I slowed down a bit and kept reminding myself to be patient, the climbs will be long, but I will eventually get to the top. The rest of the “candy ass” trail to the west side of Bald Knob was uneventful, but harder than I had expected. When we reached the end of the candy ass trail I was very happy to find out that Danger Dave was in our group, and he had put out book 2 and 3, so we dutifully followed him around the knob and right to the book. There was a group of 3 or 4 who had missed a turn somewhere and ended up a good ways above us here, but were able to get down to the book. Unfortunately for us, just about everyone’s pages were missing, so we started pulling pages from the back of the book, luckily this didn’t cause any problems later.
The next section was a lot of fun and I couldn’t wait to see SOBD for the first time. During this section all the old guys kept going on and on about how “this is what the whole NBT used to be like back in my day, you don’t know how easy you’ve got it.” I wanted to mock them for being old, but since I was having to work to keep up with the old goats, I figured I should leave well enough alone.
We moved well through this section by the coal ponds and up to garden spot for book #3. During a couple of the short ups I would pull out my directions and read them so that I could make sure I knew where we were, it was at this time that I learned that words don’t necessarily
mean the same to Laz as they might to the rest of us.
The first water stop provided a nice break, and then we headed up on stallion mountain. The clear skies made for very nice views from up there. We found book 4 no problem and worked
our way to Fyke’s peak and off the back side. Here we had a group of 4 or 5 moving well through our first real taste of off trail “running”. This section took longer than I expected, but it was uneventful and soon we reached the highway where there were several folks (including Horton) dutifully mocking us as we crossed. I knew that the first of the “big three” was just around the corner after book five, and as we turned the corner, there it was, testicle spectacle. So up we go, I climbed all of this with John DeWalt and while it was steep and there were multiple false summits, it wasn’t as bad as I had
expected. We topped out and headed down meth lab hill and the neo-butt slide and
broke into the woods and easily found book 6 at raw dog falls. A couple of quick inclines brought us back to the highway and the pigs head and the short but ominous ascent to the next big one, Rat Jaw. The old prison mine trail was very scenic and provided a short but much needed easy section where I could take a couple of deep breaths and get ready for what was to come.
I turned right and looked up, yep, that’s pretty steep. I could see three or four folks
Rat Jaw at the Barkley.
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ahead of me in various stages of climbing, crawling, molting and panting. I took another deep breath and headed up. Several steep sections led to the cliff band which I had heard through the grapevine contained Book # 7, contrary to what the directions said. I looked around in vain, but luckily John was right behind me and was able to find it in the same place it had been in a previous year (and also to provide me some much needed water since I had run out at the bottom of Rat Jaw, he didn’t tell me it was untreated creek water until after I had downed about 1/3 of the bottle). We then continued on up to the tower and got some much needed water, I ate and changed shirts and said hi to my wife Angela and friends Andrew and Peter. Limacher was also there, I guess to scout locations for his new luxury hotel. I was alone for the next two hours or so, and luckily I had plenty of daylight left for the zip line descent.
The road from the firetower allowed for some nice easy jogging which let me stretch out my feet and legs. I found book 8 on top of the hump and worked my way over to Indian knob and book 9. While I doubted myself and my compass a couple of times, I hit the steep part of the zip line right on the money and ended up on the old trail leading to the book. I saw DeWalt coming in from the left (he had gone down one draw over to the left) and he confirmed that we were indeed in the correct place. I was feeling really good at this point and started running ahead looking for the trail crossing the creek that was in just front of the creek intersection that marked book 10. My only problem was that I had convinced myself that the trail would be crossing from left to right and not right to left. I ran right past the confluence, the bluff and the tree (saying to myself, that looks like what he describes, but the trail hasn’t crossed from left to right yet, so it must be further down). Luckily I only got about ¼ mile or so downstream when I started having doubts. I crossed the creek and
saw the trail on the other side and thought, well I must be right, so I crossed back over and kept going downstream until I reached an impassable cliff and realized I must have screwed up. I finally thought it would be wise to actually read the directions again and saw that I had read the directions wrong. So I headed back up to the confluence and to the book at the same time that Dave, Rob, and Kevin got there and we headed up the third and final climb, Big Hell. It got dark about halfway up Hell and we had to pull out the headlamps. The climb seemed like it went on forever and it got steeper the further you went. We finally reached the top, book 11, and a great nighttime view of Wartburg. Leonard, Allen and Joel came up while we were getting our pages and a big group of us headed down Chimney Top for the last hour or so back to camp.
I had decided early on not to attempt a second lap, I wanted to focus on having a solid lap with no major malfunctions and pulled that off. I learned that a lot of patience is required at the Barkley and you also have to pay constant attention. If you let your mind wander too much or you try to rush something you can easily get lost or hurt. This was quite possibly the most fun I have ever had on a run and I fully plan on throwing my name in the hat again.
Fill your GUTS with MoonPies!
Available at all GUTS events.
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Mt Cheaha 50kJavier De Jesus
Saturday, February 28th started at 5:30 am when Woody and I hit the road on our way to the Mt. Cheaha 50K race in Alabama. We arrived at the Bald Rock Lodge at Mt. Cheaha State Park about an hour and a half later thinking that we were late and about to be rushed onto waiting buses to the start, but we found all the runners just patiently hanging out and chatting amongst each other. Turns out the buses were down the hill stuck in some mud and it would be a while before they would make their way up to the lodge. Meanwhile, it was raining like crazy outside. All the rain was going to swell the various creeks and rivers along the race route, but more on that later.
Todd, the race director, was doing his best to appear calm and was handling the delay well. Woody and I were able to kill some time by meeting and talking to some of the other runners. One of them being an experienced ultra-runner and fellow GUTS member named Rich. He made a comment that would end up being prophetic later in the day. He said that his experience in ultra-racing allowed him to catch less experienced runners every time and he would prove this to be so.
It was finally announced that the buses were making their way up the hill to the lodge.
Everybody topped off their water bottles and made one last trip to the bathroom. The school buses pulled around and we all piled in. The rain had stopped and the sun even peaked out through the clouds. A bit later, we arrived at the start. We were finally going to get the show on the road (or I should say, trail.)
We all lined-up under the start banner and Todd got on the mic with a few last minute instructions. The race started and we were on our way. Immediately, we were squeezed into single track trail and at first it was difficult to gain positions. Eventually, things would begin to spread out and everyone would find their spot
along the course. The first few miles to the first aid station took us through leaf and pine needle covered trails soaked with several puddles from the night’s rain. At first, we would all try to avoid the water but it was soon evident that this was a futile effort. Soon enough, we passed
the first aid station.
Once back on the trail, we made our way up a series of climbs. Turns out Rich had been in front of us and we passed him with a wave and a pat on the back. He just smiled and gave us a nod as we went by.
We made it into aid station #2, loaded up on some PB&J’s, refilled water bottles and headed up the hill. We were now back on the Pinhoti trail and making our way up onto a ridge. At the top, we were rewarded with a fantastic view even though visibility wasn’t at its best. The trail was pretty rocky on the ridge and we had to watch our footing. Still, we made good progress and for a little while at least, it seemed that
Javier taking a cool dip.
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Woody and I were the only two runners on the trail. We would soon arrive at aid station #3 at Adams Gap.
I shoved some roasted, salted potatoes in my mouth, took a few swigs of Heed and headed back out. I took the lead for the next few miles and this is where I started to feel less than 100%. We had picked up another runner and we made our way along the trail like a little convoy. I could tell that I was holding up Woody, but he was letting me stay in the lead as we wound our way along another ridge and more rocky trail. We pulled into aid station #4 around mile 18 and I couldn’t be happier. As I was refueling and trying to get my strength back, Woody was itching to get moving. The guys at the station warned us of the coming creek crossings.
Back on the trail, this time Woody was in front. The gap between us started to grow and it wasn’t long before he was well ahead of me and out of sight. The other guy we had picked up in the last section would end up leaving me too. I was on my own for the rest of the race.
I came upon a couple of creeks and due to all the rain, the water was more than knee deep. My shoes got soaked but my Smartwool socks were holding up just fine. The cold water actually felt good too. After a couple more climbs, I made it down a hill and I could here rushing water. Soon enough I was at the bank of a river. Normally, this river is rather tame and barely deep enough to get your knee caps wet. But today, it was to prove a tricky crossing even with the assistance of
a rope. I clipped my water bottle and grabbed the rope. I was halfway across when I slipped and went in chest deep. The water gave me a rush of adrenaline and I quickly came back to my feet and finished getting across. A photographer was on the other bank and captured the moment. Once across, it was a short jog along the bank to the next aid station.
With 22 miles behind me, I refueled once again and wondered how far ahead was Woody, even though I wouldn’t see him again until the
finish. At this point, several of us were hurting. Some of the runners I had passed earlier were now catching and passing me, while I was passing others. I would soon catch up to a friend and GUTS
runner, John, who was having some issues with cramps. I was surprised to see him as John is an experienced ultra-runner but the cramps were really giving him a hard time. Passing by some amazing waterfalls, another fellow GUTS runner, Reagan, passed us both and she would end up being the second place female.
The trail ends up on another forest road and this was a less scenic part of the course with a long straight away and a slight ascent. I could see Reagan in front of me by a couple hundred yards, but I would never catch her. John caught up to me once again and we ran together for a few miles while the course went from packed dirt road to an asphalt road. We were on the asphalt for a short while and we came into a park where the next aid station was waiting for us at mile 28. I knew that Blue Hill, or Blue Hell, was next and I was anticipating a tough climb. I would
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underestimate the difficulty. More roasted salted potatoes, a Coke and I thought I was a new man. John tried to stay with me as we left the aid station but as soon as the climb began, he would get ahead. I guess his cramps weren’t that bad after all.
Whatever description I make of the climb up Blue Hill, it will not do it justice. There was no running at this point. Just grab tree limbs, place your hands on your knees and climb up a wall of rocks. That’s the best I can describe it. After almost 29 miles, putting this climb at this point of the course is just plain evil. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I finally made it up to the top in what felt like an eternity. Some where along this point I heard a runner coming up behind me while I could hear the music of the finish line ahead of
me, it was Rich. Damn it, if he didn’t catch me right at the end. I moved aside as he went by with a smile on his face. I gritted my teeth and made my way up the trail then road to the finish line. Todd was waiting under the finish banner and congratulating all the finishers. I got a sweet tech tee for my efforts.
I went inside the lodge, grabbed some pizza and found Woody. He ended up putting over a half hour between us. I guess I paced him pretty well for the first half of the race. We hung out for a while, refreshed and changed into drier clothes. Everyone was tired but content with the accomplishment. Mount Cheaha was conquered!
Visit my blog for a more detailed race report or to read about other trail adventures: www.anecdotesfromthetrail.blogspot.com.
Black Warrior 50KDavid Ray
Great run on great trails with great weather and great volunteers. It was great.
Okay, the 4th (or 4rd, as the entry states) Annual Black Warrior 50K was held on Feb. 21, 2009 in the beautiful Bankhead National Forest in north central Alabama. I was up at 4 AM at my brother's house in Jasper. Starting temps in the 20s had me in tights and long-sleeves. I used duct tape (thanks to Lori for reminding me) on my feet in hopes of preventing blisters and keeping the old blisters from last week's hike in check. I quietly left the house and drove north to find the race.
My map from google worked pretty well and I made it to the start in plenty of time. Only one missed turn and that didn't cause any problems.
At the start I picked up the race bag including a sweatshirt and technical t-shirt. I decided to wear my GUTS t-shirt with a long-sleeve top that I could drop at an aid station.
Before the start I get in line at the facilities all bundled up against the cold. The Buff was working great and I was glad to have it. Coffee was available and I had a cup. A wonderful volunteer offered me a
grilled cheese sandwich and that sounded pretty good. So I ate one. Fuel for the run.
I meet up with Big Rahn at the start. Rahn is working on his first ultra finish and we'll run
together for a while. He's the one that first mentioned this race as a possible and he's got several buddies running.
It was cold, but we warmed up soon enough. The start command sends us up the forest road for the first 3 miles. This, I was told, would be the worst climb of the day. Big Rahn in his trademark yellow vest pulls away.
There's a drop station at the turn into the woods. I take advantage and lose the gloves and long-sleeve top. We were warmed up at that point and it was great to lighten the load.
From that point it's all trails until we get back to the road for the last 3 miles. The race is run on horse trails and we were told to watch out for the fertilizer. Not a problem, really, as the horses kept the trail in great shape. We had muddy spots as you'll see, but the trails were very runnable with little in the way of roots and rocks.
I came to think of the beer cans as an Alabama Trail Marker. It was amazing how regularly these were scattered along the trail. I guess that's one of the benefits of riding horses. You can take a cooler along.
There were muddy spots that we could mostly avoid. Mostly.
Not to worry, though, cause the trails were beautiful and it was a beautiful day. The forecast had been changing all week with rain or snow
promised at different points. What we got was sunny, blue skies.
I focused on not falling and picking up my feet. That worked well and I stayed upright all day. I don't usually mind falling, but there are times when it just would not be fun.
Aid station one was on the road crossing 6 miles into the race. I stopped for refills and a couple of fig newtons.
Not long after AS1 and I was thinking about Misty's report from last year. She talked about having a hard time finding a tree big enough to hide behind for a little private time. The fig newtons (or the grilled cheese) were talking to me and I was fortunate to find an extra large tree to provide cover. I'm quick to stop when the urge hits as I know I'll run better without the distraction.
Numerous bluffs were along the trails with water falls and, in this case, icicles.
Oh, I forgot to mention the 25K runners were sharing the trail. At roughly mile
8, we split up. I think this may have caused problems in the
past. This year there are 7 signs at the split.
And we get to Aid Station 2/4. Best aid station ever. The kind volunteer filled my bottles and posed for a pic. The other kind volunteer was on peanut butter duty. I had some sandwich, chips, magic pills, and took a couple of Snickers for later.
The trails were pretty smooth all the way. No big climbs, just ups and downs to keep things interesting.
Suddenly we're at Aid Station 3 and mile 17. AS3 was in a burn zone that was still smoking. You can see the smoke as we refill bottles and have a snack. The resting volunteer warned us about a tree just ahead. It was still burning and threatened to fall on the trail
We made it past the danger and out of the burn zone. Another water crossing here and I got wet feet this time.
The first half of the race was fantastic and I didn't start feeling fatigued until mile 20 or so.
Back at AS2/4 and I work on some Mtn. Dew for a boost. The excellent volunteer gives me a Double Latte PowerBar Gel to try. But it's just not right. Really sweet and not my favorite consistency. I stuck with Snickers and Peanut Butter PowerBars. I like food I can chew.
The horse people started showing up after 10 AM. Horse people are nice people. They all moved off the trail when runners approached to let us by.
Then, just like that, I'm back on the road for the last 3 miles. At this point, I knew I was over 6 hours and under 7 hours. No real incentive for me to push hard so I was jogging along.
Then I came around a corner and saw another runner in the distance. I've never considered myself very competitive but I took advantage of the target to push myself to the finish. I picked up the pace to around 9 minutes per mile (which is fast for me) and caught the guy after a bit. I mumbled something that probably would have encouraged him if it had been in English. But I didn't slow down and kept pushing till the finish.
Finish time of 6:48:40 and I placed 56 out of 77 finishers. I was eighth in the 50 and over crowd. That was all good but the best part was the grill guy still working hard for us slow folks. I enjoyed
two excellent cheeseburgers. And homemade potato salad plus red beans and rice.
And, wonder of wonders, joy of joys, the coffee was still available. Coffee, homemade brownies and cookies. I wasn't even missing the pie.
I gathered my drop clothes and put them back on. Then I sat at the picnic table beside all the food and waited for Big Rahn to come in. It was good to just hang out and talk to other runners. And eat more food. It was good to eat more food.
The race director, Keith Hallmark, came over when he had time and sat with us stragglers for a while discussing the race and logistics. Evidently several runners took a wrong turn and he heard about it. The course was well marked to me so I didn't see the problem. He said the course is never marked good enough. Somebody will always go off a bit.
Runners continued to come in and even though I was watching for Rahn's yellow vest, I missed him finishing. Must have been making more coffee or something.
But finish he did and big congrats to Big Rahn for finishing his first ultra in 8:17:32.
Time to go and I headed back through rural Alabama to my brother's house. A hot shower was first on the to-do list. No, actually, the first thing I did back at the house was finish the fresh pineapple in the fridge. I was jonesing for some fruit all the way back.
So another 50K in the finish column. Black Warrior is well done and I can recommend it highly. The race filled up this year so if you're planning to run it, enter early.
I had such a good time, I'm looking at the calendar to see when I can return to Alabama. Oak Mountain 50K is March 21st. That might be a good time to come back and visit my brother.
Rockin K Trail MarathonApril 4, 2009By Sa&y BrookingThere are hills in Kansas...
Janice, Jamie, Marty and I traveled to Kansas, yes Kansas, to run a trial marathon. How hard can a trail marathon be in Kansas? Kansas is flat, right? Don’t let the name “Kansas” lure you into thinking you’ll get to run on nice flat trails through the Prairies. The Marathon and 50 mile trial runs are held at the Kanopolis State Park in the heart of the Smokey “Hills” in Central Kansas. To get there, we flew into Kansas City, Missouri. First on the agenda was to find a brew pub in which to eat some lunch. We found the Free State Brewery in Lawrence Kansas. After partaking in some brew and food, we traveled to our Friday night destination, The Swedish Country Inn in Lindsborg, Kansas. This was a bed and breakfast inn complete with Swedish furnishings. Unfortunately we had to leave too early in the morning to eat the breakfast which included pickled herring, Swedish meatballs and waffles with Lingonberries. The staff was kind enough to come in early to make us coffee and tea before heading to the start of the race.
After checking in, we decided to attend the pre race pasta meal and race briefing. They had plenty of pasta, salads, desserts and drinks. Jamie
was lucky enough to win a raffle prize. A KUS (Kansas Ultrarunning Society) sweatshirt. Even dogs were allowed to throw their names into the hat. After listening to last minute instructions and picking up our race packets, we headed to the store for supplies and then back to the Inn to call it a night.
The race started at the Corral shelter on top of a hill by a lake and ran through a series of interconnected loop trails that crossed itself
several times mostly on horse and mountain bike trails that followed the canyons and waterways, then out to the prairie and to the bluffs of the Smokey Hill River. It was cold and WINDY at the start but the high was supposed to get into the 70’s. As we all stood at the starting line shivering, the RD re-told everything we had heard the night before. Finally he quit talking and the race was on its way. The fast runners did their thing and everyone else followed. We ran down the road a short ways and then entered the start of the trail.
The trial led us through some terrain that I wasn’t expecting to see in Kansas, large sandstone
formations with an array of colors from yellow to red. The trail wound itself up and down through these formations and since Kansas has no TREES, you could see for miles when on top. The trail was soft packed dirt and single tracked. In some places the trail was barely wide enough for your feet. At first, I kept trying to keep up with the girl ahead of me but she had a dog tied around her waist that was pulling her up the hills and pulling
Marty Coleman GUTting it out at the 2009 Brew to Brew.
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her through the WIND. This became a futile attempt and I let her go. She ended up winning the race and me coming in second as far as females go.
The course ran through many cattle gates that you had to figure out how to open and then close behind you. We had to cross many creeks and a couple of beaver dams. We ran through swamps, prairies, sand dunes and canyons.
They had one unmanned aid station at around 7 miles. If you didn’t have a water bottle, you had to lay on the ground and drink out of the spigot as no cups were provided. At Gate number 6 and 13 miles into the race there was a fully stocked aid station with a tent to get out of the wind, great munchies and friendly volunteers. As the day progressed, so did the WINDS. It was so dang windy I kept thinking I would run into Dorothy and her dog Toto any minute now. Once out of the manned station and after my first and only fall of the day, we headed out on the Big Bluff Loop which was approximately 5 miles of primitive trail that took you up and down, up and down, up and down the river Bluff above the river. They said we would have to cross a substantial waterway and as I kept looking at the river below from the bluffs, I was wondering if that would be the river we had to cross and my thoughts were YIKES. Luckily we did not have to cross the river. Once back to the manned the station, I caught a glimpse of Marty. He yelled for me to catch up. I tried…but once out
of the gate….I just couldn’t fight the WIND any more. It was really strong on this part of the course. Did I mention Kansas doesn’t have TREES? I felt like I was running in place a lot of the time. The WIND was really brutal out there. I kept looking at my HTFU bracelet thinking one wasn’t enough. I needed to be wearing one on each arm! Where does one train to run into a head wind the entire 26 miles? I ended up walking a lot just because I couldn’t fight the wind. I kept
thinking Janice and Jamie will be catching up to me soon but they were struggling just as much as me. The WIND 1, Sally 0. Marty even said I almost caught him where the trail takes an almost an 180 degree turn and he looked right at me and he said I was looking at him….but I don’t recall this at all. Either he was hallucinating or I was in a zone. About 3 miles from the finish we had to cross a pretty wide body of water. I got there alone. Did not know how deep it was going to be. I started across and it
ended up being only about waist deep on me. I kept thinking only 3 more miles, only
3 more miles but at this point the WINDS were really howling. Did I mention Kansas has no TREES. I finally made it to the finish line in 4:38:56. Marty finished ahead of me in 4:32:59. Janice crossed the line in 5:16:30 and Jamie in 6:00:23. The course was closer to 27 miles than 26.2 according to some GPSs. The 50 milers had to go back out for another loop. There was no way I was going back out there to fight the WIND, hills, sand and mud.
Jamie Slafkosky and his $10.
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The race directors, Stacy and Phil Sheridan were great. They both made us feel like we were part of the Kansas trail running family. The course was well marked. Plenty of hot chili and beer at the finish line. Plenty of good food at the manned aid station. Unique horseshoe awards. I would recommend this trail run, if you like adventure, varied terrain, WIND, no trees and you like to run with a dog. Dogs are encouraged. The dogs actually take spaces in the results. Marty finished 13th but two dogs beat him…he contends he finished 11th.
It was time to head back to Kansas City, MO for our next adventure. We stayed Saturday night at the Intercontinental Hotel where we were surprised with an upgrade to the Concierge level…complete with FREE bar and food. No need to go out for dinner on this night plus everyone was beat from the trail race. Tomorrow would be a new adventure. The Brew to Brew Relay. A 43 mile relay from the Boulevard Brewery to the Free State Brewery in Kansas. Marty was going to run 4 legs, Janice and I would run 3 each. Jamie would be our driver. This relay is a must if you like to drink beer and have fun. It is also sex and age graded….which meant for every leg I ran, I got 8 minutes knocked off my time!! Janice would receive 4 minutes per leg and Marty 2. And for every 10 dollars donated to Cystic Fibrosis you got another minute knocked off. Thanks to our generous friends and ages, we were able to knock off over 70 minutes from our time. We arrived at the brewery before 7:00 in the morning. Marty would run our first leg. The taps
were open. People were drinking beer in the porta potty line. Teams were in costumes. Marty was off. Janice, Jamie and I tried to find the first exchange point. Got lost. We were thinking….oh this isn’t getting off to a good start. I said to another team that it seemed kind of loose….he said it gets looser as the day goes on. We’re thinking ooooh boy. We finally found it…well, close enough anyways, we just let Janice out and she ran back to meet up with Marty. Janice ran the second leg and ended up with a nose bleed because she was sick and yucky. Marty changed into running outfit number 3 for the week-end. Marty and Janice got to run on the levee their first legs….I got the third leg…6 miles of highway…the same highway for 6 miles….the same wind as the day before for 6 miles….I was glad to be done with my leg. It would be longest for the day. Janice and Marty ran their second legs. My second leg included a HUGE hill in the driving wind with spitting ice and then snow. My last leg was on dirt road with hill after hill after hill. After each leg, we changed into a new set of clothes. We had rain, freezing rain and snow. Marty had to cross a river in a boat. Janice was sick and hacking up a lung. Marty finished up the race looking strong. Jamie found $10.00. Off to Free State Brewery for more free brews and jambalaya. Next time, if there is a next time, maybe JANICE won’t give up BEER for Lent!! If she wants to make a real sacrifice, she needs to give up running! Still no results so we don’t know how we did. All team captains got a prize. Janice opted for the Free State Brewery glass which she promptly gave to Marty for his birthday.
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Seen Around...
Lane Vogel receiving his Umstead 100 Mile finisher’s buckle from RD Blake Wood.
Floren “Tree Hugger” Ansley demonstrating her love for trees.
Allison Gonzalez showing off her new growth, Miles.
If I had a hammer...
The hat says it all.
Food worth running for! The banner gets around!
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Georgia Ultrarunning & Trailrunning Society668 North Saint Mary's LaneMarietta GA 30064
