Race Report: Lookout Mountain 50 Miler

Standing in line for the porta-potties I was riddled with anxiety. I felt like we arrived at the race start with ample time to don race numbers, make necessary clothing changes, etc. The countdown clock at the race start told a different story 25min... 20min... still in line. With race participation double from the year before, this hold-up was not an issue I remembered from last year. I finally make my way to the front of the line with much relief. My relief was only short lived though as I soon watched my borrowed MP3 player (sorry dad) begin to tumble into the blue pool of death that sat below me. In what I thought was an amazing display of coordination I grabbed the headphone cord just before the whole works disappeared, but the player then separated from the headphones and continued its spiral into the abyss. Well... at least I saved the headphones.

From Left to Right: "Flyin" Brian Williams, Brian Pickett(in Grey T-Shirt),
Troy Shellhamer (Green), Nick Lewis (red), Far right-eventual winner Johnny Clemmons

After a fair amount of last minute hustling I made it to the starting line with about a minute to spare. The four on the right in the above picture formed the lead pack, moving out of sight within the first five minutes. Mr. Brian Williams and I along with a few others formed a chase pack, settling into a pace that resembled something manageable for a 50 mile race.

As we ran along I relayed my story of the MP3 players demise to Brian. His response, "That's kind of fitting because there's nothing but crap on there anyway." ...Thanks Dude.

After about 45 minutes I decided to lay down a slightly faster pace to see if I could at least keep the gap between myself and the front runners to a minimum. I hoped a few others would tuck in behind me, but after about 10 minutes there was no one in sight ahead or behind. Running solo between the front runners and the chase pack is pretty much where I stayed the rest of the day.

My plan was to run a reasonable pace until around mile 35 or so, and then see if I could pick it up a bit and hope one of the front-runners blows up. A few times I had delusions of running down the lead runners, but two months of nagging injuries and 20-30 mile training weeks wouldn't allow it. A wealth of desire and effort simply can't overcome a lack of training.

Chugging Along at Mile 38

At mile 38 I met Caitlin and Dad one last time and was very quickly sent on my way with a full race pack and news that there was a guy a few minutes ahead of me who wasn't looking so awesome. A few minutes doesn't sound like much, but after 6hrs of running "a few minutes" is a hard gap to close. For what seemed like an eternity, I met runners from the mid-pack who kept saying the 4th place guy is "right up there" or "seconds ahead of you." Nearly an hour after Caitlin told me I was closing on 4th, I finally saw a grey shirted dude bobbing down the trail in front of me.

I ran about 100yds behind Brian Pickett for maybe a half mile. I wanted to get my head right before making the pass, hoping to feign the appearance of fresh legs and lots of energy. We actually ended up running through the final aid station side by side, splitting time between encouraging one another and discussing who feels more like death. I was tempted to stick with the guy as we were essentially running the same pace, but I decided this was a dangerous idea and tried to create some space. No luck, Mr. Pickett was in obvious pain, but stayed within sight until within minutes of the finish. I think I might have a crick in my neck from looking over my shoulder.

Trying to not look miserable

So this year I got booted off the podium, but that's OK. Although about 7 minutes off last years race time, I feel like I ran a much smarter race and had many more obstacles this year  in 1) lack of training 2) absolutely HEINOUS creek crossings. To tell the truth, I really exceeded my own expectations for how I'd fare and don't feel I could have run much better, if at all, on this particular day. My running by volume was about a third to half of where it was last year and almost all on roads, I kind of feel like I ran this one "off the couch." One huge bonus for this go around of Lookout was Caitlins expert crewing skills, we probably managed to shave 5-10 minutes just by getting through the aid stations faster. There were a few aid stations were I never even had to break stride. A huge thanks to her and dad for a day full of hurry up and wait while I ran around in the woods.

For anybody considering this race I'd definitely recommend it. The course is really about as good as you'll find and you'll get enough race goodies to break even on your entry fee.What else could you ask for? 

The days winners

Fallout from 7hrs of wet feet, 6,500ft of elevation gain, and 50miles of technical trail:

the largest blood-blister I've ever received

A destroyed birthday present

Finally, congratulations to all the Knoxvillians who went out and made their way through one tough day on the trails. I wish you all a speedy recovery and hope the holidays treat you well.

Cheers!

Farewell Franklin, Hello Lookout Mountain

In just a couple more days I'll be bouncing out of Franklin and heading back to Gatlinburg, where I can once again get back to hitting the smokies trails on a more routine basis. Not that this area doesn't have its highlights, but the smokies it ain't. I did manage to have a little fun while I was here, below are a few photos from day hikes and long runs that I've taken while out and about in the Franklin area.

Whitewater Falls

Rufus Morgan Falls

Wasilik Poplar

Big Laurel Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Dry Falls

View from Wayah Bald

Lately my time and energy have been focused on doing what I need to do get the heck out of here.Which essentially entails an endless stream of exams, practicals, etc. My time for running has all but evaporated. While normally I'd just say "whatever, I've got my whole life to run," the problem right now is that I have a 50 mile trail RACE (Lookout Mountain 50) in two weeks. This will be the second time I've run this race and only the second "official" ultra I've ever run.

I've tried to remedy the lack of training a few ways. When I do run, make it count, no fluff miles. And lots of cross training. Often I've found time in-between classes, lunch breaks, etc to squeeze in some core work or some leg work in the weight-room when the time demands of changing, running, and showering isn't feasible. I hope this will at least reduce my race day suffering to some degree.

Lack of preparation aside, I'm very excited about the race. The course, aid stations, and schwag are top notch. I'm interested to see how a little more experience will change the race for me as well. Last year I was dangerously close to a DNF during the middle part of the race, due to a lack of knowledge about hydration and electrolytes (i.e. cramps from toes to butt). While I was pretty green as to how to run an ultra last year, I did know how to train and I that I did in abundance. So I'm really hitting the starting line from a whole new angle this year, more experience, but minimal training. Regardless, a full day running trails sounds really good right now.

Lookout 2010, All smiles after 50miles

There will be a 10k trail race going on as well  for those not with sense enough to not run fifty miles. My Dad and Caitlin will be taking part in the 10k, if for no other reason than to give them something to do while I run around all day. Also, Good luck to all the local running people that will be toeing the line as well at Lookout.

"If its the Beaches..."

I was a really lucky kid. For all of our readers that know my parents, I think you would agree. They rock!!! And not only because they are supportive, fun and have a great collection of vinyl.

My folks have always been the type to love adventure...and I am thankful every day that they didn't stop exploring new places even after I was born.

Park Housing at Gulf Islands National Seashore

Every year of my youth we went on 2 summer vacations. One at our families lake property in Northern Wisconsin and one at Gulf Islands National Seashore on the FL panhandle.

Now, I didn't get to be much of a runner until I was an adult...and as per usual...family vacations seemed to end sometime early on in college....which has left me to dream profusely (on certain types of summer days) about traipsing around my old summer haunts.

I still daydream all too often of running down my favorite stretch of beach or down an old dirt road next to Little Star Lake in the Wisconsin Northwoods. So, when my supervisor told me that I would be attending a training at Gulf Islands, I thought I would fall off my chair.

The beach makes me Happy!!!

I began planning runs that I would do if I had the chance within our very busy training schedule...and looked forward to it for nearly a month. To make it short and sweet, it was awesome!

Gulf Islands and the area around Pensacola Beach are awesome. The sand is white and beautiful...in park the beaches are pristine and the maritime forest is amazing. Running on the beach is flat...albeit windy and a real calf workout...I also love it because it is a constant treasure hunt for the next cool bird/shell/dolphins, etc.

Da' Bomb Jelly on the beach

And the sunset...

... still takes my breath away.

~~~ Caitlin~~~

The Old Settlers Trail Traverse

There's something really inviting about the Old Settlers Trail when you look at the map of the Smokies. The trail is all relatively low elevation and doesn't cross any major mountains, leading you to believe that the trail will be smooth singletrack with minimal elevation gain. The OST traverse is also about 16 miles, a good distance for a long trail run or ambitious day hike.

The OST is no place to get lulled into complacency though, it'll lay the smack down whenever it gets a chance. This past weekend I managed to complete the traverse relatively unscathed, but in the past I've had my share of bee stings, false summits, and have seen friends get some pretty severe exhaustion and hypothermia while attempting to complete the traverse.

Bee Sting to the eyelid---- OST, September 2008

Most often I've done this traverse alone, as finding other folks who run for hours for fun is kind of difficult, but for this go around I had some good company in four other local runners who also happen to be training for the Lookout Mountain 50 Miler.

In this Photo:
Brian Williams, William Brown, Derrick Bowerman, and Paul Gossett

Going point to point on the Old Settlers Trail took us almost to the minute my forecast-ed "about three hours." If you were quick, fast, and in a hurry you could probably lop a fair amount of time from that, but there is a lot to see on this trail that you might miss otherwise. Its best to take the time to stop and look around.