Day 1: Raccoon Mountain- 18 miles
The first day is my least favorite for several reasons. First, I run on Raccoon quite a bit, so the course is very familiar to me. While this is an advantage in some ways, it also means that the scenery is not new. Next, for some reason, the idea of the task ahead seems huge on that first day. I had feelings of nervousness, excitement, and anxiety all at the same time. Getting that first race out of the way helps to settle everything down a bit and give me some confidence going in to the next 2 days.
The start of the race is at Laurel Point with only about 100 feet of pavement before hitting single track. For this reason, I positioned myself near the front to avoid the conga line of about 200 runners behind me. We started out running a pace a bit faster than I wanted to, but it always feels like that at the beginning. Everyone's adrenaline is pumping which inevitably means that someone shoots out of the start like a rocket and lures several others into following suit. There were 2 women in this front pack, so I figured it was in my best interest to stay up there as long as I could. After a couple miles, the pack thinned out a little bit and allowed for a little easier running to the first aid station at the East Overlook around mile 4.5. At this point, I was running with a couple guys, and the conversation definitely made time pass quickly. We got to the second aid station and entrance of the small intestine in what seemed like no time at all. I had chosen to wear my Camelbak for the race to avoid having to fill up or stop at any of the aid stations, so I just ran on by and started this 3.5ish mile section. The intestines are kind of like a twilight zone because they wind around and around and around. You never really feel like you are getting anywhere and you can see other runners above and below you without knowing if they are in front of or behind you. After what seemed like way longer than 3.5 miles our little group of runners exited the intestines and began the longest climb of the day up to the visitor's center and last aid station. I pushed fairly hard on this part, mostly just wanting to get it over with and was very happy to reach the top.
The last section of the course from the visitor's center to Laurel Point is probably the most technical and features a "bonus section" that takes you up a super steep hill then right back down an equally steep descent. I focused on getting this part completed and then just hanging tough to the finish. Our little pack had split up at this point, so I was running by myself. It was also pretty hot with the sun out in full force. I was ready to be done for sure. With about a mile left, a guy who I later learned was John Bruno passed me looking strong. There wasn't much I could do about it, so I tried to just keep him in sight until the finish. When we popped out on the pavement for the last 200 meters I saw race director Randy Whorton who said that John was the leader and I was 2nd. After crossing the finish line, John and I congratulated each other and talked for a few minutes. Neither of us had any idea that he was the leader, so it was a nice surprise for him to get the win. Shortly after finishing, the sky opened up and it rained hard for at least 20 minutes. I took cover under the massage tent until the rain stopped before heading out to get lunch and rest up for day 2.
Day 2: Lookout Mountain- 22 miles
After a restless night of sleep, I woke up to the sound of rain on Saturday morning. Thankfully it was supposed to stop before race time, so I didn't worry too much about it. This stage is my favorite because Lula Lake is gorgeous, the trails are very runnable, and it is an area that I don't often run. I got there around 7:30 and chatted with Will Barnwell, Yong, John, and several others until it was time to make our way to the start line. Today's course consisted of a loop within Lula Lake followed by an out and back to Covenant College and then the first loop in reverse plus an extra section. After a lady sang a spectacular version of God Bless America, Randy said "GO" and sent runners on their way down a gravel road. Matt Sims took the lead, and we ran at a good pace for the first mile or so down the road before taking a right turn onto single track and the infamous rope climb. This section is very technical and steep, hence the need for a rope to assist you climb up to the ridge. Once at the top, the trail is again very runnable as you continue to climb along the ridge for a mile or so. Because what goes up must come down, we soon turned onto an awesome section of trail that wound its way back to the creek at the bottom. Runners followed the creek before crossing a little bridge that brings you back to the start and first aid station. That first 5 miles seemed to fly by, but I knew that this next bit up to Covenant College would be a challenge because it is almost all uphill. I had done my best to mentally prepare for this section and was glad that I knew what to expect from having run it before. That didn't make it any easier though, and it seemed to take forever to get up to the aid station. Just before reaching the aid station, you pop out on a power line and climb this horrendously steep hill. Like a hands on your knees, cussing under your breath kind of steep. It was a relief to see Ginny and the other volunteers. I grabbed a PB&J quarter and headed out, happy to have the worst of the climbing over with.
The course continues to some of the Covenant cross country trails which are very wide and smooth. We rolled along for a bit before again turning onto single track and making our way back toward Lula Lake. I got to see several runners who were making their way out which was nice because I had been running by myself for quite some time. I also saw Eunice and Curt who were sweeping the course. It was fun to really open up on the way back to Lula due to all the downhill. It felt like I was back at the start/finish in no time at all with just the last loop to go. Somewhere around here John ran up behind me and we ran together for the next few miles. He was moving really well and pushed me to keep up a solid pace, even on the climb back up to the ridge. Once at the top of the ridge, I knew that the climbing was essentially over. All that was left was the downhill to the gravel road, including climbing down the rope section we ascended at the beginning, followed by a short section of trail along the creek and the final .5 mile stretch of gravel road. I think descending the rope portion is equally as difficult as climbing, especially on tired legs, but I managed to make it without falling which would surely have resulted in knocking a tooth out on all the rocks. I hit the gravel road for maybe a quarter mile and turned left onto the trail that follows the creek. This trail is very narrow and windy, making it difficult to run quickly, but it was over pretty quick. You then cross the creek which was about knee deep in places before hitting the final stretch of gravel road. I was stoked to finish this day feeling good with just one more day left. However, that last day is a monster due to the extremely technical terrain and steep climbs. I still think that the Lookout stage is the hardest because the climbs are longer yet runnable so you end up running harder for the 22 miles whereas the 20 mile stage on Signal is slower because it is just so technical. After finishing, I soaked in the creek for a few minutes and headed out to rest up for the final stage.
Day 3: Signal Mountain- 20 miles
Another bad night of sleep and it was time to run the final day of the stage race. I'm not going to lie I was feeling it on Sunday morning. My legs were pretty heavy and quads had a bit of soreness, but I figured most everyone else was in the same boat. I got to the start at the soccer fields and took some time to doctor my feet up. After day one, my pinky toes had awful blisters on them and I lost both toenails. Lovely I know. It was so bad after that first day that I didn't know how I was going to run Saturday. Luckily, a shoe change and taping my feet fixed the problem. Before long, it was time to line up at the start. The same lady sang again and did an outstanding job. Randy had Matt lead everyone out through the parking lot to the trail head because he said the race didn't start until we hit the trail. The first 1.5ish miles to mushroom rock are on jeep road, so I ran pretty hard to get in the front of the pack before descending to the swinging bridge. Once at mushroom rock, the course drops down the gorge to the bridge, ascends the other side, and then descends once again down to Suck Creek Road. Runners then turn around and go back the way they came to mushroom rock. This section is very technical and a constant up or down. I tried to bomb the downhills as best I could and run/power hike the climbs. It was clear from the start of the first climb that my legs were feeling the previous 2 days and 40 miles. When I got to Suck Creek Road, Nathan Holland and Michael Green were there working the aid station. It's always nice to see familiar faces and seems to lift my spirits. I turned around to head back, eager to see the runners making their way down. Because there was two way traffic on this part of the course, things got a bit sketchy a few times just due to the fact that the trail is so narrow. Nevertheless, it was cool to see other runners I knew and cheer each other on. It was a relief to get back to mushroom rock and make the right turn heading towards Edward's Point knowing that the worst of the climbs were done.
This next section is not my favorite because it is very technical, tends to get overgrown, and seems to take forever. However, there was nothing I could do about any of that, so I tried to stay positive and focus on making it to Edward's Point at mile 9.5ish. My stomach had not been happy since the start of the race, and I hoped it would eventually settle down. Alas, that was not the case. At least it didn't seem to be getting worse. When I was close to the aid station at Edward's Point, I heard someone yell my name and realized it was UTC cross country coach Bill Gautier. Again my spirits were raised simply by seeing a familiar face and hearing some encouragement. Coach Gautier said that Will was in the lead looking strong, and I really got the feeling that this was his day and his race to win. I grabbed some orange slices and continued down the trail toward Signal Point. It is only about 2.5 miles from Edward's Point to Signal Point, but I swear it feels like 5. The trail turns into a rock garden that descends then climbs back up, and the constant boulder field makes it impossible to get in any kind of running rhythm. When you get close to Signal Point, there is a series of stairs to climb up to the overlook that will absolutely suck the life out of you. Or at least me. Ginny and a bunch of other volunteers were here cheering runners on. I slammed a couple little cups of Mountain Dew and made my way up the road.
We ran along the road for maybe a half mile before turning left onto a gravel path and re-entering the woods. This part was mostly downhill, so I did my best to make up some time. I was running with John and one other guy at the time, and it was nice to have some company. The gravel path soon came to an end, however, and we were once again greeted with technical, rock laden trail. I think this part is called the Julie Trail. We descended down to a creek where the trail becomes less rocky but is very narrow and windy. In years past, this section has really been a battle for me mentally because it is pretty slow going and difficult to get into a rhythm. Knowing what to expect this year, I tried to embrace it and accept it for what it was. Thankfully, that worked fairly well, and it wasn't too long before I came up on the last aid station where Kris, Cass, and several others were working. From this point, it is only 3.6 miles of dirt road, trail, and gravel to the finish. My legs were trashed but my mood was good and I finally allowed myself to think about actually finishing this thing. That first bit of dirt road has several steep hills that I had to jog/hike, but once it was over, the remaining part is very runnable. I pushed as hard as I could make myself and knew the finish was getting close when I hit the gravel path that circles the school and soccer fields. As I exited the woods to run the last 200m of road to the finish, I had a mix of emotions from elation to a bit of sadness that this awesome experience was coming to an end.
All in all, the stage race was a wonderful experience. Over the course of 3 days, I had the opportunity to meet a bunch of really neat folks taking part in this same journey of running 60 miles in 3 days on some of the prettiest trails in the area. I feel truly blessed to be able to run, especially considering that this time a year ago, I had just had hip surgery. God has given me the ability to run, and I hope that I never take that for granted. Wild Trails did a spectacular job of organizing the event, and I truly appreciate all the volunteers for their time and effort over the weekend. If you have never done a stage race, I would urge you to give it a try.
Here are some final takeaways from the race:
- It's summer time in Chattanooga...it's going to be hot and humid so get over it
- That being said, hydration is critical both during and after each run. I sipped on Powerade Zero all day after every stage. Drinking something with electrolytes is important, not just water.
- It is possible to run fairly hard on all 3 days, but be smart about it. Going out too fast on day one can wreck your weekend.
- Never underestimate the benefits of a post race nap. I took one each day, and I think it really helped.
- Eating well after each day is also crucial if you want to recover. I made it a point to eat a solid lunch and dinner each day.
- My Camelbak rubbed my collarbone and neck raw after one day. I should have used body glide. Lesson learned.
- The friendships formed in just 3 days of running together turned the stage race into something like a family. Watching other finishers and hanging out after each race was just as fun as actually racing.
Link to results:
http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=31356
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