Why Is It So Hot In December?

Texas Heat.

Ultramarathon #084 | Running with Gators | BB100

Coming on my recent 13 day recovery-downtime-taper period I was now ready to run another 100 Miler, because well this is only 30 minute from my doorstep and how could I resist the biggest trail party in Texas? The simple answer is I can’t. I’ve run this event every year since we have moved to Texas:

• 2017 - 20:07 (16th place, race report, my 15th ultramarathon)
• 2018 - 20:19 (9th place, race report, my 33rd ultramarathon)
• 2019 - 19:23 (18th place, race report, my 49th ultramarathon)
• 2020 *was cancelled due to covid restrictions

Trail Racing Over Texas puts on a stellar event and welcomes everyone to the south in December to this great park to enjoy some flat faster miles. It is a great race whether you are here to go for your 100 Mile PR, just aiming to spot to see large alligators up close, or just having a great time with like minded trail friends out there circling Brazos Bend State Park.

The local Brazos Bend wildlife.

Getting ready in the morning it was super dense fog and quite humid sitting in the mid 60s – it was like we were inside a cloud on the ground in the State Park. I met up with my buddy Chad Laester that morning at my tent where I was setting up my base for the race and he was settled in beside with his chair set up as well. Chad was running as well aiming for a much faster time than I was, but it was great to see friends. I also met up met up with my Team TROT teammates Matt Zmolek, Shandra Moore, Robin Phelps, Vic Valenzuela and former teammate Meg Eckert. It was great seeing so many friends prior to even starting to run. Lining up just prior to the 06:00 start the fog still was creating the eerie atmosphere. Standing there looking out over the moss draped trees on the waters edge was like looking at a painting, but it was now go time. We headed off for the 6 loops around the gator country within Brazos Bend State Park as the couple hundred runners took off from under the Trail Racing Over Texas start/finish arch with the bobbing of headtorches lighting the way. I let myself fall back immediately into the middle of the pack before I settled into my pace, this was by design to help myself start out slower and delay the inedible pain and feeling of dead legs that would be coming later in the day. This is always a hard decision because it is nice to bank time early and run faster when you feel fresh and faster but starting slow means that in theory you should feel batter later on when the hours start to add up. I almost always do the first option due to running by feel on perceived effort. Maybe this time it would be different?

BB100 Loop 1 start. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

Looping around the first time on the 16.6 Mi course as the sun was slowly peeking up. I maintained my mid pack position and held back from what felt like an easy effort considering the mileage I had built up on my legs in the past 25 days or so. The weather maintained stupid humid levels with near 100% humidity right from the early hours. It felt very hot for a Texas fall December even the locals. Today was going to be a battle for everyone. I did change my singlet to my lightest one I had after the first loop just to try and help with air flow and any evaporation that might occur (if at all in this humidity). 

Daughters greeting me after loop 2 completion.

On the second loop I tried to hold back my pace as the sun started to come out, along with the local wildlife as well. The full force of runners were now out on the trails as the shorter distances of 50k, 25k, and half marathon had all started up as well. This was the busiest period in terms of runners. After the long out and back on the Riverview trail I was heading back to the start/finish and the completion of my 2nd full loop. One third done now and my legs felt like they already had 75 miles worth of running on them…sigh! It was going to be a long day ahead of me to grind through with this thought circulating in my head. A super bonus was my family was there to greet me at the end of my 2nd loop. I stopped at the aid briefly filled my bottles and grabbed some food and headed over to hug all my daughters and kiss my wife. What a nice boost.

After just over 6 minutes break visiting with my little supporters and taking a quick break off my feet I headed back out on the trail knowing the heat of the day was now nearing closer. It was already in the mid 70s already and still combined with the high humidity making the feel-like temperatures even higher. Round I went again on the 16.6 Mi loop but his time more and more walk breaks crept in and I could feel my overall pace slowing. The heat was getting to me, just like everyone else. Running all summer in Texas I know how to deal with the heat, but usually after mid-October this is the cool weather running season so to me being this hot and humid so late in the season was unusual. Basically there is not a lot you can do to cope except keep hydrated and slow your pace down to control your overall effort and not get the heart rate up too much. I felt bad for a lot of the people who had come to run Brazos from the upper states where the temperatures were already quite low. I am sure they had an even harder time coping with this weekend high temperatures.

Slogging around the course having all the awesome volunteers helping keep my bottles full and ensuring I got what I needed I felt in control just very slow out there. Coming back around finishing off my third loop in the mid-afternoon heat I got to see my young daughters run to meet me as I crossed the timing mat. They briefly helped me forgot how heavy my legs felt at the moment since I was only half way there at this point – 50 done, 50 to go. After this loop I sat down for a good while – nearly 17 minutes! I got in a bunch of calories: potatoes, chips, oranges, some coca-cola, an Athletic Brewing Co. beer (Golden Dawn), and some pretzels. I also took this opportunity to change out my Drymax footwear just to get that fresh sock feeling. My kids were just hanging around basically asking me if they could eat my food. Before taking off we did have a group pretzel cheers to get that upbeat feeling going again as I got back on my feet. Kissed all my girls again and headed out for the remaining half of the race.

Doing a a group pretzel cheers with my 4 daughters. Photo: Katie Meding

I felt a little stiff after my longer break, but as I eased back into my pace it felt a little better as continued down the trail towards the first mini loop around Old Horseshoe Lake. The sun was still peaking out behind the clouds and making the 80s temperature feel even warmer. I passed a few different people cramping up during the late afternoon miles, again just to reiterate at how the weather was slowing everyone down this day. I just reminded myself to keep moving forward and I would get through the miles eventually. Loop 4 felt dreadfully slow, as my overall pace continued to deteriorate. More walks breaks kept creeping into my routine. Loop 4 came to a finish just as the sun was fully and the very last of the remaining day light no longer poked through the trees from the western direction. The last 2 loops would be full on night running.

To keep my motivation high, I grabbed my headphones and plugged in some podcasts to keep my mind occupied for the 5th loop. I was hoping that would be the trick to distract me as I pushed myself forward. I think it did help, but it did not help my pace as I moved at the same slow rate I had been trudging at. I began to play games with myself to pass the mileage. I would run once my heart rate dropped down to 125 or so and slow run at nice constant pace until my HR creeped back up and got to about 153, and then I would take a recovery walk break as my HR came back down. I repeated this pacing game with myself for a long time well into loop 6 as it kept my mind occupied and gave me something else to focus on. Eventually I started doing the math and realized I had to keep going consistency in order to finish under 22 hours and get that sub-22 buckle (to match my other 3 from the prior years).

The final stretch of the Riverview trail took forever as it always seems to be a little longer on that out and back every time we went down that trail (of course it was not). Running the same trail multiple times in a race you definitely get some weird thoughts about the loop as you progress on. On my 5th loop I recall telling myself “I only have to see this section once more” and then on the final loop I would comment that “I never have to run past here again today, that section is over now”. These little mind games just come up when I run it is not something I plan on, but I just go with it as it does distract me and keeps my mind engaged.

Looking down at my watch on the Riverview trail I knew I had a ton of time to make the sub-22 cutoff. It was a real nice feeling to know I was going to complete my goal even with the heat, insane humidity, and with my fatigued legs from the prior weeks. This was not my best time, but this was a great effort and just proved to myself again that I was able to grind it out. I was happy and remember thinking all of this as I pushed on towards the finish. It was just after 03:30 in the morning and so very few people were there at the finish as I crossed the timing mat and stopped my Garmin. In true ultrarunning fashion I received my buckle from the volunteer and then headed over to my chair to admire my accomplishment in my own terms.  I was proud to finish 100 miles. The only thought I had lingering in my mind was why was it so hot in December? Isn't it supposed to be nice cool fall weather?

A 4th sub-22 buckle earned at BB100. This one was a grind.

RESULTS

UltraSignup: 2021 Brazos Bend 100 100 Miler - Results (ultrasignup.com)

My 84th ultramarathon run -- completed 82/84 (97.62%)

My 28th 100 Mi(+) ultra -- completed 26/28 (92.86%)

My 14th ultra for the 2021 calendar year.

STRAVA Activity: Brazos Bend 100 (25th overall), Needville, TX | Run | Strava

my own data analysis.

GEAR USED

• kit (top): rabbit  (rabbitELITEtrail '21 team singlet), Trail Racing Over Texas (Team TROT singlet)
• kit (bottom): rabbit 3" FKT shorts
• hats: rabbit (BOCO gear)
• Gear bags: Victory Sportdesign (Kodiak)
• Lights: a NATHAN Halo Fire headlamp
• Flasks: NATHAN 20oz handheld (x2)
• Socks: Drymax (x2 pairs)
• Shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 7 (test pair)
• Anti-Friction Body Lube: Trail Toes
• Watch: Garmin fēnix 6X Pro Solar
• Eyewear: goodr
• Coolers: x1 Coleman (with a bunch of goodies, snacks, and a couple refreshing Athletic Brewing Co. beers)

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Thank you for following along. 

Next Up:  Running The Rose 108km (Jan-22)

Aspirations of Big's

Another Race With No Pre-Determined End

My 5th Backyard Ultra | Ultramarathon #083

I have had a dream about getting into Big's Backyard Ultra for a little while now. If you have been following my blog you realized that I dropped out of my last attempt [stupidly] earlier this year back in April (The Game race report). In an effort to save myself for an upcoming A-race at the time: Cocodona 250, I withdrew myself we only 3 runners left after 30 yards even though physically nothing was wrong. I was completely fine with this effort and decision for the longest time, even after running Cocodona since I did manage to have a good performance there as well (Cocodona race report). Later on into the fall and the fact that Big's was upcoming with the entrants list was published and the hype was going around I started to kick myself for not giving it my all at The Game back in April since that was a golden coin race which did give direct entry into Big's itself (The World Championship of Backyard Ultras). Following along with the Big's weekend and tuning into the Facebook Live feed every hour I began to realize, looking back, how big of a mistake I had made not giving it my full effort in order to get into this coveted race. I could not spoil my next opportunity.

My renewed focus for this race was in part due to the fact the entry process for Big's Backyard was revamped due to the exploding popularity in the Backyard style of racing. It now consists of a complicated bracket system for each respective country to get into the Team satellite Team Championship in the even years (i.e. 2022) which then potentially allows entry, via performance, into Big's Individual Championship in the odd years (i.e. 2023). This is a very simple one sentence explanation - if you are truly interested look up the process and the full up-to-date "At Large" list on https://backyardultra.com/.  In summary, it is now a lot harder to get into Big's itself due to the popularity of the Backyard format.

Also if you have been following my blog you will notice that I love to race a lot and I will spare the details but essentially I did not know how I would be physically coming into this race given my prior two weekends of racing. Logistically I was dialed and ready - this would be my 5th attempt in the Backyard Ultra format. Mentally I was sound, this was a focus race for me and I was ready to go as long as it would take. The only slight question I had is how my body would hold up. Yes I was fit, but unsure how long I could sustain another big effort given the fatigue in my legs.

With the race starting on Friday morning I actually took off late Thursday afternoon to go pick up my bib and check in for the race, but most importantly to pick out my spot for my half-tent and my homebase for the event. Since it is a fairly short drive my our place I did not mind this and besides it would save me time in the morning since I had majority of my stuff set up and in place. I went home and got a good sleep. Friday morning I was ready and eager to get started. I stopped for my essential morning coffee on my hour drive back out to 7IL Ranch near Cat Spring, TX.  I arrived in the chill of the morning just prior to sunset with all the other participants scurrying around getting their own spots set up. I simply sat down enjoyed my coffee and basically got my shoes on. The sun started to peak around the horizon sheading some light onto the ranch in an array of orange and yellow hues of color. It was going to be a glorious sunny fall day in Texas. Then Rob Goyen, the race director, gathered everyone up for the pre-race brief and went over the exact rules of the Backyard. Since this was an official affiliate race for Big's the details were carefully explained for anyone whom had not been in a true Backyard format before.

Rob Goyen (Race Director) giving out the pre-race riefing.

The official Backyard Ultra rules.

The time was now here, the sound of 3 whistle blasts echoed down the row of runners tents and chairs. It was go time. All the runners gathered up in the starting corral and Rob ensured the corral was proper size to fit everyone for the race (this is one of the requirements of the Backyard). The last countdown was on and the field of 86 runners took off together with the excitement of the start running down the gravel road towards the ever rising sunset. Naturally it was not an all out start since this style of race is all abt pacing yourself for the long haul. Following the excitement of the crowd I did run the first loop in sub-40 minutes which was slightly faster than I wanted. The course was a simple lay out of a series of 3 long out & backs mostly on the gravel/jeep roads of the ranch along with some pasture trails mixed in. The course loop meant that we'd see all the runners at least once throughout the loop due to tall the turn around points. Overall it was around 85 feet of gain per loop so pretty flat and fast. After my first fast loop I tried to dial it back slightly and was aiming for a nice 41-43 minute loop that would give me a good amount of time off feet at end of each loop. I thought this strategy would be a good fit for me.

Starting corral, race start, 86 runners. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

Loop 1 start down the 7IL Ranch entrance road. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

There was literally zero clouds in the sky so it was a perfect sunny fall day out there. Going round and round out there on the roads with all the runners on the first few yards made the time fly by. There was a 72 year old man out there that completed 4 yards but then timed out on his 5th unfortunately. A couple of younger teenagers were also looking solid all day and ended up going into the ultra distance by officially completing their 7th yard which is 29.17 Mi. Truly inspirational to see runners like this pushing themselves in this unique format. One of the great aspects of the Backyard is you get to see all the runners start and finish each 4.1667 Mi yard and see the progression, or regression, as the event unfolds. Another runner story was I was running along side someone on an earlier loop, like the 4th or 5th and he had recognized me so we were chatting. He got to mentioning he was a short distance guy and had never run more than a 22 Mi long run before. I gave him a thumbs up every time after that cause I knew he was at his distance PB and was still going. He eventually finished off the 15th yard completing the 100k distance and earning the belt buckle that was up for grabs. This is just another testimonial story of this format is as one truly doesn't know how far they can go and with the help of the trail community you just never know. 

Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

The sunset just after the 8th hour and the conclusion of finishing up over 50 km milestone. This meant there was a fair amount of runners dropping as for some this was probably their goal of the day. The darkness crept in and the temperature slowly starting to dive down towards the 60s, then 50s, and eventually into the 40s late into the night, or early next morning, however you want to spin it. Before the start of the 2nd day, the completion of the 15th yard signified the 100 km milestone and another large group of runners called it good and the field size dropped again down to the final 15 runners for the start of the 16th yard prior to midnight.

Like the gradual drop in temperatures throughout the moonlit night, the runner count also slowly dripped down towards the final 5. This happened right as the sun was about to rise to signify the completion of 24 yards or hours. 100 miles complete and there was only the 5 runners that answered the whistles for the start of the 26th yard to continue on and battle it out. Luckily I was still one and kept my motivation high by reminding myself I had to keep running before my crew and cheer squad (my family) would come out to the ranch and support me. I honestly did not know exactly what time they would be there so this did serve as added motivation for me in the back of my mind for sure.

Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

It was around the mid-way through my 27th loop my family arrived and showed up to see me come in back to the corral. Coming back into sight our the start/finish area my 3 oldest daughters were there sitting on the fence gate awaiting me to come into sight. It instantly gave me a huge boost when I saw those little humans start to run down the ranch road to meet me. We all ran back to the corral and completed that loop. I went over and kissed my wife and said hi to our 4th and youngest daughter as well. I then got in my chair and kicked my feet up to rest.

My oldest 3 daughters greeting me on Saturday morning. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

The sun was finally breeching through the clouds as well warming the air up nicely. It had been a little overcast of a morning thus far, a contrast to yesterday when no clouds were found at all. My feet were really starting to hurt now, but oddly it was between loops where the pain seemed to reach my awareness level in my brain. Every time I would take the pressure off my feet and kick them up in my chair interloop I would get a feeling of small tingles and needles feeling on the bottom of my feet. What seemed backward to me is once I got back up out of my chair back on my feet again to run and got the first few steps underway of the next loop the feeling of pain would all but disappear to the point where I wouldn't even enter my mind until I was back into my chair again. I guess that was bittersweet of this, but clearly my feet were a little damaged by the constant dew from the long grass on the ranch of the pasture trail portion (see my foot/buckle picture at the end).

The final four. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.
Back Left: Shawn Salyer - 3rd, 29 yards.
Left: Nick Petterson - 2nd, 32 yards.
Middle: Joel Hagaman - 4th, 28 yards.
Right: Trevor Meding (me) - winner, 33 yards

With my amazing support crew now in my camp I sent back off with even more confidence and another slight boost. The first out and back of the course went all the away down the main entrance of the 7IL Ranch road and so we actually ran back by our tents and chairs and so my kids were there to give me high fives and cheers as I went by after the first 1.4 Mi mark heading out towards the pasture trail portion. My other 3 competitors at the time appeared to be abetting their time and just slogging through the loops. I honestly don't know how they felt but I did feel like I had an advantage as I was feeling much better after my family showed up, and them just being there was huge for me mentally. Next thing I know we are lining up for the 29th yard and all of a sudden there was only 3 us standing there. I glanced over and Joel Ha was not getting up coming towards the corral. The countdown ticked on....and we set off now down to the 3 of us. 

My loops were slowly getting a little faster again remaining pushing the 42 minutes mark at this point which was giving me a still nice 15-17 minute break at the end of each loop. I was getting psyched to be running again and feeling good, hopefully putting a little pressure on my fellow runners by not showing any signs of slowing down at this point. We got back into the corral for the 30th yard with the 3 of us standing there. Fist bumps were given, and then Shawn Salyer said "good luck guys" and did not take off instead decided his event was over. With that we were down to the final 2 runners, myself and Nick Petterson. We had survived 29 yards (120.83 Mi) as we whittled down the field from 86 to survive to the final 2, and now it was a race with the stake of the win, the belt, and the prize purse up for grabs.

I managed to hang on and finish off the 33rd yard and win the Texas B.M.F. (Last Human Standing) event. I kind of knew half way through that last loop I was about to secure the win. On the long out and back into the pasture trails I was ahead of Nick and figured I would see him once I turned around at the far cone. However he was not there and was further back than expected based on the past few loops, I did not see him at all as I made my way back. Around the new corner peering past the trees in the field I still did not see him coming. At this point I had that thought of "this is it" come into my mind, but tried to quiet that thought...just in case. Then turning the corner through the fence opening into the third and final out and back portion I knew it was over, as Nick was not there yet and would not have time to complete the loop even if he was in sight at this point. A mere mile left and I would complete the 33rd yard and claim victory.

Coming into the finish corral. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

My 3 oldest daughters (Addison, Lily, & Paisley) were all there about the fence gate waiting for me 0.2 Mi from the finish corral. I could hear them faintly yelling through the warm afternoon air that I had won and were jumping up and down. A big smile came across my face as I trotted up to my kids. We then all ran side by each other and headed in to make it official. I glanced over and saw Nick there with his wife and gave him a nod of admiration and respect. I came up to the corral and making it official to have Rob Goyen there awaiting me with the winners belt. He presented me first with a buckle handcrafted by Elevation Culture (everyone that completed at least 100 km/ 15 yards earned one of these). Then he gave me a big hug, congratulating me and passed me the overall winner's prize: a giant custom made belt buckle for this event (by Undisputed Belts). I took this and with a large release of happiness, emotion, and I think pure relief I held it above my head and just let out a yell of "Yesssssss". I had come to the ranch to win and I had achieved my goal. Finally Rob pulled out the prize money and handed it over, a nice cool wad of cash that will help serve our family in shopping for the holidays.

Buckle presentation. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

Overall Winner [Belt] Buckle. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

After a moment of celebration I went over and thanked Nick for the assist and presented him the Texas winner's belt. (Technically I won both belts, but I did not see use in having 2 giant belts and so as a gesture of his effort and great performance I gave the other belt to Nick). We gave a hug and got a couple pictures. I wandered over to my chair and sat down ready to get off my feet. Taking off my socks was such a relief. My wife gave me a funny look at the sight of my one foot and asked if it hurt. Rob somehow got a glance as I took off my second sock and said "Trevor, is that your foot? Jeremiah get over here". With that I popped my feet up for a final picture for Jeremiah (TROT Photographer) holding my buckle in between my beat up feet.

My feet hurt like they have run 137 MI or so. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

I asked my wife for one more thing before her and the kids took off back home. I had a request of been driven over to the main washroom facility where I would have a nice warm shower to rinse off the ranch dirt and dust. This was a great feeling to get all cleaned up before heading home myself. Once I was in warm dry clothing I emerged from the washroom and found the ranch was nearly empty already. TROT had cleaned up their gear and had headed home to their families already as well. My wife and kids pulled up in the van and I gave my wife a kiss as they headed home. I only had minimal left to pack away in my car as my family took most of it home for me. The hour drive home was a slow solo trek as I stopped a couple time to stretch out my legs. It also gave me some quiet time for me to reflect on what I had just achieved. 

Time for a couple of zero days now...

Race Progression

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ......   0 yards | 0.00 Mi completed - 86 runners toed the start line

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ........   7 yards  | 29.17 Mi completed - 58 runners remain (*marathon/ultra distance)

.......... .......... .......... .......... ....   8 yards | 33.33 Mi completed - 44 runners remain (*50 km distance)

.......... .......... .......  12 yards | 50.00 Mi completed - 27 runners remain

.......... .....   15 yards | 62.50 Mi completed - 15 runners remain (*100 km distance)

..........   17 yards | 70.83 Mi completed - top 10 runners remain

.....   24 yards | 100.00 Mi completed - top 5 runners remain

....   27 yards | 112.50 Mi completed - 4 runners remain

...   29 yards | 120.83 Mi completed - 3 runners remain

..   30 yards | 125.00 Mi completed - 2 runners remain

.   33rd yard - both runners started the loop, 1 dropped & 1 finished (137.51 Mi completed).

Results & Random Data

My own data analysis post-race of all my 33 loops in terms of time vs. interloop time. You can see the visual on the graph shows how I slowed slightly in the night hours as the temperature dropped, but then I started to get back to original pace as it warmed back up.

UltraSignup Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=83084#id1222957

My STRAVA activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/6285733756

My 83rd ultramarathon run -- completed 81/83 (97.59%).

My 27th 100 Mi(+) ultra -- completed 25/27 (92.59%).

My 5th Backyard Ultra format -- I have 2 wins now.

33 yards is my new Backyard PB -- prior was 30 yards.

I have run a total of 672.69 Mi on the 7IL Ranch since moving to Texas and running with TROT at the end of 2017 -- this represents my 4th most popular run location thus far. More to come out at the ranch?...tbd.

My goal for this race was to put up a 35+ yards performance and get myself a decent spot on the "At-Large" list for Team Canada in next year 2022 Big's Team Championship. I think I may have squeaked into the top10 at the moment but the qualifying window is open all the way until next August, so there is lots of movement to occur yet. Not sure if this performance will be enough, I may just have to find myself another Backyard next year sometime. To be determined...

My Gear Used

• kit (top): rabbit  (rabbitELITEtrail '21 team singlet), Trail Racing Over Texas (Team TROT singlet), a couple various long sleeves during the night loops
• kit (bottom): rabbit 3" FKT shorts
• arm sleeves: rabbit
• jackets: rabbit let 'er zip hoodie
• gloves: rabbit (BOCO gear)
• hats: rabbit (BOCO gear)
• Gear bags: Victory Sportdesign (Kodiak)
• Lights: a NATHAN Halo Fire headlamp (did not use too much due to the moonlight being bright enough to run with).
• Flasks: NATHAN 20oz handheld (x2)
• Socks: Drymax (x2 pairs)
• Shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 7 (test pair)
• Anti-Friction Body Lube: Trail Toes
• Watch: Garmin fēnix 6X Pro Solar (finished at 50% battery still = right on track for the 66 hrs total battery life in full GPS activity mode)
• Eyewear: goodr (Sorry, Not Sorry (But Actually Sorry) edition)
• Chair: Magellan Outdoors Oversize Anti-Gravity Lounger
• Coolers: x1 YETI & x1 Coleman (with a bunch of goodies, snacks, and some refreshing Athletic Brewing Co. beers)

My Backyard Essential Tips

*originally posted on my  blog in 2021-Apr

 1.   Maximize the time off your feet.

2.   Get a your base camp set up as close as possible to the starting corral.

3.   Ensure you have a good chair with your own preferred snacks/drinks located directly within reaching distance when sitting down. 

 4.   Get as much sleep as you can.

5.   Have your watch settings dialed in ahead of time.

6.   Have a great support crew.

*for detailed explanation of each of these 6 points refer back to the original post (The Game race report).

Quick shuteye interloop. I did mange a few 10 minute naps. Photo: JJustis Photography | Trail Racing Over Texas.

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Thank you for following along. 

Next Up:  Brazos Bend 100 Mi (Dec-04)

Just Monkeying Around

Monkey Business

Screaming Monkey 100 | Ultramarathon #081 

Travel

Exploring the "monkey trails".

I booked off the Friday afternoon from work so I could make it out to Northwest Louisiana. I've done this a bunch of times but I always, and I mean always, forget how much extra time I need to allow to drive through or around the outskirts of Houston metropolis that close to a weekend. I left after lunch at home and assumed it would only take me the 4-4.5 hours I had allotted but of course with the Houston area traffic it turned out to be 5+ hours before I'd arrive at the Eddie D Jones Park just outside of Keithville (not too far southwest of Shreveport).

I pitched my little one-man tent near the starting area and then headed out for a quick 2ish mile shakeout run to explore the trail terrain before the sun fully had disappeared behind the tall trees of the park. I ate my make shift dirtbag dinner I had brought for myself and got cozy for the cold night that was slowly descending upon me and the other runners staying in the park.

Saturday, The Race

It was a old night dipping down into the high 30s, which was colder then I was expecting it to be. That made crawling out of my tent much more of a chore as I was bundled nicely under many layers of blankets staying warm. As the closing countdown to the race start was continuing I managed to get out of my tent and get into my running kit. The pre-race meeting was a short blast of information by Michael Puyear, the Race Director. There was not a ton of new information coming at us that was not in the pre-race email briefings except that where we needed to split off from the 100 km runners on our first loop - which was termed the bonus loop. 

With that the group of the 100 Mi and the 100 km runners all lined up underneath the starting arch in the 40f morning. I was anxious to get going just so I could warm back up as I opted for my 3" trail shorts right from the start. My legs were feeling the chill off the Texas fall weather. The group took off at a very slow pace out of the parking lot and down towards the gravel road leading us into the woods. I found myself at the front of the pack k by the time we arrived at the first volunteer guiding us to the singletrack into the woods only about 0.2 Mi down from the start line. I was then using my headtorch to guide myself through the misty dark woods while keeping my eyes fixed below me as this trail was full of roots. The first 1.5 Mi was on this twisty turny singletrack that popped us out onto a gravel service road where the aid station was. I passed right by it and follow the straighter equestrian trails for the next 4 Mi which brought us back around to the same aid station.  Back into the woods and more singletrack climbing and weaving back up the small hillside we initially descended on. 

There was 3 runners not far behind me as I could see there lights as I was weaving through the trails. I came out to a road crossing and this was the "decisive" point where our 100 Mi bonus loop was to take us back to the start, meanwhile the 100 km runners were to continue on and complete the full loop. However, the volunteer watching the road crossing informed me that 100 milers were to go into the woods and 100 km runners down the road. I stopped and questioned him. He insisted that he was correct, even though I thought otherwise. Against my better judgement I followed what he said and crossed the road following the trail further into the woods. Noticing that the trail seemed to be turning away from the starting area and the tall communication tower (and its blinking red lights) where now behind me. I had paid enough attention to notice these aspects of my surroundings and so I stopped and noticed I had run a good 0.25 Mi past the road crossing now. I waited for a minute or so to see if the next runners were coming yet...no footsteps were heard. I made a quick decision to run back to the road crossing as I was confident I as now not going in the correct direction as a 100 Mi runner. Backtracking the quarter mile I arrived at the road where the volunteer standing by the cones was there instructing the next 3 runners exactly what he had told me. They collectively looked at each other and informed him that he had it backwards. And so my decision to come back was smart, not compounding my initial mistake of listening to his initial direction when I thought it was wrong. Two of the runners were of 100 km distance and took off into the woods, and I headed back down the road back towards the camp parking area with a fellow 100 Mi participant. We went along together and chatted briefly as we followed the road back just under a mile or so to the start/finish arch. My fellow runner ducked into the porta-potty for  quick bathroom break as I crossed over the mat checking in to complete my bonus loop - just 6 more full loops (15.6 Mi) now lie ahead of me and the finish.

I headed back out by myself as the other runner was still getting aid at his chair. With the sun now creeping up I was able to shed a layer of clothing and took of my headtorch. I then retraced this first 5ish miles before coming back to the road crossing, this time continuing straight across (for sure) and doing the full loop. Back onto new trails was exciting again as I twisted and turned through the woods. This experience is one of the reasons I truly love trail running and don't mind being out there by myself - it makes me feel like as kid again.

The Screaming Monkey 100 is a unique course as it is located with this park (Eddie D Jone Park), with a full system of these mountain bike trails, about 11 miles worth. There is also some equestrian trails as well which we utilized early on in the loops. The park itself is flanked by a veteran's cemetery, an abandoned prison (2nd ultra in a row for me with a prison: see BFC), and a chimpanzee sanctuary. Making my way through the woods descending the trails on the second third of the loop I could here the bell system at the veteran's cemetery that was oddly calming background noise early in the race. Eventually I popped back out of the woods and back onto a service road that lead us down to the abandoned prison. Unfortunately we did not get a full tour (in the prior editions of the race apparently the runners got a small loop with the prison area between the various buildings. This year this was not allowed as they were actively demolishing some of the buildings). The course ran right up to the corner of the property where the buildings started and a guard tower was and then diverted us back into the trees. The course was back near the main camping area but then turned once again taking us back out on the perimeter of the park towards a small lake/swamp/marsh area. Finishing off two thirds of the loop now I arrived at the next aid station.

Taken on Friday pre-race as I arrived at the Park.

Screaming Monkey 100 course layout (Photo: STRAVA, OpenStreetMap). The full loop is 15.6 Mi which the 100 Mi does 6 times plus a starting bonus loop of just over 6 Mi to make the mileage equal to 100. The equestrian trails are all the long straight sections.

Old entrance to the abandoned prison. (Photo: Justin Loeb, taken from the SM100 Facebook page)

couple of the buildings in the abandoned prison. (Photo: Justin Loeb, taken from the SM100 Facebook page)

The last third of the full 15.6 Mi loop was fully on mountain bike singletrack. This would be my favorite section of the course. It was not very fast or flowy since it makes so many turn and twists and abrupt changes in direction, but it was a great trail to run none the less. The ground underfoot was tricky as well and there we numerous roots and the fall leaves on the ground tried to hide some of these. That being said I never did fall or trip this race - always an accomplishment at an ultramarathon.

I love singletrack

I was getting closer to finishing the loop and I could start hearing the chimpanzees (monkeys) starting to make noise. This last portion of the trails took us weaving around behind the sanctuary and around back over towards the camp and the start/finish area. This would be the spot I'd hear the primates basically every loop from then on. It was a true Screaming Monkey experience as you'd hear them randomly in those last few miles of the loop, even in the night hours.

The day light loops for me were quite straightforward as I ticked off the mileage. I ran the entire time by solo except when passing other fellow trail runners out there on course. It was a great day weather wise and I had no complaints.

Photo: Justin Loeb

Photo: Justin Loeb

Heading on to my 4th full loop I knew that I'd be closing out that loop in darkness, so I was smart enough to have my kogalla waistlamp in my pack ready to go. As mentioned it had been uneventful to this point as I kept plotting along. Then as the darkness had engulfed the park and I was heading back with about 2-3 miles to go on the loop I noticed a light coming up behind me. This was the first time someone had come up from behind on me, so I now was caught about 65 Mi into the race. I was passed fairly confidently as I was not moving super well at this point. I tried to hang on to his pace and maintained a consistent 20 second gap for a good long while. Eventually he would pull away further as we twisted, ducked, turned, climbed and descended the never ending turns on the closing miles of singletrack. We'd see each other lights the entire time as we constantly were changing directions with the trail, but I could never know exactly how far back I had dropped back now. Finally the loop ended and I asked the timer how far ahead the guy before was. As he looked at me somewhat puzzled he explained that was the 100 km finisher/winner and had just finished, and not one of my 100 Mi competitors. I had waisted a little bit of energy trying to keep pace with this runner but I think it was a positive in the end since it reminded me to stay vigilant and just keep moving forward. Who knows when I would be caught from behind. Only 2 more full laps to go - a little 50 km run so to speak.

The temperature dropped quite a bit into the wee hours of the morning again, and I choose to keep my 3" trail shorts on instead of opting for my pants. I figured this would motivate me to keep moving forward and not walk too much.  My pace on these last 2 loops had mirrored the temperature drop and I could feel my fatigue level slowly creeping up. But I noticed my time on the last loop and I had arbitrarily set my eyes onto a sub-23 time since the next hour was fast approaching. I ran the last few miles at a decent pace and crossed the line in 22:56:33 in 1st place with a wire-to-wire victory.

Finisher photo with RD Michael Puyear.

I got handed my buckle and then proceeded to head directly to my car in the parking lot to dig out my warm clothing I had set aside. I made a quick change into warm dry set and grabbed my chair and one of my warm blankets and plumped myself down beside the bonfire they had going in the middle of camp. I enjoyed a Run Wild Athletic Brewing Co. IPA as I warmed up and relished the feeling of not wearing shoes. The warmth of the fire eventually took me and I fell into a nice snooze in my chair. I had about a nice hour and half nap there by the fire as it was quiet.

I awoke and as daylight began to break the Race Director, Michael, emerged as well. He came over and congratulated me and got me the finisher award plaque for 1st place as well as a Screaming Monkey pint glass with a bonus Trail Toes jar inside. I chatted for a bit, we got our picture taken and then I proceeded to get up and pack up my tent setup and gather the rest of my goodies I still had spread out. My 81st ultramarathon was done, and like many of them before I then proceeded to get ready to drive home right away so I could get home to my wife and kids for the remainder of Sunday.

Thank you to Michael, G.O.A.T.S., and all the volunteers out there.

Results

• 22:56:33 | 1st overall
• 100.62 Mi (161.93 km) | 7,267 ft (2,215 m)
• STRAVA activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/6224649077
• My 81st ultramarathon | My 26th run of 100 Mi (or more) & my 24th completion
• Ultrasignup Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=80805

Updated 100 Mi(+) buckle collection (Photo: Katie Meding).

Gear Used

• Shirts: rabbit  LS & SS rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Shorts: rabbit 3" FKT
• Shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR 7 (test pair)
• Socks: rnnr (rabbit edition)
• Headwear: rabbit  (BOCO) rabbitELITEtrail cap & beenie
• Gloves: rabbit  (BOCO) 
• Sunglasses: goodr
• Watch: Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition
• Waistlamp: kogalla RA Adventure Light
• Headlamp: Nathan Sports Halo Fire
• Hydration: x2 20oz Nathan soft flasks
• Anti Friction lube: Trail Toes
• Gear Bags: Victory Sportdesign Grizzly backpack and 3 Victory piglet bags utilized as laundry bags
• Cooler: small Coleman including some refreshing Athletic Brewing Co. beers.

Thank you for following along

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Next Up: Franklin Mountain Trail Run (2021-Nov-12 to 14th)

Texas B.M.F. (Last Human Standing) (2021-Nov-19 to t.b.d.)

A Small Taste of Barkley

Get Off the Couch & Venture Out There

A “Quick” Tennessee trip | Ultramarathon #080

Since I am drive to 99% of my events, I try to follow my own unwritten rule:

BFC invitation 2021-06-05 off the waitlist.

Don’t run a race that takes less time than it does to drive to get there.

For example, I’ve driven to Arkansas, Colorado, and the far Western edge of Texas (Franklin Mountains) to run 100 Mi events before even though these are over 12 hours driving time or more from our current place in Texas. I justify it by the amount of time I will be doing the event itself. However back in the summer months I got myself a nice email that perked my interest one day. I was drawn off the waitlist for The Barkley Fall Classic (BFC as it is known by). Honestly, I had forgotten I put my name on the waitlist earlier in the year and was super excited when reading this note. It didn’t take me long to accept via the UltraSignup page and confirm my entry. 

Obligatory picture at "the Yellow Gate"

Even though the BFC is a 50 km race I was willing to make the 14 hour+ travel to get there without hesitation (once my family gave me their blessing of course). I have had BFC on my bucket list for a long time ever since discovering my journey into ultramarathons and binging on the various Barkley videos out there.

I travelled after a day of work on Thursday to get to Tennessee by driving over night and having minimal sleep in my car during my travels. Friday I arrived in Wartburg and rolled up to Frozen Head State Park in awe. The lush mountain greenery and landscape was a sight to be had as only ever seeing pictures prior. I parked at the Visitor Center/ Park Office and put on my trail shoes to check out the area and shake out my legs from being in the car for what seems like forever at this point. It was very cool to see some of the park trails and then get to go over and bestow my eyes on the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, which included the exit of the prison tunnel and the bottom of the infamous Rat Jaw climb.

Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary | Petros, TN.

The first time the race map is revealed is during packet pickup, which was Friday afternoon. Most people are lined up and eager to get a peek at what was about to come the next day. Not knowing Frozen Head State Park (FHSP) and the exact trail layout I was somewhat oblivious to what the map was telling me…but I was about to find out very soon.

My BFC 2021 map prior to opening it u and trying to figure out where I am heading in the morning..

Race Day

• started just before sunrise with 415 other runners all masked up just prior to sunset. Humidity was in the air along with the excitement of the start.

• lots of climbing uphill, some downhill and yet we finished at the same spot we started, but I swear there was twice as much up than down (hmmm, my math doesn’t quite work….kind of like the old folk tale of your grandparents telling you they walked to school & it was uphill both ways).

• no GPS allowed, minimal course marking, but more than enough since we were all provided a map the day before at packet pickup.

• small creek crossing early in the race to ensure no runner had dry feet.

• torrential rain made this event much more challenging, muddy, and overall interesting adventure.

• briars, “rat bites”, poison ivy, chiggers, and many scratches to my shirt and hydration vest.

• fog & rain downpour on top of Frozen Head Mountain by the fire lookout tower was just like in the videos on Barkley, but much cooler atmosphere in person when you can soak in the entire surrounding with fellow ultrarunners.

• Tennessee yellow jackets are big. I got stung once on the back of my right calf after the prior runners ahead of me stirred and angered them where they seemed to be hanging out.

• 50 km out at Frozen Head State Park is hard, no question about it.

• crossed the finish line at 11:30:23 (by far my longest 50 km time)

Thank You & Kudos

• Huge thank you to Gary Cantrell (aka Lazarus Lake, aka Laz) & Steve Durbin for putting on a stellar event. This ultra lived up to the hype and the draw that only BFC type event can create. 

• Thank you as well to Larry Kelley, whom I met out there briefly in sharing some guidance to newcomers (virgins, such as myself) and helped out on course during race day at one of the junctions. 

• Of course, I cannot thank the incredible volunteers who braved the relentless rain and were not even moving to stay warm like the runners. The local high school football team, Coalfield Yellow Jackets, were there running the aid stations after a stellar performance of their own the night before. Thank you to all those local boys for helping every runner in their pursuit of the BFC.

• Jenny El Tee (@luoyunghwa) for some incredible race photos of the participants crossing the creek and again up on top of the Rat Jaw climb. Photos are great and thank you for braving the weather yourself especially with all your photo gear equipment out there in the elements.

Photo Credit: Jenny El Tee | Jennifer Thorsen Photography | @luoyunghwa

Photo Credit: Jenny El Tee | Jennifer Thorsen Photography | @luoyunghwa

BFC

Legend has it The Barkley Fall Classic was created to allow more people to experience Frozen Head State Park and the allure of the now popularized Barkley Marathons by showing them how hard 50 km can be in this area and disincentive people from pursuing signing up for the Big Barkley (as it is referred to), but also to give people a taste of the Barkley allure itself. My opinion now that I have run BFC is that my respect level has gone up drastically for anyone who has ever toed the line at Barkley Marathons. Seeing the area, the topography, and some of the famous features out at Frozen Head State Park in person really put things in perspective that the YouTube videos & the Netflix documentary simply can not. 

Ultimately, I am grateful to go into The Barkley Fall Classic classed as a virgin (first time starter) and managed to come out being labelled as a BFC veteran (50k finisher) now. The Croix de Barque is a very cool finishers medal to have earned and I am proud of this accomplishment.

my 50 km finishers Croix de Barque

This race is hard. The experience was well worth the drive it took me to get there & back.

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Thank you for following along. Next Up:

 Franklin Mountains Trail Run | King of Mtn (Nov-12), 100 km (Nov-13)