Mudlands not Grasslands

Grasslands? More Like Mudlands!

Ultramarathon #113

Another weekend and yet another race I joined last minute. Finished off my Friday work and then relaxed for a bit eating and finalizing my gear packing. A quick nap (sort of) watching a movie and then I awoke around 22:00 to head out on the road to North Texas. I made the 6 hour trek overnight and arrived to Lyndon B. Johnson (LJB) National Grasslands. It will a chilly still night as I pulled into the parking lot scattered with pop up tents and quiet vehicles. Everyone was still getting in their last rest as it was nearing 2AM. I grabbed my blanket and snuggled up in my passenger seat for a quick 2-hour nap before race check in. The rest felt good! Not a full night sleep, but at this point I am very used to doing this half-assed dirt bag style of racing. (One day again, I will actually travel ahead of time and be able to get a full night sleep prior to actual race day).

2024 Grasslands 100 Mi course map.

The morning was in the high 40f's a lot chilly than I had anticipated at 04:00.  Luckily I had my rabbit puffy (The Toaster) with me in my car. Picked up my bib and ran into some familiar trail friends: Nick Petterson, Andrew Marvin, Regina Massingill, and Kathleen & Jason Hanley. Next I placed my self-crew spot underneath Andrew's pop-up tent as he graciously offered me a corner of the tarp for my stuff: only my folding chair, Victory Sportdesign (Grizzly backpack), & my cooler. 

The pre-race briefing was held a mere 10 minutes before start. I was half listening, half not. I got the jist of it and listened to the marking portion closely as the course was a mixture of 4 intertwining loops, so I wanted to ensure I paid attention to this. I then walked back to my car to take of my puffy and hat I was wearing to stay warm. As the briefing was winding down all I heard was "30 seconds to go!" That escalated quickly. I briskly went back to my chair and got my handheld and put on my rabbit arm sleeves as I went to line up in the start chute....3...2...1 go, the front of the runner pack started, and I was still getting sorted. I started up my Garmin (in ultramarathon mode) and like that we started off into the darkness. Starting off in the back was somewhat of a blessing as it forced me to slow down as I was trapped behind 60+ runners or so on the initial singletrack where passing was not exactly a given. 

The first 5 hours of the race was absolutely perfect running conditions. It had started out in the dark for about 2 hours before the sun rose, but it remained cloudy and cool.  I ditched my headlamp and arm sleeves after the 1st loop (YELLOW - 9.2 Mi) which took me just under 2 hours. I had made my way slowly up the pack near the top 6 or so at this point (mind you only 76 runners started the 100 Mi). The second loop (BLUE - 15.0 Mi) flew by as well even thought this was the longest. The 3rd loop (WHITE - 12.6 Mi) cruised by as well, but the clouds were growing darker.

Photo: Krsti Robeson

Arriving back at the main crew stop (start/finish) I was informed that the rain was coming, but not too worry as it was going to pass over the area. I had noticed the darker clouds were slowly engulfing the area, but I figured I might be able to squeeze in another loop. However, something instinctual made me grab my vest and stuff in my rain jacket (rabbit Treeline) just in case. On second thought, I think I have to thank Json Hunley for this as he asked me as I was leaving if I had my rain gear. So glad I did as only about 10 minutes into my 4th loop (RED - 8.9 Mi) the clouds opened up and just started pouring hard! Lighting was making the clouds glow, thunder was crackling, and the rain was relentless. This was no passing rain shower. Time to persevere...

Photo: Originally from Dirt and Vert IG.
I reposted this on my IG stories.

The singletrack horse trails became little mini flowing streams, the double wide trails became a collection of puddles. Finishing off the RED loop I was happy to get back and see the start/finish. Then heading back out and now repeating some of the loops I was back onto the YELLOW loop. Now there was footprints and ruts everywhere on the singletrack. This race was definitely turning into a grind as the rain continued to not let up. Briefly it would slow down but it was only false hope. The trails out here at LBJ Grasslands are a mixture of natural pasture trails, some softer sandy sections, and a lot of clay covered portions. Anyone knows that clay does not soak up water at all, it simply swells and basically becomes like super slick under rainy conditions, thus a large portion of the race now had become navigated slick clay singletrack. 

The puddles grew deeper as night was approaching. The rain continued...

After my 5th loop (I think?), I treated myself to a pair of dry socks. Man did that felt good to wipe off my feet and get all the excess sand out of my shoes. The mud just seeped your shoes via every little hole and pore, so the dirt would settle in eventually no matter what you did. I started to feel my toes on my left shoe being lifted due to the amount of dirt accumulated underneath my socks. I knew the dry socks would not last long with the conditions out there, but the dry sock feeling was more of a psychological lift than anything else at this point. I trudged on with darkness approaching again. Coming in off my 6th loop out of the 9, which would of been completing the BLUE, I took my time at the start/finish transition area. Lots of people were there now, the drop count was rising as the toll of the conditions was slowly grinding away. As I was getting some foot care done again, Regina asked me if I wanted a pacer as her runner was no longer continuing on. i thought for a minute and took the offer up. Going into the night I was already tired from lack of sleep and the toll of the mud so I figured I could use some company if the offer was there. Regina is always up for some miles and so I gladly accepted the offer if she was willing to brave the mud.

Photo: Phil Salmeron

The rain itself finally stopped but the puddles and muddy mess remained. The trails were not drying up anytime. We headed back onto my 7th loop with only 30 miles to go. The company was nice as Regina kept me busy with conversation as we chatted about various things. Not being used to having a pacer it was a good change for me in this case given the harsh conditions. I'm sure Regina eventually got tired of me swearing as I was slipping and splashing into deeper puddles soaking my legs over and over. We kept slowly moving and having Regina slowly setting a pace in front of me seemed to help as she gently encouraged me to keep up. Around the WHITE loop and back for foot care and a third pair of dry socks. Surprisingly Regina said she would keep going and hopped again as we now tackled the RED loop. The runners kept dropping and at one point the volunteers mentioned I was in 4th or 5th place. I did not give much thought to it since my new goal was just to struggle through. Finishing off this 8.2 Mi loop I once again treated myself to my very last pair of dry socks - why not. 

Less than 10 miles to go now. The darkness was thick, the mud was deep, my tolerance for running was waning as I seemed to be walking more. Regina stuck it out with me and would eventually pace the entire last ~30 Mi (50 km)....what a trooper in those conditions. After we left the start/finish area out on this final lap we did soon pass a single runner trotting along. We did not realize it at the time but this was the 3rd place runner. This came to light as we rolled into the final aid station which lie about 4.1 Mi from the finish. We slowly wandered in, beaten up by the mud, our pace had slowed. Regina and I both opted for a chair to sit. As the nigh chill was setting in, we ordered a warm soup to help us for this last push. As the volunteers started to warm us up some soup they congratulated me for being in 3rd overall, which came as a surprise to me. Then all of a sudden one of the young men said look her comes another headlight....really?....now I sat here with a slight issue. Do I sit and wait for my soup and just be content with my finish? Or do I get up and battle it out for a podium spot which I was currently holding? Well Regina looked over at me and I got up and said "thanks for the soup, but I got to go....". I got up and Regina followed, we headed out, looking back and sure enough a bobbing headlamp was maybe 30 seconds away from the aid station. Only a few strides down the trail and Regina turned to me and mentioned she forgot her poles and had to turn around to grab them. She told me to keep going and she'd catch back up. My competitive juices started flowing and I took this opportunity to take off. With the adrenaline flowing of a runner chasing me down I was also using the fact thought of if I can outrun Regina back to the finish then surely the 4th place runner won't be able to catch me. And so I pressed hard and ran my fastest couple miles I had run in the past 10 hours or so. I continued hard all the way to the finish. Sorry Regina but thank you very much for the pacing and the motivation to grab that final podium spot!

Receiving thanks and my buckle from RD Chris Barnwell. Photo: Phil Salmeron.

Results

• 25:19:38 | 3rd overall | finish rate was low, only 22.37% (DNFr = 77.63%)
• My 38th 100Mi or more completed
• My 113th ultramarathon run overall
• My 3rd ultramarathon of 2024
• STRAVA: Grasslands Trail Run (3rd overall), Alvord, TX | Run | Strava
• UltraSignup results: 2024 Grasslands Trail Run 100 Mile - Results (ultrasignup.com)

Gear Used

• Jackets - rabbit Treeline rain jacket
• Gloves - rabbit (BOCO)
• Lighting setup - kogalla RA Adventure Light (waistlamp) & Nathan Sports Halo Fire (headlamp)
• Shirts - rabbit SS, LS rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Shorts - rabbit 3" FKT 2.0
• Headwear - rabbit (rnnr) rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Shoes - HOKA Challenger ATR 7
• Socks - injinji (x2), Drymax (x2)
• Hydration - NATHAN 18oz insulated soft handheld
• Vest - NATHAN Pinnacle 12L race pack to carry my rain gear.
• Anti-Friction Lube - Trail Toes - applied once at beginning.
• Watch - Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition
• Gear Bag: Victory Sportdesign (Grizzly Backpack)

Check out those mud-caked legs. Photo: Kathleen Hanley

My poor shoes the day after.

In the end I think the key to Mudlands, I mean Grasslands 2024 was a lesson in perseverance. Luckily enough I have honed this skill and have battle tested myself through a good number of ultramarathons now. We can control only so many things in this sport, and well weather and mother nature are definitely NOT one of those.

Thank you to all the volunteers out there braving the elements. Thanks to Blaze Trail Running for hosting a great event. The trails were very well marked considering the overlapping of 4 different loops there was no issue whatsoever (in my opinion) on the course signage. Thank you to Andrew Marvin for the corner of his pop up tent which helped keep my chair and bag dry. Lastly thanks again to Regina for hopping in and pacing me for 50 km and assisting me into a podium performance by keeping me going through the late night / early morning hours.

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Thanks for following along on my blog and checking out my race report.

Next Up: t.b.c. (but I am eying up Arbuckle 100 Apr-6th)

I LOViT

Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) 100 Mi

Ultramarathon #112

Heading to Arkansas

Mid-February I was glancing over at my bucket list, I noticed that LOViT was on there and it was only a couple weeks away. I had not yet committed myself to a February race in my #12in12 personal challenge, so I was still browsing around. Coming off a disappointing result in my prior race I was also looking forward to getting back to a straightforward 100 Miler again. The week of the race I took care of some logistics, such as making sure I could take work off Friday, getting signed up officially (Wednesday night 2 hours before the deadline), and packing up my gear for the short trip, along with most importantly getting the full permission from my family. Completing work on Thursday I finished up my packing and got ready to hit the road after the kids went to bed. The 8 hour commute to Lake Ouachita would be tackled mostly overnight so I could attempt to sleep during the day hours. The race was a Friday evening (17:00) start time, thus the need to take the day off work for travel.

I arrived to the small area of Mountain Habor Resort & Spa on the edge of Lake Ouachita very early Friday morning. I drove around and found the East Cove Pavillion where the start/finish and the check-in was. I then take a little time to take in the scenery and check out the lake views before heading into Mount Ida for some fuel (lunch/dinner) for later on. I checked in with my family and then got a decent nap for a few hours. I awoke to check in time been open and so I wandered over to get my bibb assignment. 

Start time was creeping closer. I laid out all my gear and nutrition at the back of my car as I sat in my folding chair and went over everything to ensure I had it all packed and placed where I wanted it. My goal was to have enough stuff packed in that I would not have to be super reliant on the aid stations during the night (i.e. the first 12 hours). I was utilizing my NATHAN Trailmix 12L race pack which is my go-to and so I am used to having lots packed in on these longer attempts if needed.

15 minutes prior to the start was the customary pre-race briefing where the Race Director went over the basics and the trail markings that were placed out there for us. Assurance was given there was plenty of markings and instructions on ensuring we went out to the Charlton campground aid twice (once on the outbound AND again on the inbound) was explicitly emphasized. Also, mentioned was something about the controlled burn areas that there might be some smoke remanences still, just as a warning. Shortly after the logistics were discussed all of the runners were instructed to line up on the start line, which was literally a piece of tape on the road by the LOViT banner for a pre-race photo. The race photographers, and what seemed like everyone's crew all grabbed some photos using their phones and devices. 

Pre-race photo of all 52 starters of the 2024 100 Mi LOViT.
Photo: LOViT Facebook page.

And We Are Off...

17:00 was the start time and a very informal countdown ensued as the 52 runners stood there awaiting our signal. One guy took off like a rocket, as one usually does, and the crowd quickly followed as again the crew and spectators captured some video and photos as we ran down the narrow road surrounded by the parked vehicles. Energy was high and the pace was decent to kick it off. It was a long gradual 4 Mile climb all the way from the lake's edge where we started in Mountain Habor Resort to the top of Hickory Nut Moutain where the first aid check in was at the summit. I settled in not too far behind the Speedgoat (Karl Meltzer), cause I figured he could teach me a lesson on pacing. Besides I did not want to be out in front of him, because that would instantly signal to me I was going to fast. The initial miles went by pretty quickly. I also got to say hello to my friend Brad Taylor (from Texarkana) whom I have seen at many ultras around TX and AR in the past few years. Eventually I settled in with a fellow runner named Matt as we chased Karl up to the Hickory Nut aid station check-in. The sky was clear and open - it was going to be a beautiful night of running ahead!

Views a top of Hickory Nut Moutain. This is the high point of the race at ~1,330 ft+ which we reach 3 different times in total.

I only stopped by the view point right beside the aid station for a quick selfie opportunity and then continued on, I did not even stop at the aid itself as I still had plenty of fluids as it was so early into the run. We ran for about half a mile on the dirt road before dipping West back onto singletrack trails and the darkness of the trees. Now it was time to turn on my lights for the night running ahead. 

WEST Side

LOViT course profile: WEST out & back (Mile 4 - 34).

First up was the West portion of the course which was an out and back section following the contour of the lake edge around towards Mount Ida. I continued to run with Matt through the second aid station down at Joplin Road Crossing. There was a lively vibe as it was still early in the race and crews were all there together since runners were not super spread out yet. I only stopped for about a minute to grab some fruit and top up my bottles and kept on moving. I had left in front of Matt out of this aid station but it was not too long before he caught back up to me. We went back and forth exchanging positions all the way on this west portion of the course. The singletrack winded up and down gently and sometimes sharp punchy little climbs and descents which kept me on alert. The lake was always on my right side heading out in this direction. Every once in a while, the moonlight would project a big reflection off the lake waters which would catch my eye.

Eventually the smell of smoke came as we were warned. To me the smell was calming and reminded me of a campfire. There had been a controlled burn of this area by the forest service and there was in fact still some fresh embers and hot spots around the bigger trunks. We literally got to run through smoldering Mordor-like essence. It was really kind of sure real as the singletrack acted as intended as the pine needles path was a perfect firebreak for the ground as the small shrubbery and grasses on both sides of the trail was blackened and burn down. The area that was "actively" still smoldering was maybe a half mile, maybe not even that long, but it was a very unique experience. (Note: very cool of the forest service to allow the Race to be allowed to continue on with their permits and such even after having to do this controlled burn so close to the race date itself). Soon I began to see the first couple of fast runners coming back so I knew that the far west end of the course could not be too far off.

Running through the controlled burn remains

After winding around the coves and contours of the waters the trail popped out onto an older paved service road along the water. It was a half mile of broken pavement to the aid station which was the turn around point. The moonlight was so bright and uninterrupted by the trees that I turned off my lights and ran by moonlight once I got onto this road portion. I ran all the way to the aid station and checked in and simply turned right back around and headed back. By the time I was back to the singletrack I started to slowly pass a few runners heading the opposite direction. Meandering back through the smoldering burn area was somehow less exciting this time around but still pretty unique experience. Back to the Joplin Road crossing and I knew I was making headway now with essentially a 50 km distance behind me. Now only 4.5 Mi gradual climb all the way back up to Hickey Nut aid station at the view lookout area and then I could make my way onto the other side of the course. I broke it up in my mind this way which just seemed easy to grasp the map in my head. It was just after midnight when I finally reached that check-in at the top. The volunteers helped me out with some warm soup and filled up my bottles for me. I think I emptied out my socks of the small pebbles if I recall (it felt good to take my shoes off - even for only a minute each). With my fill of some snacks to go I headed off back down the mountain this time headed East.

EAST side

LOViT course profile: EAST out & back (Mile 34 - 95).

After leaving Hickory Nut for the second time it was once again all downhill coming off the lookout as we followed the trail creekside all the way down 3.5 Mi or so to the next aid station called FR47A in the forest. Next was the only slight deviation we were warned about, which was the "additional" out & back section to the Charlton campground.  This was a short section, however it was gently downhill grade then all of sudden you could see the lights of the campground area below the ridge and it was hard downhill on a few switchbacks for the last half mile or so. A quick refill of warm soup and I made my way back out of the Charlton area back towards the LOViT trail towards Crystal Springs. The chill of the night was here now and I recall putting on my rabbit Treeline jacket somewhere around here at the night creeping by.

Next up was a small stop at the Bear Creek aid which was just a small setup in the bush manned by two nice gentlemen and a nice little warm fire they had going. They were super nice as I came through. I chatted them up briefly before carrying on. The trail then just seemed like it mellow slight uphill grade all the way along this ridgeline with Lake Ouachita on my left and the ridge top of Bear Mountain on my right. It was not getting much warmer as my hands were feeling it the most. I had my rabbit BOCO gloves but they are not insulated, and my hands get cold fast. It did provide some incentive for me to keep moving and continue to stay warm. The section from Bracy Mountain to Spillway aid stations I recall being the coldest of the night as these were the wee hours just before the sun was starting to make its way back up. Coing down into the Spillway aid the air temperature dropped a lot.  The far east end of the course, Avery Recreation Area, was only 3 miles further and so I only took 2 minutes here and kept moving.

Quick selfie at the LOViT trailhead sign on the far East end of the course: Avery Recreation Area | Mile 65.

Arriving the very far end of the course there was a nice greeting from the volunteers there as daylight was well underway again, warmth was slowly following. All I did here was grab a little swig of coke in my reusable cap and turned around heading back westward yet again. I stopped for a quick picture leaving the rec area to document the far end of the course which seemed fitting.

100 km done only 60 km back now.

I headed back and enjoyed seeing what I just traversed but now in the daylight. My legs felt very heavy and my run walk cadence seemed quick slow, but I tried to block those thoughts out of my mind and just kept moving.

Somewhere on Bear Mountain on the LOViT trail with Lake Ouachita in the background below.

As the day progressed and my mileage [slowly] ticking by I tried to keep the goal in mind of finishing without using my lights again. This was a mini goal I tried to use as motivation for myself to keep pushing westward back towards Hickory Nut Mountain. My pace remained constant but was not very fast, relatively speaking. Climbing back out of Charlton campground area again the race against sunset was definitely not a winning proposition, but I still used this thought to drive me on. I got to the FR47A aid station and the sun was now down behind the mountains, but daylight remained faintly through the trees. From here it was a 3.5 Mi climb back up creekside winding through the trees. I felt good but was moving slow, kind of like I was at the end of a 100 Mi run or something. I did have to turn my kogalla light back on before emerging from the trees on this section as my chase of the sunset was now over. However, the draw of the final miles kept me moving forward. Getting back up to the Hickory Nut Mountain aid station the last of my climbs was done. It was simply 4 miles back to the start/finish all downhill now.

I ran as fast as I could downhill in the engulfing darkness. The double wide jeep road was a lot rougher and rocky than I recalled on the initial climb up of the race the day before. "I have no memory of this place" as Gandolf once said (Lord of the Rings reference for you fellow LOTR geeks). Those final miles took what seemed like forever as I glanced at my watch finally. Mile 98. I was closing in. As I clocked in my 99th mile I emerged bac onto the pavement of the Resort roads again. I continued the downhill grade trying to let gravity take me but not buckle my knees due to my aching muscles. I made the last turn and a tiny slight bump uphill and then ran down past the line of vehicles parked along the side of the resort road. There was a sprinter van, from the race, parked directly in front of the pavilion as they were unloading or loading up some supplies.. The van was obscuring my path into the pavilion which was the official finish line, so I just darted around it and causally came in and was done. The race director and volunteers were surprised by me as the van had ben blocking their view as well and didn't see me coming in to finish. A casual no-thrills ultra marathon finish - which is quite common in this sport!  

LOViT has a beautiful buckle.

26 hours 45 minutes. 

I was then handed my buckle. A quick post race  shower (at the pavilion) and then change of warm clothes was a great feeling indeed. Perhaps this was only topped by the fact they had made your own tacos station ready to go for the runners. I loaded up my plate and sat down to enjoy some post race fuel. 

Another 100 Miler done.

Lessons Learned

I did have a moment of stupidity that haunted me for this race. As someone whom uses a lot of shoes, as I have participated in some shoe testing, and thus have a bunch of random brands/models, I selected a pair for this race that was low on mileage usage so far. I thought this would be a great way to get some more miles on this particular pair. Well these ACSIS Gel-Trabuco 11 are not the most cushioned shoes and so I paid for this rookie decision in having sore numb feet. I also managed to kick a few rocks this run and my big toes suffered (definitely not the first or tenth time for me). My lesson here is ensure you pick your gear, especially something as critical as your footwear, based on comfort and no other irrational decision which I clearly did for this weekend. My poor feet.

sorry for the foot pic for those whom hate them.

Results

• 26:45:52 | 12th overall (M9)
• My 37th 100Mi or more completed
• My 112th ultramarathon run overall
• My 2nd ultramarathon of 2024
• STRAVA: Run LOViT 100Mi (12th overall), Mount Ida, AR | Run | Strava
• UltraSignup results: 2024 Run Lovit 100 Miler - Results (ultrasignup.com)

the LOViT buckle is a beautiful one!

Gear Used

• Jackets - rabbit Treeline rain jacket (LOViT branded - just got from the check-in 😀)
• Gloves - rabbit (BOCO)
• Lighting setup - kogalla RA Adventure Light (waistlamp) & Nathan Sports Halo Fire (headlamp)
• Shirts - rabbit SS, LS rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Shorts - rabbit 5" FKT
• Headwear - rabbit (rnnr) rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Shoes - ACSIS Gel-Trabuco 11
• Socks - injinji
• Hydration - NATHAN Pinnacle 12L race pack with x2 20oz soft flasks.
• Anti-Friction Lube - Trail Toes, Squirrels Nut butter
• Watch - Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition

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Thank you for following my race reports.

Next up: Grasslands Trail Run 100 | Mar-16.