An Ultra in the Deep South in December
Loup Garou Trail Run | Ultramarathon #110
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Deep South Louisiana boardwalks. A cool aspect of this State Park.
The water was super low compared to when I was here in 2020. |
I choose to head across the east Texas border into Louisiana for my December race. I was headed back to Chicot State Park and this time to experience the full loop around the lake. Previously, I did
Loup Garou in 2020 but the course was modified that year due to some logistical issues around the Covid pandemic. The excitement for me to get back and experience these trails again was real. In addition, Edie Couvillon, Race Director, puts on hell of a grassroots local ultramarathon with her team, and the volunteers so that is always a draw.
Coming off Dinosaur Valley 100 Mi just 2 weeks ago my focus was renewed on my pacing strategy going in. I was hard minded into getting my slow start right...for once....I hope....I mean I have to eventually.......right? The morning was chilly and rainy, well more dense misty fog type weather. It was a small group of 32 runners taking on the miler. Everyone gathered around the main aid station that served as the check in after each loop around the park. I finally heard Edie announced 30 seconds to go... It was super informal start as there was no real line or designated point, everyone just stood beside Edie on the paved park path as she counted down for the last 10 seconds. Off we went into the very dim lite foggy morning.
I tried to follow my pacing as noted and had decent start on loop 1-2 keeping to a consistent pace. The first loop still felt slow but was faster than I was hoping, but still felt super easy (it was slower than my Dino Valley start for the first 20 Mi, if that counts for anything). Then I consciously eased back on loop 2 for the second 20 Mi around the loop. The day was super humid and the clouds refused to part very quickly even as the sun arose throughout the day. A majority of the loop in the park was under the cover of the tree canopy and shaded anyhow, so it never got too much direct sun during the day when it did finally poke out of the clouds. I spent nearly the entire loop without seeing another person out there, except at the aid stations.
My third loop things started to feel a little wobbly and my pace began to fade...dang it...it is happening again, another failed pacing job. I have slowly resolved to know that I will probably never ever achieve pacing perfection no matter how much I desire. Anyway on loop 3 the warmth of the afternoon was tiding me through as I slogged around. My mini goal was to finish up before sunset and requirement to break out my headlamp. It was super close but I did end up turning it on very briefly in the trees for the last mile or so just so I did not trip on the leaf covered trail. I had fallen back to about 5th place overall at this point I believe.
After securing some soup and potatoes between loops I placed my waistlamp on and wandered back into the trees and began my forth loop around the lake. I really wanted to move but my legs were not having it. My mind was ready but my legs just would not cooperate, even as I tried to match my pace of the 3rd loop. This resulted in the 4th loop becoming my slowest by far. I felt deflated and sluggish. Usually, I am up for a night time rally but that seemed not to be in the cards as of yet.
Arriving in for my transition at the aid station I was met by a runner in front of me heading back out for his final loop. "Oh, someone to chase" I thought to myself. I sat down in the aid station chair as I gobbled down some more soup trying to keep my downtime as minimal as possible and yet get in the calories I needed. I grabbed a few pocket items, stuffed them in my pack and told the volunteers I was off for my last loop. The check-in volunteer coordinator mentioned that I was in 4th place as I took off. My downtime between loops 4 and 5 was 11 minutes 40 seconds, and so I was about 1 Mile behind that runner I saw take off when I was coming in I figured.
Time to hunt!
Not sure if was the thrill of the chase, the renewed start of another loop, or maybe my nighttime rally mode just finally decided to kick in, but my legs cooperated and I took off at a much quickened pace than the previous couple of loops. The chase was on. I felt good for the first time in a few hours. Not quite sure where I passed the everyone in front of me, but I ended up passing 2 persons not too far into the loop, which I did not know until later were in front of me. Eventually I saw whom I thought was the runner I saw start the loop when I finished my forth. I came into the first aid station (about 8 miles in) closing in on someone and decided I was just going to do a flyby as I physically checked my water and still had plenty to spare. As I approached the aid station I called out my bid number and ensured they checked me in, but I did not break stride, nor did I even look back once they confirmed they got me, I just kept on trucking and now assumed I was running scared. I was not 100% sure, but I assumed I had passed the person I had been chasing (I do not think I knew I was in the lead at this point). I just kept running and kept my pace which I knew would put distance on people if I could keep it up at this point. The next aid station was around 12 Miles into the loop and there it was when I got confirmation for the first time from the aid station volunteers I was in the lead. This gave me another boost of adrenaline to keep going and push on maintaining my renewed pace.
I just kept on moving from here with the end in sight and a knowledge that I could be caught at any point from behind. It felt as fast as I had run all race but of course it was not - perception and time are devious to an ultrarunner in that sense - but in terms of perceived pace it felt great. With the final aid station behind me as well I did not look back at all (well that's not true. I did keep glancing back every mile or so to ensure no headlamps were creeping up on me). Crossing the finish line was a relief as I could now finally relax knowing the chase was over and I had outlasted my pursuers from behind. Race Director, Edie, and a few other volunteers/spectators were there to greet and congratulate me as I got my buckle and 1st place finisher mug. I was super proud to have went out hard on 5th loop hunting and ran down 3 people to take the W 🥇. A nice cold drink and warm bowl of homemade southern gumbo to help fill my stomach as I sat around the campfire briefly to debrief and relax. It was another 30 minutes or so before the second finisher came in. I had changed and was ready to head back out on the road not too long after so I did not stick around too much after getting some food in me. Another ultramarathon into the books and a rare victory to accompany my finish.
Sadly, this race is sunsetting in 2026 as announced on their website. Edie Couvillon has laid out her plan for the remainder of Loup Garou: "
what you can expect for the next three years of Loup Garou (if you haven't heard about the race coming to an end in 2026) - there will be no price increases. I will also continue to bring in quality merchandise for you to purchase to celebrate your race at a reasonable price." I personally urge you to go travel to the Deep South in December and seek out this great community and fun scenic trails within Louisiana and enjoy an event that ultrarunning community is all about. Ensure to indulge yourself a warm bowl of gumbo at the end! Registration is open already for 2024 so go sign up (
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=111472).
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| till next time Chicot State Park... |
Results
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| #BuckleUp #ChasingBuckles #12in12 #100Mi |
Gear Used
- Jackets - rabbit Treeline rain jacket - carried with me, but never used.
- 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 - The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3
- Socks - rnnr, Drymax
- Hydration - NATHAN Pinnacle 12L race pack with x2 20oz soft flasks.
- Anti-Friction Lube - Trail Toes
- Watch - Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition
- Gear/Drop Bags - Victory Sportdesign
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Thanks for reading my race recap.
Next up: t.b.d. -- but looking at some different options for Jan/Feb.
(I am on the waitlist for a Jan-20th race - but not sure I'll get in)
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