BB100, again.

Brazos Bend [Again]

My 5th run around the Brazos Bend State Park

It has been a few years since I have been back here as the past couple years I have taken the opportunity to have run Loup Garou (2023, 2024) since these 2 races fall on the same first weekend in December every year. With a week to go I got myself onto the waitlist for 2025 and RD Cal was nice enough to send me an entry off the waitlist and so I registered with a "whole 48 hours to go" (plenty of time). I have run Brazos Bend 100 four times prior (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) and so I was very familiar with the event, the park, and the course. TROT (Trail Racing Over Texas / Cal Neff) always puts on first class events and so there was no logistical worry.

Just 30 minutes from my door step I took off fairly early after sleeping in my own bed. I got to the park early enough to have a prime parking spot right across from the start/finish arch and so I simply had my gear bag ready and enjoyed my hot cup of coffee my amazing wife had pre-made for me all ready in my rabbit/YETI insulated cup. It was a nice crisp December morning in Texas (high 40s/low 50s if I recall) and so the starting loop was a little cooler before the sun would come out. I chose to wear my light rabbit Elements jacket to help keep my core temperature during that first 16.65Mi loop. It worked well and did its job - also served a second purpose of keeping me from running too fast by ensuring I did not heat up & sweat. 

BB100 - The Start. Photo: Trail Racing Over Texas | JJustisPhotography

Finishing up the fist loop of the State Park brought me back to all the familiar trails I had run many times over in my previous 4 attempts. I kept my pace up and finished that first loop and was war enough to ditch my jacket and my long sleeve shirt and just go with short sleeves now that the weather was warming up. (I did keep my running gloves for the second loop just because my hands get cold fast).

Photo: Trail Racing Over Texas | JJustisPhotography

Loops 2, 3, & 4 were very solid! No real issues, no problems, just steady consistent pacing with I kept under 3.5 hours (that was my internal goal per loop). Overall, I though this was too good to be true as my legs slowly began to ache with the mileage accumulating but it was very gradual decline in my pace on the later half of the fourth loop heading into the evening dark hours. 

My grit and determination were going to be need for the last third of the race, this much I knew for sure! My interloop break was a little longer but I was enjoying some warm soup and potatoes trying to get the calories in (my ultra staples!). I brought out my special trick I have been doing lately and played some podcasts while I was out on loop 5 to keep my mind distracted. The weather slowly cooled down but it was not as cold as the morning of the start of the race. I swapped into my running vest as well which helped keep my core slightly covered so I just stuck with my short sleeve rabbitELITEtrail shirt still - no need for the long sleeves just yet. 

After my fifth loop I can in and saw my good friend Victor whom was helping out volunteering at the finish aid station. He came over and we chatted it up for a good 15 minutes while I was downing some more warm mashed potatoes. I used the time to enjoy the sit and also as a slight excuse to just relax for a little longer. I gave myself a time limit to leave at the top of the hour - which would give me 4 hours to be back for a 22 hour finish - simple right? ...right? Well loop 6 was not exactly a victory lap as I slowed and had a lot more walk breaks than I wanted. My legs were just not cooperating with what I wanted them to do. I could feel the 22 hour time slowly slip away as the loop grinded on. I got a bit sleepy as well, with my headphones out of batteries I no longer had he distraction of my podcasts, so it was just me and the sparse population of runners out there. The long out & back section of the Bluestem/Riverview trails seemed endless. Somehow the more times you run it, it feels a just a little bit longer each time.

Leaving that final aid stop and knowing "only" 4 Mi-ish was left between me and another buckle is always a great feeling! I was able to run with the high of my thoughts on the finish. Not a lot of people were awake and around but I crossed the finish line and got a few golf claps from some volunteers and crew of other runners. 

I had done it, another buckle chased and captured! I'm closing in on 50....not my age, but that is coming soon too.

Results & Stats.

#ChasingBuckles #48 = a nice new Texas-sized sub-24 hr BB100 buckle to add to the collection.

• 22:27:26 | 100.55 Mi (161.82 km) | 1,010 ft+ (308 m+)
• 33rd overall | M27
• My 130th ultramarathon run total & my 9th of 2025.
• My 48th 100Mi(+) completed
• STRAVA:  Brazos Bend 100 (33rd overall), Needville, TX | Run | Strava
• Run Signup Results: Brazos Bend 100 Results

my own nerd data MS-Excel style for my loops.

Gear Used

• Lighting setup - kogalla RA Adventure Light (waistlamp) & Nathan Sports Halo Fire (headlamp)
• Shirts - rabbit SS & LS rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Shorts - rabbit speedsters rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Headwear - rabbit/BOCO rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Eyewear - TIFOSI
• Shoes - ASCIS GEL-Trabuco 11
• Socks - rabbit/rnnr
• Hydration - NATHAN 18oz insulated soft flasks (first 4 loops), & NATHAN VaporKrar 2.0 12L race vest with x2 20oz soft flasks (last 2 loops)
• Gloves- rabbit/BOCO
• Jacket- rabbit elements jacket (for the 1st loop only)
• Watch - Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition
• Anti-Friction Lube - Vasoline

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Thanks for reading my race recap. 

Make sure you join a TROT event soon if ever in Texas!

Next up: Fierce Dragon H9 (2026-Jan-13) -- I think, have not registered quite yet.

Cajun Time (My Third)

My Favorite Grassroots Cajun Run

Loup Garou | Ultramarathon #121

Last year I managed to pull off the Dino Valley - Loup Garou double which are separated by only 13 days. After finishing off Dinosaur Valley again I took a few days to clear my head and then the goal of hopping into another 100 Miler consumed me - I signed back up for Loup Garou - my third attempt at this local race. I really enjoy this course as it is a full ~20Mi loop and provides some awesome volunteers that support the race. 

I arrived in Villa Platte, Louisiana late on Friday night and found a nice parking spot to settle into for the night. A cooler than expected night spent car camping was not the most restful way to prep for a 100 Miler, but if you have been following my blog of race reports, you may notice this is not unusual. I awoke and drove out to Chicot State Park which is only 5-ish Miles outside of the town itself. Not only was it colder than I thought, but the grey clouds were also starting to spit some rain drops in the dark morning. The chilly morning was trying to put a damper on my run spirits but I was not going to let that happen.

STRAVA route map of the Loup Garou Trail Run
around Chicot State Park near town of Ville Platte.

Being a small grassroots race, we literally lined up at the cones beside the start/end of the loop near the parking lot and pavilion and an informal countdown by RD Edie Couvillon and we were off. At this time the rain drops had stopped and it was not just cloudy and chilly but no precipitation. I was bundled up for my first loop, just in case it actually decided to rain on us. Round we went through the trees chasing the trail around Chicot State Park.

The trail itself is super easy to follow and is a simple loop around the lake with the only offshoots being to a primitive camping spot or an exit to the nearby road(s). There is beauty in a simple point-to-point, or in this case a large loop for a course. Sure there is some repetition involved but being a larger 20 Mile loop is just about right to not be "bored" out there on the trail. 

The Louisiana trails are unique and great trough the pines and the swap-like area of the lake. I think the best part of this terrain is the numerous bridges and raised platforms to run across the low-lying areas.

Round and round we went chasing that goal of completing 5 eventual loops of the lake. Slowly I grinded my way there and managed to keep my body moving well enough through some sleep deprivation to manage myself a sub 24-hour finish. Overall this course is fairly fast if you have the leg speed. The only tricks to the Loup Garou is to watch out for all the roots and rocks. Secondly would be just to know that there is little elevation, however it does come in short punchy up and downs like a non-stop roller coaster. There is about 1,500-1,600 ft+ per loop (which is closer to 19.5 Mi by the way) so overall it is not flat, but not hilly either. 

I recommend taking your run to Louisiana while you still can, because rumors are that after the 10 year anniversary the RD may be retiring the race, so who knows how long it will be around. Come on out next December and support Edie and the team out southern Cajun volunteers that make this grassroots run a great one to put on your running resume. 

Results & Stats.

• 23:41:38 | 95.75 Mi (154.09 km) | 7,812 ft+ (2,381 m+)
• 3rd overall
• My 121st ultramarathon run and my 11th ultramarathon YTD in 2024.
• My 43rd 100Mi(+) completed
• STRAVA: Loup Garou Trail Run (3rd overall), Ville Platte, LA | Run | Strava
• UltraSignup Results: 2024 Loup Garou Trail Run 100 Miler - Results

Gear Used

• Lighting setup - kogalla RA Adventure Light (waistlamp) & Nathan Sports Halo Fire (headlamp)
• Shirts - rabbit SS rabbitELITEtrail team kit, LS high country flannel
• Shorts - rabbit 3" FKT 2.0
• Headwear - rabbit (rnnr) rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Eyewear - goodr
• Shoes - ASICS GEL-Trabuco 11
• Socks - injinji
• Hydration - NATHAN VaporKrar 2.0 12L race vest with x2 20oz soft flasks.
• Jacket- rabbit Treeline rain jacket
• Watch - Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition

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Thanks for reading my race recap.

Cheers to another year upcoming in 2025...

December in the Deep South

An Ultra in the Deep South in December

Loup Garou Trail Run | Ultramarathon #110

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).

till next time Chicot State Park...

Results

• 21:19:27 and sub-24 colored buckle | 1st overall (my 9th victory in an ultra of 100 Mi or more)
• My 36th 100Mi or more completed
• My 110th ultramarathon run overall
• My 15th ultramarathon of 2023
• STRAVA: Loup Garou Trail Run (1st overall), Ville Platte, LA | Run | Strava
• UltraSignup results: 2023 Loup Garou Trail Run 100 Miler - Results (ultrasignup.com)

#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)

Loup Garou Trail Run

Cajun Hospitality

A Long Run in Louisiana | Ultra #070

Pre Race

It was Monday night and I had just discovered that this race was occurring. My local doorstep race of Brazos Bend had been cancelled due to the pandemic concerns as it was such a large race. So when I saw this race was still on, during the same week BB100 would have been, it intrigued me. I casually mentioned it to my wife. Then on Wednesday I investigated it further as was the last hours to sign up for the race. Another quick conversation with my supportive wife and I was signed up, with about 2 hours to spare. I had secured my spot as the last 100 miler entrant into the race, bib #61.

Travel

Heading East to Louisiana all packed with
my Victory Sportdesign bags.

I had booked off early on Friday last minute and had a peer cover for me. I am fortunate this way in the fact this can happen so quickly and with flexibility with little notice. I did do a couple hours work early Friday morning, then enjoyed a family bike ride and time with my kids. Then that afternoon I headed East towards Louisiana. It was about a 4.5 hour drive for me and I only made one stop for fuel & food. I kept away from people, wore my mask, and kept my distance. Just after nightfall I arrived at the Chicot State Park and scouted out the start area of the race. I opted not to pay for park camping and drove 5 miles back into town to camp, in my car, like a true #dirtbagrunner. It was chilly and not the best rest but overall it did the job.

Race Morning

Saturday morning, I was up super early from the cold as I had been slowly adding blankets to myself during the night. As the time crept closer to my alarm of 05:30 I finally got up in the parking lot I was staying in and got dressed and ready in my race gear. A nice brisk 33f was greeting us this December morning. I then drove the few minutes to the park, put my mask on, and checked in for the event.

My WTForecast app telling me how awesome it was outside this morning.

The Course

Due to some of the trail not being fully ready this year the usual full loop around Lake Chicot was not open. There was still a lot of blow downs and damage from the hurricanes, as LA was hit twice this year. Sadly we would not get the full experience of the 20 mile loop. Instead we were doing a full 10 mile out and back (x5) to make up the distance.

The Race

A wave start was part of the protocol for the race, and since I was the last number (#61) in the 100 mile starters I was in the 3^rd and final wave, as they start in spaced out groups of 25 runners. To me this was super advantageous since I always start out to fast. Being forced to be at the back of the pack was a blessing in disguise, and I tried to use this to my advantage. I started off nice and comfortable and took it easy following some of the mini congo lines that had formed due to the nature of some of the trail sections. The morning was a cool crisp south winter day, most people bundled up in a couple layers. I slowly started to pass runners as I settled into the race, but I was not in a hurry like I normally am at the start of 100s. I enjoyed the trail and just simply being out in the woods again. Eventually everyone was very spread out and I found myself alone. Nearing the middle aid station (10 miles) I started to see runners coming back at me, so I knew I was closing in one the turn around. It was a mixture of the 100 mile and 40 mile bibs, so I didn’t really know how many were in front of me at this point, nor did I really care at this point.

Morning sun peaking through as crossing one of the long boardwalk sections.

I completed the first loop (20.8 mi) in about 3:36:43 and by this time the sun was out and the warmth of the day was starting to creep upon us. I even grabbed my sunglasses for this day portion. I really enjoyed the course as it was a mixture of tall pines trees with a combination of swamp type Louisiana style terrain you might expect. The trail itself was basically singletrack, sometimes slightly wider in areas, but very well taken care of and marked with orange trail blazes on the tree. The trail had lots of roots hidden under the fallen leaves so you had to pay attention or you would definitely end up kick testing one of them. Some of my favorite sections of the trail were the long boardwalks that traversed the swamp land. I think there was 4 (maybe 5) larger wooden boardwalks in total on this section of trail.

Follow the orange blazes.

Winter in the south means fallen leaves everywhere on the trails. Makes it tricky to see the roots.

One of the many blow downs around the trails and course. A couple detours on the trail existed around some of these large trees, but you could still see the ruminates of the hurricane season damage.

Running across the swamp sections on the wooden boardwalks. Such a cool feature of this trail. It provided a true Louisiana vibe to the race for sure. It was also neat in the darkness, although never did see any creatures out there in the waters.

After the completion of the second full loop (41.6 mi) I was right behind 3^rd place coming back into the main start/finish. I took my time here as I fueled up before heading back out. I left behind him basically in the exact spacing as we came in. This was maintained all the way to the 10mi midpoint turn around where we arrived essentially at the same time. Night fall was starting to creep up on us, and as I dug around my drop bag I suddenly realized I did not have my head lamp…shit! I had 5 of my headlamps in my main bag but somehow did not place one in my drop bag when I dropped it off. Time to troubleshoot…

Luck would have it that I knew the person in front whom was a Dallas area runner Bryan Mckenney. Since we were now both at the mid-point of the loop I asked him if he had a spare light. Bryan was kind enough to provide one to me. Instead of us taking off separately from the aid station we teamed up and headed out into the low light conditions together. We spent the next couple hours making our way back through the woods chatting about ultra stuff and just passing the time. I tried to be nice and not use his light he had provided me and instead just shadowed Bryan sharing the light he was using. With about 4 miles left to get back to the main start/finish Bryan came upon his wife whom was on her way in finishing up her 40 mile run. He told me to go on as he was going to talk a good long walk break with his wife. At this point I utilized the small light he had provided me and trudged on into the darkness by myself.

Three loops now complete (62.4 mi, ~100 km). I gave Bryan’s light back to him and placed it back into his bag for him, as I had promised. I grabbed my headlamp, and a spare, filled up my Tailwind and headed back out into the night. Very few people were left on the trail now as it was only the 100 milers and even a bunch of those had seemed to have dropped at this point. The last 2 loops were an entirely solo besides the few passing of people due to the nature of the out & back format. I did not get overly sleepy like I normally do but my pace was definitely slowing as I went. The short choppy climbs were starting to get to my knees and I was taking my time and just trying to keep my position in the race. The night was not as cold as forecasted but it was chilly enough to encourage me to keep moving. With a full hour until sunrise I was on the way back to the finish. I crossed in 2^nd place, hours behind the winner (he had us outclassed a lot today), in just over 23 hours. I am made it back before true sunrise and obtained the sub-24 hour buckle. Bryan came in about half an hour behind me securing 3^rd place on the podium and also going under 24 hours.

100 Miles in one day.

Sub 24 buckle and my 2nd place award.

Gear

• Gear Bags: Victory Sportdesign Grizzly backpack (Main Start/Finish aid station)
• Drop bags: Victory Sportdesign Coyote II (halfway aid station)
• Jackets: rabbit elements vest
• Shirts: Team TROT long sleeve, rabbit long sleeve rabbitELITEtrail team jersey
• Shorts: rabbit 5" FKT
• Shoes: HOKA ONE ONE Stinson ATR 6 (test pair)
• Socks: DrymaxSocks
• Headwear: rabbit (BOCO) rabbitELITEtrail cap
• Sunglasses: goodr (A Ginger’s Soul)
• Watch: Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition
• Headlamp: NathanSports Halo Fire
• Hydration: Nathan Sports VaporKrar 4L Race Pack with x2 20oz Nathan soft flasks, TrailRacing Over Texas collapsible cup
• Other: rabbit (BOCO) gloves, rabbit (BOCO) beanie
• Anti Friction: Trail Toes - applied once at beginning

Results & Statistics

I managed to hold on and finish 2^nd overall, even though we were severely outclassed by the front runner in this race.

• Mileage: 104.15 mi
• Time: 23:12:38
• Elevation (+): 8,176 ft

My detailed loop data from my post race data.

• STRAVA activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/4438635220
• UltraSignup Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=74296

This was my 70^th ultramarathon and my 20^th ultra at a distance of 100 miles or more. I secured my 18^th completion of the 100mi or greater distance.

My updated 100mi (+) buckle collection with Loup Garou Trail Run added in place.
Custom display case built by my dad.

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