To Hell and Back

A Taste of True Beast Coast Trails

Ultramarathon #115 | A New HR Qualifier in North Carolina

Pre Race

16 hour driving time - TX to NC.

Headed East I travelled late Wednesday night and through most of Thursday to make the 16-hour drive time to get myself out to Old Fort, North Carolina. I arrived at Camp Grier just outside of town right as the pre-race meeting was kicking off. I had arrived without a minute to spare.  I had made the trek in around 20 hours total time which included my stops for fuel, snacks, and sleep (a mini ultra in itself). I hustled up to the crowd gathered and listened in on the information being put forth by the race directing crew.  All the usual stuff was being touted but I paid close attention when they did the course description and preview. Once all the pertinent information was passed out I got myself near the front of the line up for the free dinner put on by the Camp Grier for all the runners. After my fill, I walked back over to my car and got my shoes on - time for a little shakeout run to get the blood flowing in the legs after the long travel. I looked on the STRAVA map and picked a trail I would not be running in the morning, and just went for a couple miles out and back before sunset.

pre race briefing & quick shakeout run at Camp Grier.

I took a few minutes to sort out my gear and pack up my vest for the morning, so everything was ready to go. I nestled down in my car for the night in the car camping spots right across from the start/finish. It was a nice convenient spot and due to the long travel I was pretty tired and went to sleep quickly.  The early 04:30 start time was quickly approaching....

The Run

The morning sky was dark but clear as the stars were clearly visible above through the gaps in tree tops. What a beautiful day to run 100 Miles I thought to myself as I stood there awaiting the countdown. I was ready and excited to explore the North Carolina mountains. Off we went into the darkness of the early morning with the first few miles uphill on a easy gravel road to get us settled in.... I started in the near back of the pack at the start in order to govern myself off the start. This being a known hard race I knew that patience at the start would be key to a successful finish. The first sunlight was around 06:30 so we had 2 hours of low light conditions which also helped slow me down a bit on the start.

I settled into hiking all the ups (which was a lot at the start) and running the flats and downs, while trying to remain in control of my pace and not blow out my quads too early. The sun was out early as it crept up over the background of the mountains and peering through the trees. The humidity was high to start and felt quite warm as soon as we had begun moving early in the morning. The trails were rooty and rocky as we climbed up headed for the first high point. I kept patient and tried to throttle my pace again on the next big downhill, all the way down from ~5,200 ft+ losing all 3k of elevation (and more) that I had just earned on the previous climb. From there is was right back up the other mountain from 2,000 ft+ back to ~5,000 ft+ again. There was a remote water aid station setup here out of a van on the side of the road. Super low key, but done right by some awesome couple of volunteers whom offered up anything and helped fill up my bottles. I took off my hydration vest and grabbed a selfie of the NC mountainous scenery from the road lookout, because why not?

Blue Ridge Parkway (Green Knob) water drop station (mile 27.5). Nearing 7 hours into race time.

After a quick hydration stop I dropped only about 2k of elevation loss on my way to Neals Creek aid station for the 1st time (outbound) which equated to having completed ~50 km (31.7 Mi) at this point now. Not studying the map super closely before hand I knew that the biggest climb (Mount Mitchell) was in the front portion of the course but once I got into the second major climb I thought this was it...however I was mistaken as I had to grind all the way up, then run all the way back down before taking on the long 5.75 Mi grind up to the summit of Mitchell. I think for some reason I thought this summit was ~50 km into the race, but in reality is was just over 60 km into the course. No matter I was not super bummed on that aspect, I just had it in my mind from the quick map glances it was sooner. 

Leaving the campground at the bottom this trailhead was clearly well used and you could tell the trail was a popular hiking destination. There were sign posts half mile on the way up signaling the distance done as well as remaining. I passed many people, most on their way back down at this point in the day at it was reaching later afternoon now. As I gained in elevation the clouds were growing darker in the distance, although I did not think too much of it yet. Next thing I knew I was slowly making my way to the very top. I had found m way to the highest point on the East Coast and obviously highest point of the course.

Mount Mitchell 6,684 ft+. (mile 38).

After taking a quick video at the top of Mount Mitchell on the platform I came down and headed towards the picnic area not far below where the aid station was set up. As you can see from the video clip it was windy and the rain clouds were coming in quite fast at this point, although I still did not realize how fast. I got into the small semi-enclosed area at the picnic shelter and asked for some warm soup & broth from the aid station volunteers. and just like that it started getting darker and darker, and then in an instant it started just pouring as a couple more runners came into the aid picnic shelter seeking cover from the elements. 

Mt. Mitchell Picnic Area (mile 38.2). Taken only maybe 5 minutes after my video above. I was already cold and brought out my rabbit Treeline rain jacket. Photo: Schreiner Trail Photography

I did not want to linger too long up here, as it was the highest point, it was exposed and thus a little cold from the wind and now rain, and plus I was getting colder by the minute by not moving and generating heat. I layered up and prepared to head out into the rain, with another lady and her pacer. The three of us pressed on leaving Mitchell and following the trail along the ridge. This section of ridge running was slow going and very technical on a good day. The was large step downs and step ups a few ropes set up in one section, and just nasty pointy rocks everywhere. Made worse by Mother Nature as she was making herself known as it was not long after setting out from the aid station before the hail started. I simply put my rain hood up and continued on with the 2 ladies as we all worked together grinding through these ~3.5 ridge miles....very....very...slowly. I pulled out my gloves and put them on too even though they got soaked instantly they did provide a slight warmth to my cold hands as the temperature dropped significantly since the storm moved in. 

STRAVA segment: Mt Mitchell North to Colbert Ridge | Strava Run Segment in North Carolina
My stats= time: 1h 40min, pace: 26:33 min/Mi
This ridge run goes from Mt. Mitchell northward over Mount Craig, Big Tom, Balsam Cone, Cattail Peak, Potato Hill then finally descends down to Deep Gap. The STRAVA segment ends here and continues onto Colbert Ridge to the aid Colbert's Creek (46.3 Mi).

The trail was literally flowing as the rain began to pick up and really soak us to the core. BOOOOM! A loud crack of thunder was not that far off as the storm was passing directly over us now. Not exactly the ideal time to be at the highest section of the race. But I also knew that going forward would take me down in elevation (eventually), whereas turning around would only take me back to the highest point of Mount Mitchell - really it was not even a choice or something I thought of. A big flash came followed by the loud crackle. The storm was gaining in proximity. In total there were 4 flashes of lightning that I saw around us up there on the ridge. I felt relatively safe as we were amongst trees...and well I did not want to stop moving and get even colder. Onward I went, leap frogging with the 2 ladies as we slashed in the accumulating mini river on the trails. This was by far the coldest and wettest I was during the race as the rain continued to pound down. Luckily the lightning portion passed over relatively quickly and moved on. 

Once the ridge run portion of this segment was over it was another 4 miles straight down rocky wet rocky terrain all the way to the next aid station. This was the near half way point of the race. It is listed at 46.3 Mi on the race guide, but I show it was closer to 48.5 Mi (which makes sense since the race is actually 103 Mi in total). I was defeated from the rain and just simply staggered up to the aid station grabbing some coke-cola straight away to help perk me up. I was soaked and a little down mentally but spent about 12 minutes here eating some warm soup before continuing onward. The trail was relatively flat leaving Colbert's Creek aid station for like a mile, maybe a little more, and then it was back to a relentless grind back towards Mount Mitchell for another 4.5 Mi up or so. The trail was a softer trail here and held the water too well, making it impossible to keep your feet dry. It was dark now and the warmth was now fading even faster as the rain slowed to an off and on drizzle. 

Since the last section was all uphill, you guessed it - it was now all downhill for the next 7.5 Mi to Horse Toe aid station, which equated to 100 km+ (~65 Mi) behind me at this point. I only filled up my one bottle as I was not drinking as much in the colder conditions and it was a mere 4.5 Mi back to Neal Creek aid station for the second time. I was slow. I was cold. I was tired. The course was beating me up. My feet were still completely soaked and not the most comfortable situation. Onward I pressed. Night was against me I was desperately awaiting the second sunrise and a hopeful surge in my circadian rhythm. 

Photo: Schreiner Trail Photography

Sleep seemed to be winning but I willed my way forward and kept trudging on with those damp socks irritating my poor feet. I focused my mind elsewhere and fought through, but I was not moving fast at all. Downhill running was super slow now due to sore quads and sore uncomfortable feet, but I knew I just had to push. I not sure when but the first light was not enough, it took about an hour of sunlight before I finally popped awake (so to say) and felt awake again, no longer stumbling and bumbling my way along. The day also brought clear skies again and a little bit of warmth back into the air. As the sun rose I was able to put away my jacket and the long sleeve layer I had put on in the night just to keep my core warm. 

What lie in front of me was a long downhill section, a small bump (couple mile) climb and then about 3ish miles down into the finish back at Camp Grier. My descending was awful and slow at this point now reaching well over a full day of running. I had a brief thought I could break 30 hours, but then i realized where I the reality set in that I was not near that time at all. But no matter I just kept going and eventually got to the very last aid station at the bottom of the ravine on Jarrett Creek. I took just a couple minutes here getting in some fuel and then took off with a new goal of attempting to get in under 32 hours. It would be close as with 1 mile to go I got within ear shot of the camp and the trail winded around and around the mountain track away, towards, and then back away from the camp. I kept glancing at my watch as it was getting a lot closer than I thought to break this arbitrary 32-hour mark. But I pushed and ran quite fast for the last half mile to squeak in just under 32 hours.

holding up my fingers to signal my 40th 100 Mi or more finish here at Hellbender. Photo: Schreiner Trail Photography.

Final Thoughts

What a journey. One of my longer 100 mile efforts in terms of time-wise due to the nature of the terrain, combined with me being a South Texas flatlander currently, and just the curve ball of the rain storm that made it that much more interesting for us runners. Would I change anything? No. I had a blast, my heart is full from my first trip to North Carolina and getting to experience the mountains of the East [Beast] Coast. I would rank this 100 as one of the harder ones I've done in terms of my mountain 100s and would most definitely recommend this one to anyone whom wants to get into the Hardrock lottery now that they have that distinction. 

My poor feet were near trench foot like after being soaked for about 20 hours non-stop after the rainstorms. Sadly I was not wearing the best soaks for drainage, nor did I have any drop bags or spare socks, so I just had to deal with it. I survived. :) Luckily no blisters, just water damage per say.

This is the Hellbender crew whom put this event on. What a great job on executing a great race complete with excellent flagging, provided a .gpx for the runners, hosted amazing aid stations with their volunteer army, and even had GPS tracking for our family to follow along at home. The buckle is a thing of simplistic beauty as well! Thank you for a great race (I may have to come back).
Photo: Schreiner Trail Photography.

Shortly after crossing the finish I waddled over to my car, which was only like 200 feet from the finish chute, and got my towel and fresh change of clothing. My first priority was getting out of my stinky, sweaty, dirty gear and taking a shower at the provided cabins at Camp Grier - such a nice perk after a long run like this! Next was a trip over to the snack tables where the volunteers were cooking up burgers so I indulged in that offering as well. Lastly after some hydration I then went back to the cabins and lay down on one of the cots for an hour nap to perk myself up before prepping for the long journey back to Texas.

Thank you North Carolina, and thank you Run828 for the event.

Results & Data

• 31:58::34 | 35th overall (M31)
• HR Qualifier obtained for 2025, 2026 | (DNFr = 20.83%).
• My 40th 100Mi or more completed & my 115th ultramarathon run overall.
• My 5th ultramarathon of 2024, capping off my #12in12 personal project (see next blog post for summary)
• STRAVA: The Hellbender One Hundred 🦎 (35th overall), Old Fort, NC | Run | Strava
• UltraSignup Results: 2024 Hellbender 100 100-Miler - Results (ultrasignup.com)
• Distance was just over 103 Mi (just FYI for those whom care)
• 24,062 ft+ of climbing over the 5 main climbs, as advertised.
• My moving time: 30:43:11 (96.07%) | total time in aid: 1:15:43 (3.93%)

This might be one of my favorite buckles. I love the color simplicity combined with the topography background.

Gear Used

• Jackets - rabbit Treeline rain jacket
• Lighting setup - kogalla RA Adventure Light (waistlamp) & Nathan Sports Halo Fire (headlamp)
• Shirts - rabbit SS rabbitELITEtrail team kit, rabbit LS deflector 2.0 with hood
• Shorts - rabbit 5" shredders 2-in-1 trail
• Headwear - rabbit (rnnr) rabbitELITEtrail team kit, rabbit BOCO beanie
• Gloves - rabbit BOCO
• Shoes - ACSIS GEL-Trabuco 13
• Socks - injinji
• Hydration - NATHAN Trailmix 12L pack with (x2) 20oz soft flasks
• Anti-Friction Lube - Trail Toes
• Watch - Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition

----- ----- ----- ----- -----

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

Next: Angeles Crest Endurance Run 100 Mi (2024-Aug-03)

Arbuckle 100

Ultramarathon #114 | A little trip North of Dallas

Another month, another weekend, and another 100 Mi event. 

Let's Go!

A quick trip straight up from the Houston area took me through Dallas and across the North Texas border into Oklahoma. Not too far into the state was the race Location (Cross Bar Ranch Offroad Park) just outside of the small town Davis. I arrived in the dark on Friday night I think it was around 22:00 or so which meant I had plenty of time to get settled in my passenger seat and snuggle in for some Zzzz's for the night. The race started at 06:00 so that meant I had to get up just after 05:00 to get checked in and set my chair and drop bag up near the start-finish area.

Texas travel staple #1 = Buc'ees stop.

Texas travel staple #2 = WhatABurger.

The morning was not cool, but not super warm either. It was really perfect running weather to start off. Looking around there was only about 30 people total running the 100 km & 100 Mi event that was about to start. It was a very low key first year event, which is always a neat thing to participate in. The RD counted down and then lead us out of the parking lot down the trail for the first quarter mile before stepping aside and letting the runners go. Into the darkness of the ATV trails we continued. A couple people took off at a very quick clip, which I assumed were some of the 100 km'ers but still...too fast for my liking so early. I kept to my own pace trying to limit my effort and not go out too fast myself - which is something I always have an internal battle with, even after all this 100Mi experience. A short hour into the race climbing up rocky slopes and dodging some dark puddles in the middle of the trails the sun started to shed some light onto the course. The intensity of the first two thirds of the loop had become more apparent in the light. The rocks and the technicality were right in front of us now. Every now and then there would be a nice stretch of flat non-rutted out trail but then that false sense of comfort was usually quickly squashed only a few hundred meters later.  Eventually did "soften up" in terms of the technical footing and overall condition of the trail nearing the 2nd aid station on the 20 Mi loop. The meant that the last one third of the loop was the easy portion of this course, much flatter and only a few ruts from the ATV compared to the first portion of the loop. I knew that time was going to be able to made up on this portion, as long as the legs would hold up.

Heading out for the second loop was nice day out with sun shining and the heat of the day slowly creeping up, A few clouds but overall it was great. The wind was picking up however and slowly clouds started to roll in. The threat of weather was not even really a thought I had considering it was like a 10% chance of precipitation the weather app has said at the beginning of the day. due to the wind I did take my rabbit elements vest with me as an extra layer since I thought the wind might cool it down enough to warrant it. 

running through/around the creek beds. As you can see, not a super runner friendly course.

lots of rocky technical footing was out here. Not a lot of smooth trails.

There was a lot of small water crossings. Very easy to get through (before the thunderstorms). The ATV riders definitely enjoyed these more than the runners.

They weren't kidding, lots of ATV usage in this Offroad park. Clearly this is a popular destination for all offroader's as there were all sorts of group rides, tons of day campers, and lots of people for the weekend fun in the park. Pictured here is the tail end of an ATV convoy after I let them pass by. Luckily the wind kept dust moving quickly and was not a big deal.

Passing the windmills each loop meant the climbing was essentially down. Only a flat-ish 10 km (6 Mi) remained on the back third of the loop. These were definitely placed in a good spot as it was always windy on this portion of the course.

I did not have my phone on me so did not receive this real time.

Evening was coming around now. I had managed to get though the tougher first potion of the loop as the wind continued to whip and the clouds grew greyer and more numerous. After passing the last aid station at mile 13.8 it was only a short 10 km back to the start-finish. Then I heard it.... rumbling in the distance. Through the ever-darkening sky I could see brief flashes on the horizon. The chance of thunderstorms was now a lot more than the 10% forecasted as it appeared to be on a collision course for us. I quickened my pace and was aiming just to finish off this loop before the course got over the park, at least that was my new mini goal. I didn't have a rain jacket with me, only my vest which again I took for wind chill more than anything. I ran briskly but the clouds were gliding across the sky towards us faster than my legs would propel me to the end off the loop. The rain drops started with only a few kilometers to go bac to the start finish area. I played it smart and got out my rabbit elements vest and placed it on as it was better than nothing. I also placed on my NATHAN headtorch at this point to help light the way. It was not cold rain, but it sure did come down hard once it started to open up. Lots of flashes of lightning (mostly sheet up in the clouds) followed by the inviable loud claps of thunder. 

Arriving back at the start finish a little soaked I was looking forward to getting an actual rain jacket (my rabbit Treeline) and a dry shirt while I was at it. I crossed under the arch and instantly got angry at myself since my chair and Victory Sportdesign gear bag were simply sitting out in the open exposed to the rain. My gear had been getting rained on the past 30 minutes or whatever it was now. I threw out some cuss words in frustration, but then grabbed my stuff and brought it under one of the race pop-up tents. I took my time to get changed and into dry(ish) gear. Luckily the rain had not fully saturated the bag...yet. After getting my rain gear and my kogalla waistlight situated I thanked the volunteers for the food and then headed back out into the rainy darkness knowing the challenge was now just beginning. 

The next 2 loops proved to beat me down, along with all the other runner participants remaining out there. I knew just how hard it was going to be when I left on my 3rd loop climbing up the very start embankment to the trail I started sliding right back down almost right away due to the fact that all the sand out here was the type which turned into super slick because it swells and not really absorbs the moisture. I instantly had flashbacks of 3 weeks prior (Mudlands not Grasslands....agh!). This entire park had the same soil composition so this course was now a slip and slide, except where the rocks were which provided the grip needed to propel forward. 

The rain continued. I don't even remember how long it lasted, but it might have been the entirely of my 3rd loop which took many hours.  All of the inclines were like a game of snakes and ladders. 4 steps up....2 steps sliding back down. The rocky terrain really was an addition in many spots because the rocks made it so you could grip and not slide as much. The grind was real, my pace slowed significantly, I kept moving forward. Eventually I got through the night and finished my 4th loops (80 Mi). The rain had dissipated now but the saturation of the course remained, the puddles were deeper, the soil was slippery, and our spirits were broken. The difficulty was punctuated by the fact here was very little flat surfaces on the course. Since it was on an ATV park the ruts were big and every little surface seemed to be crowned quite a bit, so no matter where you placed your footing you slid a little. All the little muscles in my legs would be activated just to stay upright and in balance.

Before starting off for my final loop I was informed I was only one of a handful of runners left out of all the 100 km and 100 Mi hopefuls. The morning light was the only thing I was looking forward to now even though I knew it would not dry the ground conditions out fast enough. I had to grasp onto something. The morning air had a slight chill and so I continued to wear my rain jacket more as warmth at this point. The sun finally came out as I passed over the 25 hour mark. I still had a good portion of my final loop to go. A finish was within grasp but my legs and feet were so beat up from the conditions that my pace was still very slow. I trudged on and kept run-walking best I could. It was a lonely Sunday morning out there in this park as all the recreation ATVer's seemed to have packed up and went home, there was no other runners in sight. In fact, I had not seen another runner for about a full loop and a bit now. It felt like I was out there on a solo mission which in a sense I was.

Receiving my buckle and finishers medal, and a surprise bonus cheque from RD William Kent.
Thanks Texas Outlaw Running Company. Photo: Briston Rains

Coming down the final 1 mile on the park road back to the start-finish was such a gratifying journey. I had gutted it out. This was up there in terms of my higher 100 Mi finish times but the course had really taken it to me with mother nature not letting it be easy this weekend. I crossed under the finish arch greeted by the RD (William Kent) and Texas Outlaw Running Company owner (Briston Rains) and one other volunteer left helping out. I received my hard earned buckle and sat down and chatted for a few minutes. The park manager came out to greet us and thanked the race for coming to their park for the event. Another 100 Mile finish was complete - my 39th - what a grind!

Time to recover and rest up.

39th. Buckle Up!
#ChasingBuckles #12in12 #100Mi

Results

• 29:16:42 | 1st overall, course record. I happened to be the only finisher of the 10 starters for this inaugural year (DNFr = 90%).
• My 39th 100Mi or more completed & my 114th ultramarathon run overall.
• My 4th ultramarathon of 2024
• STRAVA: Arbuckle 100 (1st overall, CR), Davis OK | Run | Strava
• UltraSignup Results: 2024 Arbuckle 100 100 Mile - Results (ultrasignup.com) 

Gear Used

• Jackets - rabbit Low Light Swish 2.0 & rabbit elements vest
• Lighting setup - kogalla RA Adventure Light (waistlamp) & Nathan Sports Halo Fire (headlamp)
• Shirts - rabbit SS (x2), LS rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Shorts - rabbit 3" FKT 2.0, & rabbit 5" shredders 2-in-1 trail
• Headwear - rabbit (rnnr) rabbitELITEtrail team kit
• Shoes - Altra Olyumpus 4.0 (paired with Altra/Trail Racing Over Texas gaiters)
• Socks - rnnr (x1), Drymax (x1)
• Hydration - NATHAN Pinnacle 12L race pack with (x2) 20oz soft flasks
• Anti-Friction Lube - Trail Toes
• Watch - Garmin fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition
• Gear Bag: Victory Sportdesign (Grizzly Backpack)

----- ----- ----- ----- -----

Thanks for checking out my race report of this tough (& inaugural) year of the race.

Next: Hellbender 100 (2024-May-10)

Upcoming: Angeles Crest Endurance Run 100 Mi (2024-Aug-03)

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.

----- ----- ----- ----- -----

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)