As we neared the summit it was rapidly becoming dark. The air was cooling off which forced the horse flies to abandon their posts and go elsewhere for the night - hooray, 'bout time! At the paper plate sign we left-faced and started along the ridge. There was still enough daylight to cruise without headlamps all the way to Q's View. There we stopped for a minute to take it all in. After a few deep breaths and a few mental pictures we hit the trail again, this time we flicked on our lights.
I ate a gel and choked down some salt pills, and finally I started to feel better physically. Tristin kept insisting that I eat some solid foods so I pulled out the veggie burrito Kari shoved in my pack and reluctantly took a bite. I had my appetite back! Nothing ever tasted so good! I couldn't believe it! The sight of solid foods (other than oranges) disgusted me all day, but all of a sudden this veggie burrito was appealing to me. I wanted to scarf down the entire thing. I elected to eat half and save the other for later.
The ridge continued for a few miles and led us to a dirt road. It felt good to have a flat surface under my feet and I was able to start running at a decent pace. Families and crews were using that section of the road to travel to the Visitor Center AS, so we ganged way for a few vehicles over the next 3 miles. Dirt turned into concrete and we started to run faster. Thanks to Tom's training runs I knew the course well, and knew the Bird Knob climb was waiting for me at the bottom of the hill. We paced ourselves, probably 10-minute miles, all the way to the AS. Aside from the pee-break and a quick stop to swallow some more salt we kept our feet moving and cranked out some fast miles. Walking up the entrance to the Visitor Center AS I ate the rest of the veggie burrito.
The Visitor Center AS was bumping in the night.
The sound of generators echoed through the woods and lights lit the trail-way towards Bird Knob. Upon arrival I executed my routine - grab oranges and Gatorade, apply a fresh coat of lube under my arms and under my...
While I was munching some chocolate covered coffee beans Tristin informed me that I was doing the next 10 miles alone. I wasn't too disappointed. I knew the course, was very familiar with the two climbs between the Visitor Center AS and the Picnic Area AS, and was prepared with fresh batteries in the music box (but not in the headlamp...that story is next). Our strategy was: run 78-88 solo, pick up Ryan for 88-97, then pick up Tristin again for the remaining 7+ to the finish. We stuck to the plan, sort of.
As we wrapped up things in the Visitor Center AS the volunteers were very alert and attentive. Many of them offered to make me a fresh sandwich (whatever I wanted, basically), bring me drinks, deliver fruit to me, etc. What an awesome bunch! One of the volunteers helped Papa Cillo re-fill my pack with water and gels, which always saved me time and effort, especially since my arms were still going numb when I moved them in certain positions. Exiting the Visitor Center AS I turned and yelled, "Thanks everyone! Best AS in the whole race!" They cheered and fist-pumped. And then I slipped and fell onto the trail...didn't see that 6 inch ledge...I only heard one person make fun of me...Tristin...typical...
Going up Bird Knob I passed a guy and his pacer around mile 79. I didnt see anyone else on the trail until mile 102 - kind of scary when you're in the middle of the woods with only a veggie burrito to keep you company. I may have peeled back the tortilla and flapped it around once or twice to simulate a talking snack. But maybe I only thought about it. Maybe I never did carry on a full conversation with a Mexican treat. I don't remember, but it's not important.
Atop Bird Knob the fog was thicker than I have ever seen in my life. In fact, it was so thick that I was forced to walk the ridge-line into the Bird Knob AS because I couldn't see the ground under my feet. Exhaling filled the air in front of my face with even more debris, so I incorporated some sort of goofy breathing technique in which I inhaled from the front and exhaled to the side. I assumed my lungs were strong enough to suck up the fog from in front of my face when I inhaled, thus making it easier to see. It definitely didn't work. There is probably a detailed, chemistry-related explanation out there which I would be interested in reading.
About 100 yards from the AS, which I could hear but could not see, a bright pink object showed itself on the left side of the trail. I think it was some sort of cardboard flamingo?!? Really freaked me out. A few yards later there was another. And another. Then a generator was sitting on the deck. Then lines and lines of lights which led me directly to the Bird Knob AS. Ok, I pulled a "Brad" going into the AS...I saw people straight ahead, they saw me, so I jogged a few steps to make it look like I was actually doing something. Thanks Brad, I know you'll take it like a Champ.
All I can say about the Bird Knob AS is YOU ROCK! Vegetarian soup, vegan soup, fresh fruit, cookies, cold water, cold gatorade, roaring fire, a few youngsters experiencing what an all-nighter feels like... I stayed there too long, about 10 minutes, and I didn't even fill my pack. The vegan soup smelled too good to be true. "Cup or bowl?" I was asked. Styrofoam cup was my choice. I sipped it as the younger volunteers explained how they pull all-nighters frequently while playing video games and drinking orange soda. I wish I had a picture to share with you all. The Bird Knob AS made my night! Best AS in the whole race!
The next mile or so was downhill on a service road so I was able to make up some lost time. The fog was less dense at lower altitude so I really picked up the pace until I turned left on the purple trail and encountered another climb. Although rather short it was very steep. It offered many large rocks to grab onto with my hands, but they were all covered in some sort of centipede insect thingy. A few times I forgot how many there were and I smashed them with my hands and fingers - gross. I learned my lesson and toughed it out by pushing down on my knees with my hands as I hiked the hill. I knew the backside of the mountain was all downhill to the Picnic Area AS, and I couldn't wait.
Before the Chocolate Bunny training run Tom stressed that there were FIVE switchbacks going down the purple trail. I counted them out loud to myself: "ONE! HA! HA! HA!"......."TWO! HA! HA! HA!".......'THREE! HA! HA! HA!".......remember I mentioned my headlamp and batteries? Well, after the third switchback, and subsequent third miniature celebration, I noticed the trail was slowly disappearing. Time to switch out batteries. Like all smart ultrarunners I was carrying an extra headlamp and extra batteries. I found a waist high rock and pulled over, flopped my pack onto the rock, pulled out my fresh headlamp (with fresh batteries), and proceeded to pull out a ziploc with my extra batteries. I removed dead headlamp from my noggin' and replaced it with the live one. At that point I should have packed up my stuff and kept running, right? For a reason still unknown to me I began removing the battery cover on my dead headlamp and fishing out 3 new AA's. I remember the situation so well:
"Can't get the battery cover off, bit all my fingernails in the tent last night. Gotta find a rock. This one looks good. Nope, too fat. Here, this one is skinny, this should be good to go. Ouch, my arms keep going numb, wtf?!? Ok, stick rock here, press here...boing! Crap, batteries everywhere. Don't want to litter, I'm an ultrarunner! This ain't no marathon! I pick up my trash! Let me find these stupid things. Here's one. Here's two. Hmmm....ok, 2 out of 3 is failing but it'll have to do. Ok, new batteries. Positive side here, negative side here, repeat for other two batteries. Shut the cover. Press on button. On! Sweet! Pack up. Oh crap, the light went off. Press on again. On! Continue packing. Crap, lights out again. Wtf?!? Oh, cover isn't shut all the way. Try to remove cover and correct problem. Cover won't come off because one end is clicked into place and the other is not. Find the skinny rock again. Open cover again. Batteries fall out again. Must find them all this time, they are live! Collect up all 3, put them back in, close cover PROPERLY. Press on button. On! Staying on! Still staying on! Smack against the rock and still stays on. Ok, pack up. Throw skinny rock into woods and say "Hi-yah!" Sling pack onto body. Ouch, numb again. Run away..."
"FOUR! HA! HA! HA!"......."FIVE! HA! HA! HA!".......
Needless to say, I was losing "it". I took a left on the pink trail and scampered down the rest of the hill. My stomach started acting funny again so I made a quick stop to handle my business. By then the baby wipes had already moved from the pack to the front pocket. At the stream at the bottom of the hill I missed a rock while hopping across and ended up in the water. The entire left side of my body was soaked. It actually felt pretty good but I knew my left foot would pay the price soon enough. (Actually, the only blister I got during the race was on my right big toe, my left foot held up.) I thought the trail to the AS would never end. I also thought the AS was in the route 211 parking lot, so it was a big relief when I stumbled upon it, almost accidentally, at the gate at the end of the trail. I was losing "it", but my feet were still moving pretty quick.
Snipes had been preaching to me for weeks about how to control highs and lows, and not to get too high or too low. That was constantly on my mind, which is why I didn't burn myself out coming down the pink trail, or sink into oblivion at Gap Creek. I figured as long as I wasn't using my highs to sprint through the Massanuttens that I was free to use them in other ways. I crept down the trail into the Picnic Area AS and was as happy as a pig in mud!
"What up, party people?"
"Oh...Runner!!!"
"How ya'll doin'?" (I'm not even from the south...)
It seemed as if the AS volunteers were not prepared to see someone as ecstatic as me, especially after covering 88 miles of Massanutten trails. And neither was my crew! I don't think they were expecting me for another hour or so. It was obvious when I walked by the crew vehicle and saw Tristin sleeping in it. But Kari, Papa Cillo and Ryan were all awake and sitting by the fire with the volunteers. Kari and my Dad greeted me with smiles as wide as the Massanuttens! Ryan hung by the fire, I think he was in shock. Kari quickly made my final veggie burrito of the race (since the veggies were gone after making it) as I munched on some oranges and Gatorade - who woulda thought? I ate the burrito by the fire in less than 30 seconds. My dad and I re-filled my hydration pack. I think the AS volunteers were still in shock that someone would be so happy at midnight after being on their feet all day.
"Everybody good 'round here, or what?"
"Yeah, we're good! Not as good as you, but we're good!"
"C'mon peeps, let's get some pep in our step! That is one huge fire you guys have!" (I really used the word "peeps"?)
Once my pack was full I was ready to start stepping it out. I started saying my see-ya-laters as Ryan ripped off his sweatpants and put on his pack. I forgot he was coming with me! Things were going great! I warned him of the upcoming climb after crossing route 211 but he insisted on coming, as long as he wasn't going to slow me down - he didn't want to miss out on the experience. After some reassurance that he would certainly not be holding me back we headed out for the 9-mile stick to the final AS. Many thanks to the Picnic Area folks for a smooth transition and for keeping my spirits up! Best AS in the whole race! And maybe the best fire in the whole race too:
Pops and Ryan
Kari said this was the only 5 minutes my Dad slept the entire race
Before Ryan and I zig-zagged our way to the route 211 parking lot we had to trot past the vehicles of the families and volunteers. Tristin was still spread out across the back seat of the crew vic - another picture I wish I had taken.
We crossed route 211 and began the ascent. Every couple minutes I reassured Ryan (and myself) that there was a summit. He actually held his own going up the creek bed. I was the one who stopped to sit on a tree stump for a minute. And stopped to use the restroom a few times. And stopped simply to stop....
Heading down the backside of the mountain was hard on my knees and ankles - it was relatively steep in some places and the rocks were starting to annoy me. I knew there was a service road at the bottom that would lead us directly to Gap Creek AS, and the thought of jogging on a smooth surface helped us mentally negotiate the terrain.
The service road was a lot longer than I remembered. Crew vehicles were also using that road to travel to/from the Gap Creek AS, so we got our daily dosage of dust until we reached the AS.
As was the case with most of the aid stations, Gap Creek lit up the sky and we were able to see from a few hundred yards away. As we rounded the turn and came into the AS I realized how much Ryan had taken my mind off the running. We conversed the entire two-and-a-half hours about things like family, baseball, our careers, graduate school, flipping houses, etc. I would talk while he listened, he would talk while I listened - what a great concept. I can't thank Ryan enough for being there to share in the suffering and to support our team's endeavor in finishing the race.
The first thing I noticed when we entered the AS was that Kari was dressed in running shorts and one of my Athletic Equation tech-t's, and she had my hand bottle full of water. At the Picnic Area AS I brought up the idea that she should run the last leg of the race with me, but I didn't think she would be up for it after such a long day and a sleepless night. Not to mention I was about to climb Jawbone for the second time. Some of the volunteers re-filled my pack one last time while Tristin and my Dad escorted me to the orange aisle. (Side note - PB&J is usually my go-to snack during races, but not once did I crave any type of sandwich during the entire 25+ hours I was running.) I spent about 10 minutes perusing and chatting with the AS volunteers and my crew, as well as Adam Watkins, who was waiting for his wife Robin. When I had my fill I slid on my pack, grabbed a few gels (just in case), and gave Ryan a manly hug for being an awesome friend. I was ready, but Kari was not...
"Do I have time to go to the bathroom?"
"Really?"
"Yes, really...wait for me..." (Kari runs into the woods...)
"Yeah, sure, no problem. I know you've been pretty busy the past few hours, so it's no big deal..."
"Psht, just shut up and wait."
"Yes Ma'am..."
At that point Adam stated that he was expecting Robin any minute. I had made it a personal goal at the Habron Gap AS to not let a female runner finish ahead of me, since every race I had ever finished there was at LEAST one kick-ass female who made us guys feel slow. But honestly, I didn't really care and it had slipped my mind the previous 40 miles that Kathleen and Robin had fallen behind. In any event, I was waiting on my most favorite female in the whole world to finish her business and join me on my second journey up Jawbone.
I love running with Kari and it had been awhile since we last ran together - different speeds, different mentality, different approaches to training, etc. - so I was looking forward to a nice run and casual conversation. Actually, we used to run the trails in Prince William Forest Park together quite frequently until we coined them the "Divorce Trails"...since then we have been training on individual programs.
Kari has a rigorous routine she has to execute prior to going for a run. When she returned from the woods she gave me a head nod and signaled she was good to go. I gulped down one final cup of gatorade while I thanked the volunteers at the AS, who were all in such a great mood after being awake for so many hours. They were also doubling-up as the Gap Creek 1 AS and the Gap Creek 2 AS. They were helpful in many ways and gave us the encouragement to finish the last leg of the race and cross the finish line! Best AS in the whole race!
Immediately, both of us were out of breath. We were both tired and running on no sleep - literally, running. But, since we finally had some time together, I was able to tell her about my experiences on the course with Kathleen and she got to tell me about the dangers of crewing with the guys. Time went by fast and we reached the top in no time. That late into the race it was easier going up than going down. The downhill section was comprised mostly of gigantic rocks and downed trees, none of which were easy to maneuver over/around anymore.
We walked the last half-mile of the trail - my ankles were so sore and that lone blister was forming under my big right toe. I probably should have changed my socks at some point, probably at the Picnic Area AS after I fell in the creek. Oh well, too late. I knew that once we hit the road it wouldn't matter anyway. But once we got there my feet had so many hot spots it was hard to run. If the race had ended at mile 100 then I would have still been in great shape. But I really fell apart those last 3.7 miles. I had hopes of running the last few miles, all downhill on concrete, and making up for lost time as I crossed the finish line feeling strong. But after 10 more minutes of walking on the road I was still hurting. It was then that I encountered another runner, the first since going up Bird Knob. This time I was the victim though. I looked behind me and saw two headlamps. As I turned to look behind me I walked into Kari on accident - my ankles were done for. Then we heard the strangest thing - singing! Bad singing, in fact, a song I had never heard. But the worst part was that it was two female voices...Robin! No way. Not today. All of a sudden I didn't give a hoot how bad my ankles hurt. I was going to finish strong. We started running and I started to forget about the pain. It was then that I had my one and only genuine hallucination:
"Kari, look, I thought that sign said '25 mph', but it doesn't."
"Uhhhhhhh...nope."
"Haha. It says 'cars and trucks cannot cross bridge.'"
"Uhhhhhhh...no it doesn't. It says 'do not cross bridge when flooded.'"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Oh man, this is not good."
Kari and I ran the rest of the road to the Lutheran Camp entrance, probably just over a mile-and-a-half. I only stopped once because I had to pee. The fact that I was still peeing at mile 102 was impressive but each time I stopped added more minutes I was on the course.
We took a left on the dirt road and I kept running. I ran all the way to the top. We took a right onto the trail and I kept running. Kari was falling behind. I just wanted it to be over. I wanted to feel the satisfaction of crossing the finish line with my crew, knowing that each of us put everything we had into the race. Every ounce of energy. Every calorie was burned. All of it. All of it was left on the course. I wanted my crew to know that I didn't let them down and that their efforts were not wasted. I wanted all the volunteers to know that their efforts were way beyond expectations and that they truly carried us through the race. What better way to end the journey than by crossing the finish line and celebrating with my crew. And shaking the RD's hand. All those training miles were about to pay off. Having the best family and friends, and some stellar volunteers at all the aid stations, made it seem way too easy. So easy that I felt they were working harder than me most times. Crossing the finish line would prove to anyone that anything is possible. That a no-name bum - never been a runner, doesn't even consider himself a runner, not the greatest form, and in road shoes for crying out loud - could gather some of his closest friends and family and embark on a brand new adventure. An adventure in which the end felt almost unattainable at the start. An ending point that none of us were certain we would see without taking an ambulance ride and visiting the nearest hospital...
When Kari and I reached the last bridge we stopped and cried together for a few seconds. Words can't really describe how good it felt to know the finish line was just around the corner. We hugged and told each other how proud we were that the team made it this far. I could have stood there longer but we had somewhere to be. After the bridge was one last creek - I ran straight through it as Kari hopped the rocks. We decided to part ways at the fork in the road - she went left, I went right. I knew she and the crew would be waiting for me at the finish line so I damn near sprinted out and around the trees and down the straight away.
Alas! I could see the official race clock! My crew was standing right next to it, and Kevin was in his lawn chair just beyond them. I smiled. Only another 30 seconds of pain. Before I knew it I was keeled over and breathing heavy on the other side of the finish line. Kevin bent down and shook my hand, which sealed the job for us. We had done it - 103.7 miles in 25:23:33. Anything really is possible.
Here are some photos:
Me, Tristin, and Kari checking the video
Holy crap we made it: Tristin, Ryan, Pops, me, and Kari
Ryan and I
Me and Pops
After we took some pictures I stuffed my face. Tom, Toni and the rest of Team Gaylord made so many good dishes. I ate a little of everything on the vegetarian menu. Delicious! Coupled with a few cups of Gatorade made my belly feel good for the first time in 12 hours. We were all tired and getting restless so Kari stretched me out quick: (this is our post-race tradition)
When I felt good enough to walk we headed for the campground:
This hill was seriously the worst one of the day...
When we got back it was still dark. The guys needed to head back to PA and get some sleep - they all had to work the next morning. We hugged it out one more time. It was sad to see them go.
After they left, Kari and I showered then slept in the tent for about 4 hours. We woke up around 1100 and mingled around for a bit. We ate some PB&N (peanut butter & nutella) sandwiches, chocolate covered coffee beans, and some sparkling waters (go Wegmans!) as we packed up the camp site. I went to the bath house to brush my teeth and ran into Snipes. He had just finished his 10th running of the MMT100 - congrats man! What an elite group of runners to be associated with.
The awards ceremony started at 1500, so we started walking that way around 1405 to make sure we had enough time. Kari has some good footage of us (well, me) walking painfully down the hill and across the bridge. Walking would become a chore for the next two days. Surprisingly, so would sleep. (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights I woke up every 30 minutes, and each time I sat straight up in bed and looked around. I was anxious about something. Luckily, I was back to my normal sleep schedule by the following weekend.)
I received my belt buckle and another hand shake from Kevin.
These shoes got tossed after the race. There was a permanent dent in the left one...
A quick story. When I was 16 I got my driver's license. My Dad considered selling his old truck but decided to keep it for me to drive. I vaguely remember his asking me one time, "Do you want that truck, or can I sell it?" I don't remember my answer, but it was probably something like "Yeah, but I'm going to look around for something else too," or, "Sure, I guess so." Well, whatever my answer was, there was one thing it wasn't: convincing. I drove it to school for two days and the next week it was sold and gone. The following week I found myself in a used car salesman's office emptying my savings account for a lousy '91 Chevy Beretta with 145,000 miles.
So, my Dad sold the truck that was supposed to be mine, and then allowed me to spend every last penny I had on a POS used car...what a dick! But what a damn genius! I then had a job at the grocery store 3 miles from our house. After I bought the car I increased my hours, spent less money on the weekends on dumb stuff, and (ironically) continue riding my bike to/from the grocery store to save enough funds to afford gas, repairs, and insurance. (yes, he made me pay insurance too.) I hated my Dad at the time, but the impact on my work ethic was priceless. I had to juggle work with baseball, football, homework, girlfriends...and I had to have money for all of them. I learned that great successes came with hard work and determination. I discovered that I was going to earn everything for the rest of my life on my own, because when my Dad would once in awhile slip me a $20 bill for some food at the baseball park it didn't feel right.
Always earned, never given. Although my crew and the volunteers dang near ran the race for me, I still left-footed / right-footed all 103.7 miles and earned the sweet taste of accomplishment. Thanks Pops...
To all the volunteers - a huge thank you for your service, and thanks for making this race possible!
To my crew - I don't even know what to say. This might be the most memorable experience of my life thus far, and you were right next to me the entire way.
I could keep going but this post is long enough as it is. And since I couldn't fit it in anywhere else....Anstr, thanks for what you do. There was no formal method for paying for camp sites on pre-race day. There was no receipt machine. There might have been a roster, but I didn't see one. But I had no doubt that when I handed you $30 for two campsites that the money would go towards something for the club, or a race, or anything beneficial to ultrarunning or VHTRC. And what kind of runner would I be without knowing all my splits?!? Now I can show all my buddies at work how slow I really was the second half of the race...
End of recount...
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