Pinhoti 100 Mile Endurnace Run

Overview:

Pinhoti 100 was my 4^th 100 mile race within 14 months; my second with major elevation change. The course is part of the Pinhoti Trail System, 100.59 miles in length, point-to-point, mostly single track trail via Talladega National Forest, AL.  It starts near Heflin, goes over Cheaha Mountain (highest point in AL), and ends in the Sylacauga High School Football Stadium.  Total elevation change is 32,700’.  I was disappointed with my previous 100 mile performance, finish time (22hrs:51mins:38secs), and placement (75/318 starters) at Vermont in July.  Vermont kicked my butt and resulted in runners’ knee for 5.5 weeks.  This left me in a depressed mental state (funk) for a couple of weeks.  As a result, I was apprehensive prior to Pinhoti.  My 13 week Pinhoti training plan didn't include any technical trail running.  Furthermore, my plan included less miles and elevation change than Vermont's plan and Vermont's course is considered more technical.  Like always, I attempt to lose a few pounds before the race to make it easier on my body.  I was only able to lose 1.5 pounds…..race weight 123 pounds.  Stephanie and my oldest son Garrett crewed for me.  I believe crewing for these 100 mile races is just as tough and demanding on the crew as it is for the runner.  Garrett was planning to knockout several hours of school homework during the race.

Course:

Course Elevation:

Prerace (Friday, 6 November 2015): 

Prerace Pasta Meal

Race Packet Pickup

We arrived Friday evening at Sylacauga’s Park and Recreation Department for race packet pickup and dinner.  I saw one Huntsville runner that I knew and met two other Huntsville runners.  I decided to get out of my comfort zone and participate in the prerace pasta meal.  After picking up my race packet (bib #29), we proceeded to eat, socialize with a few of the other runners, and listen to the prerace briefing by the Race Director.  Following the meal, we drove to my parent’s house in Anniston to sleep for the night.  We had the house to ourselves since my parents were out of town on vacation.  It was much nicer staying at their house versus a cot at Sylacauga’s Parks and Recreation Department or local hotel.  Also, the starting line was only 12 miles away.  This probably afforded me a better night of sleep as compared to sleeping at the Parks and Recreation Department and catching a bus at 4:30 am to the starting line. 


Race Day (Saturday, 7 November): 


Awesome Crew!

Weather forecast – 90% chance of rain, chance of afternoon thunderstorms.  I woke up and had my traditional breakfast of waffles, fruit, juice, and milk.  We arrived at the start around 6:15 AM with light rain and the temperature in the low 60s.  We sat in the car until about 15 minutes before the 7 AM start.  We watched the common practice of runners secretly walking in the woods for one last poop and pee before the race starts.  The actual starting line was changed a few days before the race due to heavy rains resulting in muddy roads.  The Race Director had concerns with vehicles getting stuck in the mud, especially the buses, attempting to get to the start.  Runners would now start at Aid Station (AS) #2, run to AS #1, and come back to AS #2 for an undesirable out and back of 13.3 miles and then continue to Sylacauga.  The course consisted of 18 ASs; however, because of the tremendous amount of rain earlier in the week, a few aid stations would not be manned and crews wouldn’t have access.  One road bridge was out and several roads were impassable.  We walked to the starting line and the rain began to fall harder.  

Five Minutes Before Race Start

Starting Line & AS#2

Goals:  1^st – finish; 2^nd - finish around 24 hours; 3^rd - make it past Blue Hell (~mile 42) before the sun went down......all while keeping my feet dry as possible during the entire race.  Strategy:  Run the flats, down hills, and walk the steep up hills.  

The Race Director announced the race would start in five minutes and asked the runners to get in place.  Numerous spectators and crew members stood around in ponchos and umbrellas awaiting the start on a less than desirable weather day to say the least.  After a few words from the Race Director (it’s always hard to understand what they say before a race and I rarely pay attention anyway), the race started.


Pinhoti 100 Start (7 AM Saturday)

I ran by Stephanie and Garrett, waved, and I was on my way.  It was going to be a long morning, day, night, and morning for everyone.  After about a ¼ mile, the course turned to single track trail.  The trail is VERY narrow and was congested with runners.  If you needed to pass, you had to get off the trail.  I had planned to be about 1/3 of the way back but found myself around middle of the pack instead.  I didn’t want to go out too fast like I did at Vermont but also didn’t want to get stuck behind numerous slower runners.  The rain stopped and I took my place in the conga line.  As I approached AS #1 (mile 6.7, Highrock), the lead runners had already reached the AS and were running back towards AS #2.  Passing was very difficult for all runners.  So far, my pace was relatively slow, but I was able to pass a few other runners.  The conservative slower pace actually helped me later in the race.  Arriving to AS #1, I grabbed a few bites to eat, turned around, and headed back.  A few miles later, the weather seemed to be clearing a little.  I was able to see Cheaha Mountain in the foggy distance.  I thought to myself that it looked tall, intimidating, ominous, and far away!  As I arrived at AS #2 (mile 13.3, 9:39 AM, Shoal Creek, original starting line), I was unintentionally short with Stephanie.  I was getting irritable with the slow running pace since the start and don’t care for large AS crowds.  AS #2 was very crowded.  I always attempt to spend as little time as possible at all ASs.  Before the race, Stephanie informed me that I’m sometimes bossy with her at the ASs.  Of course, I didn’t say anything and just listened.  I was thinking to myself “No way, I don’t do that”.  Stephanie calmly commented that my pace was conservative and that was good.  I agreed.  As a left, I realize I had fulfilled her prophecy by being bossy.  


AS#3 (Mile 18.3)

Waterfall Along Pinhoti
Course - One of Many

When I arrived at AS #3 (mile 18.3, 10:33 AM, Horseback), Stephanie and Garret were patiently waiting.  I immediately apologized to Stephanie for being short with her and she responded “oh, don’t worry about it”.  All was good.  Note to self, “don’t piss off your crew”, especially early in the race.  I wouldn’t see my crew until top of Cheaha Mountain (mile 40.9, Bald Rock), another four ASs and 4 1/2 hours away.  I continued on my way and crossed the Interstate-20 overpass.  Soon after, I ran through an area that had been hit by a tornado sometime in the past.  No trees, just shrubs and tall grass.  The rain was intermittent, but the humidity was 100%.  The section before Bald Rock contained several creek and stream crossings; therefore, when you thought you were getting most of the water out of your shoes and socks, along came another water crossing.  Keep in mind the stream crossings became creek crossings with all of the rain.  The first creek crossing was up to my knees.  I almost fell into the water due to the submerged hidden rocks and current but regained my balance.  The Race Director mentioned the volunteers might attempt to place ropes at the deeper creek crossings.  Unfortunately, no ropes.  The currents were very strong and reminded you how much force water can possess.
  

Fog Atop Cheaha Mountain

Bald Rock Board Walk

Pinhoti Photographer Gregg Gelmis 

AS #7 (Mile 40.9, Bald Rock) 

Bald Rock

The climb to Bald Rock wasn’t too bad.  It was a gentle uphill, stretching over six miles.  The elevation chart makes it look worse than it actually is.  I arrived at the top and ran towards Bald Rock.  With the wet surface and knowing the deadly drop off height, running across Bald Rock made me nervous.  So I walked this portion.  Unfortunately, because of the rain and fog, the visibility was at a minimum….maybe 1/3 mile.  On a clear day, you can easily see my hometown of Oxford.  I proceeded down the boardwalk and came to AS #7 (mile 40.9, 3:03 PM, Bald Rock).  I was very pleased to see Stephanie and Garrett.  They were parked directly across from the AS.  It’s always very emotionally uplifting and motivating to see your crew.  Garrett started getting dry shoes and socks out for me to change into even though it was raining steadily.  I told him there’s no need.  My feet will probably be wet for most of the race.  After eating a few items and refilling my hydration flasks, and picking up both of my headlamps, I was off again.  This portion included asphalt roads.  I ran passed the state park campground and rustic cabins.  As I child, my family stayed in these cabins numerous times…..great memories! 


Leaving Bald Rock....

Heading to Blue Hell

Crew Vehicle and Gear

Stephanie Attempting to Nap

Cheaha Lake from
Atop Mt. Cheaha

About a mile later, I came to Blue Hell.  Oh my goodness!  It lived up to its reputation and my expectation!  It consists of dropping 1,000’ in about 1/2 mile.  There is no possible running on this portion; only climbing down large size rocks and boulder, while holding onto trees trying not to fall.  There was a tremendous amount of water flowing off the mountain's edge nearby so you could easily hear this eerie noise while you cautiously descended.  I was very concerned about stumbling and injuring myself.  At one portion, about three other runners were descending together and a local Huntsville runner I had met the night before, slid down a muddy embankment.  I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but he slid about twenty feet before stopping.  I was very concerned for him.  Fortunately, he didn’t seem to be injured.  It was very difficult locating course flags during this portion since several portions really don't consist of a trail.  Finally, the trail reappeared, flattened out, and came out at Cheaha Lake….I survived Blue Hell!  I had gone swimming at the lake once with my family or youth group about 35 years earlier.  Time flies by.  What’s so funny is it looks exactly the same as it did. 



Arriving to AS#8 (Mile 45.3, 3:57 PM)

The next course portion consisted of asphalt followed by wet dirt roads.  This was a welcomed sight based on the previous course portion.  On single track trail, you must constantly be observant of the trail surface.  Lots of wet rocks, roots, and leaves to trip over.  I was able to mentally relax on this portion until a few cars began to pass.  I arrived at AS #8 (mile 45.3, Silent Trail, 3:57 PM) and met my crew.  I was only coming across a few runners at this point in the race.  The runners had really spread out.  I realize it would be getting dark and cooling down within the hour; therefore, I added a layer of warm clothes.  The dark doesn’t bother me and I actually prefer it.  I have a tendency to relax and embrace this calm and solitude environment. 

AS#8 (Added Warmer Clothes & Ate)







AS#13 (Mile 68.8, 9:58 PM)

I continued to AS #10 (mile 55.3, 6:37 PM, Adams Gap) where I met my crew again.  I saw our white minivan next to the railroad track and ran up to it.  The AS was unmanned, but crews could meet runners here.  Garrett was asleep, in the fetal position, in the back among all the gear.  I told Stephanie not to wake him but she said she needed to since he was the navigator to the next AS.  The next crewed ASs (#12, mile 65.4, 9:00 PM, Chandler Springs and #13, mile 68.8, 9:58 PM, Porters Gap) seem to run together.  I don’t remember much about them other than needing a water resistant band aid for my left heel; a hot spot was developing.  Stephanie reminded me:  Chandler Springs - very crowded with music, I wasn’t sure which direction to go when leaving, I looked physically strong, and it wasn’t cold yet; Porters Gap - I had requested salt (she refilled my salt bag), I looked pretty good physically, it still wasn’t cold yet, and after leaving the AS, I ran down hill, across the highway while dodging a few crew vehicles, and into the woods.  At this point in the race, I was really concentrating on making it to the next AS; not thinking about the number of miles until the finish.  Also at Porters Gap, Stephanie removed the heavy SPOT Trace GPS tracking device from my hydration pack since it wasn't operating correctly.  A limited number of devices were provided to certain runners as a live tracking demonstration.  Awesome technology when properly operating. 

Crew Vehicle Pass

The trail to AS #14 (mile 74.5, The Pinnacle, no crew access) was going to be tough.  The course ascends over 1000’ within 2 1/2 miles with lots of switch backs.  I remember four runners within 100 yards behind me as a started the ascent.  I could easily see their headlamps, erratically moving like fireflies in the darkness.  As I got closer to the top, I could hear music getting loader and louder!  Good ole rock-and-roll music!  As I reached the top, the music was so loud it was hard to talk to the AS volunteers.  Not a problem.  They were having a party and seemed to be having a blast.  Good for them!

The course ran through numerous rock fields making it very technical.  I typically walked through these sections at night to avoid injury.  The rocks typically were covered in lyken and because of the rain, heavy droplets of water covered the lyken.  When your headlamp would shine on these rocks and water droplets, they would glow turquoise in color.  It was very pretty but a little creepy at night.  With the heavy fog, these rock fields gave the appearance of a grave yard with ghostly aberrations floating nearby.  Luckily for me, any haints wandering the forest at night stayed away from the runners due to the miserable weather conditions.

AS#16 (Mile 85.6, 3 AM Sunday),
Stephanie Waiting

My low point in the race came between AS’s #15 (mile 79.5, Wormys Pulpit) and #16 (mile, 85.6, Bulls Gap).  It was around 2:30 AM Sunday, I was at the top of Horn Mountain, it was raining, extremely windy, and the temperature was dropping.  I began getting very cold and couldn’t warmup.  I didn’t have a poncho with me since the earlier weather forecast was for the rain to end, with a cold front passing through.  The cold front had arrived!  I just wanted to get off the mountain as soon as possible.  I was concerned that if I fell and injured myself, I would be in serious trouble.  I would occasionally cross my arms in an attempt to warmup.  Unfortunately, this wasn’t an efficient running form and it slowed my pace.  I was concerned I was going hypothermic.  Not good.  Occasionally, I would mysteriously see a few AS#16 lights through the fog and darkness.  Several times I thought I was very close but with all the switchbacks, I never seemed to get there.  It was very deceiving but I continued to run and run.  Finally, I approached the AS and was so glad!  As soon as I arrived (3:01 AM Sunday), I concentrated on getting warm.  This AS consisted of volunteers from the Huntsville Track Club.  Eric Fritz (Huntsville Track Club President, first time I met him), mentioned I was the first of several local Huntsville runners to come through.  I was very surprised!  I had not asked my crew for anything specifically before now.  I immediately asked Stephanie for my running long tights, skull cap, thick long sleeve shirt, dry gloves, and head lamp batteries.  I sat down for the first time to remove my shoes and put on my tights.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t thinking very clearly.  I had put my right shoe on before putting on my tights.  I just said “shit”.  Garrett was asleep in the minivan and Stephanie didn’t have all of the requested items so she ran back to the minivan to retrieve them.  While she was gone, I ate some warm food and rested.  I knew I was spending too much time at the AS but I was seriously concerned about leaving the AS without warming up.  I never told Stephanie this.  When Stephanie returned, she also gave me her hand warmers to place in my gloves.  They felt really good!  Before I left, I noticed she was wearing a poncho.  Stephanie told me I asked for it with a questioning face as if she was going to refuse me her 99 cent poncho. 


Leaving AS#16 (Mile 85.6)

As a continued on the course, fortunately my body began to warm up.  This gave me much needed energy and enthusiasm.  Most of the remaining course consisted of rough jeep trails but overall, was negative elevation change.  I was constantly concerned and questioning if I was going the right way.  With the rain and heavy fog, it was very difficult locating the few course flags with reflectors including tree tack reflectors.  When I would approach a course flag, I would slow down, walk and look into the woods in an attempt to verify I was still on the course.  

Somewhere between here and the next AS, I noticed reflectors low and off the trail.  It was still raining.  As I approached, I determined it was a runner laying down with his eyes closed…….very concerning.  I stopped and asked him if he was ok and he responded “yes, I’m just resting”.  He never opened his eyes.  I asked him once again to make sure and he reassured me he was ok and just needed to rest.  Reluctantly, I continued on. 

Since the course was now at a lower elevation, the fog had mostly dissipated and I started seeing city lights off in the distance.  I ran up to the final AS (#18, mile 95.2, Watershed) and stopped.  As I stood there, I began to lose my balance from being tired and possessing rubber legs.  One of the two lady volunteers wanted to catch me but she couldn’t because of the table between us. Fortunately, I regained my balance.  They asked me how I was doing and I told them in a low voice “I’m tired”.  They giggled and reminded me I had come 95 miles.  My hands were getting too warm so I attempted removing my hand warmers.  Since I was really tired, I asked for their assistance.  They had pizza and that was great!  I could easily see Sylacauga’s city lights through the night.  I knew then I was getting closer to the finish.  Certain lights had a ghostly red glow; a little spooky looking.  It was if they were directing you to Dracula’s castle.  I’m guessing the lights were from some type of tower….not sure, but strange looking when it’s dark and you’re very tired.

Around 5:45 AM, the sun started to rise and I was able to turn off my headlamp.  This was the first time for me to run through the night and the sun come up.  I have never felt sleepy during my previous races, but did during this race.  Of course, this was the longest I’d been on a course running.  As the sun slowly rose, it provided me with added enthusiasm and a burst of energy.  I knew the finish line was very near!  By the way, I haven’t seen a runner in the last two hours.  Approximately the last four miles were on asphalt.  I could mentally relax but the hard surface was rough on the legs, knees, and feet.  Eventually, I saw a male runner about 1/3 mile in front of me walking.  I thought I could catch him as long as he continued walking.  A few minutes later, I caught him.  I decided to walk for a minute and talk.  He informed me he had been walking since mile 85 and had severe and painful skin chafing.  Poor guy.  He was the fastest walker, even under pain, I had ever seen.  I wished him luck and I continued running.  He was never far behind me.  Dogs, dogs, and more dogs!  I believe everyone in Sylacauga owns a dog that loves to bark and meet you at the road.  

Finish Line:  23hrs:41mins:9secs
(6:41 AM Sunday)

The actual finish is deceiving as you run into town.  I saw the first stadium light poles.  “Yes, I’m almost there!”  Nope, Sylacauga Elementary School.  I continue to run…..more dogs.  Yes, I see more stadium light poles……”I’m there for sure!”  Nope, Sylacauga Middle School…..I continue to run…..more dogs.  Reluctantly seeing more stadium light poles…..”could I be there or it could be a mirage?”.  Verified, it’s Sylacauga High School…..only 1/2 mile to go!  I run into the stadium, see Stephanie and Garrett at the finish line, and attempt to run as fast as I could around the running track to the finish.  Done….23hrs:41mins:9secs (6:41 AM Sunday).

Post Race:


Finisher's Belt Buckle

I was welcomed with congratulations from my wonderful crew and was handed my finisher’s belt buckle by a volunteer.  I shuffled to a heated tent and sat down for my second time since the race started.  I proceeded to take my shoes and socks off and told Stephanie to get her camera ready.  Looking through the steam coming off my macerated feet, I had only one blood blister on the bottom of each foot.  My feet looked worse than they really were.  After a few minutes resting and discussing the race with four other runners, we proceeded to go under the stadium so I could change clothes, brush my teeth (so nice), and eat.  Stephanie and Garrett were ready to leave the tent due to the odor coming from the runners.  I’ll just say it wasn’t very pleasant.  Although after 24 hours of crewing they were in need of a good shower too.

Resting After Finish

Macerated Feet

Post Race Meal

After eating and resting for a few minutes, we headed back to Huntsville.  I had planned to wash my feet before we left but decided not to….my feet needed to dry out.  I slept most of the way home and once we arrived, I needed Stephanie’s assistance to walk from the minivan to the door.  Warm showers after any 100 miler are so nice!  For the rest of the day, I repeated the same cycle…eat, nap, eat, nap.  By 8:00 PM Sunday evening I was out.

Summary:


Home:  Using Stephanie as
Human Walking Cane

I would like to thank Stephanie and Garrett for their wonderful crewing, dedication, and patience, as well as all the AS volunteers, Race Director, and fellow runners.  I'm sure Garrett would have  preferred doing something else that weekend instead of spending time in a minivan doing school homework and waiting for his wet and smelly father to reappear through the woods every few hours.  The weather conditions made it extremely challenging for not only the runners but the crews too!   The course wasn’t as slippery as I had anticipated.  I tripped about eight times and fell only twice…..all due to rocks and roots.  I will probably lose a small toenail on my left foot due to hitting several rocks and roots with my toe.  As I look back, I'm actually glad it rained as much as it did so I can gather useful lessons learned and apply to future wet races.  Surprisingly during the entire race, I ate whatever I desired......both solid and liquid calories.  Most of the time during other 100 mile races, I consume a combination of solid and liquid calories through mile 40 or 50, then start consuming mostly liquid calories.  Some of the most memorable and delicious foods were ginger cookies, hot chicken and cheese quesadillas, hot fried egg sandwiches, hot meat balls, and pizza.  My stomach handled it all with only one poop somewhere after mile 85.  I was too tired to unpackage my Kleenex located in my hydration pack’s back pocket so hello to cold and wet leaves.  I urinated quite a bit after mile 85 and realized it was slowing my pace; however, I continued to drink liquids including caffeine.  My system seemed to need the liquids at this point in the race.  My Garmin Fenix 2 GPS watch was set to UltraTrack mode but was useless during the entire race.  The watch kept losing satellite reception; I just used the watch function.  I have never used a pacer and enjoy the solitude and challenge of going it alone….fits my personality.  I found myself smiling numerous times during the race since I was really enjoying the race and being in the woods alone.....love it!  The course surface was very soft compared to Vermont and other races.  Certain course portions felt like I was running on mattresses since it was so soft.  My legs, knees, and feet were never sensitive or injured except for the bottom of my right foot stinging from a blister.  Other than my legs and knees being tired, they felt great during the entire race.  Following the race, Stephanie mentioned to me she couldn't believe I pulled my running long tights over my shorts at AS#16.  She didn't believe it was very fashionable!  I laughed and continue to laugh!  Cold, tired, wet, smelly, and 3 AM Sunday morning......lets just say fashion was low, like it always is, on my priority list!

A few days after the race, I was contacted via Facebook by one of my high school classmates, Wendy.  She was one of the volunteers at the last AS.  She didn’t realize I was one of the runners until I guess she saw my name posted in the finishing results.  She said she had kept my discarded hand warmers throughout the night and day to keep her hands warm.  I just wish I had known it was her when I came through the AS.

The Numbers: 

Finished 22^nd/227 starters (top 9.7%) and 134 finishers (top 16.4%); my average pace = 14min:07sec/mile; runners that did not finish = 41%. 

http://www.pinhotitrailseries.com/pinhoti-100---nov-7-8-2015.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pOFVc1JXOI