The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. Then again, I started those rumors. I had a tough year in 2015 at Highlands Sky and I couldn’t quite determine why. Shortly after that race I sat down to write my race report and it was downcast and solemn so I shut it down and it went unpublished. It wasn’t a fitting report for my favorite race.
For the 2016 edition it dawned on me somewhere between mile 33 and 35 that I felt better for the entirety of the race than I could ever remember. It wasn’t my fastest (2013), or my slowest (rookie year in 2009), or most enjoyable overall (2012 running almost wire to wire with Potts and Andy) but I felt comfortable and strong.
This is less of a report on eating, drinking, and course description and more of a few observations so I can recall memories from one year to the next. Details fade with time and I want to remember as much as possible.
My training for the six months leading up to Highlands was as good as I can remember. I don’t journal or log my training because I don't enjoy it so I have to go from memory. I had solid long runs mostly backed up with moderately long runs the next day and had as much mileage as I think I’m capable of. My weight was lighter than the last few years with a more disciplined diet but one I still enjoyed and allowed for some indulgence.
I started with my friends Chris and John at the 5k portion of the race. The 5k, you know, the first few miles when a casual observer might think we were just racing to the beginning of Flat Rock trail. We started in the front two rows of runners but within a mile were in about 70th place. Irrational exuberance.
We "ran" most of the uphill of Flatrock and South Prong except for the really steep parts. Running a 13-14 minute mile is still quicker than walking 17-18 if you can keep it together. John and I both commented that our legs were tired and heavy especially around mile 15 on South Prong. But memories of Highlands past reminded me that the legs come back on the road across Dolly Sods. And they did.
I ran 10 bridges with Logar and we talked the whole way. We both seemed to come to the conclusion that pushing to the point of suffering isn’t worth it. We run to enjoy all that these events have to offer including, and most importantly, the great people . I gradually concluded this spring that my capacity to push has diminished.
My family was at AS 4 and I thought I came in pretty close to what I expected but a few minutes behind. I discovered that I didn’t mind. The lovely and talented Ann Marie quickly exchanged my bottles, handed me the bandana with my sunglasses and gels and popped the top on my Mountain Dew. Caroline and Charlie were eager to run the next 21 miles with me but settled for about 50 yards while I got settled and then we parted ways. I projected to Ann Marie that I would not be setting any records today. I always hope for an even or negative split though. Done right, running the second half faster than the first is entirely possible.
I resolved to run the road for the 7+ miles to Bear Rocks and AS6 and I almost did. The next to last hill, which is quite long and steep, I decided wasn’t quite worth it so I walked a short while and arrived at AS 6 around mile 27 with its excellent crew about 5:25-5:30 in to the race.
At this point last year I was in bad shape. I was cramping and hot and miserable. My shoes needed to be tied but I couldn’t lean over to do it without cramping. Poor Stacin had to tie my funky shoe laces. This year I felt great and the buckets of ice water, Mountain Dew and cold water made it even better.
It was soon back to the trails and on towards Willie and crew’s aid station. This section of the trail has the reputation of being the longest 6 miles of the race and has even been not so affectionately referred to as the “soul sucker.” But…..It wasn’t quite so long this year. There were a bunch of hikers who graciously conceded the trail as the runners passed. The high meadows were stunning, there was a slight breeze and I steadily worked my way along. I never ran fast but ran as consistently as I can remember. And again, I felt better than any year before.
Making the turn on to the ski slope at Timberline I could see 5 runners ahead of me that were not previously visible. I was catching them and thought for sure before AS 8 I’d have them clearly behind me. It never happened. They didn’t gain on me but they didn’t drop me. I guess we all worked in tandem. The ski slope wasn’t quite as painful this year but the butt slide was just as tormenting. I’ve never had to slide on my butt so don’t let the name fool you. But it’s a steep downhill with suspect footing and plenty of loose leaves so it’s slower than it should be.
Coming in to AS8 I could so my family waiting and cheering. I picked up Ann Marie to run the last 4 miles with me and we shuffled on.
As we entered the last section of trail I commented to her that it was somewhat surreal that I was about to finish this race for the 8th time. What once seemed nearly impossible had become quite possible and all together enjoyable from top to bottom. Creeping in to the clearing near the finish I could see that my dad had Charlie and Caroline waiting for us and we all crossed the line together.
Shortly after the race a survey was posted for finishers of Highlands Sky asking a variety of questions from shoe preference to nutrition to race rituals. I didn’t think I had any race rituals but the more I thought about it the more I realized that I do. Here are a few:
For 8 years now I’ve spent the weekend at Highlands Sky with my father and with my kids. We stay at our camp built by my grandfather over 50 years ago. I hope that ritual continues until I’m 90 and I can witness my kids and grandkids carry on the tradition.
For those of you that like GPS data here’s what I have. https://flow.polar.com/training/analysis/655819772
Final notes:
For the 2016 edition it dawned on me somewhere between mile 33 and 35 that I felt better for the entirety of the race than I could ever remember. It wasn’t my fastest (2013), or my slowest (rookie year in 2009), or most enjoyable overall (2012 running almost wire to wire with Potts and Andy) but I felt comfortable and strong.
This is less of a report on eating, drinking, and course description and more of a few observations so I can recall memories from one year to the next. Details fade with time and I want to remember as much as possible.
My training for the six months leading up to Highlands was as good as I can remember. I don’t journal or log my training because I don't enjoy it so I have to go from memory. I had solid long runs mostly backed up with moderately long runs the next day and had as much mileage as I think I’m capable of. My weight was lighter than the last few years with a more disciplined diet but one I still enjoyed and allowed for some indulgence.
I started with my friends Chris and John at the 5k portion of the race. The 5k, you know, the first few miles when a casual observer might think we were just racing to the beginning of Flat Rock trail. We started in the front two rows of runners but within a mile were in about 70th place. Irrational exuberance.
We "ran" most of the uphill of Flatrock and South Prong except for the really steep parts. Running a 13-14 minute mile is still quicker than walking 17-18 if you can keep it together. John and I both commented that our legs were tired and heavy especially around mile 15 on South Prong. But memories of Highlands past reminded me that the legs come back on the road across Dolly Sods. And they did.
I ran 10 bridges with Logar and we talked the whole way. We both seemed to come to the conclusion that pushing to the point of suffering isn’t worth it. We run to enjoy all that these events have to offer including, and most importantly, the great people . I gradually concluded this spring that my capacity to push has diminished.
My family was at AS 4 and I thought I came in pretty close to what I expected but a few minutes behind. I discovered that I didn’t mind. The lovely and talented Ann Marie quickly exchanged my bottles, handed me the bandana with my sunglasses and gels and popped the top on my Mountain Dew. Caroline and Charlie were eager to run the next 21 miles with me but settled for about 50 yards while I got settled and then we parted ways. I projected to Ann Marie that I would not be setting any records today. I always hope for an even or negative split though. Done right, running the second half faster than the first is entirely possible.
I resolved to run the road for the 7+ miles to Bear Rocks and AS6 and I almost did. The next to last hill, which is quite long and steep, I decided wasn’t quite worth it so I walked a short while and arrived at AS 6 around mile 27 with its excellent crew about 5:25-5:30 in to the race.
At this point last year I was in bad shape. I was cramping and hot and miserable. My shoes needed to be tied but I couldn’t lean over to do it without cramping. Poor Stacin had to tie my funky shoe laces. This year I felt great and the buckets of ice water, Mountain Dew and cold water made it even better.
It was soon back to the trails and on towards Willie and crew’s aid station. This section of the trail has the reputation of being the longest 6 miles of the race and has even been not so affectionately referred to as the “soul sucker.” But…..It wasn’t quite so long this year. There were a bunch of hikers who graciously conceded the trail as the runners passed. The high meadows were stunning, there was a slight breeze and I steadily worked my way along. I never ran fast but ran as consistently as I can remember. And again, I felt better than any year before.
Making the turn on to the ski slope at Timberline I could see 5 runners ahead of me that were not previously visible. I was catching them and thought for sure before AS 8 I’d have them clearly behind me. It never happened. They didn’t gain on me but they didn’t drop me. I guess we all worked in tandem. The ski slope wasn’t quite as painful this year but the butt slide was just as tormenting. I’ve never had to slide on my butt so don’t let the name fool you. But it’s a steep downhill with suspect footing and plenty of loose leaves so it’s slower than it should be.
Coming in to AS8 I could so my family waiting and cheering. I picked up Ann Marie to run the last 4 miles with me and we shuffled on.
As we entered the last section of trail I commented to her that it was somewhat surreal that I was about to finish this race for the 8th time. What once seemed nearly impossible had become quite possible and all together enjoyable from top to bottom. Creeping in to the clearing near the finish I could see that my dad had Charlie and Caroline waiting for us and we all crossed the line together.
Shortly after the race a survey was posted for finishers of Highlands Sky asking a variety of questions from shoe preference to nutrition to race rituals. I didn’t think I had any race rituals but the more I thought about it the more I realized that I do. Here are a few:
- I wear red to races and with the Genesis Running brand
- I couldn’t start a race without coffee. Or any day for that matter.
- I stick with my normal morning routine and read my One Year Bible and pray.
- I cry at Highlands. At some point between the beginning and the finish line I will cry.
- It’s my favorite way to celebrate Father’s Day weekend.
For 8 years now I’ve spent the weekend at Highlands Sky with my father and with my kids. We stay at our camp built by my grandfather over 50 years ago. I hope that ritual continues until I’m 90 and I can witness my kids and grandkids carry on the tradition.
For those of you that like GPS data here’s what I have. https://flow.polar.com/training/analysis/655819772
Final notes:
- Highlands Sky is the Super Bowl of WV trail running. There’s nothing like it.
- My desire to push has indeed diminished. My desire to train and participate in races is still strong. I enjoyed this year’s race down to my core. From start to finish.
- I felt like Goldilocks. Not too fast and not too slow…Just right.
- I had an even split for two halves of the race almost exactly. I was happy about that.
- One gel every 30 minutes and emptying 20 ounces of water between aid stations kept me perfect all day. In addition to downing watermelon whenever present.
- I love my family and having them with me is best part of it all.
- ” That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil--this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:13. We toil to train and then find satisfaction in the race finish. To eat and drink and enjoy. I’m thankful for this gift of God.