The G-Rant : Grant's Rants on Adventure Racing

Grant,
 I enjoyed (well suffered) the Bull Run 50k last year, if you recall my write up.  It's in our local terrain.  I am inquiring about others also.  If february would work, Jay Curwen is putting on the Mt. Mitchell Challenge and Marathon, 40 and 26.2 miles.  

Bill Vickers

Running an Ultra

Running an ultra and running a marathon for most are two different runs. Running a marathon, the course is usually on a road and most runnners ste a comfortable pace for the 26 miles. Most ultras are trail running. This can mean hills(mountains),rocks, creeks, logs, snow and anything that you might find in the woods. Many ultras run through the mountains. The Peaks of Otter 50K has a 2.8 mile stretch that over the 6 years of the run, the fastest split for this leg has yet to go under 40
minutes. Some of the ultras around this area and and the ultra calendar can be found  on the web site  www.extremeultrarunning.com

There is the Lynchburg Ultra Series run by David Horton who has raced across America, held the record for the AT until last year and in the summer of 2005, set the record for running the PCT.

His races include
1. Holiday Lake 50K - A good one to start as the run is realtively flat with just a few ups and downs. This run is held in February on the other side of Farmville.
2. The Promise Land 50K - Much more technical than Holiday Lake as it runs up the Peaks of Otter to the top through the woods. A very scenic run. My favorite.This run is in April
3. Mountain Masochist 50 miler. My first ultra(with Bob Callahan) Basically it runs from Lynchburg to Crabtree Falls thorugh the mountans. Easier than Promise Land but longer. It is really 53 miles. We call them "Horton Miles". This run is usually later October or early November.

Another to consider is the Great Eastern Endurance Run. This run starts on Afton Mountain and runs through Sherando Lake Park and back. Lots of technical downhills as the trails are covered with loose rocks. Usually held the third week in September.

Many runners give up marathons for the ultras. There are no mile markers, just aid stations every 4-5 miles. They usually give total distances and distances from station to station.

Hope this helps  create an interest in some of you to try an ultra if you have not already. If I can be of any assistance or you would like to talk about ultras, please contact me.

Mike Weirich
weirichinteriordesign@cox.net

Grant,

I know you'd like to run an ultra in December, but I'd suggest you wait until early next year.  In my opinion, positive race experiences come not only from the race or challenge itself, but also from the atmosphere generated by the race director, staff, and volunteers of a race.  This is one reason I believe that HRAdventures is successful and is fast becoming a promoter for "must do" adventure races in the Mid-Atlantic area.

Having said that, I'm unfamiliar with the Bull Run 50K (I am familiar with the Bull Run 50 Miler put on by the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club, another fantastic promoter of ultras based out of No. Virginia) and the Craig Creek 50K.  Craig Creek is also touted as a "fun run"; however, I have to disagree that anything near or around Dragon's Tooth is going to be "fun."  I'm also a member of RRRC, and I'm not even sure what happened to Swinging Bridge.

I wholeheartedly agree with both suggestions by Bill and Mike, and let me add a couple of comments.  If you're bent on doing a quality ultra as soon as possible, Bill's suggestion for the Mt. Mitchell Challenge (40 miler) in February will give you all you can handle, but you better move fast, registration opened on September 1st and this race is only open to the first 125, which will fill up sooner than later.  It is also fitting that Jay Curwen, a fellow adventure racer, is also race director.

However, in my opinion, entering a David Horton race for your first ultra will absolutely give you the ultimate ultrarunning experience.  Anyone involved in ultrarunning knows David Horton.  Horton, the runner, is legendary amongst ultrarunners.  Horton, the race director, is less known.  However, Horton puts on some the best run and unforgettable races on the East Coast.  Challenging courses (except Holiday Lake), outstanding aid stations (some with grilled food), and enthusiastic volunteers, are what make a Horton (and your first ultra) memorable.  If it fits your schedule, unless you enter the Lynchburg Ultra Series, I suggest your first Horton race be Promise Land.  This year, I used this race as a long training run with my two adventure race teammates.  This race may "only" be a 50K, but after you finish, there is absolutely no question that you are an ultrarunner.  (I believe Mike will 2nd that.  Mike is also correct in that Horton races typically add "Horton miles."  The PL 50K is @ 34 miles).  PL 50K is in late April, and although this year much of the race was run in the rain and we were dodging lightning (I have never known a Horton race to cancel), it is simply one of the most beautiful and challenging 50K courses around.  After you finish, you will laugh out loud when Boston Marathoners mention Heartbreak Hill (see PL 50K race profile and gaze at the climb beginning just before mile 25, which is Apple Orchid Falls.  I understand that Scott Jurek has the record ascent @ 40 minutes).  That's another thing about Horton's races.  They often include the Who's Who of ultrarunning and the fields are stong, yet far from intimidating.  Oh, did I mention that in addition to the obligatory T-shirt, you also receive Patagonia shorts for finishing PL.  Mt. Mitchell also gave you a Camelback.  Ultra/trail swag is always a step up from road races.

My other suggestion is to read and re-read the race reports for your ultra and know the course.  Both Mt. Mitchell and Horton's races have race reports.  By the way, Horton has a December race, but you are definitely talking "deep end" if you tackle the Hellgate 100K, and I would strongly advise you not to enter for your first ultra.

Lastly, once you start running ultras on the trail, you will never run another road marathon unless your life depends on it.

Happy trails.  Blake.

Have any of you done the Hellgate 100k thru D Horton.  Looks sort of, well interesting.   Was thinking of signing up after some ibuprofen.
Bill

Bill,

I have not run Hellgate, but know several that have.  I suggest you take more than ibuprofen if you're considering.  If you're serious, let me know and I'll put you in contact with those in the know.  Blake.

Bill,

In regards to your wanting to run Hellgate. Talked with a friend of mine who has run it. Jenn Shelton who many around here rate her as one of the top ultra runners in the area and on the East Coast.  Jenn has run just about every ultra in the area and has run the the Copper Canyon Ultra with the Tarahumara Indians. She finished 6th. When I asked her about Hellgate, she said she has no desire to run that one again. It has a midnight start as I am sure you already know and usually conditions are not the best. I agree with Blake about the Horton ultras. They are well run with well stocked aid stations. Anyone of Horton's runs but Hellgate would be a good first run or as a repeat run. Just for your enjoyment of ultras, look up the Barkley 100 miler  run Tenn. There is an ultra for you. Since 1986, over 500 runners and only 5 finishers. If you can average 40 minute a miles, you can be a finsher. Good Luck!

Mike

Grant,

Just an update on the Swinging Bridge 50K you mentioned earlier, which is put on by the Richmond Road Runner's Club.  It is scheduled for January 20, 2007, at Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland, VA.  Although not an ultra, this race also features a 35K alternative.  Check out the RRRC home page and message board for more info.  http://www.rrrc.org/rrrc/

Blake.