2009 Oak Mountain 50K

A clear crisp day greeted all 125 starters at the 2009 Oak Mountain 50K on March 21 in Pelham, Alabama. The true distance is a closely guarded secret, but one local says about 33 miles, around 29 of which is single track, some quite rocky/technical/menacing. “All starters” included Rock/Creek team members Matt Sims, Natalie Sims, Kathy Johns, Chad Wamack and Matt Karzen. Chad and I settled into a nice sane pace for the first couple miles, joined soon by Natalie Sims who materialized on our heels within a mile. The three of us ran together, thoroughly enjoying the morning glint of sun off the fogged lake, to the first aid station at mile 8-ish. About 2 miles later, I was right behind Chad, watching his feet and the rocky trail, when I saw his right ankle fold/roll to the outside – it hurt just to watch it, so I KNOW it hurt Chad. Chad soldiered on for a while, but the trail is pretty rocky with lots of ups and downs, so eventually he had to slow. For the next 4 or so miles, Natalie set the pace, which was assertive (she is a pusher, no doubt). About mile 14, we dropped steeply into the base of Peavine Falls, crossed the creek, and climbed the vertical wall to the other side and the 2nd aid station. I knew the upcoming 7 mile stretch was a good place to make some time, so I throttled up a bit here and passed several people, including one poor guy who did a chest plant on the sketchy fast descent to the aid station at mile 21. This aid station is where things can come a bit unhinged at this race, because it’s the start of a long and deceivingly relentless climb up a wide trail/road. This year, however, I had renewed inspiration and strength from Matt Sims’ ongoing motivational coaching tidbits. I also had some super comfy Salomon XT Wings, so my feet and my mind were right. I pressed the long climb back to Peavine in under an hour, making a couple more passes and gapping those in pursuit, to enter the last aid station in 11th place. I was pretty haggard and starting to tighten up a good bit, but the last 6 miles or so are either downhill or gentle rollers, so I continued to push as best I could – it did hurt. I caught and passed one more competitor, but two guys I had passed earlier caught me and opened a 45 second gap – I just could not keep up or close it back. I crossed the finish line in 5:25 and 12th overall. Matt Sims, as is his routine these days, ran up front from the get-go, ultimately killing it with a 4:44 and a 3rd place overall – yet another stellar performance for him. Natalie and Kathy finished solid as the 4th and 7th females, respectively, logging strong miles in preparation for their upcoming 100 miler in the process. Chad wisely withdrew at mile 21 to begin the recovery process for his ankle, which was deep purple and quite swollen when I saw him at the finish area, but I know he will get that thing healthy and be back huge soon for his 100. Overall yet another wonderful day of running at what is an outstanding and well-run event.

Mississippi 50

My strategy for this race was a lot different than the previous year...looking at the entry list, I hardly recognized any of the names that might be in contention. There were certainly perennial runners there from the state that I knew of, but none that had posted results lately. Having come off the RR100 attempt 4 weeks earlier and then squeezing in another big mileage week, I knew my legs were not going to produce the fastest result, but my endurance level was very high, giving me confidence that, unless one of these guys is going to come out bucking, I had a good chance for a two-peat.
So off we went at 6am into the fog- and smoke-filled air (from the scheduled forest burnings). The day was guaranteed to be a hot one, the hottest so far for the year, and it did not disappoint. So back to the strategy...My plan was to go out blazing on the first of three loops, and stretch out the guys behind, making them work hard and be as uncomfortable as I was. I went out on the first loop with the eventual winner of the 50k, and our loop split was a 2:06. After flying through the aid stop, I took off again, and eventually settled into a more comfortable pace, knowing that if the rest wanted the win, they would have to work now in the heat to make upo the time. On the loop, there are two out-and-back sections, so at each one I could gauge the guys behind. The first time I saw them, I thought I might be in trouble.
There were two pairs, both of which looked to be enjoying themselves..which is not what I was hoping for...at the second out-and-back I looked at my watch and got a split on the first group of trailers...16 minutes...ok, now I felt a bit better, but knew that I was running out of steam, and that the last loop would be crucial. So as the temp rose to above 80, off I went on loop 3. Felt good until about 3 miles left, and the bottom fell out. I coulodn't absorb any water, and the heat was kicking my tail, but I pressed on, determined to finish this thing out as hard as I could, even if that meant to the detrement of my now frizzled legs. As I got to the turn around of the last out-and-back on the loop, I anxiously counted the time until the 2nd place guy came...but he never did. I finished up my last loop with my slowest split, but knew that I had done what it took for the day, and I knew that I had done my best.
As always, the Salomon S-Labs did the trick! Still the best light debris trail shoe I have worn...and the Patagonia shirt gave me no issues whatsoever, and cooled me off when the wind blew, which rocked! A HUGE shout to Kris Whorton! She freakin' killed it! Just check out her last lap split! It was great to see both the Whorton's out there! Thanks to all the guys at Rock Creek for the support, and it is a pleasure to be a part of the team!