One Night to 50K

Friday night, I used a race put on by friends Kathy Hoover, and Derk and Barbara Pinkerton as a comeback race pf sorts. 3 Days to 100K is a stage race consisting of a 25K Friday night, a 50K on Saturday, and another 25K on Sunday. This was the third year for this race, but the weather was anything but friendly in the last few days, and in fact in the last few months.The past winter was unseasonably warm, and we had an early spring, making the courses on private land very much overgrown, and thoroughly infested with blood sucking ticks. It was with much regret that day 2 and day 3 had to be cancelled. 

The last week or so also had delivered several inches of rain. As it turned out, Saturday and Sunday both had an inch or so of often heavy rain, which would have made especially the ultra-steep hills on day 2 impossible to run, and aid stations undeliverable.

So, a 50K option was added for Day one--all on paved bike paths from Jenks to NSU in Broken Arrow and back.

At 6:45 pm, we had a pre-race meeting--aid stations every 3-4 miles, something about making TWO loops around the NSU campus before returning. But the big question was the weather for the evening. Every weather station and smart phone weather app was calling for severe thunderstorms, high winds, and possibly hail moving in at 10:00 pm. I figured I could get at least half of the run out of the way, and worse scenario, hole up under an overpass if it got too bad.

I quickly found my place at the back of the pack. My gimpy knee was gonna be put to the test this evening. I had scrubbed, shaved, and taped with Rock Tape, and it seemed like things were all go. I had gooed up my toes, lubed up my chafing areas, band-aided my nipples, Gatoraded, chugged a 5-Hour Energy, and popped a couple of Ibuprophens. My plan was to walk most of the hills and shuffle all I could on the flats and downhills. 

 Lucky me--for a while early on I was in a pack of friends, including SueAnn and Jeremy. They got ahead when I took a pee stop, and I never caught back up.

Shorty--always the first to volunteer at a race--was manning the first aid stop at the switchback just west of Sheridan. I grabbed a cookie and marched on.

Picture by Bryan Carpenter

 Aid station two at 101/Garnett was ran by Bryan Carpenter and family. On the way out, I didn't need any food, so I just said hi and bye. 

By now, Mitch and I along with Betsy had teamed up, and Betsy had a planned beer cache near the turnpike tollgate. It ended up being about a quarter mile off the paved path, but there was BEER. This set us back maybe 20 minutes, but in a race with no time limit, and me only wanting a finish--it was worth it.

From there, we were treated to a lightning show. There never was a real close strike, and it never bothered me. but several runners decided to drop at the turnaround. The three of us reached the turnaround in a heavy rain, which escalated into a monsoon with 50 mph winds before we made the loop around the campus. Besty dropped at this point.

The aid station there was being held down by Roman and Johnna, who were literally holding on to the pop-up tent so it would not fly away to Kansas. Going on from there seemed insane, so we huddled under the lowered tent hanging on like human anchors. I ate a couple of soggy chips, refilled my water bottle, and took a couple more Ibuprophens. 

Finally, the rain lessened, and we took off looping around the campus again. This loop sucked, but Mitch and I caught up with a brother and sister Steve and Becky. They were doing their first 50K and using this to go with a marathon finish at OKC a couple of weeks ago for Marathon Maniac status. Both were worried about the cutoffs, but Mitch and I assured them that any kind of finish was fine since there was no official time limit. They were serious about finishing, and we agreed to hang out together and walk it in. I guess after a while Mitch and I walked too fast, or they slowed for a bathroom break, but we got ahead by a quarter mile or so by the time we reached the unmanned aid station at Elm. It turned out that Becky had called for a pickup at Elm, so we waited and teamed up with Steve for the remaining 10 miles.

 There was lots of standing water after that. A couple of spots had water shin deep, and I heard it was even deeper for runners who were ahead of us. 

 My new Hokas are not good water shoes. My feet sit deep in the over-padded shoes, and the spongy soles are--well--sponges. Every step was a squish. I had put in a call earlier to Dana to being me ANY shoe that would drain, and she tried to bring them--but the rain was so heavy at Turkey Mountain that there was water over Elwood, and the rain was so bad on HWY 75 that she could not see more than a couple of car-lengths, and she wisely decided to abandon the shoe drop.

Picture by Bryan Carpenter

Bryan's aid station  was also in lock-down mode. All the cookies and chips were soup--except the chocolate covered Graham crackers, because the heavy chocolate coating basically waterproofed the cookie. Imagine what that does to your arteries.

From there on. Mitch and I could smell the barn. We ran all of the flats and even some of the uphills. While it seemed like maybe 10 minute miles, it was probably more like 13s.

Picture by Russell Bennett

I don't know who this is finishing up--I thought it was a great picture. The finish line was winding things down by the time we rolled in. All of the aid station workers had really toughed it out to be there for us. Mitch told me when we were about a tenth of a mile out that we had 4 minutes to make it in under 9 hours, so we kicked up out loping a notch and crossed the line looking like a starving horse heading for the hay. What a night!

I was thrilled with my finish--not really knowing I had a prayer of finishing. I had not trained at all, running maybe once a week 3 miles here 4 miles there, with a few short mountain bike rides thrown in. But now, two days later, my knee feels better than ever. Maybe I should have not been laying off. The Hokas were great, and though I loath running on pavement, the cushion kept my feet and joints happy. (Thank you RunnersWorld and Kathy Hoover!) I feel hope for finishing the 100 miler I have on the calendar in June.

3-Days to 100K? I think you SHOULD!

Running 60-some-odd miles in a race may sound ludicrous to some, although in actuality, it may be no big deal to seasoned ultra runners. But how about breaking it up into three days--well that's what this event is all about. 3-Days to 100K--the Oklahoma Way is a stage race. You run different distances on three consecutive days. On Friday night, you run a 25K (15.5 miles) and it's an easy course. 

NSU in Broken Arrow to 96th/Riverside near Jenks--all on the paved bike paths alongside the Creek Turnpike. It's all pavement, and nothing but a few miles and a few hills and a few aid stations between you and the finish line. While some may run it hard and fast, many will take it easy saving energy for the next day where they'll face a 50K on good old fashioned dirt trails.Running 60-some-odd miles in a race may sound ludicrous to some, although in actuality, it may be no big deal to seasoned ultra runners. But how about breaking it up into three days--well that's what this event is all about. 3-Days to 100K--the Oklahoma Way is a stage race. On Friday night, you run a 25K (15.5 miles) and it's an easy course. It's all pavement, and nothing but a few miles and a few hills between you and the finish line. It's ran at night, and with aid stations every 3 miles, it's a nice little warm-up run for most. While some may run it hard and fast, many will take it easy saving energy for the next day where they'll face a 50K on good old fashioned dirt trails.


Day two is a 50K and starts early Saturday morning on private land at a secret location. If it's anything like last year, you'll have your work cut out for you. Last years course was scenic, and tough enough to make you forget about the scenery.


Last year, we had 10 miles to navigate on gravel roads, then hit the dirt and tackled more hills than you could imagine. 


Two 10 mile loops up and down steep hills, crossing several creeks and streams, leaves you wiped out, but in a good way. Smart strategy would be to keep it slow enough to be steady, pushing the pace only in the last third of the race.


It's good to run with a friend, as the day can be a long one. Dips in the various water crossings are optional.


Expect aid stations every 3 miles or so. Eating is half the fun. Be sure to thank the aid station volunteers, who have gave up their entire weekend to help you have a fun race.

Day three again is at a secret location. Not even I know where it will be. Part of the fun in this race is not knowing just WHAT you're getting into. The first year, day three was hellaciously hilly and muddy. Last year, day three was scenic, fairly flat, and a fast course. Something tells me we are in for a surprise this year.

There are awesome medals for those finishing all three days, and awards for those opting for just two of the three, and also for those just running one of the days. Best of all, the cookout after the Sunday 25K is superb. By then, everyone has worked up a giant appetite, and a burger and a cold brew fits the bill.

And as RD Kathy Hoover put it, 

"Wanna know the best way to train for a 100 miler??? Run three days in a row!"

SIGN UP TODAY! 

3-Days to 100K--the report

3-Days to 100K. A Three Day stage race that is easy compared to a lot of stage races. In this race, a 25K is held on Friday night on an easy paved bike trail--a point to point course from the campus of NSU in east Broken Arrow to Jenks. Day Two is a 50K including 1/3 on gravel roads as an out and back, and then two 10ish mile loops on trails that went up and down creek ravines and over some pretty tough hills NE of Skiatook.  Day Three was a 25K--a double loop course at Walnut Creek State Park on Lake Keystone. It was a very easy course, but was still a challenge on tired legs.

On a personal note--this was to be my comeback run. My first race of any length since my knee surgery.



The excitement was high before go-time. We all met at the finish line in Jenks, and after a pre-race meeting boarded a bus to the starting line.


A school bus can seat 74 kids--with three sitting in each 39" seat. But adults typically have butts that are wider so two to a seat was the max. Suffice to say--there was standing room only.


Still--the party atmosphere was high. One of the members of ZZ Top joined us for the run!! Actually, this was Jason Bement--who was running the whole 3-Day event with his bride as they celebrated their wedding anniversary!


After we unloaded at NSU, and without a whole lot of fanfare, we lit out on the word GO.


My job for the race was to run sweep. A sweeper keeps an eye on the back runners, gives the race officials an idea of where the final runners are, and I relished this responsibility as it made sure I did not go too fast or too hard on my semi-untested knee. Plus--I could goof around and take pictures and stuff. Mark Plate was teaming up with me as course sweep. Both of us accompanied Jim and Tammy for the 15.5 mile journey.

Pic courtesy of Meg Jennings

We had a couple of water drops along the way and one manned full service aid station at the half way point. Cindy, Terersa, and Meg manned the aid stop. At this point, we were in great spirits, and moving quite well.

Our pace did slow a little. Tammy was beginning to have some blister issues, and I was not enjoying the pavement. I did walk and shuffle in the grass as much as I could. That, with the help of my Hokas, kept my feet, legs, and knees happy.


We finished Day One in 4:25 just as it started to rain. The timing could not have been better--except that the RDs and volunteers had to break down the tents and stuff, and ended up getting soaked.

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Day Two was on private land on a huge acreage where there were miles and miles of ATV trailz. I had been on the course, and knew the going would be easy at times and insanely tough in sections.


C-RDs Kathy Hoover, and Derk and Barbara Pinkerton seem relaxed knowing that all the prep work is done. Maybe though--it was merely an expression of delirium?


It seemed like a good crowd for a 50K. Around 65 runners toed the line. We would do an out and back to start, and then the two loops would be ran in opposite directions meaning we would see a lot of runners coming and going. 


It was actually a bit on the chilly side, so I started out on the first leg in a long sleeve shirt.



I spent a but of time socializing and taking pictures, and did not get my morning ritual/porta-pot stop taken care of. So--I gave the whole field a 7 minute head start. Running course sweep allows for such privileges. 


The out and back included a short section of pavement, and then a beautiful stretch of gravel across rolling hills. 





















I caught up with Tammy after a couple of miles. She was moving well which was good news since she had blistered the night before.


Tammy is a strong walker. My zombie shuffle was almost the same pace as her power walk. We hit the turnaround averaging right at 16 minute miles.


The unmanned aid station was atop a decent hill with a brilliant panoramic view. We could actually see downtown Tulsa from here.


With the first section nearly done--things were looking good--but I knew there were huge hills ahead.


Ladies and gentlemen--I present to you the most awesome ultra food EVER!! Step one--take an Oreo cookie and hold it in a horizontal position. Step two--place a dill pickle slice atop the cookie. Step Three--insert creation into your mouth and chomp down. Enjoy the burst of flavor and feel the Superman powers flow through your veins. This has everything you need in an ultra. Quick carbs via the super sugary creme filling of the Oreo. A good dose of sodium from the pickle. People have been taking hits of pickle juice in ultras for years. A decent amount of calories to get you to the next aid station. For better results, eat two or three of said creations.


The first few miles in the trail section was relatively flat. There were LOTS of creek crossings with short ups and downs. A cool breeze found its way through the trees, and all in all, it was a perfect day for running.


The course was a series of switchbacks--run along a creek, drop down into the creek and then go the other way, pop out of the creek and reverse direction again, cross a filed, and hit the creek further on up. It did seem like I had no idea where I was--but by following the pink ribbons and avoiding the caution tape, we navigated the course with zero problems. As always is the case in trail runs--super fast runners can miss marked turns, and a few did just that. I never did find a place that confused me--but I was not trying to run 7 minute miles either.


Cindy and Kate worked the aid station on the course, which we hit twice per loop. (more pickles and Oreos please.)


An example of the stellar course marking.


An example of on-the-course crowd support.


Yeah--maybe we were going slow. These two fans had waited a long time to cheer for us. :-)

All of the creek crossings were dry, but if it had rained--it would have been a wade-fest.

Tammy wanted so bad to get this race under her belt. This was her first back-to-back long run. She had a 50K under her belt, but not one with hills such as these.

An actual profile of an actual course

As I said, part of the course was not super bad--just a lot of creek crossings. But there was a four-ish mile section that was up up up and down down down. The descents were so steep that I did not dare try to run them. Some of the climbs almost required using your hands and feet--including finger and toenails.

Tammy decided to drop after 20 miles. I knew she could have made it--but I also knew her feet had to be killing her. I do not think we would have finished before dark. I do know this--she is determined and will come back next year and kick this courses butt.

I was in a bit of a hole as well. I felt I could pick up the pace--but could I beat nightfall? My strategy: run--and forget the headlamp--that forced me to run as much as possible.


Hitting the aid stop the first time in the reverse direction meant almost all of the cad hills were out of the way!!! I told Cindy she could pack things up and go--and to not wait for me. I was running with two 24 ounce water bottles and was feeling great. But--she waited for me to hit the aid station the second time anyway. We have the BEST aid station workers EVER.

I was eyeing my garmin and saw that I could shave my overall pace to under 20 minutes per mile on this last lap if I hurried. A little quicker would insure a last lap time under three hours. So--I pounded it (a slow pounding compared to most) and finished the last loop in 2:54. It was way before dark, and I felt great.

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Day Three was a walk in the park compared to Day Two. I relinquished my course sweep duties, and wanted to test the knee this day.

I took a few pics of the race start, and settled in near the back of the line.




The plan was to not get caught up in the group, and find my own pace. If that meant I hooked up with a friend along the way--then BONUS!


These are equestrian trailz. Wider than single track for most of the way, soft dirt, not too hilly at all, and very runnable.


It took less than a mile, and I caught up with Mitch. I have not ran with him in a while, and it was cool to hook up. We ran the rest of the race together, and caught up on everything, solved the world's problems, and even talked about YOU!


All of the course was marked so well, that it would have been impossible to get lost. 


This is definitely someplace I will come back to.  I ran here 10 years ago, and either these trailz were not here, or at least I never found them. There ARE a few ticks here. Ten years ago, I picker up a few--hundred. But today, everybody sprayed down with bug spray, and it was not all that bad.


Mitch was trying to get out of the frame. One of many lake view sections of the trail.


Mini-Mitch descends into a creek.


Good course markings. I would have tripped on that root.


Follow the pink




Who else but Cindy and Kate. These girls worked all three days!!!


A swim seemed like a good idea. But the trail turned just before the water.


Mitch Drummond--faster than a horse on a sign.

I finished in 3:27:40. No PR, but I ran strong and had a negative split. The usual soreness the days after have not been all that bad. The knee was pain and symptom free. I got to where I could run even technical sections with confidence. I now feel ready to move on to bigger things. :-)


The first place man for the three day total was Chris Corbin.


The ladies winner and also OVERALL winner was Gia Dawn Madole. All the guys got CHICKED BIGTIME!!!  

Congratulations to all who ran. Finishing three days of racing like this is an amazing accomplishment. Thanks so much to Kathy Hoover, and Derk and Barbara Pinkerton. Putting on a race is a lot of work. Doing THREE in one weekend is just crazy! You guys are amazing!!!