Post Oak Challenge

Years and years ago, Johnny Spriggs--a good marathon running buddy, told m about a possibility of a new trail run at some lodge NW of Downtown Tulsa. Post Oak Lodge. He told me there was already some trailz there, and many more miles of trail could be cut, and he wanted to have a new trail race there. As his little pea sized brain got into gear, he approached me with the idea of having it the same weekend as the Snake Run. The idea was runners from all over the united states would flock to Tulsa to get two marathons in two days. Now Johnny and I had done a few doubles, andI understood the fun insanity of this, but after some consideration, I told him I thought that was a bad idea--that having both the same weekend would hurt the attendance of both races. He disagreed, but to honor my concerns, held his new race on an earlier weekend. So in February of 2010,  the first Post Oak Challenge was ran. And now, 8 years later, the race is booming.

Post Oak Lodge is on a huge acreage and is a splendid mix of elegant and rustic. Runners--mostly out of state runners--can rent one of the guest lodges, sleep in the same bed for a couple of nights, eat gourmet meals, and best of all--walk right out their door to the starting line. I did the double the first year, running a slow 50K, got lost, and got bonus miles, then repeated the fun the next day in the marathon. I have run a couple of the shorter distances since then, but never the multi-day. In 2012, I volunteered to work an aid station, and have been back every year since then. It's a whole weekend party and has been more fun every year.

This year, the RDs at Post Oak added a third day, giving runners a chance to triple--run a marathon/50K/marathon, or any combination of shorter distances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For those who felt two days was enough, or those who had to work Friday, the double was still an option.

Post Oak has had to scramble each year to come up with new trailz. They share property with the Tulsa Botanical Garden, and part of that land is heavily fenced off to keep hungry deer from eating the botanical displays. The RDs have turned into trail-cutting gurus, and from what I've heard, this year had the best trailz ever.

Our aid station--Meego's Cantina-- and the other aid station ran by Stormy and the Snowman have evolved into state-of-the-art buffets. All three days, we had 6 tables of treats, a variety of drinks (more on that later) and a kick-ass sound system.

I had plenty of volunteers and had intended to spend a lot of time taking pictures of the runners. But to my shame, I spent a wee bit too much time socializing and snacking. I did manage to get a super quick shot of Victor as he streamed through our area. Victor did not run Friday but won the 50K setting a course record with 3:57. The next day, he won the marathon running a 3:30.This is on a fairly tough trail with some serious hills.

I eventually got time to run a little and jogged the course backward for a few photo moments. Here I caught Deborah Burkhart and Janet Holland cruising on a gradual uphill grind.

One of the staples at our oasis was PECAN PIE. My friend Abby brought a gorgeous pecan pie to the Half and Half last December, and I decided we need it at all races. 

We cut it into small piecess, and I just could not leave it alone. I should have just went running. Saturday, I ate the LAST PIECE, and minutes later, Chrissy Whitten bopped in and was so excited to have a bite before climbing the final Hill from Hell. We,, I felt about two inches tall telling her I had polished it off.

I made sure to NOT make that same mistake on Sunday.

A few random pics. Brandon is holding a leash and has Miss Taylor, a white greyhound, dragging him up and down the hills. Is that cheating?

On the left is MikeRives--bartender extraordinaire. We had a dozen different mixed drink options as well as a good selection of beers, whiskey, and Fireball. William and Carrie had no shame in having the slowest time on the course each day. They spent 30-45 minutes at every aid station--especially if they had drinks.

A lot of crazy drink/food inventions pop up at our aid stations. In a past race, William created the "meat shot"--a pinch of bbq brisket dropped into a shot of Fireball. It's actually quite good, although many people were repulsed by the very idea of it. But at Post Oak, we had no brisket--but we did have bacon. Many tasters felt the bacon shot was better than the meat shot since the bacon was a little chewy. I agreed.

We had tortillas and cheese-->Cheese quesadillas! We also had Nutella--Nutella quesadillas. And we had crazy aid station workers-->Nutella&Chees Quesadillas dipped in Fireball!!!! This creation meets the zombie seal of approval!! It was amazing!!

As with all the pics, click on them to enlarge. Stormy published a collage of photos from his place. I wanted to go over to visit. (They would probably say I was spying.)  Having Wes Rupell in their camp meant a plethora of gourmet hors d'oeuvers. 

Watt Design Photography was the official photographer and took tons of great pictures. This one of Victor topping Holmes Peak captures the only place during the race that he walked.

Post Oak posts results of all the races and all of the doubler and tripler awards. Lael Wever won the big triple having the best combined time for all three races. 

And the awards abound. Besides medals for finishing each race, there were age group awards and huge wooden plaques for displaying the medals. If you were fast enough, you needed a wheel barrel to haul your bounty to your car. Christine Fischer had an armload Sunday after her race.

I had put out a notice on a couple of weeks prior to the race soliciting volunteers and had an overwhelming response. Mike Rives, Lynna Gilstrap, Alicia Bell, Deana Jessy, Alecia Cartwright, Ken Saveth, RJ Chiles, Summer Chiles, Leaha Kopp, Misty Roland, David West, and Angela Childress volunteered for one or all days. There were several others who ran one of the shorter distances and volunteered at our aid station after that. At one point Saturday afternoon, we had 14 people pitching in at our aid station. The task at hand was never a drudgery. Many thanks indeed. I am sure I'll repeat this insanity next year.

An impromptu Post Oak Trail preview run

I ran with a few friends at Post Oak today. This was the last official training run before the Post Oak Challenge, which happens in two weeks. I am working an aid station there both days, and another TATUR group is also working another aid station both days. We're not trying to take over, but I HAVE made this Post Oak Challenge part of the Oklahoma Dirt Trail Series. Former RD and friend Johnny Spriggs invited me to run with him, and since this was the last chance before the race, and also because I LOVE trail running in the snow,. I jumped at the opportunity. There were about 10 brave souls who ventured out on this windy snowy 26° day. I had no problem driving there, but did slip my truck into 4-wheel drive coming up the Hill from Hell, which had a fair dusting of snow in places. We wisely divided into two groups, of which I chose the slower one. 

Johnny led the way, following the orange ribbons. I am always confused by the multi-colored ribbons. I know one color is for each distance, but I'm still confused. Goof thing I'll be at an aid station!

For the first half of our run, the ground seemed frozen--no surprise here. We had several creek crossings which were all navigated with dry feet. I took a toe stump fall and converted in into a tuck and roll, ending up on my back, and getting a full coat of snow in the process. It was fun. During the second half of the run, we got into a bit of frozen slush mud, which is the best kind of mud. The snow mixed in makes the mud far less sticky, and I ended my run with shoes cleaner than when I put them on. :-) 

Leaha, who runs with the Tuesday/Sunday trail group joined us. Like myself, she skipped the run this morning. Her reasoning was she was going to run here at Post Oak. My reason was that the covers were so warm and I slept in. Don't hate!

We covered a lot of the trails near the lodge. We missed out on running in the Botanical Gardens, which are heavily fenced and off limits, but they will be accessible during the race. We did not do the Hill from Hell, which is not too hard by road, but is a bitch by trail.

We also skipped Holmes Peak, which I kind of wanted to do, but was advised that the wind chill was probably -17° on the top. So, our group called it a day after 4 miles, and had a PBR in the lodge. It was a pretty good day.

After we left, I decided to go see how well the Botanical Gardens was fenced off, and give Holmes Peak a go. The gates around the entrance were tall with pointy things at the top, and signs warning of surveillance cameras. Sheesh!!


So, I decided to park at the gate like we used to, and run the 1.5 miler back to the pavement and back. This gravel road has been redone, and practically feels like a paved road. I got my quota of hills in though, and finished with 7 miles for the day. Good times.

Post Oak Challenge aid station's perspective

It's been a while and I'm normally not this late in getting out race reports, so I guess this report is DFL--much like a lot of my races.

The Post Oak Challenge is a 2-day event where trail runners can run a DOUBLE. Only a trail or ultra runners understands the will to do two hard races on consecutive days--it's an oddity to some casual observers, and lunacy to others. The POC has your choice of a 50K/25K/10K on Saturday all on trailz, and your choice of a marathon/half marathon/quarter marathon on Sunday on a mixture of trailz and pavement. I did the big double the first year, and it is super tough. The past 3 years I have worked aid stations which is a blast. It's fun to see to the needs of friends as they push themselves.

 
The different distances are sent out in waves, and on day one, we had quite a bit of wait time til we saw our first runner. We had the privilege of seeing every runner, and the 50K runners twice,


I had fantastic help, with Susan Melon Westmoreland and Mishelle Hancock by my side. Our aid station was well stocked with goodies provided by the Post Oak staff (thank you Charlotte Lindley) and we also brought some goodies of our own.


Jello shots were a favorite. Nearly everyone who knew we had them through on e back. They were yummy, and were a lot like a yogurt cup where the goodies were on the bottom (wink.) The dude at the bottom left was having a big dose of one of our other goodies--CHOCOLATE BACON!!!

Nice crispy salty bacon dipped in a hard shell luscious chocolate. Melon cooked up 11 pounds of bacon, and it was all consumed. And I helped! (to the point of having a tummy ache)

We had such a great time and were out until the last runner came through.

Day two, my station was very near the start/finish, and we serviced only the marathon runners at their halfway point. It was bitterly cold, but the sun shining made it bearable. The chicken soup was a hit, but only for the mid to back of the pack. The front runners checked in and out very fast. My aid station was done and picked up by 11:00 am. I then made my way down the big hill to the point where my aid station was the day before. Monty Python and the Holy Grail was the theme.

Picture stolen from Wes Rupel

Stormy, Brynna, Edward, Christy, Phillip, Sarah, and Wes had this place under control. Runners came through and headed out on the road for an out-and-back, then headed up the Hill from Hell. Directing traffic (cars and runners don't mix well) was a big responsibility, and there were no mishaps. 


This is Holmes Peak-the tallest hill in a 3-county area, and the course goes up and over more times than most runners wished. Here, a GOATz friend Ron Ruhs practices a "Hurdle the weak, trample the dead" philosophy.

Picture stolen from Ron Ruhs

And the payoff for running tough but beautiful trailz for two days in a row--bragging rights, a cool tech shirt, and double bling. It doesn't get much better than this.

Sunday run at Post Oak

A fine group or dirt-loving runners travelled to Post Oak Lodge Sunday to run what was a preview of the upcoming Post Oak Challenge. I didn't get an accurate count, but I'd say a dozen or so adventurous sorts gathered at 8:ish and listened half-heartedly to the directions from RD Johnny Spriggs. Thanks to Johnny for marking a couple of loops for us. We ran a 3-something which included a summit of Holmes Peak, and then a 5 mile loop that went all over everywhere.
Driving up the long drive to the lodge, one can't help but glance to the north to the daunting heights of Holmes Peak. (I know this must seem hideously funny to those in Colorado and other mountain states-THIS?? A PEAK???)   I'll attest that this is one of the most deceptive hills in Oklahoma. Leaving the lodge parking lot, we descended over 100 feet, only to begin our trek upward. Some speedsters led by Stormy charged up the winding ascending trail to the base of the peak, only to take a turn on a trail retreating down the northeast slope and around to the eastward approach trail.

I chose a more methodical rhythm of running 3-4 minutes and walking whenever it got steep or when my out-of-shape lungs screamed loud enough. I watched the fast group bound up the final approach as I neared the east base of the peak. The group that were patiently following me matched my power-walk (bragging a little) and my jog slog all the way to the top. I was laboring for breath once above tree-line, but composed myself enough to take a few more pictures before planning our descent.
Yes, I said "above tree-line--do you see any trees atop Holmes Peak? I think not. The north wind was stiff and cold, and we were not taking the dangers of exposure lightly, what with wind chills being in the 20s. The wind also acts like a convection oven in the summer months with dangerous wind chills, and the wind here also acts like a convection over in the summer months, and being 170 feet closer to the sun makes this a dangerous summit year round. Still, the view from Holmes Peak is amazing, and the trip is well worth it.


Laura, Theresa, and Cindy are stoked about bagging the tallest hill in a three county area.


The western route is more straightforward, and if anything--steeper. I paused during the descent to shoot a picture of the steep face of what is one of NE Oklahoma's premiere mountains.

Upon finishing our first expedition, we regrouped and started the second stage of our run I had to make a quick trip home, and sent my group on ahead, trusting in the promised placement of orange ribbons, which were a great help. But I got no further than two miles toward home before I found I did not need to make the trip after all, and returned to try to catch my group.


I threw caution to the wind and streaked down the trail. The trail made me pay for my haste as I was ankle-tackled by a tree and for a second, I flew like Superman, but quickly turned into the human plow. It was good for a laugh--me laughing about falling yet again. I still pushed the pace thinking I might catch someone.

I truly enjoyed the beauty of the hills. There are about 15-16 miles of trailz here--some wooded, some are wide open--and all are rocky. This picture is a good representation of Post Oak. Believe me--there are rocks under that grass just waiting to be kicked. Word: pick up your feet. 


The Post Oak Runs use colored ribbons. Lots of them. You had best know your colors. The color blind are in for a challenge. We were following orange on Sunday, so this cluster was no help. :-)



I am pretty sure I got off track here. There was no orange leading me here, but I like this section on the northern end of the Botanical Gardens. From there, I picked up orange and ran as fast as a middle-age-self-professed zombie can run. I heard voices in the woods--mainly Jason's. I was pretty sure I was closing in, but with the repetitive series of switchbacks on Johnny's route, I*( think I was still a 1/4 mile behind him. Near what I thought was the end of our loop, I caught Theresa and Cindy, and caught a glimpse of Jason and a group heading out for their final mini-loop. I called it a day for myself, and counted it as a solid 7.5 miles. A few of us took the scenic route to Panera for bagels and coffee, capping off a great morning.

The plans are made for another trip back nest Sunday. I'll be gunning for 10 miles, if my deteriorating body holds out.

Post Oak on Saturday

Almost a last minute decision, I decided to run Post Oak for my last long run before Prairie Spirit. I needed a long slow run, and most of my buddies were running or volunteering anyway, and the thought of toughing out 30 miles on pavement seemed dreadful. So, even though I did not need a hilly technical run, I signed up. I set my alarm for 5:45--but I forgot to turn the dumb thing ON. Well, who is really dumb? I woke up at 7:10 and missed the 7:00 early start. Getting there with 8 minutes to spare, I had to sign my waiver, pick up my number and chip, and get lined up to go. I missed the start, and gave the whole field a 6 minute head start.

Picture by Cole Starkey

The good thing about starting late was I did not have a long line of runners to wait behind at every water crossing and mud hole. My first 5-6 miles were between 12 and 13 minutes per mile, which is good for me on this terrain.


I thought I would eventually catch a few runners, but caught no one by the first aid station.

Picture by Diana Mar

Stormy, Edward, and company manned the first aid stop, and this station was hit three times in the early miles. It was the happening place from a race logistic standpoint, and was by far the most festive.

Picture by Ken Saveth

The theme this year was 80's Prom. And in the 80's, head-banging hair bands were the deal.

Picture by Ken Saveth

But the best thing about the Stormy/Edward oasis was BACON!!!

Picture by Ken Saveth

Or mimosas. Both were jet fuel.


I put my music on and just RAN. I started catching a few people here and there, which kind of gets me going.


The trail zigged and zagged, and I figured out that I was supposed to be following green ribbons. Had I been there for the pre-race meeting I might have known that earlier.


The blue was for the marathon the next day. I felt the course was well marked, but still, a few runners missed turns. Run fast and don't pay attention. Then, when the dude in front makes a wrong turn and everyone behind him follows, it's a disaster. But that is not a fault of the course--at least it was not in this race.


It was nice having K markers along the way.


Still catching a few runners here and there, but I definitely walked the steep hills.,


The vies here are spectacular.


A mile long climb was slow going for me, and it was along here when I realized it was not gonna be a fast race for me. I gave thought to bailing, but pushed on.


I lost a lot of my pace during a long up and down and up which was mostly mud. This was that wonderful mud that sticks to the bottom of your shoes in 5 lb clumps. Since I run liker a duck on ice skates anyway, I complete lost heart and decided to turn around and jog back to meet my buddy Tom and hang out with him.

Tom was running 25K, and the thought of finishing up early, having a good lunch, and enjoying a couple of beers was too much to pass up.

In the picture above, atop Holmes Peak, Tom mimics the proposed Indian statue that was the talk of the town a few years ago.

It was supposed to be over 200 feet tall, and be built atop the highest hill  in three counties, and point to the east.

It was supposed to be completed in 2011, and I suppose it is never gonna happen now.


Descending the other side of Holmes Peak, we were starting to smell the barn. I think we were just a 5K away.


We enjoyed almost a mile of downhill running, but we still had the Hill from Hell. Post Oak makes a big deal out of this hill, and well they should. I have had worse hills, but this hill climbs, and then the trail switches back and comes about halfway back down before turning and heading back up. That's bad, right?


Well, there is a special aid station that you hit going up, and then again going back down. Special--because they serve one thing and one thing only--BEER! We both has a couple of dixie cups on our first and second visits.  Barley and hops Gatorade, I call it. Running fuel.


The final climb, and another postcard vista of downtown Tulsa.

Picture by Cole Starkey

Tom and I shuffled across the finish line and headed for the lodge. Lunch was beef chili, chicken chili, or bbq sandwiches. We sat around and visited with friends. I headed back down to my favorite aid station after lunch and hung out for a bit, and then headed home and was actually on time to a business appointment, which I would have missed completely had I finished the 50K. All is well.

Thanks to Ken Saveth, Diana Mar, and Cole Starkey for the tags and letting me borrow a few pix.