McKay Hollow Madness 25K, March 28, 2015

The Madness

Prologue

"We run and race for myriad reasons -- competition, fitness, adventure, challenge, the list goes on.  I imagine some, if not most, are like me...I often wonder if I am chasing something or running from something.  I suspect it's a bit of both.  Either way, run until your heart is full and you can find peace."

-DeWayne Satterfield

Mountain Mist 50K Race Report

Ultrarunning magazine, April 2015 issue

McKay Hollow

As runners, we all know that life has a funny way of intersecting with our running.  I realize that sounds a little funny.  I certainly recognize that running is part of my life, but I also know that in many instances running serves as a catharsis to deal with  life's pitfalls and challenges.   I arrived at the start of the McKay Hollow 25K this year with what I can only describe as a heavy heart.  I'm not going to bore you with the details, but in some form, I suspect we've all been there.  On this day, I needed McKay Hollow not only to serve as a challenging run, but to serve as a mechanism to clear my head and heart and to get me reoriented.   That's a lot to ask from the trails of Monte Sano, but a run through the woods has never ceased to rejuvenate and refocus me.

The Race Begins

Besides at least three RD's over the years, the McKay Hollow Madness course has gone through more incarnations than the late Michael Jackson.  It started as a trail half marathon, and then for one year it got extended to a 14 mile course, and once it became a 25K, the course still went through a tweak or two.   But one thing has held constant -- this race has always been centered around some of the most challenging trails that Monte Sano Mountain has to offer.

Cary Long was serving as the the new Race Director this year, taking over from Blake Thompson. Cary made a few logistical announcements about the course, conducted a quick trivia contest centered around his hemorrhoids, and led us in prayer -- seriously, you can't make this stuff up - from hemorrhoid trivia to a prayer -- welcome to The Wonderful World of Cary, or CaryLand, or DollyLong, you pick......anyway, the race started and we were off!

(Race Director, Cary Long, yelling at children to get off the see-saws)

Start to Aid Station 1, O'Shaughnessy Point, 5.1 miles

We started at the main pavilion in the State Park and after a run down the road and brief sections of the North Plateau Trail and more road, we took a turn down the North Sinks Trail head and the real trail race was underway.   I clocked an 8:35 for the first mile, but once we started down the trail, I was stuck in a "runner train" and my pace fell back to 11:20 for a period.

(Trying to find the trail head)

After moving down the Sinks trail, we hit the Logan Point trail and took that to Panther Knob.  This section presents a real tough climb on all fours, and for a tall guy like myself, you are pretty much guaranteed a head to rock encounter as you squeeze through a section of climb where you are pretty sure you are not supposed to go.  The first year I covered this section of the race I was sure I had taken a wrong turn moving through the stone cuts.  Nope, you really are supposed to crawl through, and up this thing.

When I got to the top of the climb, the course goes back to the Sinks trail and down a section of the Mountain Mist trail.

Eventually I made it over to Warpath Ridge and more climbing up to the first Aid Station at O'Shaughnessy Point.  I topped off my bottle and grabbed a cup of Mountain Dew (the miracle elixir).  I downed a Hammer gel  as I made my way down the South Plateau Trail towards the McKay Hollow trail. (And I held onto the gel wrapper until I passed a volunteer who took it from me.  Don't leave junk on the trails.  That's my sermon for the week.)

Aid Station 1 to Aid Station 2, Monte Sano Boulevard at Burritt, 9.8 miles

Coming off the South Plateau Trail, I took a sharp turn on the McKay Hollow trail which plunges down into ????...you guessed it, the Hollow.  Once at the bottom, the trail becomes very muddy.   I actually made pretty good time through this section, recalling Rob Youngren's time honored advice -- "Embrace the Mud." I ran with Don Alan Hankins through this section.  Don Alan is the RD for Dizzy 50's and has done a great job with that trail race.   Chad Woods also ran with us during this section.  I busted somewhere along the way and they both kept motoring towards really nice finishes.

(Yeah, I don't know where I am, but that's a photo of me somewhere on Monte Sano.  I'm sporting my Johnny Cash, "Man in Black" look.)

I was glad to get to Arrowhead and the Arrowhead extension trail.   The extension section is one of the most scenic trails on Monte Sano.  It is beautiful single track where you can open it up a bit and really run.   I made the most of it.  I took advantage of some runners behind me to push myself through this section.

Again, with tough trails to navigate, it is always nice to reach an Aid Station.  I dropped another Nuun tablet into my water bottle and got a big handful of peanut butter filled pretzels -- SuperFood.

Aid Station 2 to the Finish, Overlook Pavilion, 25K (15.5 miles)

This next section of the course eventually takes you down the Natural Well trail to the newly revitalized Son of a Bitch Ditch.   SOB ditch had been severely washed out with storms over the past few years and was littered with huge, downed trees which made crossing it very hazardous (picture unstable land, susceptible to slides, with huge, downed trees sitting on top of it all.)  Over time, the land settled a bit and with the use of some chain saws, jackhammers, and other tools, a local Girl Scout Troop carved out a nice path through the debris -- (I might not be exactly right about that....they may have used hand axes.)  So, this year, instead of bushwhacking around the ditch, we were able to once again run this section.  Granted, it still lives up to its name.

(A photo of the Troop after fixing SOB Ditch.  Thanks, girls! You're each going to receive an SOB merit badge! )

Eventually, the course takes you back to Arrowhead trail and I was able to pick up a little steam again.   At this point, Rick Callaway and my running nemesis, Sam the dog,  caught up with me. Sam is Rick's trail running buddy and only friend.   Sam beat me at Dizzy 50 and I could sense he smelled blood in the water this time as well.  This was my longest run since the Graveyard 100, and my legs were already starting to feel like noodles.   Sam was just waiting for the right moment.

(Sam -- Don't be fooled by his friendly face.  He's a cutthroat racer.)

As Sam continued to breath down my neck, I was trying to pick up my pace down a violently smooth section of trail.  At that point it happened, I tripped on the idea of a rock and went down.   Sam passed me, shook some drool on me and was about to hike a leg until Rick called him down.  Thanks, Rick! Sam put another notch in his little orange running pack.

Forget "STOP PRE,"  I want a "STOP SAM" t-shirt!

I finally made it to the bottom of Death Trail and started the climb up.   Dianna Cioppi, my new Death Trail best buddy was right behind me for the climb.   We passed the Happy HEMSI guy who was shouting encouragement to us as we made our way up.  He encouraged us to be careful as we got higher up the trail, due to the sheer side of the path, but he said, "You runner's never listen anyway," or something like that.   I just thanked him for calling us runners, because we weren't exactly running at that point.

We finally got up to the waterfall and made it across the finish line at the Overlook Pavilion.  Overall, it was a gratifying finish.  I finished in 3:25:04, which was a McKay Hollow 25K PR for me.  It's not the best time in the world, but hey, me and my wobbly legs will take it.

   

Final Thoughts

I started this report with the fact that I came into this race struggling.  I can't say it fixed everything, but I do believe in the healing power of a good run, of a hard physical challenge.   It can help establish perspective; it can erase frustration, and it is a great and cheap life coach.   If anything, the long run is always a reminder of the old saying that life is a marathon, not a sprint.   There is so much opportunity in all aspects of life, if you just take the long view.

  

     

Graveyard 100, March 7, 2015

Rising from the Wreckage

Brandon Wilson, the Race Director for The Graveyard 100 likes to point out that over 1000 ships have sunk off the coast of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, thus the name -- The Graveyard of the Atlantic.  To the runners who sign up for this race, he asks one question, "Will you be next?"

In 2012, I signed up for this race in an attempt to complete my first 100 mile run.   There are several 100 milers that bill themselves as good courses for those looking to finish their first 100.   This isn't one of them.   This course is challenging.  It's a point to point run from Corolla to Hatteras, NC, down a narrow strip of seashore known as the Outer Banks, with water on both sides.   It's run completely on blacktop, with total exposure all day long.  For a trail runner accustomed to the coverage of a canopy for the majority of a race, this was a rude awakening.  

So, in 2012 the S.S. Hendrick started taking on water around mile 40 in the form of blisters on the bottom of my feet, and by the 3rd Aid Station around mile 62, my feet were totally wrecked, and I was struggling big time.   I made it out of the Aid Station and continued on, but did not make it to the final Aid Station at mile 87 under the cut off.  I sank.

I learned a lot from that first attempt.   I was too heavy and needed to lose some weight and get my food choices under control; I had not trained nearly enough -- relying on training that would be appropriate for a 12 hour, timed run.   I picked the wrong shoe.   I really liked Brooks Green Silence. It was a light weight trainer and I'd run a half and full marathon in them, with no problems. Also, I'd read where Scott Jurek had set the American 24 hour record in them.   I had a rude awakening on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in 2012 -- I was not exactly built like Scott Jurek.   I needed way more shoe for 100 miles on asphalt.

As time marched on, I finished my first 100 miler at Thunder Rock, which is run through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee.   As satisfying as that was, I could not shake the DNF monkey off my back from Graveyard.   Finally, in the summer of 2014, I decided I would head back to the GY 100 and get my buckle.    However, I knew I had to do things totally different than before, and I couldn't rely on the type of trail running I had used as my primary source of training for Thunder Rock.

New Day, New Plan

I knew Rob and Kathy Youngren had run some of the most grueling road ultras out there, including Spartathlon and Badwater. They also have a consulting business and will work with runners on putting together training plans geared to their specific situation and race goal.   Long story short, they put together an awesome plan for me and I stuck to it.

I started the plan in September 2014, and as time progressed, I saw the benefits taking shape very early -- going below 4 hours on a marathon for the first time on my 12th attempt, setting an overall 50K PR at Recover From the Holidays, and setting a course PR at Mountain Mist 50K.

I knew the plan was working and that knowledge kept me going through the very cold runs in January and February.

Finally, I found the "right tool for the job" in the form of a "maximalist" shoe.   There are a lot of good ones on the market today, but I settled on the Hoka Bondi for the majority of my training runs, and the Hoka Clifton, which is a little lighter, but still very cushioned, for races.

Graveyard 2015

I wound up arriving at the Hotel in Duck, North Carolina, that was serving as the race HQ, on Thursday, prior to the race on Saturday.   I had to leave Huntsville a day earlier than planned to beat an ice storm that was forecast.   It worked out great because I was able to have dinner that night with Brandon and Heather Wilson, and Kelley Wells, the eventual women's winner.  Brandon was able to give me some updates on the course that had changed since 2012.   I also found out that Brandon has taken over RD responsibilities for Laurel Valley...Hmmmmm.  Something to ponder on another day.
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Fast Forward to the Race Start (Start to Aid Station 1 ~mile 21.4, Southern Shores Vol. Fire Dept.)

After the National Anthem, the race started promptly at 5:00 am (EST) on Saturday morning in Currituck Park, next to the Light House.  We first ran 2 miles north where the road dead ends into the ocean in Corolla, and then we turned south for the duration of the race.

Currituck Lighthouse (stock photo - we started before daylight)

I fell in with a runner named, Tony Trigg.  I learned that Tony was in the Navy and had run several 100K's and this was his first 100.   Tony and I were running about a 9:20 to 9:30 pace.   I knew this was little fast for me, but I also subscribe to the notion that you should make hay while the sun is shining.   I knew I would just be hanging on towards the end, so I didn't sweat this pace too much.   We made it through the second and third water stops and always seemed to catch up to each other afterward.  I was fortunate to have a crew this time meeting me at water stops to help with snacks, gels, etc.  It makes a difference.  We were running through the picturesque resort town of Duck, North Carolina, and I knew that I should soak up the scenery, because it would soon change.

We ran to the Southern Shores Volunteer Fire Station that served as the first Aid Station and I made a pretty quick turnaround.   I probably only spent 2 or 3 minutes.   As I got started, I didn't see Tony, so I pressed on.

Aid Station 1 to Aid Station 2 ~ 40.9 miles, Nags Head

I ran from Aid 1 to Aid 2 on my own.   The GY 100 has a cap of 100 runners, and only 90 towed the line for the start, so as you can imagine, it thins out pretty quickly.   The limited number of runners, plus the reality of the OBX during the off season, gives rise to the tag line for the GY 100 - "We Specialize in Isolation."   Don't get me wrong, the first half of the race is run through civilization, it is just pretty sparse.  I took advantage of this time, to back my pace down to 9:55 to 10:20.  

I made it through water stops in Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills.  As I passed the Wright brothers museum, the Huntsvillian in me could not help but appreciate that I was running across the hallowed ground that gave birth to powered flight.  My moment of nerd.

Anyway, I pulled into Aid Station 2 at the South Nags Head Fire Station feeling pretty good.   I did go against my cardinal rule -- I sat down.   But, I used the opportunity to eat a hot cup of potato soup and get some other food down.   It really revitalized me, and I was off.

Aid Station 2 to Aid Station 3 ~ 62.9 miles, Rodanthe

After leaving Aid Station 2, I continued down Highway 12 and could see the Bodie Island Lighthouse on my right.  In 2012, we actually ran out to the lighthouse and back, but due to the new route at the beginning, picking up those miles is no longer necessary.  I got a surge of adrenaline knowing that I was approaching the halfway point.   The halfway point comes roughly at the Bonner Bridge, which spans two miles and in my view, connects civilization with the desolate landscape of the Cape Hatteras National Sea Shore.   It is sand dunes and more sand dunes.  You know how a national forest is primarily unmolested acres and acres of wilderness, a national seashore is the same thing -- only with sand and water and the occasional pavilion.  Beautiful, but desolate.

Bodie Island Lighthouse (stock photo)

Bonner Bridge - Halfway Point (stock photo)

Cape Hatteras National Sea Shore

The day was definitely catching up to me as I saw the town of Rodanthe rising up on the horizon. The small towns of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo are seamlessly connected and are the oasis in the middle of the seashore.  The 3rd Aid Station is located at the  Rodanthe Community Center.   I know I took a full 20 minutes at this Aid Station.   I needed real food, and my stomach was not in great shape.   I sipped some ginger ale to settle it.   I really had to get right with the world at this point.  It was undoubtedly my low point.  I never doubted that I was going to be able to finish, but I also knew I had to get my stomach back in line.

Picture of Diane Lane from the movie, "Nights in Rodanthe."  She was not at the Aid Station.

I  think time, real food, and ginger ale worked for me, and I was able to pick up my pace leaving Rodanthe and made really good time to the next water stop which was about 4.5 miles down the road.  The sun had set and I had made the change to my night running gear.   Because the roads of Graveyard are not closed, in addition to a headlamp, you have to wear a light on your back as well as reflective clothing.   This is a rule put in place for the safety of the runners and it is also required by the U.S. Park Service.

Aid Station 3 to Aid Station 4, mile 87.3,  Hatteras Light House

The cruel thing about a lighthouse at night, is that you can see it for miles and miles away.   I know this is a good thing for ships, but for a Graveyard runner, you know that the last Aid Station is located in the parking lot of the lighthouse, but you run, and run, and run and it never seems to get closer. It is always at the end of the road and it is very bright!

So, you take solace in the beautiful full moon that is rising to your left and the magnificent stars overhead, totally free of any glare caused by the lights of a town -- because other than the occasional road light, it is dark out on the Hatteras National Sea Shore --- with the exception of the light house and it's beam that rhythmically sweeps around.   It becomes your companion for 20 miles or so before you ever reach it.

   

Hatteras Lighthouse (stock photo)

Around mile 30 or so, I had implemented a run/walk strategy -- I would run 2 miles and then walk for 20 to thirty yards and then pick it up again.  If I was feeling good, I would sometimes skip the walk and run for 4 miles, slowing my pace if needed but maintaining a run.   As I passed the 75 mile mark, I degenerated to a run of a little over a mile, followed by my standard walk.   A flat course is a little challenging with regard to finding the right balance.   On a trail run, the terrain often dictates your walk or power hike strategy, but on an ultra distance road run, you've got to experiment and figure out what works best for you.  I had been able to try a few things during my training runs, and I decided to get away from specific timed intervals and focus on the distance of my run between walks. That approach worked for me.

My old stomach problems were still nagging me a bit.  I yacked at a water stop along the way and realized it was time for a change.  Nuun and Hammer Gels had served me well through most of the run, but as many of you know, you reach a point when you can't stomach any more sports drink of any kind and you can't face eating another gel.  So, I switched to water and Endurolyte caps for my electrolyte needs.  My stomach settled and I was good for the remainder of the run. 

I finally made the turn and headed out to the Hatteras Lighthouse.   This was a huge moment for me. It was at this spot in 2012, when the RD pulled up in a van beside me to let me know my race was over.   However, as I approached the final Aid Station this year, I was more than 7 hours under the cutoff. I can't begin to express how good that felt.   My brain was dancing with that reality, but my body was in need of some real food, so again, I took a little time to eat some potato soup, and get some ginger ale down.  I also ran into Tony Trigg at this Aid Station; it's the first time we'd crossed paths since our initial run together early in the race.  Tony was taking a little time to get right, but he finished strong.   As I left the Aid Station, a kind volunteer sent me on my way with a pack of orange Lance peanut butter crackers.  Those little orange things hit the spot.

Aid Station 4 to mile 100.4, The Finish Line at The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum   

I took a left at the end of the Hatteras Lighthouse road and was on my way to the finish.   Now, anyone that knows me well, knows that I have a terrible sense of direction and I do have a tendency to get lost (reference Thunder Rock 100 race report).   As I ran down the road, I started to get this sinking feeling that I had missed a turn.   Visions of my extra 4.5 miles at Thunder Rock started playing in my head.   I just knew I had messed up again.   There were no runners behind me as far as I could see and no blinking lights ahead of me.  Not good.   However, instead of backtracking as I'd done at Thunder Rock, I decided to stick to my guns and just keep moving.   It paid off.   I came across a crew that had stopped short of the final water stop and I ran over to their truck.  The guys jumped out and said, "Hey man, can we help you?"   I said, "Am I on the right road?"  They said, "Absolutely!  You're doing great.  A few runners came through a few minutes ago.  Just keep going!"  They asked if I needed anything -- food or water?   I told them they gave me all I needed -- peace of mind.

I made the final water stop and didn't slow down that much.   I wish I would have had the sense to trade out my headlamp, because the batteries were just about shot, but all I could think about was pushing to the end.   

Finally, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum came into view and I could see the finish line.   I made it across the finish line in 22:16:52, 24th overall, 20th male.   90 runners started and 66 finished.   For me, it was sweet, sweet, sweet, redemption.

    

 







        





        

Mountain Mist 50K Trail Run, January 24, 2015

The Thing that is Mountain Mist

Several years ago, David Horton was the guest speaker at the pre-race dinner for Mountain Mist.   For those that aren't familiar with David, he is one of the most accomplished ultrarunners around.  During the Q&A portion of his talk, he was asked of all of his accomplishments over the years, which one meant the most.   Without hesitation, he said completing the Barkley Marathons.  He elaborated by saying that in the ultrarunning community, we often point to the most sadistic thing we have ever accomplished as the race that means the most to us.   Now, to put that into context, David has won the Hardrock 100 twice; competed in the Race Across America and came in 3rd; and set speed records on the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.

His talk really resonated with me, and as I have reflected on it over the years, I've come to the conclusion that the reason that Mountain Mist holds so much meaning for me is because it is the most sadistic race I run on a regular basis.   It is truly a beast.  In the Huntsville running community, we often say that if you can run the trails of Monte Sano Mountain, you can compete in any trail race out there.   Monte Sano has it all -- roots, rocks, mud, an awesome array of single track trails, combined with challenging climbs and water in all of its various forms.   This is the setting for the 31 mile Mountain Mist Trail Run.

A friend of mine jokingly asked me once if I fell on every run that I do; I laughed and said, yeah just about.   But the truth is, most of my falls have taken place on Monte Sano.   I ran Thunder Rock 100 without falling once; I've finished the Stump Jump 50K twice without face planting, and the same for the Cheaha 50K, and the Snakebite 50K, but Mountain Mist is a different animal.   There are tons of opportunities during this race to find yourself eye level with the trail.  It is technical with a capital "T."

So, Let's go for a Run through the Woods (Race Start through O'Shaughnessey Point Aid Station, 6.4 Miles)

The weather for Mountain Mist is always unpredictable.  Dink Taylor, the Race Director, says that the race controls the weather and that our local weathermen don't understand that fact.   He probably is right.  The 10 day forecast showed dry weather for the week.  However, as race day approached, things really started to change. It rained the day before the race, ensuring the trails would be a little extra sloppy and slick, and the night before the 7:30 a.m. start, the rain turned to snow on the top of Monte Sano, so we had a nice dusting to start the race.

My brother, Spurgeon, has made this an annual event and I always enjoy running this race with him.   I'm sure one of these days, when we are confined to rocking chairs (or wheelchairs, thanks to Mtn, Mist), we can share great stories.   Anyway, the gun went off and we started the race.  I was hanging just behind him as we headed out on a section of road, that quickly turned into a wide family bike trail.  He was chatting it up with one of his running buddies, and I took the opportunity to take a quick look at my Suunto watch, which showed that we were running at an 8:05 pace.   That was just crazy.  I believe in making hay while the sun is shining, but I didn't need to be heading out at that pace, so I dropped back to about 8:45.   I didn't say anything to him, but watched as he pulled away.   All the while I was thinking, "Okay, speedracer.  Head out at that pace and I am just going to reel you in, on the back half of this course when you blow up."   I was sure this was going to be the year I beat him.  Although, I was in the middle of an 85 mile training week, I had noticed on STRAVA that he was not clocking a ton of miles leading up to the race.  While I may have been running on overtrained, tired legs, I was sure he was running on undertrained legs.  But what can I say, this verse was the same as the first.  As I saw him disappear ahead of me, that was it.  I wouldn't see him again until I crossed the finish line.  He just keeps getting it done!   Oh well. There's always next year.

(My brother and I during happier times -- before he left me in the dust) 

(A little snow on the Mountain)

About 5 miles into the race, I see Kathy Youngren just ahead of me.   I pick up my pace to catch her.  Unfortunately, it was only a Kathy look-a-like, but then I see Christy Scott and it turns out to be the real Christy Scott.  At this point, I'm thinking I am having the race of my life.  I mean Christy Scott is the real deal.  (A little Ultra Signup stalking proves my point:  Christy finished Mtn. Mist last year in 5:48:36 and Strolling Jim 40 Miler in 6:50)  I fell in behind Christy and hung with her as we approached the first aid station.

O'Shaughnessy Point to Goat Trail Aid Station (11.9 miles)

I stopped at the aid station and Christy and a few others raced through it.   I figured that would be the last I would see her, but I topped my bottle off, grabbed some pretzels and kept moving.  I passed a few people dropping down a rocky piece of trail towards Warpath and much to my surprise, I caught up with Christy again.  So, we started chatting a bit.   She and her husband Tony were the RD's for the Recover from the Holidays 50K and I was telling her how I got my 50K PR at RFH this year and I really appreciated her effort.   As we came out of the woods and onto Power Line, I pulled even with Christy and she said she was battling a tightening muscle/hamstring issue and it was slowing her down.   Well, there it was!  I knew I shouldn't be on a "Christy Scott pace," but today Christy Scott wasn't on a "Christy Scott pace."  I wound up passing Christy but figured she would be just behind me for the rest of the race, so I continued to push it.  Later, I found out Christy had to drop because her calf muscle continued to get tighter. (Good update:  Christy posted on Facebook this week that with the help of a foam roller and some rest, she has had a couple of good runs.)

I felt pretty good going up K2 and was able to power hike most of it.  As the trail leveled off at the top, I resumed a decent pace through Goat trail and the aid station.  From there, the course takes a loop over through Stone Cuts.  Somewhere along the way, I ran into David Holliday.  I thought he was still behind me as we started pounding down Sinks, but it turned out to be Jon Elmore, who had to give a shout out to me as I nearly missed a turn.  David passed me heading over to the Fearn Drive Aid Station and said something about us passing each other over the next few miles, as we often go back and forth for a while during races, but not today.  David was gone, gone, gone.

Fearn Drive (mile 17.1) to the LandTrust Aid Station (mile 21.1)

By this point, I knew I was having a good day, but a few people were passing me here and there, but not entire trains of people as I've had in the past.  Michael Scott came up behind me on  on High Trail and we encouraged each other a bit.  Michael Scott is a big part of the Chattanooga running scene and I was glad to see him.   He played a big part in my Thunder Rock 100 story, and he is just an all around good guy -- he passed me, but other than that, he's a good guy.

But things started looking up when I passed Clay Self on Bluff Line, so that kind of evened things out.   He said he was hanging back to wait on Loren Traylor who was gingerly making her way down a rocky section of trail ;)   In the end, Loren had a great day and won her age group.

As I am about a quarter of a mile away from the Land Trust Aid Station, it happens --- a root or rock or something grabs my foot and I go down hard.  I landed on my left side, but it wasn't a fall into pine needles or a soft bed of leaves.  It was a fall onto a bunch of Bluff Line rocks.  I got up slowly and kept moving, but I could feel it in my left shoulder, left knee, and a couple of fingers on my left hand were numb.  I was really ticked at myself, but was able to get back into a decent pace pretty quickly.  It was HTFU time (See Chopper HTFU on YouTube).   I made it into the LandTrust Aid Station and grabbed some pretzels, and a Mountain Dew.  It's funny, I'm not normally a Mountain Dew drinker, but I crave the stuff on long trail runs.

LandTrust Aid to Monte Sano Boulevard Aid Station (25.1 miles)

As I headed down the Old Railroad Bed Trail, all I could think of is Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,  Grandpa Hoka, or whoever invented Hoka running shoes.   Those oversized clown shoes make running over rocks as easy as running from my couch to the refrigerator during a commercial break -- Too easy.

A couple I dubbed the Tourism Board Tandem fell in behind me during this section.  That name popped into my head because they kept asking me about Waterline and where Natural Well was.  I told them Natural Well was on the other side of the next Aid Station, and Waterline was just ahead.   More to come on these two.

I realized when I got to the bottom of Waterline that I must have hit my watch with my hand or water bottle or something when I fell.   In any event, it had been paused since then.   That ticked me off, but I punched the button and got it going again.   I took my time getting up Waterline, and climbing up the side of the waterfall knowing that I had banked plenty of time and I wanted to have some left in the tank for the "other side of Monte Sano Boulevard."

Monte Sano Boulevard to Rest Shelter Aid Station (29.2 miles)

After making it up to the top of Waterline, I made it over Monte Sano Blvd. to the Aid Station.  I had a cup full of Coke -- I didn't see any Mountain Dew, and a salt covered, boiled red potato -- so good!  I made it down to the trail and started over to Natural Well through the new section of trail, which replaced the Son of a Bitch Ditch section which was completely washed out a few years ago.

The Tourism Board Tandem caught up with me and asked if we were getting close to Natural Well.  I said we were, and as we eventually approached it, I pointed to the little stone structure and said, "We're here!"   I made the turn and headed down the stone covered trail that descends into McKay Hollow, but I heard them say, "That's not a well."   Then, they ran 10 feet further and saw the fence and together said, "Ooooooohhhhh."

I was making my way down the rocky part of Arrowhead a little more slowly than I would have liked and they passed me.   I was not happy.  The trail soon transitioned from ankle twisting rocks, to sheets of mud.    It was at this point, that I ran into photographer extraordinaire, Gregg Gelmis, who was documenting my slide into McKay Hollow.   Gregg summed it up perfectly.  He said, "It's as slick as owl shit down here."  No truer words were ever spoken.

(Mud Surfing)

I finally gained my footing and made it through slush mile at a good clip.  This section of trail derives its name from the fact that it is not much more than funky mud and water that will suck a running shoe right off your foot.   Anyway, I got through it in good shape.  

A few days earlier, I had been reading old race reports from Mountain Mist that folks had been posting on FaceBook.  When I saw that Rob Youngren had posted one, I knew I had to read it.   Long story short, I was approaching the section of the race that climbs out of McKay Hollow up to the South Plateau Loop.   It is a pretty steep climb and in his report, Rob mentioned that his wife Kathy, said that you can walk up the Rest Shelter Trail until you get to a certain bench and then you've got to run the rest of the way.  Since then, that bench has been called, "Kathy's Bench."

That image was stuck in my mind and so when I came to a bench, I thought it's time to dig deep and start "running."   I started chugging up the climb to Rest Shelter as best I could.  At one point, I had to stop and so I started some seriously profane self talk to get me started again.  Now, as I continued up the trail, I came across another bench that is much closer to the top.   Now, I'm thinking, wait a minute.  Is this Kathy's Bench?!?   Did I start "running" at the wrong bench?  I still don't know the answer, I only know at that point, I was about to cough up a lung.

I must have looked like death warmed over because when I made it to the Rest Shelter Aid Station Mona Parker asked me if I was okay?   She said, "Can I get you some sugar or salt?"  She said I looked really pale.  She was nice enough to get me some Mountain Dew and some pretzels and walked me out of the Aid Station until I could start running again.

Rest Shelter to the Finish Line (31.13 miles)

The course from Rest Shelter over to the finish line is run on the South Plateau of Monte Sano -- a very flat and fast section.  I got my second wind, and started flying.....Looking back, I was actually running at a 10:03 pace, but at the time, it felt like I was flying, so stick with me here.

As I rounded a turn, I saw them!  The Tourism Board Tandem -- and they were walking!   I knew I had to pass them for a moral victory.   As I got closer, they started running, and I fell a little flat, until I noticed them take another walk break.   That's when I knew I had them.   They were going to walk/run the last two miles to the finish line and I was going to flat out FLY!!!!! (at a 10 minute pace).

I finally caught up with them and they moved over to the side of the trail and said something super snide like, "Congratulations!  You're looking strong!"  Oh, they were very nice, with those big smiles and kind words, but I knew what they were really thinking.  Okay, okay, they were nice people, but every good story needs a villain or two.   So, for our purposes, we will assume they wished me ill.

I crossed the finish line at 6:43:39, a 33 minute improvement over my previous PR at Mountain Mist.
So, I was very happy.

Parting Thoughts

I joined a larger group of runners for the Huntsville Track Club/Fleet Feet Grand Slam.   The Grand Slam consisted of the Dizzy 50K in November, the Rocket City Marathon in December, Recover from the Holidays 50K on the morning of New Year's Eve, and finally the Mountain Mist 50K.   A few of those that signed up made it through all of the runs, only to DNF (Did Not Finish) Mountain Mist.   I know that was a terrible disappointment, but know this:  Mountain Mist can humble the most experienced trail runner.   It is not your garden variety 50K.  I've DNF'd Mountain Mist twice.  It happened the first time I tried, because I didn't know what I was getting into, and it happened the third time I tried because after one finish, I thought I had it nailed down and didn't properly train.  It was so bad at that point, that my brother gave me some tough love and told me if I didn't pull it together, at the pace I was on, it would take me 20 years to get my 10 year jacket.

That was the motivation I needed.  For those in the Grand Slam group and others that didn't finish this year, you will conquer this race if you set your mind to it, and find the thing that will motivate you.  I've now finished my 6th Mountain Mist, but I will never take this course, these trails, or this race for granted.  Happy running!

Recover from the Holidays 50K

RFH 50K and Year End Wrap-Up

Recover from the Holidays 50K is an annual Huntsville Track Club race held on the morning of New Year's Eve.   It's run on Huntsville's Cross Country Course, which is located adjacent to a golf course.  The cross country course starts on an open field, and then winds through a wooded area next to the golf course.   The trail offers 1, 2, or 3 mile options.   RFH starts with the 1 mile loop and then you run the 3 mile loop 10 times.

This three mile loop has a little bit of everything.   According to my Suunto running watch, the course has 3,388 feet of elevation over the 31 miles.   It's officially listed at a little over 3,500 feet for the distance.   The course transitions from open field running, to a trail that could be found on any one of our local mountains in north Alabama, to a brief gravel path section.  The furthermost section of the course flattens out and is more times than not, a little soggy, with a few muddy sections.

The logistics of the race are great.  There is one aid station and it is located at the start/finish line and you pass it with each three mile loop.  It's easy to get all the fuel you need during the run, plus you have a built in cheering section after each loop offering a nice boost.

The Race

The race started and we quickly dispatched with the 1 mile loop.   In past years, I always killed myself on the first loop for some inexplicable reason.  However, this year, my plan was just to run at an even pace.   I clocked my first mile at a 9:34 pace, For the first 10 miles, I stayed roughly within that range --- clocking my fastest mile at 8:53 and topping out at a 9:56.   Miles 10 to 20, were a bit of challenge,  I had a couple of falls, but still managed to hold roughly a 9:30-9:40 pace through mile 16.  For miles, 17-20, I slowed to a 10:20 pace, but I knew I was still on pace to set a new PR if I could just hold it together for the last 11 miles.  I'm always, glad to get the "teen" miles behind me on this course.  For some reason, once you get into the 20 plus mile range, the loops seem to take on a different feel; they have a little more purpose.   Without a doubt, this race is as much mental as physical.  I think all loop races have this quality.

There is an infamous hill on the course, that has become the point of discussion for all runners of this race -- it's the walk, power hike, or run conversation.   Given the 50K distance, running is completely out of the question for me, but I did power hike the hill for the first 10 loops or so, and then walked them after that.  I personally think that if you are going to set PR's on this course, you have to attack the hill for as long as you are able.   But, I'm sure the debate will rage for a long time concerning the best way to face "The Hill."

Because RFH is run on a loop, you get to see a lot of your friends coming and going throughout the race.  At one point, somewhere between mile 20 and the 31 mile finish, I was checking my watch to see what my current pace was, from behind me I heard, "Quit looking at that watch, and just run!"   It was DeWayne Satterfield coming up behind me and moving past me in a flash.   As usual, DeWayne has a way of making the challenging look easy.   He finished in 4th place with a time of 4:09:30.   He just keeps getting it done -- year in, and year out.

During the last 10 miles, I felt my hamstring tightening up.   This is an injury I have nursed since this past summer.   It reared it's head during the Rocket City Marathon, but I can usually manage it, by backing off my pace a little.   During the RFH, I handled it in the same way,  backing off my pace and increasing my electrolyte intake.

I finished with a time of 5:30:47.   This was a 50K PR for me.  My previous best was last year at the Dizzy 50K, when I came in with a time of 5:58:28.  Moreover, last year at RFH I finished at 6:08:12, so I really did feel good about my effort this year.  As always, I appreciate the efforts of Christy and Tony Scott.  They did a great job putting on this race.

After the race, I hung out in the big tent with a good bunch of my running buddies and had a good time kicking off a little early afternoon New Year's Eve revelry.   Needless to say our finisher's awards were put to good use.

2014 in the Rear View Mirror

2014 was a good year for me.   I finished my first 100 mile run at Thunder Rock, set personal records at the marathon and 50K distance, and came in second place overall at a 5K, and placed in my age group at a couple more 5Ks.  Of course none of these things could have taken place without the dedication and hard work of some great Race Directors and volunteers who make these events come to life.

I finished 2014 running a total of 2,164 miles for the year and ascending 97,051 feet during the course of those runs.

While the numbers are always fun to review, running does so much more for me, and for those that invest in it.  It's been said that running is a metaphor for life.  I agree.  I draw so many parallels between the challenges and rewards of a long distance run and the journey that is life.  However, for me it comes down to a mantra that is often used to keep an ultra runner moving through those long miles -- "Relentless Forward Motion" -- just keep moving and never give up.   In running or life, that philosophy is sound.  Have a great 2015; have fun and just keep moving!

  

Rocket City Marathon 2014, Huntsville, AL

Heading into the Big Day

For those that have been following my blog, you know that my goal race in the coming months is the Graveyard 100 in March, 2015.   Everything I'm doing now is building to that opportunity.   So, this year's Rocket City Marathon (RCM) was couched in a 70 mile training week.   There would be no taper for this year's marathon.   In my past 11 marathons, I never cracked the magical four hour mark, and given the amount of training I've been doing, I didn't expect that would change on this day.

Pre-Race Skull Session

Prior to the race, I ran into Martin Schneekloth, Jerry Abbot, David Holliday, and Cary Long.   We just talked about the day ahead.   Cary and Benj Lance were pacing the 4:40 group and I figured as I looked at their sign, I would probably be anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes ahead of them.   Just before the race started, I ran into Carter Wells as we were settling into the starting corral.   We were talking about what we thought we could do, and I relayed my training regimen and the fact that I didn't think it would lead to a personal record (PR) today.

Silence, the National Anthem and the Gun

We paused for a moment of silence for the passing of Malcolm Gillis, a former Race Director for the RCM.  From everything that was shared, it sounds like Malcolm lived a full life and was quite a character. We then sang along with the National Anthem; the gun went off and then we were on our way.

Mile 1 to 6

As usual in a marathon, I started off slow in a pretty heavy pack of runners.   However, within a half mile, things started to spread out.  I fell into an easy pace of just under 9:00 minutes a mile.   As I made the turn onto Franklin Street headed towards Constitution Village,which at this time of year is decked out as Santa's Village, I heard some familiar voices coming from behind me.   It was Blake Thompson, leading the 3:55 pace group. David Holliday and Ryan Chaffin were in the group and I would later learn that Ryan's wife, Aleisha was our other 3:55 pace lead.   I decided to fall in with this group, thinking that I would hang with them as long as I could manage.

We continued to weave through downtown Huntsville and started to make our way into the 5 Points neighborhood.  Somewhere between miles 4 and 6, we came through an intersection that gave us all a laugh.  A lady in a bathrobe, gown, and curlers in her hair had stepped out of her car to give the police officers managing the intersection a piece of her mind.   Apparently, she had not paid attention to the reminders that were sent that a marathon would be cutting through her neighborhood, and I figured we were between her and her Hardee's steak and egg biscuit.   I don't know how that situation turned out, but I hope the lady's day got better.

I was feeling pretty good through this whole section.  Ashley Casiano was snapping pictures of our group because her husband Matt was running with us.   When I saw the picture below, I wondered what in the world was I doing with my hands.  I later realized I was telling Blake Thompson about this guy I saw finish the New York City Marathon a few weeks earlier.   He was in the top 15 or 20 as I recall.  But he came across the finish line with blood on his shirt -- in that telltale way that made it clear he was not wearing nipple tape.  I was totally confounded by a guy that had trained for a marathon, at the elite level, that didn't know about nipple tape!   So anyway, Ashley snapped this picture just as I was saying he had bloody nipples....

(From LtoR:  Ryan Chaffin, Aleisha Chaffin, me, Blake Thompson, Matt Casiano waving to his wife, a young lady picking her nose (hey, we all do it), and David Holliday in the gray shorts, black jacket and hat.)

Miles 6 to 13

The course brought us past Lee High School and back towards downtown Huntsville.  Along the way, we passed Chapman Elementary and Middle School, and the Veterans Memorial.   The scene at the Memorial was outstanding.   The Army Materiel Command's Rock/Jazz band, Sonic Fusion, was playing and Gold Star Family members were holding probably 15 to 20 large American flags.  Gold Star Family members have lost a loved one in service to our nation.   I admit that choked me up a bit.  One of the flag bearers leaned out and gave me a high five as I passed.   That was like a shot of pure adrenaline.  I later learned the band won the RCM spirit award and donated their prize money to the Gold Star Family organization.  

At mile 13, we were running past the Von Braun Center, where we had started the race, and were now headed on a path to Lowe Mill.

Miles 13 to 19

As I approached the mile 14 marker, I heard the Timer call out my name.  I looked up and it was Erin Koshut on a ladder calling out the times.   It was good to see Erin out there and it's a reminder of the great running community we have in Huntsville.   I think we all try to volunteer once or twice a year at races that we would probably rather be running, but it takes volunteers to make these things happen.

I was running just ahead of the 3:55 pace group and at one point I slowed down a bit to let them catch up.  Blake Thompson said, "Don't wait on us."   I laughed and said, "I was getting lonely up there."  Blake said, "It's always lonely at the top."  That put a smile on my face.

In the past, I always started to fade around miles 15 or 16 and I could always count on my pace to wane.  But this year was different.  My pace was holding steady, and I really felt I could hold this pace through the finish.   As we ran through rocket park at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Carter Wells and I crossed paths again, he gave me a boost by telling me I was going to break 4 hours this year.  I was really feeling it might just happen.

Miles 19 to 26.2

This is probably a good point to talk about Youngren Running, Rob and Kathy Youngren's coaching business.   For those that don't know Rob and Kathy, they are two of the most accomplished runners around.   Their running resume is too volumous to list, but needless to say they have made their mark from the track to ultramarathons.   They both have competed at Badwater and Spartathlon and when Skechers decided to get into the performance shoe market, they turned to Rob to help them design their Go Run Ultra shoe.

Anyway, after just coming under the wire at the Thunder Rock 100, I knew I needed a little help in preparing for the Graveyard 100.   So, I turned to Rob and Kathy and asked them to put together a comprehensive training plan for me.   While they can put plans together for any running goal one might have, the plan they made for me focuses on developing the ability to run a long race at a steady pace.  I was 14 weeks into the plan when the RCM rolled around.   To state the obvious, there is no way I would have been able to come in under 4 hours without this plan.  Moreover, I ran the race at a steady and even pace.   To drive this home, my half marathon split (13.1 miles) was 1:56:50.

As I passed the 20 mile mark and had the final 10K in front of me, I actually felt like I could have run a lot faster, but Rob and Kathy had encouraged me not to "race" the events leading up to my goal run, and I knew I had another long training run on Sunday, so I just maintained my pace to the finish line.

I knew I was going to be able to break four hours and I couldn't help but reflect on my past RCM efforts. Here's how I've done in recent years:  4:33:33 in 2013, 4:59:05 in 2012, and my previous marathon best, 4:20:48 in 2010.
 
This year, I finished in 3:53:35 (chip time), and 3:54:02 (gun time).  I have to say it was a great feeling.

   

   

Dizzy 50s

Dizzy 50s

November 15, 2014

Got Leaves?

What a Difference a Year Makes

The Dizzy Fifties are held on Monte Sano Mountain every November.  It offers a 50K, 40 mile, or 50 mile option.  I elected for the 50K this year.   Also, it is the first leg of the Huntsville Track Club/Fleet Feet Grand Slam Challenge.   The Grand Slam consists of the Dizzy 50s, the Rocket City Marathon, Recover from the Holidays 50K, and the Mountain Mist 50K.   All of these events occur within a 10 week time frame.

The main thing to understand about Dizzy is that it takes place at a time when the Fall leaves cover the trails like a carpet, or maybe more like a ton of throw rugs.   Sure, there are sections of the trails that are clear, but for the most part, they are pretty well covered.   The downside of this is that the trails on Monte Sano are full of a variety of toe grabbers.   They come in the form of rocks, roots, stumps...you name it.   

Last year, at about 10 miles into the race,  I caught my foot on a piece of rebar sticking out of a railroad tie (hidden by leaves) and flipped head over heals and wound up chipping a bone in my left hand and tearing a tendon.  As I stood up from the fall, I saw that my pinkie finger on my left hand was pointing sideways.  Not good.  But, I finished the race and actually clocked my 50K PR in the process.  This year, I finished with all of my fingers pointing in the right direction, but finished about 8 minutes slower.  Go figure.  At least this year, I will not have to run the Rocket City Marathon and Recover from the Holidays 50K with a cast on my hand.  What a crazy sport.

2013 Post Race Photo

2014 Post Race Photo

Who Left the North Window Open?

The story of this year's race was the cold weather.   It was Mountain Mist cold this year.  I always enjoy Dizzy as the last, nice "Fall feeling" race of the year, but it was not meant to be this year.  When I pulled into the parking lot, the temp on my console read 26 degrees.    

Because it was so cold at the start of the race, I went out at a pretty good clip when the musket was fired.

Dizzy has a small initial loop that you only run once.  It is 2.3 miles.   After that, you run a 4 mile north loop, that is fairly technical, and a 5.59 mile south loop, that is mostly pristine single track, but with the leaf coverage it can lull you into complacency, and the next thing you know you are coming face to face with the ground.   In between each loop, you pass through a pavilion that serves as the run's aid station.   It is a pretty sweet set-up.

After the little loop and my first full north and south loop, I was at 2 hours even.   I felt great.  I thought for sure I could set a new 50K PR this year.   

I was still hanging in there after the second full loop, but I could feel the weight of my training efforts starting to take a toll.  I'm working towards the Graveyard 100 in March and I was not able to taper for Dizzy.  It just wasn't in the training cards. 

Lucky for me, as I started on the third and final loop, I ran into several good running friends who kept me going.   David Holliday, who was coming off of a strong Western States 100 finish earlier this year and a Mountain Masochist finish a few weeks ago, had taken a few tough falls, but was still moving well when we found ourselves running together.  We hung together for most of the last full loop.  At one point, I took a fall and David was good enough to stand there and I remember him saying, "Are you going to lay there for awhile?"    I said, "Yeah."   He gave me a hand and I got back up and we kept moving.   At another point on the South loop, I caught my toe on something and was headed for another fall, but I caught a small sapling and twisted around it....pole dancer style.   I think I may have been nominated for save-of-the-day on the Grand Slammers Face Book page.   Suzanne Erickson also came cruising by me on the South loop and pointed out the place where she went sprawling a couple of years ago.   Rick Calloway and his dog Sam were running on the last loop, and Sam wound up beating me by a few minutes.   Later, it was pointed out that Sam only ran 25 miles, but that didn't make me feel any better.   Finally, Chad Woods came cruising past me with about a mile to go.  I later learned that was Chad's first 50K finish.   I was glad to have been there to see the final push.  Congratulations Chad!

While I didn't get a new 50K PR, I was only off my time by about 8 minutes.  Given that I burned time shedding layers of clothing, and felt like I completely fell apart on the last loop, I'm pleased that I was able to at least clock a 6:07:36.   Thanks to the Race Director, Don Alan Hankins and all of the volunteers who made Dizzy a great run this year.

Now, I can turn my attention to the second leg of the Grand Slam, The Rocket City Marathon!

Stump Jump 50K

STUMP JUMP 50K

"The East's Legendary Meat Grinder"

October 4, 2014

Stump Jump 50K (Elevation Profile)

I've Got the Fever!

Last year when I crossed the finish line at the Stump Jump 50K, I was just glad that I had survived the course.   It's tough, and in 2013 it was hot.  There is a reason that Trail Runner magazine called this race, "The East's Legendary Meat Grinder."  It can, and will chew you up.  

But the fact of the matter is I also did not feel like myself.   I hadn't felt great at the beginning of the race, and around mile 13 or so, I really felt like I might not make it through.  Later that day, I discovered that I had a fever and had run the whole race with some kind of mild flu or something close.   I knew at that moment I had to come back to Stump Jump.   I believed I could do better than 8:15:38.

2014 - New Year, New Opportunity

The race started under much cooler conditions this year and I felt great.   I headed out at a decent pace, but I knew I would fall into one of Stump Jump's "runner trains" at the beginning of the race.   Although frustrating at times, it probably worked out for the best.   I roughly counted about 15 or so runners in front of me and I suspect there were probably about that many behind me.  The pace worked out pretty good, and probably kept me from going out faster than I should have.

The run past Mushroom Rock and down to the Suck Creek aid station was great (6.1 miles) .   Knowing that I would be climbing back up this section of trail in the afternoon caused me to really enjoy the downhill run even more.   Of course, you've got to deal with this suspension bridge that is bouncing up and down as a bunch of runners are crossing it at once.

After crossing the suspension bridge a real climb takes place and you begin to fall into, what I call, the real feel of the course.   The promotional video on the race's web page has a great quote that sums it up like this, "It's technical.  You are never in a rhythm."   The course is a series of ups and downs around a loop through the Prentice Cooper State Forest.  It truly is just enough terrain change to keep you constantly challenged.

As we went through the Indian Rock House aid station (10.6 miles), runners started spreading out and it became much more of an individual effort.   There were no longer runners ahead of me setting the pace, or runners behind me, breathing down my neck.   So, I was able to fall into a decent pace as I headed toward the infamous Rock Garden of Stump Jump.

Flash back as I Crashed back

After making it out of the rock garden, I was feeling a little beat down.   While I will not go as far as to say that I crashed on the back side of this course, I will admit I was passed by a young woman that was the spitting image of Mare Winningham's character from the movie St. Elmo's Fire.

Now for you kids that don't remember "the old 80's" as my oldest daughter calls that decade, the movie St. Elmo's Fire features three prominent female characters. As with most 80's teenie bopper movies, they were pretty much stereotypical roles -- Demi Moore played the hot, bad girl; Ally Sheedy played the All American girl next door; and Mare Winningham played the sweet girl, who was concerned about her weight. Ok, the sweet girl is the one that passed me.....but I have to say, she at least gave me that exact smile in photo as she passed.

Suck Creek to the Finish Line

I ran a few miles without water, so I was really glad to see the Suck Creek aid station (24.8 miles).  Kris Whorton was working the station and we had a good chat.   I took time to eat a few potatoes and salt and to refill my hydration pack and drink a few cups of Coke.  It really breathed new life into me.   So, my climb out of Suck Creek back to Mushroom Rock was not bad at all.   I was able to get my arms moving and I power hiked the steep sections of the climb.

I was able to get a decent pace going back to the finish line at Signal Mountain High School (31 miles).  I finished the race in 7:15:05 (chip time) -- over an hour better than the year before.   I had accomplished my goal and felt pretty good.... although I clearly don't look like a guy that was feeling too good in the photo below!  Stump Jump is the real deal and it will test you.