I just felt like running

Mountain Mist Trail Run

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Location:

Decatur,AL,

Member Since:

Jan 27, 2007

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Boston Qualifier

Running Accomplishments:

New blog at http://runkeeper.com/user/schotz/

Short-Term Running Goals:

2010 Race Schedule:

6/5: Eurocross 5K/8K

7/17: HTC Twilight Run 5K 

8/7: Hot to Trot 8 Hour (Atlanta)

9/18: Hartselle Depot Days 5K

9/25:  Elkmont Rails to Trails 10K 

10/16 Liz Hurley 5K 

10/24: Stone Steps 50K  (Cincinnati,OH) 

11/13: Chickamauga Battle Field Marathon (TN)

12/4: Frosty Freeze 5K (Decatur) 

12/31: Recover 50K (Huntsville) 

Long-Term Running Goals:

http://runkeeper.com/user/schotz/

Personal:

Born 1972 in north central Wisconsin

Married for 11 yrs to very supportive non-running wife. Two children : Fiona, 6 (in picture) and Elliott (2 yrs)

Co-Race Director of  Delano Park 12 Hour Run (www.delano12.com). President of River City Runners (www.rivercityrunners.org)

3 cats and 1 dog (chocolate lab)

In high school, I was an slightly overweight , badly asthmatic J.V. cross country runner.  I enjoyed being part of the team but never excelled.   The summer after my freshman year in college I decided to run a marathon.  6 weeks later I ran a 3:11 at Grandma's Marathon in Duluth (1991) and I was hooked on long distance running where my asthma wasn't as much of a factor. 

 

 

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Ohana Racers Lifetime Miles: 232.86
Saucony Trail Lifetime Miles: 147.44
Lunar Racer Lifetime Miles: 69.61
Lunar Glides Lifetime Miles: 132.75
Kayano 16 - 1 Lifetime Miles: 276.41
Kayano 16 - 2 Lifetime Miles: 19.11
Race: Mountain Mist Trail Run (31 Miles) 04:50:36, Place overall: 13, Place in age division: 8
Easy MilesThreshold MilesMarathon Pace MilesTrack speed mileageHill mileageTotal
31.000.000.000.000.0031.00

My third try at this beast of a race.   Lots of climbing (advertised as 3000 ft+), rocks, steep downhills,... 

The past two attempts were enjoyable up until about 18-20 miles and then they became stumbling , torturous slogs through the woods.  This year, I had a nutrition plan and kept to it.  I started conservatively as is my general ultra strategy.   I came into Aid #1 in 21st place and by Aid #2 was 23rd place.  I was feeling good  and was content at the pace I was on.  Races like this don't get easier as the day goes on so I like to keep some in the tank.

I didn't noticeably pick up the pace but I just kept steady, kept eating and drinking.  I slowly passed people and got up to 13th by aid station #5.  David Purinton (12th place) had a 9 minute lead there with 6 miles to go.  I narrowed it to two minutes by the time I crossed the finish line.  He is very fast and an excellent trail runner so I was very pleased to be in his shadows.   I need a longer race to be able to beat him.   

I felt good at the end and was able to do around 7 min/mile on the non-technical final 1.5 miles.  The post race pizza and cookie cake hit the spot.   You can't beat a good frosted cookie cake.

This was the first trail race in over 3 years that I didn't fall.  Its a good thing to as when you fall on Mtn Mist you have a good change of hitting rocks.

 Ended up with a course pr by 45 minutes.   No where near my 50k PR of 4:14 but given the difficulty of the course I take it as a huge victory.

Comments
From Burt on Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 11:39:00

My hat goes off to you ultra guys. Where was this race located? Alabama?

From schotz on Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 12:46:51

Thanks Burt. The race is in Huntsville, AL in Monte Sano State Park.

http://www.huntsvilletrackclub.org/HTC_Races/MM07WEB/index.html

From Jon on Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 16:31:15

Nice job. I go to MSFC on business sometimes and always try to run at Monte Sano while there. A 50k race would be tough- and to not fall is especially impressive!

From mikemac on Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 17:44:10

Good job Eric! And what a month you are having.159 miles....AWESOME!!

From Nevels on Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 18:28:37

Sub-5, nice! On that course, anything under 5 is blazing, and being within 2 minutes of catching David Purinton is impressive as well. Sorry about not getting to talk to you yesterday, but time and energy were somewhat scarce whenever I was actually in the lodge. Again, solid run, man; good job!

From JimF on Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 09:45:39

Good job on the ultra race! Your smart race plan really paid off with a great result.

From jelmo on Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 14:00:45

Your fueling and pace strategy were great, you really burned through the 2nd (tough) half, congrats on a great MM PR, TOP TEN next year!

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