2019 Cloudsplitter 100k
Why this race?
During this past summer I was scouring Ultrasignup looking for a race that would get me UTMB qualifier points and made sense geographically speaking. I needed 4 more points to be able to enter the UTMB lottery for the TDS or CCC (shorter versions). I originally had a goal to run a 100km and 100 miler this summer. The Cloudsplitter has both a 100 mile and 100km options along with a couple shorter options. My preliminary goal did not pan out as I settled to run the 100km version of the Cloudpslitter course. I ended up being happy with this decision as the 100 miler just added a couple extra redundant loops and my training wasn’t all that great in August and September due to my busy guiding schedule. I knew I would also be able to fly back to Virginia to visit my family and they always enjoy supporting my athletic endeavors, thus adding more incentive to go East.
The Cloudsplitter 100 takes place in the Appalachian Mountains adjacent to smalltown Norton, Virginia. It is a relatively new race and thus has a smaller field. There were 40 participants in the 100k. The 100k course ended up including 64 miles with about 11,400 feet of climbing. The course itself had a Y-shape which revolved around the center hub at High Knob. I would visit this aid station 3 times, seeing my family each time. There were 3 crewable aid station stops, but with the out and backs I saw my lovely crew 6 times.
Before this race I did not set any goals. With this course being fairly new I felt I couldn’t get a good feel for a good time goal to set. I of course did need to finish to get the UTMB points so I guess that was the backup backup goal. I was disappointed I did not end up on the podium at my last 100km so I think I also had that as an unofficial goal. However, I did not set any time goals ahead of the race. I wrote out a pace sheet with splits for 5 different finish times, ranging between 15 hours and 19 hours. Ultrasignup listed a predicted finish time of around 18:30ish for me. I felt that was a bit soft, but this was only my second 100k so what did they know.
Race morning
This race does have a later start set at 8am, so the morning was pretty relaxed and less rushed. I had my usual breakfast of hummus, advocado, and a bagel. I might of had a banana as well, and of course coffee. We drove the short distance from the hotel to the startline, which would also serve as the finish line later that day.
As the clock clicked closer to the start I shared hugs with my family and they offered words of encouragement. Toeing the line most people were cautious and stepping back away from the start line I ended up in front and ready to go. After the gun went off we took off through town and headed up the mountain. I was trying my best to keep my pace under control and slow. It is always a difficult task when the excitement rises at the start. After a mile of road we hit the trail and the comfort of the soft dirt. I think I was repeating to myself something along the lines of… “This is going to be a long day. Be patient. Be patient.” At the same time smiling and taking in the moments. This race did have a 25k and 50k as well, so a few of those runners took off up the climb, testing my patience even more.
Luckily the first climb took us up at least 2000 feet and slowed me down into a hike. I ended up in a group of about 5 runners and we passed the miles with a little conversation. Eventually we split up and I arrived to the first aid station 6.8 mile into the day. I made a quick stop and used the conveniently placed port-a-potty and headed out.
Beyond there everything went well. I think at this point in time I was in the top 4, I wasn’t worried too much though. I was still focused on keeping a proper pace, drinking, and taking calories. This course/trail was pretty rough. There were sections that it seemed like they haven’t seen action since the last Cloudsplitter event. There were flat sections with moss covered rocks that required walking even though it was a flat grade. At some point, I believe between mile 20-25 I slipped and a rock came in contact with my arch of my right foot. This area of my foot would continue to hurt for the rest of the race. However I was pretty proud that I never rolled an ankle this race.
At about mile 37 I returned to High Knob after the first out and back with my family waiting eagerly to aid my every need. Approaching the aid station I did get choked up for a second as just a few tears swelled up in my eyes. Emotions get weird when you are 40 miles in and still have roughly a marathon to go.
Prior to this point I figured I was probably in 2nd or maybe 3rd place. Often times when races have multiple distances and repeating routes it is difficult to figure out your place. My family seemed to rush me out of the aid station, I almost knew what they already knew. I told my brother to be ready for pacing duties at the next aid station. I wanted his help for the final 16 miles as darkness and delusion took over. The next section was a cruisy forest road, however the hard surface was painful on my feet and I was happy to be running in new shoes. Four miles later I arrived are the next aid station which was manned by the local boy scout troop apparently. Oddly enough when I reached for the bag of pretzels it had not been opened yet… So although I wasn’t completely sure, I had a good feeling I was the first one here. I also avoided asking the volunteers.
I had never been in the lead of a race before. I didn’t want to know if I was in the lead, I didn’t want anything to change my mindset. I just needed to keep running with the chase lighting my soul aflame (cheesy). The course continued on a grassy and overgrown two track down into a valley. Soon after I had a sharp pain on the outside of my left foot.It tightened and tightened as I stop in my stride. Soon the pain climaxed and dulled into a throbbing numbness. Whatever. It hurt like shit. This section of the course was a lot of abrupt ups and downs with tight turns and I almost fell a few times. Along with the fall foliage masking every root and rock, it was tough going and required my full attention. The trail eventually spit me out into the Devil’s Bathtub area, which we had explored the previous day on a day hike. This was a hodgepodge of damp creek beds, steep banks, and a nest of dangerous roots. I was thankful to be here before the sun was set.
At the next aid station, mile 49, I met with my family and took in the necessary calories. At this point my desire to eat was zero, calories were still important. I fussed just for a second about my two injuries looking for a little sympathy. I donned my fancy lil light contraption and off we went. At this point I was 10 and a half hours in, still had about 16 miles to go. I had to get back up to High Knob and then descend back to the city of Norton. After being alone with my thoughts for so long I was pretty excited to share some trail time with my brother.
My brother, Brian, asked, “Have you done any spelunking so far?”
Obviously I’m a little slow at this point and only think of the actual underground explores and respond, “Huh...?”
“You know, in the pain cave!”
We both share a laugh. Soon after I fill him in on my gel schedule and hydration techniques. The climb back up goes well and I even manage to run a little bit. I have never ran with a pacer before so this is a new experience. This is also Brian’s first time experiencing an ultra event, so we are both new are this, but we take it in stride.
We return the the boy scout aid station as I eat a few snacks and we refill waters. At this point our lights are on full blast and we encourage the other participants running in the opposite direction. The glow sticks on the road provide our entertainment. I tell Brian I am running to the green glow stick and then walk after reaching it. At this point walking is only for the uphills. Back on the forest road my feet hurt a lot. We pass the time talking about silly delusional subjects and sing songs in the night. At one point I turn around and my heart skips a beat seeing a huge light behind me, thinking it was a runner chasing us. Only to realize a second later it was only the moon.
At the twelve and a half hour mark we reach the last aid station. It is almost 9pm, it’s getting dark and cold. I take some extra layers from my parents as their excitement exceeds mine. I just want to be done. Yes I’m in first and that’s nice, but I just want to be done.
I run like I am chasing something (or someone), I am not running from something (or someone). There is a difference. The void in front in limitless, the distance behind is limited. Always chase the void.
On the 7 miles descent into town we both focus on our footing and laugh a silly comments. At one point I request silence so I can focus on the task at hand. At some point we both kinda figured I was going to win this thing, but we don’t slow down. I just crack a smile in anticipation of the end. Then the trail meets the road there’s only a mile to go. Just as the scary neighborhood dogs start barking the local police swoop in to protect us and escort us through the empty streets of Norton. Another mile seems trivial as the pain vanishes and I hit my fastest mile split at mile 64, 7:02. At some point I glance behind me and a trash can takes the shape of a competitor and my heart skips a beat. We round the corner and I high five one of the organizers/photographers and cross the finish line. Done. 13:56:14. Course record. 1st place.
I share hugs of appreciation with my awesome family/crew and photos are taken. Then I crash. Stillness is amazing after 14 hours of movement. It is almost like a hangover, when your brain is doing nothing. Thinking or making any decision is now a huge task.
This was followed by a night of intense sweats, uncontrolled shivering, and not much sleep. There is always some backlash when you push limits, whatever.
