Cowlitz Valley Runners - View topic - Mt. Hood 50 miler - A place where undesirables gather... - Free Message Board Hosting by FreePowerBoards.com

I'm Back. Sorry For the delay I had to rely on some professional help to "UN-fix" my computer after I tried to fix a minor glitch. Confused

The Mt Hood Scott McQueeney Memorial Run Is a 50k / 50 miler that covers the trails from clackamas ranger station to Timberline lodge and back every July. For a cumulative elevation gain of 5150 ft. It was my first ultra marathon and still an annual favorite.
This year the race had a new team of R.D.s who did an excellent job not only of putting together a well run and supported race but of making each and every runner feel like they had achieved a truly great thing. The finish line hugs from Olga were a new and very welcome addition this year Wink

All this despite the fact that the forest service has been making them jump threw hoops this year. My thanks to all three of them and each and every one of the motivating volunteers it took to put this on. Particularly the guy who brought the spam at the Barlow pass aid station Very Happy

At the check-in at the ranger station the night before the race we saw many familiar faces and some friendly new ones. After getting our numbers and appropriately crumpling/ folding them, it was back to camp to lay out the next day's gear and get to bed.
We rolled out of our tents at about 4:30 that morning to find the day was just about perfect. They air was a lot colder then last year so I threw on a long sleeve running shirt over my gear and a set of sweat pants. After a campfire breakfast of oatmeal we went to see Brenda off at the early start. After the 5:30 early start we dropped back by camp to close every thing up. Then back to the start line for my turn at the trail. It was still chilly ,where it had been warm at this time in prior years, So I ditched the sweat pants and kept the long sleeve top. A decision I regretted after the asphalt out and back which was longer this year due to the forest service not allowing us to run into crater lake for an aid station this year. On the good side my angel Keli was still there to cheer me on and I dropped the shirt with her. The other good thing was the longer out and back gave me a chance to be the seventh guy to hit the trailhead. After that I dialed it back to a more realistic pace for me. I paid for the expended energy a little later in the race but it was worth it to me to not to have to try to pass too many slower runners on the narrow old trail.
Of course this strategy takes a strong self esteem as faster runners begin to pass you Surprised

Between the start and Barlow pass aid station (mile 19) is kind of a blur as Keli was helping to crew with Brenda and I had no reason to stop long at the stations. I pretty much did blow threws until I reached Barlow. I did however notice that the aid stations all went the extra mile this year with teams dressed as everything from cowboys to hula dancers. At the base of the mountain I slowed down for the big climb.
A lot of the initial trail is slowly runnable but you really want to save yourself for the sand that takes over above the tree line. It is kinda like running up a 45 degree beach only without the cool ocean breeze. Even being ready for it this year I was slowed to a forced march on this stuff. Hey R.F.M. right? At the top you actually go up higher then the lodge before crossing over and running down to it. Every year I marvel at how beautiful that building is from that moments unique perspective Smile

From here on this is my favorite race. I sit for a second and recoup. The aid station usually has watermelon which tastes pretty darn good about then. It has become a family tradition for me to cheese for a picture picking up both my boys. They are now both teens and that picture was the toughest part of my race. After agreeing that they would pick me up next year I was off with only 25 miles and mostly down hills to look forward to. I tried to set a steady sustainable pace and managed to cross the finish line in 9 hours 54 min. 16 sec with a little left for a kick at the end. Not anything amazing to the really fast guys ( first place was 7:13:55) but a PR by 20 minutes for me and I was absolutely proud to except my metal and hug from R.d. Olga. We sat for a while and ate and cheered on our fellow finishers. Then linked back up with Brenda who was on her way to the local hospital having fallen to blistering over most of the toes of one foot at mile 40. Not too shabby for a first ultra after never running more then a half marathon before. With a lot of heart and a crack crew, she says she had fun and is already planning next year.
Sorry for the novel but I hope this helps out anyone interested in running
this race. I would definitely recommend it. Also sign up early as the forest service now imposes a 100 runner cap on each race and it fills up early. Cool

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many miles before I sleep