Good Time Running

“Good Time Running” is the slogan for the Arkansas Traveller and the race yesterday lived up to that description. The race web site describes the course as mostly dirt roads which doesn’t sound too interesting and I was only there because it was going to be the last of the 2009 Slam races following the cancellation of WSER100. As it turned out I was glad I came, I finished 3rd overall in 19:11 or there abouts but even though my result was good, I would still have had a ‘good time running’. The Arkansas Traveller 100 is a well kept secret, an intimate atmosphere, well run and unrivaled aid station hospitality.

We started at 6 am and headed out down a paved road before turning onto a dirt track. One of the first aid stations surprisingly early into the race had bacon and pancakes slices to dip into syrup. Man those pancakes were the business! Fortunately we visited that stop twice and I made sure to scope up another hand full before heading on. Overall the course is a n initial circular loop that brings you back close to the start before an out and back section. Shortly after the start, thunder and heavy rain provided chilly and ‘exciting’ conditions through the only single track trail section of the course. Don’t be deceived by the description of these trails though, the dirt and 4 wheel track sections provided some particularly technical obstacles to overcome. There is not such thing as an ‘easy 100’ as 100 miles is 100 miles, but this course doesn’t even qualify as an ‘easier 100’ either. Sure the times are quicker than some others but it compares to Vermont but with many more technical sections.

Most of the time I was running solo and during the single track section I performed my ‘get lost on the wrong path routine’. The markings were few and far between so I assumed that any minute I spot one, unfortunately I was headed down a steep hill and when I determined that I wasn’t on track had to claw my way back to the top. When I finally spotted the right path I was spitting feathers, I had gone about a mile out of my way and wasted precious minutes that I’d pay for at the end.

Back on track I passed several runners at the same time trying hard not to push myself into trouble later. As I meet up with Guth, she hinted I was in 4th place which was a surprise but again I tried not to let that put me off my rhythm. The weather dried and the air warmed but the sun remained shaded behind clouds – the conditions were perfect. Aid stations came and went and I followed a pre-race plan to eat like a horse from the beginning. I ate enough PB&J sandwiches to feed an army and a quantity bananas that would have impressed a chimpanzee in a zoo! The result was that my stomach remained settled and I ran strong throughout.

Six miles out from the turn around point Guth asked if she could run with me and we set off. Several times I had to reign her back as the pace was killing me but it was good to have the company and we chatted the entire 12 miles. When she left me I was sill in 4th but by the next aid station someone said that I had moved up into 2nd as 2 runners ahead had got into difficulties. I tried not to think about it and continued. Inevitably though I did try to consolidate my position but me feet were starting to get sore and blistered. Whenever possible I ran as hard as I felt comfortable and walked the rest of the time. Not once did I stay in an aid station more than 2 minutes. Just 6 miles from the finish a runner who had been ahead of me at the turn around had found his second wind and together with his pacer they sailed past me. I worried that maybe more would fly by but thankfully no one appeared.

Just 2 miles from the finish, the last aid station acted more as a forward relay station to warn the finish of arriving runners. From here it was downhill on smooth tracks. Just 2 or three people lined the line and then it was inside for a chair, a warm drink and rest. It had been a good time running, this is a race I’d happily recommend anyone thinking of a 100 to try.

Pictures to follow.