2015...How is it February?!

Well, one month down. But I still want to run 1 zillion races this year. It may not happen but I want to.

I guess I really just want to make a zillion friends this year. Maybe that would be an even better, and healthier year.

I also want to get close to FINISHING MY BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!! We will see what happens. I hope you'll read it.

In other choppy breaking news: BAD MARSH night 50k WILL HAPPEN THIS JUNE!!!!!!!! So, keep it real. And sign up.

-B

Rails to Trails 25k 2015

Rails to Trails 25k. January 10, 2015. Savannah, GA

Friday night at 4 pm: A generous lady who didn't know me was sick, unable to run, and offered me her race number on Facebook for the event that started in just 16 hours. I was not very trained for this event...at...all, having come off a hip injury and only having run 13 slow miles in the rain once in the past month.  After that water wonderland excursion, I became sick for a week. Healthy training plan, huh? Perseverance is fun! Woo!

So I naturally took the logical opportunity to NOT sit this race out. 

I packed my stuff and kinda slept. You know those kinda sleeps when you're so excited to run more miles than you are prepared for right? You look forward to the caffeine rush, friendly faces, and screamingly sore legs. 

The start was 32 "feels like 24" and consistently windy. Not a normal Savannah day. But still perfect for a thick-blooded, hockey-watching, once-northern-girl-now-embracing-southern-charm trail runner who likes for her nose to run as fast as her legs. 

Most locals who were actually awake were dressed up in parkas and UGG boots hanging by the fireside with furry hats and mittens on…indoors. Dreaming. Of. Flip flops. (That's kind of a direct quote.) All fuzz and fluff aside, we runners were outdoors with our big girl shorts and T-shirts on loving the wind burn. Dreaming of homemade  Burts' Bees-like products. 

A few runners had mentioned at check-in  that the clouds wrote out the letters G.O.D. I had already taken a picture of the sunrise, and later I looked at my picture and it turns out they were right!. It was surely a nice detail in the twilight sky as I prepared to run my race for which I was, in fact, unprepared. Heartwarming, really. I was thankful to have received the lady's race number for free, so I was going to give it my best shot in hopes that my hips would hold up and be pain-free.

The sun rose, the breeze (squared) blew, and there was hand sanitizer  hung snugly in the PortaJohns. Everything was perfect. Except, of course, for those little prickly things in the grass that got all over our socks and stab us in the calves when we least expected it.

After a patriotic rendition of our national anthem sung by a man with stronger lungs than most of us had legs, we cheered, and we were off. I already had met a friend at the starting line and it turned out that our paces were perfect together. This was her first race beyond 13.1 miles, so I was very excited for her future success, remembering the good old days when I turned crazy in relation to what "long distance" meant. 

I didn't know what my legs were going to do. I didn't know if they would feel great the whole time and make for a fast finish, or the more likely option that they would go out too fast, get tired, and have to slow down and walk a whole lot, making for an anti-climactic moment at the almost-packed-up-and-gone-home finish line. Energetically, my new friend and I chatted the whole time. It sure made time pass quickly. And don't you love those out-and-back races where you can see everyone at each turn? You see the crazy fast people and wonder how they do it and how they train and if they even have lives beyond running and ice baths. And then you see the outgoing people with smiles and encouragement always radiating from their faces. You see the introverts with their heads down, but you know they're smiling on the inside. And you see the slow folks, the most humble of the bunch, typically, but always with an important story to tell. 

I lived and survived on Clif Shot Blocks. And I was propelled by my speed-of-light snot rockets, having had plenty of nasal fuel in store due to the cold wind. Also, once my caffeine kicked in, my conversation and my pace both increased. My new partner was staying consistently strong, but I was just plain hyper and searching for a negative split to devour. The ultra runner inside of me decided that it was time to get crazy and time to get (more) sore. If I was going to finish this thing, I may as well go out with a bang. So, I added more caffeine to my typically uncaffeinated diet, and kept trucking. I passed people, and felt bad, because they were such nice, kind people. But my hyperness would have it no other way. I always told the runners good job, no matter how fast or slow they were workin' it. It's so refreshing to not run alone. 

My hips stayed strong and I felt great. I did not have a GPS device running; I was winging it. So old-school, huh? But I estimated my progress based on my time and mathematically-approximated distance. Thank heavens for the math degree!  Assuming that I was 2 miles from the finish, I took off while my partner was getting ready to refuel. I wished her the best, telling her that I would cheer for her at the finish line as she completed her longest run ever. I picked up the pace to a quick hobble. I galloped my way toward the finish, the wind at my stubborn front. I didn't let the wind bother me too much, I just stayed positive and leaned in like a calcium-deficient individual. 

The finish involved some people I had just met cheering for me. I had a strong finish thanks to the remaining strength in my legs and grit in my spirit. I didn't have anyone else watching, really. But there's gratification knowing that you just did something difficult and great.

A finger pointing to the sky ends all of my races. I cannot help but acknowledge the One who gives me strength and endurance. The One who would (and did)  endure anything for me. And the One whose name was written in the sky that day.

Ultra Poem for Beginners

Running ultras can be very tough mentally.
And eating those race carbs can make your teeth less dentally.
But if you persevere and finish strong,
You will conquer that race that is long.
You might beat your toughest competitor:
That's yourself! And there's nothing bett-itter.

So run one this year
And pass out some Coke
Or get busy and run 12
Like it ain't no joke.

But try not to be a training binger.
If you run too much, you might get injured.
All in all, you should simply love the sport.
Even meeting the dudes who wear really short shorts.
So sign up today or start a fat one for free.
I hope I'll see you if you hope you'll see me.

-Me

SUMMER / FALL EAST COAST ULTRAS 2014

So many to choose from!!!! :)
Although, there could always be more...!

Dahlgren 50k, King George VA in August.
8 Hour in Boonsboro, MD in September.
Uber Rock 50k in Winchester in September.
WC-50 (50k) in Charlotte.
Table Rock in NC.
WV Trilogy in October.


And maybe some $0-$7 marathons I'll conjure up for the VA Beach Area!! STAY TUNED!!! and STAY TRAINED!!

OAKS & JOKES 30 miler. June 21. $7.

Oaks & Jokes 30 miler - Jun 21

Join us on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Oak Grove Lake Park  in Chesapeake, VA at 5:15am for a bunch of laps around a beautiful lake!     
409 BYRON ST.
This will be a super, low-key, laid back event, but there's no reason not to race!!! 
FINISHERS GET A STRETCHY BRACELET!! (You know those things that the kids are wearing these days!?!)


The course is FAAAAST,  FLAT, and on fine packed dirt. 
I hope that PRs are ABUNDANT!
It is a 1.5ish mile loop. (a tad over that)
ULTRARUNNERS--> 20 laps
MARATHONERS-> 18
21 milerERS------> 14
HALFERS --->     9


Finishers will write their names (F, L) and times (H:M:S) down at the end on the provided poster for historical (or hysterical) results. A stopwatch will be there ticking and tocking.
Run counter clockwise loops! (Optional small hill parallel to trail at 0.75 mile marker...I'm running it 20 times!! )
LIMIT: 50 Runners
CUTOFF: 7 hours
(or else email results)
PORTAJOHN: Yes.
WATER: Nope. Bring a half or full gallon for yourself. (Also, pack your nutrition.)

NOTE: I highly recommend a SHARPIE to keep tallies on your hand of your laps...this has proven to free up epic numbers of brain cells to focus on splits, nutrition, and nature!
It really is a beautiful park. I'm not one for zillions of laps, but I can manage it at ths park! there are POTTIES and tables and a shelter. Bring all your snacks and liquids!
DISTANCE SPLITS per lap: 1.53, 3.06, 4.59, 6.12, 7.65, 9.18, 10.71, 12.24, 13.77, 15.3, 16.83, 18.36, 19.89, 21.42, 22.95, 24.48, 26.01, 27.54, 29.07, 30.6)
But for easier math, round down to: 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5, 21, 22.5, 24, 25.5, 27, 28.5, 30. :)

REGISTER on ULTRASIGNUP.com 
Contact: WHATULTRA@yahoo.com. 
ALL participants in this fun race agree to the waiver, requiring them not to hold the city or race director legally responsible for any injury or problem whatsoever.

SLUSH FACTORY: Holiday Lake 2014

The classic, crisp February trail for Holiday Lake 50k in the beautiful eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains was blanketed with whitish-gray remains of a foot of two day old snow. Everyone knew that they were in for some crazy times of hard work, slippery slopes, poor footing, frozen toes, and dozens of slushy memories. Runners scurried to the start with rain layers to keep the liquid out and hydration packs to keep the liquid in. We had a mutual understanding of the trial awaiting us, and therefore possessed mindsets that were a little less competitive than normal.

The first half-mile uphill on the road was predictable, people's eyes borrowing the brilliant beams of light from one another's headlamps and starting off quickly with excitement. Then we entered the slush factory, our shoes staying surprisingly unsoaked at first in the still-freezing 32-degree temps. Rain slid off our backs. We climbed short climbs and skied down rolling descents. I embraced every downhill, turning up chunks of snow without cautiously spending precious seconds worrying about slipping.

Our middle-pack group wound through turns like a caterpillar commuting up a snow-textured tree branch. We embraced the presence of runners surrounding us, knowing that their company meant that we were headed the right way and that time would pass steadily in this early first hour. The first of seven aid stations came and went as the elevation leveled out. The slosh continued to repel our feet from their central location, as we joked that our feet would slip a cumulative total of 3 additional miles over the course of the day. One step forward, a tenth of a step sideways. Repeat. At any rate, we were halfway to the halfway point of halfway.

We steadily and earnestly attempted to follow in the footsteps of the forerunners, but the elements were ordering our feet to march single file, like treading the road's famous white line at Badwater. Here and now, however, everything was white except for the line we were trying to balance on.  It was a beautiful mess. I could imaginatively look down at our path and create a mental chocolate chip ice cream sundae at any point during the first half of the race.

At the foreboding creek crossing, a group gathered. Things were not looking good. As we crossed the knee-deep frigid water, we saw a huddle of men carrying a lady who had fallen and broken her leg. They were willing to forget their previous goals in the pursuit of a greater one: carrying this runner for miles to help and safety. They had wrapped her leg with a splint of thick tree limbs tied down with the knotted shirts of runners who had passed by and shed a layer from their own healthy limbs. We prayed and ran, easily overlooking our own problems for the next four miles.

I opted to count aid stations instead of miles, simplifying my equation from the number 32 to a perfect 7. Mile 12 then became 16 and brought us to the halfway point and much pomp, excitement, and cowbells. I tried to remember to eat and drink as I happily greeted my family, telling them with a smile how awful my situation was. My husband held his phone, comically remarking that he would turn the videographed chronicles of Holiday Lake into a documentary of pain and suffering on the road to triumph. With all of the support, my spirits lifted higher than my feet had all day, and I trotted off with my caffeinated self. Soon, I would be greeted by another spectator shouting laughable encouragement. There were three of us ladies in single file, and the man energetically cheered on our mud-splattered feet by shouting, "Ladies! Beautiful! Graceful! Elegant Runners! Keep on going!" This struck me as hilarious. So I walked. And laughed.

Everything had gone wrong, but I was purely excited to be there, running, being encouraged and cheered for, pushing toward another challenging goal. My time was 45 minutes too slow already at the halfway mark, I missed the check-in, I had a head cold and scratchy throat which I kept naming "allergies," and I was in the wrong shoes since my toddler had hidden the right shoe of my token pair of running sneaks right before we left. So, I had Mr. Left, but where's Mr. Right when you need him? All I had were backups.

So, why did I make the best of it? Why did I admit, "It could be worse," when fellow runners complained about the drudgery? A lot of marvelous reasons, I suppose. Maybe it was the fact that it really could be worse: lightning in summer heat, hours of pouring cold rain, an insurmountable 8000 feet of climbing on steep ascents, jagged rocks taunting us from beneath the formless miry snow, or a solidly refrozen graveyard of real ice promising more injuries to its victim than today's spineless slush could have vowed. Maybe it was the joy of knowing that I had a garden of beautiful family members and friends praying and cheering me on from their own soil miles away. Maybe it was my handsome number one fan supporting me every slipping step of the way. And then maybe, just maybe, it was the recent inspiring memory of meeting two friendly wounded warriors with missing right legs just the week before my race. How dare I take for granted my abilities that I could gracefully display in an event that I chose to participate in? There truly were no reasons for thoughtless complaints.

The half time party had ended, sending me right back into the woods with cold feet again. I continued past the runners heading to their halfway glory with haste, wary of the possibility of slipping off the trail ledge into the half frozen lake. The second half had brought the debut of that day's display of sunshine, and rays of joy with it. But slush plus sun plus joy equals mud. So the trail had given way to a continuous creek of liquid dirt between its riverbanks of stagnant slush. Sixteen miles of splashing, coming up! The liquid last half could have been indicative of the status of the second stream crossing. I could have sworn it was 5 inches deeper that time. But I did not afford myself anxiety about the continued numbness preventing me from the destiny of my goal.

There had been dozens of learning moments in this ultra. But, when life gives you ice, make mental ice cream. (NOTE: One other benefit of snow is knowing who used which tree in the woods. Everyone gets a unique chance to shine that way.) The hard work was not overwhelming for the runners who had actually trained for the event. A few times, I even wanted to sing, "Walking in a Winter Wonderland." But I feared that my inability to sing would get me disqualified on charges of disturbing the peace.

One of the highlights of my life was the twenty minutes during this race that were spent on a gravel road that had recently been driven on for our profound enjoyment. During these moments, I felt guilty unless I ran hard on the delightfully firm, slushless surface. My feet even stopped worrying me; they warmed slightly, and I no longer feared that I would lose them to frostbite. But you quickly forget the good moments when pain and hunger strike.  I reached the slush puddles again and then felt frozen, then full and then hungry...full...hungry...hungryyy...then shaky at times and swore at one point that one neighboring smooth log perfectly resembled a resting dinosaur. My logic escaped me. I wondered if I would finish. But I had joked earlier that we participants were equivalent to fearless Winter Olympians on this day of great outdoor testing and post-solstice undertakings. So, I had to stay true to my prophesy by eating, running, and showing fortitude.

It was interesting how much my feet hurt and my leg muscles did not. This was foreshadowing for my lack of leg soreness in the days following the flexed footfest. I felt like a potentially strong warrior with my feet attached by dental floss. They flopped and dangled from my body, as I was forced to take tiny steps to achieve any stroke of efficiency and surety on the uncertain trail. The unfamiliar shoes and abundance of moisture led to some obese blisters on my swollen feet. I quieted my concern when others exclaimed concern of their own for the feet that they stopped feeling hours ago.

All in all, the event was remarkable. We had great support. Edifying beeps from friends' and spectators' cars boosted my spirits and echoed along with the caffeine in my veins. We had an easier second half, with the splattering mud at least providing a firm foundation beneath its opaque surface. And we had an understandable cutoff. It had all gotten gradually better, slushy problems melting away, as I had made some friends around me from various backgrounds and states.  We had cat-lovers, first-timers, girly-girls, city slickers, moms, dads, couples, old folks, young'uns, mismatchers, underdressers, and everything in between. We were all trudging through the same mud puddles. That made it great. That made it doable. I cannot imagine running this distance in these conditions if the fellow middle-packers were not as downright friendly as they were. It's always something about us humans suffering together while taking in the majesty of our vast natural surroundings that changes us. For the better. We see our weakness, but then become stronger as we run hard and run far.

Winter. Holiday Lake 50k. Training.

Never a dull moment.

An extra cold winter, ey? 
How dost thou feel about this?
Cold?

I'm kinda down with it. The bone chillin winds can be in inviting on medium distance runs especially. I often opt to shorten them or just dress crazy warm...like a mom. But something about the cold invigorates me. My bare legs can run and get iced at the same time, right? 

Like this week when 3 people asked me if I was cold. If it ain't 20, I ain't wearing pants! (Just shorts)
Running pants. Yuck. The WORST!! No freedom. 
If they aren't American flag red, they aren't cold, friends!!

Well, I dunno. What do you think?

I'm just psyched about the next shindig...
I'll be hyper. 
I'll run. 
I'll embrace it. 

-B

Who's doing ICY 8? Holiday Lake 50ks?  Any Fat Races?
PS- Don't forget VA is for Dinos 27!!

January Ultrasuccess

Anyone enjoy a good January ultra?

How about a blizzard?

Well, this month's editions of TrailRunner and Ultrarunning magazines were sweet!

How crazy is it that our sport is still growing by leaps and bounds?! And everyone is getting crazy fast! Except for me, maybe. Woo! Party at the middle of the pack! Everyone be there unless you are super speedy...

At any rate, I think we need more  hometown, cheapo ultras! I love that kind. What is your favorite number of participants in an event? Follow whatultra on Twitter to reply!!!

See ya soon. Keep at it.

DONT FORGET APRIL 5!! 27.2 miles!!!  See details below.

VA is for Dinosaurs 27 miler!

Va is for Dinos 27
now on ULTRASIGNUP.com

$14
and you get a shirt!
April 5 at 5:30am
in VA Beach

Limit to 40 runners...hope you'll join us!!!!!!!!!!!
?s: WhatUltr a @yahoo.com

JAILBREAK 27 miler

see
recessionrunning.blogspot.com

January 11
$0

Eastern VA

JAILBREAK 27.2 MILER! (free)

Jailbreak 27!

Saturday, JANUARY 11, 2014

5:50am

Bells Mill Park

424 Albemarle 

Chesapeake, VA 23320

Good riddance, Christmas cookies! Start the new year right with a little baby ultramarathon! Enjoy a 2.7 mile loop 10 times!!!

Bring a headlamp / flashlight and food and liquids that you will need.

The course is a beautiful 2.7 mile loop around the perimeter of two fields of small rolling hills beside the river. Your supplies and car will be accessible every 1.2-1.8 miles.

Fill out your time and distance at the end!

CUTOFF: 12:15pm, but early starters are welcome!

LIMIT: 30 runners

Sign up by January 5th!

NOTE: The Bridge opens every hour on the hour. So, prepare to get stuck in traffic at those times!

Email: Whatultra @y ahoo.com

with name, distance, expected finish time, and emergency phone #.

All runners agree that they are prepared for the event and that they will not to hold the city or the race directors responsible for injury, sickness, or other causes; they also will be completely truthful about their results.

Backroads Freeforall 50k - Friday, Dec 20, 2013 - 7 am - near Appomattox, VA

BACKROADS FREEFORALL 50k - Friday, Dec 20, 2013 - 7 am - near Appomattox, VA

**11, 13.2, 15, 22, 26.5, and 31 mile options available!**
Welcome to the Backroads of Spout Spring, VA. Between Lynchburg and Appomattox.
Perfect for a long run, marathon, or ultra distance!
This FUN RUN is FREE!
A course MAP and TURNbyTURN directions will be emailed to you.

The COURSE consists of two loops: modifiable to measure 11, 13.5, or 15.5 miles each.

LIMIT: 30 runners!!!
CUTOFF TIME: 7 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: 1090 (*it will feel like more!!)
SURFACE: paved road with shoulders to run on

Complainers will not be tolerated. Joyful ultrarunners are preferred.
Carry your own water and fuel.
Refill at your car at miles 11 and 22.
Crews are welcome.
Pacers on foot / bikes are welcome.
Dogs are also invited.

By entering THIS event, you agree not to hold volunteers or directors responsible for injury.

WARNING: You may see dogs, hunters, fast-moving trucks, rednecks, cows (in fence), and other human and nonhuman wildlife.
NOTE: You will also see beauuuuuutiful farms, rolling hills, lovely fields, a gorgeous wedding lodge, and friendly people.

Enjoy the run as an introvert or with a friend. Write down time at the end. Watch clock and clipboard may be unmanned at any given time.

RACE begins at the corner of Hummingbird Lane and Marston Street. Email for Start directions and course map and turn directions. Don't arrive too early.
SEND emails to: Becky at WhatUltra@yahoo.com to sign up BEFORE Dec 16!!! Include: Name, City, Age, Distance, Emergency Phone #, Estimated Finish Time.

Free Trail Marathon - Virginia Beach

QUAD LONG CREEK trail marathon
Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 6:00am will begin an East Coast epic: a zero dollar marathon. 26.2 (plus-ish) miles on TRAILS in Virginia Beach, VA.
The event (QLC) will take place at First Landing State Park.
Self-supported run. Know the map-it'll help.You can join us for the 13.1 mile edition...same time...same place.

EMAIL: WhatUltra@yahoo.com to sign up!!!!!!!!!!

INFO
Cost:                                       $0.00 ...run for your cause, if you wish!
Pounds of Snacks Provided:      0
Gallons of Water Provided:        0 to 5
Fate of a Complainer:               Disqualification
Awards:                                   Maybe small, earthy ones...
CUTOFF:                                5 hours, 45 minutes (aka 11:45am)
LIMIT:                                    50 runners- 30 in the full, 20 in the half

Mad Marsh Trail 50k & Marathon Results 2012

Results by Number and Distance
* indicates female runner.
Congrats everyone!!!!!


27mi
38-3:18:11,  Ryan Thompson
63-04:42:59, Johnathon Byczkoski
40-05:02:30, Greg James
62-05:03:25, Chad Dixon

31.5 mi
1st-#5-04:02:07, James Sinclair
2nd-#34-04:08:14,  Garth Peterson
3rd-#10-04:11:05, Taryn Thomas* (1st)
4-27-04:48:53, Alex Turner
5-41-04:53:52, Rob Thomas II
6--9--04:57:15, Gary Davis
7--13---05:03:40, Lara Zoeller* (2nd)
8--29---05:07:28, Andy Bruner
9--30---05:08:43, Emily Ernst* (3rd)
10th--16---05:10:20, Daniel Paige
11--24---05:21:01, Janice Willey* (4th)
12--2---05:30:09, Mary Siegel*(5)
13--12---05:42:40, Doug Farley
14--6---05:45:57, Brian Luckett
15--31---06:00:55, Russell Dudley
16--23---06:09:42, Doug Failla
17--22---06:18:57, Diane Majeroni *(6)
18--36---06:19:45, Peter Hudec
19--11---06:27:42, Leslie Sampedro *(7)
20--28---06:36:28, Lori Couick *(8)
21--8---07:05:40, Rachael Parrish *(9)
22--1---07:33:54, Michael Shelly-Moody

Mad Marsh Trail Half Marathon, 4.5, 9, 18, or 22.5 miler Results 2012

Results.  4.5 miler

75 00:33:49- Timothy Hodges

74 00:35:33- Joshua Caldwell 

84 00:43:45- Mara Ward*

85 00:43:48- Melissa Galvan*

71 0055:23- Michele Henderson*

72 00:55:23- Josh Henderson

83-1:22:22- Kevin Layne

9 miles

93-01:50:18- Taylor Qualls*

90-2:13:31- Matthew Janes

13.5 mi

88-01:42:03- Christa Vanek*  

95-01:46:08- Matthew Kessinger

91-2:08:10- Sandy Burks*    

97-2:08:10- Rod Burks

98-2:11:49- Jerrod Poppe   

70- 02:13:31 - Jared Casanova

87-2:15:11- Jeremy Ellis   

81-2:30:28- Lisa Rosenmeier*

3-02:33:52 - Linda Nguyen *

 4- 02:33:52- Michael Kiriakos

                    94-2:44:30- BradleyStewart
                   39-02:47:27- Kathleen McElhannon

14-02:53:50- Flor Deleon *

73-03:03:25- Christy Byczkoski*

100-03:10:42- Jessica Nocerino Troianello *

82-03:29:03- Kelly Luckett *

18 mi

32-03:18:11

22.5 mi

37-04:54:15

86-05:04:54

99-05:06:25

64-05:26:17

42-05:40:58

MM Race Day Registration

REGISTER on Race Day for $45 cash.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED ONLINE!

There are some T Shirts and Race numbers that are waiting to be rescued by a runner!

MAD MARSH Parking

LARGE trucks will have trouble fitting under low clearance branches.
(See MAP on right.) You will have to park near the letter A, rather than the color GREEN.
That sounded like Sesame Street, but it's a good visual.

From that area, the start will be a 0.1 mile warmup. :)

New MM12 Map!

Less than 3 days!!!

The new map shows you all you need to see to win Mad Marsh trail race and to set the pace for the dozens of people following you. Don't get lost!! Streamers are orange and will lead you to destiny...(and to food)! If you aren't seeing streamers, do one of the following: turn on your headlamp, stay straight , or get out of that person's backyard!

A'Hem!! Direct your attention to the almost black and white picture to your right.

Green represents the start/ car/ aid station area.
Blue arrows indicate the clockwise direction of the course.
Red is for roses ... No actually, it's for the grassy, piney, sandy path you will follow.
Purple is for the short, short, short road section.
And the all important A is where you will turn onto the course directly after the "golf cart crossing" road sign on Middle Rd.

Black and white represents your location if you are lost or if you decided to run to the beach instead.
Best Wishes for Running Greatness,
The RD

Prizes! Countdown! Food! (all great things)

Mad Marsh drawing prizes go to random participants, and include:
Books, Mags, Gift Certificates, and more!
Must be present to win.

10 days left!!! 

Also note that the aid station menu includes: water, soda, HEED, Pbjs, sweets, salties, cookies, chips, candy, fruit, and more!
Ibuprofen will not be handed out like candy, so bring your own if you hafta !!

MM info - Race Weekend

* PACKET PICKUP will be Friday from 4:15-5:15pm and is OPTIONAL! The location will be at the START Area (Take a Left off Sam's Point Road, Go 0.65 miles, Passing Coosa Elementary on your Left, and Fiddler Ln on your Left. Destination is on the RIGHT): 78 Middle Rd, Ladys Island, SC 29907. You may opt to get your packets in the morning from 5:45 - 6:25am. 

*PARKING is at the START. You may want a headlamp at the Start. Sunrise is at 6:55am. Twilight is at 6:29am. Weather is usually 57*-72*. Bugs come out around noon, so plan accordingly.

*IMPORTANT!!!!!!!  ~  When you are finishing each lap, there will be an option to stay straight (passing the table of food an water) and continue the race, or to VEER LEFT into the FINISH chute, crossing over the finish line. YOUR TIME WILL NOT BE RECORDED BY VOLUNTEERS UNLESS YOU ENTER THE FINISH CHUTE. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Also, your projected race distance will be known by volunteers based on your online sign up option. IF YOU WANT TO STOP EARLY, THAT's FINE, just pass through the finish chute and tell a volunteer afterward. IF YOU WANT TO COMPLETE AN ADDITIONAL LAP, tell volunteers before leaving the aid station when you are going on your last lap. Possible Distances are: 4.5 miles, 9, 13.5, 18, 22.5, 27, 31.5 or 1,000,000!

* LAPS might not be kept track of by anyone but YOURSELF. FINISH times will be recorded.

* The course will be marked with bright ORANGE surveying ribbons and flags.

*Approximate turn - by - turn course directions for runners are: 

~MILE 0.0 - Start

~~~Mile 0.1 - Port-a-john / Crossing of Middle Rd./ Packet Pickup on Friday

~~~Mile 0.9 - Crossing of Brickyard Pt Rd.

~~~Mile 1.0 - A Hill! (The only one, no worries...it is approx. 12 feet high. Just precious.)

~~~Mile 1.3 - Crossing of Brickyard Pt Rd.

~~~Mile 2.5 - Crossing of Middle Rd. ****Here, it will be possible for your crew to meet you. FROM the START, crews will drive off the dirt golf course path and make a right onto MIDDLE Rd. They will travel 0.5 miles passing Seagull Dr on the left, passing Gator Trail on the Right, passing Turtle Ln on the Right, and passing Needlerush Rd on the Right. Here, the runners will be crossing the road from left to right. Park on the side of the Road or on the golf cart path. Don't pass Woods Lane on the Right or you have gone too far. ****

~~~Mile 3.1 - You will come to a paved road, but WILL NOT cross this time, as that would lead you to tear up a beautiful driving range. Turn right, follow the Road for 0.1 mile, passing Egret Lane on your Right (a Dead End), and then making a Right back onto the open path. THIS WILL BE CLEARLY MARKED!

~~~Mile 4.5 - Aid Station, Your Car, The Finish...all great things!

*SUMMARY: Cross the road 4 times, then run alongside the next road you come to, making a right onto the unpaved path.

*IF you read all of this, congratulations! You are prepared. If not, then just wing it, follow the faster people, and mooch off their headlamp light. That's what I would do.