2019 Ozark Foothills 50/50k/25k
Greensfelder County Park, Wildwood Missouri
April 6th, 2019
Terrain Trail Runners Event
Ozark Foothills 50
1st Place Overall 7:17:47 (CR)
(6,000 ft. net gain)
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| Start Line |
I've always said-the hardest part about an ultra is getting to the starting line. Any time I'm able to toe the line and race I feel thankful. There have been enough lows in my running career to where I truly appreciate the chance to be healthy and run. Leading up to the Ozarks Foothills 50 I had my bumps and bruises and there were a few lingering ailments that I was worried would rear its ugly head during the race. In the end I was able to put together a solid effort and string together some good miles to cross the line.
The Terrain Trail Runner Event group based in St. Louis County have been putting this event on since 2015 with two race options (50k & 25k). This year they were offering up a 50 mile distance. Anybody who has run at the Greensfelder County Park/ Rockwoods Reservation Area knows that putting a 50 mile event on those trails would be tough. The course boasts a generous 6,000 ft. of net gain and a 3 loop outline; 50k has 3,800 ft. net gain, and the 25k with 1,900 ft. net gain. Lots of rolling single track with a few longer sustained climbs to keep the mountain goat in someone entertained and enough rocks and roots to keep you on your toes. The course is just north of Six Flags St. Louis. So close that you can hear the screams from people riding the roller coasters. As a matter of fact I always knew I was getting close to the last section of the loop when I could hear the coasters, which was reassuring and reviving in a way. The 50 mile went off 30 minutes before sunrise at 6 a.m. which required a headlamp for the first short loop. The 50k and 25k distances went off at 7 and 7:30 a.m. The 50 would be 3 loops, the 50k 2 loops, and you guessed it the 25k was a single loop. Each loop is broken up nicely too by sections and in an ultra that can help tremendously mentally and in terms of refueling. The 50 started with a Dogwood Trail Loop (2.3 miles) then wrapped back around to the start/finish line and then headed out on the 3 loops.
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| Ozark Foothill 50 |
The Scenic Overlook section was 5.5 miles and took you up the highest point in the race to a nicely placed aid station. Climbing up to this aid station each time got harder and harder. On the first time up the punchy 300 ft. climb I was with Zach Merrin and Jeff Browning and wondered and even asked who'd be power hiking this on the last loop? The race went out with a group of 4, with Sam Wells settling into an easier pace. He, for the record ran the Ohio Big Backyard 2 weeks prior putting 110 miles on the legs and still toed the line here, and finished...crazy! The group of three then entered the Screaming Eagle section (7.3 miles) still close together. This section fittingly named because of the views and sounds of the coasters on this section. Towards the end of this loop Zach and I pulled away a bit and entered back into the Dogwood Loop before heading back into the start/finish area (18.3 miles) where we would set out on our 2nd loop. Zach ended up running right through, grab and go. I stopped for a second and restocked my handheld and shorts pocket with gels and food to get me through a loop. He gapped me by about a minute or so heading into the 2nd loop. At this point Jeff was in 3rd a few minutes back still moving well. I lost sight of Zach for a few miles and didn't catch a glimpse of him until mile 24 or so heading up a steep road section before the Screaming Eagle Section. At mile 26 I finally caught and passed him. I finished up the 2nd loop with the lead and headed back into the start/finish area once again (34.3 miles). Grabbed my aid bag supplies and tried to move quickly through the aid station walking and packing things up. I knew I had to continue to move. At this point being in the lead with 16 miles to go with two very good runner behind you, all I could think was that they were closing on me and they were starting to feel good. I was worried that Jeff was pacing the first couple laps and would really hit the last loop using his experience to make a charge while I slowed a bit that last loop. And I still figured Zach was moving well because he's an experienced runner especially at the 50 mile distance. I just focused on the things I could control and that was focusing on myself and just keep moving forward. At mile 42 entering back into the Screaming Eagle section I hit a low spot and found myself power hiking up the short steep section here and there. All I could wonder was if they were doing the same. Got to the last aid station and knew all I had was 3.2 miles left. At this point I was power walking more than I would have liked and I was hurting. Got into the last loop on the Dogwood Trail, 2.3 miles left. Just keep moving and you have this in the bag, I was telling myself. This section seemed to go on forever. I was just looking for familiar landmarks that told me I was close to the finish. Got to where you could see the pavilion on the hill and I could hear the people cheering. A huge rush of joy came over me as I entered the last little section heading into the finish.
Ultras are a lot like life I've learned. You have goals and you work towards them, taking things as they come and working through them. You can have a bad day just like a low spot in a race but you just worry about the things you can control and just keep moving forward. I went into this race slightly banged up. With a finicky spot on the inside of my knee and 2 weeks of sinus congestion that got into my chest a bit I was just waiting for something to rear its ugly head during the race. Out of all things it was a bothersome left achilles for some reason and a side stitch mid race I had to work out. But I trusted my training and prep and just worked through it as it came.
Overall it was an amazing day on the feet. Im glad I was invited to do this event and thanks to Shalini and her crew of Terrain Trail Runners who yet again put on an amazing event. The aid stations are always great and accommodating and the course is always marked well leaving no doubt where to go. Congrats to all those who ran and completed any of the distances. It was a beautiful day that day and the after race food and drinks and atmosphere were perfect. Till next time, happy trails!
Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=60288#id1563487
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/2617345
