Fear of Forest Animals
We are in the woods, on single track on a trail on the side of a hill, with some undergrowth on either side. I hear, more that see, something rustle the leaves on the left. I alert, stop and look intently.
"What is it?," Beth asks.
A closer look and I exhale.
"Grey tree bear," I say.
It's a squirrel. But for a second it was something more, the result of an event hours earlier.
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| Pre-race brief. Note the bear-proof trash receptacles. |
At the Start
"How come he gets an elite bib number?" I jokingly complain as Emaad and I check in at the start of the Water Gap 50K. He gets 5, I get 24. There are two reasons. First, bibs are assigned in alphabetical order and he is a B and I am an S by surname. Second, there are only 21 entrants in the race, so everyone gets a low bib number. There is also a 25K with 33 entrants, but because of when the events start, and the out and back nature of the course, I won't see any of them during the races.
The small size of the race and its location at Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, means we part about 50 feet from the start finish line. A few minutes before the 8 a.m. start time the race director gives a briefing, telling us of the aid stations and facilities available of the course. He reminds us to get a race poker chip at the unmanned turn-around and notes that there may not be enough for everyone.
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| Emaad and Beth early on. |
New Friend
Our paces match and we start chatting with her, because that's what trail runners, at least those of us at the back of the pack, do. Making new friends and making the miles pass easily.
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| Emaad and I about mile 4. |
Beth tells us that this is her first 50K. She is a bit apprehensive about it, but we assure her that it won't be a problem for her.
The first four miles are on a fairly wide flat trail past corn fields and through woods. There are a couple of short bridges across some streams and shallow ravines. It's easy running without the necessity of scanning the trail in front for rocks and roots.
Then the trail bends left and heads uphill. we stop and Beth takes Emaad and my photo. Emaad takes off and Beth and I are left to go on our own.
For nearly the next seven hours Beth will be subjected to having to listen to my running anecdotes, including some of my greatest hits, including "then leave me alone to run in my own personal hell," "it's a Mojave rattler," "pursued by a stampede," "chocolate-covered bacon," and many more. Browse this blog for more memorable stories of mine! (Or not. There are so many cute cat videos (none from me) awaiting you.)
We arrive at the Jag Road aid station (mile 4.5, elapsed time, 0:49) and Beth gets to see one of the reasons that trial running is better than road running - the AS food. All the usual ultra food is there, cookies, candy, fruit, soda and more. I spot a portable grill on the side and ask if there will be grilled cheese on the return. I'm promised pierogies.
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| Small bridge to cross |
Bear!
Up and over the ridge we go, thru woods. The course flattens out again and suddenly Beth stops.
"A bear just crossed the trail," she exclaims.
I stop too. "Where?" I don't see anything.
"From the right to the left. It was a black bear. As long as there isn't a cub around we will be okay," she replies. "We have to make noise," she explains clapping her hands and raising her voice.
I follow her lead, clapping and yelling nonsense.
I tell the old joke about not having to outrun the bear, just the person you are with.
When we get to the Bushkill Access AS (mile 8.5, ET 1:40) we relate the bear encounter. The volunteers are unsurprised. The bears frequent the park for the corn and soybeans growing in the fields we pass. The reason for the bear-proof trash receptacles is now very clear.
Stretch!
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| Crossing Bushkill Creek. (mile 6.5/24) |
At one point Beth stops and stretches her arms straight over her head. She takes a deep breathe, then exhales sharply. I ask if everything is alright. She says it is a way to force your diaphragm down to relieve side stiches. This is a useful thing to learn.
Off Course?
Leaving the AS, we both detour to use the permanent facilities at the parking lot at the Bushkill Access, something that technically is off the official course. The AS volunteers assure us that it is not any shorter than the course, as it runs parallel to the trail and is alright to do so.
Although the course is well-flagged, Beth nearly goes astray a couple of times. Calling her back I tell her "It's not a trail race unless you get lost or fall down." On the way back she is more experienced and doesn't miss any flagging.
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| Sun burns thru the early fog. |
What's Said on the Trail Stays on the Trail
There is something about trail running that allows people to discuss with strangers topics that might otherwise be considered private. Not just trail-related medical or bodily-related matters, but personal matters. But personal issues get revealed too.
I recall trail running with a pair of friends who spent most of a couple of hours of running discussing (disparaging, in point of fact) their spouses. Both marriages would end in divorce. Their vitriol was so strong that it was clear that the marriages were doomed.
Beth and I discuss many things (none as serious as that memorable run) that I doubt would have been talked about had we met at a cocktail party. On the other hand, we are together for seven hours, not a half hour.
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| Turnaround with race poker chips. |
To the Turnaround
After a bit we see Emaad coming toward us. We exchange greetings, and proceed.
We discuss what to do if there are no chips left when we reach the turnaround, but there is no need - there are 6-8 chips still available. We each take one and head back.
We catch up to Eric R. who is walking. His back is bothering him and he plans to drop at the Eshback AS. When we get there on our return (mile 18.1, ET 4:01) we tell them about him and that we are the last runners on the course.
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| Corn field approaching Eshback Access AS |
Onward
We go on past the corn fields and soybean fields on our way to the Bushkill Access AS (mile 22.4, ET 5:11). Beth uses the facilities while I sit and wait at the aid station.
Off we go, now mostly in the woods, and soon begin climbing.
It isn't long before we encounter the gray tree bear. I hadn't realized just how much the primitive part of my brain fears meeting the bear. Perhaps I feared it even more not having seen it.
Welcome to the Dark Side
Since this is Beth's first ultra after four marathons, I feel a ceremony is in order. I pick up a stick and we take turns carrying it. When her watch says we have gone 26.2 miles I put it on the ground, borrow her phone and have her run over it while I get a picture. "Welcome to the Dark Side," I congratulate her.
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| Soybean field. |
Arriving at the final aid station (mile 26.5, ET 6:23) Beth is not feeling well. We both take seats while she regroups. I eat a cheese pierogi and drink a cola. An aid station worker offers to run in with us but Beth has revived and declines the offer.
We go off and soon Alex from the Bushkill Access AS catches up with us. He's sweeping the course and picking up the pink trail flags. More conversation ensues.
Beth's stomach is troubling her. Alex and I suggest that vomiting might help (I've been down that road) but although she tries nothing comes up.
Soon we can see the finish, but must run around the parking lot. Beth perks up and takes off. She finishes a minute ahead of me and reunites with husband Eric and a friend who ran the 25K.
She finishes in an official 7:29. Emaad kept up his pace all day and finishes in 6:20. I'm recorded as 7:30 (my watch said 7:29:05) and DFL. I'm 20 of 20, 15 of 15 males and 1 of 1 in my age group. I'm the oldest finisher by 12 years.
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| Swag: Shirt, token, bib, parking permit, mug. |
