Highlands Sky Race Reports 2004
Dan Lehmann, RD
I guess we were just lucky last year for the inaugural
running of the Highlands Sky; the event went off without a hitch. So I suppose
it is fair to expect that this year something had to go wrong. While flagging
the course two days before the start, I came across some new markings utilizing
part of our course. The owner of the tract told me months earlier that another
event, a motorcycle motocross, was going to be using some of the property on the
same day as our race. We had adjusted our course accordingly to be away from the
mountainside the motorcycles were using. I thought we had everything decided.
Well things changed and they had moved into our area and were not going to
budge. Only 6 hours before runners were due to arrive on Friday, in the middle
of a 3-inch downpour, 1.5 miles of course had to be cut through steep, dense
woods, over boulders and down mudslides. With that fiasco behind everything was
looking up.
Runners arrived Friday evening at the Canaan Valley Resort
to enjoy the amenities offered by the venue. Steve Bowles commented, “Geez, the
race is at a resort. The trails are probably all walking paths. How tough could
it be?” But the comforts of the facility lie in stark contrast to the
challenging 40 mile Highlands Sky course across Dolly Sods.
In the men’s race Bill Young took an early lead over
Derrick Carr and pulled in to AS #2 with a three minute lead. Young extended his
lead to 6 minutes at the half, but Carr pulled up toward the end to finish only
2:35 behind the leader. This was Bill’s first ultra win with a 7:08:00. He
remarked how stressful it was being in front.
In the women’s race Katherine Franco, Sarah Almodovar, and
Sophie Speidel took the lead. At half way point AS #4 Almodovar led Speidel by
two minutes going into the road section. By the end of the 7.3 mile “road across
the sky” Speidel had pulled ahead by three minutes. Sophie Speidel maintained
the lead to take home her first ultra win with a time of 8:06:51.
After all the planning and preparation for the Highlands,
the sharing in the excitement and joy of the runners, there is a little bit of
an empty spot when it’s all over….till the next time we get together to hit the
trail.
Congratulations to all the runners. After what seemed like
a bad start, the weekend turned out to be a winner. Thank you to all you
volunteers who did such a fine job. And many thanks to all our fine
sponsors; Montrail, Canaan Valley Resort, Tygart Valley Orthopedics & Sports
Medicine, Hammergel, Patagonia, Fuelbelt, Timberline 4 Seasons Resort, Tucker
County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Alldredge Academy, and the US
Forest Service Monongahela National Forest.
See you next year.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
2004 Highland Sky 40 - Sophie Speidel
I wasn't sure I was going to run Highland Sky this year until three weeks
before the race. I had just run the Promise Land and Capon Valley 50Ks and
didn't think it was a good idea to press my luck (and my body) to try an ultra
that was rumored to be incredibly challenging and hard. I also needed to make
sure I wasn't asking too much of my family to allow me yet another 24 hours
away from home...but the stars lined up just right when Rachel Toor, my new
ultra friend whom I had met last year at Masochist, invited me to stay with
her, and Quatro Hubbard, my training buddy from Richmond, agreed to give me a
ride. My kids were happily hanging out with their dad, who had been away on
business all month, so I felt I could go guilt-free. (When you are a mom
trying to do these crazy races, it's hard not to feel guilty). My
kids practically begged me to leave ("Dad is more fun than you, Mom"), so the
weekend was on.
We arrived at Canaan Valley Resort just in time for dinner and I immediately
saw Rachel, who was taking notes for an upcoming article she is writing for
Running Times, where she is a senior writer. Dan and Jody gave us a warm
welcome, and it was great to eat some good pasta and catch up with some of my
Virginia Happy Trails friends, the most excellent and fun-loving group of
trail runners on the planet (the WVMTR crowd is a close second). Dan gave us
the briefing ("It's wet. It rained a ton today.You will get wet."), and after
waiting for Rachel to get a play-by-play virtual tour of the course map by
Bill Young, it was time to get some sleep.
The next morning, we boarded the bus at 5:00 am for the 30-minute ride to the
start. I liked the idea of a point-to-point run, since it would mean we were
actually going somewhere. The weather was cool and cloudy...perfect. I was a
little nervous about my hip flexor, which had given me problems at Masochist
last fall, and this would be my longest race since then. Gary Richwine, a
VHTRC friend, offered me some Advil, which I took without hesitation. I was
carrying 2 hand-held bottles, one of water and the other of half Gatorade and
half water, and I carried a third bottle of water just in case. I have learned
that I really need to hydrate well and not wait for an aid station, or else I
bonk, big time. I also took 2 "S" caps right before the start and planned to
take one every half hour. I did this at Promise Land and Capon Valley, and it
worked well, so I was sticking to that game plan.
Rachel and I started together on the 2-mile road section. We went really slow
and easy, catching up with one another and generally having a relaxed run
together. She had told me she was not going to push herself too hard, since
she would be pacing a guy at Western States the following week (Rachel is in
big demand as a WS pacer, having done so once before and having written the
best ultra article I've ever read on the WS pacing experience...and no, she is
not paying me to write this race report!). As we began the first climb, Rachel
went on ahead as I took a few photos with my disposable camera. I did this at
Promise Land and really had fun with it since it helped me relax and keep my
pace slow. The first climb got muddier and more slippery as we approached the
summit, and I was grateful for the first rocky section at the top, since it
gave us a break from the muck...or so I thought.
I passed a large group at the top, including Rachel and a few other women. I
really enjoyed the Flat Rock trail section...it was rocky and wet but slightly
downhill, so it was fun to let go a little. I came into aid station 2 (mile
10) at exactly 8:00 am, and was told that I was the first woman. With that suprising
news, I pigged out on the fig newtons and PB &J's, re-filled my bottles (both
hand-helds were now empty), and started down the trail. I ran for a good bit
with Rod Sparks from Cincinnati, who was training for his first Ironman in
Wisconsin, so we talked about triathlon for a long time. On a steep technical
section I passed another woman, so I figured I was NOW the first woman. This
was a new experience for me, as I had never led an ultra...the closest I had
ever come was second. But it didn't really matter...I just wanted to run
strong and finish strong, and let the chips fall where they may...
Coming into aid station 4 (mile 19), I was still with Rod and Chris from NC,
and was looking forward to changing into dry socks. I was happy to see Dave
Stuckey, another VHTRCer, since we always finish races together and seeing him
here meant I was pacing myself well. Dave introduced me to the true first
woman, Sarah Almodovar, with whom he had been running. (Note to self: take the
aid station folks' statistics with a grain of salt...they are awesome at
helping re-fill bottles, but they may not always be accurate with runner
placings!). Clean dry socks and some potatoes with salt did the trick and we
(Sarah, Dave, and I) were off down the 7-mile "road across the sky", which Dan
had explained was the Eastern Continental Divide. It was a welcome change from
all the standing water and rocks from the trail, and I really enjoyed
hammering the downhills and running the flats, and power-walking the ups. And
the ups we could see for miles. I was able to get into a goo! d groove and
pull away from Sarah and Dave with this combo of running and walking.
Before I knew it, it was mile 26, and it was time to enter the famed Dolly
Sods (a.k.a. "Dolly Bogs") Wilderness. I knew that Sarah was still close, and
I was trying to enjoy myself, but now the added stress of keeping a lead was
beginning to wear thin. The Dolly Sods were beautiful, so I snapped a few more
photos and plunged into the muck. No use trying to go around the muck...it was
just best to plow through and enjoy the cool mud and water. A climb out of
there a few miles later brought me to mile 32, but not before I saw a
sign where Dan had written "You ARE An Ultrarunner!!! Aid Station Just Ahead."
I laughed out loud at that wonderful sentiment. I emerged from a rock bed to
find the aid station overlooking the gorgeous valley, and saw the nicest young
man (Dan's son, I later learned) who yelled "You are the first girl!!!!" Wow,
did I love that! The first 41-year-old girl! It made my day.
As I cruised down the ski slope I thought I heard the whirr of a
waterfall...alas, it was not to be. Instead, it was the roar of the ATV race,
which Dan had warned us about. The quiet of the forest was replaced by
mud-slinging, toxic-fume emitting, noise-polluting motorized vehicles...on top
of that, Sarah was making her move about 200 yards behind me. I had a serious
discussion with myself. I considered my options: I could: a). continue at this
comfortable pace and let her pass me ( "maybe we could cruise in together?" I
thought), or b). I could put the hammer down and see what I was made of. I
also heard, in the back of my mind, the stern voice of a certain training
partner asking me, "Are you going to win this race, or what?!" That was it. I
chose option "B."
Enter the Lehmann Butt Slide. Having never run The Barkley (and never planning
to), I have only read about Leonard's Butt Slide. This Highland Sky version
was a real treat: Dan had basically re-routed the original course (because of
the ATV race) into the woods and it was a steep, twisty, butt-sliding ritual
of trying to catch a glimpse of the next ribbon before you hit the next tree
limb with your head, or go off course all together. One nice volunteer told me
"be aware of the motorcycles!" just as one plowed into mud yards away from me.
Needless to say, it was a test of patience to get through that section with
all the noise, mud, and the non-trail that one had to run. Thankfully, I saw
the aid station at the bottom, yelled out my number, and kept going. It was
great to see a dirt road, which led to a real road, and I was beginning to
sense that I was almost home. But not before more wet marshy trail to run...
Entering the Canaan Valley Resort, with 2 miles to go, I started to reflect on
the day. I had accomplished my goal of running strong and finishing strong
(OK, I ended up walk/running the last 2 miles since my knee was sore). It was
exciting to think I would finally finish first in an ultra, and I was so
grateful to have had the awesome opportunity to push my body and spirit beyond
their comfort levels, and to have a family that supports me as I pursue this
wacky dream. It was a beautiful course and I was having the time of my
life! But strangely, I also felt that something was missing... and I realized,
as I was running those last few yards in the rain, that what I truly love
about ultras are the people, pure and simple. I love the challenge and the
adventure that I am faced with every time I start a race, but I also love to
run with my friends, to make new friends while on the course, and to share the
experience with someone! I didn't know before the start. For the last 4 hours
of this race, I was by myself, and it was hard to concentrate, to remain
focused, and to keep a positive attitude. As I ran down the hill to the finish
and hugged Dan, Jody and Rachel (who had dropped to save herself for WS), my
thoughts were of my friends still out on the course, and I couldn't wait to
see them finish. One by one they returned, covered head-to-toe in mud. Some
(Dave Stuckey, David Snipes, Jim Cavanaugh, Frank Probst) sprinted in. Dru
Sexton and Graham Zollman jogged in and happily yelled "we LOVE this course!!"
Quatro came in with a huge smile declaring "keep the Lehmann Butt Slide!" All
had accomplished an incredible feat under very tough conditions...and I
was happy to be among them once again, where I belong.
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It keeps getting better -The Highlands Sky 40
Mile Trail Run! - Daniel J. Todd
Who knew? Who knew how fun it could be to run 40
miles of "Wild, Wet and Wrocky West Virginia?" One-hundred and twenty runners
from across the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast states came to Canaan Valley Resort
near Davis, West Virginia to find out. Many runners found themselves driving
through stormy weather that put 3 and 3/4 inches of rain on the trails of Dolly
Sods. Dan Lehmann, the race director found himself on the Timberline Slopes
bushwhacking a fresh trail through pine trees, ferns and mud to reroute the
course around another event taking place the same day. No sense in dodging
ATV's and dirt bikes after running 36 miles.
While runners registered and enjoyed a great
pasta meal we were treated to a slideshow of last years course photos. The
pictures prompted some wonderful memories of the inaugural race. During the
race briefing about 14 runners stated that this was their first ultra. Wow!
After a short drive to the start at the Laneville
cabin in Dolly Sods the runners milled around nervously. The weather was
discussed. Hydration strategies were evaluated. Drop bag contents were
compared. Now it was time to run. Highlands Sky has three unique sections.
The first section includes a tough rocky climb through a hardwood forest and
when you get to the top you are treated to grassy bald that is covered with
boulders and wind swept pines. As we ran through the fog on the summit we
missed the expansive views to the east and west, but it was for the best since
it forced you to kept your eyes focus on the technical trail. A maze made of
mountain laurel guided us around rocks, across streams and through the mud to
the second aid station. The course continues through the forest and will cross
the Red Creek four times over its entire length. At the 18 mile mark the course
changes dramatically.
A right turn onto Forest Road 19/75 forces us to
plod along for the next 7 miles. This road has been called many things. Most
of which can't be repeated. It provides the biggest mental challenge of the
course, especially since you have three opportunities to drop and watch other
runner suffer for the rest of the day. The final leg of the run is truly
special and those who make this far are rewarded, albeit with more water and
rocks.
Each meadow is prettier than the next. The Red
Creek tinted by tannic acid flows below and now is a friend that will cool you
off as you wade through it for the last time. Ferns brush your legs as you
enjoy the views. Less rocks for a few minutes. As you crest the Timberline
Slopes you come to a pile of rocks that a glacier left thousands of years ago.
"Almost done," you think as you approach the aid station with the toughest of
volunteers. These guys get wind blown and rained on no matter how nice the
weather. One more hill, but wait.
The course is now unknown to the veteran
runners. The bushwhacked trail beckons. Runners barrel across large rocks and
trample lush ferns. Then all of sudden it gets slick. Those who have not
fallen yet are about to kiss the ground. Here come "but slide hill!' There is
no avoiding it, no embracing it. Just a controlled fall for the next hundred
feet. Aid station workers state that not one person had finished the last
section without comment. On to the finish!
The next three miles are uneventful. Whitetail
deer look up from the road as to say "Excuse me…I am eating here." After a
couple miles on or near the road we head back into the woods for a brief moment
to suddenly pop out at the finish line to cheer of encouragement. The best part
of it all was just walking 100 yards to your hotel room for a warm shower and a
BBQ chicken dinner. The evening was capped with several servings in the Laurel
Lounge. What a great father's day weekend! I'll be back next year. Who knew?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
West Virginia and the Highland Sky 40 was also pretty
>wet, wild and wrocky. Dawgs, Hunt and Phil Nissen
>traveled to the picturesque Canaan Valley State resort
>area to run the second year of this challenging trail
>run/ climb in the Dolly Sods National Park and Canaan
>National Wildlife area.
>The run starts in a high mountain valley of about 2500
>ft and climbs to 4500, in some of the nicest,
>prettiest and unique areas i have ever been to on the
>East Coast. There were about 150 starters in the run
>coming from at least 20 different states and Canada.
>The first 8 miles are climbing to a ridge which is at
>over 4000 ft and is actually the Eastern Divide. The
>trails were primitive wet and boggy, but with 8 super
>aid stations, spectacular vistas, nice people, great
>awards, meals and prizes, this will be on my to do
>runs for the future, for sure.
>Typically, i started a bit fast, but slowed down soon
>enough,( about mile 10 ) to not have too dramatic a
>slow down in second half and finished reasonable 10+
>hour time. Phil, apparently had an even better second
>half than first and finished in 11 hour segment.
>
>Buzzard/TrailDawg Diana Stump, who was joined by 5
>other Lancaster Buzzard folks had another great top
>place run. Diana finished as 4th woman overall with an
>8:54 and although no official age group would have
>been 2nd in her group. Buzzard Marsha Peters placed
>first in womens masters with a time of just over 9
>hours. Other Buzzards, joining Marcia and Diana for
>the caravan/trek getting there were David Halblieb,
>Jeanine Standish, Megan Clark and Kathi Franco.
>Below is a link for more picts and brief write-up and
>attached are some pictures of dawgs and buzzards on
>the run.
>iplayoutside.com
>Hunt Bartine,
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