HS 40M F.A.Q’s
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Published by Dan Lehmann
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John, like the marathon or any race the range of ability is equally broad in ultrarunning. You can get an idea of this spread by viewing previous years results on the Highlands Sky webpage. Cutoff information can be found on the Course Maps page. Training for ultra’s is similar to marathon training with the long weekend run being a major component. However trail running experience can only be gotten by hitting the woods with it’s rocks and roots. It sounds like you have a good fitness base, but you should bump up your long run distance to be confident for a 40 mile day. You should also be working on proper hydration, electrolytes and fueling. I never promote Highlands Sky as a first ultra, but every year 10-15 folks show up and most finish. Desire cannot be underestimated. With some more off road training I’m sure you would enjoy the ultra experience.
Dan
Well Doug the handiest is right there at the lodge. Rooms are $81 plus taxes for Highlands Sky guests. If you are looking for something different you can check out http://www.canaanvalley.org/West-Virginia-Vacations/Davis-Lodging.html. The lodging listed under The Valley will be the closest, Davis and Thomas are 10 amd 12 miles away.
I would love to stay there and split the cost of the room. So, Doug, (and Dan). Let me know if you have found other lodging or if you would be willing to split a room there. Thanks.
Ronnie
Doug the weather can change significantly from the start of the race at 6:00AM and 2500ft elevation to the half way point at 12:00P and 4000ft elevation. It is usually about 60-70 degrees at the start and 80′s at the finish. I would put on sunscreen regardless. We have been lucky for the most part as far as rain is concerned on race day, but if it rains just a little bit the trails will be wet. It is wild, wet and wrocky for a reason.
Yes CD Ipod use is fine. Just be cognizant of fellow runners behind you on single track sections.
Dave, sorry to hear about your tendonitis and hope it subsides by June 20. As you read Aid Station #4 is the only place family or crew can easily meet their runner. This is the drop bag station also so it is a bit busy when the mid pack comes through. Like most of the course, AS #4 is a good way from anything like stores or developed areas, 45 min drive at least. Your wife will be in good company and can help cheer in others. AS #4 is not overly packed with visitors, there is ample parking along the road. A folding chair would be a good idea.
Todd,
1. The first half is almost entirely shaded. After Aid #4 you will be mostly in the open save for some scattered woods from mile 30-35.
2. No, I need to have a fairly accurate count on the meals. Drop me an email at irunwv@gmail.com if you wish to order the post race meal. You can pay on Friday at packet pick up.
3. There are three stream crossing in the first half. Depending on the weather the week of June 15 they could be as deep as 20 inches, but most likely much less. There are no real bogs, but again if it is rainy there will be ample black mud. There were some deep bogs on the latter part of the course in 2003-04 but we no longer traverse these. There are a few shorter, shallower ones. There is a fine hose at the finish for blasting those shoes clean!
Dan
At 4:00a.m. there will be a minimalist breakfast of coffee, juice, some kind of pastry, bread, pbj, fruit.
Deer, Wild Turkey and Black Bear frequent the area. I have seen bear sign but never actually a bear on the course. Lots of birds and hawks. The rocks, wild azalea and spectacular views are easier to spot as they stay pretty still as a runner passes!
Kim, trail shoes generally offer more support, traction and toe protection than street running shoes. Some runners still prefer to wear regular running shoes. Probably at this point you will need to do the same. Still, if you did find a trail shoe that you feel could work for you it would not take much to break it in.
Wondering if anyone else is debating a rain jacket based upon the forecast which is not so great at this point?
Scattered Thunderstorms?
I guess it just adds to the story of my 1st Ultra… My guess is I’ll keep a rain jacket in my drop-bag, as the first half of the course sounds like it is mostly covered…
That would be nice, I will be staying at the resort on Friday night only, but wondering that if you are a guy, it wouldn`t be comfortable.
Anyway, If you don`t mind & I don`t mind, you might think about it and let me know a.s.a.p. ( As long as the room has two beds.)
Are there any resteraunts or fast food in the area? Can I still sign up for pre-race meal?
i am hoping to buy tickets for the pre-race for myself and three family members as well. i know that at least one other racer is planning to do the same when we check-in on friday evening.
I am running the Highland Sky 40 miler.My wife is also coming with me and has asked me if there is volunteer work for her to do while I run.I have looked over the web site and can’t find a volunteer page.She did this at the Capon Valley 50k this year.She likes to see me off at the start and then be taken to an aid station and help out.She is also a nurse so is handy fixing boo boos.Her name is Allyson Hosman let me know if she could be of use.
Yes Keith Allyson’s help would be appreciated at Aid Station 4. I will contact you with details.
I see that you describe 70% of the run as trail. Is that narrow single track? Also, in these sections are there rocks and boulders like the Appalachian trail? Thanks.
Yes Russell almost all of the trail sections are single track. Some of these trails are very rocky, roots are always of concern on trail runs, there are 4 stream crossings. There is one very unique section of maybe 1/4 mile involving hopping on and around large house-size boulders.