One Step Closer to Completing the BRUTES Challenge

On August 31, Charlie King and I took on The Ring just north of Massanutten Ski Resort in the Shenandoah Valley. I had never been to the trails, but was expecting something similar to Grindstone 100 which I completed last year. It was further south and not nearly as hard and had over 8,000’ more gain. However, don’t let the lower 13,500’ gain of this course fool you. It was a very brutal course with punchy ridge climbs and steep ascents through the valley’s, all the while “running” atop sharp, uneven rocks that had little to no footing. My legs were definitely feeling the prior week’s 30 mile excursion on Mt. Mitchell with 8,500’ of gain. This attempt was Charlie’s third and my fourth course run for the Blue Ridge Ultra Trail Endurance (BRUTES) Challenge.

The day was humid and overcast which seemed more pleasant than an 85° day and full sun, but cool mountain weather this was not. I was drenched in the first 5 miles. I tried to hang with Charlie, but around 26 miles he just out hiked me. My run/walk couldn’t keep up with his fast power hiking. No matter how fast I try to get I just can’t seem to get fast enough. I fell back struggling with cramps. Then I slipped hard on a boulder and “super-manned” into a rocky creek bed where my entire body locked up. I was in so much pain. This area was known as Duncan Hollow which followed a rocky horse trail then dropped into a bouldering creek bed. At the end was a nearly straight up hike on what is known as “the waterfall.”

After I regained my composure and my body was revolting from forward progression, I got up to that huge waterfall climb (properly named) with 900’ gain and an average, yes average, of 23% grade in just .70 miles. This is what stood between me and the Crisman Hollow aid station at 34.4 miles. I just lowered my head in frustration and exhaustion and tried to dig in. After a few seconds I just put one foot in front of the other. It took forever to hike that section. I had to stop it seems like every few feet and people just kept passing and asked if I was ok. I truthfully replied, “No.” My feet were cramping and wouldn’t let up, then my calves and quads. Some offered salt, which I felt I had been sustaining, but obviously not as much as I needed. I didn’t want to get sick from taking too much as I’ve had that bad experience before. I had just taken some and was waiting for it to kick in. It never really did. Slowly making my way to the aid, I didn’t think when I made it, I’d be able to continue in my current state.

All I could do was think about that aid station and sitting down. I didn’t care for how long. I knew my 20:00 hour goal was long gone as I saw my pace quickly get slower and slower. I was drenched in sweat and barely halfway through. One young guy who had been in front of me for a good portion of the day ended up dropping at Crisman and I found a number of others did too. The heat was just too much for even the best of runners, but some simply seemed to thrive in it.

After drinking pickle juice and eating a whole can of condensed chicken noodle soup practically out of the can, the cramps let up. I got a second wind and was able to run what was runnable, which wasn’t much. I didn’t want to risk rolling my ankle and doing even more damage to my feet due to uneven terrain. Given I have more races coming up and my 100 mile ‘A’ race, Rim to River in 2 months I knew it would be a long grind. I just wanted to keep moving and even though I felt like I was hiking fast on the ridges and running the short sections my paces were still 19-21 mins. The downs were too slippery and sketchy and all on ankle-rolling rocks that were wet. My feet were mangled. I didn’t change socks or shoes the entire time, but probably should have. I rolled and slammed my ankle into rocks several more times. While I knew I’d finish, I didn’t want to be limping in.

After getting a few minutes of decent running in I was in full stride when I kicked a rock that didn’t move. It stopped me dead in my tracks as I yelled out in pain. I thought it was broken. I just knew it was and I didn’t even want to look at it. I just tried to ignore the pain and keep moving. That slowed me down even more and kept me from risking another fall or ankle roll. Even then, with the rugged and slippery terrain that would be near impossible. By then, I was spending 7-15 mins at each of the following four aid stations. I ultimately lost over 1.5 hours just taking my time between each one which were all well supported.

The volunteers and aid stations were top notch and I was able to see several of the same volunteers moving from station to station. It almost felt like I had my own crew as they remembered me and tended to my needs. I’ve not had this kind of support on some paid races. Thank you VHTRC volunteers!! New RD’s Lauren and Daisy did an amazing job as well!

As I finally made my way to Signal Knob, I knew there was only 5-6 miles left, but it wasn’t going be easy and I found out just how “uneasy” it was. It was brutally rocky with larger rocks that were very close to a sketchy edge. This took me quite longer than I expected just trying to be safe. I saw dawn starting to break and was anxious to get finished. As I heard the cheers of others and the terrain flattened out, my pace picked up and before I knew it I was back at the Signal Knob parking lot. I was DONE!!

Charlie absolutely crushed in 20:39 and came in 4th. I struggled to make it almost 3 hrs later, but managed a 23:11 and 8th overall. This now completes 4 of the 5 BRUTES courses. I was asked back for the The Reverse Ring in February, but the jury is still out on that. Ha! A huge shout out and thanks to all VHTRC members for your support and community.