Resolution 25k/10k Fun Run

L-R Robert, Sherry, Roger

Jan 7, 2012 I ran a fun run over at Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro, AR. A group of runners got to together to put on this fun run and you could run either a 25k or 10k. I decided to go for the 10k since my mileage had been very low lately and I am still getting over some leg issues. I found out about this run on Facebook, I don't remember how it popped up but it wasn't too far from Memphis and I was itching to run a new trail that was out of town. 
I had checked the weather before going since I don’t like to run in the rain due to my hearing aids and water doesn’t mix. The weather on the way was drizzle and fog but once we got to Jonesboro, AR it cleared up nicely like the weather was supposed to be. We got there about an hour before the run was to start. You only had to sign in before the race, if you wanted a t-shirt, they were $5 and this was the first time for this run. You were to keep your own time and sign in at the end.
It was chilly and windy at the beginning of the run but it warm up when the sun came out. I would guess there were about 90 folks there and most of them did the 25k. We started up at the shelter and the first .25 of a mile or so were on the pavement and then it starts on a single track dirt trail. I started in the back of the pack since I wasn’t running much at the beginning. 

Woods

I was surprised at how many different trails were available in such a small park. Before heading over there, someone had posted the 10k course on Garmin Connect and I uploaded it to my Garmin 205 and it worked like a charm. Not only do I use the Garmin 205 I also use the Garmin FR 60 for a heart rate monitor and the foot pod for the cadence. I think I finally got the distance dialed in for the foot pod since it was very close to the 205. The course consisted of lots of low rolling hills, nothing really high but enough to take your breath away.
Since I had been having some issues in my shoulder/arm area, I used my Rocktape kinesiology tape and it helped support those muscles. I wore a band on my right knee since my ITB had been bothering me, the reason my mileage has been so low. I had some tightness in my calves for the first 2 miles but for the rest of the distance my legs were okay.
For most of the run, I was in the back of the pack but could still see some folks in front of me so I knew where to go. The trail was well marked with blue and orange paint. Only one spot did I get a little turned around but quickly picked up the trail again. They had a few aid stations with water and snack foods. Volunteers were at the cross road/trails and the 10k was mostly trail except for a few spots where you ran on the actual road. I finished the 5.66 miles, according to my Garmin, in 1:26:51. I really enjoyed running over there and would recommend it if you are looking for somewhere different to go and not too far from home, a nice day trip.
 My two friends that went when me did the 25k so I had to wait on them, so I headed down to the shower area of the RV camp ground and changed clothes and then got a bite to eat at the pavilion. It wasn’t too long before they started to come in.
I really enjoyed the trails over there and there seemed to be a lot of different ones to go on. I got someone to post the 25k trail course on Garmin Connect so now I can do the 25k if I ever go back over there. I heard that they had such a great response to the run that they will be having it again next year. I hope to go back over there soon and run on the trails. I believe it was only 90 miles from Memphis and only took about an hour and half to get there. 

Map of the area and trails

 The loop around the lake is only 2 miles or so but the trails total up to almost 20 miles according to one of the runners I talked to. 

Bartlett Park Ultra 50k 2011

Its been a while since I have posted here and I felt it was time for a little update. Since my last post I have completed the 2011 Bartlett Park Ultra 50k and finished in 7:37:40.

L-R Sherry, Mark and Jan before the start of the race

 The weather was great for a September race. I think the high was 92 degrees. There were 3 distances that could be done, 50 miler, 40 miler and the 50k. Total amount of people was 72 for all three distances. This is a great race to do if its your first Ultra. No major climbs and you loop back by your car 4 times. It was very reasonable priced and no need to worry about it selling out. The only draw back its at the end of summer and the temps can be very brutal but it all shaded except for the parking lot but you don't spend any time there.

The 50k had two aid stations, one in the parking lot (start/finish line) and on the fire road where you would pass it twice on that loop. The aid stations were great and very helpful. Plenty of the usual fare of food plus ice cold water to refill your drinks. I didn't stop until the very last loop to get some ice cold water and ice. By now, it was getting very hot and my water was going really fast.

In 2010 I did this race and I walked the whole distance and this year I wanted to be able to run. So I did a run/walk ratio of 1:00/1:00 (minute). It worked well for me for most of the race until my final loop. Once you did the blue loop the rest of the loops are approximately 7.45 miles and you are back into the parking lot and able to refuel at your vehicle or at the aid station.

White Trail

My major problem this year was a blister on a big toe and it started at around 8 miles so I had a long way to go with it. On the 2nd and 3rd loop I would stop and retape the blister. I think this kept it from getting worst but it was very time consuming.

First part of the loop on White Trail

My gear this year was the Adidas Kanadia 2k trail shoes, CW-X Expert shorts and I used a Nathan 2L race vest camelbak. I fueled with the Perpetuem endurance fuel and didn't use any of the food at the aid stations. Along with the Perpetuem, I had a Larabar for something solid. I used water in the camelbak along with the endurolytes. This set up worked really well for me. I made a point to drink every 15 minutes and eat every 30 minutes.

During the final 7.45 miles my ITB become pretty painful. I was able to continue on by just walking with a tiny bit of running. It definitely took my mind off of the blisters on my toes.

A yellow jacket/horse fly  stung/bit me on the last loop. It hit so hard that both of my feet came up off the ground. I heard later I wasn't the only person to get hit by this nasty bug.This bite stayed with me for a while but eventually stopped hurting.

I think this might be my last ultra for awhile, I am finding that my body can't do the distance when I try to run so I will probably stay with the 25k  since it a fun distance to do and I can stay in shape to do them at any time.

Me at finish with a well earned ice bottle of beer

Here is the elevation of the course.