5 Points 50 Race Report

After my back fiasco 48 hours prior to racing the Ozark Trail 100 (and sadly having to DNS), I was happy to have finished my leg openers the day before without throwing my back out.  After making a $130 "trail donation" to the OT100, this race was the first time I selected the $7.99 insurance add-on during registration. 

I had no expectations for 5P50, other than to have fun camping with my daughter and one of her friends, enjoying the awesome network of trails atop Lookout Mountain, and hoping my back held up.  In my experience, this is one of the hardest 50 milers I have done.  It starts out easy with a great paved warm up which leads to the fast and flowy 5 Points trail system.  After that, you slowly get a taste of some climbing along the loose and scabbly CCT.  Then, to finish you off properly, the last 15 hits you with some gnar and a hellacious climb up to the heavens.

Perfect weekend for camping.

We were the first to arrive at Lula Lake Land Trust.  After setting up camp, I went about preparing dinner while the girls explored. 

Toasting the marshmellows for the S'mores

After the RV 10 feet from my tent turned off the generator for the night, I was able to easily fall asleep to the babbling waters of Rock Creek.  The girls amazingly slept well beyond the 9 am start of the race.  How, what with all the ruckus that was going on with racers coming in and gearing up, I don't know.  I guess that is a teenager's special power.

The start began at the entrance to Lula Lake.  I made my way up there early to get in a good warm up.  It seems the older I get, the longer the warm up needs to be to prevent my legs from seizing during that first 5-10 minutes when everyone is jockeying for position.  Even though the first 5 miles was pavement, I still had to fight to stay up in the front so that I did not get bogged down once the single track began.  And having happy legs is SO MUCH better.  So my warm up consisted of 30-45 minutes of aerobic spinning with several 1-2 minute hard efforts thrown in.

Listening to the pre-race briefing as I typically do, it went something like this.  "Thanks for coming out ... blah, blah, blah ... beware of 3-4 aggressive pit bulls along CCT ... "  What? Wait a minute!?!  If they charge you, Justin told us to charge back at them?  I made a mental note to try to find someone slower than me to ride with along the danger section. (Fortunately they never appeared.)

I was able to stay up with the lead group until the first big climb on the pavement.  I had to let the first group go when I saw my HR in the high 160's, which I knew was a "no-no" so early in the race.  I was extremely happy with how my legs were responding.  I would say they were sparkly!  But in order to keep them that way, I had to back off the pace and let Jen go.  The day was young and there was ample opportunity to give 'r later.

I entered the single track with just one or two fellows.  They were moving along at a perfect pace, so I didn't feel like I was "losing" time to Jen.  At one point I was with 3 of my future Rescue Racing team mates, Michael, Mark, and Spencer.  It was great to finally meet some of the fur-rocious gang!

Conditions could not have been better.  60 degrees and tacky trail!  The first 19 miles flew by.  Dare I say chainless?  No doubt due to time off the bike rehabbing my back.  I felt comfortable on all the trails save for the tricky CapRock section.  Not wanting to tweak my back clawing my way up the rock, I opted to HAB it.  (So much easier when you leave your ego at home.) Which really is probably just as fast.

I pulled into the first aid station, grabbed a fresh bottle and headed out to rock it on Kindergarden.  I usually wear a hydration pack at this event, but not wanting any added stress on my back, I opted for bottles.  It worked out well, as the exchange in the pits only took about 15-20 seconds. That was in part to the awesome volunteers as well as the bright pink tape on my drop bags.

I really enjoy the trails on this side, Kindergarden and Barkeater.  They have more of an old school flavor.  Bike and body were one today as I seemed to effortlessly glide over the roots and rocks.  Even when there were those stalled out in front of me, I was able to change lines without getting all jammed up.  Climbing back up to aid station 2 (which is also aid 1), I felt great!  The legs were indeed sparkly!  I had not felt that way in a long while, which, earlier this year was disheartening and frustrating. 

This time I swapped out bottles and gel flasks.  (Soapbox speech) I wish more racers would use flasks as opposed to single serve gel packets.  It is really a no-brainer.  There is ZERO chance of you accidentally littering, it is less expensive, and you can choose how much to ingest.

I had the opportunity of riding Hogsback and Tailings with Zedediah.  This was his first race in a long time.  He had gotten the opportunity when his friend gave him his entry.  He asked me what pace I was on and I said 4:30.  He wanted to beat his friend's time of 4:55 from last year.  Together we rode and chatted. 

Then it became quiet.  I missed his companionship, but after all, this was a race, and I had a rabbit to chase.  That one being the fast and rascally Jen.  And who knows who was just right behind me.  Beth had made mention of jumping up to the 50, and she was a hard charger.  Starr, even though she was not racing open, was still a threat, too.  Kayla and Christine can not be left out of the mix, either.  It was a strong women's field, for sure.

Upon coming up to the highway crossing, I had to stop for a vehicle.  As I unclipped and placed my foot down, I felt a little tweak of pain in my L5.  Not wanting to give it any credence, I blocked it out.  Motoring along the connector trail, the pain began to come in waves, small ones at first, but as I began the loose cat head rock climb, I felt it intensify.  L5 is my Achilles heel.  Vertebrae are pretty mobile, front to back, and side to side.  But what they are NOT supposed to do is swivel, you know, like a desk chair.  Well, mine likes to do that.  And when it does, it feels like someone is taking an ice pick and jabbing it into my spine.

I had to back off the power surges and try to pedal at a steady pace.  Kind of hard when having to negotiate uphill rock gardens.  The downhills were fine.  It felt good to stand on the pedals and let the bike go.  Thank goodness for full squish!  But when making the transition back to a seated position, I had to go easy and not slide my butt back, because that is when I would feel it.

The next few miles along the connector was all about staying mentally strong.  And then I came upon a fellow at a gravel crossing who told me that Jen was 3 minutes up on me.  I didn't expect to be that close as I felt I had lost a lot of time in just a couple miles.  Now I had to battle my back pain and the desire to close the gap.  The legs had it in them, but one wrong core move and I would be in agony with an out of place L5. 

I rode conservatively over the remainder of the connector trail, hoping that perhaps my back would settle back down and I could lay the hammer down again.  I reached the third aid station, hopped off my bike, and stood straight up.  That felt pretty damn good!  I did a few stretches while the volunteers helped me switch out bottles.  One fella told me I was 4 minutes down from first. I downed a Coke, stretched a few more times, and hopped back on the saddle.

Pedaling up the road, my back felt about 75% better.  I'll take it!  I increased the power and my back was cool with that.  Speeding down the gravel into the back door of Lula Lake, the pain began to lessen considerably.  I began the long climb up to the Jedi Trail with a new outlook.  Entering Jedi, I imagined I was on a Speeder Bike, flying through the forests of Endor.

Amazing how the mind can take away the pain.  I went to another place, as I was racing along Jedi, Middle, and Homestead.  I was back in my happy place and completely forgot about my back pain.
Approaching the South Trail, I came back to reality, as this trail took a little more focus to move through.  On a couple tricky uphill over a big rock sections, I had to dismount.  I just did not have the torque to get over and I was nervous about my back flaring up.

The creek crossing was tricky.  The water was thigh high and muddy from those who forged ahead of me.  I was very careful and engaged my core so that any sudden slip would hopefully protect my back.  The water was cold and felt great on the feet and legs, though.

Coming out of the creek, I pedaled along the gravel, gearing down for the steep ass climb out of the Land Trust.  I crossed paths with Carly and Azia.  I slowed a bit and chatted.  They were having a blast exploring the trust!

I got a boost up the last bit of the climb from a volunteer at the 4th aid station.  Then out onto the highway for a mile before the infamous power line climb.  I passed a few people on this section.  It seemed like I was gaining some ground back.  Left onto the double track climb, I shifted into granny, and focused on keeping the pedals turning over.

I passed a family of three: father, mother, and young daughter (couldn't have been older than 8) HAB'ing the climb.  They were doing the 25.  I gave a huge shout out to the little girl.  I can't imagine what kind of thoughts were going through her mind, tackling this beast of a race.  I tried to pump her up by telling her of the sweet single track at the top.  Pretty sure the only thing that would make her happy at this point was a never ending supply of My Little Pony's and ice cream.

The climb was 1.5 miles long. But the skies were overcast and I knew that the "Easy Button" was at the top, having ridden the Moonshine Trails in the week prior.  My mind went back to 2013 when Elizabeth and I were battling it out in the final miles, including this climb.  Never give up!  So knowing that there is always a chance of catching Jen, I pushed myself to try.  I told myself that she was just a minute up ahead.  Thinking positive, I tackled this climb. 

Then it was off to the flow of Moonshine.  It was mostly downhill and I put myself into TT mode.  Pedaling when I needed to, staying off the brakes as much as possible, and hammering out of the saddle on the few short climbs.  My back started to hurt again, but this time it was just the muscles aching.  This I could dismiss with ease, compared to how I was feeling earlier.

Crossing the highway for the final time, I descended down the gravel to the finish, still fighting with all I had.  I crossed the finish line in 4:48.  I forgot to get my finisher's glass.  As I was turning around and walking back, this cutey pie of a little girl who was probably 3-4 years old, came up to me.  As she handed the glass to me, she said, "You can fill this up with beer over there," pointing at the tent. So ... stinkin' ... adorable!  I enjoyed a good laugh!

So proud of this amazing yet humble competitor!

I must give Jen her due.  Even without my back issues I don't believe I would have caught her.  She smoked the women's field, placing 35th overall.  I couldn't have been happier for her, as she has had her own injuries to overcome this year.  I was happy to have kept her on her game as well as she on mine.  That is what makes great bike race, each pushing the other to exceed their so called limits.

As for the course, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I did miss the LongBranch trails with the creek crossings, technicality, and a little bit of HAB.  I loved Bathtub Gin Trail.  I even mentioned to Justin about including both the LongBranch and Moonshine Trails and making it a tad bit harder/longer.  We'll see!

After the awards, the girls and I went hiking.  After racing here 4 times, I had never been to see the falls and lake.  Shame on me!  Absolutely stunning!

We camped out Saturday night, grilling burgers, playing cards, and making S'Mores.  The next morning we packed it up and made it out just before the rains came.  What a glorious weekend!

5 Points 50 Race Report

Earlier in the month I was a bit torn between this race and the Payne's Creek 6 Hour.  Both are super fun in their own unique ways.  Did I want chunk and gnar on full squish or fast and flow on my SS?

HandUp Gloves made my decision easier.  A pair to each registrant ... SOLD!  I was also loving my Niner RKT, especially after putting a Fox StepCast 32 on her.  We had bonded pretty tightly at the Marji Gesick and I just could not let her sit at home this weekend.

After last year's mudfest, conditions this year were on the other end of the spectrum.  Dry, dusty, and fast!  Justin and Amy Mace of Roost Racing had taken the race over and with the addition of a 25 mile course, had nearly doubled the registrations.  Thumbs up to the 9 am start!  1 hour later made it a bit easier to negotiate the off-camber venue and allow for a little more sleepage.

I managed to park beside the Quadinator, Mr. Scott Harper himself. Although we had been FB friends since last year, I finally got a chance to chat with him about SS, CrossFit, and stomping him at Iron Mountain (he brought that subject up).

As I dug in my cooler for my flask of Gu Roctane, I realized I had left it at home.  Panicking, I reached into my gear bag and pulled out 2 gels, a Honey Stinger waffle, and a Larabar.  I don't do well with protein and fat during a high intensity race, so I would save the Larabar for the end, where I would expect my heart rate to drop and so could better tolerate this type of fuel.  Mark was also kind enough to give me some Cliff Shot Blocks.

The start was a neutral roll out on pavement for 5 miles.  The first couple miles were at a great pace for me to warm up.  The big engines up front put the hammer down around mile 3 and I quickly settled into the second group, heart rate in the red zone and the legs burning going up the climbs.

The legs were happy to hit the single track.  I was sandwiched in between two single speeders.  Rich was in front, showing me which lines NOT to take, and the SS behind me (sorry, didn't get your name) was heckling Rich on his lack of skill.

They eventually got away from me, as the trail pitched upwards and Rich found his groove.  The first 8 miles of the 5 Points system was a blur. The flow was on!  Some loose over hardpack, but nothing too sketchy.  I had Scott on my tail through most of this.  I just knew he was itching to get by, but when asked, he was content to ride my coat tails.  Finally, as we approached the last half of Kettle Bottom Trail, he slid on by and slowly pulled away.  Pretty sure he was thinking "unfinished business."

The legs started getting a bit heavy grinding up Cross Cut and I had to back off less I take the chance of blowing up.  And I knew, from having done this race twice before, I had to save some for the last 12 miles.  I caught Mary out of the corner of my eye as I was switchbacking up the trail.  There went any hopes of a rest.  Trish was also back there. If I could just stay ahead on these nontechnical bits, I could possibly gain some time through the rock gardens.  I decided to use a couple matches.

Coming into the rock garden on Cap Rock, I knew the line that would see me through cleanly.  A heckler was there and "poo-poo'd" me when I took a left after I made it over the first couple boulders on the climb up.  Calling me out for taking the easier line, I could care less cuz' I cleaned it!  Then he started on the guys behind me as they followed. That gave me quite the chuckle.

Rolling through Aid 1, I saw Jen seated next to her vehicle, covered in a blanket, and giving  moral support as I blew by.  I was disappointed for both her and myself that she was nursing a knee injury and could not race.  She would have absolutely ate this course up, not to mention pushing me into the pain cave with her fitness and skills.

The trails on the other side of Ascalon parking lot are some of my favorite of this course.  Barkeater and Kindergarden are full of rock gardens and will have you doing all kinds of dances on your bike to keep upright and make it through unscathed.  I was digging my I-9's through this as I had to back pedal quite a bit to avoid pedal strikes.  A spectator at one of the toughest parts told me I rode it as well as any of the guys.  Thank you, Mr. Boost of Self Confidence!

Finishing up this section, I was happy to see my BRF Zeke Lilly out there.  He heckled a few guys as I was dragging them up a hill.  Little did he know that they were just being polite and waiting for room to pass.

Not needing anything, I blew by Aid 2 and headed out to finish the remaining miles of 5 Points.  22+ miles in and my lower back was killing me!  I needed to stand up and stretch it out, but the ups/downs/lefts/rights of Hogsback and Bankhead kept me from doing so.  The pain worsened!  Time to embrace the pain cave!  I kept telling myself that this is only temporary; it helped mentally, but physically I was having a difficult time pushing the power.  Finally I hit the connector and was able to stand and stretch, which brought some much needed relief.

With a brief respite from the achy back, I made short work of Peace Can and Tailings.  So stinkin' fast, I was loving every minute of it. Then onto the LongBranch connector ... not so much fun. Chewed up, horsed up, ATV'ish double track littered with baby heads.  The back pain set in once again so I would stand up and stretch whenever I could.  A lot of the corners had deep sand and my front wheel washed out more than once.  How I did not end up on the ground I do not know!

Entering the LongBranch Community's private trails, I gulped my last bit of hydration from my CamelBak.  The 3 creek crossings were totally dry ... and rideable.  The climb up Theo's Trail was hell, as it set my back off once again.  I finally figured out that if I just stood and rode my bike like a single speed, my back stopped barking.

I stopped at aid 3, chugged a Red Bull, dropped my CamelBak, and grabbed a bottle for the final push.  Down the pavement, right onto a highway, climb for 3/4 mile, left onto private property, down a loose and deep gravel road, and then UP just one of many steep double track climbs.  I can see where this last 10 miles can be so demoralizing for some.  But I had saved enough for this stretch and, aside from my back, I was in my happy place.  Thankful that my "scavenged up" nutrition was working, I motored on, knowing that soon the scent of the barn would be near, giving me that extra bit horsepower to finish strong.

So up the horrendous climb to Jedi, a shred fest of flow!  Then up another climb to enjoy the slightly technical and off camber Homestead Trail.  Then bomb down gravel, surf the corners, and hit the South Creek Trail.  As I negotiated its tight and twisty turns, I got to smell the food and listen to the music as it took me right by, but across the creek from party central! Soon I came to the creek crossing, which was not much more than a trickle.  Last year it was up to my heart rate strap and I had to hold onto a rope with one hand and shoulder my bike in the other!  Once again I passed by the finish as I climbed my way out of the Trust's lands to begin the final section of private trail.  But first, a two mile rolling section of pavement.  Thank you Jesus for the trailwind!

These last few miles really test your mettle.  By now, my legs were trying to die, my back was on fire, and my stomach was growling for real food. Any normal person would ask, "Why?"  To which I would respond, "because this is what makes me feel ALIVE!"  So I enjoyed the powerline climb, the loose and ledgy descents, followed by more powerline.  Because I knew that on the other side was some sweet bits of final single track.  On the edge of losing it in the corners to mustering up enough torque to grind out the final climb, I relished being able to feel my heart beat and hear the ragged breathing, signaling that I was living on the edge.  Hitting that final crest, I let up and let gravity do its thing, sending me over those last rocky drops and feeling my bike use up every bit of suspension, as I found the ground again.

Trying to time trial it to the finish, the final mile was the hardest. Slightly downhill, but I was having a hard time pushing over the pedals, the legs filling with lactic.  Seeing the finish line, all smiles, and happy to be the first woman across.  4:41, almost 40 minutes faster than last year!  That tells you just how great the conditions were, as I feel that my fitness is about the same.  Little did I know that only Trish's ghost had been chasing me down; she had taken ill and without much sleep the night before (seems they were the only ones in the hotel that did not have bloodhounds as there was a dog show in town), decided not to race.  I was glad I did not know, as her ghost kept me pushing to hit that red zone all day.

Only thing missing was the mattock trophy of years' past (hint, hint)!

I want to thank Justin and Amy for putting on a great race with great schwag, prizing, food, and beer (so I heard).  The volunteers were awesome and much appreciated.  I chose the right race this weekend!