Razorback Running Revival Race Report – Eric McCulley

November 9, 2021November 9, 2021

Race: Razorback Running Revival 50M/55k/10M

Runner: Eric McCulley

Race Date: 11/06/2021

Location: Lake Fort Smith, Mountainburg, Arkansas

Results: DFL

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

The founder and the race director were both very hands on with the race.
The course was exceptionally well marked.
If you want to be challenged physically and mentally, this course will do it and take a lot out of you before the finish line, but there’s a lot of great scenery along the way.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The only thing I can think of is the food selection at the aid stations was very little. I was really hoping for some soup especially, but none was there.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

I don’t know if this is recommended or not, but the river water was clear enough, and in my opinion, pure enough to drink without filtration. I personally filled my handheld 3 times with the river water and gulped it right down. It was better than most city water.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I saw several baby blue racers which I found interesting. I didn’t want an easy race, and boy did I get my wish on that one. All the people I talked to were very upbeat and positive. No one seemed to regret doing the race or had a bad thing to say about the race or the directors of the race.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

I have 2 strong suggestions here, and mind you, this was my first ultra, and my first technical trail race, so take it for what it is worth.

If you know there will be water crossings during the race, make sure your shoes are up for it. Mine weren’t. I ran in Saucony Periguins. The traction was good, and so was the toe protection. But the insoles fell apart after the first river crossing.
What ever nutrition you think you need to take with you, double or even triple that amount. It may only be 8 to 10 miles between aid stations, but that is hours of time.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Most of this is in the lesson for others, but I would also add, either plan to stay overnight after the race or find someone to go with to drive, especially if hours away from home. I was 9 hours away, and a driver would have allowed me to sleep on the way home.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It has steep ups and steep downs with lots of rocks and multiple water crossings.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

There is a huge lake there with waterfall. The park is clean, and everything was easily accessible except the finish line.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

This course is very difficult, mostly single track, rocky, and has several steep inclines and declines. It may not be Mount Everest or whatever, but it is still a mountain race nonetheless.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

John and Emily very much know what they’re doing. They’re not necessarily going to babysit you and hold your hand, but they’ll make sure the race starts on time, get the drop bags to their locations, have the volunteers organized and be waiting for you at the finish line.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The field seemed to be a mixed bag of strong experienced runners to beginners like me. It wasn’t a huge field, but as people go, it was a quality field.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

To get in the race, simply go to Ultrasignup.com or Google Razorback Running Revival and you’ll find it. Accommodations seem like they’re bountiful enough, but I didn’t look too much into it, as I had planned to dirtbag it the entire time.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Aid stations were nothing special at all. After spending years listening to runners on podcasts talk about the aid station smorgasbords, this is the one area I was disappointed.

Weather and typical race conditions

This year the weather was beautiful. It started around 37 degrees. Got a little warm in the afternoon. I heard some say the mid 60s. But overall, no rain or snow or wind, so it was a great day on the trail.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Typical trail gear will get you through this race fine.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

No. This is definitely not a spectator friendly race.

How’s the Razorback Revival Swag?

I think the swag is great. I got a t-shirt, a collapsible cup, a tin coffee mug, a wristband, a small towel or neck wrap (not sure what it’s called), a couple of stickers, and a water bottle.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

If I were to score the Razorback Running Revival on a 5 star rating, I would give it a solid 4.8 stars.

Arkansas Traveller 100 Race Report – Rick Harris

November 9, 2021October 25, 2021

Race: Arkansas Traveller 100

Runner: Rick Harris

Race Date: 10/02/2021

Location: Perryville, Arkansas

Results: 28:50:44

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/4cUFL1ydmkb

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

1. Well-organized
2. Positive volunteers
3. Challenging temperatures/humidity

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Parking was a pain. Had to park on one side of the road leading to the start/finish, so I ended up with a 1/4 mile walk from my truck. Not a big deal until after the race! But, a couple of volunteers saw me and gave me a ride back to my truck after the race without me having to ask. Just plan for the walk or be 1st at race morning check-in!

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Getting my quads rolled out at 2AM by an aid station volunteer dressed in a sparkly gold suit. Too bad someone didn’t get that on video!

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

– Minimized aid station turn-arounds: unless I was actually doing something necessary for the race, I didn’t hang around.
– It was a hilly course, so I NEVER ran ANY significant climb (I hiked a lot from the start). That saved my legs.
– Heat-training made a difference for me in the warm/humid weather. Spent a lot of time training in the midday FL humidity and some sauna sessions in the months leading up to race day.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Put everything in your drop bags in plastic bags. If you’re going to see the drop bag multiple times (out-back or looped course), consider packing specific supplies for specific stops I their own ziplock baggy and numbering each bag. That way, when you have ultra brain in the middle of the night, you don’t have to think: just grab the next bag and replenish your pack.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Desitin (or similar diaper rash cream) works wonders when chaffing after miles in the rain. Also, Squirrels Nut Butter, TriSlide, and Sport Shield totally eclipsed Body Glide for minimizing chafing for me after running in the rain for most of the day.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Zero flats. Just long climbs and descents. A few are steep, but most are moderate.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Very pretty. Spend most of the time in the woods.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

For me, it was tough. Only my second 100-miler, but the long climbs and warmer temps really challenged my body and mind.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Super-well run. They’ve got it down!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The winner this year placed 6th at Badwater a couple years ago, so it does attract some good runners. It is also a WSER qualifier. That said, there’s was around a 35-40% drop rate.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

You can find it on Ultrasignup, but will have to link to their website to register.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard. Hydration was water or Gatorade. Many stations also cooked up quesadillas and pancakes fresh.

Weather and typical race conditions

Warm/humid.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

A lot of the course is on gravel roads or packed clay, so having some cushion under your feet helps. Only eight miles on single track; but that has a lot of mossy rock, so choose footwear accordingly (esp. if it rains). I ran faster, lower stack, grippier shoes for the first 16 miles and then switch to my Altra Olympus after the single track was done.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Not really. A lot of aid stations but moderate access for crews. Spectators will be disappointed.

How’s the Swag?

The buckle is small… but I don’t really care. Felt perfect in my hand once I stepped across the finish!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5/5. Plenty of aid stations. I ran without a crew, but the aid stations volunteers were so attentive, it felt like they all became my crew!

Want to read more about the Arkansas Traveller 100? You can also check out Coach Ashley Nordell’s race report – she holds one of the top 10 fastest times!

The Mental Race – Paiute Meadow 50k Race Report

June 9, 2021May 12, 2021

Coach Ashley Nordell shares her insights from her recent race at the Paiute Meadow 50k in Susanville, CA

Two weeks ago I listened to a podcast my friend Jaime Maher did with the amazing RunHard MomHard ladies. She spoke about “reframing” as a way to mentally change the negatives in your head to positives. This resonated with me, because, if I am being honest, lately my mental game has been a grade D, if the grader was being generous.

I signed up for the Paiute Meadow 50k in true me fashion- about a week before the event. Fear of commitment? Lately, it is fear of the Ultrasignup button. Feeling extremely gun shy on the racing front after my last race (15 months ago), had me puking after the second day (it was a three day stage race), and all long efforts and adventures of last year ended with the same result. Ultrarunning is hard. Ultrarunning and puking is both hard and not fun. I had about zero confidence in my body after last year, and despite having been in this sport for 18 years, I felt like I was back to square one with my run nutrition.

Leading up to this race was a mental battlefront on many levels. The parenting stress levels these past two weeks have been in the red zone. Fellow moms and dads of kids who struggle with emotional regulation, I see you. Hard does not begin to describe how parenting has felt lately, and as a result, running feels hard too. Because our bodies do not know how to differentiate stress.

I traveled down to the race alone. Another story, and another reason I almost did not go to the start line. Super grateful for a husband who pushes me to take the time I know I need but will quickly give up because Mom guilt is a real thing too. 6 hours of driving with nothing but my crime podcasts for company. It’s a good distraction.

First example of following Jaime’s reframing technique: “It is a bummer your period came a week early just in time for this race, because if you don’t have stomach problems enough as it is… “ became “Well at least you knew in time to change the shorts color you planned to race in.”
I talked to myself like this the entire race. I forced myself to think I was feeling good until it was true. As I messaged one of my athletes on race morning who was also doing a race that day, “Fake it until you make it, smile until you mean it.” If my legs feel wobbly early on, I reminded myself I had spent the day before in the car, and this just meant my body would not let me go out too fast. If I felt like a climb was going on forever, I reframed the mindset to whatever climbing I was doing was going to result in a downhill for recovery. Rocky creek bed for a trail? No problem, I love Arkansas, and this was just like running my favorite trails. And so on.
I ran pretty much alone the whole day, and often that is the best for me so I run my own pace. It gave me 4.5 hours of mental reframing, and in the end, this race was exactly what I needed.
The results gave me confidence in my body again, confirming that although there have been many rough runs lately, there is still something left to give. But it also gave me confidence in my mind again, that I could find positives even when lately that has been a struggle. I have always been a big promoter of smiling at races- no one forces us to do them, and the energy we give off is important. But I felt like I was able to smile both outside AND inside at this race, and that is why I feel it was a success.

Finally, I need to give a shout out to the amazing Paiute Meadows 50k in Susanville, CA. It is beautiful, super well marked (which is important, because if you see a map of the course, you will understand why), technical, full of great energy and people. I love getting to see new trails during a race because there are no sections to dread if you do not know what is coming up. Now I know.

superior 100 race report — Photo: Todd Rowe

Coach Ashley is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with Coach Ashley, check out her coaching page.

Arkansas Traveller 100 Race Report – Ashley Nordell

November 8, 2021October 17, 2019

In this race report, coach Ashley Nordell reviews the Arkansas Traveler 100 ultra race. Check it out for tips on training for the course!

Race: Arkansas Traveller 100

Runner: Ashley Nordell

Race Date: 10/05/2019

Location: Ouchita National Forest, Arkansas. Close to Little Rock.

Results: https://www.runarkansas.com/results/AT100res2019.htm

3 Bests – What aspects of the Arkansas Traveler 100 Ultra race did you like the most?

1) It is a classic. This is one of the original eight 100s in the United States, so with the longevity comes traditions and a well dialed race. You can tell the same people come out year after year, either to volunteer, pace, or run the race, and because of that, it feels like a family reunion, even if it is your first time coming.

2) The location. I have a love affair with Arkansas, and though this is the first time I have run Traveller, I have come to Arkansas for years to run another race. To me, Arkansas is a well kept secret as far as amazing trails, scenic views, and a wonderful trail running community. Because this race is close to Little Rock, it is easy access to an airport, lodging, and amenities, which makes it simple for those coming out of state.

3) The people- this sort of goes along with the other two aspects I love- the runners in Arkansas are fabulous people. The race director and volunteers are veterans to putting on a fantastic event, and many of the aid stations are like running into a huge party. Many of the people I look forward to seeing every year at the other Arkansas race I love are also at this race, so I come to see them as much as to run 100 miles.

Not so much – What aspects of the Arkansas Traveler 100 didn’t do it for you?

The weather- hot and humid!

Also, to note, the race is primarily different forms of gravel or jeep roads minus 8 miles of the Ouchita Trail. It is also composed of a 16 mile figure eight loop and then a long out and back, so it won’t be the most exciting race course you encounter.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about the Arkansas Traveler 100?

This is backwoods Arkansas, so I saw quite a few weird things, and most of them involved trucks, beer, and camo, occasionally at aid stations! There were also some random guys laying in the middle of a not so drivable road at 11pm with coolers, bed rolls, and huge packs.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I would say I managed the heat pretty well. It was my major stressor going in. It is cold in Oregon now, and we have no humidity, and I know how my stomach does in the heat. I stayed iced down and soaking wet for the whole 18 hours, and though I did have some heat issues for a section where I started to overheat and get cold despite the 86 degrees, I was able to turn it around before things got too bad.

Though my stomach did turn (that is pretty much a given), I was able to keep pushing despite about 40 miles of not many calories. I think pacing the race and not getting caught into an early fast pace helped me as well.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Arkansas Traveler 100 to help the next runner

1) Lube up and ice up- keep the core cool.
2) Train to run- it is a fairly runnable course, so do training runs that force you to run the whole distance
3) Run the early miles smart to be able to run the later miles well. I think many people start out 100s too fast, and this one was not an exception. Don’t get caught up in pushing too hard early or you won’t be able to take advantage of the runnable portions later.
4) Train for heat and humidity- I live in a cold climate in the Fall, so I tried to help train for the Arkansas temps by sitting in a steam room and running in layers. I have no idea if it helped or not, but if anything, it trains in suffering.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

For me, my stomach is my nemesis in 100s, so if I can nail that sometime, I would love to see how much better I can run the second half of a hundred. The race RD said they are going to try to bump the race back a week or two (this Saturday, one week post Traveler, the temps were over 20 degrees cooler). Apparently temperatures out there have been trending higher in recent years than the averages of past years, so instead of 70s, runners are having to run in mid 80s-90s. With added humidity, it is a challenge for sure.

Just knowing the course and the parts of the course that I found most challenging will be beneficial for if I ever run it again.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Arkansas Traveler 100?

The Arkansas Traveler 100 course is runnable, fairly technical (rocks), but it also had more hills than I expected. It gains 12,000 over 100 miles, so not a mountain 100, but I was surprised by some of the longer grinders out on the course. I think I imagined more flat, but most of the course you are either climbing or descending in some capacity. I wore road shoes with good cushion (Hoka Rincon) and they were great. Many people have feet issues due to the rocks, but my feet were happy the whole time.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It is pretty, but not because of big mountain views. I think if they do move the race date, it will hit more of the color change, and that will be beautiful out in the forest. The majority of the race is in the woods, but every once in a while you get a glimpse of the lakes or ridge lines through the trees.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Traveler is a runnable course- it’s not Rocky Raccoon flat, but you can run most of the whole 100 miles, and that is a challenge in itself. I think the temperatures also add to the challenge.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Absolutely well run! This race is dialed in, and many of the volunteers are either runners themselves or are well versed in what runners might need and how to help them, so it is a race you could easily do crew-less.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It varies year to year. Ann Trason has the record, so it has a history of having fast runners attend.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the Arkansas Traveler 100 happen.

Nope! It fills, but not as fast as many 100s.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Plenty of ice and other things you will need at a hot race, like pickle juice, potatoes with salt, and ginger ale. The only issue I had at aid stations was that I often get by in the night on coke and broth when my stomach goes, and almost every aid station I hit did not have the soup cooked yet. But the volunteers are all amazing.

Weather and typical race conditions

Hot and humid- I have heard they can get rain, but that hasn’t happened in years, though it did rain a bit the day before. I am sure thunderstorms can be a factor some years as well.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Ice bandana, cushioned shoes, a pack without a bladder so you can stuff ice all down the back to keep cool.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Main crew aid stations- mile 16, 30, 48, 68, 85- these are the big ones most go to, and it seemed like a party at them.

How’s the Swag?

Long sleeve shirt and finishers buckle.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Organization- 10/10
Course- 6/10 (because of the out and back and amount of roads, but it is still a super pretty area)
Overall impression of the race- friendliness, volunteers, quality, etc- 10/10
Weather- 2/10, haha

Ashley Nordell is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with Coach Ashley, check out her coaching page.

Three Days of Syllamo Race Report – Ashley Nordell

August 14, 2020March 21, 2019

Race: Three Days of Syllamo

Runner: Ashley Nordell

Race Date: 03/15/2019

Location: Ozarks of Arkansas (near Mountain View)

Results: 1st Overall, 15:28:41

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

I go to this race almost every year for these reasons:

The people- the same people come year after year, so it’s a bit of a reunion in Arkansas for me. I have become close friends with the RD and his family, so I’m always excited to see them.
The location- Arkansas is a runners best kept secret in terms of trails. The race is on a network of trails up in north central Arkansas, part of the mountains/woods known as the Ozarks. I think the area is beautiful and the trails are so different than what we have out west.
The format- It’s a three day stage race, which is hard to find. The courses often change year to year, but the distance is always a 50k then 50 miler then 20+k. Over three days you get over 90 miles of racing.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Traveling there is hard – we had nightmare flight issues this year, but even on a smooth travel day, it’s a long day of travel to get there.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

The panty boys (an aid station). They always come dressed to impress (or not so dressed would be more accurate).

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I would say keeping a good attitude even when it ended up taking us 24 hours to get there and missing an entire night sleep right before the race. I always look at this race as an experience, so it’s all part of the package. I didn’t let the travel issues become a factor in my enjoyment of the weekend.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

This race is known for being low key. It’s a no frills, no whining mentality. People often get lost (minimal course marking), and those that take it too seriously might be frustrated. It’s not a big hype event. It’s about the experience and friendships.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Because of the time of year, it’s often my first time running on dirt or in warm temperatures for months. I often deal with stomach issues because I haven’t been training my body to eat and drink properly over the past few months due to our winter weather. I need to remember to do a few runs where I force myself to eat and hydrate so it’s not such a shock to the system each year.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Because the courses change each year, you can’t really study the course. It’s important to be aware while racing and really pay attention because it is easy to get lost. The courses are rocky and technical. There can be creek crossings, so having more that one pair of shoes for the weekend is helpful.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

I find it to be very beautiful. Lots of oak trees, rocky bluffs, some great views.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It is very technical by west coast standards. Lots of rocks covered by leaves. Definitely need good trail shoes. Rolling terrain. Not huge climbs, but lots of short climbs and descents.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

This was the 15th year – they have it dialed in. But it’s done the same way now as back then. Old school no hype just the way I like it!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It varies every year. It’s not really about the competition as much as the experience.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

It’s easy to register, but the closest airport is over 2 hours away (Little Rock), or 3 hours (Memphis), or 3.5 hours (Fayetteville). It’s in a remote area of Arkansas. You can camp or get a cabin in surrounding areas.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard fare – 4-9 miles apart.

Weather and typical race conditions

March in Arkansas can be anything – thunderstorms, heat, humidity, even sleet. Plan accordingly. We lucked out this year with low humidity, sunshine, and 50 degree temps.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

I recommend multiple pairs of shoes (unless you are just doing one of the days). If you run the 50 miler you will need a headlamp for the first hour.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Depends on the course, but there are always aid stations that people can drive to. It’s also a very family and pet friendly event. The start/finish is at Blanchard Campground. There are caves nearby to visit with family.

How’s the Swag?

Socks and shirt. Hammer Nutrition is a sponsor, so Hammer products are available. Post race dinner on Friday and Saturday.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

10/10. My favorite race!!!

Ashley Nordell is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with Coach Ashley, check out her coaching page.