Umstead

Race: Umstead 100

Runner: Matt Urbanski

Date: 4/07/2018

Location: Raleigh, NC

Results: 3rd OA, 15:26

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1496682914

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

1. The course is runnable. Literally every step of the course can be run. There are some hills that are steep that many will want to walk, but the course has no technical parts and is generally smooth for running the entire time. Awesome.
2. Competitive. Two guys ran near 14 hours flat. Wow!
3. Weather. It was cool and rainy for the run. Doesn’t sound like good running weather, but for going all day long, not dealing with heat issues was a blessing.

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

There isn’t anything I can think of to complain about with this one, other than how beat up I felt by the end of the race. But that’s not the race’s fault, that’s my fault for not preparing better! 🙂

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

There was aid available every 2.5 miles or less. I’ve never had an ultra with that much aid. It’s a weird thing, though very positive. Some of the stations were un-manned water stops, but it made it really easy to plan and to not have to carry much.

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

• I kept running the entire race. Other than to stop at aid stations to get more fueling, I ran every step of this race. This is a big deal to me b/c I got beat down significantly over the final 30 miles. Looking back, I didn’t have enough longer races (marathons and 50ks) as part of my build up and my legs just weren’t ready for the distance. My muscles were shot and it was a grind to the finish. Even though I slowed (last lap got really slow!), I kept running the entire time and I am really proud of that.
• I am also really proud of my mental game and self talk that got me through this one. I repeated to myself hundreds of times, “Suffering is optional”. I acknowledged the pains I was experiencing, but I focused on continuing to smile, continuing to focus, and continuing to do my best all the way to the finish. I could have gotten really down and lost it out there, but my focus on not suffering and continuing to put forth the best with what I had was a super hard effort, but very rewarding looking back on the challenge.
• My family was all out there. Julie and Paavo were my cheer squad, my parents were both there from Ohio to help, my sister was running and her family was there to help – thanks Austin (nephew) for the crew help!, and brother bear Jeff was the crew chief and pacer extraordinaire, helping me navigate the challenges of the hundo. He paced me the final 37.5 miles, ran the show at the aid station – he knows what I need and my racing style at this point such that we function as a truly fine team, and he solved problems for me when shit was getting rough during the final lap. Thanks family!

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

• It’s so easy to run fast early. You will almost, without a doubt slow down as the race progresses. Manage your day well given that this course is so runnable.
• The weather can be varied for NC this time of year. It was warmer in 2017 but cooler and rainy in 2018. Be prepared and have strategies for dealing with whatever nature throws your way.
• The pollen can be really really bad here in April. Both years I was here, the pollen was so bad that I couldn’t wear my old school hard contact lens. They collected so much gunk that I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Thankfully on race day, all the rain knocked the pollen down so I was able to race with my contacts, instead of glasses.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Do more long races to have my legs ready for this much running. With minimal to no hiking “breaks”, this course can really beat up specific muscle groups. If I ever race this one again, I will be better trained so I can run those last few loops better.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The second half of the 12.5 mile loop is hillier than the first. There is an aid station at 6.8 miles into the loop. Almost immediately after leaving that aid station, the course gets hillier. The hills are short and sometimes steep. If you race mountain races they won’t seem like a big deal. If you always run flat, these hills will be a real challenge. By lap 5 or 6, they become a challenge for everyone! Know that these hills are there, your splits the first half of each loop will likely be faster than the second half.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

I think it’s a pretty course. It’s a wooded park, the paths are wide, it’s spring time. It’s not UTMB so don’t go in expecting breathtaking views, but it’s pleasant forest run.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It’s 100 miles, so yes. However, there is nothing to trip over – the course is super smooth. There is 80’/mile of vertical gain on average so that can become challenging, especially as the race progresses. But from the traditional viewpoint of “tough courses”, this is a relatively easier course.

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

They run a really good race. Friendly environment, easy packet pickup, easy race day logistics. This was the case even for it being a crappy, rainy spring day.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yeah! Men’s race had 4 guys under 16 hours.

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 have to be on it for registration. By that, I mean that you have to be at your computer hitting “Register” the minute it opens. It sells out immediately. They do reserve some spots for runners with faster PRs to make the race more competitive.
• Hotels are plentiful so lodging is easy, and they’re close to the race course.
• The course is close to the RDU airport. Super simple. We rented a car which made things easy for getting around the area too.

Aid Stations

Lots. I didn’t utilize any of them, with one exception, so I don’t know much about what they had, but everyone was friendly! On my final lap, I was freezing my ass off and my brother managed to get me a fleece jacket and a garbage bag for dealing with the cold and sleet. That aid station magic worked wonders for my core temps as I shuffled to the finish. Thank you!

Weather and typical race conditions

Rain. Heat. Perfect. Who knows? Spring in NC; rolling the dice!

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

• I love the loops here and the frequent aid. I was able to go super minimal with this one. I used the Nathan Krar Vapor waistbelt. I carried one Salomon soft flask, at only 1/2 to 2/3rds full from each of the two main aid stations. I ate Gu, Huma gels, and blocks, along with a few other random snacks from my crew.
• I wore Salomon short tights with the waist pockets and my compression shirt. My rain jacket was helpful as the day progressed and it got colder in the rain. (UD rain jacket)

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

• The course is open so people could theoretically be anywhere on the course. My family was there and stationed up at the Start/Finish. Seeing them every couple hours was great and made logistics really easy.
• There is an out and back section on the course, people getting lapped, and another section with some overlap of runners. All this means you have nearly constant support from your fellow ultra runners. Very cool and motivating! There was a ton of positive support out there.

How’s the Swag?

• Buckle at the finish for 100 milers. Short sleeve tech shirt (or a hat, you get to choose during registration), and a pair of socks.
• Standard stuff.

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

5 out of 5. Know what you’re getting into with a runnable 12.5 mile loop in the forest on well maintained multi-use gravel trails, be ready for any weather, and then enjoy the hell out of this well run, fast and competitive race!

Race: Umstead 50

Runner: Emily M

Date: 04/07/2018

Location: Raleigh, NC

Results: 12:32:42

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

1. It was a 12.5mi looped course
2. The volunteers were outstanding!
3. Mainly gravel path

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

There really wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this race. The weather wasn’t the greatest (rained the entire time and got pretty cold), but that’s my type of weather compared to heat!

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

I’ve never done an ultra before so it was all kind of weird to me! But in a good way! I couldn’t get over the guys wearing sandals or no shirts in that type of weather, though

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

I went in knowing it would be a mental game. Physically I thought I could gut it out but I have a tendency to get into my own head. I’d only done marathon distance before and not much access to hills, so I knew it’d be a challenge. I took the first loop a little faster and just tried to make mental notes. I broke it down into sections and tried to go a little faster in the first half, knowing the steeper hills were in the last section. Everyone out there was amazing! I met so many new people, both runners and volunteers, and having my family there to crew just topped it off! I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about having my brother out there lapping me, but it turned out to be just what I needed to keep me going. Most of all, I just smiled and embraced the experience. Once I hit that 3rd lap, I was closing in on “ultra status” and there was no way I was not going to finish!

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

Be prepared for any type of weather! April in NC is unpredictable! They said this was the worst weather conditions in 24 years. We drove so I brought pretty much anything I could possibly need, which helped because I started in a running skirt and long sleeves but had to change clothes and bundle up for the 4th lap.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I’ve never done an ultra so I learned a lot in general. My fueling was completely different than a road marathon. I learned how to prioritize my belongings so my crew could access them quickly. Best of all, I learned to stop doubting myself and to just enjoy the race. I was so happy and calm, I enjoyed my surroundings and just took it all in.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The first 6.85 miles are hilly but not nearly as steep as the last half. The aid stations are well stocked! The volunteers were ready every time I came in so it was almost like I didn’t have to think. The gravel path is great! Sections were a little muddy towards the end but not technical at all. Great race for a first-time ultra!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

I thought so

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

For me it was tough because of the hills…about 1,000 ft gain per lap….so for this Delaware girl, that was a lot! Otherwise it wasn’t difficult

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

Absolutely well-oiled machine

Competition – Is there a strong field?

I’m not on the fast side so I’m not sure, but I know there were a few!!

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 have to be on your computer ready to hit submit on the specific date and time they give you. I got in right away but it sells out within minutes. We stayed at the Embassy Suites which is affiliated with the race. Great rooms, awesome staff, 5 minutes from the park, and great price! They even left a goody bag in the rooms for the runners which was a nice touch. Very close to the airport (has a shuttle to the hotel) but we drove. The race price was a little expensive but totally worth it for the experience that I had.

Aid Stations

Plenty! Full aid at the start/finish, AS2 (full) at 6.85 miles, one unmanned station with water and goodies, and then at least 1-2 more unmanned with water

Weather and typical race conditions

Rain, rain, and more rain! Started in the low 50’s and dropped into the 30’s overnight with snow flurries. That’s not the typical weather from what I understand though. Usually 60-70 degrees.

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

Bring extra clothes for weather but otherwise I had my hydration vest and other normal gear. Nothing major.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

They can see you at the start/finish but have to drive to AS2 if they want to see you. My family stayed in the same spot.

How’s the Swag?

I got a hat with my name embroidered, socks, and a few random things. You could opt for the hat or shirt. Belt buckle for 100 finishers and acrylic triangle (special ordered, extra cost) for 50 finishers.

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

5 Stars all the way! Perfect first ultra experience!

Race: Umstead 100

Runner: Jeff U

Date: 4/1/17

Location: Raleigh, NC

Results – 18:33:00, 8th place

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

I loved how the course was super smooth and easily runable. It was all wide clean trail with no technical sections, making for a comfortable run throughout the day and night. Due to the nature of the trail, night running was really no more challenging than day running.

Love them or hate them, I loved the lap nature of this course. The race was eight, 12.5 mile laps. The thought of seeing my brother and nephew after the first lap (and every lap after that), my wife and daughter after the fourth as well as both of my parents every 12.5 miles was pretty amazing. This enabled additional family and friends in the area to stop out for a lap or two to experience the race without too much of an investment. I always had something to look forward to as I worked my way through the laps which made this race that much more fun.

The aid stations were stocked. I only eat a few specific things during races, but they had those and far more. At no point did I see any kind of shortage of anything at the aid stations or the water stations. On top of that, I came to find out that the start/finish line aid station/area prepared all kinds of food for crew members in the area. My family was able to enjoy spaghetti, meatball sandwiches and more without having to leave the park in search of restaurants.

 

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

There really wasn’t anything about this race that I didn’t care for.

 

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

I saw a lot of body types out there that weren’t typical for an ultra. It was super impressive seeing the young, old, big and small out there.

 

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

I was able to maintain a steady pace throughout the entire race. No matter how excited (or sad) I got during a lap, I was able to keep the big picture in mind and keep it all together. I was also really happy that I was able to maintain a consistent level of hurt from 25 through 75. I had no watch for miles 37.5 – 62.5, and I really think that time away from my watch and splits really helped me focus on just running a comfortable pace.

 

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

Try not to get too excited right out of the gate. It is eight laps, and there are plenty of opportunities to see those ahead of you. People go out fast, and a lot of them will likely come back to you if you are able to maintain.

 

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

The mind is a strong thing. I planned on phoning it in on the last lap since I was well ahead of my stretch goal, but with an encouraging idea from my pacer, Coach Matt, I was able to grind through the last lap and get it done faster than imaginable. I’m interested to see what else I may be able to do in future races with the proper mindset.

 

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It only has 8,000 feet of gain (1,000/lap), so it’s very runable. The second half of the loop has a few short and steep climbs, otherwise, it’s smooth sailing with a few long ups and a few long downs.

 

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

The course was pretty for a lap course. It runs through a regional park in NC, so there is nice tree cover and a lake or two to keep your attention.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

I’m not sure there is an easier course out there.

 

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

This race was super impressive. There isn’t a single thing I can think of that could’ve been better. The aid stations were constantly stocked, food was available for crew members, and everything was well communicated. This race was very well done.

 

Competition – is there a strong field?

The winner was low 14’s, but there weren’t any/many elites. While there were no true elites, it was a deep field with 60+ people under 24 hours.

 

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.

Registering for this race reminded me of trying to get student season tickets for UW football. It sold out in roughly 5 minutes, so you have to be at your computer ready to go right when registration opens. Aside from that, the course is right by the Raleigh Airport, so flight and lodging logistics are super easy.

 

Aid Stations

As mentioned above, the aid stations were fantastic. The volunteers were always ready to help refill my water, there was a plentiful supply of sweet and savory, and they never seemed to run out of anything. They had gels, S Caps, Stinger Waffles, Ibuprofen and anything else you would really need.

 

Weather and typical race conditions –

We got pretty lucky with the weather. I imagine it could get pretty hot and humid being in NC. It got up to mid-70s with a bit of humidity, but it wasn’t overly debilitating. It was a crisp cool morning and a comfortable temperature once it got dark. We very easily could’ve gotten stormed on or had other issues due to the location and time of year.

 

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

I didn’t need anything out of the ordinary for this race. I had a neck cooler for a lap and a half during the middle of the day, but that was about it. I rarely carry a handheld, but due to the plentiful and well stocked aid and water stations, I was able to go the handheld route for the first two laps (before my GU intake really got going). This saved my shoulders and core a few hours of work.

 

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Like most other loop courses, it’s easy for spectators who want to park out for the day and see their runner once a lap. There were not many opportunities for spectators in other areas of the loop, but there were a handful of people out there. That said, this is a vibrant regional park that is used by runners, walkers and cyclists from the area. There were people out and about all day, many of whom gave encouragement when passing. There was not a shortage people at any point throughout the day.

Awards –

You only get a buckle the first and 10th year running the race. I never got mine at the finish line, but they apologized and said they would mail one right away. I believe they also mail printed race photos in addition to showing them online. I’m looking forward to that nice little perk.

 

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

I would recommend this race to anyone. It’s definitely a 10.

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