Grindstone 100 Ultra Marathon

Grindstone 100, what an adventure race! I never even heard of a 100 mile race a year before this even crossed my mind. When I first considered completing Grindstone, it was the end of spring 2013 because I wanted to complete the entire Beast Series (three 50ks in the spring, Grindstone100 in October, MMTR 50 miler, and Hellgate 100k in December). Dr. Horton first got me into running ultras when I took his running class at Liberty University. After my first 50k ultra marathon I was immediately hooked, and wanted to push myself to new limits. As I began to understand more about myself, and how far I was able to push my body I had a strong drive to complete a 100 mile race as a long term goal. I talked to Dr. Horton at the end of the spring semester 2013, and spoke to him about running Grindstone 100 in the fall. Uncontrollable circumstances would arise that would crush my goal to complete the race series. It was not until this year 2014 that I would be able to accomplish my goal of finishing Grindstone 100.

Hellgate 100k 2013

In 2013 I had the goal to be the youngest male ultra runner ever to complete The Beast Series. When I started to settle into my fall semester at Liberty, I was all focused on running Grindstone100. Leading up to the race many doubts were starting to encompass Clark Zealand (the race director) due to the government shutdown. The race would end up being postponed due to the shutdown, and with the continuance of the shutdown the race ended up being cancelled in 2013. This would mean I would not be able to complete The Beast Series, and accomplish my goal of being the youngest male to finish the race series. Crushed by yet another running goal being shattered, I still decided to finish the race series. But now I can say I am the youngest runner to complete The Little Beast.  After I completed the last race of the series last December I wanted to come back the next year with vengeance, to complete the series in its entirety.

In the spring semester of my junior year at Liberty, I was able to finish the first of six races in The Beast Series. Now the fall semester of my senior year at Liberty came Grindstone 100, the toughest race of the series. I have been preparing for this moment for over a year now, and I felt more than ready to complete the 100 grueling miles of what would become a very emotional ending.

On Thursday October 2, 2014 a day before race start my dad had arrived from a six hour drive from Pennsylvania to Liberty. He would be my crew and pacing partner. The day before the race I was in the final stages of prepping for every possible outcome or circumstance that could happen for Grindstone. The day of the race Friday October 3, we made the trek up to the start at the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Shenandoah. We arrived just in time for the race briefing at 1pm. After the race briefing I set up my hammock, and attempted to catch some zzzz before race start at 6pm. An hour before race start I began to ready myself with all of my running equipment. As my dad and I made our way away from the car he prayed for me. After checking in at 5:15pm I was surprised by my friends TJ and Matt who showed up to watch the start of the race. They prayed for me also as I made my way to the starting line.

So the time had come around 5:50pm Friday evening when the race would soon start. Clark prayed and began to ready everyone on the start line with a light drizzle of rain. At exactly 6pm he sent us off on the 100 mile adventure. About 20 minutes into the race the sky let loose and the rain came down. I was soaked within the first 2 minutes of it raining. Anyway, the first section was 5 miles to the Falls Hollow aid station 1 where my friend Adam Townsend headed up the aid station. The sun was still not set as we made the 1.5 mile loop around Hope Lake. As we ended the loop we would say our final goodbye as all 200+ of us entered our way into the mountains. The first 5 miles gave me a little taste of what would soon be ahead. The elevation gain was a little over 1000 feet for the first 5 miles. I was on pace of my goal time of 26-28 hours or around 3-4 miles every hour. From miles 6-10 I got a real smack in the face for what a real climb was, with an elevation gain of around 2500 feet to the Dry Branch Gap. The incline was unreal! But I had no idea what I was getting into ahead, because the worst had yet to come. It took me 2 hours and 20 minutes to run the first 10 miles!

 

The next miles from 11-36 it seemed comfortable to run. I was settled in and cruising through the miles. I had the chance to run with Brian Dibeler who shared some amazing stories with me. As we reached North River Gap, aid station 5 at mile 36.81 we were weighed and we gathered what new equipment or food we would need for what would be the longest climb of the race up to Little Bald Knob and a smaller climb up to Reddish Knob. Before I left the aid station I was greeted by my dad who ran me into the aid station. I let him know how I was doing, and what else I would need from him when I would see him next 30 miles later at the same aid station. It would be another 7-8 hours before I would see my dad for aid again. The climb to Little Bald knob was about 8 miles from 1609 feet to 4016 feet. This climb was one of the most intense climbs I have ever experienced. If it was not for Brian and pushing me up this climb it would have taken me longer than the 2 hours and 15 minutes that took to make the climb. Reddish Knob was about the same incline but was only a little less than 5 miles long. After the climb up to Little Bald Knob, every other climb seemed simple to climb. As I made my way to the turn around it was around 4-5am and I began to catch myself swaying back and forth across the trail trying to keep myself awake. At this point in the race I was using every bit of energy to try and stay awake. I did not want to fall asleep on the side of the trail or at an aid station, because I knew I would not finish the race. When I arrived at each peak of the climbs the wind was howling, and the temperature seemed to be in the low 40s. Keep in mind this is after half of the night when it down poured.

When I arrived at the turn around at mile 51.56 the sun started to rise, and I felt a second wind and it felt like a whole new race had begun. The night was finally over, and I could finally see the valley below. The day brought a new group of people that I would run with for the rest of the race. From the turnaround back to North River Gap aid station, where I would be able to meet up with my dad again was a pleasant and easy run. When I met up with my dad again at mile 65.65 I swopped out my shoes and socks along with a new shirt. He was then able to pace me to the next aid station about 6 miles away.

When we made it to the aid station he turned around to get the van in order to meet me at the next point in the race that I would need him the most (the last 5 miles). The real story begins when I reached the final 20 miles. At mile 80 was aid station 13 at Dowells Draft. Here I met Dr. Horton, Chris Bernard, and Brenton Swyers for the last time. They were shocked to see me and how well I looked. They gave me a ton of encouragement and wisdom. Horton asking if i was suffering yet and that if i havent yet that i will in the last 20 miles. Then Chris paced me about a quarter of a mile away from the aid station just to get me going again. In the last 20 miles there would be 2 more climbs of around 5 miles with 2500 feet each of climbing straight up. At this point in the race I was already past my longest time ever running, which was Hellgate 100k (about 14 and half hours), and longest distance which was also Hellgate 100k (66.6 miles). My mind started to settle into hallucinations of seeing trees that looked like people, seeing stuff coming out of the ground that almost scared me off the trail, and seeing other objects run quickly across the trail. I thought I was going nuts!! But I guess that’s what happens when you have your eyes open after 20+ hours and over 80 miles of running. After making it to the top of the final 2 climbs I felt a third wind, as I continued to run with Dan Spearin, and Jeff Lysiak. We began to run sub 8 minute miles! Which is crazy because we were averaging 15 minute miles through the entire race up until this point. I only lasted around 12 miles of doing this until I settled back into my original pace with about 6 miles to go.

The final 5 miles of the race my dad met up with me. I seriously believe if he had not paced me in to the finish I would not have found the finish line on my own. The final 5 miles seemed like the longest part of the race. With 1.5 miles left I fell on my face after tripping over a rock. With 1 mile left I began to bash my dad, not realizing what I was doing. At one point I said to him “where are you taking me!?” I was completely out of it. Then it came, Hope Lake! The most beautiful sight in the world, then I knew the finish was near.  I came into the shoot yelling my bib number 15. Clark on his megaphone saying my name, cheers from other runners who had finished before me and applaud from other volunteers. It was the most emotional moment in the race for me as I cried realizing what I had just accomplished and what perseverance I put myself through to do this race. I finished in 25 hours 28 minutes and 17 seconds. 

My emotional, physical, and spiritual levels were put to a completely new high during Grindstone 100. This race was absolutely amazing. I was the youngest runner to start/finish this year’s race. I am also the youngest to be competing in the Beast Series this year. I am completely thankful for all of the aid station crews and volunteers. They were absolutely amazing during the race with all of their encouragement and help. Thank you too everyone for your prayers and encouragement to see me through this huge accomplishment! Thank you Clark Zealand for such a great race and your Godly influence, this race has been a great experience for me. 

In loving memory of #MajorDonahue82

First 70 miles before my watch died:

http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/606590995

The End of Just the Beginning, Hellgate 100k

     It has been a little over a day since I finished my first 100k. The race was in it's 10 year anniversary, held by Dr. David Horton. The race in itself lived up to it's name "Hellgate 100k." The day December 12/13/13 (friday the 13th) could not of come at a better time to start the race, even though the race started at 12:01 12/14/13. I finished my semester at Liberty University on Wednesday (the week of the race) so I was quite prepared for sleep deprivation. As I finished my last final I headed the six hour trek home to Pennsylvania, and then Friday arrived when my dad and I made the trek back down to Fincastle, Va where the post meal, and race briefing would be hosted.

     When I arrived at Camp Bethel around 5:00 pm I was one of the first runners to show up. I introduced my dad to Dr. Horton, who was longing to meet him ever since Dr. Horton got me into ultra running (but that's a story for another day). When we stepped into the room, Dr. H said "let me guess who that is, your dad? (sarcastically said because we look alike). An hour later we entered into the dinning hall where the owners at Camp Bethel prepared an amazing meal for all the runners. At 8:00 pm Dr. Horton hosted the pre-race briefing, among the comments jokes were made by and about Dr. Horton. Rides were situated, and of course I was packed into the "rookie" van with 13 other runners. So at 10:50 pm a caravan of vehicles headed 20-25 minutes to the start of the race.

     As we arrived at the start we turned on to Hellgate Road, and Dr. Horton was calling out runners names trying to get everyone checked in. At 11:45 pm I made my way down to the start, Dr. Horton was still using his megaphone trying to get runners checked in. At 11:50 pm we sang the national anthem, and said a prayer. Then at exactly 12:01 am 12/14/13 he gave the command "go" no gun, no shout, just at a normal talking voice "go."

     To aid station one was probably the most enjoyable part of the race, since I was fresh and eager to go the furthest distance I would have ever gone, if I was to finish this race. I distinctly remember after getting to the second aid station, even after asking Dr. Horton what extra tips I should know before starting, that he told me "take the first 13 miles easy, it is a tough 13 miles." Did I do that? no. I ran the first 13 miles in 2 hours with an elevation gain of 1672 ft. I also remember Horton saying if you look over the hill you can see all the lights from other runners climbing up the hill, I almost stopped to take a picture, but I knew I just had to keep moving. When arriving to the aid station I saw Brenten Swyers who offered me soup and Bethany Nettekoven, who gave me a big hug. About 3 miles after aid station two I felt sick from the soup, and had stomach issues for the next 13 miles.

     From aid station 3-4 (13.1-21.9miles) I do not quit remember, because of the condition I was feeling. What I do recall was in this section is when it started to snow, and snow heavily! Part of this section if I am correct of what I remember, is the long grassy road that is apart of Promise Land 50k, and the rest of this section is apart of Promise Land as well. Also, at this point my batteries in my headlamp were fading, so I reached into my bag to get new ones, but i dropped them and could not find them, so I had to struggle to the aid station with minimal light. Arriving at aid station 4, covered in snow, but still dry thanks to Patagonia's Torrent Shell jacket, I met up with another runner who I paced behind till aid station 5. When you first see aid station 5, you think it is so close because you can hear the aid station workers, and crew members, but it is actually a lot farther away than it seems. When I finally arrived at the aid station my dad who was crewing me supplied me with new batteries, and so I was set to go as light was considered for the rest of the race.

     Next section I remember was from aid station 5-6 (27.6-34.5miles) which was around when the sun started to come up. I knew I just wanted to sleep at this point, but once that sun came out I felt alive again. Stowing my headlamp back into my bag, I ran this whole section without a runner in sight. All I wanted was to get this section over with, since it seemed like just one big climb. After arriving at aid station 6, I remember seeing their sign saying the next aid station was 8.8 miles away, and I just wanted to pass out.

     Arriving at aid station 7 (42.5miles), the first thing I could hear was Dr. Horton on his megaphone saying "here comes Austin Burling an LU student, with his father running next to him. When will his father be a man like his son and run these?" I responded with laughter and a pumping of my fist. At this aid station I switched out my shoes and socks, struggling to keep balance as Jamie Swyers was helping me put them on. Oh and had some bites of a delicious burger. Starting the next section to aid station 8 my dad was as usual taking many pictures trying to capture as many moments as he could.

     Turning into this next section, is a huge climb up and up. Once you conquer this climb, I followed a ridge line that just seemed completely ENDLESSSS! With a each quarter mile swooping in and out of the mountain, there was at least one steep climb at the end of each swoop. Although this was the most beautiful section of the course, because you were able to look out to your right and see the valley and the other mountains, one image you would not forget is that incredibly frustrating swooping of a section that just seemed like you were not getting anywhere. Right before you end the section of swooping their is one last climb of a gravel road to the aid station. This road is not that bad of a climb, but after that swooping of the mountain I felt it seemed endless. About .2 of a mile I found my self squatting, trying to relieve some stress in my quads. At this point it was also raining/freezing rain. As I finally got the motivation to keep moving again, I saw the aid station right around the corner, and realized I should have just kept moving. Arriving at the aid station my dad was there again, along with a guy that I worked with earlier in the fall with Dr. Horton clearing some of the sections of Hellgate. He had prepared some broth and amazing cheese casadillas. After getting to this aid station the section had a great start of down hill.

     Heading to aid station 9 (56.1miles) was the "Endless" section. I distinctly remember working this section with Dr. Horton. It seemed a lot longer running it then when I walked/cleared it earlier in the fall. With every climb there was a downhill, but the downhills never seemed to last. I distinctly remember by the time I reached mile 54, it was the farthest I have ever gone before. Yet I was still in cruise mode after taking some ibuprofen.  I was trucking it throught the last part of the section, or so I thought was the last part of the section. Going through some rocky quite switchbacks I tripped and almost face-planted down a hill. Almost arriving to aid station 9 I could here cow bells and cheers. All I could think was it was finally here the last aid station!

     From Aid station 9-finish was one last huge climb about 2.6 miles long up to the parkway. After climbing about .25 of the climb, Brenten Swyers caught up to me and helped me make the climb up to the parkway. If he did not keep me company and push me up that last climb I would not have been able to make the time I did. After reaching the parkway Brenten gave me some encouragement and I made my final descent 3 miles downhill to the finish. A pacer caught up to me with about 1 mile left saying "are you Austin Burling from Scranton, Pa?" I responded, "yes how'd you guess?" He then said, "your dad asked me to run you in." Of course dad was being a typical dad. But I was actually quite happy he ran me in, because by this time my eye sight had gotten so blurry I couldn't tell where the finish was. Crossing the finish line I almost fell after stepping into some muddy grass. Dr. Horton with proud look on his face after seeing how far I had come as a runner in the past year.

     I crossed the finish line with a time of 14hours and 26minutes. The Hellgate 100k++ (66.6miles) was the longest and hardest race I have done yet. Many memories of struggle and heights in the race, but definitely coming close to one of my favorite races. The race had terrible weather, with snow, freezing rain, and rain throughout 90% of the entire race. By far a great experience, and excellent with regards to aid stations and markings on the course. My first ultra was Dr. Horton's Holiday Lake 50K++ in February, signing up the day before the event, running only 13 miles as my farthest run before that. Yet this climb to becoming an ultra runner has seemed impossible at times, but I found that if you just keep moving through it, anything is possible. I finished as the youngest male runner at 20 years old, and the youngest of conquering the "Little Beast Series." I plan on returning next year and completing the actual "Beast Series."

     I could not be thankful enough for the support of family and friends for their support. God has taught me so much through this. With God anything is possible, "Jesus looked at them and said with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/416104091