Tough Trail to Ultra Runner – PART VII: Corporeal White Noise

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Mile 17.9 to Mile 25.8: Bald Knob (the last) Aid Station

It was along this lowland section, while navigating wet planks laid over muddy sections, that I started battling cramps in my quads and hamstrings.

Despite my best attempts to maintain electrolyte levels, the sheer magnitude of the effort, coupled with the copious sweating induced by early summer in Kentucky, conspired against me. Already concerned about not making the cutoff time, it was a desperate feeling watching more runners pass by as I stretched off-trail.    

The few plank crossings that were around helped keep my shoes from getting too caked with heavy mud.

Adapt & Overcome

Now, with a searing right knee and alternately cramping large, lower muscle groups, I prioritized the following:

  • Moving forward at the highest speed I could muster
  • Focusing on body parts that were operating normally
  • Replenishing electrolytes via Hydration Sticks and, (thanks to a friendly fellow runner) salt tablets
  • Reminding myself that at the end of this adventure, I’d be an ultra runner
  • Stretching

Coincidentally, did you know it’s possible to urinate while running and not get any on you? 

With the right mindset, pain and discomfort can be reduced to corporeal white noise. Consciously, you know it’s there, but practically, your mind is occupied with other tasks. That’s the groove I fell into on this section.  

Devil’s Creek. Looking back, I wish I would have gone under for a quick dip.

This was also the section with the biggest water crossing, Devil’s Creek. Two good ole boys sat in lawn chairs, serving as “safety officers” near the guide rope tied off from bank to bank. I suspect somewhere around there is where I lost my right Bluetooth earbud. RIP Jaybird. You were a dependable companion. 

It’s easy to miss the forest for the trees when you have an objective to complete. You have to intentionally appreciate your surroundings.

This Highway to Hell Goes Up

The remainder of this section was a mix of bouldery single track through bluffs with a brutal climb out of the river bottoms.

Misery loves company. At least I wasn‘t the only one dog cussing this climb.

The ascent seemed to have no end as it switchbacked its way up and onto a sun-baked gravel county road to the final aid station. They saved the gnarliest climb for the back half of the race. How thoughtful!

There’s still too much course left to take chances burning time on conveniences.

Andy and Jake posted up at the turn for the Bald Knob aid station and were ready with more Hydration Sticks. At this stop, we didn’t waste time removing my endurance vest to refill on water. Instead, They hot fueled me with ice and water then sent me packing. It was just too hot to go without more water.

Just one more section of trail to run before reaching ultra runner status! We can do this! Read Part IIX: A Bridge Far Enough.

Miss out on the last segment? Rewind the story back to Part VI: Time Is NOT On My Side.

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