Old Goats 50 Mile Trail Run, Cleveland National Forest

March 26, 2011

Old Goats is arguably one of the toughest 50 milers in the country. This year, the ultramarathon gods tested runners to the limits with additional spice.

The race started with a blazing 21 mile warm up from Blue Jay Campground start and back. It was mostly single trail rocky gulley, root strewn, and mud. Watch out for some low branches too. With runners closely bunched, trails were difficult to read. A sudden drop in grade caused me to jam my knee with a sudden break. I shifted to low gear until I got my rhythm back. Recent storms produced unusual high water level at the streams. One volunteer, Charlie Nickell piggy backed some runners to the other side. Haven't these runners heard of Bulldog or Western States ultras? No problem, I have extra shoes and socks at Blue Jay parking lot.

After refueling with my protein drink and burrito packed by my friend, Dr. M, I was ready for the climbs. The race has 12,000' of ascent with a continuous 8 mile 4000' climb from Holy Jim Canyon to the summit of Santiago Peak. The 2.8 mile Main Divide climb was the first big test. I reached the top pumped up and ready to rock n' roll for the gnarly and narrow Trabuco Trail downhill. Trabuco Trail looked like gravel mine with thorny bushes bordering the edge. Just don't get carried away as Holy Jim is just waiting to unleash its fury.

After a short break at Mile 29 aid station, the monstrous climb to Santiago Peak loomed ahead. There were still a few stream crossings at Holy Jim with rocks or log bridges if you can balance yourself. I plodded slowly one step at a time at endless switchbacks for 5 miles until Bear Springs Aid Station. Legs felt heavy but no cramping, I'm still alive.

I took advantage of the hot noodle soup at Bear Springs before 2.8 miles out and back Santiago Peak. I began to labor but counted my steps repeatedly. Cheers and hand slaps from returning runners kept me going. Near the top, it got cold, windy, foggy and snow. I was surprised volunteers at Santiago Peak were still in high spirits in horrible conditions. They served soup, hot chocolates, coffee and more. Upon return to Bear Springs, another SoCal race director, Baz Hawley asked, how many runners I bloody passed in that loop. “I don't know. I just kept moving”. “You don't know? You bloody passed 10 runners.” With 9.5 miles left, I had smile in my face.

Daylight was still available. Nevertheless, flashlight was ready. Major climbs were over with a few minor climbs left. My Garmin projected a sub 13 hr. finish. I had plenty of fuel left in my tank. Still far from over as fogs dropped and made visibility extremely difficult. I had an optical illusion of chasing runners ahead only to find out that those were bushes. Light rain started to fall which made it worst with eyeglasses. Luckily, two more aid stations were set up. I was able to clear my eyeglasses and obtained proper orientation. Few more runners were behind and hoped they find their way too. I set aside pushing the last 3 miles of downhill for safety reasons. Flashlights did little help in fog and rain. Just get there in one piece.

Third time was a charm as I crossed the finish line in 12:45:--. I shaved 45 mins. from my 3 previous finish on this course. Now, let's celebrate.

by Ben Gaetos