Race Report: The Carolina Reaper 50k

I completed this race in 2024 and swore I'd never do it again. Last year I completed it as part of a 3-person relay team and had a great fun time, but there was some FOMO for all the people doing the really hard 50k solo. 

Soooooo when there was an email that went out towards the end of last year advertising a special "fire-and-ice" medal for completing both the Snowbird Challenge and Reaper Challenge 50k, I of course signed up only to then have the Snowbird cancelled (ironically) for snow.

I did not prepare or do much specific training for this race. I ran a few runs in the heat of the day in the month or so leading up to this race but otherwise was quite underprepared.

Sunrise over Paris Mtn as I departed for the race

I took basically zero photos the whole day, it was all about survival. Set up camp near the finish line with coolers, canopy, and chair. Ate my McDonald's breakfast biscuit and got ready to face the day.

I felt really good and strong for the first half (6 laps) and thought it would be just a nice hot day for a run. Cold ice towels, water, and whatever fuel I could manage between laps. However, into laps 7 and 8 I was still moving about the same pace to finish laps in ~30 mins (plus or minus a minute) but those felt so much harder. Obviously, accumulated fatigue and getting towards the hottest part of the day... yeah, that tracks.

Died on Lap 9 and almost didn't go back out for Lap 10.
But look at that elevation per lap! 😳

Then came lap 9 where I felt absolutely AWFUL. Didn't want to eat anything, couldn't get enough water into me to balance out the ridiculous heat. So so terrible. I'd honestly convinced myself to quit after finishing lap 9. I wanted to go straight home and sleep. The starting gun for Lap 10 went off and I was still sitting on the curb at my tent going "nope, I'm done, not going." I knew if I started Lap 10 I was going to finish it (because it's not even worth quitting with 2 laps to go). 

...and then I grumbled, cursed, and started Lap 10. Reaper wasn't gonna get me yet.

I told myself I could walk, slow way down, just barely make the cut-off for the remaining laps because with the small mileage left (~7.5 miles total for 3 laps) I didn't need much refuel in between to make it through. Friends who had finished their runs were willing to help and rallied to help with bottle refills, ice, cooling towels, and whatever I needed. I did lap 10, told myself one more lap to go, and then the final lap 12 would be the victory/beer lap because it didn't have a time cut-off. Even so, after setting out (in much happier spirits) for the final lap I was able to power walk under the 45-minute lap time. 

The downhill start was rough

My faces during the run say it all...

And then this dang climb to the finish line... UGH. Every. Time.

So while I'm happy(ish) that I didn't quit and finished the race, I am not looking back at it going "That wasn't so bad and I'll sign up again". I'm in camp "never say never" but it will take a LOT of convincing to get me out there for this one again. I think being out at the relay last year made it even harder to stay away, and I might just have to avoid this event entirely.

We'll see... 'til then, don't fear the Reaper... 💀

Life moves fast!

Ok so... in the past 2 weeks, I've packed up my apartment, moved everything to my new house, partially unpack (work in progress), cleaned out & turned in apartment keys, and made other large purchases like lawncare equipment. I'm exhausted from "major life decision"-ing. BUT... onward we march.

I won't go through the entirety of my runs and workouts from the past 2 weeks, but will highlight getting back onto the trails more in preparation for the Sky to Summit 50k in October! It's been several years since I did this one in 2021 and I'm looking forward to getting more trail time in preparation for it this year.

Super D started practicing 2x per week with the middle school mountain bike team which gives me mid-week opportunities to run trail while he practices. Last week I took him to the Saluda Confluence Recreation Area (SCRA) also known as "Yo Mama's House" and ran a few trails which were really nice! Ivy 🐾 was quite warm and didn't want to run as much as I wanted, but I let her get in the pond by one of the trails and she felt much better!

Another mid-week run was after work at the Cottonwood Trail, part of the Edwin M Griffin Nature Preserve in Spartanburg. Lovely little trail system, and got a bit over 4 miles done!

Last run worth mentioning is a Friday 5k with visiting running bestie A! Met her for a few sunrise miles at Legacy Park.

Looking forward to settling into new routines in the coming weeks... 

Busy week

A crazy week between holiday weekend and closing on my new house (oh yeah, I bought a house!). 

Monday

2.5 mi w/ pup

Easy run with pup in the park.

1.3 mi walk

Evening walk between storms - rainbow sighting!

Tuesday

6.25 mi @ 9:52/mi

Early 10k Tuesday under the Strawberry Moon because I knew the day would be insane (and I was right). It is SO HOT.

Wednesday

40 min work gym

I have to get more time in the gym. I have to get more time in the gym. I have to be more consistent in the gym.

Thursday

too hot for anything

Friday

13.5 mi at the Lake!

Set out for "something double-digit, maybe?" and actually felt good enough to go all the way to the end of Lake Road and back! I later realized this could be 13.50 miles for 13 stripes and 50 stars!

deer!

more deer!

Saturday

2.5 mi run for 250 years of 'MERICA 

5.5 miles kayaking

Took the 'yak out on the lake for a little solo adventure. Paddled all the coves up til I could see the Colonel's Creek bridge, then turned back. Took about 90 mins to get upstream, but only 30 mins to get back in a straight shot!

Sunday

15 min core strength + .6 mi walk

Getting to the end of a busy day but got in a little something-better-than-nothing workout. Mostly core, then took a walk to take out the trash and check the mail. 

Week-ending thoughts:

Since I've pretty much decided I'm done with Tri for the season, I'm working to shift back to more mileage and strength training. Still want to keep the bike as an option for cross-training but probably won't keep up the swimming. 

Got about 25 miles running for the week which isn't bad... want to try to bump up to 30-35 mpw in the heat of the summer then really ramp up (especially on trails) as the fall begins.

Recovery Week

Monday

2 mi pup walk

Originally wanted to slow jog with her but she seemed to have an upset tummy overnight so we kept it to a walk instead.

Tuesday

6.25 mi @ 8:56/mi - VO2 Max Intervals

Did a Garmin-suggested workout for "VO2 Max" which was 2 mins at 7:20 pace / 1 min recovery jog repeated 9x. I did this in the heat of the afternoon and if I hadn't lost count of which rep I was on, I probably would have quit early. I thought I had 2 more reps to do and the watch told me I was done (and I was DONE). 

Not bad!

It did have a good impact on my predicted 5k time (back below 21 mins!) and I'm in Productive status again. Woohoo!

Wednesday

2.4 mi pup miles

Easy miles with doggo.

12 mins strength & mobility

Windmills for shoulder mobility, among other things.

Thursday

4.1 mi XC run

Easy miles on the XC course. Thought about doing longer but time and heat drained that idea.

Friday

30 min strength

Almost talked myself out of going to the gym but managed a little something.

Saturday

5.1 mi easy run 

Heat and hilly, that was the name of this run. Super slow before the rain rolled through... should have waited, it got super comfortable after!

Sunday

lots of random things - walks, strength & core, basketball

Not a super great week for exercise, but did a little bit of this and a little bit of that. 

Race Week - first Tri in over a decade!

Hard to believe race week is here already!

Monday

2.4 mi walk

Heavy training weekend means recovery walkies.

Tuesday

10k Tuesday in 2 parts

Part 1: 3.2 mi @ 

Part 2: 3 mi @ Rockers Run Club

Took it nice and easy peasy at run club, trying not to stress the legs this week.

Wednesday

800 yd swim

Kept it short and easy today!

Thursday

Indoor mini-Brick: 20 min stationary bike, 10 min treadmill run, 15 min yoga/stretching

Just to remind the legs what they're about to do! I don't love the indoor options but it was very efficient.

Friday

rest

Saturday

Clemson Triathlon!

Sunday

rest

Race Report: Clemson Triathlon

Yesterday I completed my first triathlon in over a decade! The last one I did was the REV3 South Carolina Olympic triathlon in 2014. I did the Clemson Tri twice (2013 & 2014) and had ideas of making it my "go-to" standard race every year. Then a child came along and all my tri goals took a hiatus. 

So this year, I said THIS IS THE YEAR. 

Training has been pretty good - nothing excessive, but certainly knew I could cover all the race distances with a decent effort. Swimming was pretty consistent (1-2 swims per week) and biking was probably the one I least prepared for... really relied on my running capabilities to get me through the bike. I think more bike miles on something other than a flat trail will be necessary to make significant improvements in future races.

Pre-race evening and early morning felt good - made myself a good dinner, got to bed early, and my Garmin was telling me all things were in good shape!

Chicken, baked potato, salad

P E A K I N G ⭐

Race morning went... not so smoothly. First off, the race started at 7am and had an hour drive for me to get there. I'd planned to leave my place at 4:15, ended up leaving closer to 4:30, and 10 minutes into the drive I realized I'd forgotten to pack swim goggles. HOW I realized that, I don't know... I had thought about it as I was packing the night before and just happened to have the realization as I was mentally walking through each sport as I drove. Turned around, got the goggles, back on the road... still had an ETA of close to 5:30am which was right on target. I'm never early for anything but for that reason I always plan to be WAY early for races. Next complication en route... my critical morning schedule 💩 had not gone to plan, and with about 30 minutes left in the drive, my body decided IT WAS TIME. Nope, not stopping, already late... but thankfully got to the race site in time and found the port-a-potties. Business accomplished. ✅

Pretty sunrise though!

Eventually got checked in, got all my gear set up in transition, and was ready for the race. 

I started getting nervous once they had us all step down to the beach into the water. Gazing out at the buoys marking the course, they seemed SO FAR AWAY. Thankfully the water was warm (85F) so there wasn't a shock of getting into the water. Actually wanted to stay in because it was so much warmer than the air temps (67F). Eventually they counted us down and 3-2-1 we were off! I made sure to stay to the edge of the wave of people, knowing I would be much slower. Started off and immediately panic set in... I couldn't get my breathing right, my goggles were leaking/fogging up, I couldn't imagine having the stamina to reach one buoy much less the next 2 and then get back to shore! I had to side-stroke for a bit so I could breathe and calm my heart rate. Unnerving to say the least, but eventually I got to the first buoy and was able to actually start swimming somewhat normally. Felt ok after that but sheesh, I have to figure out how to do that better!

1000 m swim: 28:03

Finally got up on the sandy beach and ran to transition - not a far distance but UGH the sand! That took the most time getting sand off my feet enough that I felt OK putting socks on. Gross. Going to need to bring a squirt bottle for rinsing at future events with sand. 

T1 time: 3:34

I was so thankful to be on dry land, and I felt like I could be pretty strong on the bike. It was a 2-loop course and through the first loop I could tell it was going to be hilly. There were a couple of ~200ft climbs through the 10 mile loop, so I would call it "rolling" - nothing insane but definitely NOT flat! Managed to keep a 16.2 mph average (maxed out just over 30 mph down one hill, wheeee) and felt pretty good that I passed a bunch of people, especially on climbs. 😎 Also one of the benefits of being so slow on the swim 😂

21 mile bike: 1h 17m

Back into transition, quickly got changed, and was out onto the run in just over a minute. Official timing has be closer to 45s, but I clocked the transition at the bike dismount instead of actually entering the transition zone. 

T2 time: 1:17

And finally, running! The thing I'm with which comfortable and confident. Obviously worked through the initial jello legs feeling after getting off the bike, and tried to keep a steady but not overly pushed pace on the out-and-back course. It was fun seeing other participants and cheering on folks as I passed them! The sun had really come out at this point and it started to get warm. Plus the one VERY steep hill in the middle of mile 2 was a real gut punch. Didn't walk though! Somehow managed to keep a 8:19/mi pace for the run which was much better than I had expected. 

6k run: 32:10

Somehow managed 2nd in my age group also!!

Overall quite pleased with how this event went, and I know what I need to work on for the next (tbd) one!

The Heat Has Arrived

Monday

2.7 mi @ 11:24/mi pup run

Very slow run with the pup this morning, it was already 80F at 8am! Easy jog on the Gold Line.

1 mi afternoon walk

More pup walkies, still soooo warm. Have to make more frequent but shorter walks for the summer!

Tuesday

6.23 mi @ 9:19/mi 

Had to get out early due to another crazy workday on the agenda... ridiculously humid but glad to get it done early. Never regret seeing a sunrise!

That moment when you have just enough light to put the headlamp away. 

1.3 mi baseball walkies

Still very very humid.

Wednesday

1.2 mi walk

Lunch pup walks are soooo hot already, poor pup dog. 

60 min hot vinyasa yoga

Such a good class! Really need to do these more often.

Thursday

5.5 mi with speed intervals

Garmin-suggested workout for the day, and sure, why not let's just do this at the hottest part of the day?? Ran the flattest part of road available near the office but unfortunately this part is out in the open sun. Workout was 3x3x15s @ target pace of 5:05/mi and I got a completion score of ~85%.

1 mi baseball walk

Friday

1 mi morning walk

Getting in some pup walk miles before the heat sets in.

1,300 m swim

Pool was on the large 50m format at lunch today, so made a goal to swim a solid 1,200m after a 100m warmup. Did a "fast/hard" effort on the way out, and on the return length went easy/recovery pace. This felt pretty good and got the whole swim done in ~35 mins!

Saturday

Double race day!

Sunrise Run 8k - 2nd AG, 37:39

I've run this race many times over the years, and this year was certainly not a spectacular performance but not the worst by far! Happy to get an age group placement, certainly didn't anticipate that from a "run well but don't race" effort.

Corporate Team Pic!

Buck Creek Streak 5k (and 7.3k)

This next one was unique... the 5k was the only timed/scored part of the event, and the last lap to make it a 7.3k was a "bonus lap". It was a lovely trail run on a private resort, such a fun race environment, and I managed first place age group / second overall female!

Sunday

15/15 Brick workout - 15 mi bike + 15 min run

Since I've got 6 days until the first triathlon in over a decade, I decided it was time to remind myself how it feels to run immediately after biking (often called a Brick workout... probably because the legs feel like bricks when you start running?? idk).

Biked with a group in Spartanburg around Duncan Park which was lovely - low-traffic, shaded, and only moderately hilly. 

Harald and his Spinners

Finished a little over 15 miles before quickly securing the bike, changing shoes, and starting a run on the Rail Trail. Only 3 mins of transition time was pretty good, and then the run was about 15 mins at a 8:40/mi pace. Certainly didn't feel that fast, but whew it was a good reminder of how dead the legs feel after biking!

Lunchtime reward for hard work