Standing at the finish line of the 2014 Surf the Murph 25k,
50k and 50-mile race, looking up towards the star covered, cool October night
sky a slight breeze brushed my face as I looked down and watched the time clock ticked
past 14 hours and 30 minutes. 14 hours and 30 minutes since more than 300 runners had anxiously awaited for the starting signal to go off. 14 hours and 30 minutes since I began my unforgettable
first (and certainly not last) volunteering experience.
After the sun had set and the moon was comfortably surrounded by stars, an inspirational 57-year-old woman had only a few miles left before the finish line in her 50-mile journey. Under 15-hours prior, this daring woman, not knowing what was ahead of her in the next 50 miles stood along side many other runners at the starting line not knowing what was ahead of them. Not knowing she would beat the time cut of of her last 17-mile loop by 1 minute and finish what not many people witness or experience in their life.
With the hum of the nearby lights shining through the trees I stood patiently, staring down the endless trail I too had ran a few short hours prior. Off in the distance I notice a flicker of light between the bare tree-shadowed trail. Wondering if it was her; the final runner to cross the finish line at the 2014 Surf the Murph 50-mile race?
The Beginning of an Ultra Unforgettable Day
The day for me started just as early as it did for many other volunteers and runners. One beep of my alarm clock and I was out the door by 4 am. A quick coffee stop, 10 minute drive to the parking lot and a short walk to the wooded trail entrance where I would spend my morning. Another volunteer and I walked down the road to the trail entrance and helped unload the already waiting truck with all the supplies we would need for the day. The five of us quickly set up our aid station in the woods as the first runners had already started and were expected to arrive soon. Being my first time ever volunteering I mostly just did whatever I was told and helped out as best I could. I quickly caught onto the flow of how the aid station worked taking in as much of the experience and information as I could.
The 50-mile race started at 6 am, just as we were putting the final touches on our aid station. The other volunteers and I got situated and waited the front runners to make their way through. Just before 6:30 am, off in the distance, a head lamp flickered between the trees as the first runner made his way up the trail. The runners were only 3 miles into the race by the time they reached our aid station and for many there was no need for them to stop as most flew past us shouting out their number to check in and giving a quick "thanks for volunteering" shout out.
A few minutes later the next small wave of leading runners went by as we alerted them they were only a few minutes back. The aid station staff and I were doing pretty good so far keeping everything stocked as no one had yet stopped to grab something to eat or drink yet. Just moments later the main pack had arrived as runners shouted out their numbers and made their way to grab a quick bite or something to drink.
I noticed right away, in the morning darkness, some runners were struggling with where everything was on the tables as we tried to help light up the table with our head lamps as best we could and pointing the main essentials out. Some runners were mixing up HEED (like Gatorade) and water, spitting it out in surprising disgust and asking where the water was. I was quick to notice and began pointing out where the water was first as the next group of runners came in. Numerous runners thanked us for volunteering as the norm for us became thanking them back for running early in the morning and getting us all out of bed. It was probably the best parade I had ever witnessed that early in the morning.
Just as the sun made its way through the trees and the craziness settled of what was left of the last 50-mile racers coming through the 50k runners whizzed past. I knew a lot of these runners would not stop, especially so early in the race and we would have more time to relax a bit. Now that the sun had made its way though the trees headlamps were not necessary. We began making signs to help the 25k runners better distinguish between the assortment of beverages we had available.
As the day went on I started to notice a few things that make sense now that I would have never thought could make a huge difference at an aid station. First, when setting out bread, cut in four squares, make sure they are cut all the way through so runners do not have to worry about taking the time to pull them apart. Also, only keep out a little bit of bread out at a time so it does not dry out. Separating the pop from the water and other drinks can be the difference in a runner being totally surprised after taking a big drink of sprite and thinking it would be water. As runners began coming in I tried to keep the bag of M&Ms or Skittles next to the cups they were in because nothing's more shocking than biting into some rock hard Skittles thinking they are M&M's.
For most of the morning, after the starts, the runners came in one by one or in smaller groups. For one 50k runner on his second and final loop, looking extremely exhausted, he came into our aid station and some of the more experienced volunteers and ultra runners sprung into action to help. They go him a chair, some food and some endurolytes to help offset, what they theorized his problem was from high water intake. For the next half hour he sat in the chair trying to recuperate, hoping to continue.
A female runner came in shortly after and had tweaked her knee on the tough 3 mile section before the aid station. Since it was almost time for our shift to end at the aid station another volunteer leaving offered to give the two runners a ride back to the start. Not an easy decision, but probably the best they accepted and were on their way. Before I left I grabbed a sandwich that was provided for the volunteers and packed up my bag to head to the start in hopes of running a lap either by myself or another runner.
Just before noon I had changed into my running clothes and hung around the finish line to watch some of the 50k runners finish. Another volunteer who was with me at the aid station in the morning was sitting close to the finish waiting for a friend he was going to pace. I thought about heading out with them, but did not want to wait too long as I was also scheduled to help clean up at 5 pm. I walked over to the aid station by the start and filled up my water bottles and headed out on the trail.
17 Mile Run (aka my longest run so far to date)
After a few minutes of standing around I decided to head out and maybe catch up with someone along the course to run with. Down the leaf covered trail and back up a hill a runner was ahead of me and looked to be running well. I caught up to him and noticed he was running the 50-mile course. I ran ahead for a bit then figured I would see if he wanted to run with me for a loop. "Are you running the 50?" I knowingly asked just to spark some conversation. "Yep. On my third loop," he replied.
It was hard for me to believe this guy was in the midst of his first ultra, 30 plus miles into it, on his last lap and still moving extremely well. We were going at a steady pace, walking up the hills and getting to know each other a bit. I made sure to let him know I was not there to push him in any way to run more than he wanted to and tried to keep the conversations light as there was a lot of miles and work still ahead of us.
Passing the first mile I jokingly told him he was one less mile less than he had to go a mile ago. Every few miles from then on I asked him how he was feeling. His response was mostly that he was doing good, but was starting to have some stomach issues as we made our way to the first aid station. As we approached the first aid station (about 3 miles from the start) I quickly went to the bathroom and told him to take all the time he needed and to not wait for me if he wanted to continue. He grabbed a few things to eat and we were on our way rather quickly.
The next section of trail was a lot more run able than the first 3 miles. Less hills and a little bit of a rhythm going, we cruised into the next aid station. Around 6 miles into what I had ran so far I was feeling good, as this is normally the point of my shorter runs I would be done. We continued on, walking the hills and running the flats. The next section was a lot of open fields, narrow trails and some soft grass trails that were easy to follow from all the runners packing down the trail throughout the day. As we came upon the next aid station I could hear music and people cheering us on as we came in. I stood off to the side as my running partner grabbed some food and the aid station crew tended to him. I grabbed a small bag of M&M's before we left, which I think were the BEST tasting M&M's I've ever had.
Right before we left I had heard my running partner say to one of the aid station volunteers, "I know what's on the other side of the road and it's not going to be good". "Don't think about it!" The volunteer yelled as we shuffled off into the woods. I had absolutely no clue what that meant and asked him what that was all about and he told me it was the roughest part of the race. I would find out later exactly what he was talking about.
As we headed of through the next section I knew my partner was feeling little better as the pace picked up a little bit on the flatter section of the course. Back to a previous aid station, with a quick bit to eat for him and a water refill for me we headed across the road and into the woods on the other side. After a while in the woods I noticed some encouraging signs posed along the trail. Nearing a slight incline, or so I thought, I noticed a sign that said "embrace the climb". Oh crap, I thought. This must be what he was talking about to the volunteer at the aid station.
Just before we started to make our way to the steep hike, he motioned me to go ahead of him. A narrow trail of tree roots, and somewhat slick, heavily packed, bald-leaf dirt trail lead us to the start of the gnarliest part of the trail. With somewhat fresh legs I trucked on to the top as I pulled my way up with trees and branches along the way. After a short break at the top I could tell he was absolutely thrilled inside that was the last time he had to climb that hill.
Another steep descent and though some more narrow trails we were heading to the final stretch and the final miles of his incredible 50-mile race. Popping out of the woods and onto a road we trucked on. After short distance we came to a closed fence with no sign of the trail. In an exhausted and confused breath my partner said, "what the heck" as we looked around for any sign of a trail. I had noticed about 25 yards back a few trail markers leading off to the right with a slightly tilted sign that said "16-miles". We headed back and noticed the trail markers right away and were back on track. I apologized as he was somewhat on auto-pilot being a few miles from the finish.
With one mile to go I looked over and noticed a slight smile on his face. As we neared the finish line we could hear the spectators cheering on other runners as they crossed the finish line. A lady was standing on the side of the trail and told us we were about 100 yards from the finish. Something strange came over me as we came around the last corner and could see the people shouting at the finish. Even though I did not run the entire 50-mile race I still had a great sense of accomplishment. Helping out someone I had never met, being there for support and running along side him for what probably was some of the hardest miles he had ran in his life, I knew this is what running is all about.
Just before the last turn to the finish line I broke off and cheered him on as he crossed the finish line and met with him after to see if he needed anything. "I just want to soak this all in before the rush wears off," he told me. "You have done more for me than I could ever ask for". We talked for a little bit after and parted ways as I told him I might see him next year on the course if he decided to do it again, but I know that was the last thing on his mind.
Inspiration
Standing patiently in front of the truck waiting to be loaded, I waited for the last runner to cross the finish line. Light flickered through the trees like firefly's on a summer night. I sign in disappointment as it is just another passing car along the side of the final stretch of the trail. I walked to one of the tables scattered with a variety of drinks and foods for the runners and start to put some of them away. I glance over my shoulder one last time and notice an unfamiliar bright light shining on the dark trail. "Here she comes!" someone yelled as the remaining volunteers and I lined up and cheered the last runner in.
One of the race directors sprinted down the trail to help cheer her on and muster up the last bit of energy she had to run up the slight incline and around the corner to the finish. The moment she came up the trail into the beaming lights shining on finish line, I knew we were all witnessing something incredible not just in the sport of ultra running, but what the human body is capable of doing. Events like this prove that no matter how old you may be you are never too old or young to find your own voice or passion and anything is possible.
Final Thoughts
My experience volunteering at this years Surf the Murph 25k, 50k and 50-mile race has inspired me to think and appreciate some of the little things running has to offer. By looking at the bigger picture and not so much at finding reasons to limit our limits I have found anything is possible. Yes, 26, 50 or 100-miles of 30 plus hours of mind numbing, continuous running seems like a daunting and pointless task to some.
Many look for an explanation as to why run these ultra distances. Sometimes words are not always the answer, as many have been accustomed to looking for. Sometimes just being in the moment is all that is needed. I knew at the end when a mother coming around the last corner to see her kids waiting for her as they all ran across the finish line why. I knew by witnessing the woman announce she had battled cancer after crossing the finish line and pushed her limits past anything she thought possible why. I knew why, that day, every runner that toed the starting line decided to push their body to receive much more than just a piece of wood as their medal and sore muscles as they hobble the remaining yards from the finish line to their cars why 26.2-miles is not enough. The answer and journey may be different for everyone, but the end result and sense of accomplishment is the same.
After the sun had set and the moon was comfortably surrounded by stars, an inspirational 57-year-old woman had only a few miles left before the finish line in her 50-mile journey. Under 15-hours prior, this daring woman, not knowing what was ahead of her in the next 50 miles stood along side many other runners at the starting line not knowing what was ahead of them. Not knowing she would beat the time cut of of her last 17-mile loop by 1 minute and finish what not many people witness or experience in their life.
With the hum of the nearby lights shining through the trees I stood patiently, staring down the endless trail I too had ran a few short hours prior. Off in the distance I notice a flicker of light between the bare tree-shadowed trail. Wondering if it was her; the final runner to cross the finish line at the 2014 Surf the Murph 50-mile race?
The Beginning of an Ultra Unforgettable Day
The day for me started just as early as it did for many other volunteers and runners. One beep of my alarm clock and I was out the door by 4 am. A quick coffee stop, 10 minute drive to the parking lot and a short walk to the wooded trail entrance where I would spend my morning. Another volunteer and I walked down the road to the trail entrance and helped unload the already waiting truck with all the supplies we would need for the day. The five of us quickly set up our aid station in the woods as the first runners had already started and were expected to arrive soon. Being my first time ever volunteering I mostly just did whatever I was told and helped out as best I could. I quickly caught onto the flow of how the aid station worked taking in as much of the experience and information as I could.
The 50-mile race started at 6 am, just as we were putting the final touches on our aid station. The other volunteers and I got situated and waited the front runners to make their way through. Just before 6:30 am, off in the distance, a head lamp flickered between the trees as the first runner made his way up the trail. The runners were only 3 miles into the race by the time they reached our aid station and for many there was no need for them to stop as most flew past us shouting out their number to check in and giving a quick "thanks for volunteering" shout out.
A few minutes later the next small wave of leading runners went by as we alerted them they were only a few minutes back. The aid station staff and I were doing pretty good so far keeping everything stocked as no one had yet stopped to grab something to eat or drink yet. Just moments later the main pack had arrived as runners shouted out their numbers and made their way to grab a quick bite or something to drink.
I noticed right away, in the morning darkness, some runners were struggling with where everything was on the tables as we tried to help light up the table with our head lamps as best we could and pointing the main essentials out. Some runners were mixing up HEED (like Gatorade) and water, spitting it out in surprising disgust and asking where the water was. I was quick to notice and began pointing out where the water was first as the next group of runners came in. Numerous runners thanked us for volunteering as the norm for us became thanking them back for running early in the morning and getting us all out of bed. It was probably the best parade I had ever witnessed that early in the morning.
 |
| A beautiful sunrise at the North Aid Station |
Just as the sun made its way through the trees and the craziness settled of what was left of the last 50-mile racers coming through the 50k runners whizzed past. I knew a lot of these runners would not stop, especially so early in the race and we would have more time to relax a bit. Now that the sun had made its way though the trees headlamps were not necessary. We began making signs to help the 25k runners better distinguish between the assortment of beverages we had available.
As the day went on I started to notice a few things that make sense now that I would have never thought could make a huge difference at an aid station. First, when setting out bread, cut in four squares, make sure they are cut all the way through so runners do not have to worry about taking the time to pull them apart. Also, only keep out a little bit of bread out at a time so it does not dry out. Separating the pop from the water and other drinks can be the difference in a runner being totally surprised after taking a big drink of sprite and thinking it would be water. As runners began coming in I tried to keep the bag of M&Ms or Skittles next to the cups they were in because nothing's more shocking than biting into some rock hard Skittles thinking they are M&M's.
For most of the morning, after the starts, the runners came in one by one or in smaller groups. For one 50k runner on his second and final loop, looking extremely exhausted, he came into our aid station and some of the more experienced volunteers and ultra runners sprung into action to help. They go him a chair, some food and some endurolytes to help offset, what they theorized his problem was from high water intake. For the next half hour he sat in the chair trying to recuperate, hoping to continue.
A female runner came in shortly after and had tweaked her knee on the tough 3 mile section before the aid station. Since it was almost time for our shift to end at the aid station another volunteer leaving offered to give the two runners a ride back to the start. Not an easy decision, but probably the best they accepted and were on their way. Before I left I grabbed a sandwich that was provided for the volunteers and packed up my bag to head to the start in hopes of running a lap either by myself or another runner.
Just before noon I had changed into my running clothes and hung around the finish line to watch some of the 50k runners finish. Another volunteer who was with me at the aid station in the morning was sitting close to the finish waiting for a friend he was going to pace. I thought about heading out with them, but did not want to wait too long as I was also scheduled to help clean up at 5 pm. I walked over to the aid station by the start and filled up my water bottles and headed out on the trail.
17 Mile Run (aka my longest run so far to date)
After a few minutes of standing around I decided to head out and maybe catch up with someone along the course to run with. Down the leaf covered trail and back up a hill a runner was ahead of me and looked to be running well. I caught up to him and noticed he was running the 50-mile course. I ran ahead for a bit then figured I would see if he wanted to run with me for a loop. "Are you running the 50?" I knowingly asked just to spark some conversation. "Yep. On my third loop," he replied.
It was hard for me to believe this guy was in the midst of his first ultra, 30 plus miles into it, on his last lap and still moving extremely well. We were going at a steady pace, walking up the hills and getting to know each other a bit. I made sure to let him know I was not there to push him in any way to run more than he wanted to and tried to keep the conversations light as there was a lot of miles and work still ahead of us.
Passing the first mile I jokingly told him he was one less mile less than he had to go a mile ago. Every few miles from then on I asked him how he was feeling. His response was mostly that he was doing good, but was starting to have some stomach issues as we made our way to the first aid station. As we approached the first aid station (about 3 miles from the start) I quickly went to the bathroom and told him to take all the time he needed and to not wait for me if he wanted to continue. He grabbed a few things to eat and we were on our way rather quickly.
The next section of trail was a lot more run able than the first 3 miles. Less hills and a little bit of a rhythm going, we cruised into the next aid station. Around 6 miles into what I had ran so far I was feeling good, as this is normally the point of my shorter runs I would be done. We continued on, walking the hills and running the flats. The next section was a lot of open fields, narrow trails and some soft grass trails that were easy to follow from all the runners packing down the trail throughout the day. As we came upon the next aid station I could hear music and people cheering us on as we came in. I stood off to the side as my running partner grabbed some food and the aid station crew tended to him. I grabbed a small bag of M&M's before we left, which I think were the BEST tasting M&M's I've ever had.
Right before we left I had heard my running partner say to one of the aid station volunteers, "I know what's on the other side of the road and it's not going to be good". "Don't think about it!" The volunteer yelled as we shuffled off into the woods. I had absolutely no clue what that meant and asked him what that was all about and he told me it was the roughest part of the race. I would find out later exactly what he was talking about.
As we headed of through the next section I knew my partner was feeling little better as the pace picked up a little bit on the flatter section of the course. Back to a previous aid station, with a quick bit to eat for him and a water refill for me we headed across the road and into the woods on the other side. After a while in the woods I noticed some encouraging signs posed along the trail. Nearing a slight incline, or so I thought, I noticed a sign that said "embrace the climb". Oh crap, I thought. This must be what he was talking about to the volunteer at the aid station.
Just before we started to make our way to the steep hike, he motioned me to go ahead of him. A narrow trail of tree roots, and somewhat slick, heavily packed, bald-leaf dirt trail lead us to the start of the gnarliest part of the trail. With somewhat fresh legs I trucked on to the top as I pulled my way up with trees and branches along the way. After a short break at the top I could tell he was absolutely thrilled inside that was the last time he had to climb that hill.
Another steep descent and though some more narrow trails we were heading to the final stretch and the final miles of his incredible 50-mile race. Popping out of the woods and onto a road we trucked on. After short distance we came to a closed fence with no sign of the trail. In an exhausted and confused breath my partner said, "what the heck" as we looked around for any sign of a trail. I had noticed about 25 yards back a few trail markers leading off to the right with a slightly tilted sign that said "16-miles". We headed back and noticed the trail markers right away and were back on track. I apologized as he was somewhat on auto-pilot being a few miles from the finish.
With one mile to go I looked over and noticed a slight smile on his face. As we neared the finish line we could hear the spectators cheering on other runners as they crossed the finish line. A lady was standing on the side of the trail and told us we were about 100 yards from the finish. Something strange came over me as we came around the last corner and could see the people shouting at the finish. Even though I did not run the entire 50-mile race I still had a great sense of accomplishment. Helping out someone I had never met, being there for support and running along side him for what probably was some of the hardest miles he had ran in his life, I knew this is what running is all about.
Just before the last turn to the finish line I broke off and cheered him on as he crossed the finish line and met with him after to see if he needed anything. "I just want to soak this all in before the rush wears off," he told me. "You have done more for me than I could ever ask for". We talked for a little bit after and parted ways as I told him I might see him next year on the course if he decided to do it again, but I know that was the last thing on his mind.
 | |
| I could definitely tell I had just ran 17-miles on a trail |
Inspiration
Standing patiently in front of the truck waiting to be loaded, I waited for the last runner to cross the finish line. Light flickered through the trees like firefly's on a summer night. I sign in disappointment as it is just another passing car along the side of the final stretch of the trail. I walked to one of the tables scattered with a variety of drinks and foods for the runners and start to put some of them away. I glance over my shoulder one last time and notice an unfamiliar bright light shining on the dark trail. "Here she comes!" someone yelled as the remaining volunteers and I lined up and cheered the last runner in.
One of the race directors sprinted down the trail to help cheer her on and muster up the last bit of energy she had to run up the slight incline and around the corner to the finish. The moment she came up the trail into the beaming lights shining on finish line, I knew we were all witnessing something incredible not just in the sport of ultra running, but what the human body is capable of doing. Events like this prove that no matter how old you may be you are never too old or young to find your own voice or passion and anything is possible.
Final Thoughts
My experience volunteering at this years Surf the Murph 25k, 50k and 50-mile race has inspired me to think and appreciate some of the little things running has to offer. By looking at the bigger picture and not so much at finding reasons to limit our limits I have found anything is possible. Yes, 26, 50 or 100-miles of 30 plus hours of mind numbing, continuous running seems like a daunting and pointless task to some.
Many look for an explanation as to why run these ultra distances. Sometimes words are not always the answer, as many have been accustomed to looking for. Sometimes just being in the moment is all that is needed. I knew at the end when a mother coming around the last corner to see her kids waiting for her as they all ran across the finish line why. I knew by witnessing the woman announce she had battled cancer after crossing the finish line and pushed her limits past anything she thought possible why. I knew why, that day, every runner that toed the starting line decided to push their body to receive much more than just a piece of wood as their medal and sore muscles as they hobble the remaining yards from the finish line to their cars why 26.2-miles is not enough. The answer and journey may be different for everyone, but the end result and sense of accomplishment is the same.
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| Even the volunteers got special plaques |
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