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“Where the heck is Lake Hodges?” That was my initial retort when first asked if I was running in The Lake Hodges 50K (LH50K). Being from Orange County, my response isn’t surprising. I have Irvine friends who have no idea there’s an Irvine Lake. In South Orange County, we don’t boast many natural lakes because they, like wildlife and historic trees, are untidy and clash with car spas. In “The OC” we dig big holes, add Ready Mix and craft fake lakes as found in Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita; sandwiched between tennis courts, association pools and tot lots. Years ago, two nice gentlemen came to my door and asked “do you know god?” My reply was short but honest, “I don’t even know my neighbors.” So, for me not knowing the whereabouts of Lake Hodges is no revelation. Today, March 31, 2007, I know exactly where Lake Hodges is located. The over achieving San Diego County pond is only one hour from Orange County and I had never been there before; a crime.

The parking lot for the LH50K was easy to locate, had plenty of space and was conveniently adjacent the check-in area. Many runners have issues cramming into shuttles so the proximity of the starting line and their warm cars was ideal. I tried paying for the single VIP parking pass but missed the cut. As all witnessed at mile four , the blue Blazer owner was the obvious winner. Was that an awesome valet park job or what? I’m thinking no tip and better check the ashtray for missing quarters. The Blazer may need a wax job.

Don’t get me started on the porta-podies. Apparently, if you had fifty of the plastic blue condos there would still be lines. I quietly snuck over to the Chevron gas station and immediately accessed the restroom. Keep in mind that while all porta-podies reek, if you use the Chevron bathroom and it’s unpleasant afterwards you’ll catch the blame. Check in went smoothly aside from those who grabbed goodie bags and then forgot to have their names checked off. The LH50K provided nifty white technical shirts. Oddly enough, the shirt is sometimes more of a runner concern than the actual race itself. During an ultra it’s important to look good even when sometimes feeling bad. If you receive an event shirt that you can use without getting a rash or being embarrassed in then the ultra organizer is halfway to success. Kevin McGuinness gets an A+ for shirt procurement.

With the customary RD standing on the smallest step ladder available and accompanied without a  microphone, Kevin McGuinness shouts last minute race instruction. Apparently, the course endured a last minute route adjustment do to locals who didn’t want runners bothering their horses. Are we back in the OC? Did anybody ask the horses if they found ultra runners offensive? Would horses rather be around self-centered TV drones bidding for personality packages on QVC versus runners? What does a captive horse dream about all day while standing in a coral? My guess is running free! I could go on a rant but, let’s say the course was improved to avoid clueless land owners who don’t understand the purpose of life. Can’t we all just get along? Kevin gives the thumbs up and with four F-15s from Miramar buzzing the crowd, the runners are off. OK, so it was one low flying, drug running Cessna but, I like the jet concept.

In researching the LH50K, I was repeatedly informed on how “fair” the course was. “A great first timer’s course” was the exact language. I smirked at those comment. I know one thing for certain. There is no such thing as a fair ultra course. If it’s flatter, you naturally run faster and make it harder. Some trail runners have problems with the flats as was the case Saturday. No matter how you slice, dice or rationalize it, a 50K is physically and mentally difficult regardless of gain/loss or indigenous terrain. Whether its last night’s dinner doing some Sigourney Weaver Alien Resurrection, lack of rest or bad weather, something inevitably conspires against you during a thirty-one mile run. At some point, well before the finish, you’ll want it to be over. Don’t fool yourself with the LH50K. It may claim a few soft spots and tranquil surroundings but don’t let it lull you to sleep. The seemingly easy backside had some runners in pure fits. Universal 50K intangibles always click in and it’s another tough day at the ultra office. Register, train, don’t believe everything you hear or see and run your race. In my humble opinion, an ultra is as hard, easy or fair as you make it.

The biggest bonus surprise with the LH50K was the changing contour. The route can transition from access road, to singletrack, back to road in the span of two minutes. One section delivered freeway overpass shade, followed by tree canopy and then a lakeside view from a raised chaparral trail. I loved the bunny stuffed animals marking the trail which gave a Fatal Attraction-Easter Sunday feel to the activity. Maybe due to the lake, I got a mouthful of small gnats and must admit they weren’t half bad. Bugs are high in protein and I figured recovery nutrient can’t be bad for the quads. I passed on the green dragonfly but considered the black stinkbug.

The first half of the course offered some hillside shade and with the lake had a relatively cool feel. That wouldn’t be the case for the second half of the course. From the onset, the sun and hour glass conspired against the runners. In a way, the two separate out and backs reminded me of a golf course design where they intentionally construct two unique sets of nine holes. The first out and back has an interesting trail mix of terrain goodies; up, down, side angle, flat, singletrack, fire road. The second half has a more straightaway feel with a never ending incline that doesn’t fit into the “rolling hill” category. Having two out and backs is ideal for group ultra running. In many cases you see your running mates three to four times which always gives a spiritual boost that you don’t normally experience with all courses. It’s the ultra community that makes an event and the more you run into the better.

The Lake Hodges anglers were entertaining. When did fresh water fishing become an official sport? Isn’t there some bill ratification process that requires voter approval before leisure activities gain sport status? Aside from loading the Budweiser party ball aboard the motorized cooler, is there any other activity here that resembles exercise? Does the Garmin Fat-Bass-5000 start beeping while landing an eight inch bluegill? And the garb! I like the camouflage look but, can fish actually see inside the boat? Wouldn’t dirty blue or brown make more sense? I’m thinking the big metal thing with the engine may be blowing everyone’s cover. I’m not here to bag on fishing but its kind of fun. The Lake Hodges anglers were sucking in their guts as the 50Kers paralleled the shoreline. If you listened carefully you could hear the idle chatter. “Billy Joe Bob, stop eating the night crawlers and pass me the stink cheese.”

The Orange County Trail Runners (OCTR) were naturally supportive of The Lake Hodges 50K. With fifteen participants, I can’t go into detail on everyone’s efforts; the only thing greater than the growing size of this group is the individual commitment to support the ultra and trail running community. As the OCTR editor and chief flunky, it’s an honor to run with and cover the escapades of such a diverse collection of great human beings. I’m not worthy.

OCTR member Pete Vara (7:10:19) takes home “Best Dressed” as usual. Pam Everett (5:51:13) receives “Most likely to steal food from your fanny pack”, Keira Henninger (5:15:17) was spotted drinking water directly from the lake, Marisa Willment (5:39:11) didn’t disappoint the crowd with a low-chunk, high-carb puke, Natalia Norman (7:09:41) channeled a one hundred year old dolphin for most of the race, Skip Molina (just training) told life stories the entire time even when nobody was within ear shot, Kim French (7:11:10) went to Nordstoms afterwards and returned her shoes (wrong color), Robert Schipsi (5:04:40) was busy forgetting to follow his energy gel schedule, Shelli Sexton (6:24:08) was glad she lives near the 15 Freeway and OCTR founder Jessica Deline drove down just to cheer everyone on.

My all time favorite ultra runner Paul Avedian (7:08:56) was in true form. Paul worries about his ultra time more than anyone else on the planet. That is to say, Paul makes sure he has an ultra good time. He brought his new 20 gig digital camera and took pictures of everything. “Paul, it’s a tumbleweed, its dead, let’s go.” If Paul had to buy film to develop pictures, he’d be broke.

2007 Boston Marathon qualifier and first time ultra-marathoner Michael Mazza (4:52:12) was acclimating to the strange gravel surroundings while scanning for the other ten thousand runners. Finishing sixteenth overall, I would say he adjusted well. Not sure if throwing up and icing his crotch was part of his post-race plans but, he seemed jovial during the Subway sandwich and burrito bash. Watch this guy’s future results if he decides to pursue the running industry’s version of “Dirty Jobs.” Michaels just warming up.

Kevin Nasman (4:58:53) also recorded a sub five hour finish  for his first ultra competition. Kevin is a long time endurance guy but, due to a couscous incident has been hesitant to run without bathrooms every few miles. Now, sponsored by Rice-a-Roni combined with a low bran mantra, he’ll certainly purge himself soon into a top ten finisher.

What would an ultra event be without Hwaja Andrade (7:12:59)? I’ve crossed training paths with Hwaja on the summit of Saddleback Mountain: fourteen miles from her car and she’s still running the opposite direction. At sixty-six years old, she has the physical make-up of someone in their mid-thirties. It cracks me up to see all these people get liposuction or put themselves on some crazy diet. If you want to look and feel better, take a tip from Hwaya and run up and down a few hills to avoid looking over the hill.

The iMichelle (Michelle Barton) did her normal routine by winning the women’s race in 4:26:55 and then going home for a long bike ride and one hour swim. Last week, Michelle was added to the esteemed Salomon trail running team. I’m not one to push products but, Michelle’s form with her new Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR W made me crave a pair at any price. Endurance is Michelle’s game and Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR W is the name. This traction loaded adventure running shoe keeps you fresh and agile for the duration with phenomenal 3D chassis technology. I don’t endorse advertorials but these shoes are available at Fleet Feet or other fine shoe retailers. Michelle will be running in the SJT50K next week so if you want to see her new Salomon Trail Pro 2s a light and fast off-road training shoe that dances over everything from muddy single track to boulder fields with Salomon’s ground breaking, knee-saving SCS cushioning system then you better arrive early. I’ll still have to break out the credit card for a new pair of Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR but that’s how it goes when you’re only a top twenty finisher. I could write a book on the iMichelle so let’s just call her LH50K performance awesome and move to the next less predictable outcome.

Second overall female went to Julie Morgan (5:03:42) and third place went to R. Derenick-Hannigan (5:07:27). I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting either competitor as they left me in the dust right from the start.

James Howorth (8:10:34) survived the tribulations of his first ultra. Only running since October 2006, he was a complete stud to shown up. I would’ve grabbed the cool technical shirt and called it a day but not James. Between him and full Ironman finisher Robbi Woolard (6:30:34), they’re ruining my jaded opinion of soft Coto de Caza residents who with over 2,500 homes can’t produce one lawn mower. Catch my drift?

I met Tracy Moore (4:09:42) for the first time along with his buddy Tom Nielsen (4:09:41). Their almost identical finishing times exhibit what running comradery is all about. They must alternate between races who steps over the finishing line first. Tom’s time was good for overall third place. Find a race result page without these two names in the top five and I’ll down a gallon of EAS with no chaser. I witnessed both of them reaching the initial aid station and they were as polite and gracious as I’ve seen. It’s a constant that I witness over and over in trail running but, the elite participants are among the most humble athletes around. As a kid, I use to ball boy professional tennis matches and I can tell you that John McEnroe would haven wiped out an aid station with one swipe of his snotty, self-entitled racquet.

Dean Dobberteen (4:19:16), the apparent heartthrob of all OCTR women, was in full race mode. I spoke with him shortly after his February Twin Peaks 50 second place finish. Had he not cramped in the very last stage of that event he would’ve certainly beaten David Goggins for top honors.

Top male overall went to Akos Konya in a blistering time of (3:57:32), second place to Steve Chrapchynski (3:58:50) and third to Tom Nielson (4:09:41).

At mile fourteen, while I was racking my brain to remember the blue Power Ranger’s real name, Kiera Henninger (5:15:17) approached and I accompanied her for the two miles back to the half way mark. Kiera is a goal driven runner. When she makes up her mind to do something, don’t argue with her, forget about it, move on. She had built up this race and the outcome to such a degree that it appeared to be stressing her out. I wasn’t about to broach the topic but she mentioned how the LH50K was going to “define her” so I lightly ran with it. Casually I replied, “certainly a race isn’t going to synthesize your life down to five hours.” Not sure if it sunk in but a few jokes and stories later she appeared more relaxed. I love ultra runners. They can be extremely casual or psycho serious depending on the minute. Keira switched topics to her son and the all-star basketball game he was playing in Las Vegas. She speaks of her son with so much pride and enthusiasm it’s easy to get choked up. I hoped she would realize through the course of the run that she was exercising today while doing something she loves and that it was in reality her son that “defines her.”

I’ve always wondered about the origin of the word “ultra” but believe it’s related to how “ultra” early you wake up to make starting times. My day began at 4 a.m. picking up other participants at the local Chevron station by 5 a.m. I made some lame running joke about Chevron’s mini mart nomenclature; cleverly labeled “the extra mile”. The Chevron across the street from the LH50K has the same “the extra mile” store where I planned on buying a few Red Bulls for the ride home. As various GPS reports came in from participants, it appeared that the LH50K was more like the LH50K plus one mile. That’s no big deal. I’ve never run a 50K that was exactly 50K and personally like the variance. However, it did make me think. With all the Google Earth resources, Garmin statistics and Timex extrapolation, it’s ironic that a gas station had it all figured out long before the satellites kicked in.

It’s been said that the quickest way to a person heart is through their stomach. Aid stations often define an ultra event. I only had time to hang out at the first aid station (The Boat House) but the food, drink and hospitality was five-star. Paul Cates is the biggest aid station worker I’ve ever seen. The man is fit and he stands like a massive pine tree and asks softly, “is there anything I can get for you?” I could tell from his demeanor that Paul was a 100 mile ultra veteran. I inquired and sure enough he had completed five. His accomplishments made me think. Ever see Jimmy Connors giving directions at the US Open volunteer kiosk? Have you spotted Reggie Jackson lately holding back the gallery during a PGA event? Something about being a runner makes you different. Finishing a 100 mile ultra, something less than .000000001 percent of the population will ever accomplish, could make one arrogant. Oddly enough, it seems to make the finishers the most humble individuals around. Maybe that’s what happens when you follow your heart instead of your wallet. Co-carbohydrate Captain Ken Myers was perpetually wiping down the table and restocking fuel. Expecting more volunteers that would never materalize, it was the Paul & Ken morning show and they handled it beautifully. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to run the entire event so I missed the crux of volunteers. According to the OCTR reports trickling in, the staff was “All World” including RD Kevin McGuinness who addressed most 175+ runners by name. Maybe Kevin’s not sure if people notice that but, they did.

Next topic is touchy but I’m not one to stray from silly controversy. Apparently, there were a few runners who decided to do their best “Dora the Explorer” impersonation and take a few short cuts through the brush. I can’t say if cutting the distance was accidental or if these individuals found the trail too hard but, I can confirm that it disturbed some of the competitors. In that light, it was unfair. Passing somebody much slower than you twice in a span of five miles is irritating. It’s like Ground Hogs Day over and over. The cutters had no effect on the leaders or payouts but, if you’re trying to make the top twenty and you finish twenty-first due to Swiper then you’ve got a legitimate gripe. My neophyte advice is to either come out to run a complete 50K or train until you can. If you want to play Go Diego Go that’s fine but use your backpack, backpack to reference your map, map, map, map.

In 1932, Scripps Institute of Oceanography was commissioned to capture an amphibious creature thought to be lurking in the depths of Lake Hodges. The Institute constructed a large steel trap, placed a sea lion inside and lowered both into the water in hopes of luring San Diego’s version of the Loch Ness Monster. After numerous attempts and untold missing or dead sea lions, the effort was abandoned. I’m no rocket scientist but, would a fresh water monster know what to do with a salt water sea lion? Hodgee, as the monster became referred to, was never landed and there have been no credible sightings within modern times; rumor has it Hodgee absolutely killed it during the dot.com craze and relocated to twenty million gallons in Lake Powell; landfront property. While Hodgee may have blown this San Diego pop stand, The Lake Hodges 50K is here for good. Based on this year’s sheer number of entrants, I recommend registering early for 2008. It’s probably a good idea to participate in both preview runs as the two out and backs are individually unique. With Nordstrom only one block from The Lake Hodges 50K, I may trick my wife into coming to next year’s event. However, that could get ultra expensive.

For a short 2007 LH50K music slideshow click here: http://runner.phanfare.com/

Your health is your wealth,

Charlie Nickell

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