The HUFF 50K Trail Notes

New Website - VeepRaces.com

2011-03-20T08:27:00.003-04:00

The HUFF 50K Trail Run is moving to a new website - VeepRaces.com.

Now you can find all our races in one place, including the Father's Day Run 4 Trails (June 19th) and the Waterfall 5K Trail Run at the Kokiwanee Nature Preserve (June 26th). Nothing has changed in management of The HUFF from when it was first started - Veep Races is just the umbrella under which we direct several races.

The HUFF 50K Trail Notes will still be active but it will serve as an adjunct to the main site. At VeepRaces.com you will find registration, trail maps, directions, volunteer sign-up and the most requested item - recipes for the homemade soups provided to HUFF runners at the end of the race.

The 2011 HUFF 50K Trail Run will be held on Saturday, December 17th and ... it will be in a new location which will soon be announced. If all current plans hold the new location will feature slightly more technical trails and will not have anything resembling the windy traverse across the dam on the west edge and the bridge on the east end of the old course.

We appreciate the home we had at Huntington for 14 years but changes in financing at the DNR have meant that trailrunners, mountain bikers and others will no longer have access to the property.

Some have asked whether the name of the event will change because long-time HUFF veterans know that the name was an alliteration of Huntington Ultra Frigid Fifty. The answer is:
"No, the name will not change". It will now have the official name of "The HUFF 50 K."

Those who would still like to observe an alliteration can think of it standing for "Hoosier Ultra Frigid Fifty" or even "Harper's Ultra Frigid Fifty".

But we think the HUFF name has come to stand on its own as one of the largest ultras in North America and as an event where the "test is against time, distance ... and Mother Nature".

We'll see you in December at the new HUFF course and sooner at VeepRaces.com.

2010 HUFF 50K Photos are Posted

2010-12-28T10:00:00.002-05:00

More than 1180 photographs of the 2010 HUFF 50K Trail Run are now posted by clicking here.

The photos were taken by professional photographer Tim Perroud of Perroud Images. You may order prints at the website.

Fun Video of HUFF 2010 by the Robillard Crew

2010-12-23T15:23:00.002-05:00

Jason Robillard put together a fun video of the 2010 HUFF 50K Trail Run race experience of the Hobby Jogga group.

You can view it on YouTube by clicking here.

You can view the post in which it was embedded at Barefoot Running University by clicking here.

Testimonials

2010-12-19T20:47:00.002-05:00

Posted by Chris Beck on Indiana Trail Running:

Yesterday's HUFF was an absolutely great race day. I'll reiterate the big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers and organizers. The starting line was c-o-l-d, but it didn't take too long to get warmed up (although Barry's blue frostbite fingers tell a different story). The trail was in great shape with the cold weather - no water or slop anywhere. After the first 20 minutes, the traffic was easily manageable despite the large field in attendance. The aid stations were h-e-a-v-e-n, thinking especially of the hot, delicious chicken noodle soup at mile 8 - yum! (In fact, I may still have a frozen turtle in my pocket from the aid station at mile 4.) The soup selection at the finish was a life saver - the hot and spicy corn chowder by far my favorite. I got to see many old friends, running with a training partner that I never got to train with, and met a few new ones, including a nice Yeti on the run. What a great way to end a year of running!!

The Heaviest Trophy

2010-12-19T15:56:00.003-05:00

2010 HUFF Overall Men's Winner Brandon Welti with Race Director Mitch Harper holding the heaviest trophy in ultramarathoning.

Photo credit: Kay Thistlethwaite-Feichter

Welti and Essinger are the 2010 Overall Winners of The HUFF 50K Trail Run

2010-12-19T14:38:00.004-05:00

Brandon Welti and Alice Essinger are the 2010 Men's and Women's Overall Winners.

Photo credit: Tim Perroud.

The HUFF Results

2010-12-19T10:11:00.003-05:00

The 2010 HUFF 50K results can be viewed at the following links:

1. HUFF 50K and One Loop Overall Results

2. HUFF 50K 3-Person Relay

3. Age Group Results

These results will be adjusted over the next few days as to spelling and will be integrated with some corrections noted by runners and finish line personnel.

Photographs will be up soon.

The HUFF Course Map

2010-12-16T18:18:00.002-05:00

The HUFF 50K Course Map remains unchanged from last year.

A particular thanks to Jerry Diehl and Bob Berger for laying out, measuring and marking the course.

Jerry and Bob have placed large mile marker signs along with directional arrow signs, flourescent colored ribbons and other trail marking signs on the HUFF course for race day.

Packet Pick Up at the Pasta Dinner or on Race Morning

2010-12-16T18:10:00.003-05:00

$8.00 for the pre-race pasta dinner. The dinner will be held from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m. the evening before the race at St. Peter Lutheran Church School at 604 Polk Street (the Church is at 648 North LaFontaine Street) in Huntington. The pasta dinner is provided by the St. Peter Youth Group and proceeds of the pasta dinner benefit the youth activities.

Packet pick-up at the St. Peter Lutheran Church School at 604 Polk Street (the Church is at 648 North LaFontaine Street) in Huntington the night before the race or by 7:40 AM at the race site on race day.

You can view a map of the race site here on Google Maps. The entrance to the Kil-So-Quah campground is to the left of the arrow. Note: Markle Road is US 224.

Kil-So-Quah Parking and Start/Finish Layout

2010-12-16T18:03:00.003-05:00

You will know you have reached the right place for The HUFF 50K Trail Run when you see this entrance sign on US 224 (Markle Road):

It will be a little bit darker when you are trying to discover the large sign on the morning of the race. Once you turn in on the access road next to the sign you will come to the entry gate.

The DNR will NOT be collecting a entrance fee this year. There may still be some lines going into the campground but they will simply be from the record turnout this year.

Once you get past the gatehouse go STRAIGHT and make the short distance to the campground. Do not turn to the right. Once you near the campground you should see one of the members of the HUFF parking brigade who can help get you parked efficiently.

Each campsite shown below can accomodate 2 or 3 vehicles if the first vehicle pulls all the way into the space. 50K runners should try to pull in first. One-loopers should pull in after the 50 folks. Try to coordinate with other runners that you know to make parking as efficient as possible. (There are a few additional campsites that are new not shown on the map.)

The map of the campground, which you can enlarge by clicking, show the approximate locations of the state, the main tent, the chute/relay transition area and path of the course through the campground.

The start will take place on the main road. The 50K and first relay runner of a team will start at 8:00 AM. NOTE: THE ONE LOOP RUNNERS WILL START 10 to 15 minutes after the 50K and relay runners start. This is in order to spread out the start, lessen the initial crowding on the trail and make for a more enjoyable - and faster - trail experience.

One loop runners SHOULD NOT try to gain an advantage by starting with the first wave.

50K runners and subsequent relay runners will not run on the road on the 2nd and 3rd loops or legs. You will exit the transition area, hit the aid table if you need to, then run west through the short grassy area west of the main tent until you enter the trail.

This means the first loop or leg is slightly shorter than the 2nd and 3rd loops.

50K runners will pass through the campground as they finish each loop. This means that if you want to change shoes and socks, get drier clothing or pick up other supplies from your car, you can do so. This generally obviates the need for drop bags at one of the two other aid stations.

The other aid stations are located approximately 3.5 to 4 miles from each other and from the start/finish. Aid Station "A" is located at the entrance to the Little Turtle State Recreation Area just off Highway 5 (Warren Road) south of the dam. This is at the 4 Mile mark of the loop. This is near the main office for the reservoir.

Aid Station "B" is located on Division Road where the trail crosses the road. This is past the shooting range. Note that Division Road ends in a cul-de-sac about a 1/4 mile past Aid Station "B." You can turn around there or you can greet your runner at that cul-de-sac as they emerge from the trail and then go down the trail east of the cul-de-sac as they head to Simpson Road and the bridge on the east side of the course.

Division Road is reached by exiting Aid Station "B" and turning left (south) on Highway 5. Go to the first county road south of the Little Turtle entrance and turn left (east) onto Division Road.
Since the opening of the shooting range in 2005, we have had to modify the course and divert runners onto part of Division Road in order to get them past the shooting range.

Please be careful as you drive on Division Road in order to provide the HUFF participants with the greatest measure of safety.

There will be a portable toilets at Aid Station "A" and at Aid Station "B'." There are additional pit toilets just beyond Aid Station "A" in the campground. (These are visible from the trail).

There are three sets of men's and women's modern and upgraded pit toilets at Kil-So-Campground. One set is at the east end where runners finishing the loop will be coming into the campground. Another set is on the west end near the access road. The main set is directly across (south) of the main tent and chute area. We have contracted to put another portable toilet in at that location to augment the two already there.

Aid Stations will have water, sport drink, defizzed cola and an array of solid foods such as fruit, pretzels, chips, cookies, M & M's, hard candy and the like. The aid stations will also have some things special to the aid station such as chocolate turtles at Aid Staion "A," or boiled potatos, chicken noodle soup and other goodies.

The main tent will, of course, have an amazing array of home-made soups and other goodies. More about that later. The HUFF is known for its food!

Change: T-Shirt included with One Loop Registration

2010-11-15T07:30:00.002-05:00

This year, all HUFF participants have a HUFF branded t-shirt included in their registration fee.

Since the One Loop run was started, the t-shirt has been optional for One Loop runners so as to keep the entry fee at a minimal level. This was done to encourage new runners to get introduced to trail running.

Well, trail running is now mainstream. And this change will help our volunteers serve runners more effectively and efficiently at packet pick-up and on race morning.

Not all printed forms note the change this year so please let other One Loopers know that the t-shirt is included in the entry fee.

This Year's Medal Subject has been Chosen

2010-10-08T12:37:00.002-04:00

The HUFF 50K Medal subject has now been chosen.

Each year, a different historic Miami Native American is featured on the reverse side of the Finisher's Medal for The HUFF 50K Trail Run and HUFF 50K Relay.

An 1880's engraving of Miam Chief Little Turtle is on the front. Past honorees have included Kil-So-Quah, Chief Coesse, and Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville.

Race registrants will find out first who has been chosen.

Printable Entry Form Now Available

2010-09-26T10:23:00.002-04:00

Participants can choose to register online for The HUFF 50K Trail Run 2010 at SignMeUp.com or by printing and mailing a registration form.

You can download and print out a mailable entry form by clicking here.

The printable entry form allows you to enter any of the three divisions of The HUFF 50K. It also provides an opportunity to register for the Galloping Gobbler 4 Miler on Thanksgiving Day.

You can find out more information on the Galloping Gobbler at FortWayneGobbler.com. It has become a Fort Wayne family tradition on Thanksgiving Day - November 25, 2010.

Welcome Fort4Fitness Runners!

2010-09-24T15:54:00.004-04:00

The HUFF 50K Trail Run welcomes the participants in the 2010 Fort4Fitness.

You have set an admirable goal this fall. Reap the rewards of your training by continuing the fun on Thanksgiving Day in Fort Wayne at the Galloping Gobbler then test yourself on December 18th at J. Edward Roush Lake for The HUFF 50K Trail Run.

Test yourself against time, distance and ... Mother Nature.

The HUFF 50K Trail Run has been one of the ten largest ultramarathons in North America and has been the host to the United States Track and Field 50K Trail Championship.

It regularly attracts runners from over 29 different states and provinces.

You can run the whole 50K, a one-loop run of nearly 11 miles or form a 3-person relay team

We have a big tent, plenty of hot soups at the end, a finisher's medal for those completing the 50K or the 3-person relay. New this year - one loop runners will have their t-shirt included in the entry fee.

You may register online or by mail.

There will be a new website soon that will provide all the great information on The HUFF, The Galloping Gobbler, the Father's Day Trail 5K and the Waterfall Trail 5K all on one site. Check back over the next few weeks for the launch of the new Veep Races site.

Welcome, Indy Mini Runners!

2010-05-06T08:25:00.003-04:00

Thanks for visiting The HUFF 50K Trail Notes.

Over the next month, you will see a robust and reworked website for The HUFF 50K. So, check back at this URL for the new and very improved site.

If you wish to reserve your spot in the 2010 HUFF 50K Trail Run, 50K Relay or the One Loop (10.8 miles) 'Fun Run' visit ONLINE REGISTRATION HERE.

If you like trail running consider running the Father's Day Run 4 Trails on June 20 at Metea County Park in Fort Wayne or the new Waterfall Trail Run on June 28th at Kokiwanee Nature Preserve near Lagro at the Salamonie Lake Dam; it's a spectacular trail run.

There is also the Thanksgiving Day running tradition - The Galloping Gobbler 4 Miler. Over 1500 runners start at the campus of the University of St Francis and run through the beautiful wooded hills of historic Lindenwood Cemetery before finishing back at campus for a party of live music, a live turkey and the fellowship of family and fellow runners.

Register for the Father's Day Trail Run by clicking here.
Register for the Waterfall Run at Kokiwanee by clicking here.
Register for the Galloping Gobbler by clicking here.

50K's Emmert and Schlemmer Featured in Hess Column

2009-12-23T08:27:00.002-05:00

Running writer (and HUFF participant) Brett Hess featured Nichole Emmert and Chuck Schlemmer in his Tuesday column in the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. You may read the full article by clicking here.

Nichole Emmert has been learning from Chuck Schlemmer for more than a decade, so why would Saturday's HUFF be any exception?

The West Noble coaching duo were the top area finishers at the annual ultra-marathon trail event in Huntington, with Schlemmer placing third overall and Emmert finishing fifth in the women's division.

Emmert was 45th out of 172 finishers overall, quite a respectable result for not only her first ever marathon, let alone an ultramarathon.

[ ... ]

Saturday's race course was served with two inches of fresh snow, which made the final loop an adventure. The trail iced over in some stretches, slowing runners considerably. Under any conditions, the HUFF can teach experienced runners a lesson or two, but it was almost information overload for Emmert.

"A very well organized race." "I had a great time"

2009-12-21T22:53:00.006-05:00

Doug Lovall of Valparaiso, Indiana, gave this report on the Runner's World Forum. Doug posted additional photos on the RW Forum site.

Ah where to begin. The Huntington Ultra Frigid Fifty (HUFF) was my first ultra-marathon. At just 50K many look at it as just a long marathon. Well this 1 was a bit longer than 50K. The race tracking site listed it as 33 miles, My Garmin reported 32.15 miles [ ... ] .

The short version: I ran the HUFF 50K which was actually 33 miles (53.1K) with a finish time of 7:09:13.

The full version: I ran the HUFF 50K which was actually 33 miles (53.1K) with a finish time of 7:09:13. Weather was about 31*F with a light wind and snowing. By the end of the day we had about 4 inches on the ground. This made for a treacherous trail in places. I slipped a few times, fell once. I REALLY needed traction shoes for the race. I ran it in my Axiom 3s and I didn’t put the sheet metal screws in them. After the first lap I wish I had.

I have trails in my area and I thought I would be ready for doing some trail running. Well HUFF showed me that all I had was really groomed paths and I was a trail virgin in reality and I was woefully not prepped for trails, add snow to the trail and I really should have bagged it but that was not happening. This was my first ultra and the 3rd marathon or longer in the last 10 weeks. Even if I had to walk the entire thing, I will finish.

I learned a lot about running snowy trails on the course. I found myself looking towards the ground a lot to watch for my next footing. But when I hit the hills I was cussing myself for not putting screws in my shoes. Stay upright, don’t go down goes through my head.

The course was 3 loops around Roush Lake following the multipurpose path. They marked it very well. There were signs as you crossed roads or other trails and they hung marker tapes along the path to help mark it as well.

A very well organized race. There were 3 aide stations around the course as well. Water, sport drink, and Pepsi for the most part for drink choices. The middle course had hot chocolate as well. Cookies, pretzels, M&Ms and fig newtons. I did not try most of it while running before the race and just figured I would give it a try at the first stop. If it worked then great, if not I had gels and beans with me to get through. I found I could keep down the Pepsi but belch a lot for the next half mile. The fig newtons, [ ... ] they were good.

Not a whole lot to say about the course mile per mile. My plan was to keep moving and have fun as I was going for completion. I ran when I could walked when I had to and slid down hills a few times. About half way through course, my ankle started to bother me. FARK, I have 15+ miles in front of me to run on a bum ankle. I never hit the wall on the course but I did hit my pain tolerance on many occasions in the second half. Fortunately I never cramped though.

About that slipping and falling. There is a pretty steep hill in which you go down in to a ravine and then climb back up the other side. On lap 1 the snow was still unpacked which made the hill manageable. On lap 2 I got to the hill and the guy in front of me chose the left side and he was slipping a bit. I chose the right side. BAD MISTAKE. Step 1 my feet were no longer under me, they were now out from under me and point down hill and my butt was quickly falling. OW that hurt a bit. Now I am slipping a bit. Screw it, I pushed off and slid the rest of the way down on my butt. As I was climbing up the other side some runners came to the hill behind me and called it Butt Drop Hill. I chuckled. When I hit it on lap 3, I did not even try to negotiate the hill, I just sat down and slid down.

The second best sight on the course was of all things an outhouse to me. It signified that you are coming off the trail and entering the campground and the lap was about to finish. At the end of lap 3 I knew it was coming up and when I saw it I gave out a little cheer to myself and feebly kicked in what was left of my afterburners. The best sight was the finish line.

Its over, done, finished. I am an ultra-marathoner now and I qualified for Marathon Maniacs. 2 marathons and an ultra in 10 weeks.

Yesterday I felt like I was hit with a Mack truck. I feel better today. Only 1 blister to speak of actually. On my right foot at the base of my big toe on the bottom of the foot. And I will probably loose the nail for my left big toe. I had a bad slip which caused me to kick my right heal with my left big toe right on the edge of the nail. Later I stepped on a thick stick with my right foot which kicked it up just right to catch it with my left big toe. Looks like I have a nice sized blood blister under the nail now.

All in all I had a great time and I just might be back in 2010 for the HUFF.

Photo credit: Doug Lovall

"I loved the race!"

2009-12-21T22:40:00.005-05:00

Dan Molnar of Kentucky posted these comments about The HUFF on the message board of the Walking Site:

The race director promised either mud or snow at this race. He was right. It snowed during the entire race. Although it made the trail slippery in spots, it also made the woods look all the more pretty. There is nothing comparable to the beauty and quiet of a gently snowfall in the woods.

This race is held at a state park near Fort Wayne, Indiana. It consists of a 10-mile trail that circles around a lake. Race participans have the option of either a 10-mile distance (single loop) or a 50 kilometer distance (three loops). I signed up for the 50K, but dropped down to the shorter distance due to plantar fasciitis. I don't have my official time, but it was around two hours and two minutes. I completed most of the race at a fast walk, but there were times that I had to run--to jump across a stream or as an alternative to sliding downhill on a slippery trail.

I loved the race! Most of the race is on single track trail, although there are some brief stretches on paved roads. The trail was scenic and well marked. There were three aid stations which offered a variety of beverages and race snacks. Nothing extravagant, but more than adequate food and beverages. The volunteers were very helpful. Registration was easy.

I paid $45 (US) for the 50K and received a nice short sleeve t-shirt and a coffee mug. At the finish, I received a key chain with the race logo on it. I would have received a medal if I completed 50K.

I'm normally spent at the conclusion of a race and am glad to be finished. Not so yesterday. I had plenty of energy at the finish and really (REALLY!!) wanted to keep going. I was having such a good time I did not want to finish. The pain in my heel reminded me that continuing was not a smart thing to do and I left the course after the first lap. I took some comfort in knowing that I could come back in 2010 and try it all over again. I will add this race to my "must do" list. The only question is,
will it be muddy or snowing in 2010? I hope it's snowing!

First Photos are Being Posted

2009-12-21T19:55:00.003-05:00

The first photos are being posted of The 2009 HUFF 50K Trail Run. You can click here for the first photos of Race Director Mitch Harper. More will be posted over the next few days.

Jeff Steinberg has posted a great report with photos at The PRT Race Chronicles here.

There will be many, many more photos, race reports and comments posted here. Stay tuned.

Eric Fetcho took a great many professional photos on race day. Also, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' photographer Frank Oliver traveled to The HUFF from Indianapolis to chronicle the race for an upcoming feature on Indiana trail running for the IDNR's award-winning magazine Outdoor Indiana.

Runner Mack Neukam Suggests a HUFF Name Change

2009-12-21T19:39:00.002-05:00

The comments are beginning to come in on the 2009 HUFF.

First up is this one from runner Mack Neukam. Young Mr. Neukam posted this on Facebook:

[S]o after running HUFF this year it should be renamed to the huntington ultimately freakin' fabulous race!!! nothing better than running a monster pr in the snow on the best trail run there can be!

Zach Gingerich the 2009 HUFF 50K Overall Winner

2009-12-21T17:41:00.005-05:00

MORE: CBS 2 Chicago report on Zach Gingerich broadcast last August.

Calm Before the Fun

2009-12-18T22:55:00.003-05:00

The HUFF headquarters tent at the Kil-So-Quah campround the afternoon before the race looks peaceful and calm.

That all changes at 6:30 AM race morning; packet pick-ups, registrations, timing, cannons, cowbells, coffee, soup and more.

Good luck, runners.

Webcasting of the Race Tomorrow

2009-12-18T15:38:00.002-05:00

Want to know how your favorite runner is doing ... while The HUFF is going on?

Timer Tom Landis will be webcasting the race on RunRace. Click here for the webcast of the 50K and One Loop Divisions to see the positions of the runners while the race is occuring.

Packet Pickup at Pasta Dinner or Race Morning

2009-12-18T15:31:00.002-05:00

$8.00 for the pre-race pasta dinner. The dinner will be held from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. the evening before the race at St. Peter Lutheran Church School at 604 Polk Street (the Church is at 648 North LaFontaine Street) in Huntington. The pasta dinner is provided by the St. Peter Youth Group and proceeds of the pasta dinner benefit the youth activities.

Packet pick-up at the St. Peter Lutheran Church School at 604 Polk Street (the Church is at 648 North LaFontaine Street) in Huntington the night before the race,or by 7:40 AM at the race site on race day.

You can view a map of the race site here on Google Maps. The entrance to the Kil-So-Quah campground is to the left of the arrow. Note: Markle Road is US 224.

Bib Number

2009-12-17T08:55:00.002-05:00

Many runners will be receiving personalized bibs like the one shown above. It makes for a keepsake of your experience at The HUFF.

Lynn Karner of Illinois is one of the "HUFF's Toughest" who have completed all 13 HUFF 50Ks.

Brett Hess' News-Sentinel Column Highlights 13 year HUFFer LeFever

2009-12-16T19:43:00.003-05:00

Kim LeFever of Columbia City is featured in today's edition of the News-Sentinel for his 13 years of HUFF participation.

Running writer and multiple HUFF participant Brett Hess writes a weekly running column for the Fort Wayne newspaper.

You can view the column by clicking here.

In the first year of The HUFF, Mr. LeFever ran the One Loop Run. However, the next year, and in each subsequent HUFF, he has run the 50K.

Marc Laudeman, Lynn Karner and the father-son duo of Ed Stuart and Phil Stuart have completed all 13 HUFF 50K's. Dave Hughes is also part of the elite HUFF squad. He has run every HUFF, and but for a bad spell during the 2008 event, has finished every race. We welcome all these gentlemen back for this year's running.

The HUFF 50K Course Map

2009-12-14T06:57:00.002-05:00

The HUFF 50K Course Map remains unchanged from that used since 2006.

The course was changed on the south side as a result of the opening of the new shooting range and the DNR's experience with two major flooding episodes. The good news was that the change eliminated the chance to get your feet wet at a small stream crossing. And the new shooting range nearly eliminates noise from the gun enthusiasts. (Newbies: ask some veterans of the early HUFF years what the old shooting range could add to the flavor of the event.)

Unfortunately, there was a road section added to the course to bypass the shooting range. So, after crossing the boat ramp road on the south side, you will keep going straight east on the old trail (do not take the new trail section to your left after crossing the boat ramp road. After a very short distance on trail after crossing the boat ramp access road, you will take a sharp turn to the right which will take you to the main road.

Due to the requirements of some of the governmental funding sources, the shooting range was required to have a larger safety zone surrounding it. This meant that the then-existing trail was encroached by the new safety zone.

Once you exit the road section, however, you will reenter wooded trail that traverses some parts of the DNR property which were not part of the original HUFF course.

A particular thanks to Jerry Diehl and Bob Berger for laying out and measuring the course. Thanks also to Roush Lake Property Director Jeff Reed and his crew for trail maintenance and clearing.

Jerry,Bob,and Mike Thurston have placed mile marker signs along with directional arrow signs, flourescent ribbons and other trail marking signs on the HUFF course for race day.

If you would like to be part of the course marking crew for future HUFF's please let me know by sending an email to MitchVHarper@gmail.com

Returning for 2009: Hank Risley - 2007 HUFF Winner and Michigan 'Runner of the Year'

2009-12-13T16:13:00.003-05:00

Michigan Runner magazine named 2007 HUFF winner Hank Risley as the 2008 'Michigan Runner of the Year.'

Hank Risley will be returning for the 2009 HUFF 50K Trail Run. He knows how to negotiate the mud, cold and terrain.

You can read the entire Michigan Runner profile by clicking here. Mr. Risley recently posted the fastest Masters time at the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.

Map to Kil-So-Quah Campground

2009-12-13T15:55:00.003-05:00

The entrance to Kil-So-Quah campground is located on US 224 southeast of Huntingon, Indiana. It is 4.5 west of the interchange of I-69 and US 224 at Markle.

You can view a map of the entrance by clicking here. (jpg of map shown at right).

The HUFF 50K Now Has More Cowbell

2009-12-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

Deer can pose a hazard on the first loop of The HUFF 50K trail run - particularly on the north side of the reservoir. There is no hunting on the north side so there are plenty of deer. Those that did not wake up on hearing the cannon blast sometimes become startled by the sound of runners. Their instinct is to run toward the bank of the reservoir and, in so doing, cross the Kekionga Trail.

The solution was voiced by Christopher Walken in a classic Saturday Night Live skit: "I need more cowbell."

This year, there will be some young, intrepid runners taking off about a half-hour or so before race start with cowbells. They will travel the distance between the Kil-So-Quah campground and the observation mound with the purpose of rousing the deer from slumber.

We have never thought the deer were particularly vicious at The HUFF. We just think they are a little cranky on being awakened.

One Day Entrance Pass or Yearly Pass Available at Three Rivers Running

2009-12-12T16:30:00.004-05:00

Veterans of The HUFF may recall that the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has been collecting a $5 gate fee to the Kil-So-Quah Campground on the morning of The HUFF 50K Trail Run.

In order to speed up your entry, runners may either use a 2009 or 2010 DNR Annual pass or a HUFF one-day entry pass. The One Day pass and the 2010 DNR Annual pass will be available for purchase at the pasta dinner the night before the race at St. Peter Lutheran Church from 5:30 PM to 8 PM.

However, those in the Fort Wayne area, can pick up either of the passes at the Three Rivers Running Company from now until Friday noon. This is a 2010 DNR Annual Pass and will be good at all DNR properties through 2010. The cost of the 2010 Annual Pass is $36.

The cost of the One Day HUFF pass is $5.

The Three Rivers Running Company is Fort Wayne's specialty running store. It is located on N. Clinton Street just south of Coliseum Boulevard.

Download the Printable HUFF Entry Form

2009-11-17T11:42:00.004-05:00

You can download The HUFF printed entry form as a PDF by clicking here and then downloading the form.

It is a combined entry form that also features the Galloping Gobbler 4 Mile Thanksgiving Day race. Of course, you can also register online here.

2009 ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW ACTIVATED

2009-11-04T13:29:00.004-05:00

The 2009 HUFF Online Registration is now activated! You may access it by clicking here or on the right sidebar.

The weather will probably be a little different on December 19th of this year. But here is a Fall view of the J. Edward Roush Lake from the Simpson Road bridge. Simpson Road is the easternmost leg of The HUFF Trail Run.

2008 HUFF Results are Posted

2008-12-28T12:01:00.003-05:00

Results of The 2008 HUFF 50K, the HUFF 50K Relay, and the One-Loop Run may be found in searchable format at OnlineRaceResults.com here.

James Keldsen of Walkerton, Indiana, is greeted by his number one fan after completing The HUFF 50K. His right arm is around his son and his left hand is holding the HUFF finisher's medal he just earned.

2008 Parking and Race Start Info

2008-12-25T12:08:00.002-05:00

You will know you have reached the right place for The HUFF 50K Trail Run when you see this entrance sign on US 224 (Markle Road):

It will be a little bit darker when you are trying to discover the large sign on the morning of the race. Once you turn in on the access road next to the sign you will come to the entry gate.

The DNR will be collecting an entrance fee of $5 for every vehicle entering the campground. This was first instituted in 2004 shortly before The HUFF. That made for long lines snaking out onto US 224 the first year.

The entry delay has been much diminished by the fact that we sold entry passes before the race at the pasta dinner the night before and in Fort Wayne. We will have one-day passes available. Of course, if you already have a 2008 Indiana DNR state park pass or you have purchased a 2009 Indiana DNR state park pass, it will be honored at the gate.

Once you get past the gate and make the short distance to the campground you should see one of the members of the HUFF parking brigade who can help get you parked efficiently.

Each campsite shown below can accomodate 2 or 3 vehicles if the first vehicle pulls all the way into the space. 50K runners should try to pull in first. One-loopers should pull in after the 50 folks. Try to coordinate with other runners that you know to make parking as efficient as possible.

The map of the campground, which you can enlarge by clicking, show the approximate locations of the state, the main tent, the chute/relay transition area and path of the course through the campground.

The start will take place on the main road. The 50K and first relay runner of a team will start at 8:00 AM. NOTE: THE ONE LOOP RUNNERS WILL START 10 to 15 minutes after the 50K and relay runners start. This is in order to spread out the start, lessen the initial crowding on the trail and make for a more enjoyable - and faster - trail experience.

50K runners and subsequent relay runners will not run on the road on the 2nd and 3rd loops or legs. You will exit the transition area, hit the aid table if you need to, then run west through the short grassy area west of the main tent until you enter the trail.

This means the first loop or leg is slightly shorter than the 2nd and 3rd loops.

50K runners will pass through the campground as they finish each loop. This means that if you want to change shoes and socks, get drier clothing or pick up other supplies from your car, you can do so. This generally obviates the need for drop bags at one of the two other aid stations.

The other aid stations are located approximately 3.5 to 4 miles from each other and from the start/finish. Each aid station is equipped with a portable toilet. Aid Station "A" is located at the entrance to the Little Turtle State Recreation Area just off Highway 5 (Warren Road) south of the dam. This is near the main office for the reservoir.

Aid Station "B" is located on Division Road where the trail crosses the road. This is past the shooting range. Note that Division Road ends in a cul-de-sac about a 1/4 mile past Aid Station "B." You can turn around there or you can greet your runner at that cul-de-sac as they emerge from the trail and then go down the trail east of the cul-de-sac as they head to Simpson Road and the bridge on the east side of the course.

Division Road is reached by exiting Aid Station "B" and turning left (south) on Highway 5. Go to the first county road south of the Little Turtle entrance and turn left (east) onto Division Road.
Since the opening of the shooting range in 2005, we have had to modify the course and divert runners onto part of Division Road in order to get them past the shooting range.

Please be careful as you drive on Division Road in order to provide the HUFF participants with the greatest measure of safety.

There will be a portable toilet at Aid Station "A" and at Aid Station "B'." There are additional pit toilets just beyond Aid Station "A" in the campground. (These are visible from the trail).

There are three sets of men's and women's modern and upgraded pit toilets at Kil-So-Campground. One set is at the east end where runners finishing the loop will be coming into the campground. Another set is on the west end near the access road. The main set is directly across (south) of the main tent and chute area. We have contracted to put another portable toilet in at that location to augment the two already there.

Aid Stations will have water, sport drink, defizzed cola and an array of solid foods such as fruit, pretzels, chips, cookies, M & M's, hard candy and the like. The aid stations will also have some things special to the aid station such as the traditional chocolate turtles at Aid Station "A," or boiled potatos, chicken noodle soup and other goodies.

The main tent will, of course, have an amazing array of home-made soups and other goodies. More about that later. The HUFF is known for its food!

HUFF Online Registration is Open

2008-10-27T10:54:00.002-04:00

The HUFF 50K is a blast from the start to the finish.

You may register online for The HUFF 50K, Relay, or One Loop Run NOW.

Just go to the HUFF registration page on AllSportCentral to sign up today.

WOOF - Warm up for The HUFF set for November 15th

2008-09-21T16:25:00.003-04:00

The Ouabache (pronounced "Wabash") River Runners have organized a trail run of 5 miles and 15 miles as a warm up for The HUFF.

The event will be on November 15th, 2008, at the Ouabache State Park Campground at Bluffton, IN. Bluffton is located in Wells County, which is one county east of The HUFF location.

The run is something of a tribute to The HUFF. The acronym "WOOF" is for the Wells Outrageous Ouabache Fifteen. The race app states "The distance is actually closer to sixteen miles but that would make the race the WOOS and who would actually run a race with that name, seriously?"

You can download a PDF application for the WOOF by clicking here.

2008 ONLINE Registration Active

2008-09-18T16:10:00.002-04:00

The 2008 Online Registration for The HUFF 50K Trail Run is now active.

You may access it by clicking here.

The printed forms will be updated and available for download in the next few weeks.

Not a snowy year, so it must be a muddy year

2007-12-30T11:36:00.000-05:00

Josh Dillingham gives his 2007 race report on the weblog "On the Run."

His goal was 25 ultras for 2007. The 2007 HUFF was his 25th ultra of the year. Goal met.

He finished in a time within 8 seconds of his HUFF finishing time in 2006.

Josh writes:

I expected to feel pretty good going into HUFF because I hadn't run in two
weeks, so I thought I would be fresh. WRONG! I guess I really underestimated the
impact of the CrossFit workouts I've been doing. With the squats, burpees,
rowing and snatches I did this week, my quads were toasted before I even started
the race. Not to mention the 5k I ran yesterday, probably not one of my smarter
ideas.
HUFF is a 10.8 mile loop course repeated 3 times (you're correct if you
think that doesn't add up to 31 miles.) It is run around J. Edward Roush Lake in
Huntington Indiana. It's a pretty flat trail run. The course is usually either
muddy or snowy. This year it was muddy.

At the start of the race my quads felt heavy and a bit fatigued but I
didn't think it would be a big deal. I ran HUFF last year so I knew what to
expect as far as pace and terrain. My rough game plan was to run the first loop
in a comfortable time, something around 1:45, then pick it up on the final two
loops to run negative splits and finish with I time somewhere between 5:10 5:30.

That worked pretty will for the first loop.

I came in at 1:48, but I knew I was in trouble. My quads were already
completely fried.

If it wasn't for the fact that I was trying to keep up with Mike, I would
have ended up walking most of the 2nd and 3rd loops. Every time I slowed down,
he caught up to me and cracked the whip.

We ended up running the entire either together or within a minute of each
other, not by design, that's just how it happened. Believe me, I was trying to
drop him, It just wasn't happening today, he was strong!

At the beginning of my third loop I started re-tooling my game plan. 5:10 -
5:30 was way out of the picture. Now I would try to beat last years finishing
time of 5:56 (I couldn't remember the seconds. Not a big deal right? You'll
see.) But as I started the third loop that goal began to slip a way steadily.

I felt so bad during the second loop, it really didn't get any worse for
the third.

My quads were useless, and something weird was going on with my ankles (I
was worried about it during the race, but afterwards I notice both ankles hurt
in the same spot so it most be due to the two week running break.)

I kept plodding away until I got to the last aid station, with about 3.5
miles to go. I looked at my watch, which said 5:23. That meant if I could
maintain 10 minute miles I could finish under 6 hours. That would be easier said
than done, seeing as how I hadn't been maintaining consistent 10 minute miles
since the end of the first loop. They were now hovering anywhere from 10-14
minutes depending on the muddy sections and the road sections.

Regardless, I thought I would give it a shot.

Mike was right on my tail at this point. I tried to get him to follow me,
but we were both giving it all we had. I decided to make my final move. when I
got to the 1.8 mile to go point, I looked at my watch: 5:39.

I was keeping a steady pace. This is when I started thinking again about
beating last years 5:56. It would be tough but I though I had a chance.

I kicked it into gear. I reached the final .8 miles with 7 minutes to go. I
kicked it into the highest gear I had left and speed to the finish. The final
.25 miles is on pavement. When I hit the pavement the clock read 5:55, I crossed
the finish line in 5:56:41.
S
till unsure if I had beaten last years time, but pleased with my effort on
a day when I had far less than my "A" game.

I really only had one running goal for 2007. That was to complete 25
ultras. The Huff was number 25. I'd call that a successful year.

Congrats to Mike on a fantastic gutsy run. I'll let him tell you the
details.

HUFF commentary and first person accounts

2007-12-30T11:17:00.000-05:00

First up is this account from Dennis Duria, who blogs under the name RunBubbaRun at "Martial Artist, Triathlete, Ironman, Ultrarunner and Just Plain Craziness."

The new HUFF veteran from Chicago got a late start.

Dennis wrote:

Saturday was my last race of the year, the HUFF 50k in Indiana. I started
kinda of late heading out to the race. So when I arrived at the gate to pay my
DNR park pass I figured I had at least 15 minutes to spare.

Hmm, kinda of quite driving up to the race site. I think I have had
this same strange feeling once before at one of my triathlons. OHH crap, I park
my car and see no racers around. The race clock has already started. Instead of
having 15 minutes to spare, I was actually 45 minutes late for the race. "ROYAL
CRAP," what's up with the daylight saving time theory again.

So I was able to pick up my timing chip and was on my way starting the
race 50 minutes behind everybody else.

It had rained and sleeted in the area the night before, so I knew the
trail would be pretty icy and muddy. Okay, maybe it was not so bad running by
myself through the mud right now, at least I can try to find the best path
through this stuff.

But all I could think about was I really did not want to be last in the
race and try to at least catch up to a couple of people.

It was a three loop race, so the first loop I was feeling pretty good
and doing a decent pace, for me anyways.

So around mile 6, I spotted some back of packers moseying along. Okay,
I was feeling a little better, than I get a tap on the back of me saying "good
job". Crap, I just got lapped by the leader. Then around two more lapped me
before finishing my 1st lap. Dang [ ... ]

1 st loop ~ 1:50:48

So on the second loop I tried to relax and stick to a nutritional plan.
There was alot of mud on the trail and little streams big enough we could only
run through. So another round of cold wet feet we go. I managed to stay upright
in loop 1, but when I started to descend on one of the hills, I hit some "black
ice" and went down and banged my knee. Okay that hurt a little bit, I needed to
walk for a couple of minutes to shake it off. So a decent loop 2, I did have
some side stitch issues and some knee pain, but I was able to catch up to one or
more people on the course.

2nd loop ~ 2:04:14

So on the third and final loop, I was still running but getting tired.
I was not following my nutrition plan all that well and I felt it. But kept
running for most of it and stayed upright. I felt good about catching up to all
the people I saw ahead of me on the trail.

3rd loop ~ 2:19:30

So with all the mud, ice, wet feet, 31 degree weather, and 31+ miles
later, I finished in 6:14:30.
overall
place: 84 out of 149division place: 11 out of 19gender place: 67 out of
116

Dang that was a long day. But everything leading up to my 100 miler is
all training for me. On that end it was a good learning day as well. Talked
briefly with a fellow "Marathon Manic" on the race course.

Oh yes, I finally got my Maniac singlet, so
I guess I'm official now. #750
Marathon Maniac to be exact.

So with the end of the race, my 2007 racing season is finally at an
end.

Everybody have a SAFE and Happy New Years.

Results are in

2007-12-30T09:44:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to all the finishers in the 2007 HUFF Trail Run events.

You may view the HUFF results at Online Race Results by clicking here.

Hot showers after the HUFF at the Huntington Family YMCA

2007-12-27T16:16:00.000-05:00

Once again, the Huntington Family YMCA is opening its facilities to HUFF participants to shower, clean up and warm up after the race.

The shower facilities are a welcome perk - particularly for those who do the entire 50 kilometers. However, relay runners value the Y, too. A runner who has completed a leg can make the brief dash into town, get a hot shower, and then come back to the tent in dry, warm clothes to meet their relay partner at the finish line.

The famous HUFF soups taste just as good whether they are consumed before getting a shower or after the return.

The Huntington Family YMCA is located in downtown Huntington just two blocks north of the Courthouse at 607 Warren Street. Warren Street is also northbound US 224/SR 5 through downtown Huntington.

There is one change this year. The YMCA no longer provides towels for its members and visitors. Be sure and bring your own towel to the shower.

View Larger Map

And, like all HUFF runners, we know you won't be wearing you muddy shoes inside. We get wonderful feedback from the Y every year about the graciousness - and gratefulness - of the runners. Thank you for thanking the personnel of the YMCA when your visit.

The YMCA will be building a new facility soon in conjunction with Huntington University.

Kil-So-Quah Campground entrance, parking and lay-out

2007-12-27T15:58:00.000-05:00

You will know you have reached the right place for The HUFF 50K Trail Run when you see this entrance sign on US 224 (Markle Road):

It will be a little bit darker when you are trying to discover the large sign on the morning of the race. Once you turn in on the access road next to the sign you will come to the entry gate.

The DNR will be collecting an entrance fee of $5 for every vehicle entering the campground. This was first instituted in 2004 shortly before The HUFF. That made for long lines snaking out onto US 224 the first year.

Last year, the entry delay was much diminished by the fact that we sold entry passes before the race at the pasta dinner the night before and in Fort Wayne. We will have one-day passes available. Of course, if you already have a 2007 Indiana DNR state park pass or you have purchased a 2008 Indiana DNR state park pass, it will be honored at the gate.

Indeed we urge runners from Indiana to purchase a 2008 pass. These are available at most DNR sites in Indiana or are available online by clicking here. We will have some available for purchase at the pasta dinner.

Once you get past the gate and make the short distance to the campground you should see one of the members of the HUFF parking brigade who can help get you parked efficiently.

Each campsite shown below can accomodate 2 or 3 vehicles if the first vehicle pulls all the way into the space. 50K runners should try to pull in first. One-loopers should pull in after the 50 folks. Try to coordinate with other runners that you know to make parking as efficient as possible.

The map of the campground, which you can enlarge by clicking, show the approximate locations of the state, the main tent, the chute/relay transition area and path of the course through the campground.

The start will take place on the main road. The 50K and first relay runner of a team will start at 8:00 AM. NOTE: THE ONE LOOP RUNNERS WILL START 10 to 15 minutes after the 50K and relay runners start. This is in order to spread out the start, lessen the initial crowding on the trail and make for a more enjoyable - and faster - trail experience.

50K runners and subsequent relay runners will not run on the road on the 2nd and 3rd loops or legs. You will exit the transition area, hit the aid table if you need to, then run west through the short grassy area west of the main tent until you enter the trail.

This means the first loop or leg is slightly shorter than the 2nd and 3rd loops.

50K runners will pass through the campground as they finish each loop. This means that if you want to change shoes and socks, get drier clothing or pick up other supplies from your car, you can do so. This generally obviates the need for drop bags at one of the two other aid stations.

The other aid stations are located approximately 3.5 to 4 miles from each other and from the start/finish. Aid Station "A" is located at the entrance to the Little Turtle State Recreation Area just off Highway 5 (Warren Road) south of the dam. This is near the main office for the reservoir.

Aid Station "B" is located on Division Road where the trail crosses the road. This is past the shooting range. Note that Division Road ends in a cul-de-sac about a 1/4 mile past Aid Station "B." You can turn around there or you can greet your runner at that cul-de-sac as they emerge from the trail and then go down the trail east of the cul-de-sac as they head to Simpson Road and the bridge on the east side of the course.

Division Road is reached by exiting Aid Station "B" and turning left (south) on Highway 5. Go to the first county road south of the Little Turtle entrance and turn left (east) onto Division Road.
Since the opening of the shooting range in 2005, we have had to modify the course and divert runners onto part of Division Road in order to get them past the shooting range.

Please be careful as you drive on Division Road in order to provide the HUFF participants with the greatest measure of safety.

There will be a portable toilet at Aid Station "A" and at Aid Station "B'." There are additional pit toilets just beyond Aid Station "A" in the campground. (These are visible from the trail).

There are three sets of men's and women's modern and upgraded pit toilets at Kil-So-Campground. One set is at the east end where runners finishing the loop will be coming into the campground. Another set is on the west end near the access road. The main set is directly across (south) of the main tent and chute area. We have contracted to put another portable toilet in at that location to augment the two already there.

Aid Stations will have water, sport drink, defizzed cola and an array of solid foods such as fruit, pretzels, chips, cookies, M & M's, hard candy and the like. The aid stations will also have some things special to the aid station such as the traditional chocolate turtles at Aid Staion "A," or boiled potatos, chicken noodle soup and other goodies.

The main tent will, of course, have an amazing array of home-made soups and other goodies. More about that later. The HUFF is known for its food!

1 Day DNR entry pass for the Kil-So-Quah Campground

2007-12-27T15:47:00.000-05:00

1 day entry passes to the Kil-So-Quah Campground are available tomorrow from the Three Rivers Running Company in Fort Wayne or at the pasta dinner/packet pickup at St. Peter Lutheran School in Huntington, Indiana from 5:30 PM to 8:15 PM.

Three years ago the DNR instituted the new gate fee to the Kil-So-Quah Campground. The fee is $5.

In order to lessen the wait at the US 224 campground entrance, you are urged to obtain the one-day pass. If you are an Indiana runner with a DNR yearly pass, you may use either your 2007 or 2008 yearly pass.

The Three Rivers Running Company store is located on North Clinton in Fort Wayne just south of Coliseum Boulevard.

St. Peter Lutheran School is located at 605 Polk Street in Huntington on the near west side of downtown.

Pasta dinner tickets may be purchased for $8 at the door. Food will be served from 5:45 to 7:45 PM.

All proceeds of the pasta ticket sales go to St. Peter Lutheran Church for youth activities.

2007 HUFF 50K Trail Run has a Facebook Group

2007-10-25T12:23:00.001-04:00

Dave Boyer of Fort Wayne has formed a HUFF 50K 2007 Facebook group.

The HUFF 50K 2007 Facebook group was set up by Dave to be a place where runners who are students or graduates of his high school to set up relay teams and keep in communication.

Dave Boyer is a graduate of Homestead High School in Fort Wayne IN and is now a freshman runner for the Huntington University Foresters.

If you are a member of Facebook you can find the group at:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5242247105

The HUFF Photos are posted

2007-01-05T15:06:00.000-05:00

The 2006 HUFF photos are now posted.

725 photos by award-winning sports photographer Andrew Hancock have been posted at AndrewHancock.com.

Go to his site at www.andrewhancock.com and click on 'CONTACT' on the upper right of the page.

On the bottom of the "Contact" page - go to the bottom of the page and find the 'SEARCH' field for Andy's PhotoShelter archives. In that search field, just type 'huff2006' and it will pull up the HUFF images.

Pre-race story on the 2006 HUFF

2006-12-31T19:15:00.000-05:00

Click here to view sportswriter Phil Bloom's pre-race story that appeared in the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette.

The story features runner Kim Lefever of Columbia City, Indiana. Kim has participated every year of The HUFF 50K. He started out as a one-loop runner and then became a 50K regular.

2006 HUFF 50K Trail Run RACE RESULTS

2006-12-30T22:09:00.000-05:00

Race results for the 2006 HUFF 50K Trail Run can be seen here:

HUFF 50K at Online Race Results.

Results were updated continuously throughout the day on Saturday from the HUFF pavilion via a remote datalink.

Saturday to be sunny, warm

2006-12-28T23:54:00.000-05:00

According to Intellicast, this is how Saturday's outlook is shaping up for The HUFF 50K Trail Run:

Saturday
12/30/2006 Sunrise: 8:05 am UV Index: 1, Low Sunset: 5:21 pm
Moonrise: 1:49 pm Phase: Waxing Gibbous Moonset: 4:03 am
Predicted High: 49 Predicted Low: 39

Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 40s and lows in the upper 30s.

The HUFF Course Map

2006-12-22T10:08:00.000-05:00

The HUFF 50K Course Map remains unchanged from last year.

Veterans of last year's run will remember that the course was changed on the south side as a result of the opening of the new shooting range and the DNR's experience with two major flooding episodes. The good news was that the change eliminated the chance to get your feet wet at a small stream crossing. And the new shooting range nearly eliminates noise from the gun enthusiasts. (Newbies: ask some veterans of the early HUFF years what the old shooting range could add to the flavor of the event.)

Unfortunately, there was a road section added to the course to bypass the shooting range.

Due to the requirements of some of the governmental funding sources, the shooting range was required to have a larger safety zone surrounding it. This meant that the then-existing trail was encroached by the new safety zone.

Once you bypass exit the road, however, you will reenter wooded trail that traverses some parts of the DNR property which were not part of the original HUFF course.

A particular thanks to Jerry Diehl and Bob Berger for laying out and measuring the course. Thanks also to Roush Lake Property Director Jeff Reed and his crew for trail maintenance and clearing. Several major downed trees have been cut up and removed from the trail in recent weeks. Ongoing trail maintenance kudos also need to go to the mountain bike crew of Huntington County who do ongoing trail clean-up throughout the year.

Jerry and Bob have placed small mile marker signs on the course for those who will be doing a training loop this weekend. Larger mile marker signs along with directional arrow signs, flourescent ribbons and other trail marking signs will be on the HUFF course for race day.

Trail Memorial Fund established for Bob Edesess

2006-12-22T09:53:00.000-05:00

A fitting memorial has been established in the memory of Dr. Bob Edesess of Indianapolis who died earlier this year in an aircraft accident. Dr. Edesess was a veteran of the HUFF 50K who tackled ultramarathons with good humor as well as dedication.

The Indianapolis Star carried a story earlier this month about the efforts of Dr. Brent Barta and other friends of Bob in creating a memorial to fund construction and maintenance of a trail at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis.

Brent Barta will be at this year's HUFF as he has been at so many of the prior years' runnings of this race. I urge you to talk with him about the fund and thank him for what he has done in Bob's memory.

From the Indianapolis Star:

Dr. Brent Barta, Zionsville, has established the Edesess Trail Project at Eagle Creek Park and wants to raise at least $10,000 to build the Edesess Nature Trail. The trail would connect the indoor learning facilities at the new Earth Discovery Center, scheduled to open in the spring, to the outdoor learning area at the park's Echo Pond.

Edesess died when his small plane crashed shortly after take-off from Eagle Creek Airport in August. He lived on the west bank of Eagle Creek Reservoir and was a frequent visitor to the park, running along its scenic roads and trails.

About $6,200 has been raised so far. Individuals or organizations interested in contributing should make checks payable to Eagle Creek Park Foundation Inc. and mail them to the foundation at 7840 W. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46254.

Kil-So-Quah Campground - Parking and Layout

2006-12-21T08:44:00.000-05:00

You will know you have reached the right place for The HUFF 50K Trail Run when you see this entrance sign on US 224 (Markle Road):

It will be a little bit darker when you are trying to discover the large sign on the morning of the race. Once you turn in on the access road next to the sign you will come to the entry gate.

The DNR will be collecting an entrance fee of $4 for every vehicle entering the campground. This was first instituted in 2004 shortly before The HUFF. That made for long lines snaking out onto US 224 the first year.

Last year, the entry delay was much diminished by the fact that we sold entry passes before the race at the pasta dinner the night before and in Fort Wayne. We will have both one-day and annual passes available. Of course, if you already have a 2006 Indiana DNR state park pass or you have purchased a 2007 Indiana DNR state park pass, it will be honored at the gate.

Indeed we urge runners from Indiana to purchase a 2007 pass. These are available at most DNR sites in Indiana or are available online by clicking here. We will have some available for purchase at the pasta dinner.

Once you get past the gate and make the short distance to the campground you should see one of the members of the HUFF parking brigade who can help get you parked efficiently.

Each campsite shown below can accomodate 2 or 3 vehicles if the first vehicle pulls all the way into the space. 50K runners should try to pull in first. One-loopers should pull in after the 50 folks. Try to coordinate with other runners that you know to make parking as efficient as possible.

The map of the campground, which you can enlarge by clicking, show the approximate locations of the state, the main tent, the chute/relay transition area and path of the course through the campground.

The start will take place on the main road. The 50K and first relay runner of a team will start at 8:00 AM. NOTE: THE ONE LOOP RUNNERS WILL START 10 to 15 minutes after the 50K and relay runners start. This is in order to spread out the start, lessen the initial crowding on the trail and make for a more enjoyable - and faster - trail experience.

50K runners and subsequent relay runners will not run on the road on the 2nd and 3rd loops or legs. You will exit the transition area, hit the aid table if you need to, then run west through the short grassy area west of the main tent until you enter the trail.

This means the first loop or leg is slightly shorter than the 2nd and 3rd loops.

50K runners will pass through the campground as they finish each loop. This means that if you want to change shoes and socks, get drier clothing or pick up other supplies from your car, you can do so. This generally obviates the need for drop bags at one of the two other aid stations.

The other aid stations are located approximately 3.5 to 4 miles from each other and from the start/finish. Aid Station "A" is located at the entrance to the Little Turtle State Recreation Area just off Highway 5 (Warren Road) south of the dam. This is near the main office for the reservoir.

Aid Station "B" is located on Division Road where the trail crosses the road. This is past the shooting range. Note that Division Road ends in a cul-de-sac about a 1/4 mile past Aid Station "B." You can turn around there or you can greet your runner at that cul-de-sac as they emerge from the trail and then go down the trail east of the cul-de-sac as they head to Simpson Road and the bridge on the east side of the course.

Division Road is reached by exiting Aid Station "B" and turning left (south) on Highway 5. Go to the first county road south of the Little Turtle entrance and turn left (east) onto Division Road.
Since the opening of the shooting range in 2005, we have had to modify the course and divert runners onto part of Division Road in order to get them past the shooting range.

Please be careful as you drive on Division Road in order to provide the HUFF participants with the greatest measure of safety.

There will be a portable toilet at Aid Station "A" and at Aid Station "B'." There are additional pit toilets just beyond Aid Station "A" in the campground. (These are visible from the trail).

There are three sets of men's and women's modern and upgraded pit toilets at Kil-So-Campground. One set is at the east end where runners finishing the loop will be coming into the campground. Another set is on the west end near the access road. The main set is directly across (south) of the main tent and chute area. We have contracted to put another portable toilet in at that location to augment the two already there.

Aid Stations will have water, sport drink, defizzed cola and an array of solid foods such as fruit, pretzels, chips, cookies, M & M's, hard candy and the like. The aid stations will also have some things special to the aid station such as the traditional chocolate turtles at Aid Staion "A," or boiled potatos, chicken noodle soup and other goodies.

The main tent will, of course, have an amazing array of home-made soups and other goodies. More about that later. The HUFF is known for its food!

PACKET PICK-UP

2006-12-21T07:41:00.000-05:00

PACKET PICK-UP and PASTA DINNER

Packet pick-up at the St. Peter Lutheran Church School at 604 Polk Street (the Church is at 648 North LaFontaine Street) in Huntington the night before the race,or by 7:40 AM at the race site on race day.

You can view a map of the race site here on Google Maps. The entrance to the Kil-So-Quah campground is to the left of the arrow. Note: Markle Road is US 224.

Another map of the Kil-S0-Quah campground entrance can be viewed here.

After the HUFF, the Cannon is moving to Georgia

2006-12-21T07:19:00.000-05:00

The 2006 HUFF participants are going to be the last HUFFers to be dispatched on their adventure by the cannon which began our tradition of a booming send-off.

Two weeks ago we learned that the cannon is decamping from Wabash, Indiana, to head to warmer, southern climes. The cannon blast has been provided by the Great Lakes Historical Re-enactors.

The Re-enactors will remain a fixture but their member with the cannon is moving. We already have a line on a few other cannons and howitzers for future years but the concussive wave that enters your sternum and exits your spine to start the race will not quite be the same.

The cannon blast always comes as a bit of a surprise to HUFF newbies. Even though they can see the size of the cannon and even though some veterans may have told them what to expect, the impact is just something that has to be experienced.

Snow at The HUFF

2006-12-21T07:01:00.000-05:00

We've been receiving questions as to whether there will be snow at this year's HUFF 50K. Of course, we have no way of knowing that just yet. The year with the most snow at The HUFF was a year in which there was snow on the ground two weeks before the event. That's not the case this year - so, don't count on having excuses for not running your fastest time.

However, for those who might want to get in the mood for a snowy HUFF we are providing you with the animated image file below.

HUFF Snowglobe.swf

This requires a shockwave flash player.

If you don't have one the easiest to download is at:
http://www.globfx.com/products/swfplayer/

The 2006 HUFF Finisher Medals

2006-12-18T15:13:00.000-05:00

You will run the race on December 30th. When you finish, you will know that the medal you receive will have been hard won through the miles of effort that day, your mental toughness, and your hours and hours of training.

What will your 2006 medal look like? Here are the front and reverse of the 50K and Relay Finisher Medals:

Training Run on Sunday morning at 9 AM

2006-12-01T17:34:00.000-05:00

This Sunday some area runners,led by Anthony Juliano, will take a one-loop HUFF training run around the lake.

The runners will meet at the parking lot of the Kil-So-Quah Campground at 9 AM. The campground entrance is located on US 224 about 4.5 miles west of the I-69/US 224 interchange at Markle.

Also, check out the new northeast Indiana website, Fort Wayne Born to Run. It is aiming to fill the gap in the regional running scene since RunIndiana.com has gone on sabbatical. It is a "social networking" site and it looks to have a lot of promise in linking the running community in HUFFland.

Download Printable Entry Forms

2006-11-19T17:04:00.000-05:00

2006 Printable Mail-in HUFF 50 Trail Run Registration Forms are available below.

Of course, you can also register online here.

Click on the proper form below:

1. Individual 50K and One-Loop Fun Run
2. Team Relay (men's, women's, mixed)
3. 19 & Under Team Relay (men's, women's, mixed)

Yesterday, we were notified that the hosting service was down and that the forms were unavailable temporarily.

If you have dial-up and cannot readily print out a PDF form, please email mtchharper@aol.com to have a MS Word version mailed to you or to have a printed form sent by US Postal Service.

2006 ONLINE Registration is ACTIVE

2006-11-10T11:51:00.000-05:00

The HUFF 50K Trail Run is December 30, 2006 at J. Edward Roush Lake in Huntington, Indiana.

THE 2006 ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW LIVE AND ACTIVE.

Click on THIS LINK to go to the online registration site

or

Click on THIS LINK to get a printable entry form.

32 New HUFF 50K Photos

2006-01-11T18:31:00.000-05:00

Never Before Seen Photographs of The HUFF Surface! Runners Amazed!

That's a National Enquirer-type headline.

The real story is that Lucy Harvey of Wisconsin was kind enough to send along the photographs she took at The HUFF 50K in December. She wanted to make sure that the photos were shared with runners. You can view those photos here or you can click on the link under HUFF Photos to the right.

Lucy (aka Susie while in Fort Wayne) is the sister of Kay Feichter. Kay was one of the soup volunteers who cheerfully poured cup after cup of soup to warm the hungry runners. Kay's husband, John, was the chef who created the award-winning chili.

HUFF Veteran Back on The Roads

2006-01-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

9-Time HUFF 50K Finisher Ed Stuart Putting in the Miles

Ed Stuart of Ohio is a 9-Time Finisher of The HUFF 50K Trail Run. He is a member of a small fraternity of runners called "The HUFF'S TOUGHEST." The ranks of those who have completed every HUFF include Ed's son, Phil Stuart. That makes them the only father and son team.

The Stuarts are on track to come back for the HUFF's 10th Anniversary on December 30, 2006.

We know Ed is putting in the miles. We encountered Ed at Dave's 10 Mile Shoe Run on Sunday at Delta, Ohio.

Dave's 10 Mile is a road race. However, the temperatures are usually quite a bit colder than those for The HUFF. The other difference is that there are no trees to break the wind. The winds can be especially tough when runners make one of four crossings on overpasses above the Toll Road.

This was a relatively balmy 10 Mile Shoe Run. The traditional winds were back but with a strange difference. Most years, the westerly winds tend to be at your back in the early miles of the race but are punishing in the 4 mile to 7 mile sections .

This year, the winds were out of the east. Many of the veterans of Dave's 10 Mile Run had to do a bit of mental readjustment. However, most agreed it was a nice change to have a wind assist in the latter part of the race.

Jen's 2005 HUFF Report

2005-12-28T10:24:00.000-05:00

The HUFF (Huntington Ultra Frigid Fifty) 50k in Huntington Indiana was on Saturday. It's a beautiful 3-lap trail race around Roush Lake and the Huntington dam area.

ran it last year in fairly nice weather and on a dry course in 8 hours, 24 minutes. I was hoping to be under 8 hours for this year's race, and really wanted to be near 7 hours if the weather cooperated.

We have had crappy cold, snowy, wet weather around here for the past week, so noone knew what to expect for raceday. It turned out to be about 23F, light winds, no blowing snow. Very nice for a long distance run. But the course was another story: 4-6 inches of snow that caused unstable footing on most of the course. Oh well, what can you do, except toe the starting line and go.

The cannon went off (yes, a real, very loud cannon), and within the first quarter mile, my shoe came untied. Not a good sign! I started up again, and talked with some other runners around me. It was like a choo choo train, the course only had one semi-runnable lane, and everyone just fell into line one behind another.

We crossed the dam (3 mile mark), and guess what? My sock started rolling under my foot. A blister starting that early was another bad sign, so I sat alongside the road and again took off my shoe... I got water at the 4 mile stop and got back into line. Everyone really stayed about the same pace for the next couple miles.

The course was different than last year, due to a new shooting range at the park. I was very surprised that 2 of the most challenging things on the old course were now gone, a wide creek that always meant wet shoes, and the big hill right after it. I won't complain about either being gone, as we went on the road a bit, and it was nice to have a little traction for about 3/4 mile... I met some nice runners, including one guy from my area who might be nice to train with sometimes.

I got some pretzels at the 7.5 mile water stop, and chugged along some more. People were starting to spread out now, and when we got to the bridge before 9 miles, I only had a couple people near me.

I finished the first lap (10.8 miles) with a lady running with her boxer dog. Lap 1, approximately 2:15. I stopped at the tent to drop some extra clothes and use the restroom before starting lap 2. Again, I talked to some nice runners, and looked around quite a bit. The lap was pretty uneventful. I felt good, and kept eating and drinking various things, as well as taking my salt tabs every hour. Jolly Ranchers and gummy baears were my friends!

The wind was picking up a little as I crossed the bridge,a nd I had a little headwind going back to the campground. It was just past 5 hours when I came around again. Again, the available bathroom called, and I answered.

I hit the trails again to start lap 3, knowing fully that I was going to finish, and realizing that, even with the horrid footing all day, I had a chance of breaking 8 hours if I really concentrated.

My last lap was steady, and I still felt good. I got more candy and even passed someone at the 4 mile rest area. I kept chugging, setting pace goals for each mile. I met every one of these goals, and kept knocking off miles. By the time I reached the bridge the last time, my adrenaline was already pumping. With 2 miles to go, I knew I was going to be able to break 8 hours, but now I also realized that my 3rd lap could possibly be faster than my second! I had picked up the pace after nearly a marathon!

In the last mile, someone came up behind me and scared me by calling me by name. It was my friends Sam and Karen, who I hadn't seen all day. I had originally hoped to run some of this race with them, as Karen and I are very close to the same pace at practically every distance we run. Seeing friends getting close to finishing their first 50k and still running strong motivated me, and I actually picked up the pace in the last mile and a half!

I chugged in and rounded the last few corners with more energy than anyone should have after 32 miles. My fiancee John was at the finish line with my blanket and a big smile. He knew I had met my goal as the clock read 7:52:05 when my chip beeped!!!! My body wasn't ready for the sudden stop, and he had to hold me up.

I went into the tent and turned in my paper and chip and rejoiced: this year they had the medals at the finish line!!! I put mine on and waddled to the soup tent.

The soups at the finish line of this race are worth every minute of effort, and I had used the thought of the wonderful spicy corn chowder to keep myself motivated a couple times during the day. I had warm spicy corn soup, drink, my honey, a 32 minute PR (think about that, I cut off an average of a minute per mile!) and my medal. What more could I ask for???? I had no cramps, no deficiencies, no walls, no problems for the entire race. Truly amazing, considering I was out there almost 8 hours! I was thrilled with my day...

Now the amazing part: It is only 48 hours since the race, and I can walk stairs normally and even hopped on the exercise bike for a few minutes this afternoon to stretch out... I am already planning for another 50k PR at this race next year...

First posted on The Original Live Journal Runners Club on December 19, 2005.

BOOM!

2005-12-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

Photos are Up and Available

2005-12-22T08:49:00.001-05:00

Photographs of The HUFF 50K are now up and posted.

The Race Director took some photos around the course. Some of those photos have already been posted on this page to illustrate some of the weblog reports. These photos are available for viewing at Webshots.

We did something new this year at The HUFF. We asked professional photographer Andrew Hancock to provide photographic services for the race. He has posted over 575 photographs of The HUFF 50K on his site at PhotoShelter here. These are great photographs.

Both photosets will remain as permanent links on the right side of the weblog. Just scroll down the right side of this page to "HUFF Photos."

Purchase of prints from Photoshelter requires setting up a Photoshelter account. Payment is by PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, you may establish one online.

Note that the Andrew Hancock photos are very high resolution photos printed on archival photographic paper. The cost per print reflects this quality.

Photo: Clark Moser, age 17, Elwood IN
Photo credit: Mitch Harper

We will be surveying participants regarding photographs and this will aid our planning for 2006 and beyond. The HUFF 50K does not receive income from prints of photos.

Nancy Kleinrock & Steve from Finger Lakes

2005-12-20T21:48:00.000-05:00

Long and slow, cold and sunny, snowy trails and chip timing -- the 2005 Huntington Ultra-Frigid Fifty (HUFF) 50K was a race of extremes. More than 400 runners gathered in the predawn cold to begin either one or three 10.8-mile loops around the frozen northern Indiana Huntington Reservoir, traversing 20% roads and 80% gently rolling wooded trails covered with about six inches of snow that was soon nicely padded down to what Nancy might consider the perfect running surface, although not one that would inspire any speed records. (How's that for a long sentence!) Both Nancy and Steve were excited about tackling their first ultra, but a niggling tendon or two left Steve feeling a bit trepidatious.

This race, directed by Mitch Harper and coorganized by others including Chris Reynolds' cousin Judy Tillapaugh, whom we had met this past summer on a Finger Lakes 50s run-through, is one that Steve -- who hails from the Hoosier state -- had participated in three times previously, although in the three-person relay of one loop each. Judy and her coconspirators put on a wonderful event. We can't comment on the pasta dinner or pre-race-day packet pickup, but on race morning we each collected a chip, personalized bib, HUFF T-shirt, HUFF hat, HUFF ice scraper, and manly deodorant -- huh? -- in a heated tent in the park campground, a location that would later double as a smorgasbord of soup for our postrace enjoyment. At the three aid stations, volunteers cheerfully offered up the usual (partially frozen) liquid refreshments, as well as a variety of cookies, pretzels, potato chips, peanut M&Ms, and suchlike. Loop after loop after loop those folks retained the encouragement and sunshine in their voices despite the likelihood of well-frozen feet and noses.

Some highlights of the race:

The Boom -- After standing in the midst of the crowded start line of shivering runners, a Civil War-era cannon sent us on our way just post-sunrise, with the shock wave reverberating strongly in our chests. Guess that's one way to make sure no one has a heart attack on the course: get any potential event over with before the running begins!

The Start -- It was just like Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh's "expotition" to the North Pole: a long line of everybody. The first half mile was on the park road to let the field of runners sort itself out, but it didnt work so well. With the intention of more than 32 miles to go, we started slow and easy. A good plan. But once folks ventured off the road and onto the snow, many didn't seem to know what to do with their feet. One would think that a person about to run either 10.8 or 32-ish miles on snow would first check out what that surface felt like. Good deal, though, that there was sufficient room on either side of the single-file line to trot along in the deeper snow at a comfortable pace. Three miles into the course came the first road section -- actually, a bridge across the reservoir's dam -- which spread out the runners, and the remaining hours brought no congestion.

The Gunshots -- Toward the end of loop 1, Nancy and Steve first heard them even though we were about a third mile apart (Nancy ahead of course!). Having lived in Schuyler County for a decade, and seeing no runners keeling over on the trail nearby, Nancy thought little of the gunshots that pealed out from across the lake. On loop 3 she definitively discovered the source. Early Saturday afternoon must be an active time for the firing range near the loop's sixth mile. Passing another runner as a shot rang out, Nancy remarked, "I bet they're doing that as an incentive to make us run faster." The reply: "Maybe it's working for you, but not for me!" After all, it was roughly mile 26. It was then that Nancy realized that she had indeed been passing by many men who had started out faster than suited them at this late point in the race and that she hadn't noticed another female three-looper in probably 20 miles.

The Thirst -- Shortly before that final encounter with the firing range, Nancy got suddenly thristy, despite steadily drinking ~10 oz. Of ice-crusted oh-so-delicious blue Gatorade at every aid station. Most likely it was due to impending fatigue to which she didnt slacken the pace but instead succumbed to mouth breathing.

The Surprises -- Nancy's finish was a surprise on several counts. First was her very even splits: 1:47, 1:53, 1:53 for a total of 5:33:15, which are in fact more even than first meets the eye: the first loop might have been a couple of tenths of a mile short due to the road start, whereas loops two and three included a perhaps-longer trail section at the outset; also, loops 2 and 3 included three aid stations, relative to the two of loop 1 -- and it takes time to down two doses of sub-32°F liquid in 20-something-degree air. The steady pace was a nice surprise.

The next surprise was mixed. As she approached the finish line, Nancy heard a wonderfully familiar voice cheering her in. That meant that Steve was at the finish first. Upon crossing the chip-mat, Nancy was instructed to "see this nice gentleman over here" to be relinquished of her bib tag and chip, but she said "I want to see this gentleman first!" -- the one with a bag of snow and ice numbing the tendons behind and alongside his knee, the tendons that began hurting Steve at mile 2 and with which he mustered out two loops for 21.6 miles (first 10.8-mile loop took 1:54, and he hobbled across the chip mat for his final loop in just over 4 hours). Despite the frustrating flare-up of the tendons, Steve felt otherwise mentally and energetically primed to tackle the final loop, as the rest of his body was fine and ready to go. Two days later, as we write this, Steve's leg is stiff but continuing to improve, and Nancy's various body parts feel as though they've done nothing much out of the ordinary. The continued hope is for a speedy recovery and a lively return to the trails of the Finger Lakes.

Surprise number three was Nancy's placement: fourth woman of 37 and 31st overall of 177 finishers -- better than expected on both counts, especially considering an initial registration count of 62 women and 261 overall, implying that Steve was not alone in succumbing to the challenges of the body and/or the course. Among the women who finished ahead of Nancy was Ann Heaslett (age 42) of the US Ultramarathon team in 5:10:39 and her Canadian counterpart Jenn Dick (age 30) in 5:14:33. Third place was Indiana native Michelle Didion (age 37) in 5:24:10; the winner on the men's side was first-time ultrarunner, but 2:26 marathoner, Brendon Moody in 3:55:49 (age 24). Full results can be found at http://huff50k2005ageresults.blogspot.com/2005/12/50k-age-group-results.html.

For anyone looking for a beautifully conducted event in who-knows-what winter conditions in a part of the country that too many people consider a mere flyover zone, we highly recommend the HUFF, and we're sure to return some year soon.

Ohio's Kevin Rigg Reports

2005-12-19T21:08:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to thank all the enthusiastic and supportive people who help to make the HUFF an outstanding experience! If it were not for the volunteers this race would not be the great event that it is!

Five years ago I ran the one lap fun-run and was bitten by the ultra-bug.

I did not fully appreciate the ultra experience but I was very much intrigued by it. It was the HUFF of 2000 and I didn't comprehend how people could run that far in the snow or why they'd want to; I certainly didn't! But I remember admiring their courage, enthusiasm and strength while running in those conditions. And that I knew I wanted to be a part of that sort of thing somehow. It took me four more years to finally attempt a 50k.

This was my first HUFF but my fourth 50k, and I must say that it has been the most satisfying finish of them all.

Hats off to Mitch Harper and the whole HUFF gang!

Most sincerely,
Kevin Rigg

Reply: Kevin, your comments are very much appreciated.

A HUFFER Speaks Up on Runners World

2005-12-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

From the RUNNERS WORLD FORUM:

26runr

The HUFF 50K Report
Posted: Dec 19, 2005 8:56 PM

As the story goes i can honestly say that ultra-marathons are one of a kind. Driving over the day before from Ohio i was having mixed feelings about what was going to happen at my first 50K attempt. Reasons to panic was the weather situation of wind and snow pounding my car for the entire 3 hours. also, the whiteouts and the narrow, flat 2 lane roads were being swallowed by snow. Why worry now for what was going to occur later.

When i pulled into the Super 8 motel in Huntington it felt like an eerie feeling. follow the icy covered roadway into the motel with only 2 cars in the entire lot and wind pounding my body as i entered the motel. i watch too many scary movies of this stature.

Race Day:

my alarm went off at 4am and my wake up call at 4:15 woke me up out of a shallow sleep. 2 hours later i was on my way out the door into a cold and icy day. after heating my car up i followed the directions to the camp site and parked my car. parking in the lots was similar to woodstock where cars would block you in and everyone had their lights and walking around.

The Start/Loop 1:

i had my yak trax on and was ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime. the huge cannon went off and we started running. then we slowed to a walk for the first turn into the snow packed trail. there was a line of runners and no way of running faster unless you stepped into the deep snow and ran passed them raising your heart rate.

by mile 7 i noticed my right shoe had totally disentigrated and ripped. my yak trax fell off several times and i kept on looking down at my shoes to see how they were doing. not good. Before i crossed through the chute i went to find my bag in my car to change shoes and fill up on gatorade. i passed the chute at 2:03. Wow, it will be a long day.

Loop 2:

i ate some food and told myself to run as hard as possible to make up time lost, maybe a 1:45 or so. i sprinted every bridge section or road i found. then i settled into a pace that felt great. by the aide station after the bridge i ate some food, had a gel and shuffled on and my brain turned off and just took the course in chunks. lap 2 was a 1:53.

Loop 3:

if i kept a 2 hour pace for the next loop i would be sub 6 hours and very happy. this time i chunked up the course and ran. the last loop was weird b/c there was no one around to run with and gun fire every couple of minutes echoed through the air. when i got to within 2 miles i wanted to cry for some reason, i felt great but the last mile took forever until i saw the bathrooms. some guy came out of nowhere and sprinted to the finish and i tried to do the same. i crossed the line and bent over to catch my breath. the aide helpers asked if i was okay since i was staggering and bending over. i felt like saying, "you run 32.4 miles and try to stand up right, shut up and let me walk".

i walked over to my car and i just wanted to cry but i fought back the tears and changed clothes. went over to the food and ate some chili and seafood gumbo. i downed a red bull, 2 shot expresso drink, a coffee, and gatorade and got into my car and drove home behind someone doing 90 mph the whole way.

this was a great experience and this is the first of many to come. so, would i want to do an ultra again? Hell yes but something longer. next up will be something like a 50 miler or more.

Lap 1: 2:03
Lap 2: 1:53
Lap 3: 2:01
Total time = 5:57

A Boxer, a Bomb, and a Blessing

2005-12-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

This was my fourth year at the HUFF and I have to say it was probably the most challenging on the course. My running partner and one of my closest friends, Tricia Miller (also one my relay partners) compared that 10.8 feeling to mile 16 through 26.2 of a marathon! :)

All is well...we will be back next year...not sure about Bailey (Tricia's boxer)...the snow wore him out the most we have ever seen!

I would like to commend Mitch and the rest of the crew for making this year such a well organized event.

It seemed so much smoother with registration...the crowd was handled so well! It was not as congested and thumbs up to John's Chili....that stuff is the bomb (literally, I might add! hehehe)!

Congratulations to all who attempted, overcame and/or finished! It is always a great blessing to run amongst many who are always looking for something more out there! I pray you all were blessed as well!

Connie Gamble
President
Beyond the Finish Running Club

Kimba's Race Report

2005-12-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

Kimba posted this race report on CoolRunning.com's UltraRunning Forum:

Short version: I did it!! Official time 7 hours 38 minutes, my watch said 7 hours 22 minutes (what's 10 minutes after seven hours running....)

This is a loop course, 10.8 mile loops around the Roush Lake Reservoir. Temps are a bit cool, in the teens (F) when we start. We're all really really cold at the start.
The cannon does go BOOM!!! And we're all off, the relay runners and 50K'ers. The one-loop fun runners will be started about ten minutes behind us.

This is a nice, scenic course, it was very pretty at daybreak, sun glinting off icles and the lake. It was hard to look up though, because the footing was very uneven and unstable this first loop. There was probably 6-8 inches of snow, which, due to the cold, was not getting beat down at all, even with all the folks in front of me. The first loop was very crowded, too, it was pretty much going one by one up the trail. Passing someone meant going into the deep snow of about one foot on either side. The trail or the racers finally opened up for me about the second aid station, which was around mile 8 or so.

I had no real expectation of time goals, although I thought 6 hours seemed rather a reasonable number. I thought I could do each 10 mile split in about two hours (I was just ignoring the other 0.8 mile, not being a mathelete.) And my splits through the 10 miles were 2.01 hours, then around 2.15 for the second 10, and 2.30 for the third then (more or less).

On the second loop, there was no problem with running space! Everyone had spaced out, and I wasn't running around alot of other folks. It was amazing what I remembered on the first loop to prepare for the second loop. The footing was improving too, the sun was heating some of the snow and it was getting trodden down, improving in many areas. I was getting tired already though, the first lap of tromping and teetering, trying to balance, had tired me. My upper body was stiff after constantly watching the trail. I was shuffling along on the second loop, on the road to the first aid station when I thought to myself "I am dog azzed tired" And I immediately felt worse. Then I banished that thought, thinking, no "I am strong but slow." Then I thought it should be "strong AND slow" so I quibbled over that myself and managed to while away a good half mile before I decided on "slow AND strong".

Loop 3 came about and I did not change my shoes and socks like I did after the first loop. Which I should have, because I had changed out of my trail shoes for running shoes, which got soaked rather quickly in the inches of snow. I just grabbed a fresh toboggan hat (I changed hats at each loop I sweat so much) and more food and shuffled on.

Loop 3 was good because it was the LAST loop!!! I was really out there by myself now. I picked up some of the remaining Coke at Aid Station 1, and that really perked me for a few miles. I then tried to keep eating as I went forward, because that seemed to help with energy levels.

I was of course power walking any slopes. There were only a few areas that I could call "hills" here it was a very mangeable course. I developed a non-specific leg pain in my right thigh (different that my normal hamstring pain) which actually hurt when I walked.

I glanced at my watch at one point and saw I was over the five hour mark...longer than any other run I had every done..then once I clicked over 26.6, longer in miles than any run I had ever done!

I just kept watching for the mile markers on the last lap, and the big landmarkers..airport, check..aid station 1, check. Awful road section by shooting range, check. 3 runners passed me here and asked if I was okay. I was walking the uphill and eating potato chips and told them I was fine. I caught them at the last aid station, grabbed some hot chocolate on the go and moved on. It was interesting trying to drink hot chocolate and shuffle at the same time. Next was the reservoir, then 3 foot bridges, then the restrooms at the campgrounds, then done.

Got to the reservoir, headed across it. There was a woman ahead of me, just moving ahead very steadily. I was surprised when I caught up to her right before mile 10, she had been doing great. I passed her and then finally saw the Magical Mile Ten Marker!! 0.8 miles to go!!! I was so excited, I was muttering "ten! ten! ten!" Then I knew all I had to do was pass over 3 footbridges, and then I was see the restrooms and be at the campground.

I pass over the first footbridge and heard an awful commotion behind me. First I thought it was dogs barking, then I thought it was the trio of runners being me, catching up to me and yelling! I must have really slowed down! No, it was the geese over on the reservoir I was hearing, I was finally getting close!!! Two more bridges....and then...yes it was, ohmygod, I've never been more happy to see a bathroom (well, actually I probaly have been, but this meant the end of the race) I trucked it through the campground, and turned the corner into the finishing shoot and completed the race!!!!

My chip and bib strip was taken, and then I passed the mental examination in the hot tent (I had to fill out a card with my name, sex, bib number and approximate finishing time...you do that after running 7 hours..) I must have passed because I got my finisher's medal and was pointed to the soup tent!

I got some great chicken soup, slumped down over it in the corner and started to cry..I am not sure why..just so damn glad to be done running. Some nice man noticed me and came over and talked to me, congratulated me for the race and finding out it was my first ultra. That helped me recover a bit and he said he thought conditions were pretty tough out there on the first loop too.

I was really beat after this, still am on Sunday. This seemed, afterwards, so much harder than running my first marathon. I guess because I spent 2 more hours than my longest run had been. I'm so glad I had some 24 and 26 miler runs in though, because for me at less, 20 mile training runs would not have done this for me.

Full Race Results

2005-12-17T21:57:00.000-05:00

You can find HUFF 50K Trail Run, Relay and One-Loop Results at www.onlineraceresults.com.

Age Group Results for The HUFF 50K Trail Run Individual 50K can be found here. (Click on the hypertext link).

Photo of Ellen Pfister (709) and Laura Krumaker (698) leading a pack.

Photo credit: Mitch Harper

First-timer and Old-timer Win HUFF 50K Titles

2005-12-17T21:46:00.000-05:00

The two overall winners at Saturday's HUFF 50K Trail Run couldn't be more different. The men's winner was Brendon Moody, a 24-year-old Buckeye making his first foray into ultramarathoning. The women's winner was veteran Ann Heaslett, a 41-year-old Wisconsin runner with international ultra experience.
One thing the two did have in common on Saturday was a solid grip on their victories. Moody won by over 26 minutes; Heaslett's margin of victory was nearly five minutes but she was in control throughout.
"I just decided Monday to come over and do this," Moody said moments after his 3 hour, 55 minute and 49-second performance. "I've kind of been on a down-cycle (mileage) but I felt like I could still run strong."
Moody had called race director Mitch Harper to see who else was entered and what the course record was. With the nearly six inches of snow on the course there was little shot at a course record, Harper told Moody, but a win was certainly possible.
Moody wasn't challenged, establishing a 17-minute lead after the first two loops of the three-loop race. He then changed shoes - from racing flats to trainers - and cruised to victory.
"The course was in decent condition," Moody said of the third loop. "We just needed to pack the snow down. I thought it was getting a little slick, which is why I put my trainers on."
Moody, an assistant cross country coach at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, had run a 2:26 at the Akron Marathon in October.
Runner-up was another cross country coach: Chuck Schlemmer of Ligonier, IN. Schlemmer, 45, finished in 4:18:19. Schlemmer was also making his ultramarathon debut but is a veteran marathoner. He is the girl's cross country coach at West Noble High School.
Heaslett, a member of the United States 100K racing team, won her third HUFF, completing the course in 5:10:39. She overtook Jenn Dick of Ontario around the eight-mile mark and never looked back. Dick eventually finished second in 5:14:33.
Heaslett had a four-minute lead by the end of the second loop and when spotted at various points of her third loop, was in good spirits.
"I felt pretty good," a remarkably fresh Heaslett said after finishing. "The course was great. No problems at all."

Photo of Ann Heaslett crossing the finish line.

Photo credit: Mitch Harper

Southerners steal HUFF relay victories

2005-12-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

Story by Brett Hess

A group of first-timers stole the show Saturday in the HUFF relay contests. College and high school runners from Terre Haute banded together to win both the men's and women's relay races.
Aaron Hoover, of Terre Haute, made up a nearly 10-minute deficit with a 70-minute anchor leg to carry his team to victory. Although Hoover said he enjoys hill running, all the white stuff was another matter.
"We're not used to running in all this snow," Hoover said. "The conditions were pretty rough. But it was different; we definitely enjoyed this."
Also in his traveling party was the women's winners, anchored by Terre Haute North H.S. senior Kayla Alexander. She, too, wasn't sure what she was getting into.
"It was intimidating," Alexander said. "I saw all those people coming through after the first loop. They were covered in snow and had icicles on their faces. But it warmed up for me. By the time I ran, it wasn't too bad."

Thank You Note

2005-12-17T21:21:00.000-05:00

Dear all Huff 50k helpers,

Thank you so much, yes we were registered as the Death Flowers! (Inside joke from cross country, our coach calls us gladiolas, and he told us those are used at funerals, so we thought the name was fitting to honor him.)

I just got back from the race, and I wanted to tell you how great of a time we all had. We definitely plan to return next year. We came not knowing at all what to expect or how anything really worked, and we all had a blast. It was challenging yet so much fun. Hopefully we can get more members of our team out next year and field some more relay teams. This race is getting us pumped up for track conditioning in our near future!

Again, thank you so much. The race was awesome, especially the wonderful food to look forward to at the end!

Melissa (aka "Death Flowers" team captain)

Top Finishers Audio Report

2005-12-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

Quick Update - Ann Heaslett Leading Women

2005-12-17T11:32:00.000-05:00

Audio Commentary by Brett Hess, Running Columnist

2005-12-17T11:28:00.000-05:00

Photo of Barb Scrogham, Fort Wayne IN
Photo credit: Mitch Harper

Audio Post with Casey Shafer of Team ETG

2005-12-17T10:31:00.000-05:00

Photo of Eric Ade at the 6 Mile mark. Eric was running the second leg on the Team ETG relay team.

Photo credit: Mitch Harper

Aid Station B Audio Report

2005-12-17T09:25:00.000-05:00

Click on the orange arrow of the Audio Post to hear the report from Aid Station B with comments by Gary Bird.

Photo of Philip Sundberg, 19, of West Lafayette, Indiana.

Photo credit: Mitch Harper

Pre-Race Audio Post

2005-12-17T05:04:00.000-05:00

How Many Ultramarathons Have YOU Done This Year?

2005-12-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

Prodigious ultrarunner Rob Apple of Tennessee will be joining The HUFF 50K crowd tomorrow.

Rob has completed a lot of ultras. He's done them fast; he's done them slow; but, he has never ceased having a good time at each one. Rob is often the one to lift other people's spirits at rough spots along the trail.

Victoria White, Race Director of the Double Chubb 50K in Missouri, reports on just how many ultramarathons Rob Apple has completed:

Rob has finished 437 ultras. Huff will be 438 if he finishes and will give him 40 ultras for the year 2005.

Trail Condition Report

2005-12-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

This was received this morning from Jerry Diehl, the HUFF 50K Chief Trailblazer:

I was down at the start/finish area yesterday (12/15/05), and found 4" to 5" of slightly wet snow. The main road to the Kil-So-Quah campground was plowed as well as the parking spots at the individual campsites. With little additional snow expected and mild temperatures forcast, it should be a great day to run tomorrow! Happy trails!

The HUFF 50K Radio Network

2005-12-15T15:58:00.000-05:00

HOUR BY HOUR AUDIO HUFF UPDATES TO BE MADE ON SATURDAY

We're announcing something entirely new for ultramarathons: an hourly audio report direct from the HUFF 50K racesite. We're calling it the HUFF 50K Radio Network. Here the introduction yourself by hitting the Audio Post button yourself.

Tell your friends and family members that they can keep updated on the progress of the race right here. Tell them to check-in during the day at www.HUFF50K.com. They can click on the Audio Post icon like the one above.

Run the race, hear the race.

Packet Pick-Up and Chip Assignment

2005-12-15T14:12:00.000-05:00

You can pick up your HUFF race packet either Friday night at the pasta dinner or on race morning at the Kil-So-Quah Campground main tent.

Representatives of The End Result Co., our chip timing provider, will be at the pasta dinner on Friday night to provide you with your chip and velcro band. This is a change from last year when everyone had to pick up their chip on race morning.

The pasta dinner is being held at the St. Peter Lutheran Church School facility at 604 Polk Street in Huntington from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. The pasta dinner is provided by the youth group of St. Peter Lutheran Church and all proceeds from the pasta dinner go to the youth group. The map for the Church and the YMCA is shown above.

Tickets for the pasta dinner will be available at the door. So feel free to enjoy a pasta dinner and the camaraderie of fellow runners on the night before the race. Tickets are $8. Those of you who have purchased a pasta dinner online can go to the head of the line!

Parking is available on the street or on the church parking lot behind the school. The church parking lot may be entered from LaFontaine Street.

Packet pick-up and chip pick-up will also occur on the morning of the race at the main tent. Please be patient as we move the registrants through the line.

Relay runners - you will each have the same bib number and you will only have one ChampionChip and strap. It is necessary for you to transfer your CHIP at the transition area to be timed properly. The best process is for the runner who has just finished their leg to sit in one of the chairs. The team member running the next leg should kneel down, remove the strap and then place it on his or her own leg. Then take off down the trail like a cheetah.

For all runners, please be prepared to call off your number as your go through the finisher's chute. A person will remove your bib number and they will hand you a card. Please go into the pavilion immediately adjacent to the finish line and fill your name out on the card. 50K and Relay Runners will turn in the card and receive their finisher's medal. One-loop runners will receive a hearty congratulations.

Your chip must be removed in the transition area. Chips not returned will be billed to the runner!

Finishers should then head to the main tent and pig out. Your run will have just been a prelude to the soup.

Campground Map; Where to Park; Where the Toilets Are

2005-12-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

This is a map of the Kil-So-Quah Campground. The map shows the location of the main tent, the finish line and the start. It does not show the location of the LARGE cannon which will be the source of the loud retort signalling the start of your adventure.

The map also shows the various campsites which constitutes most of the parking area for The HUFF. As in the past, please try to ride together to the campground. Most of the campsites will accommodate three vehicles. If you arrive at a campsite first, please pull all the way forward on the gravel area to allow other vehicles to park behind you. 50K folks and relay teams should try to pull in first. This will allow One-Loop participants to pull in last.

We've had a bit of snow last week. The DNR crews at J. Edward Roush Lake have been doing a good job of clearing snow from the campground. However, this may mean the regular campsites are a little more crowded this year.

It is important that you ARRIVE EARLY at the campground. The Indiana DNR will have a vehicle charge for the Kil-So-Quah Campground as is noted in the previous post. This had been the only DNR campsite in Indiana which did not have an entry fee. The DNR constructed an entry station earlier this year. Please arrive early to avoid the line snaking out onto US 224. We had earlier recommended that vehicles arrive before 7 AM to avoid parking problems. We now recommend 6:30 AM.

Note on the map that the Start line in on the roadway. Runners will run on the roadway back toward the entrance until they see the signs as to where they should enter the trail heading west. 50K Runners and the Relay Runners doing the 2nd and 3rd legs will NOT repeat that road section. Those runners will go through the chute, past the aid station table and then run on the trail just west of the main tent area.

Runners will come back through the east section of the campground toward the chute area. This means that 50K runners will pass near their cars before beginning their 2nd and 3rd loops. This means you can change shoes, socks and make other clothing changes.

There are new concrete advanced pit toilets at the east end of the campground, in the middle of the campground just south of the main tent, and one at the west end of the campground. There will be a Portable toilet at Aid Station "A" and Aid Station "B." There are also additional toilets just steps off the trail in another campground by Aid Station "A."

Aid Stations are approximately 3.5 miles apart. There will be a full array of ultra food at each one. That is, there will be water, sport drink, pretzels, potato chips, M & Ms, cookies, PB and jelly sandwiches, defizzed cola, some boiled potatoes and a few surprises.

At the main tent, there will be lots of food...warm food. Runners, though, will be able to partake of fast food (that is, regular ultra food) at an aid station on the west edge of the transition area by the chutes.

The next posting will be about the showers available at the Huntington Family YMCA in downtown Huntington. If you are on a relay team, you may want to think about leaving for a nice, warm, refreshing shower after you complete your leg. You can then return for more hot soup and be ready for your team members as they complete their loops.

Vehicle Entrance Information

2005-12-14T08:09:00.000-05:00

As veteran's of last year's HUFF 50K know, the Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources began charging a gate pass for vehicles. We didn't have much lead time once that decision was made.

This resulted in long lines at the newly constructed gate house at the entrance to Kil-So-Quah Campground and spillover onto US 224.

We have taken steps to alleviate that this year.

We will be selling both a One-day pass and the 2006 Annual Indiana DNR pass at the pasta dinner/packet pickup on Friday night. The one-day pass will be $5 regardless of residency. (The normal gate fee is $4 for Hoosier cars and $5 for non-resident.)

The 2006 Annual Indiana DNR pass is $36. That will be honored at The 2005 HUFF 50K, the 2006 HUFF 50K and, of course, at Indiana Parks, Forests and Reservoirs throughout 2006.

FORT WAYNE AREA HUFFERS have another option. The HUFF 50K has provided a limited number of one-day and 2006 annual passes to the Three Rivers Running Company for sale. Those are available now at the store located at 6312 Covington Road just west of Getz Road near Time Corners. (Three Rivers telephone 260-459-3668; Email; Map.

The currently have 50 Annual passes and a small supply of one-days. We will replenish that with additional passes over the next two days.

This should assist the two major groups of HUFF runners. The third group consists of folks, largely from Indiana, who will be driving in the morning of the race. They may wish to obtain a 2006 Annual Pass from a DNR facility if one is nearby.

Of course, the 2005 Annual DNR pass remains good through the end of the year. If you have it, use it.

Runners' Packet Preparation

2005-12-12T07:05:00.000-05:00

Packet stuffing took place Sunday afternoon at the Joseph Decuis (Day-queeze) restaurant in Roanoke, Indiana. Joseph Decuis will be providing 10 gallons of New Orleans gumbo for the infamous soup line in the HUFF finisher's tent.

Many thanks to Judy Tillapaugh, Josh Ware, Chad Ware, Judy White, Kim Lefever, Bev Metzger, Jeff Metzger, Bob Berger, Valerie Powers, and Jerry Diehl.

Also, a very big thanks to Joseph Decuis' Chuck Putterbaugh who not only arranged for us to have the use of the venue for packet stuffing but who also helped through the afternoon in getting the bags put together. The HUFF 50K is very appreciative of Joseph Decuis proprietor Alice Eshelman for extending the hospitality for which the restaurant and inn are known.

Very Cool Bib Numbers for the Early 50K Folks

2005-12-09T16:10:00.000-05:00

Those who registered early for The HUFF 50K individual 50K event are going to get a special bib number this year. You can see an example of it to the left of this text. (Yes, Mr. Huff is really entered in The HUFF).

Those whose bib numbers are already assigned on the online registration "confirmed registration" page will be getting a personalized race bib. Most of the bibs contain just the last name. Some contain a first initial and a few, like Mr. Huff's, have both first and last names listed.

If there are some misspellings, please forgive us and roll with it. We will be happy to give you a new 'pristine' bib number AFTER the race if your name is misspelled. We'll be very surprised if there are more than one or two names incorrectly listed.

Those relay teams which registered early will be getting bib numbers with the team name imprinted. Those with longer team names got abbreviated in what we think is a reasonable way.

Personalized names for One-Loop Fun Runners? No, it wasn't in the cards for this year.

As for persons who have not yet seen their names or team names on the confirmation page
please be patient. You will see remaining names and additional size information being listed over Saturday and Sunday. As names arrive Monday and Tuesday in the mail, we will get those posted as the week goes along. Keep an eye on your email. Maps, updates and instructional letters will be arriving.

Almost all the names not yet listed are One-Loop Runners and Team Relay members. There are a some 50K individuals that have been received the last three days which have not yet been entered. Team Relays not yet listed as confirmed but which got their entries in early will be getting personalized bibs. We will be working to double check the data already entered in preparation for putting race packets together on Sunday.

There is snow on the ground now. We will be giving course condition updates this weekend and during the week ahead.

The HUFF 50K in the news

2005-12-07T09:15:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Phil Bloom of the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette for today's story on The HUFF 50K Trail Run. An excerpt:

Past HUFF races read like a geography lesson. A year ago,the field drew runners from 20 states as well as Ontario, Canada. Over the history of the race, 34 states have been represented, and the winners have come from as far away as Perry, Utah (Brandon Sybrowsky in 1997) and Fairbanks, Alaska (two-time women’s winner Michelle Mitchell).

One thing that makes the HUFF unique is unpredictable weather.

Six years ago, Mark Godale of Akron, Ohio, won the HUFF in record time – 3 hours, 26 minutes, 27 seconds. A year later in the snow, he ran it in 5:04.53 … and won again, giving him the fastest and slowest winning times in HUFF history.

“That was the snow year,” Harper said. “One of our young runners posted on a Web site that the HUFF is not a race but an epic struggle of man vs. nature.

“I always thought we ought to appropriate that as our slogan. It’s a challenge against time and distance, which generally is what running events are. And it’s a challenge against Mother Nature.”

One omission and one correction -Phil wrote:

The challenge of running long distances and the chance to meet interesting people captivated Harper, who in short order learned that someone was trying to organize a series of ultramarathon races in the Midwest. One more race was needed, preferably in Michigan or northern Indiana. Thus was born the Huntington Ultra Frigid Fifty, or HUFF, a three-lap circuit of Roush Lake in Huntington County.

The "someone" was Jay Hodde, biomedical researcher, UltraRunning columnist, GrandSlammer +, and promoter of the sadly missed Great Lakes Ultra Grand Prix Series. (That's GLUGP - an acronym pronounced "Glug-puh" by those of us who think its pronounceable). Jay is the guy who set The HUFF in motion.

Something that Phil and I didn't cover in the brief interview was the number of ultras in Indiana. Phil wrote:

...[The HUFF] is the only ultramarathon in Indiana and one of 111 on UltraRunning magazine’s Internet calendar.

Indiana has, of course, the OPSF 50/50 (Owen-Putnam State Forest 50 Mile/50K - pronounced "Op-Siff"). I mentioned the Owen-Putnam 50/50 to Phil; it was my first 50K. It is also always my example of a classic ultra.

Photo credit: Journal-Gazette file photo

New HUFF 50K 2005 Trail Map

2005-11-20T17:02:00.000-05:00

Map prepared by Jerry Diehl and Bob Berger. Course is accurately measured at 10.8 miles. (The first loop will be slightly shorter due to the road start not repeated on loops 2 and 3.)

Jerry and Bob have placed mile markers on the course on Sunday, November 20th for those doing training runs prior to December 17th.

Note that the course does not entirely follow the DNR's new Kekionga Trail. The biggest deviation is on the north side when runners are headed back west from Simpson Road (Simpson Road, aka 200E, is the eastern boundary of The HUFF course). Runners will head to the west on the old trail. Runners will not be using the newly created bike trail on that section.

Training Run Set for 1 PM Sunday

2005-11-19T07:58:00.000-05:00

HUFF training runs begin.

Brett Hess of Fort Wayne will be meeting at the Kil-So-Quah Campground at the J. Edward Roush Lake at Huntington at 1 PM Sunday, November 20th.

Brett has been a high school and collegiate runner. He writes a running column for the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. He is now raising and "coaching the next generation of distance runners" like Bradley, Alex and Gracie Hess.

He may be emailed at superhess@msn.com

This Saturday he will be at the USATF Region VII Championships at the IPFW campus in Fort Wayne IN.(Come out and cheer 'em on if you can.)

His next training run will be on Saturday, December 3. Email him for more details. We will post a time when it becomes available.

The HUFF - How runnable is it?

2005-10-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

Today, "Kimba" posted a message on the Coolrunning Message Board saying that she had just signed up for The HUFF and that it was going to be her first 50K.

She had questions about the runnability of the course and whether she would need trail shoes.

Two veterans responded with advice on everything from trail shoes (road shoes are fine) to the chicken soup (very good).

Her question was appropriate for an earlier reply I had made.

[You]reminded me of something said by The HUFF's first time winner Brandon Sybrowsky (then of Utah, now husband of Krissy of Montrail fame, and brother of Travis - a Michigander who has been at every one of The HUFFs).

At the post-race celebration following the first year's HUFF I apologized to Brandon if he had come all the way from Utah and found the course less challenging than the ones he ran -and won - in Utah and the rest of the West. Brandon looked at me directly and said not to sell The HUFF course short. Much like you indicated, he said it was easy enough to attract first-timers but technical enough that it really required some trail-running experience to win.

I asked him to explain. He said that road marathoners, say, in Chicago, might look at the top times in a trail 50K and think, "Why, I could go down and win that given my marathon finishing times." He smiled and said the terrain was just tough enough that a top experienced trail ultrarunner could take any marathoner running a trail run for the first time.

Item of Interest - Human Performance Lab Anniversary

2005-09-29T06:16:00.000-05:00

Thought our endurance athletes might enjoy reading about the early years of the human performance lab at Ball State University. Ball State is located about 35 miles southeast of The HUFF.

Gail Koch, writing in The MUNCIE STAR ,reported today:

Forty years ago, Ball State University's Human Performance Laboratory was nothing more than a storage room in the back of a gymnasium.

Today, the lab is recognized as one of the nation's top research centers for exercise physiology, conducting research on topics that cover everything from aging to space flight.

To celebrate its achievements, the HPL will host the Midwest American College of Sports Medicine annual fall meeting today through Saturday at the Horizon Convention Center. The conference is expected to attract 500 researchers, educators and students from around the world.

One of those attendees is Bill Evans, the first graduate to complete his doctoral degree from the HPL in 1980. Evans now oversees the nutrition, metabolism and exercise lab at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Like so many other alumni of HPL programs, Evans can't speak of the lab's success without mentioning its founders, Leroy "Bud" Getchell and long-time director David Costill.

"Dave was the first person I knew who really thought about exercise in terms of biology and science," said Evans, who studied at Ball State from 1974 to 1978.

Up until the late 1960s, much of what the country was learning about exercise was through studies conducted in physical education programs, Evans explained....

You can read the rest of the story in The MUNCIE STAR here.

Yours truly went through the Human Performance Lab nearly 20 years ago. The verdict? "VO2 Max. is pretty good now; but you could up your mileage considerably." I followed that advice for awhile...and need to follow it again.

CAMERON STUBER - 2004 HUFF Winner

2005-09-26T06:55:00.000-05:00

Clif Bar presents Athlete of the Month
May 2005
Chicago Athlete magazine.

Cameron Stuber
Running 2:36:45 and being the first Chicago-area finisher at the Boston Marathon is only half the story. The weekend prior, Cameron Stuber, 28, of Chicago, was in Milan, Italy, representing his hometown at the Stramilano Half Marathon as part of a sister city exchange.

After notching a half-marathon PR in Milan (1:09:42), he enjoyed a few days of sightseeing before embarking on the voyage across the Atlantic to Chicago, then taking flight once more to Boston.

"I flew back Wednesday, worked Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and flew to Boston on Sunday," said Stuber. "I didn't run much between the half marathon and the marathon. I took a few days off and got a massage." Hardly the most conducive prep week before tackling his first marathon, but Stuber still hoped to run in the 2:25-2:27 range on the hilly Boston course.

After all, Stuber has never shied away from a challenge. He ran an ultra last December before ever running a marathon, winning the HUFF 50K in Huntington, IN.

"On the bus ride to the start I just kept telling myself, 'I've already done a 50K, this can't be too bad.'"

Though the famed Newton Hills ultimately got to Stuber after being on goal pace through about 16 miles, he won't go as far as calling his finish time a "Heartbreak."

"I wouldn't trade my 2:36 for anything," he said. "Whether I ran the time I wanted or not, it was a great experience. If you don't get the time you want, that's why you go out and race again."

Copyright 2005 Chicago Athlete magazine. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

2005 HUFF MEDAL IN THE CHICAGO ATHLETE

2005-09-21T17:25:00.000-05:00

The 2005 medals are designed, prototypes cast and the rest will be here in plenty of time for The HUFF on December 17, 2005. Thought you might be interested in the ad featuring the 2005 medal which is appearing in Chicago Athlete magazine.

FAQ Regarding Relay Teams

2005-09-19T21:21:00.000-05:00

We received an emailed question today regarding relay registration.

The writer asked:

Can a person who is running the whole race, also run as the first person on a relay team? If so, how do I sign up that way?

Our answer: That's been a recurring question. I'm glad you asked it; it's significant enough for our race that I would like to post it on the web log for the race at HUFF50K.blogspot.com

The first year that the relay became part of The HUFF we did allow a 50K participant to be counted as having run the first leg for a relay team. However, it was decided after the first year that we adopt a rule that a member of a relay team cannot also be counted as a 50K participant.

It became more important to have this rule with the introduction of chip timing. The 2005 race will mark the third year of chip timing. A relay team is only issued one chip; the chip and strap need to be transferred from the runner completing a leg to his teammate who will run the next leg. A companion rule is that no participant can wear more than one chip.

This DOES allow a member of a relay team to run two legs of a relay. This sometimes becomes necessary if a relay team loses a team member at the last minute. Indeed, some teams whose members are supposed to meet at the race find themselves in a spot when one of their team doesn't show up. It would work an unfairness if the two members couldn't go ahead and participate.

There were many scenarios we tried to avoid with the adoption of these two rules. For example - preventing two relay runners from contacting one of the elite runners and asking whether they would mind being counted as a member of a relay team. This prevents teams from having a "ringer" with little effort.

It sounds as though you would really like to have your friends participate with you while you run the whole 50K. Please know that if it is a matter of finding a third member of a team we can try to help you do that. If you have some special requirements (such as people who can run a particular pace) let us know. We'll try to make a match.

New Course Changes Surveyed

2005-09-19T13:56:00.000-05:00

We received the following question today about The HUFF course:

I have already registered for my first HUFF this year. I am very excited, and would like to do one of my training runs there. I live [about 90 miles away], and want to take a road trip to do a lap with my wife. Is the trail marked well enough, or is there a map that I could follow so that we do the same lap as the race lap?

The reply:

There have been a few changes on the HUFF course. Jerry Diehl, Bob Berger and myself were just out measuring the new areas this weekend. The DNR has worked to reroute trail so that it avoid areas which are prone to flooding even during moderately high water levels. HUFF runners should enjoy having a much easier time in keeping their feet dry during the race.

The HUFF course has been marked in the past with HUFF reflective markers (pictured here) on the orange trail posts. The DNR, in most cases, has moved the existing markers with the HUFF logo to show where the new trail goes.

So, if you start out your training run from the Kil-so-Quah campground and head west on the trail going nearest the access road you will not encounter any changes in the course until just before the Observation Mound near Highway 5. There you will encounter a very short trail change which keeps runners out of a low spot. It is a definite improvement and should not present any navigation problems.

You will then emerge at Highway 5; you will go south on Highway 5 across the dam; as soon as you pass the DNR office (the first office area is the Army Corps of Engineers) you will head east toward the little guard shack. Past the guard shack you will then enter the Kekionga trail right at the entrance to the campground. You will head south briefly, then generally east. Keep heading east past the Model Airplane field, cross the gravel drive leading to the Model Airplane Field and Archery range. The path is all the same until you emerge at the south boat ramp road. (This is an asphalt surface you will cross).

The Indiana DNR has just put in a new state-of-the-art shooting range on the south side of the reservoir. Due to the terms of their grant, they had to create a much larger 'safe' area around the range. This has meant that, on the south side, a short new trail has been created just after runners cross the boat ramp road. That trail leads runners out onto Division Road.

Once you are on the road, you will then have to run east on Division Road (perhaps we ought to call it ('Diversion Road') to a point just past the shooting range. You will then go north (toward the reservoir) on new trail. The DNR did a masterful job on this new section of trail and it certainly makes for a great running experience in the woods. This is a substantial new section. Runners will continue then to hook up with the winding area of tall trees before reaching Aid Station "B" (where the trail crosses Division Road). So follow the trail all the way to Simpson Road.

Runners will still complete the rest of the Kekionga Trail as they have in the past from Division Road to Simpson Road (200E). So, go north on Simpson Road, cross the bridge and go just a short distance before ducking back in the woods. Shortly after leaving Simpson Road runners will then encounter the second major change. This was done to keep runners out of a low area by the reservoir. This area was prone to flooding and muddiness. The trail now ducks into the woods before reaching the downhill that took one down to the low area. The new trail is a very beautiful run through the woods before it reconnects with what had been the old trail at the top of the hill that came up out of the lowland.

You then will keep heading west on the existing trail. There are some trails that diverge off the trail between the hill and Kil-so-Quah campground. As a general rule on this section, "When presented with a 'fork' in the road, take the path on the left."

There is a trail map at the DNR office on Highway 5. They have a supply of maps in a kiosk near the parking lot.

The weekend course survey data is going to be analyzed by Jerry Diehl. We will then make decisions on where there may be modifications needed to keep the trail distance as close as possible to the original distance of the Kekionga Trail as used for the race. The DNR was striving to keep the distance the same as the original trail.

Overall, I would say that the DNR has done a great job in creating new and interesting trail sections to replace those that have been crossed out. Except for the short Division Road segment - I think HUFF runners will be well-pleased with the results. It certainly removes some of the uncertainty in the event of high water.

An Email back today from our future 2005 HUFF finisher:

Thanks for the quick reply. I was not expecting such effort in the response!!! See you at the Huff!!!!

Reflections on Life Gained at The HUFF

2005-09-15T15:41:00.000-05:00

These comments were posted by ECO-LIPS organic lip balm President Steve Shriver following the 2004 HUFF 50K.

Lesson Learned at the HUFF 50k(31 Mile Race)
12/21/2004

Last weekend I ran the HUFF 50k (Huntington Ultra Frigid Fifty) in Huntington, Indiana. It is a little over 31 miles of trails, a truly beautiful course around the reservoir. Runnng on mountain bike trails, especially in the winter poses many challenges. Of course, Eco Lips protected my lips while my Patagonia outerwear protected the rest of my parts during this winter endeavor. My motto on long runs, thanks to my mountaineering mentor, is to pick an all day pace. A pace that wont wear you down gets you to the summit and/or the finish line. Well, I got over-anxious in the HUFF, and stayed in the top 20 for the first 22 miles, then it hit me! I had 9 miles to go and just felt terrible. I havent done a long race in a while, so I had forgotten about all of the variables involved that can either help or hinder you. I finally worked through the mental and physical challenges and finished in 4 hours, 39 minutes.

Ok, so I can learn from this, and apply it to my next race (and other aspects of my life for that matter):

Start slow
Choose a sustainable pace
Keep the end goal in mind, and visualize finishing
Persevere; dont listen to the voice in your head telling you to give up!
Finish strong!

Now I have to go sign up for another race, to give this strategy a try!

OUR HUFF MEDAL MUSE

2005-09-15T06:51:00.000-05:00

The HUFF 2004 medals are out and about. The medal design and the delivery delay has provided inspiration for one of The HUFF veterans who posted this very funny item on the Ultra Listserv. (Obviously one of the most politically incorrect HUFF veterans but Rich is not going to let PC squeamishness stand in the way of an over-the-top creative streak.)

My name is Trouby Kool y'awl
An' hey like I doan nevah hafta crawl
I walks to my mail box an' there IT is
A big fat veelope with a postage-paid viz
Comin' from The HUFF, y'all
Hip-hop hooray, y'all
It's been a-comin' an' a-comin' for nearly one year
I told th' squeeze we's celebratin' so bring me a beer
Get down, y'all, raise up yer hans
Boogie kool, y'all, all y'all bitchiz and mans
Inside tha veelope is dis cardboardlike s---
Ya rips open th' card, y'all, an' there IT sit
Dis cool steel circle, y'all, with words around IT
An' some figgers an' names I doan know a bit
Like, Dude, whatza "chief," A "Chief Coesse"?
Like right now my Hoosier history's in such a messe
This chump onna front's got pecs an' delts
Wearin' feathers an' claws an' mebbe fur pelts
Gots bling danglin' throo holes in eacha his ears
Lookin' so cock, y'all, it blings me to tears
But th' dude onna back's got too much pelt
With a dead president hat mebbe made outa felt
Uniform, dude?
Like some kinda Red Coatin' man?
Skin's lookin' dark but mebbe jus' tan
Can't tell Indian or maybe he's French
I seen dat name on a Bourbon Street bench
"Coesse"? "Genovese"? "Thibaddeaux" jive?
There ain't no Indian chief like that alive
So, Duke, whatchoo mailin' us anyway, Dude?
I doan wanna rap diss or seem like a prude
But dat "chief" onna front is practically nude!
An' I doan gawk, y'all, I doan wanna seem lewd
But right dare on dis medal raht down below IT
Dat "chief's" showin' nipple on his left t--!
So whuh doeszit say? "The HUFF 50K"?
My December '04 Finisher's Medal just came TODAY??
== ======== === ======= ===== === ==== ========
Yurz troubly,
HUFF 'n' PUFF Daddy
with his "Postage PAID Ft. Wayne, IN,Permit #760" worth 50 cents
TheTroubadour@prodigy.net

[All kidding aside, I KNEW my buddy Mitch would come through. His HUFF 50K definitely belongs with first-class events. And well worth your '05 early entry fee of 3,500cents!]

Yankee Folly of the Day:Seriously now, all these Indiana printed materials go to great lengths to explain the historical significance of the NEXT finisher's medal to be had in a couple MORE months, but not one word explains who the fritz this "Chief Coesse" NOW is, emblazoned thru some metallurgical process taking nine months and struck within this circular chunk sitting right herein my hand! Enquiring minds of pseudo-Native-Americanbookworms need to know!

Reprinted by permission of the author. All right retained by the author, Rich Limacher. Content is the sole responsibility of the author.

Chief Little Turtle's Daughter memorialized

2005-09-11T00:30:00.000-05:00

An 1880's engraving of Miami Indian Chief Little Turtle serves as the major focus of The HUFF 50K logo. When The HUFF 50K began featuring a different historic Miami Indiana figure on the reverse of the finishers' medals the image of Little Turtle's granddaughter, Kil-so-Quah, was the first used. There will be a memorial dedicated to Kil-so-Quah this coming weekend in Huntington County. The following is from the September 9th Fort Wayne News-Sentinel:
A historical marker honoring Kilsoquah, granddaughter of Miami Indian Chief Little Turtle, will be dedicated at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in Glenwood Cemetery in Roanoke [IN]. Kilsoquah was believed to have been about age 105 when she died around 1915. She is buried in the center of the circle at the cemetery. The dedication ceremony also includes a cemetery walk, with re-enactors portraying prominent people buried there. Photo credit - Indiana State Museum

Historic Roush Lake Water Levels

2005-09-10T11:57:00.000-05:00

Thought runners might be interested in the water elevations that occured after last year's HUFF. The J. Edward Roush Lake has gotten to deep levels in past summers. Indeed, the summer of 2002 saw lake levels reach the highest points since the reservoir was completed in the mid-60's. The January 2005 winter accumulation was quite unusual. The high flood level was accompanied by a deep-freeze which created a thick layer of ice. When the Army Corps began releasing the water it caused much of the ice to come crashing down on the trees and brush below. This created a fascinating place of huge ice chunks more familiar to Sir Ernest Shackleton than to our intrepid HUFF veterans.

The full-page chart can be seen at the Army Corps site: http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/wc/reservoir-plots/htr.html