Scouting out the Table Rock Ultra 50 Miler

This morning we drove out to Morganton to check out part of the Table Rock 50+ mile race course. Mainly we wanted to familiarize ourselves with the starting area and the one spot that the race director recommends to be the best for spectators (mile 17/37 on this out and back course).  Since the race starts at 6 am, we'll be driving in the dark that morning, so checking this all out ahead of time takes all the guess work out of things and gets the race day off to a much better start. 

Okay, like I said on a previous post, I don't understand a 50 mile race that's actually closer to the 55 mile distance. Guess I'm just too picky with numbers.

First stop was at Steele Creek Park & Campground. Beautiful location for the start and finish of the event. Also an awesome location for anyone who's planning on hanging around waiting for race participants.  There are picnic areas, miniature golf course, fishing, swimming, water slide, tube rentals, and a small store.

The 50 mile race course is out and back with an elevation gain of 11,500'. The highest point on the course is the summit of Table Rock Mountain.

This is a picture of Table Rock from the highway. This is close to mile 17 in the race, and runners will have to reach the summit.

The second most important area we wanted to be familiar with is at the parking area where there will be a runner's aid station at approx mile 17 & 37.  This is where Shadow and I will be to offer Bart hydration, food, change of clothes, shoes or anything he may need to help him continue on his journey and goal of covering the 50+ mile distance.

We took some time to run/jog/hike some of this section today as it has the steepest grade of the course.

The trail starts off nice and smooth, but drops very quickly down to Upper Creek.

 There are lots of fallen leaves and acorns making the trail slippery and difficult to see the tree roots.

The general course description on Table Rock Ultras' web site states that much of the course is now on technical trail, meaning one slightly wrong step can turn a good day into a DNF.  They strongly encourage people to have some trail experience and to not sign up for the 50-miler as their first ultra.

Just this small section of the course we were on today was so stinkin' difficult. Bart has until race day to decide if he feels up to the challenge of 50 miles. He can always switch to the 50K if he changes his mind.

Good job men...

Shadow taking a drink from the creek.

When we were heading back up the trail, my heart was pumping so hard I could hear it in my ears.

Portions of the race will be on this forest service road, so that will be a nice reprieve from the roots and rocks on the trails.  

...Now it's time for the Bartman to rest up and mentally prepare for the task that awaits him.