Run It Fast®

Here are the results from the 33rd Annual Strolling Jim 40 Miler Ultra Marathon that took place on May 8, 2011 in Wartrace, TN.  Arkansas native Leah Thorvilson was the overall winner and set the female course record by nearly thirty minutes as well.

Owen Bradley was the first male across the finish line. He finished almost six minutes behind Leah.

Friends and readers of Run It Fast are listed in BOLD.

My First 50K – Dirk’s Fat Ass 50K (Murfreesboro, TN)

To start… I’ll just say this was quite the event! I really had no clue what was in store when deciding to run 33 miles on New Years Day. I REALLY didn’t expect to have to swim part of the event!

Upon arrival, two things went wrong right off the bat. First, I forgot my water bottles. Second, My Garmin would not turn on (although I know I charged it).

Lisa and I were the first to arrive, and rain was coming down hard! I became worried that we were the only two who were going to brave the storm, but much to my relief we were soon joined by about 20 other runners! I should have known better than to think a little monsoon would keep the “die-hards” away!

In fact… several well known Ultra Runners showed up as well. Among them were Naresh Kumar (who had just finished the Bartram Forrest 100 Miler a few weeks back) and David Jones (winner of the Badwater 135 in 97). Chris Estes who had completed a 50k the day before!

My friend Jay, who had not run longer than 12 miles since he ran a half marathon in October was keeping a great pace ahead of us. I thought he might be running too fast for an ultra. Heck… I thought WE were going too fast! Jay had planned on doing 20 miles (the run was made up of three 10 mile loops) but he found he had the legs to do 27 (21.1 in 3:37, which included time to change into dry clothes and then 6 miles of walking for a total time of 5:41). He is an amazing person who has helped me increase my speed!

The first 10 miles went great, but in some parts of the trail the water was several inches deep, covering our shoes. Joseph was still recovering from a bronchial virus infection, but soldiered on through grim determination. Lisa kept the conversation going. It amazes me that she can talk non-stop and still keep a great pace! Her tales are a great distraction and keeps the miles interesting.

On the second 10 loop, the rains had stopped… but the water from the river (that this trail borders) was rising, and at some points was over our knees! Our legs would freeze and our feet became numb! Now… this may have actually benefited us, as it was like taking an ice plunge to keep the swelling down of stiff legs.

On our third pass, Naresh warned us that the waters were still rising. I thought “No problem!” I was wrong. The water was waist high, and began moving rapidly. At one point the path dipped into a tunnel, and there the water was chest high!

We decided to climb the muddy hill that bordered the trail, which Joseph and Lisa made up with no problem. If you know me, however… my climbing skills aren’t the best. It was quite rocky and slick with mud. I kept envisioning what wonderful new scars I could bring home to show my family if I slid back down! Joseph dramatically reached down to grab my outstretched hand and hoisted me to the top, where I about landed on top of Lisa!

We completed 7 more miles for a total of 33 miles in honor of Joseph having turned 33 at Christmas! At the aid station, Dirk the race director told me and Lisa that we were the first women to complete this event!

And with the completion, my fears of the Strolling Jim 40 Miler that I have planned for May have been assuaged a bit, and I know that with continued training and good running partners… anything can be accomplished!

From time to time here on Run It Fast we feature races that we highly recommend because one of us have run the race before and had a great experience doing so.

The Strolling Jim 40 Mile Run in Wartrace, TN is one of these races. It’s an ultra marathon of 40 miles that is run entirely on paved roads.

The race is challenging and very hilly. The heat and humidity can also take a toll on you as the day progresses.  SJ40 usually comprises a collection of elite athletes, ultra veterans, and newbies to ultras.  There is always a friendly environment between all of the runners and you get a lot of bang for your buck with a pre-race pasta dinner and post race meal included.

The 2010 edition of ‘The Jim’ was won by 2007 Badwater champion Valmir Nunes, of Brazil, with at time of 4:44:43.  The last finisher crossed the line in 12:46:37. The race has no cut off and waits for everyone who wants to finish it.

The 33rd annual Strolling Jim takes place on May 7, 2011.  Signups are underway and the race will be capped at 250 runners (101 ran it last year).

Strolling Jim 40 Miler Website – (Sign Up at UltraSignUp.com) -$50 before Feb 28, $60 after

Race Director Mike Melton can be reached via email at mike@mcmelton.com

Strolling Jim 40 Mile Ultra Marathon Review