New Year, New Goal

 "This running thing is not for me anymore". Until it is.  Here is the link to a quick story about what is next in my running life.

Everything In It's Place

Edie's Badger 100 Race Report

 For those of you who enjoy reading about different races around the country, here is my race report from the Badger 100.  Great race, great people! 

Well, heck...

Well, it is official. We are cancelling Chicot Challenge 2021 as well. After speaking to the park staff, there is no way the trail will be open in time for the race since they are still housing Covid patients out there. Refunds have been issued and we are hopeful that the rest of 2021 will treat us better than the first couple of months have. Stay safe and healthy, and we will see you at Chicot Challenge 2022. Edie

That's so 2020

Sam Houston Jones State Park post Hurricane Laura

It will come to be understood as being the same thing as saying, "Whatever could go wrong, will"  also known as "That's so 2020".  As we approached our first year of hosting No Man's Land Trail Race in the beautiful Sam Houston Jones State Park in Lake Charles, Louisiana, we were watching updates from the governor and local officials about Covid guidelines and became hopeful that the only real effect on the race would be limiting our capacity.  No big deal since it meant we were able to have an ACTUAL in person event.  Then a very unpleasant lady named Laura introduced herself and threw quite the tantrum right over southwest Louisiana.  Lake Charles and surrounding areas were hit pretty hard.  Homes were almost completely destroyed due to the severity of the winds.  Trees and power poles blocked the roads, and all types of housing materials could be found littering the landscape.  Where there were once beautiful live oaks, now there were cleared fields.  The devastation of this storm is hard to describe, and hard to believe if you haven't seen it in person.

Naturally, being in the heart of the storm, Sam Houston Jones State Park, the home of No Man's Land, was hit pretty hard.  It will take months just to get access to everything, and years to get back to some semblance of normalcy.  The cancellation of the race was sad for us, but so very minor considering what our friends and loved ones are facing.  The people of southwest Louisiana are used to rolling up their sleeves and taking care of business, so they will rise again as they have before.  We are already looking forward to No Man's Land on October 23, 2021.  We are offering our Lake Charles and SW Louisiana friends impacted by the storm half price entries into the event (just enough to cover our costs).  Before you sign up, if you are from these areas, send me a message and I will send you the code.

After already having to cancel Chicot Challenge last March, in the early days of the pandemic, this was another blow.  But, now we shift our sights to the 4th annual Loup Garou Trail Run.  Here's a look at an early video with views of the trail.  Click the picture. 

All of the permits are in hand and I am in communication with our state park officials as well as the park managers, and the race is on!  Currently, there are a few elderly Covid patients being housed in the park, so a portion of the trial is closed.  Since it is a loop course, we have a "plan b" route in place should that still be the case in December.  The State Parks representative I am talking to doesn't think that will be an issue by race time, but he suggested a backup plan just in case.  

That is all set and approved by the park manager, so one way or another we run.  If we do have to follow the "plan b" route (which by default means out and backs, since the course is a loop), we will have to come up with special tshirt designs or something to commemorate the (hopefully) once in a lifetime event.

Following Loup Garou is Red Dirt Ultra in the beautiful Kisatchie National Forest, which also took some damage from Laura.  No one can say she wasn't thorough.   But, our fantasic Forest Service Representative up there assures us that the trail will be cleared by race time, so that is a go as well.  Man it will be good when things feel normal again.  

Here is a short video with pictures from the Red Dirt trail.  Excuse the music being splotchy - I am a trail runner not a video editor :-). Might want to mute it and just enjoy the pics. Click the picture for the video.

Then, we wrap up the year with our end of the year trial party, Chicot Challenge 60 mile relay. This is always a great weekend of celebrating our race seasons and spending time with our favorite people - trail runners!  At Chicot Challenge, you can choose to build a team of 2 - 5 people to cover the 60 mile distance, or run the 20 miler all on your own.  Either way, there is hot food and cold beverages waiting for you when you finish.

With us still under the Covid guidelines, our volunteers will follow all of the necessary precautions to keep themselves and you safe - gloves, masks if close contact is necessary, all food in individual portions, etc.  We are outlining those now to be sure that everyone can feel safe coming out and running in nature, and feel "normal" for a while.  Who would have thought that normal would sound so appealing?

Any questions about the races or trails above, shoot me an email at:  PaixRunning@gmail.com

Happy Running! 

Edie

 

Go away Covid

 What a crazy year for all events, trail races included.  With so many cancellations and "virtual" events (I have developed a strong dislike for that word) -- it is refreshing to be able to plan actual in person, physically present events.  Since the group camp area at Chicot State Park was being used by the state to house elderly Covid patients to keep them safe, the trail was closed out of a abundance of caution to keep the public well away from any potential infection.

As things start to relax and the cases in Louisiana continue to plummet, our parks are breathing a sigh of relief as all of the people who use the trails regularly are once again able to get outdoors onto the trails to find their peace and escape the chaos that is our current reality.

Looking forward to our 2020/2021 events, we know that they will look a little different this year, but the spirit of the events will remain the same.  The camraderie that is present at these events will not change, even if we are a few feet apart.  And really, this might be a good excuse for my non-hugging friends to avoid a post race sweaty hug from me - for now.

So, keep your fingers crossed and send some positive juju to all of your favorite race directors that we are all able to host the awesome events that you guys make so much fun! 

Stay healthy, and Happy Running everyone! 

Edie

The Paix Running Family is Growing!

I am excited to announce that I am adding one more opportunity to bring our Paix Running family (new and old members) together for a little fun in the woods!  This October, we are adding a new member to the family - the No Man's Land Trail Race (formerly known as the Danimal) in Lake Charles, Louisiana! 

Check out the details here:  www.NoMansLandUltra.com

More information will be released soon, but mark your calendars for Saturday, October 24th to join us in Sam Houston Jones State Park for distances of 7.78 miles, 25k and 50k on a beautiful trail!

Chicot Challenge is next!

Spa 21 on the Red Dirt course in all her beauty! 

It has been an incredible race season so far!  Both Loup Garou and Red Dirt were huge successes and so much fun, and now we are looking forward to our end of the season trail party, Chicot Challenge 100 Mile Trail Relay. We have made so many new trail friends, many of whom are planning on joining us at CC where we get to spend some real time visiting and making sure no one leaves hungry.  I can't wait for another opportunity to hang out with you guys!  Hope to see you all out at Chicot Challenge for a fun weekend! 

Loup Garou Runners navigating the mud at Chicot this year.

Upcoming group run, and other stuff

A group of us are going out to Chicot State Park this Saturday, December 22nd for a group run of different distances, and all are welcome to join in! We will be meeting at the main trail head at 7:30 am, ready to run.  If you have questions, email me at PaixRunning@gmail.com. 

With Loup Garou being out there last weekend, I want to do one more loop just to be sure we didn't miss any trash or trail markings.  I doubt we did, we scoured every inch of that course, but I want to be sure that we are leaving it better than we found it.  And, I have a 100 miler in April so I need to run anyway, so why not do it on my favorite trail?

Speaking of that 100 miler - I am super excited about it, and I wanted to share it with all of you.  It is called the Screaming Monkey 100 and it is hosted by the GOATS (Get on a trail, Shreveport).  These guys are super enthusiastic trail lovers, and I have now doubt that this will be a top notch event.  They have a variety of distances available, so everyone can find one that fits their needs.  Here is their description:

The inaugural Screaming Monkey 100 will kick off at Eddie D. Jones Park in Keithville, Louisiana. Eddie D. Jones is unofficially known as The Monkey Trails due to its proximity to a National Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Monkey Trails is a Top 10 Mountain Bike destination in Louisiana and is large enough to support sizeable loops; runners will have the option of a half marathon, or ultra distances of a 26.5 miler, a 100k and a 100 miler all happening on Saturday the 6th. 

The course itself will feature miles and miles of undulating, technical single track and a section of wide-open equestrian trails. Runners will hear the nearby primates during many sections of the trail. The terrain varies from technical forest track to pine-straw-covered, rolling red-clay hills. There is even a ravine section that will make you wonder if you're still in Louisiana. Both the 100M and 100K participants will go through the gates of a Louisiana State Prison that shut down in 2012. Just imagine what that aid station will be like... 

The race is a true trail festival. On Sunday April 7th, a 5k, and a 10k are being offered. This will serve to bring new energy to the race as the 100 milers will be nearing their final push to finish at that time.

Looks fun!!

Also, find them on Facebook to keep up with the latest race details.  This will be a fun one, and I hope to see all my trail friends out there!

Happy Running!

Edie

Upcoming Group Runs

Saturday, August 25th  7:00 am.  Louisiana State Arboretum Trails
4213 Chicot Park Road, Ville Platte, Louisiana

• Meeting at the front gate, ready to run by 7 am.  There are bathrooms and a water fountain at the trailhead.  The whole loop is 4.7 miles but can be shortened with cut across trails.  There are maps available at the trailhead.  You are responsible for your own nutrition and hydration for the run.  Mildly technical (rooty) in spots, and some climbs.  Walker friendly, but no pets allowed in the arboretum. Human families welcome though.  :-) 

Saturday, November 17th 7:00 am   Red Dirt Group Run / Camping Trip

Lotus Camp, Kisatchie National Forest  Provencal, Louisiana

• We are heading up to the Red Dirt trail this weekend to run the trail and camp. The weather should be perfect! I will need a 35 mile training run, so I will be doing the whole loop, but you can choose any distance you would like by doing an out and back, or just stay back at the campsites and enjoy this beautiful park! We generally camp in Lotus Campground, right on the trail. More details to come as it gets closer. Mark your calendars. Families welcome.

Any questions about these, email Edie at PaixRunning@gmail.com.

Group Runs!

We are beginning to schedule our fall/winter group trail runs, and I wanted to keep you guys updated.  Here are the two we have so far - one to the Chicot State Park Arboretum and one to the Sandstone (Red Dirt) Trail.  As we add more, I will add them here, but in the meantime, if you are on Facebook, follow the Paix Running page to get the latest news! Click the picture to go to the event page.  

Arboretum Group Run - Ville Platte, Louisiana - August 11, 2018 7:00 am 

Red Dirt Group Run / Camping Trip  November 17, 2018  Kisatchie National Forest

Email Edie with any questions at PaixRunning@gmail.com.

Happy Running! 

Edie

Taper week from an RD's perspective

What is taper week like for the race volunteers? 

 Click the picture to find out.

GROUP RUN!

A group of us are planning on heading up to the Red Dirt trail on January 13th to camp for the night and get some running in.  Any distance is welcome (you just turn around when you are half way done).  Email Edie at PaixRunning@gmail.com for more information.

Pang Wangle

A short video from our friends at Pang Wangle showing some of the beauty of the Chicot trail, and an interview with the owner of Paix Running, Edie Couvillon.  

Exciting Things Happening!

My name is Edie and I love my job.  Or, should I say, "I love my jobs!"  I work full time for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a fundraiser, and for fun, I put on trail races.  I hesitate to say that either of those are jobs, though, because I honestly love doing both of them.  

I currently have three trail races that I host:  Red Dirt Ultra, Loup Garou Trail Run, and Chicot Challenge 100 Mile Trail Relay, all in my beautiful home state of Louisiana! 

I started running trails in 2008 and ultra distance trail races in 2009.  Since then I have run 27ish (I can't remember) ultras, with 4 of them being 100 milers.  Leading into 2015, I started to see some race directors around the country who didn't seem to have their runners' safety and success as their top priority.  Many of my early ultras were put on by Joe Prusaitis, formerly of Tejas Trails, and those wonderful events were what formed my idea of what a trail race should be.  I guess I was spoiled.  Joe's races always had well stocked aid stations, most being manned by experienced trail and ultra runners,  his courses were well marked and nearly impossible to get lost on, and he was a fixture at the finish line, handing out medals, buckles and hugs (he gives the BEST post-race hugs) to every single runner.  Since then, Joe has retired, but he remains a dear friend and inspiration for Paix Running.

It was after a few cringe-worthy experiences at other trail races that I had my revelation - that our sport and our runners deserved better.  Hence, the birth of Paix Running (paix=peace in French).  Next month we are hosting the inaugural Loup Garou Trail Run on our home trail of Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, Louisiana.  My volunteers and I know every inch of this trail and love our girl (we have deemed the Chicot trail female because she can be a beauty and a beast all on the same run - I'm a girl, I can say that).  We are all excited to show off her beauty to all of the runners coming out there for the first time.  I think my team and I are more excited than you guys are for this race! 

I just unveiled the ever growing list of First Timers at Red Dirt (more details HERE) and I will be making an exciting announcement about Loup Garou in the next couple of days via video (HINT: You will want to come back.) 

We will also be leading a group up to the Red Dirt trail soon for a group run, so stay tuned for more info on that here.   

Phew!  So much going on, and I could not be happier to share it all with you.  Check back here for updates, but until then, Happy Running, Y'all!  - Edie

That's me after a 50 mile training run on the levee.  Happy to be finished!

Group Run at Red Dirt!

For anyone interested in checking out the course where the Red Dirt Ultra is run, or if you just want to come out and experience one of the most beautiful trails Louisiana has to offer, here is your chance!

A group of folks (myself included) are heading up to the Kisatchie National Forest on Friday, September 22nd and camping there for the weekend.  We have some running on both Saturday and Sunday.  Any distance is fine, since anyone can start with the group and turn around and head back when they are ready.  We have some doing the whole 31 mile loop and others doing out and backs of different distances.

The location of this is the Sandstone Loop, off of exit 119 (Cloutierville Exit) on I-49 North. It is about 20 miles south of Natchitoches.

EDIT:  Due to the high temperatures we will not be camping for this run.  A group of us are spending the night in Natchitoches and driving in to the trail in the morning.  We will be at Lotus campground, ready to run by 7 a.m.

If you are interested and have any questions, email me, Edie, at PaixRunning@gmail.com.

All are welcome to come out and enjoy this beautiful area!

Happy Running, Y'all!
Edie

Here is a sample training plan for the Loup Garou 40 Miler (www.LoupGarouTrailRun.com).  Adjust it to fit into your schedule.  I based it on running 4 days a week because I never run more than that, but if you want to add a day, go for it.  I would suggest doing some moderate speedwork on the Tuesday runs and adding hill work into the Thursday runs.  --Edie

You asked, we listened

It is hard to put into words how excited I am to say this... because of the high interest in this event, we have decided to start it a year earlier than expected, and host the inaugural Loup Garou Trail Run THIS December!!  That's right!  December 16th, 2017, will officially be the first installment of what I know will become one of the most loved trail races in Louisiana - and that is saying a lot considering the great work my race director buddies are doing in our great state.

I was hesitant to start this race up this year for a couple of reasons, one of which being finances.  It is incredibly important to me that if I am going to put on a race, I am going to do it right, with no expense spared to give the runners the best possible experience.  I was planning on saving up over the next year to prepare for Loup Garou 2018, but I am blessed to have so many people that believe in what we are doing here that I have had multiple people offer to back the race financially, knowing it will be a high quality event.

I have also had many runners express their impatience in waiting for the 2018 date (how amazing are you people, anyway?).  So, I accepted a friend of Paix Running's offer to help to get this race off the ground and it is official. The date is set.  My next step was reaching out to my key volunteers, and the quickness of their response time and the enthusiasm of their answers further confirmed that this is the right decision.  Every one was a whole-hearted "YES" or "ABSOLUTELY", or "HOT DAMN!  THAT IS EXCITING!!" (my personal favorite).

So, the volunteers are in place, the venue is booked (I love working with our Office of State Parks - good people), the logo is being amended to say 2017, and I am SO EXCITED!!  I can not wait to bring people to this incredibly beautiful trail - our stomping grounds and favorite training spot.

The registration will be open on Ultrasignup shortly - I will keep you posted.  Thank you all for your support and confidence in our Paix Running team. Our Louisiana trail running family is pretty special.

Get more info here:  www.loupgaroutrailrun.com

Happy Running! 

Edie

Group Runs!

I will be hitting the trails pretty often leading up to Pinhoti 100 in November, so I will be posting here when I am heading to different trails in the south Louisiana area so that anyone who cares to join is welcome to.  Keep in mind these are training runs, so be prepared to take care of all of your nutrition and hydration needs, and be prepared for the possibility that the training group may end up breaking up so that everyone can get their specific workout in.  We will all be on the same trail though, and there is much comfort knowing that others are out there with you.

Some of my favorite local training spots are: Chicot State Park, Clark Creek Natural Area (serious hill workout and WATERFALLS!), the Beast in St. Francisville and Sandstone Trail (home of Red Dirt).  All require a bit of driving but all are worth the effort.

Here are a few dates that I have so far.  Check this page often for additions. 

Saturday, July 8th - Chicot (I need 20 miles.  Not sure if looping or an out and back for 10 then finishing with 10 on the park roads - depends on bug situation.)

Seen along the Chicot trail

Saturday, July 22nd - Chicot ?  TBD

More Chicot!

Saturday, September 23rd - Sandstone Loop - I need 45 miles so I will be doing a loop and a half, but you can do any distance you choose.  Should be cool enough by this time to camp.

Just one of the long, smooth downhills at Sandstone.  (There may be a few uphills as well.)

I plan on adding some day trips to Clark Creek as well, I just don't have those dates nailed down yet.

One of my favorite things - rinsing off under a cool waterfall after a Clark Creek hill workout.

If you have specific questions about these trails or group runs, email Edie at PaixRunning@gmail.com.  Hope to share the trails with some of you!

Happy Running Y'all! 

Reason #349,285,674 why I love this sport

After following the WS100 this year and seeing the front runners duke it out all the way to the last finisher squeaking in seconds under the 30 hour cutoff, all I can say is "Wow".  This is such an amazing sport and such a testament to the human spirit and the support and camaraderie among ultra runners.

So, it is time to get to work on my 2018 races.  With Red Dirt and Chicot Challenge pretty much nailed down after last years successful races, we are excited to add a new race to the family - Loup Garou!

Loup Garou is run on the 20 mile, mostly single track trail around the beautiful Lake Chicot in Chicot State Park, Ville Platte, Louisiana.  There will be distances of 20, 40, 60,  and 100 miles so there is something for everyone!  Check out the Loup Garou race doc for more info, and check back here soon!  Things are starting to move again and you don't want to miss any of the fun!

Be safe training this summer!

Happy Running,

Edie