First of all, many, many thanks to Ed Schultze and his fine volunteers for another great race. It was so uplifting to see many friends out there helping. Also thanks to Mark for being such a great training partner, Howard for getting me here fully prepared and uninjured, and Walter for well, everything.

This race is the first of my three spring races, and I'm curious to see where I am in my training. After a lot of road running and some disappointing long runs, I'm not sure what to expect. At least the day seemed promising with early sunshine and temps predicted in the 40s.

Start to Watkins

We arrived later than I wanted and the registration area was very crowded. I had just enough time to get back to the car, get my gear together, change my shoes and pin on my number. I didn't hear Ed's final directions or the start, but I'm sure it was short and sweet like "it's muddy, run fast, have fun, now get out of here," and off we went. Mark and I quickly claimed (close to) last place and chatted for a minute with Mandy, one of the Kick Running members. Mark went on his way and after talking to Mandy for a few minutes, I was off on my own. This section is very nice, rolling terrain and very pretty in the morning sun.

Watkins to Brink

Another nice section, most of my runs are on this part of the trail. About a mile into it you have to cross the creek and there are large stepping stones and a rope. Since I usually end up either falling in or getting a foot wet anyway, and since temps were in the 40s, I decided to just walk across the creek. Not much to mention running-wise, I ran the flats, walked the hills and tried to keep the pace consistent. My goal for today was to go conservatively for the first half, then see what I was left with. On most of my long runs this season, I went out too fast then ended up slogging it out. I don't want to do this today; I'd like to finish strong. After crossing Brink we heard that a runner got run over by a deer. (I'm very happy to hear that she's spared serious injury and hope she's recovering well.)

Brink to Watkins Mill to 355

I haven't run this section in quite a while and I'm glad I've stayed off it. I appreciated it that much more. There's some good hills on this part, just enough to give you a break from running. I was with Angelo for about half of this part, but then was on my own. He, Joyce and Linda caught up to me at the aid station and I tried to be as brief as possible there. I had some Ultima, refilled my water bottle and headed off eating pretzels.

355 to the Park

This is my least favorite part of the trail, very urban and lots of cars going past. There's a lot of litter on the trail here too. After a bit though, it gets nice, more rolling hills and I managed to trip over a branch and fall. I ran with Maria B. here and another gentleman, and Maria kept an excellent pace. Just before the state park, you cross under some power lines and it's very pretty here. I was getting a little tired, but overall still good. At the park aid station I got to see Lorrin and Mark M. come off the lake loop (50k course). Both looked very strong and Lorrin told us to watch for a tree that a beaver tried to cut down at least two times, but it landed upright instead of flat in the water. Unfortunately I missed it. A bunch of 50k runners were starting to pass, but everyone is friendly and encouraging.

Riffleford to 118

This is one of the flattest sections of the course with no hills to walk. While also a pretty section, it's pretty much a grind. I managed to run a good part of it and was still feeling okay, despite some soreness setting in. I was very happy to cross Rte. 118 as the remaining part of the course is another of my favorites. Right away you're into some pine forest, along a ridge and it's very pretty. (Can you tell how much I like this trail?) Shortly you face one of the bigger hills on the course, but I feel very strong as I climb up and easily find the turn of the switchback. Once up this hill, I run down full blast, laughing out loud because I feel really good . At the bottom I leapfrog with another guy who ran the 50k. I think he stayed back when we came out of the woods before 28. I should have known better, but this guy says there's a rumor that there's pizza at 28 aid station. I don't think so, but it's nice to fantasize.

Rte. 28 to Berryville

I felt good again climbing the hill out of the woods, and manage to run the next hill before running along 28 and into the parking lot where the aid station is. At this time a lot of 50k runners are coming through so there's a traffic jam to get aid. I just refill my water, drink some Ultima and head on out, cramming my mouth with goldfish. I never did get one of those peeps, but thank you Don, for your top-notch aid station. Back on the trail I pass a couple of guys walking and keep thinking they'll catch up but they never do. In fact the rest of this section I keep expecting those that I pass to catch me but they don't. I'm slowing down a bit, the walk breaks are more frequent, but I'm still very happy to be out there. I really like this part of the trail. I'm still pretty surprised at how not-bad I feel, and I know the end is near.

Berryville to Finish

Once off the trail and onto Berryville Road, I hit the aid station and it's so nice to see Katie's smiling face. It's amazing how the little things can make your run so much better. I think I only got Ultima here, then headed up the steepest hill on this course. It's very steep but short, and I feel great climbing it. This is some lovely single-track with lots of laurel and the trail isn't terribly technical, so it's very runnable. I came upon a woman and a man and they were both walking more than I wanted so I passed. It was shortly before this that I saw a big empty "Growler's" bottle hanging from a tree – it reminded me of the vhtrc's bottle of Jack at one of their FatA** events. Only there was nothing in it – what's up with that? So on I go, lovely trail, and finally see the glint of metal in the sun – I'm at the road! That seemed to come up quick, but I'm elated and know I can run it in from here. Once on the dirt road that doesn't seem to end, I keep running and even kick it in to the finish: 6:44. I'm incredibly happy with my time; I was hoping to break 7 hours and thought it was a reasonable goal, but you never know. I tried to find out if Mark had finished or not, I was afraid to inquire during the day where he was because I thought he might be ahead of me. Someone incorrectly told me he had just finished a few minutes ahead of me, so I scrambled looking for him so I wouldn't lose my ride back up to Damascus or keep him waiting. I can't locate him and he's a hard character to miss with that beard, but I do see his car and relax a bit. It was great to see everyone and to hear how they've done. Then here comes Mark, breaking 7 hours for a 50K; incredible! Wayne was in a bit before him and everyone looks great and seems to be happy with their race. I know I'm glowing.

(correlates: YouCanHaveItAll, GreatPicnic, Comments on ImpossibleStandards, ...)