2014 The Hat Run Race Report

This time of year winter fights so hard to stay as spring struggles to get some traction. It reminds me to dig deeper when things get tough. No matter how long it takes, eventually just as winter will turn to spring, I will see each of my challenges through.  I kept this thought in mind as I walked to pick up my race bib the morning of the 2014 HAT Run 50k.  It was a thought more of my challenges to come than the HAT 50k I was about to run.  It seems as though I have been preparing for a race that never comes for such a long time.  And it has been a long time, nearing two years now since I first started to train for the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100.  Every race has been in preparation for that one event and day in the woods has been to train myself for the conditions I would face over that day and a half.  The downside to all that focused training was a bit of a loss of my joy for simply running.  But today as I parked my truck and walked to pick up my bib greeted by some many friendly faces I was determined to simply run for the fun of it. 

 

 

I focused on gathering with trail friends and being surrounded by so trail legends who frequent the HAT Run each year.  Quickly I found D and we dropped our bags at the pavilion aid station.  The pavilion station would be our start, finish and aid station twice as we passed through it four times  This year I head my own advice and leave my hydration pack in the aid station for the first small loop.

 

WE'RE OFF

 

In classic HAT fashion roughly 450 runners gather in an open field and are given our last instructions before starting our first out and back and then hitting the tree line for a small loop.  I line up with P and D but lose P in front of me and D behind.  With tight single track and a large field of runners, pace is quickly set by those in front.  I relax into an easy pace and work on passing runners when possible and necessary but I'm focused on simply enjoying this first short loop.  The day is quickly warming and trail conditions are great.

 

 

 

I pass through the pavilion aid station and pause only to grab my hydration pack and head out for the first of two 14 mile loops.  It doesn't take long to hit the first creek crossing.  The course is a nice roller coaster of hills, descents and flats.  Runners around me are mostly quiet so I focus on just finding a steady pace and enjoying the scenery. 

 

Having been fortunate enough to run this race before I was nice to be familiar with the course but that didn't take away my urge to pause to snap photos of some of the interesting spots along the way.

 

 

 

The quick photos I snap do not do justice to the beautiful of the trails and trees I am running through.  I wonder if I am lucky enough to still be running as the decades pass if I will always find these things so amazingly beautiful.   

 

It is beginning to get warm and I have had little time to adjust to the warmer temperatures.  It is early in the day and I am already covered with salt.  I make a quick stop at the aid station to grab some salty fries which the HAT Run is famous for.  Not my typical race day fueling option but a fun staple while running the HAT.  I continue on knowing the gravel road section is coming quickly.  The trail section goes by quickly.  I am still running with other runners, moving through groups as I pass and get passed.  While on the road I chat with a few runners but mostly run alone since my pace is faster than it should be.  But thanks to a quick pace I am entering the aid station in no time and limbo under the hitching post just for the fun of it.  I grab some fluids and salty calories and even sample a fresh perogie.  Yum! 

 

AID STATIONS

 

It really does go beyond aid stations, it's really a need to thank all the volunteers who helped make my day of playing in the woods possible.  The race directors who deal with all the permits and politics necessary to put on an event at this level really do much more than work on race day and I know they are not alone.  Dozens and dozens of volunteers give their time long before race day to make this all happen for 500 lucky runners.  So thank you all, to the race directors, Phil, Tim, Mike and Jeff, the countless volunteers, Maryland DNR, the State Park, the rangers and the families who gave of their time to be out cheering not only for their runners but for every runner who passed.

 

THE NEXT 5 MILES

 

Every year I forget the next 5 miles.  I only remember the giddiness of the trail and tuck those less then favorable memories deep in a corner of my mind.  But as I leave the aid station that sense of déjà vu sweeps over me and I know that the most challenging miles of the race are in front of me. 

 

I focus on enjoying the views and keeping my effort consistent.  The chatter is mostly mine and I remember not to linger too long with any one runner and get stick running their pace.  It's great to see faces I remember as I move along the trail.  Including Phil Anderson (the A in HAT) who is sitting at the bottom of our last climb as we enter Phil's Forest.  He greets everyone with a smile and a handshake.  The final section goes quickly as I enter the final open hay field that leads to the pavilion aid station and the final loop.

 

As I top the hay field I see Tim Gavin and ask if I can use my poles on the second loop since the runners will be more spread out.  He gives me an "are you crazy look" but says yeah, just don't stab anyone.  I grab some fluids, some calories and my poles and head out again.  I run over an open field lengthening my poles.  Although the HAT course is not really one where you would need poles, I need the practice of holding them, adjusting them, and using them so that my mind and arms are ready to use them during MMT.  Today will be practice for running with them when I don't really want them in my hands.

 

SECOND LOOP

 

This loop goes much like the first with the exception that there are fewer runners to alter my pace.  Somewhere along the loop Natalie and I start running together.  We have mutual friends.  This is her first ultra distance event and she is making it look easy.  I most likely talk more than she does and she is kind enough to listen to my chatter.  This loop I do not pause for photos.  I am simply enjoying the moments like when the trail falls silent and all I hear is the sound of my feet and the birds in the air.  I notice the rising sound of water each time the trail draws near a creek and the smell that says the water is getting closer.  I eavesdrop on fellow runners as the trail winds higher.  I can hear their distant voice raising.  I see the wind stir the leaves along the trail and watch the sun cut it's way through the branches that lay bare.  I breath it all in.  I think back to the thoughts I had this morning, that I had lost some the joy in my running and realize that I couldn't have been farther from the truth.   

 

As I saw that small opening in an old field row that leads to an open hay field, I remembered how lucky I am.  Lucky not only to be able to be doing this but to do this for all the reasons that matter.  I simply love to run through the trails, across the creeks and around the next turn to see just how far my body will take me. 

 

My fourth HAT Run 50k done.

Construction Season

 

 

 

While we enjoyed our holiday time with family we got a sudden taste of winter with temperatures in the teens most mornings. 

 

 

The fridge temps did make for some beautiful scenery but they did not keep me from getting out and running with my sister.  Having a little company during a long run can help you forget how big a mistake it was to be a cheapskate and not buy the more expensive tights. 

 

 

Even once the sun was up I was glad I had on every piece of running gear I had brought with me.  And once the runs were done I enjoyed having a burning pellet stove to do all my cross training and stretching in front of. 

 

Four layers off and one to go, I wasn't too frozen to miss out on one exciting running event over the holiday break.  The beginning of 2014 race registration...

 

 

...and I'm in!  The road back to MMT 100 is under construction.  I think it's going to be a rocky, rooty, steep and challenging one.  So a little bit of suffering in the cold will only toughen me up.  Who knows with all the cold hilly running we are doing, my sister might just be ready to do some pacing on the trails by May.

HAT Run 50k - Fueling and Goals

 

Yesterday started out innocently enough.  I just had a request from S'ghetti girl  to make brownies.  She was having a friend over after school to watch Rise of the Guardians.  In case you didn't know it is THE all time best movie ever!  [insert tween attitude on the ever]  Jack Frost is so dreamy!  [insert tween swoon]  But I'm not complaining, it's better than her liking a real boy.

 

 

 

 But I digress.  What started as a batch of brownies ended up being a batch of brownies, three loaves of lemon bread, a double batch of chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies and batch of banana oat chocolate chip cookies. 

 

 

I sampled them all. 

 

 

And then ate something that was much healthier for me.  Elaine Benes would have been proud of my big salads.  So I am thoroughly fueled for Saturday's race after all that goodness.  Now to declare a few goals for race day.

 

The HAT Run is to be a training run for the MMT 100.  I know that racing can lead to an injury more easily than running a conservatively.  So this race will be a balancing act of priorities.  I need to be able to balance my desire to better my time on this course (6:17 in 2011 6:25 in 2012) and staying injury free for the A race.  With that in mind I give you my 2013 HAT Run goals.

My I FINISHED goal:
To arrive on time. To start. To finish.

aka: Finish Feeling Fine having Fun

Okay I have been here before so even though I am geographically challenged.  (I am. I have a card. It's a club.)

I have to drive on the "big" roads near DC and Baltimore.  I'm a farm girl remember.  It's culture shock!

 

My I CAN goal:
Finish in under 7:00 
This year even this goal is questionable.  Training to run for nearly a day and a half (aka 100 miles for me) has been most challenging in lower my pace so that I can continue to go hour after hour.  I will be interested in seeing if I can hold a steady pace knowing that the race is only 31ish miles.

 

 

My I LOVE IT goal:
To finish within 31 minutes of my PR.
With a current  course PR of 6:17 my I LOVE IT time would be 6:48.

My I DREAM IT goal:
Under 6 hours. Anything faster than 5:59 would beat my 50k PR.

If conditions are good and my left hamstring stays silent anything is possible.

 

The biggest goal I have for Saturday is to be able to run as if this is the only race.  All year I have been running with MMT in mind.  Never really running the run/race I was actually in.  I hope on Saturday to set MMT aside in my mind and truly run for the love of this course.  Run to see what I have to give because I know it is still true that on any given day I just don't know what I am capable of until I amaze myself doing it.

 

Getting It Done

 

 

After being greeted yesterday to a white snowy world and the leisureliness of yet another snow day I am happy to report that after a slow start walking in the morning I was able to get a lot of things squeezed in throughout my day. 

 

With the super secret spy off saving the world I had to work out the always challenging task of finding a sitter but I am happy to report that I will be able to make it to the HAT Run 50k this weekend with fantastic plans to keep the kiddos happy and entertained while I am frolicking in the woods.  Also I not only got am amazing walk in the woods yesterday morning but I was able to get my run in, lift and do yoga in the evening!  All accomplished without feeling like I was neglecting something or someone. 

 

This morning the world was again a wonderland of white thanks to the remaining snow and thick fog.  But with many things to get done before another racing weekend, LBM and I have had to keep it moving day.  With packing, preschool, prespreation to be shed this after noon I really need to get back to it and get it done.  But if you haven't had enough brush up on last year's running of the HAT Run HERE.  Because tomorrow we will be talking about goals and I think this race may be the perfectly timed to set some serious goals.

Terrific News Tuesday

As the popularity of ultra running increases and trail capacity remains limited, it is becoming harder to get into the races I'd like to run to fill my running schedule.  But yesterday I found out some great news. 

 

I'm in The HAT Run 2013

 

Here we go!

 

L.O. & Ts

My take aways from the 2012 HAT Run 50k

Lessons

When will I learn that there isn't enough Glide on the planet to keep me from chafing in the middle left part of my back. 

I can talk fairly non-stop for about 5 hours if someone is willing to listen. 

Probably even if there isn't anyone around to listen, too.

Salt via olives works wonders for me.

I can run up hills even if those around me want to walk.

I want to always be the lead runner.  (see observation below)

Observations

Chafing can happen any where.  It does not care if it gets, let's say, personal.

Trail running is like crack to me.  But crack that makes me giddy and cheerful not willing to steal to get more of it or forget about personal hygiene.  Although while trail running I do stop caring if I am fifthly and stink.  Maybe trail running is even more like crack than I thought. 

On the trails runners often do whatever the "lead" runner does, i.e., walk a hill, charge a creek, go around mud.

It is super fun to have a fellow runner tell you mid-race that they love your blog.  Thanks to those reading that shared (put up with my chatter) the trails with me at the HAT!

Thoughts

Eavesdropping on other runners early in the race would have lead me to believe that I was running with a field of super stars.  I think I zoned out for a couple miles simply listening to three male runners play a game of one up with each other. 

I think I'm due for a non-muddy ultra soon.  That 50 miler in two weeks would be nice.

Getting my gear ready sooner might eliminate some of my stress. 

Running in the rain and mud is badass!  Too bad the photographer didn't brave the weather to get those amazing photos of me smiling through it all.

If I could, I'd run the HAT course every.single.year!

2012 HAT Run 50k ~ Race Report

When last you visited...

The spy and I had just arrived at our hotel at 1 a.m. 

It's going to be an interesting race was my final thoughts before falling to sleep.

After an inadequate night of sleep, I was happy I greeted the morning eager to race.  Quickly I got ready and we headed to the Steppingstone Museum and the start line.   I stuck to my plan of limiting my race morning fuel intake and only had a few bites of plain bagel, a little honey and a few sips of grape G2.  While we drove the weather that had been deteriorating completely dissolved into a downpour.   What had been ideal trail conditions were quickly being replaced with the makings for yet another shoe-sucking mudfest.

Packet pickup was a breeze as usual.  I got my bag and bib and headed back to the truck to grab my drop bag and wait until final instructions.  With the rain diminishing slightly we made our way to the pavilion.  I dropped my bag and huddled with the spy to keep warm. 

The course consisted of a short 4ish mile loop and then two just shy of 14 mile loops.  Although the start was in an open field we were quickly on a short paved road section before looping through open fields, returning the the start pavilion aid station and entering the trails over sections of trail that would be crossed three times.  By 900 feet.  Which means a fair amount of mud.  We would return through the start pavilion aid station again for each of the identical longer loops. 

The running surface consisted of open fields, a brief paved road section, single trails, a roughly 1.5 mile paved section with hills and rollers throughout.  For me it would be the last 5 miles on each of the two big loops that would prove the most challenging.

After the final instructions I found myself again gathered in a field with 450 other runners but this time we were standing in the rain.

After what I can only imagine were words of encouragement or an invitation to sanely decide to stay put, we were sent on our way through the wet grass and into the gray day.

I had placed myself rather close to the front.  Well, honestly since the "front" was a wide expanse of field, I was at the front.  Sorry to all the fasty-fast runners who don't like when middle-of-the-packers do that.  I didn't allow myself to be a road block to anyone though.  There was plenty of road for passing at the very start.  I didn't want to get too far back and then have to deal with lots of passing when we hit the trails which I remembered to be rather technical in the very beginning of the course. 

My plan paid off well.  I ran strong paces those first few miles without going out too fast.  I finished the first mini loop in around 36 minutes.  At what I thought was between 4 - 5 miles I was happy with my pace and effort that early in the race.  I did not stop at the pavilion aid station but ran straight through. 

The big loops had their highlights.  The trails are a challenging series of hills and near constant rollers broken up with open fields and a short 1.5 mile section of paved road.  During the first loop I ran mostly by myself using the chatter of those I fell in with to distract me from the effort of those early miles.  Although there was plenty of mud the conditions were not as bad as they would become during the second loop.  The creek crossings were a refreshing sight. 

Since I was running with the main goal of training for the Massanutten Mountain 100, I decided that I was going to run a little differently at this race.  I wanted to run on constant effort instead of looking at my Garmin and attempting to average a certain pace.  I knew that this tactic might result in me having a finishing time that was outside the goals I had set but I felt that I needed to see under these harder conditions if I could force myself to keep pushing on perceived effort alone.  As I hit the "upper" picnic area aid station for the first time I got to see Jennifer who was volunteering for the day.  I had met Jennifer during the HAT Run in 2011 when she went on the beat in by 3 minutes in her first 50k ever!  I paused briefly to say hello but was quickly on my way.  I knew the speedy road section was coming.

For fueling I was sipping on grape G2 and gummies.  Yep, little kid gummies again.  Thanks to the bladder issues with the camelbak I was using a new bladder that I had never tried.  It kinda sucked.  I could only get tiny sips out at a time and I had to step off the trail early in the race after a clip broke due to the large hose and readjust everything.  But I was making due and with everything in it's place I reached the road section and flew.  I clock a 7:40-something on this section.  Yeah, I'm smart like that.  What middle-of-the-packer runs a 7:40-something during a 50k? 

This year, that's be me.

As a result of my brilliance I did stop at the lower picnic aid station when I got there.  I joked around with the volunteers about how the runners should have to limbo under the hitching post as we approach the aid station.  I salted up on olives, grabbed some ginger ale every ultra should have it and took 2 fig cookies for the next 5 miles of hills and mud.  After thanking the awesome volunteers I headed back into the woods.

The next five miles were challenging.  The hills seem steeper, longer, constant and often accompanied with thick mud.  My effort remained but I know my paces fell.  I think somewhere in the first big loop final five I found another runner.  Joel. 

Joel is from New York.  He is a talker.  If I haven't mentioned it before and very few have run with me, I should say that at the start of a race I mostly like to be quiet and be left alone.  I focus on finding a groove and getting stuck in it. 

But. 

But somewhere along the miles I get giddy.  I get into that Oh-my-gosh-I'm-busting-with-happiness-irate-those-around-me-sickeningly-cheerful mode.  I had already been driving others crazy from about the first road section with my chatter and cheerfulness but when I came upon Joel he didn't fall back or speed away, he joined in the chatter.  Let me tell you we had a blast!  I really can't say what we talked about but it was fairly non-stop and cheerfully irritating to those runners who's scales of running joy and running misery had tipped in an unfavorable direction.

We ran the entire second loop within ear shot of each other.  I lead mostly and again loved every creek crossing, splashed in every mud puddle and mockingly rejoiced at every hill.  I cheered as we entered the upper picnic area aid station and reported my tally for trash picked up on the course. 

I still don't know who won that little contest, Joel? 

I flew down the road section at a little over an 8 minute mile this time losing Joel for a short while.  The lower aid station was a welcomed refueling spot.  This time I indulged in more olives, a few hot french fries come on it's HAT you gotta eat the fries!, ginger ale and 2 fig cookies for the hills.  As I left the aid station Joel had caught up with me.  A fellow New Yorker, Charles had caught up with him and joined us for the remainder of the race.

For the second time these last five miles took their toll on my average pace even though my effort remained constant.  Quickly dubbed the pink energizer bunny by my running mates because I didn't want to be reduced to walking hills, I lead the way.  I would pull ahead of my running mates and grow quiet by myself for a distance.  It was in those moments that I gave thanks for being so blessed to be doing this thing that fills me with such joy.  So much joy that the discomfort it creates in my physical body is outweighed to such a degree that I can continue on for miles and miles with a smile on my face.

The rain had been falling off and on throughout the day and a lite sprinkle had resumed as we climbed the final hill to that old stone wall that marked the end of our trails and the last open fields before the finish line.  Joel and I cheered and yelled as we raced across the now muddy fields towards the finish line.  As we crossed a road to the final field we were greeted by a honking horn from the super secret spy who was just driving  back into the park.  Fueled by knowing that my husband was watching I pushed up the last hill.

And we crossed the finish line together, new friends.

6:25:55

Charles would finish a mere 30 seconds behind us.

2012 HAT Run 50k ~ Day # 685

7/49 AG ~ 179/391

Many thanks to the race directors who greeted us at the finish; the volunteers who put up with my crazy cheerfulness; the family and friends of all the runners who cheered all day for the strangers who ran by and to my wonderful husband for being there in the rain and mud while I played like a child.

The HAT Run 50k - The Night Before

THE NIGHT BEFORE

Since the super secret spy celebrated his birthday last week, we had planned an evening away without the kids to celebrate. Foolishly we hadn't taken the day off work but were planning on meeting after work to avoid using a vacation day unnecessarily. Little did I know the fun that would transpire.

After my work day I picked up the kids from the sitter and got them dinner. Their evening plans were to attend a sleep over at the sitter's house with a dozen of their friends but the drop off time wasn't until 8 p.m. Thanks to Grammy B, the kids would enjoy some time with her so that I could start the drive to meet the super secret spy half way to our hotel. However a phone call from him let me know that he was running late. Really late. Knowing that we were trying to spend some time together without the kids I didn't offer to just go to the race solo and instead said I would delay my departure and pick up a new tube being cheap and not just buying new bladder for my camelbak. 

What would this be? Mistake #1? and 2?

I arrived at our meeting place early so I started to put my camelbak together. After struggling for about 30 minutes in my car to get the quick connect adaptors off I realize there was a police officer sitting in his car behind me watching. Weird. I guess I wasn't a threat because once I realized he was watching me and made him aware that I saw him, he promptly left.

Feeling non-threatening and successful for having gotten my camelbak ready for use, I filled it up only to realize that I couldn't find it's cap. Make this mistake #3. Are you seeing a pattern? The spy arrives. As it is already 10:30 we quickly drive to get a new bladder that will work for my camelbak. We load his things into my car and we are off towards the hotel.

Within minutes and sensor light comes on inside my car. This has been the one issue with my wonderful 160,000+ mile car. It is usually a light that we can not ignore without serious driving difficultly. So we turned around and drove back to get the super secret spy's truck. 

Planning to take my car; mistake #4.

Finally we arrive at our hotel at 1 a.m. 

It's going to be an interesting race was my final thoughts before falling to sleep.

...to be continued...

2012 HAT Run 50k Goals

My 2011 running of The HAT Run was such a positive experience I am not only eager to have another 50k to run but this one in particular is one I have looked forward to.  This race is to be a training run a fact best illustrated by the 50 miles I have already run since Monday however the trail conditions are to be amazing and I can't help but think that if I am having a perfect running day that I might just better my course time.  Well, it could happen.


As always the biggest goal is to run in such a way that I am able to run every day it is mostly with that goal in mind that I set and publicly announce my 2012 HAT Run goals.

My I FINISHED goal:
To arrive on time. To start. To finish.

aka: Finish Feeling Fine having Fun

Okay I have been here before so even though I am geographically challenged (I am. I have a card. It's a club.) my car's GPS is not but the super secret spy is coming too so who knows what might happen. 
Another speeding ticket? Maybe.

My I CAN goal:
Finish in under 7:00 
I say this because barring an injury or major GI issues this course should allow even my tired legs to do that.  Should being the most important word to notice in that sentence.

My I LOVE IT goal:
To finish within 31 minutes of my PR.
With a current PR of 5:59:33 my I LOVE IT time would be 6:30.

My I DREAM IT goal:
Under 6 hours. aka a new 50k PR

 We had a loss locally of a wonderful man only 40 years old.  He was a husband and father of three girls.  He was active and involved in kids sports and the community.  He passing was sudden and unexpected.  In light of this reminder I will take all the positive experience I can from this race and it's runners and volunteers no matter how my body chooses to perform on Saturday.  I will not forget to share those tree sheltered miles with prayers for those who can not be out there with me.  I ask as you run or play or love your family this weekend, you purposefully pause for a moment to acknowledge the gift, the blessing, of being able to do it. 

Saturday I will run because I can and remember those who can't.
I know that on any given day I just don't know what I am capable of until I amaze myself doing it.

The Heat and it's playmate Humidity

Today is day # 681

50 days to my 2 year run-erversary!

The weather on my end of the East coast has been Ah-mazing!

When my family is in Virginia my runs already have to be worked in around the Heat.  The Heat is an issue that I usually don't have to start factoring in for at least another month.  Even back in PA I am wearing shorts and tees on every run and I finish my run a dripping mess.

The Heat.  It begins to take on it's own persona as it becomes yet another factor to be weighed when planning my days. 

It's a welcomed friend in the mornings when I can grab and tee shirt and shorts and run out the door.  There is no need to make certain that my base layers was washed or my tights can be found, I can get up early and hit the road.

The Heat has a less friendly side as the day goes on.  What started as an easy run can quickly become an event in planning as the mercury climbs.  Thoughts of distance, duration, hydration and protection all have to be handled before I step out the door once the Heat begins sharing the day with it's playmate, Humidity.  They can be a bully of a combination.  Afternoon runs have to be pushed to later in the day or inside once those two team up. 

Although I've been lured out on more miles thanks to the mostly friendly side of the Heat , I know that come this Saturday at The HAT Run,

read about my 2011 Running of the HAT Run HERE

I might have to deal with his friend Humidity too.  And I'll be ready!

But no matter what the weather brings this weekend I am eager to have another race to help me get one step closer to that A goal this year;

The Massanutten Mountain Trails 100

It's only Tuesday. 

Are you already looking forward to the weekend too?

What are your big plans?

It's feast or famine

I admit it. 

I'm a stalker.

Yesterday morning couldn't come fast enough.

Because that morning

The HAT Run Trail 50k

registration opens....

at 9 p.m. EST tonight.

I missed that last little bit of information when I last

every day for the past three weeks

diligently check their website.

But you know where I was a 8:59 p.m. last night...

Frantically trying to remember my Ultra Signup password.

Duh!

What amazes me most is that I haven't even survived completed my fall schedule of racing
one so far of which is another 50 Miler
and I am frantic to get into my spring races.

All summer it was a racing desert around here
but now I'm trying to pack'em in like a Thanksgiving dinner!

I wasn't completely crazy for jumping on the registration though
only 20 minutes after registration opened
almost half the field was filled.
as if this morning only 130 spots left

That's crazy for an Ultra.

Do you like to run repeat races?  Or do you look for new races year to year?

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

The HAT Run Trail 50k

2011

A creek crossing.  I loved getting cool feet!

Having a blast in the woods running like a kid.

The trail along the creek.

A beautiful scene

An oasis in the race.  Aid station volunteers rock!

The 3 times through aid station. 

Just a photo pause

Loved this amazing tree!

Another hill

The view was worth it!

Still loving it!

After another creek awesome old building.

Others coming into the finish

My signature pretzels still in my hand

My shoes nicely washed by the creeks

The band entertaining us after the race

Another amazing experience out in the woods.

Awesome knit embrodered beanie for the finishers

Ultra # 5 ~ 6:17

second best time

13/48 AG

166/420 OA

The HAT Run.

Can't wait to go back next year!

Three Things Thursday

Today is day 319 of my streak.  I am so excited that in a mere 46 days I will have completed my year.  A year that started out as a challenge to do 100 runs and went a little viral from there.  While I know that running every day is not the only or best route to a healthy lifestyle, I do believe it shows that even a busy working mom can make the time to focus on fitness each and every day.  It's just a matter of priorities and I believe it's time we all start making ourselves a priority again.

If you haven't read my insanely long wonderfully articulate HAT Run race report you should.  It in I talk about my feelings towards celebrities.  Well, my honesty touched a place deep inside Chris

 (yeah, I can call him Chris we are practically BFFs now)

because he already wants to share photos.  Now I don't know where this will go I mean I am a married woman but clearly we share a deep admiration for one another...well that and PB&J sandwiches.

I am sure you remember my post asking each of you to guess my finish line time for the HAT Run.

You remember it because it was a giveaway.

I think next time I'll have to request a reserve with so few entries.  

All joking aside, I listed the entries in reverse order just to switch it up.

And the winner is... 

Rae drop me an email and I'll get you the details.