Crossing the finish line of any race is sweet success. Crossing the finish line of Forget the PR is sweetness topped with whip cream and two cherries on top.
Friday, April 15
Bags are packed and we, Kim Z., Andrea C. and I are on our way to Mohican State Park. (6:15 p.m.) We are meeting nine others. We rented Al’s cabin for the weekend. Al’s cabin is the premo spot, as the race starts less than a thousand feet away from the Al’s front door.
After settling in, we gathered around the fire ring and shared childhood stories and other fun tales. We laughed until it was time to call it a night.
Saturday, April 16
Nothing beats sleeping in, especially the day before a 25/50K. Napping is great too.
Mid afternoon, two more of the 11 arrive: Heidi and Gale. Since it is raining, five of us go to the “fun” town of Wooster for groceries and a little sight seeing. I think the locals were entertained by us. Not exactly sure why, but they could tell we were not from the area. Once the rain stopped we hiked the first 3 miles and then some of the course. We wanted to see just how bad, the “Bad Ass Hill” would be.
The rest of the evening was spent munching on food and sharing more fun stories of past race experiences.
Sunday, April 17: Race day
Alarms were set for 5:30 a.m. Coffee is on, and the bathroom is in full use.
The kitchen looks as though a tornado hit, but that’s what happens when you have 11 runners, their gear and food in a room ideal for four.
The excitement is building. This is what we live, eat, train and sleep for ... for the most part.
7:30 a.m. The 50kers are off.
8 a.m. the 25Kers are off
This is one of these races were you wish you were carrying a camera. I am looking for pictures via the Internet. In the meantime, here is what runners had to say about the race.
Gale Connor describes the course perfectly
I just ran the craziest, bad ass, LONG (17.1 miles) 25K of my running career!! Waist deep river crossing, root climb, crazy stream trail that didn't seem like it was a real trail. Ran behind a waterfall and over, under and between fallen trees and boulders!! High winds most of the time as well, but perfect temps!!!
My thoughts on the course
The course was amazing. Climbing the exterior roots, straight up the hill side was the coolest. To get to that point, we had to climb numerous rocks, fallen trees and cross the creek several times. The 5-mile loop by the covered bridge was absolutely beautiful.
Running behind a waterfall was a unique experience. I wanted to stand there and take it in. Words can’t describe this course.
Beth Trecasa shared this on her FB post:
Drove almost 4 hours and 200+ miles to run almost 4 hours and 17+ miles. So worth it. Beautiful, tough course. Relentless hills; mud; hand over hand root/rock climb; and a freaking thigh-high frigid river crossing. Thanks to Rob and the volunteers and to my new friend Greg who held my hand across the river. I felt alive today!
To keep the run even more fun, the RD posted signs. Tonya Faye recalls the signs:
Yes, they actually labeled the hill. And the "top" of the hill you see, it's a false top, that's only about the halfway point. Other signs said "Don't hate the hill, hate the race director," and "remember, you paid to do this."
Andrea Chisnell summed up the weekend with this comment
Wrapped up a great weekend with one of the toughest 25K races EVER!!! It was beautiful, challenging and simply fun!!! Got to spend it with wonderful friends and watched Lee (Connor) and Shaun (Pope) win!!!
Misc. pictures
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| Lee with RD Rob after her win - 50K first women |
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| Kim Zepp after her 25K |
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| Gabe at finish of his first 50K |
