DISQUS

Too bad you won;t be joining us this year? If I recall, didn't you get injured, is that why no races this year?

In any case, perhaps we'll cross hiking paths rather than trail running.

Hike on.....

Too bad you won;t be joining us this year? If I recall, didn't you get injured, is that why no races this year?

In any case, perhaps we'll corss hiking paths rather than trail running.

Hike on.....

You hear of great people like Michelle doing great things like this.....and it makes me feel selfish for running just cause I enjoy it.

I too run in memory of someone, but you take it to the next level and even help others.

Good job Michelle!

Great race report....

I too enjoyed the race immensly and will be back next year. Like you siad the start was a bit of a bottleneck with an uphill to start and the crowds (and the mud) but once it sorted out I never felt crowded on the trail, even when the returning runners were creating traffic in both directions.

Being form this area and hiked on the blue blazed trail of CT alot, I knew the terrain to expect. I admit the amount of water was a bit of surprise but not out of the ordinary.

I found myself running in a nice rythym on the way out as I stuck to my plan of a) walking up hills and b) finding a race veteran and staying on his/her backside.

At the turn around point, I decided to wait for my BIL and ended up waiting for about 13 minutes. As a result, I recovered, but cooled off as well, so I fel the effects of the wind picking up on the return trip. I hung with my BIL for mile 8-13 at a much slower pace than the first half as well. For the final 3 miles I kicked at my normal pace and felt like I finished strong. Down the final hill, I foolishly did not even attempt to avoid the mud & water and plowed right on through to the finish.

I certainly felt like I had more in the tank (and no blisters or hot spots), which gives me a good boost in getting ready for The Soapstone Mtn Half Marathon & The Nipmuck Trail Marathon in the next few weeks. I also can't believe I made it through without taking at least one fall (especially on that one really big ice patch). My final time was 3:37:31, 81st runner in.

I was also very impressed with the race orginization. And the aid stations were well attended and stocked. I made sure to thank the volunteers for standing in the chill and making sure we got what we needed.

I'll be back next year for sure....see you there?

See you there....a little nervous energy can be a good thing. Keeps you focused.