To Hill and Back!

Before any of us decided to run Umstead, we knew there were hills. When Sam at RRO heard that I had never run at Umstead before, I think his exact words were "NEVER? Really?" I politely replied that we had done some training at Medoc to which he replied "Medoc is a track compared to Umstead". In other words. . . Umstead is ultra hilly. Turns out Sam was right in a bad way.

The first 1.5 miles was a simple and flat out-and-back on packed cinder roads. It was fun running with a crowd of nearly 170 runners. The early u-turn gave us a chance to see all of the smiling runners face-to-face. Soon after we entered the single track portion of the race. This was the best part of the race, but unfortunately only lasted for about five miles. After that we were back on the packed cinder roads, only this time they were not flat.

The next six miles or so went pretty well. I remember saying to Dave, "you know I don't really think this is any more difficult than Medoc". About this time we came to the Trenton aid station, where Steve, Ryan, and Larry were all cheering loudly for us. This was honestly the highlight of the race. We all got a boost of energy from seeing our teammates as enthusiastic volunteers wearing their Medoc shirts. Can't say thanks enough for doing this, and the Godiva Track Club also appreciates your contribution.

After the aid station, we discovered exactly what Sam was talking about as we headed down Turkey Creek Trail. I used to run cross country races in the mountains of Charlottesville, and I can honestly say I have never run hills like these. At times you could look up through the tree limbs and see small runners zig zagging as they were climbing to the peaks. These hills were horrible. They had names too. . . Corkscrew Hill, and Cemetery Hill come to mind.

After getting back to mile 21.5 we felt like we were almost home. At this point we turned right and headed down Cedar Ridge Trail. This out-and-back trail is truly amazing. I did not know it was possible, but this trail is honestly up hill both ways. They say every year they get complaints about this three mile section, but it will never get pulled out. This was another chance to come face-to-face with the runners, but at this point they looked like the walking dead. By this time the temps were nearing 80. Some of the most talented runners I know looked broken down and lost.

At least the final .2 miles was a gently down hill. The announcer called out every one's names as we finished. You could see everyone sipping on cold coke and enjoying their Moe's burritos as we arrived. Each of us was covered (literally) with a layer of salt.

Dave took things easy for the first 18 miles running with me, but went on to finish strong in 34th place with a time of 4:01:37. I came in 49th with a time of 4:16:55. Scott was not far behind in 80th place in 4:39:50.

Frank showed just how much guts he is made of in this race. At mile 20 (Trenton Aid Station), they told Frank he missed the cut-off by a few seconds and would have to stop. Frank like all of us was beaten down, tired, and dehydrated but he convinced them he would reach the next cut off in time. They agreed to let him go expecting to see him get picked up at the next cut off. . . they were wrong. When everyone else was slowing down, Frank found a new gear and never missed the cut off finishing in 6:04:01. Well done Frank!

To give you an idea of just how hot and hilly it was, only three runners had a Boston Qualifying time. Would I do it again? Ask me in a few months. Would I tell a friend to do it? Yes. Would I tell an enemy do run it? Absolutely!