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FLRC Newsletter - May 2003 |
| Hinte Anderson 50K Trail Run | |
What a great weekend for race performances. Because of Jon McMurray and Joe Dabes persuading Don and I headed South for the Hinte Anderson 50K trail run. Joe said it would be a great last long ruin before Boston.
Thanks to Jim Miner, Don and I had a room at race headquarters. It poured all day Friday on our drive to Maryland. I had some serious concerns that the trail would be a mud bath, not that I mind a little mud but I knew the second loop could be tortuous after 300 plus pairs of feet traveled over it. Saturday morning arrived overcast and warm with 58 degree temps. I managed to run into Joe Dabes before we began just in time to give him a hug and have him ask me if my goal was to be the first old lady? Joe also mentioned that his Florida running had been going great until this past week when he blew out his knee. He had planned on running one loop only to see how it felt.
Although at times it felt very warm it was a great day for an ultra. I ran through fields, mud, dirt road, paved road, trails, streams, rain and even some sun. The HAT Run is held in the Susquehanna Park. It is a beautiful place for a race. The run is well organized, has full aid stations and good post race chili. The volunteers were the best, eager to fill up your water bottle or offer you anything you could need. This race consists of two loops the first being 16 miles, that included a little out and back section to make up the mile, the second loop was a repeat of the first minus the out and back. I had planned on running anywhere between 5 and 5 1/2 hours. I ran a 2:32 first loop. I took about 5 minutes to make a pit stop, fill my water bottle, and put some Vaseline on a hot spot on one of my feet. I had a glorious time running the second loop almost completely alone. The mud was a little slicker but I was in heaven. I felt much stronger than I had hoped with miles 10 - 25 being the best. I past four women and several man during the last five miles of the race. I finished in a strong 5:09:11, Fourth women overall and first Masters.
Even though I finished 30 minutes slower that I did the only other time I ran this race which was back in 1999 I am totally thrilled with my run. I feel confident and ready for a strong Boston. This was a great way to get in your last long run. Maybe I will be able to talk a few more Boston bound to join me next year.
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