The HAT Run

Am I Ready????

Wow, tomorrow is The DAY!  I have been both eagerly  looking forward to and dreading March 23rd!  Tomorrow at 9 am will begin The Hat Run.  The Hat Run is one of the biggest 50K's trail races in the eastern United States and is not for the faint of heart - with a majority consisting of treacherous single track and culminating in nearly 10,000 feet of elevation gain!

Last year was my first year of running The Hat Run.  The Hat Run was also my very first Ultra.  At last year's start, I was not sure that I would finish.  There was a significant level of doubt.  At the ripe ole age of 47, I was concerned especially since it was only the year before that I ran my very marathon, Twin Cities Marathon.  This doubt was also amplified by the fact that it was not only cold but it was pouring rain, I mean buckets, right up till the start of the race.  It was so so muddy and with the steepness of the hills, it was not uncommon to hear people scream as they reached for trees in feeble attempts to stay upright!  Although a bit drier the on the second trip around the course, the mud was that much worse after 350 pairs of shoes churned the trails into a greasy sticky goo.

I survived The Hat Run in 6:02:48 and finishing 148th overall!

Although, I do not feel that I am in the best shape.  I do feel better prepared mentally.  Since last year's Hat Run, I ran the Triple Crown Trail Marathon, Leadville Trail Marathon, and the Table Rock Ultra 50 Miler.  Running and FINISHING these races taught me a lot, most important with regard to hydrating and fueling.  I have found that drinking 8 oz of water an hr, listening to +Ian Corless, consuming a gel every 25-30 mins and taking a salt capsule every hr is essential to completing these events without bonking and cramping!  Oh crap, that reminds me; I'm out of of salt capsules - to the running store I go!  :-)

As I prepare for tomorrow's Hat Run, what is your advice regarding dress?  The temperature at start time will be in the mid-20's but will climb into the mid-40's by early afternoon.  Since the course consists of two loops, I was considering wearing light tights the first loops and making a quick change into shorts at the half way point.  I hate these in-between temperatures....

Lastly, good luck to all of you ultra runners.   I take my hats off especially to all of the aspiring wannabe ultra runners! In the words of the famous philosopher from the movie, 'The Waterboy', You Can Do It

Until next time...