Hell Hath No Hurry

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Hell Hath...gotta... Hurry
08/16/2018


The 50 mile course is 8-10k loops, yes, loops. So many people dread loops, myself included. However, the loops are actually what made this (almost) 14 hour, 50 mile run, not seem so bad afterall! Instead of counting down the miles, I counted down the loops. With various races starting and ending throughout the day, many people would ask me what mile I was at as I browsed the aid station tables for food, I wouldnat have a clue, but I could tell them what loop I was on. The loops were quite runnable, while mostly single track, there were areas that the trail widened and gave way to beautiful views! There was only one creek crossing and it was easy to stay dry. Soon after the stream crossing, you had the option to view a nice little waterfall (depending on how pressed for time you were). There was a decent amount of elevation gain, ~8,000 total, where some of it was runable, and others were a nice opportunity to take a quick break and hike up the hill. The course was well marked and well groomed on race day.
The aid stations are located at the start/finish and approximately half way through the loops. The volunteered offered anything you could imagine! Pb&j, grilled cheese, twizzlers, trail mix, pickles, chips, and yes, even ice bras (youall understand more later)!! The volunteers were eager to help you and were even calling out to find out what you needed before you even reached the aid station! They wanted to get you in and out, while satisfying every need. I honestly was close to tears towards the end of the race, for many reasons, but the attention they devoted to attending to my every need, just moved me!! Some of them experienced ultra runners themselves, and others, dedicated volunteers. They truly made a difference in the race experience for me. Now back to those ice bras! Iave never felt anything like it, the satisfaction and the cringe, all at once, who thought this was a good idea?! Who would do this on purpose?! Well, when the heat index is over 100 degrees and the humidity is oppressive, your mind and body learn to appreciate the torture and relief of the ice bra. Each loop later in the day I welcomed the dreadful ice bra. And again, while I appreciated it, I hope to never have to do that again!
The sun was beginning to set and and I could hear the cheers as I was coming across the final grassy area, which felt like a mile even though it was only 2/10, if that, let me know it was almost over. I finished 10 minutes before the 14 hour cut off and was greeted by the race director, Peter, many of the volunteers, and my friends, presenting me with my finisher plaque and asking me what I needed. I ate a burger and drank some pop, there was plenty of food available, but I had little desire to eat at this point. I wouldnat have made it through this event without the volunteers, my friends, and my pacer, Micheal.
I will definitely be back for the 50 miler one year, along with every other distance event offered!!