Tuesday, August 6, 2013

My Quest is now 10% completed! I hit double digits! 10th Ultra done!

This last Saturday I completed for the second time, the Hurl 50K Ultra in Helena, Montana on August 3, 2013.  All I can say about this area is "spectacular scenery"- but real difficult trails to run on for sure!  We had about 7500 ft. of elevation gain and I'm still feeling the pain in my quads!  I didn't have my family here to cheer me on this time around so I was dependent on the aid station people and other spectators to give me inspiration to keep going in this very difficult 50K.  They all were great and helped me a lot!  The race director Steve is a great guy and really marks the course well.  This is a VERY friendly race and low key too.

My time this time around was 8:19:27.  I placed 28th out of 64 total runners which was actually good for me.  It wasn't the best time I've ever had, but that's not the point of this whole quest now is it!  The point is to increase the awareness of Alzheimer's and to have fun doing it by completing these crazy lengthy ultras!  I was very proud of myself actually because in the last 5 miles or so I was feeling good (all downhill and a great running trail section) so I proceeded to run a good clip of 9 minute miles all the way to the end.

Crossing the finish line brought back the proud memories of completing my first Ultra - which was also in the exact place and race, 2 years prior in 2011!  My family was there cheering for me and I was VERY moved by the whole experience.  I have to say that even though they weren't there this time around, I felt their presence and my Moms presence at the finish.  It is a very warm feeling and I'm totally addicted to it!  Seeing the other runners coming through the finish finishing their first Ultra brings me huge feelings of joy for them!  It's a very wonderful, moving experience running an Ultra.  Every one of them is different for the runner.  There are so many great moments, and some very difficult moments a runner goes through.  Working through all of these can be a huge struggle sometimes, but it's so worth it in the end.  After now finishing 10 Ultras, I have even more of a huge love of running these crazy races!  Now, only 90 more Ultras to go!

Here are some pictures.  I didn't have my phone or camera to take pictures during the race, but rest assured, this was one very beautiful place!  You can go to the race website to view some pictures.  Here is the site:  http://hurlelkhorn.com/

Thank you all again for your support of my cause!  I appreciate it so much!

Donated:  $100.00  8/6/13