CBRC

OK, here is a shorter version of my race report. To read the full version you will have to wait for the CBRC newsletter. This whole experience was just amazing for me. I had just one goal: To finish with a smile on my face. I did. This course was very tough. The trail was often narrow enough that in the early part often you could only go as fast as the runner ahead of you, and on basically every hill, everyone power walks. I actually passed a few people walking up some of the hills when space allowed. The Susquehanna State Park is absolutely beautiful. The terrain is rolling all over. There are some fantastic views of the Susquehanna River, but you have to keep your eyes on the footing. There were rocks everywhere. Down here at Calvert Cliffs where I did most of my training there are lots of roots, but little rock as it's mostly sandy around here. At the race there were rocks and boulders and a couple of humongous trees. I was concerned about the stream crossings, but was able to keep dry on the first loop, then decided not to the second and the icey cold water felt great on my hot and tired feet. The race runs through woods mostly, and a few large fields but a section on dirt road and one painful road section. I say painful because after running for hours on soft dirt, that mile or so on pavement hurts, it really jars the bones. The weather was perfect, very cold at 7 am, but it did warm up to almost 50 I think, and there was a little breeze. I had a blast. I ran all the flats and downhills. I even ran a few shorter up hills and coming to the finish was the most thrilling of any race I have done yet! All the voluteers, people, and other runners that hadn't left yet were cheering and encouraging me. People I don't even know were hi-fiving me and congratulating me. I was overwhelmed and got watery-eyed for a second. It was So hard, but also SO MUCH FUN! I think I did it right for my first because I already know I want to do another. Even though it took over 6 1/2 hours I had a great time. People actually told me I looked strong and like I was enjoying myself...well I was enjoying myself! My hip never acted up except for my fall. YUP, I fell shortly into my second Big loop. I was ok, no bleeding and after about 10 minutes all discomfort was gone. I also never had any stomach issues. I ate real food at the aid stations such as: peanut m & m's, pretzels, fig newtons, oreos, AND for lunch at the start/finish I had a half a pb & j sandwich, 6 fig newtons, water, gatorade and took a few pretels to go. I was in and out quickly so I wouldn't get tempted to stay (apparently some runners do). The hardest part really was mental the last 2-3 miles. We went through a big field and across the way you could see and hear the finish line, but we still had a few miles to go. That's where the road section is and it is down hill so everything hurts pounding hard pavement after all that relentless hill running. Somehow I got through and finished. They had an awesome spread of food at the finish that included: hot dogs, noodle soup, chocolate cake, and all the other usual foods. I had a soda and a very delicious piece of cake. Also, for finishing I got a nice HAT hat, and HAT Chair! Our goodie bags we got prior to the race had a nice shirt in it with the logo too. Talk about nice race schwag! This really was a great experience for me. I had a Blast!! So there is a brief summary of some of the race. I plan to have a full, less-rushed version to send to Char for the newsletter. Thanks for reading! And thanks for all the kind words and advice you have shared with me! sue
Quick Edit: I almost forgot the most important person--My DH, who met me at every aid station! He was so supportive and encouraging and right on with anything I needed!

Congrats!

Very impressive achievement. You actually are making me consider attempting it next year...

Me too actually -- it's a little over 30 miles, right? -- wouldn't it be fun if we had several of us doing it next year?

Thanks for the race report introductory/preview version.

Excellent! You gave a nice flavor of the race, Sue. My brother was here this weekend wearing his HAT run cap all the while (probably commemorating the running of the race this weekend). He's run 6 of them and when I mentioned you were running it, his face lit up and he went on and on about what a great experience it is...you'll be back next year (and probably the year after...). Well done!

That's great! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Look forward to the unabridged race report in the newsletter.

So next year we need to wear some type of CBRC shirts for the CBRC HAT team of Sue, Blaine, Perry, and Claire.

Eeeek! Better start training NOW! (Me, that is.)

Thank You Everyone!! Ok, Ultra-team CBRC next year!!! Woo Hoo.
And yes Perry2, the race is 31 miles.
The results have been posted now. Here a few stats for the stat geeks: 537 registered. 445 runners started, 385 Finished. So, 92-DNS and 60-DNF (if I calculated that right). I was 240th overall, not sure where I was in just women finishers. Thanks again!