Hellgate 2020--The Final Test

I came home from Virginia after my 2nd (full) running of the Hellgate 100K (++) and my husband met me at the door. I noticed my friend Alex's truck out front, and it turned out that he had come over to deliver some Christmas candy that he makes every year. We got to talking about how the race went and that's when it dawned on me: Hellgate is a test. While runners can agree that all races can test us to some degree, Hellgate is different.

I explained to Ken and Alex that, first of all, this race tests your ability to run 66-ish miles after what's already been a long, hard day. For most of the runners, that might be from having to travel several hours to get to Fincastle. This was the case for me, as Ken and I decided that he wouldn't drive me up and crew this year. Others had a long day of work, or hadn't gotten adequate sleep the night before. As excited as we all are to eventually toe the line, we all secretly long for that extra bit of needed rest that's often needed to confidently execute a good race.

Hellgate is also a test of how well you can prepare for unforeseen weather circumstances. Last year, the weather was horrible. Ken and I made no plan for how to help me handle a situation that could have very easily ended up with me having hypothermia. By the 12:01am start this year, I had made enough gear decisions for 3 races and for just as many different weather scenarios. I try to be as minimal as possible, but there was no way I was going to mess this up. I had a rain poncho, rain jacket, and cold weather gear. I am terrible when it comes to carrying what I need in order to be comfortable running in cold weather. This year, however, the weather was unbelievably beautiful from start to finish, and I had no need for the rain gear. Yay!

Sheila and I coming into an aid station PC: Ridge RUNers

Finally, Hellgate was a test of how I would plan to race without the influence of previous race success. By this, I mean that I had a pretty great Hellgate at the end of 2018. Over the past few months, I've raced well, and I've raced smart. I won races. Oh, and I also tested positive for Covid five weeks prior. With all this in mind, how did I 'want' to run THIS race? In the end, I think I passed the test, and met the goals I set for myself.

1. Enjoy the beautiful weather, if it does, in fact, end up being what the forecast says (after all, you've been a crazy weather stalker for 10 days now).

2. Run smart early and try to make good decisions, with the goal of positioning yourself for a top 5 finish (whatever that looks like after 40 miles).

3. Enjoy running with those around you. Know their names. Encourage them in their pursuit of the finish.

Smiling at the finish this year! PC: Ridge RUNers

This part is mostly for me (I would like to remember certain things for future reference):

-Foot-deep leaves on the Devil Trail and forever section

-I have a propensity for nosebleeds late in long races, and this time was no exception

-I didn't get lost at all at this race, what?!?!

-Man, did my bum and hips hurt mid run! However, I knew they'd eventually give in and go numb...or something

-My left eye went blurry, and I thought I lost a contact. So, I was basically seeing out of one eye. After finishing, I could see perfectly out of that eye again. Weird.

-After the last aid station, I began to choke on the delicious bacon I was eating, and had a very hard time getting my water bottle out from the back of my pack. I had no saliva to spare.

-I never puked after. This is my 3rd long race this year with no nausea and vomiting.

-I wore my Road I.D. next to my watch, and I'm pretty sure that hit the lap button a few times, giving me 4 extra "miles." No worries, COROS, you're still good.

-I had so much fun meeting some new friends and spending time with some I haven't seen in a while. There are too many to name here, but they were a big highlight of my weekend.

PC: Ridge RUNers

Thank you, David Horton for the heart and soul you put into this race. How can I say no to coming back to Hellgate??

Thank you, volunteers, for the hours you spend on behalf of all of us. This year, I left Bearwallow not knowing how much food I really needed for the upcoming section. It didn't matter, because a volunteer quickly packed a sandwich bag with an entire banana and orange slices. She had no idea the boost this would provide me along the way, but lets just say, wow!

Final time: 13:32; 4th F, 21st Overall