Holiday Lake, the Snow Year
I really enjoy the Holiday Lake 50K every year, although sometimes I wonder why I like it. The course is unremarkable (although the current course is much better than the pre-2009 version). I never do very well at HL, either. Usually I am getting over some type of flu or sinus infection every February. In 2007 I won “Best Blood” by splitting my head open on an overhanging branch a couple of miles from the finish. My 14-year-old Son Samuel took advantage of my mishap to run away from me and finish around 1 minute before I did. I always finish lower than my seeded number.
But I always enjoy the HL 50k. I think it has something to do with cabin fever. It’s great to be outside running with a bunch of other folks in the woods. The race is always organized perfectly, there is always a hot shower and a hot lunch after you finish.
In all the years I’ve run HL there has never been this much snow on the course. This was a lot of hard work, the most I’ve ever worked for a 50K finish. In fact, my finishing time this year is identical to my finishing time at Promise Land in 2009. Promise land is at least a couple of miles longer and has around 7000 feet of climbing that HL does not have.
When I crossed the finish line, I said to Dr. Horton “I sure am glad to see you.” I told Melinda after I finished the only good things about the run were that the woods are pretty in the snow and that the sun came out.
Because I registered for the Beast series this year (crazy and irrational for sure), I had to finish HL this year. I did. Time to move on. I have two marathons and a 50k coming up in the next six weeks.
I’m anticipating Spring!
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Tags: ncultra, Trail Running, Ultra Marathon, ultrarunning
I think your right about the cabin fever. And the new course is much improved. I would almost asoon have us keep going clockwise both loops to avoid oncoming traffic, but it’s toss up. Good Luck on your 2010 Search for your Inner Beast.
JJ, I really enjoyed your HL race report at http://jjjessee.blogspot.com/2010/02/patience.html.
Mike, Holiday Lake was certainly different this year. This was my 5th Holiday Lake and this one was like none other. My first one five years ago started out raining and then it turned to snow. Slushy mess, but nothing like conditions this year. I like you was ready for this one to be over. With this being the first race of the Beast Series, I guess Holiday Lake is like a right of passage. Sort of like running up a mountain, you have to start at the bottom to get to the top. Funny how the Beast Series ends with Hellgate. Where is the other bottom? Take care of that toe. Rick