My Hellgate race this year was full of more personal ups and downs than the course itself, and considering the elevation changes on the course, that’s saying something (the race could just as easily be called Up and Over because it feels like Dave Horton simply drives you out into the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains and then weaves a trail roughly 65miles long, up and over every mountain between you and the finish line).  [Read more...]

-And on the Seventh Day, while others rested, the God of Trails, said “nay, there is much still to be done. It is said they man is created in His image, but he shall travel on mine.” And He, creator of stick and stone, judge of all legs, shaper of twist and turn looked down on his work and upon the Earth He saw paths criss-crossing the land, broken by streams, littered with rocks and limbs and nose grinding hills and lo, he thought, man will still travel too easily. And he said “Let there be mud”. [Read more...]

So this past weekend, I journeyed North again to take part in the Pittsfield Death Race. Not your typical race, this involved little to no running while pushing you to your physical and mental limits as you struggle to complete the various physical challenges. The race directors, Joe and Andy, spend the entire year devising the hellish tasks and delight in the pain and anguish emanating from the racers. [Read more...]

So Hellgate has been on my radar for several weeks now and I was pumped at the idea of completing my first 100k. The stories I had heard from other Bimblers (icy weather, treacherous footing, Horton miles, freezing eyeballs) were both daunting and exciting but I loved the idea of adventure and overcoming the challenges. On the other hand, no matter who you are or what races you’ve done, hearing such tales of peril and difficulty is enough to give anyone pause. [Read more...]