August 29 – 8 am, from Guilford Lakes School, Guilford to Race Hill Rd and back. Distance 8 miles. This run is dog friendly.

September 19 – 8 am from the Monastery, Race Hill Rd, Guilford to the Mattabasset connector and back. On the return, instead of retracing the same trail we shall use the New England Scenice Trail. Distance 10 miles (RWA Recreation passes required). No dogs, please.

October 10 – 8 am from Renee Way trail head, Madison. A loop on the Mattabasset, Lone Pine and Rockland trails (including Bluff Head). Distance 13 miles. This run is dog friendly.

No fee and no registration is required. Bring your own hydration. If you do not have a RWA pass, there may be guest passes available on a first come first serve basis, so it might pay to ask in advance – jerry(at)mrbimble(dot)com . Please do not do the September run if you do not have a pass.

No rain dates!

If you have questions regarding the bites, you may send them via our email contact form.

The Bimbler’s Bluff 50k is an off road foot race through several woodland preserves in southern Connecticut. Consisting entirely of single track or forest roads, the course will provide a true test of the runner’s fitness and mental stamina. You should only consider entering this race if you are confident you have sufficient running experience such as having previously completed a recent road or trail half marathon.

The changeover location for the relay event has changed from last year, please read the course description document for details.

Google map of course
Event details and course description (pdf format)

BLUFF and RELAY ENTRY FEES

The Bluff 50k – $45 before August 31, $55 before October 2, 2010
Goat and Gazelle Relay (per Team) – $65 before August 31, $75 before October 2, 2010

Note: Entries will be limited to 150 runners as the course passes through an environmentally sensitive preserve. There will be NO race day registrations. No entry refunds

If you have questions regarding the race, you may send them via our email contact form

Register on-line at Active.com

Register via printable application form (pdf format)

A list of confirmed entries for this years race can be found here.

Race reports from past Bluff races.

Pictures from the Bluff 2009.

Sponsors

The Bimbler’s Bluff 50k is being supported the companies shown below, please take a moment to check out their web sites and consider using their services.

I entered the Bimbler’s Bluff 50K (31 miles) ultra marathon as my first attempt at any distance beyond the standard 26.2m (42Km), of which I’ve completed five. It was held on Sunday, October 25, 2009 on the trails of the nature preserves north of Guilford, CT. Guilford is a small town along Interstate 95 about two hours from my place in Manhattan.

The day before the race I was feeling in good shape having put in some relatively high mile weeks leading up to it and tapering the week of. In fact, with the tapering I was finding that I had all kinds of excess energy. It would take me hours to fall asleep and my libido was through the roof.

I booked a hotel room in Guilford where a lot of the racers would be staying and at the last minute, I decided I would ditch the rental car and take the train up to New Haven. I’d get around from there any way I could. I figured that my need for a ride would prove an impetus for meeting more people at the race. I also relished the uncertainty of it and thought that it would lend more to the adventure. I was right on all accounts.

I arrived in Guilford in the pouring rain 15 hours before the start of the race and went directly to a pub called KC’s where we could pick up our numbers and feast on pasta. I sat at the bar between two groups of local guys going to town on some local brews. It was strictly water for this guy but I was tempted to have a pint. I had packed a few bottled Stellas for post race and I consoled myself that they were waiting for me.

It was easier falling asleep that night and I slept soundly, waking up a few minutes before the 5:30am wake up call. I was dressed and ready to roll by about 6. I was thinking that if I hung out in the lobby, I ought to be able to spot my fellow racers and would see if I could bum a ride to the start. It didn’t take long.

I met Mark and his wife getting OJ and bagels in the lobby. Mark was a high school cross country and track coach in Massachusetts and we got on great. He offered a ride and we were off by about 6:30.

At the start, the sun had just come up exposing some very interesting clouds. I had brought my camera and these clouds would prove to be the subject of the only picture I took that day. I had planned on carrying the camera with me and wish I had but left it behind at the last moment not wanting the extra weight. Runners were showing up and milling around the start, which was held on the field of a grade school adjacent to the preserve. A little before the 8am start, the race director, a very nice guy named Jerry “Mr. Bimble” Turk gave a speech, told us all to behave and to try not to get lost. A short time later, we were lined up at the start where the national anthem was sung by two racers. Standing next to a group of cadets from West Point and feeling the camaraderie of these fellow nutters who were all about to spend their Sunday running ridiculous distances through the woods, I found it to be a powerful moment.

When the proverbial gun went off (really just a yell of “go!” from Mr. Bimble) the race began with an inauspicious start. With 50K to go, no one was moving at too exciting of a pace. We jogged around a soccer field and then hit the trail. It was single track and we were forced into single file. Having had hard rail the entire day before, the trail was as wet as could be and covered in wet leaves. Not ideal conditions but that’s all part of it.

I ran the first two miles with a guy from Maine named Zach. I felt that we went out a little fast but I wasn’t willing to ease off the pace. After a couple miles I loosened up and started feeling good. I left Zach and started pushing the pace. I was amazed at how difficult the footing was with fist sized rocks and forearm sized roots, huge puddles and slippery leaves everywhere. I wanted to take in the beautiful scenery with the colorful fall leaves but I really had a to pay attention to where I placed every step. Little did I know that this section would prove to offer the best traction on the course and it would only get worse.

I was using the strategy of walking the steeper uphills and found that I did not loose much ground on those that would run them and that I would soon catch up and surpass them on the downhill. I passed a few people this way and at mile 5 or 6 I passed two guys that were running together and clearly friends. As I passed, one of them said something to me about Valentino Rossi and how he wanted to punch me because I was looking to be enjoying all of this. Strange and its possible I misunderstood him but it was the only time since high school that a competitor had said anything but encouragement. I was enjoying it and I didn’t know what an Italian motorcycle racer had to do with anything, which is what I told him… as I left him behind.

At mile 8 or so the puddles turned into ponds. It was difficult navigating around them without getting stuck in the bush. I led the charge with Valentino Rossi and couple others behind me. It was a solid mile of this and looking back, it was one of the more fun parts of the race. It required athleticism and split decisions as to which side to pass on.

From around mile 5 my eyes had been tearing up for some reason. I would wipe them with my hands now and then as I ran. At mile 9 I wiped at my left eye and felt my contact crumple and fall out. I couldn’t get it back in with my muddy hands and knew it was a goner. I tried to press on with only the right one in but my depth perception was thrown off by this and I was having trouble navigating the footing. After a minute I pulled out the other one and took a look around. I have a low prescription and can see decently without them but I don’t wear them because I like to. It turned out that this would be one of the worst parts in the course to not have 20/20 vision.

The guys that I had led around the gigantic puddles quickly passed me, including Valentino, when I was dealing with the contacts. It would have been very useful to have had them in front of me as the trail became all but impossible to follow. Really it became a bushwhack up and down some small ravines. There was nothing to follow except for some red and white ribbons that we spaced out now and then. They would have been hard enough to find with my contacts. It took me much longer than it ought to have throughout this section but when I heard the faint sound of cheering I bushwhacked toward it.

I all but fell down the escarpment that led to the road and the first aid station at mile 10. Despite the difficulties I’d just had over the last mile I was in great spirits and loving every moment of the race. I ran into the aid station with a huge smile on my face feeling great. I had a little water, a couple oranges and pressed on… straight up hill.

The elevation gain from mile 10 to 11 was the steepest of the race and included some short sections where hand over hand climbing was necessary. Running was all but impossible as the trail led to the top of the bluff from which the race took its name. The view from here was gorgeous; rolling hills covered in fall colors with small New England farms spotting the landscape under a brilliant blue sky.

From there the course was mostly downhill until the next aid station at mile 15 although it was very tough running with poor footing and a not always clear course. I got lost at mile 14 when I missed a turn onto a dirt road and ran an extra quarter mile in the wrong direction. I was all but sprinting to get back on track, angry with myself and wanting to make up time. It felt good to be moving quickly on flat ground and good footing and I felt a runners high coming on. My pace dropped and I quickly covered a half mile or more before I almost stepped on the biggest turtle I’d ever seen. It was in one of the “puddles”  and when I stopped to check him out, I came out of the runners high, which made me realize that I had missed another turn! I couldn’t believe it! I had been off course for 10 of the last 12 minutes. Worst of all, I was really pushing the pace so I had covered a lot of ground. I would figure at least a mile total.

After I got back on course, the 15 mile aid station came quickly. I was relieved to be there and it was nice to see the support. Again, I was all smiles and by this time everyone was calling me Smiley. I had a couple bites of a doughnut, some orange slices, filled my hydration pack with Gatorade and was back on the trail as quickly as I could. Some racers must have stayed at the station for a while as I passed several shortly afterward. I was feeling good although I was having trouble seeing where the trail was. I felt that I was not being slowed by my legs and endurance, but by my poor eyesight.

I pressed on through a rolling section of six or seven miles of single track and forest roads passing racers now and then and enjoying the day. I hit the 20 mile aid station an hour or so later and saw the Valentino Rossi guy and his buddy leaving as I arrived. I chatted up the volunteers there, had some M&Ms, some more oranges, a refill of the pack and was back to business.

I was soon lost AGAIN, running approximately a half mile off course. It would have been worse had not another runner heard me from his position above the ravine I was headed down and called to me. I ran with him briefly and then feeling good, I pressed the pace. At about mile 22 we hit the first section of the course, which was laid out like a “Q”, this being the tail. What I had thought was so difficult before now felt like a manicured lawn and I opened up even more. Also, I knew this section from before and was not worried about getting lost. Big mistake.

I caught up to Valentino’s buddy at the puddles, promised him one of my waiting beers and pressed on. A mile later I had Valentino in my sights. He was a quarter mile ahead on a long straight uphill.When I passed him the second time he was as nice as could be, told me I looked strong and encouraged me to go for it. He was sucking wind hard and I promised him my last beer back at the finish.

At this point I was at about mile 26 with 5 to go. I was still feeling good although I was drinking a lot more and my legs were hurting on the downhills. I was still enjoying the hell out it but I knew I would need to dig deep to finish strong.

I hit the last aid station at mile 28, I think and blew right through it. With only 3 to go I was ready to get it done. I passed two more racers shortly after and then I finally hit the wall. With no hills in Manhattan and none in my training, the downhills were killing my IT bands and it was incredibly painful to do anything but walk down the steepest sections. Focused on the pain and in a thick section of woods, I missed another turn and lost another seven or eight minutes correcting it. This proved to be the low point of the race. Not only was my body tired but my brain was acting up. At one point I had an overwhelming desire for some French’s yellow mustard and I loudly blurted out to myself, (the only occasion of talking to myself) “mustard sandwich!” Crazy, I know.

I could sense the finish line though and ran hard for the last mile, enduring the pain on the downhills. I put my iPod on for the first time and hit replay three times on the most kicking tune I’ve ever heard (Partouze by Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso and remixed by Jean Ellan). My good buddy, Haytham had sent it to me the day before all the way from Saudi and it shaped me right up.

When the woods opened up to the school, spectators and finish line, a wide smile came to my face and I sprinted the last 100 meters grinning cheek to cheek.

I finished in 6:00.18, good enough for 14^th place out of about 60 I believe. I was pleased with this as I felt I had done my best. The contacts falling out and all the time and energy I spent running the wrong way was a killer. I figure it cost me at least 50 minutes and 5 positions. I’ll be sure to address that in the next race, of which I plan to have many more.

My smile at the finish line vanished, however, when I saw Valentino already sitting in the grass with his shoes off. Getting lost that last time cost me a victory over him but I chalked it up for what it was and when I was handed a burger smothered in… mustard! the smile came right back.

In the end, it was a great race and a fantastic day. I met some real class folks that understand and/or appreciate this sort of challenge/lunacy and I proved to myself that I’m capable of a lot more. I got a ride back to the city with a top ranked triathalete and a very nice guy named Jason who I had first offered one of my waiting beers to back at mile 22. As for the beers, they went unopened. After 50K, they just didn’t sound as good.

Check it out…

Photographer Chris Renda has posted

the photos from The Bluff 50K!

AWESOME PHOTOS – GREAT WORK!!

They can be seen here!

If you would like copies, they can be ordered direct from Chris.

Great event & great photos!!

The race was, in many ways, a “pumped-up” version of last year’s race. In 2008, the inaugural running of the Bimblers Bluff 50K Trail Race was nearly flawless. This year, the good parts got even better, and new goodies were added. A very practical AND stylish technical long sleeve shirt was a nice surprise. A new custom designed Buff made for an appreciated companion to last year’s finishers’ award. Goodies in our race bag, handouts from the major sponsor (Poron), and a carb-load meal the night before all added to the “value” of the race.Out on the trail there were some minor but welcome changes too. While the course marking was good last year, it was even better this year. I heard of nobody getting hopelessly lost. The runnable parts of the course got even more runnable this year where prior damage from forestry activities has been repaired. This improved runnability was proven out by the fast times.

What didn’t change from 2008? The RD’s fanatic attention to detail, the weather, the beauty all around us, the camaraderie, the ultra-enthusiastic volunteers, the good food, and the “surprise” at the difficulty of the race. So, what about “The Race”?

We lined up at the soccer field at Guilford Lakes School under sunny skies and over soggy ground. The heavy rains on Saturday assured that the course would have mud, slippery leaves, and high water crossings. However, the atmosphere would remain mild and sunny all throughout the race. After a beautiful performance of the National Anthem, we were off, once around the field to spread us out, then across a road with the traffic stopped by the Guilford Police, then into Timberlands on our way to the first aid station at approximately 3 miles. The Timberlands Preserve is a lot of fun during “fun runs” but can be challenging, and even frustrating, during races. Everything feels “small” to me in Timberlands, requiring lots of attention to detail. There are many turns and intersecting trails, all well marked. There are many ups and downs, none big, but very frequent, requiring constant shifting of “gears”, and there are many rocks and roots, demanding thoughtful foot placement for almost every step. In addition, at the start of the race, there are many runners around forcing you to either adopt their pace, or do a lot of tricky maneuvering. This is good, traditional “cross country” style racing. What I like about it is that it encourages you to not start out too fast.

Soon enough I carefully crossed Rte 80 with the help of race marshals,  and blew right past aid station #1 after checking in. I had 2 bottles and some Hammer Gel with me, and I was only 3 miles into the race, after all. Stopping would have been a better idea, as the next aid station was not for another 8 miles. This next section starts in the old North Guilford Archery Range. There is an extended stretch of very runnable single track trail with good footing, slight hills, minimal mud, and two tricky water crossings. I felt my speed increasing through this area. Fairly soon, I crossed Hart Road, which is very lightly traveled, and headed back into the woods. This next section, which includes property owned by the Guilford Sportsmen’s Association, the monastery, and the Regional Water Authority, which goes on for probably 4 to 5 miles, is almost all dirt and/or grass forest roads. There were some big puddles, but you can go fast, and I did. There are some very significant hills on this most ly road section, and it paid off for me to walk the biggest of them. Toward the end of the “road” parts, there are some huge (wide and deep) puddles and oozing mud. Normally, I would plow right on through. This time, I decided that dry feet would be happy feet late in the race, so I took the time to circumvent most of the puddles. After this stretch, the course returns to single track, and almost immediately reaches the end of the out-and-back and the beginning of the loop, done clockwise. The next mile or so to aid station #2 is very technical, with lots of ledges, and rock hopping, but with stable granite and quartz underfoot. Overall, the forest is fairly open here, as the stone ledges and cliffs discourage dense growth. Soon, the trail plunges into the gap to cross Rte 77 and approach aid station #2 and the bottom of The Bluff.

Kerry, the RD’s wife, reminded me to “calm down” and pace myself. That was wise and appreciated advice, as I was, admittedly, getting a little too enthusiastic. “Irrational Exuberance” had been responsible, in part, for a DNF at my previous race this fall. Walking up The Bluff is a no-brainer. I really do not see any other option. The trail up The Bluff seems to have been re-routed, very recently. There are now a series of switchbacks. They are a big help, but an elevator would be better. Eventually, the trail becomes runnable and goes up a series of false summits to the true top, which affords great views to the north, east, and south. It was along this stretch, between aid stations #2 and #3 that I fell into pace with Choukri Benmamoun, which turned out to be fortuitous for me. I did not previously know Choukri, but I sized him up as “fast”, but also as a “road runner”. I turned out to be correct on both counts. He quickly deduced that I was totally confident of where I was, and where the next turn would be. So we formed an unspoken alliance. He would keep me moving, quickly, and I would keep him on course. This is exactly what we did for the next 10 miles or more. The remainder of the course to aid station #3 has moderate hills, lots of turns without actual intersecting trails, and the most miserable footing. Loose traprock abounds, sometimes visible, sometimes hidden under wet leaves. Finally, a stretch of dirt road, a little more trail, and the course emerges onto Rte 77 about a mile north of aid station #2. Aid station #3 is on the far side of Rte 77. I made a brief stop at aid station #3 so as not to lose Choukri. The course then heads for aid station #4 at Renee’s Way in the Rockland Preserve. It is a very long 6 miles to aid station #4.

The Rockland Preserve has everything. Water crossings, mud, technical single-track, dirt roads, big hills, little hills, ledges, flats. It is a great place to train for all conditions in just a few miles of trail. This section beat me up badly last year, but this year, I came into it better prepared, and paced myself better through it. As a result, when I left aid station #4, I knew that an increase in speed might get me a good finish time, unlike last year when I knew an increase in speed would just help me make up for lost time in Rockland.

There is about 1.5 miles of mostly nice trail from aid station #4 until you finish the loop and turn left onto the out-and-back. Having said that, the single most technical section of the entire race, which I “affectionately” call The Minefield, can be found here.

Back onto the out-and-back, if you have your legs still playing along, you can make good time, with the encouragement of an ever closer finish line spurring you on. For much of this stretch, I maintained my connection to Choukri. However, as the trail got smoother, he got faster, AND more confident of his surroundings. At the last big hill in this section, I decided to walk to conserve energy, and he kept running. That was the last I would see of him until I finished. The smooth road and trail were allowing me to run fast enough to bring on some pain in my quads, and I was worried I would not be able to manage the final return from aid station #5. As it turned out, I was managing my pace fairly well. At aid station #5, I grabbed some M&Ms for a quick sugar boost, some potato chips, and a gulp of Gatorade. No need to refill my bottles, etc… I was planning on being done soon.

The final return through Timberlands provides all the challenges described previously, except the crowds. Since my quads had limited my speed through the previous section, I found myself with more energy than I expected. This allowed me to maintain as fast a pace as the technical trails would allow. As a result, I was able to pass two runners in Timberlands, two runners that I did not even expect to be there, as the sight-lines are very limited in Timberlands. I passed the second runner just before bursting out of the trees and onto the road. Fortunately, Big George was there warning cars of runners, because I was going too fast downhill to stop. While I had too much energy at the end, it sure was fun to sprint through the finish gate!

In the end, my low expectations for myself at this year’s race caused me to start very conservatively and ultimately better last year’s performance by roughly 6 minutes. I was ecstatic, especially in light of my recent DNF.

The Bluff 50K is a great race. It is Connecticut’s only trail ultra (so far), and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves trail races, and to marathoners looking to “kick it up a notch”. Don’t come if you are looking for fast times (I have run a 50K 30 minutes faster elsewhere). Come for great trails, great people, great organization, and a great sense of accomplishment when you cross the line.

Am I a little “biased” towards this race? OK, in the interests of “full disclosure”, I must acknowledge that I live 20 minutes away, I run the trails frequently, the RD is a friend of mine, and many of my friends, family, and training partners were either running or volunteering. Still, I assure you that if you are from “far away”, it is worth the trip, and if you know nobody when you get here, you can leave with new friends and future training partners. I make no assurances that you can leave with new family members, but hey, you never know…

Assembled at the start, the field was treated to a note perfect rendition of the national anthem by Russell and Michelle Hammond, music teachers by day, runners whenever the opportunity allows. For a few moments their combined talents captivated everyone within earshot; then, inspired by their performance the signal was given for the race to begin.  Almost immediately, last year’s winner Chris Schulten and Brian Rusiecki, who went on to become the overall winner, were leading the pack. Close behind were a number of young bucks from the Westpoint Military Academy.  At the second aid station just 6 minutes separated the top 5 runners, while women’s leader Amy Lane was 10 minutes behind the leader in 6^th place. She arrived at aid station 3 at Braemore with Peter Fitton who was running the Goat leg of the relay for team Thing 2 (so named because the runners didn’t offer their own).  By now Rusiecki had started to pull away from Schulten who we later discovered was starting to struggle with an injury. Just 2 weeks earlier he had completed in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon.

At Renee’s Way, Amy had moved up into 3^rd overall and Megan Raymond for team Old Quarry Racing had taken the relay lead. Also moving up the field was Choukri Benmamoun and Jay Avitable, but Rusiecki’s lead over Schulten had now extended to 11 minutes. At the finish he was 28 minutes ahead finishing in 4:31:02. A few moments after finishing, he expressed surprise at his time which he thought was slow even though he felt had run well. Was he right, or was the Bluff a bit more than he had expected! Megan Raymond took the relay honors for Old Quarry Racing (5:10:47) while Amy Lane was the first individual lady finisher in a time of 5:15:24. Meanwhile, Benmamoun had moved up several places and went on to finish 4^th in 5:24:31. Close on his heels was Zachary March one of those young bucks and the first of the Westpoint contingent to cross the line (5:24:35).

There were several great anecdotes that came out of the race but perhaps the most memorable was that of Terri Hayes who ran the race with her grandson pacing her. It had been an ambition of hers to run an ultra with one of her children, but that had never happened. She drove to Connecticut from South Carolina to run the Bluff and visit her grandson serving in the military. At the last minute, he offered to pace and her dream came true. Many of the finishers expressed surprise at the toughness of the course and that it had exceeded their expectations. There were the inevitable tales of going off trail but the consensus seemed to be that the markings had been good. At the mid-way aid station several runners decided it wasn’t going to be their day and several more made it as far as the next stop at Renee’s Way to do the same. The Bluff is a demanding course. The scenery was in prime fall foliage but the weather the previous evening had caused a fresh covering of leaves to blanket the trail. The bright sun light reflecting off the seasonal colors was at times dazzling, making it hard to see course markers. Added to this, some of the tape streamers had been wrapped around branches by the stormy winds. To run the Bluff competitors have to not only stay alert to the many hazards under foot but also keep an eye open to ensure they stay on course. The middle third contains elevation changes that aren’t particularly large but are capable of draining the legs. The Bluff shouldn’t be underestimated, but don’t just take my word for it ask anyone who has run it. Better still, come and try it for yourself!

The Bluff 2010 is planned for October 24^th I hope to see you there.

Jerry RD

Race results

To date, this will be my longest race.  I’ll be running the relay today with Iggy.  We’re calling ourselves ‘Team Bimblettes’.  I’ve been very excited about participating and the day certainly did not disappoint.  It’s been quite the training plan…  Bites of the Bluff, multiple falls, bee stings, fun runs…  All leading up to race day.

It was a beautiful day and we could not have had better weather.  It was an early rise at 5:30am.  Rich helped me get ready, and got breakfast for me.  I put everything I could possibly need into my race bag, just in case.  I’d rather have too much than be missing the one item I really needed.

I got to the school around 7am and met up with the other half of Team Bimblettes.  This is so exciting!  There were lots of Bimblers out for the day.  Some were running and some were volunteering.   We all chatted in the brisk early morning, looking forward to what was to come.

It was a beautiful start to the race:  Jerry’s briefing, Shelly Girl and Lefty singing the National Anthem, and then the start.  Look out!  Iggy is in the lead!!!  After the last runner disappeared into the woods, I was left with an odd feeling.  Now what???  It was nice to have Sport and Ticket to cheer with.  They were also doing the second leg of the relay.  We kept each other company as we waited for our teammates.  This is my first relay race ever, and it is a strange thing to not start at the start.  I was the spectator for the first half, cheering for Iggy at each aid station.  I was both excited and anxious waiting for her at each aid station.  Many thoughts went through my head:  Is she ok?  Does she have enough to eat and drink?  Is she having fun?  The answer, of course, was that she was just fine.  Actually, she was more than fine, she was GREAT!

I waited for her at Braemore, the half way point.  This was the place where Iggy would finish and I would begin.  Now out of my warm and cozy clothes, I was ready to run.  Here she comes!  Again, it was a strange feeling to transition from spectator to runner.  My legs were anxious to get going and start running.  But I also wanted to stay and hear all the details of her run.  I wanted to know all about it… how it was, how were the trails, how did she feel, how were the views???  The answers would have to wait.

After a quick team hug, I started across the field and then up into the trails.  It’s tough starting on an uphill (though nothing like the Bluff) and trying to get into “the zone” simultaneously.  I was looking for my pace, my groove, and it took a while to get there. Eventually I got comfortable and settled down and started to enjoy myself.

I knew all along that this might be the first time I would run alone.  I have done shorter solo runs, but nothing like this.  I was nervous about finding my way and hoped I wouldn’t get lost.  That was a non-issue as the trail was very well marked with ribbon and plates.  As many of you know, I like to talk when I’m out there running.  Who do I talk to when I’m by myself?  Well, I talked to myself.  And I responded sometimes, too.  (It’s amazing what can happen out there on the trails…)

Then I started to see people ahead of me.  I kept going and gradually I’d catch up.  I’d cheer them on and tell them that I was on fresh legs.  I felt a bit guilty passing them, but I was doing the relay, not the 50K.  It was fun to see other runners out there.

I made it to Renee’s Way, my first aid station.  A great team of volunteers waited with everything I could want.  All sorts of snacks and drinks.  I was feeling pretty good but needed to stock up.  I knew the next section would be the longest one.  Rich and Iggy were there to cheer me on.  Great smiles and great cheers.

About an hour and a half into the run, I was on a wide straight track.  There were large mud puddles, one right after another, thanks to the rain the day before.  Don’t tell Master Po, but I was running around the puddles instead of through them.  I knew I had a distance to go and I wanted to keep my feet as dry as I could.  I ran around the puddles and through some brush.  One small branch hit my right eye and out popped my contact lens!  I knew I had no hope of finding it, so on I ran, with one contact lens.  Needless to say, it was tough to navigate.  My depth perception was off.  At times, I needed to cover my right eye and use only my good left eye to really see where I was going.  That made things clear, but then I had no peripheral vision…  I don’t know if I should have Lasik surgery or if I should consider my contact lenses to be my protective equipment!  I knew that with this race, I should expect the unexpected.  But I really never thought that this would be one of the challenges!

On I went.  I was thankful that we had so many training runs on this course.  I was familiar with the trails and what was coming up next.  I remembered the hints about where to turn and where to fly on the flats and downhills.  I remembered the section I ran most recently with Iggy – the “speed bumps,” the place where we left our jackets, the rock with the acorn face.  I just kept smiling.  Before I knew it, there were Rich and Iggy standing around the corner waiting for me just before the Rt. 80 aid station.  I was greeted by more great volunteers and great support from my friends.  I had more to eat and drink and then I was off.

It was now less than 3 miles to the finish.  I was almost there!  This part was the most difficult for me.  I was tired and the footing wasn’t easy.  There were lots of rocks and roots to watch out for.  Everything was covered by leaves, making each step tricky.  I kept on going and before I knew it, there was Iggy.  We finished our relay running across the finish line together.  It was the best way to finish this shared but separate experience.  I knew I had a big smile on my face.  We did it.  This was GREAT!!!

I thank everyone for a wonderful race day.  Thanks to Ultra, Spuds, Forrest, Loopy, Mr. Bimble, Guthrie, Bounce, Snobody (and anyone else who I missed) who marked the course the day before, in the pouring rain, with miles and miles of red and white ribbon.  Thanks to Shelly Girl and Lefty for the beautiful National Anthem.  Thanks to all the volunteers who supported all of us out there.  Thanks to Jerry for an amazing race.  Thanks to Dan Broom for sweeping the course.  Thanks to all who took down the miles and miles of ribbon.  Thanks to Iggy for being my fantabulous relay partner.  Thanks to Rich for your support.  Thanks to all of my fellow Bimblers for all of your help and encouragement and friendship.  I love you guys!

This race was a challenge to me in many ways…  Physically, mentally, emotionally…  But I did it and I’m excited!  What’s next?  Did someone say Spring 50K???

To see more pictures, click here