Hashawha Hills 50. Don't let the name fool you...there's a lot of hills here. I don't know why I was expecting gentle inclines and easy slopes but these were some serious, nasty hills. With the last five hills being officially labled the "5 evil sisters" runners had their work cut out for them - especially on the last of this two loop course.
Hashawha Hills is a small race (120 people) in Westminsiter MD. and what it lacks in size it more then makes up for in quality, scenery and spirit. I loved the fact that Race Director Alan Gowen got a little "Barkley Marathon" here and had runners collect rubber bands to show that they completed two loops at the end of the race - that really added to the fun. And the fact that collecting the rubber bands sent us through two stream crossings and a long stretch of mud added some more.
The race was sponored by Virginia Happy Trails Running club and to a person all who came out to volunteer and cheer runners one were helpful, friendly and full of good spirit - on a cold, windy, muddy, hily day, those qualities are worth quite a bit. Thanks guys!
Ok, the hills of Hashawha are relentless. Maybe I was still in recovery mode from the Mid MD 50k two weeks ago but those hills really wore me down. Maybe only two or three were severe but they were constant, some rolling, some gentle, and some just sucked, yet there always seemed to be there. For the first time in a very long while I seriously thought of making it a one loop day. I surprised myself by finishing the first loop well shy of 3 hours and thought that maybe I could bring the second loop in close to that even with my tired legs. And I was close -6:02 being my offical time but the last 5 miles of the second loop slowed me down considerably. Not the time I wished for but I'm in no way unhappy with it.
I mentioned the hills - they really stand out. Besides that this is really beautiful country and Hashawha Park is worth the drive to spend the day hiking or running - from woodland to farmland and several stream crossings the park and course offered a rich diverity that kept the race interesting.
I faced my usual lack of hydration and fueling issues and there's no one to blame but myself. Maybe because my parents were depression era babies I seem to constantly find myself trying to get by on as little as possible. Or maybe I just make bad choices on long days in the woods. Problaby that.
A beautiful, handcrafted ceramic mug was presented to all who finished the 50k. I really like unique finnishers awards and this was a really nice touch to end the race with. A few ending notes - for a small race the aid stations were well stocked with lots of variety. The warm room (visitors center) for pre race and after race gathering were awesome on a really cold day. And the vegan chili rocked! Thank you Moca for forcing a bowl on me (I told you I make bad choices)Both Matt and Moca opted for one loop to save up for Seneca Creek 50k next week. Wise choice as the course is a leg waster for sure. Seneca should be easy in comparison (excpet for the additional miles they always throw in) And it was great seeing Trail Dawg lengend Carl Perkins and Conestoga Runner Carli Cress Moua out there! Only one person was missing and you know who you are!
Once again a big thanks to RD Allan Gowen,Virginia Happy Trails Running club and all the volunteers for sharing the cold day with us.
Next week Seneca Creek - and then rest!
2 comments:
Wonderful recap of the race. It was a great day out there Saturday. I couldn't agree more that Alan and everyone did an amazing job. I was the brigthly colored girl cheering you in at the finish. Although if you were like me, I didn't notice much at the finish until I got back into that wonderful warm building. Congrats on a great run.
Thanks! I did notice my cool new finnishers mug- and then everything went kind of blank!
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