Quasi-Race Report - Hogpen Hill Climb 17k

In thinking about those who compose long and interesting race reports with photos, etc, I did not think I could title my Post as such. Mine will be short and without pictures.

Hogpen. We arrived early enough for some warming up (although we missed the pre-race meeting), some water gulping and gauging the temperature. We started on a road behind the main road through Helen, and we started our climb.

I was unfamiliar with the course, and had been warned to start out more slowly, and then attack towards the end. So, as I was going,I kept telling myself to "hold, hold." But, then after a couple of miles, I was wondering - what am I holding for? If the hills are to be done in "granny gear," then you don't need a rested body for that - (there sometimes is a point in races where you just cannot pick up those legs)? So, I increased my pace. The beginning 5 miles were nice. The climbs were relatively under control, and you could do some turnover. There was a nice break after mile 5 before the treacherous climbing began. Then, it began, and my mind repeated: keep going; keep going; pump those knees and lift those legs. It was difficult until around mile 9, and then we had a steep break down again. But, to the end - more climbing.

Overall, it was a difficult race - strategy wise - in part - because it was hard to see people that were in front of you - usually in a race, I can pinpoint a person and try to work towards catching them, but here - you really had to do that in beginning and just hold your pace. Next year, I think I will hold onto someone early, and then hope for the best - ha!!

Overall great run! Challenging, challenging and very beautiful!!! I think I ran it in 1:32...I think i did 3rd Overall for women.