Holiday Lake 50K Report

After my last ultra, a struggle at the JFK 50 Mile, Holiday Lake 50K was
entered with the expressed intent of being nothing more then an early
season build up race.  What we express and what our competitive nature
demands are often two different things.  A top ten finish and one of race
director, David Horton's great prizes was my hidden ambition.  This was
quickly put into perspective as I watched the lead pack pull away on the
up hill start.  A left turn into the woods brought the pace to a walk and
then gradually to a jog as we circled the lake in the predawn glow.  The
pace was fine considering that a misplaced foot plant could easily have
led to an unplanned swim.  As daylight came I tried to gradually work my
way up in the field, but I was happy to just be running comfortably.
Normally I prefer trail, but the day's mix of road and single track was
feeling great.  Early on, a straight section of road allowed me to see a
long string of runners led by a pack of a half a dozen or so.  Thinking
that they were uncatchable helped to set my tempo for the first half of
the race.  I was wearing a heart rate monitor for the first time in an
ultra, so decided to just keep my pulse under 150 and not worry about
racing.  Word of encouragement from Clark Zealand as he cruised by in the
opposite direction let me know that the halfway point was approaching.  I
had been passing runners up to this point, so began the task of counting
places.  It was a surprise to figure that I had made it to around 12th
spot.  After a short distance on the return trip I caught a runner moving
smoothly along the trail and decided it was a good pace to settle in at.
With the passing of each runner from the opposite directions I got used
to hearing "good job Frank", "looking good Frank".   Finding that I was
running behind Frank Probst made me more certain that any quicker pace
was not good idea.  Beside that, the heart monitor had gone up over 155,
letting me know that the time and distance were having an effect.
Eventually Franks pace began to slow.  Having gone out with the lead
pack, just two weeks after running the Rocky Racoon 100 Mile in 18:25,
began to take its toll.  The rest of the second half I spent trying to
reel in the stragglers from that brave group who I had seen blazing the
early miles.  It was nice to see Horton coming down one of the dirt roads
in his pickup and hearing him let me know my position, by name, as though
he'd known me for years.  Everything about this race, from the pre race
meal to the awards, had the feel of family.  I took home more then the
fantastic Patagonia shirt.  I left with the feeling of being part of a
community thanks to the hospitality and generosity of Dr. Horton.
Thanks.

Herm Richards