Hellgate, 2006

I entered this years’ version of Hellgate, primarily to see what the course would be like without last years’ ice & snow to contend with.  The long-range forecast was calling for sunny skies and what looked like relatively mild temperatures for this time of year.  However, in the days before the race, it became clear that this years’ Hellgate would be every bit as cold as last year, if not more-so.  Even though I knew it would make virtually no difference once the race started, I still wasn’t looking forward to it.  In the day or two prior to the race, I found myself constantly sleepy and chilled, as I subconsciously anticipated the cold, sleepless night on the trail.

The race went reasonably well for me.  I didn’t have any major troubles, despite a painful bout of insertional achilles tendonitis in my heel just 4 or 5 days before the race.  By some miracle, my heel never flared up, although I know that I did change my stride somewhat to protect that injury, and I believe that led to some additional aches & pains that I usually don’t have trouble with.

I managed about an hour and twenty minutes faster than last year in the ice and snow.  I felt more beat up than last year despite having two 100-milers under my belt since Hellgate 2005, which was my first race ever.  I attribute that to being jostled about by the leaf-covered rocks (in general, I stubbornly refused to stop running because of the leaves, which were 12-18” deep certain places), and the pounding of frozen-rock-hard trail conditions much of the way.

The aid station folks were incredible--I felt very guilty that they were having to be out such tough conditions, especially on Headforemost mountain, where wind chills had to be way, way below zero.  The hot soup at most of the early aid stations, the hot breakfast and the burgers at Bearwallow Gap really hit the spot.  The course was extremely well-marked.  This is such a well-supported event, especially considering the time of year & we all as runners owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone who helps put it together.

My least favorites from this year were:

1.  Losing energy & steadily falling off of sub-15 hour pace after aid station #6

2.  The interminable sections from Bearwallow Gap to Day Creek (AS7-9) which came at a time when I just wasn’t in the mood for it.

3.  Cold fingers & toes much of the overnight

4.  Kicking an embarrassing number of rocks (and the resultant embarrassing number of toenails I will lose)

And my favorites:

1.  While not generally a big fan of road running, I loved the extended night sections on gravel / dirt roads because it allowed for LOTS of moonlight running.  I used a flashlight for maybe 3-4 hours of the whole overnight section.  The midnight start--which makes Hellgate unique--was tremendous, and that alone makes this a worthwhile event to participate in.

2.  Charging down the hill to the Jenning’s Creek aid station, feeling good, & knowing a hot breakfast was just around the corner and the sun would soon be coming.

3.  The views out over the lights of Bedford (I think) at night.

4.  Posing for the camera at the finish line by pretend-strangling Horton

5.  Being able to say I ran in a race where several people got frozen corneas.

6.  The several days of “good-hurt” afterward.

Hellgate 2006 was a magnificent adventure.  Thanks to David & everyone else for another top-notch event.

 Jamey Groff