What a fortunate man I am. I am unable to find a single negative in my experiences of last weekend's Holiday Lake 50K++, or for that matter, in the training leading up to it.

     As a member of the "Bimble 8" aka The Connecticut Crew, I have the good fortune of running several times per week with Jerry Turk and Kerry Arsenault, who seem to be at their happiest when running 50 miles or more and/or training for Hellgate.

     As a first time Ultra runner (having run my first marathon, MCM, this past fall), I had the good fortune of coming to Holiday Lake with 3 other "first timers" and 4 veterans (3 of whom were Holiday Lake veterans).

     As a family man, I learned over the last 8 months of training how supportive and understanding my wife and teenage son can be, even when they really don't understand this "running thing" at all.

     As a man (well?) into middle-age, new to running in the last 2 years, trying to prove to myself that my previously severely ailing body is capable of doing the amazing feats for which God designed it, I am grateful to find that perhaps I really can "just do it".

     So, what is the Holiday Lake 50K++ all about, should any new, potential first-timers ask me?

     Some observations:

             I have run a few 5K road races, and was always extremely pleased to see the finish line.

             I saw the finish line at Holiday Lake (the 2nd time), and was vaguely disappointed that it was all about to be over.

             I can't forget two gentlemen stepping off to the side in the last narrow stretch of trail, simply because, as they both stated, I seemed to be running "stronger" than they, and they did not want to stand in the way of me doing "my best".

             The aid stations and crew were outstanding, each with their own surprises (including the locations!), and it was somehow reassuring to know you were being "checked-in".

             The course was challenging, without being punishing, and the dark and rain and snow just enhanced the race experience.

             The organization, facilities, food, and Race Director were all outstanding.

             The entrants were both competitive and cooperative on the trail, and I saw many acts of kindness (shared gloves, water bottles) even while all were dedicated to running their best possible race.

             I never would have thought that the time could go by so fast. I never found myself asking "when will this be over?".

             I would urge anyone considering this race to train hard, both alone and with others, on the flats and the hills, and then come to Holiday Lake, prepared to be awed and transformed, as a runner, and perhaps as a person, too.

Sincerely, and appreciatively,

Jay B. Avitable