Please
forward a race application for Promise Land 50K – 2002, ASAP – My guess is
that the other 147 participants would also like applications, so they also can
pre-register as soon as possible before word gets out and the 2002 race is
filled to capacity.
For
those who did not participate in the inaugural event, “Not Your Average 50K
Race” is certainly an understatement when used to describe the Promise Land
50K. The “Toughest 50K You Will
Ever Love” comes close. However,
both statements fail to take into account the entire pre and post-race
experience of this event. It
kicked off with runners and their crews pitching tents at the start and going to
a group pre-race meal in Bedford, where new friendships were made and old ones
renewed. Then back to the camp for
more socializing around the bonfire as additional runners arrived.
The
early start and five mile uphill climb in the dark was quickly rewarded by a
beautiful sunrise over the neighboring mountains.
More climbing and the reward this time was passing the highest point on
the course at mile ten. (It must be all downhill from here.)
Eight miles of downhill and then six miles of rolling hills should be
enough to recover for the next little three-mile climb up Apple Orchard Falls
Trail. (This trail is described in a Trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway guide as
very strenuous. The guide provides the suggestion of parking a vehicle at both
the upper and lower trailheads for the opportunity to experience the falls
without all the climbing. Maybe the race director will be considerate enough to
follow this suggestion and provide shuttle buses in 2002) For a downhill maniac
like myself, this portion of the course is pure torture – however the reward
of the cascades more than offset the misery and provided the inspiration to
reach the top at Sunset Fields. Time
to once again shift to neutral and coast down the hill without any brakes.
Unfortunately, this five-mile vertical plunge was not quite as effortless
as planned. However, descending
with the realization that the mountains had been conquered helped to ease the
pain.
The
post-race portion of this event again provides the opportunity for renewal and
extension of friendships along with a good meal to replenish our abused bodies.
An enjoyable part of the experience is being there as others achieve
their goals in finishing a difficult but inspiring event.
Speaking
of inspiring and difficult events, I hope to see all of you again at the
Mountain Masochist Trail Run in October 2001.
Sincerely,
Grattan
P. Garbee
PS: Why is there a master’s division? For next year, how about a kid’s division to give us younger, less experienced runners a chance. Seriously, I am very inspired and motivated by the experienced runners that excel in these events and refuse to accept slowing down as they mature as an alternative. As, I 38 year old, who has successfully completed all three of Horton’s Ultra’s (Holiday Lake 2000, MMTR 2000, and Promise Land 2001) and progressively improved in each one, I welcome the opportunity to discover in the years ahead, how far and how fast this aging body can go.