I was not as prepared for this race like I thought I was. I was very deficient in my preparation to run such steep hills. I found that I was able to power up the first 2 hill without blowing up. However the third and steepest hill was something else. This hill kept going and going and kept getting steeper and steeper. There was a water station at the top but nothing in between. When I finally got to the top I was wiped and had to descent the other side slowly and carefully. I had cramped up a little at the bottom of the hill and I had to walk about 50 yd. to the next aid station so I could hydrate and get some gel back in me. This was a very hard and mentally draining race and a very enjoyable and rewarding race. I now know what it is like and what I will need to do next year to prepare for it.

The views along the race were breath taking all the trees were changing colors and the air was fresh and clean. The rain stopped a few hours before the start and the sun would brake through he clouds every once in a while to warm you up. If it wasn’t for the hills it would have been a much more enjoyable day. I had a great time.


I would have run more hills (up and down). I would have brought my own water and a little Heed Mixed in my camelbacks and would have mixed 2- 2hour bottles of Perpetuem and gel. I would have taken 3-4 more Endurolytes and 3-4 more Race Caps Supreme and 2 more Anti-Fatigue Caps. I need to drink more than the small cups of water at every aid station. Hydaration is very key to success and I missed this one.

I lost 6+ pounds during the race and that is after drinking 20oz H2O and eating at the after race party.

Walked around for about 15 minutes and dranke some water and ate some food.

Streached and relaxed.


Preparation for the hills and the lack of proper hydration and fueling.

With a little change to my nutrition and more hills during training I can see myself being able to run a 2:00:00


Great race and very challenging. Can’t wait to do it again next year and to do better.