I didn’t think anything could ever be as physically challenging for me as last month’s SeaWheeze half-marathon, especially considering that my calves spearheaded a full-blown mutiny during it. But I was naive. Little did I know that lurking around the corner was the New Hampshire 10 Miler, waiting, despite the slightly shorter distance, to assume its place as my Toughest. Run. Ever.
Pretty perilous.
This race (my second-longest run yet and No. 39 in the 52 Weeks challenge) fell firmly into the pretty-but-perilous category. What is it with scenic runs? I’m not sure if we’re supposed to be so distracted by nature that we don’t notice the torture, but that rarely works for me. The 10-miler was around Lake Massabesic, which looked quite lovely on the map. I initially envisioned a nice easy loop around the lake, with cool breezes and water views. I really need to stop envisioning things. A fellow runner snapped me out of it when he described the course as a “roller coaster.” This was bad.
Hilly as a picture
Rather than jabber on about hills – because I’m not really allowed – I thought I’d let my camera do the jabbering. For what is a hilly hell run if you can’t document its hellaciousness? (Hubby once said to me that perhaps I would go faster if I stopped taking pictures along the way. I’ll take that under advisement.)
I will say that a) “roller coaster” was no lie; this was just about the hilliest run I have encountered, and b) the camera doesn’t do some of these hills justice; they were long, steep, and unrelenting. Oh, and it was hot. Of course.
Hills 1 and 2. The torture starts early.
Hills 3 and 4. Just in case I was getting complacent.
Hills 5 and 6. Words I can’t use in a family-friendly blog.
Hill 7. Somewhere in the final mile. You have GOT to be kidding me.
Needless to say, I walked a lot. Thankfully I had a walk/run buddy for most of the way (she’s ahead of me in the hill 7 photo). We spent half the time questioning our sanity and the other half trying to ascend hills while remaining upright. She got me at the end, but that’s OK, she deserved it. I mentally checked out of this run around mile seven, probably when I realized it wasn’t going to get any better. I need to work on that.
Unofficial water stop. Hooray for good Samaritans.
I did get a little lift on that final hill with an unofficial water stop. You have got to love folks who use their own resources to come out and help people who are about to keel over. I don’t know who they were, but I sent lots of good vibes their way. I hope they got them.
The event: NH 10 Miler
The location: Lake Massabesic, NH
The date: September 1, 2012
My time: 2.05.37 (pace: 12.31)
Hubby’s time: 1.14.33 (pace: 7.28)
The cause: Local charities
The T-shirt: Long-sleeve black tech shirt
The aftermath: Bananas, bagels, beer
Stride and Joy 
Maybe they should call it Lake Hellonearthintheshapeofhills instead. You did great, given the circumstances!! No wonder your back hurts.
I know, right! It still hurts too. 🙂 Massage here I come.
The good Samaritans’ sign is GREAT! Haha.
It was pretty awesome! I thought about sending it to you but it doesn’t really fall into the typical race-sign category. Those people rocked!!
Congrats on this race. It reminds me of one of our local races called Around The Bay 30K. The last 10k is filled with rolling hills, and near the end, we pass a cemetery. The Grim Reaper stands along the side of the road! I can totally relate with your hill experience!
Man, 30K! I am impressed. I think by the time I got to that cemetery I’d be ready to have the Grim Reaper take me away! 🙂
Congrats on a tough race! Funny how sceneric always = hills! Someday you will love them!
Thanks!! “Challenging” also = hills. I don’t know why they just don’t say “hills” and get it over with! I can’t wait for the day that I love them. I feel as though it may be very, very far into the future. That or another dimension.
Congrats on a challenging course! Great job! LOVE the good samaritans and their sign. I bet they were a welcome sight especially on such a hot day! Another one in the books…you’re a rock star Tracey!
Thanks!!! How are you doing? When’s your next race? I can’t believe I missed you AGAIN, at the Providence half. I was looking out for your awesome skirt! Man that was a warm day. I hope you had a blast. Catch up with you soon! 🙂
It was a pleasure running/walking/jogging with you. to Shall we try it again next year? I look forward to following your blog. Keep up the good work your doing great!
Hey!! You found me. Haha. The pleasure was all mine. Thanks for making it MUCH more fun than it would have been!! I do races all the time in NH, so keep an eye out for me. But yes, next year for sure! 🙂
Gorgeous scenery but I believe that those hills were challenging!
Pingback: 52 Weeks, 52 Runs. No. 40: Sisters are doin’ it for themselves | Stride and Joy
Pingback: A very, very sad day | Stride and Joy
ps I gave you the Addictive Blog Award! Go check it out: http://breezyk.wordpress.com
Pingback: 52 Weeks, 52 Runs. No. 41: That familiar feeling | Stride and Joy
Pingback: 52 Weeks, 52 Runs. No. 47: Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr | Stride and Joy
Pingback: 52 Weeks, 52 Runs. No. 47: Grrrrrr | Stride and Joy