Duncan Ridge Trail 50K
The Duncan Ridge 50 K is in the mountains of North Georgia, and its supposed to be the toughest around with over 10,000 feet of elevation gain. I knew I was in for a tough race as I completed the 30 K distance last year on the same course. To make matters worse, my training was hampered by a nagging soleus injury which I had ignored while training for Lake Placid. I got a full round of graston treatment from my physical therapist before he released me to run. I convinced my friend and new EN member, Kathy Blais to join me, at least for the 30 K portion. We opted to camp the night before in tents. The temperature was quite chilly for us, but by race time it was 50 degrees and we opted for shorts and a long sleeved hooded running top. The sun never came out and the wind picked up and the temperature sank to the upper 30s before I finished. Despite the ridiculous climbs ( one section ascended for 2 and 1/2 miles) and misty wet weather, we were able to finish our respective races. I made it to the 15.5 mile turn around in 5 hours, 2 minutes, and crossed the finish line in 10 hours 34 minutes. The cut off was 10 hours but the race director said close enough and gave me a much deserved beer mug. I know this will sound weird but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole race. The volunteers are great and the scenery was excellent when I could see through the clouds. There were times when I was alone on the trail but it was marked adequately and I never felt lost. Immediately post race, I stiffened up, but no way was I going to get in the cold creek! That night in my tent the temps dropped to 22 degrees. I was ready to head south the next morning! My friend Kathy says she's done, but I think I will be back next year.
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