Wow, what a day. The HAT 50K was the hardest race I've ever run, but the atmosphere, the people, and the weather made it the most fun I've ever had racing.
Certainly I could have been better prepared for this race—all the snow this winter prevented me from running any trails in February or March, and I never got in the mileage that I really should have to prepare for an ultra. Even so, I had a fantastic race.
I finished in 5:41:36, which is a few minutes slower than my first 50K, but this course was so much tougher (9800 feet of climbing!). Plus the heat slowed everybody down by about 15 minutes from previous years.
There was a point, around mile 25 or so, when I felt terrible, but somehow I got past it to have a really strong finish (I think the support of family and my friend Allen are to thank for this). Long story short, I was extremely happy with the outcome, and proud of myself for running so well.
I brought my camera along with me and shot some video during the race, and I put it all together in this video recap. I'll write a more-detailed recap when I get chance; in the meantime, enjoy the video.
Thanks to all the wonderful people behind this race and those who volunteered. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
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Looks painful and fun at the same time
.-= Matt´s last blog ..How To Make Greek Yogurt =-.
how awesome! what a feat, especially trudging through the elements. congrats!! question to ponder: how long does runner's high last after a 50K trail race?
.-= Crunchy Granola Gal´s last blog ..The Last (Pre-Half Marathon) Supper =-.
Matt's my hero!!
Wow, what an awesome accomplishment! I am struggling at the 14-16 mile distance, and this just BLOWS my mind! Well done, Matt! Thanks so much for sharing this video with us! You rock!
.-= Shari B.´s last blog ..Would You Change Your Diet to Prevent Cancer? =-.
Congratulations Matt!
This looks amazing — extremely challenging, but amazing for sure!! And the video is great…definitely makes me want to get back into trail running. Do you have any suggestions on good Ultras (particularly trail runs around the 50K distance) to look into for mid/late summer or early fall??
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..Seahorse Sushi =-.
Wow. Congratulations.
I have my first half-marathon coming up in a month. Can't wait till I'm able to run a 50K.
Wow! SUPER COOL video! Great job running the race!
Congrats! (and shout out to your wife for changing ur shoes!!!)
I hope your eating to your heart's desire today.
.-= Bridget´s last blog ..Weekly Wrap-up: Hello, Josh =-.
Woohoo! You did it! Congrats on an awesome and amazing race! You totally rock! The video was great. Thanks for sharing it with us.
.-= Aimee (I Tri To Be Me)´s last blog ..The Sunday Sampler – Fitness =-.
WOW! So inspiring. Loved the video. Too cute that Erin changed your shoes- she looks fabulous! Congrats on finishing. I can't imagine the shape you must be in to run these races!!!!
.-= Erica´s last blog ..My Triple D Experience: Jack's Cosmic Dogs =-.
That really makes me want to do an ultra. I'm going to give it a go next year for sure!
.-= AndrewENZ´s last blog ..Weigh-in #12 2010: Red Alert =-.
Congratulations!! What an absolutely incredible accomplishment!!
.-= Heather @ Side of Sneakers´s last blog ..Sneak Preview =-.
What could be better than getting to run through a knee high stream (brrrr) and mud??? Looks like so much fun! I have been getting the itch to do a few trail runs. Looks like you did a great job!!!
CONGRATULATIONS! you're amazing! I ran for the first time this weekend at Fitbloggin at the 5K. A little ambitious and I feel it, but nothing even close to what you're doing.
.-= Jacquie´s last blog ..FitBloggin’ 2010 =-.
Thanks Jacquie. How did Fitbloggin go? Was the 5K an official part of it, or just another race that was going on at the same time? I was hoping to go, but obviously the 50K came first for me.
So that was really the first time you ever ran??
WOW!! I love the video!! It was beautiful and I can't wait to read the recap!!
Congrats, Matt! This is so cool!
.-= Nicki´s last blog ..The Tulips =-.
Wow. Congrats. And I thought marathons were tough. I can't believe you climbed 9800 feet in addition to all the miles. Keep up the good work.
Aren't trails the best?
.-= Melinda Neely´s last blog ..9 Ways to Burn Calories While Watching March Madness =-.
Hey Melinda, thanks for including me in your post today! And yes, all the climbs were tough (but as a trail runner, you know we get to walk some of them.
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Wow I loved watching the video. Thats amazing that you could still talk at 20+ miles and even near the end. You are truly an inspiration Matt, way to go!!!
Congrats! Great run and great post/video. Very inspirational! I've been thinking about doing an ultra but haven't found one that really works for me yet.
Awesome video Matt. I was a volunteer at the lower aid station and I saw you come through strong each time. Well done. (You and I ran the Funrunium together in Cecil County in November!) Way to go.
Alex, thank you for volunteering! Glad you liked the video. I remember you; I liked that Funrunium. You're friends with the other Matt, right? Did he run HAT?
Yeah, the other Matt ran the HAT (sounds like a Dr. Suess rhyme). He finished in 6:02, I think. By the way, have you ever checked out the podcast Dirty Dawg's Running Diatribe? Based upon the look of your website, you might like it
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-dawgs-running-diatribe/id306022560
Thanks Alex, I'll check it out. I'd like to have a podcast to listen to during runs…
Wow! Amazing! How can you talk and run, Matt? I enjoyed it very much and also reading your blogs. I have got to get Pam and our nephew Connery tuned in. He is becoming quite a runner. I am so proud of you. Give Erin our love and I can't wait to meet Lil Frazier.
Pat, it's funny, two people now have mention the "talking while running" thing. I would have thought the "running 31 miles" thing would stick out more than that!
Awesome Matt, thanks for the video recap. Another good day on the trail! Next stop….
Ginn, next stop is we do a 50-miler together. Yes?
Fantastic video! Ah, HAT 50K! Seeing it brought tears to my eyes. What a great race. Thanks for taking your camera along!
.-= ultrarunnergirl´s last blog ..Flora and Fauna and Costa Rica =-.
[...] I finished my 50K two weeks ago, I had something left in the tank. If it had been necessary, I might have been able [...]