Conway Running Club

What an experience! 31 miles of rough, hilly, and DARK forest service roads thru the woods. I saw one copperhead snake, lots of spiders, but no bears! There were almost 200 starters for the 25K and 50K combined. Once we broke off from those running the 25K at 7.5 miles the field dropped considerably, but there were still lots of runners ahead of and behind be. I didn’t really notice when I started meeting those that had made the turn around and were headed back but the closer I got to the 15.5 mile turn around the more I saw. Most shouted out words of encouragement like “you are almost ½ way”, “good job”, or “the aid station is at the top of the next hill”. Those that knew me called my by name. It sure felt great! I entered the turn a round aid station at 3 hours 31 minutes.

I headed out again after just a 3 minute break to grab a snack and fill my water bottles. I felt strong and the first little bit was down hill. I was pretty much running by myself at this point. Frank had dropped back due to twinges in his hamstring and muscle cramping (and eventually dropped from the race), however I could always see runners with a light ahead of me and behind me so I knew I wasn’t alone. The best part now was that every step I took was bringing me closer to the finish. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I would pass a runner every now and then which also gave me a boost of confidence. When I reached the 23.5 mile aid station (the 7.5 on the way out), they were so nice. Making sure I was ok, asking me if I needed anything. I found out at that point that they were having an unusual amount of runners dropping out. I guess the heat and humidity were taking their toll on many. I felt strong! After another short break I headed out.

From that point on I didn’t see another runner. No one in front – No one behind. It was kind of creepy. A few times one of the sag vehicles would drive by with runners that had dropped and ask me if I was doing ok. My answer every time… Yes, I feel good. I talked to myself some, encouraging myself with things like “you are going to make it”, “you have got this”, “just keep running/walking”. Finally at about 26 miles my legs were starting to get tired. Miraculously nothing was hurting. No knee pain, no muscle pain, no foot or ankle pain, just plain old fatigue. I kept trodding on… in the DARK, with a flashlight.

Several times I was creeped out by what sounded like someone behind me. I would turn around and there was no one there. In fact once, I was convinced there was someone coming up on me, I turned and let out a scream. Again, no one! I think I was hearing an echo of my own footsteps. It sure would have helped if I would have had someone with me. Eventually I got to mile 30 and hit paved road. I knew it wasn’t far now and picked up the pace a little (it helped that I didn’t have to dodge rocks and dips anymore). As I rounded the corner into the campground, Jesse Garrett, was there to meet me and run me it. Less than a quarter mile to go. I had made it. Frank and several others were there to cheer me across the finish line. 7 hours 25 minutes 20 seconds after I started I crossed the finish line and became an Ultra Runner.  Judy Massingill

Ultra Running