Hinson Lake 24 Hour Ultra Classic

Rockingham, NC

September 27 – 28, 2014

I won’t attempt to explain the WHY of this event. If you have finished a 5K and decided to do another one then you have some idea of why a person would want to do something more than one time. Of course, it is a bit harder to explain why you would want to do a 24 hour race for the fourth time, so I won’t even try. Instead I’ll concentrate on the WHAT.

I convinced another Lexington runner (Bill) to join in the fun this year and we spent the summer training to run long and slow(er). We did several triple weekend runs (most within a 24 hour time period) that resulted in about 40 miles each. We were counting on cooler weather to carry us to our individual goals. We arrived at race headquarters within a few minutes of each other and secured our campsite/parking spot. When the car next to us departed, I moved my truck so I could be several feet closer to the course (and unfortunately that much closer to the port-o-johns). We discussed strategies and then made our way across the dam to the pasta dinner. Nothing special…salad, spaghetti, drinks and seconds.

Back at camp we talked strategy and decided to turn in early. Morning came quickly and the parking lot came to life. I found the coffee pot and helped make coffee. We set up our snacks and drinks and tried to keep off our feet as much as possible for the next hour or so.

Announcements were made and the 8:00 a.m. horn sounded. No, we did not go out too fast. In fact, distance races often start with a leisurely walk. That lasted a few minutes and we found ourselves running at our training pace. Bill and I ran/walked the first few laps (1.5 miles/lap) together and then ventured out to follow our own race strategies. My goal was to maintain a 3 lap per hour pace as long as possible. By 2:00 (6 hours) I should have had 18 laps. I finished lap 18 at 2:06 p.m. I took a short (23 minute) break to change clothes and shoes and then hit the trail. Bill and I communicated by writing our progress on a note pad. He finished 20 loops about the same time I hit 18, so the youngster was about 3 miles ahead of me.

The next six hours were uneventful (I am lying). By dark I was still trudging onward and finished lap 32 (48 miles) at 8:19 p.m. Wow, I bet I can make it to 100 miles if I just keep this up. My previous best was a bit over 82 miles and my goal for this year was 83. However, I felt the need to rest up a bit. I hit the tent and rested for about 40 minutes or so (so much for 100 miles). 9:05p.m. and back to work. As you might imagine, the note taking took a back seat and survival became more of an issue. My next rest break came at 11:49 p.m. with 38 laps in the book (57 miles). Bill’s last entry was at 9:47p.m. with 35 laps (52.5 miles) completed. I took another sleep break of about an hour and 20 minutes. Now it gets tough. 1:07 a.m. and you want me to do what! Bill was resting comfortably so it was my chance to take the lead. Running takes on a new definition and walking is completely acceptable. I stayed with it until 3:52 a.m. and could not stop thinking about how nice another sleep break would be. Another hour and 20 minute rest and I was ready for the home stretch. The alarm sounded and I was back on the course at 5:10 a.m. No more note taking and no more running…just a slow walk.

Hinson is famous for the “banana” lap. If you don’t anticipate completing an entire final lap, you get a banana with your bib number on it. When the final horns sound, you drop the banana on the trail to mark your distance. This is added to your lap count. At 8:00 a.m. I had completed a bit over 72.6 miles.

Not 100 miles, not a new PR, but a satisfactory performance. Only one runner older than me finished with more miles. Bill met his goal of running more miles than his age. He even sounded like there might be another ultra in his future. I have decided that once a year is not enough for me and recently signed up for another 24 hour event in Florida on November 22.

I often tell people that between running and teaching third graders I am hopefully staying younger that I might feel otherwise. I hope it is working. If you are interested, the 2015 Hinson Lake entry form will be on-line on January 1, 2015. This year the entry fee was $24. That is only one dollar per hour for great food, a great course, and a day of wonderful memories.

Jerry Rich