BREAKNECK!!! … (yell and start running!)

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Given the events of the past week, most would probably suggest that I NOT run any race with the name Breakneck 20K.  That was fine with me because after 2 years of running the course with my girl Ticket the novelty of no trail markings, beaver dam crossings and never knowing if we were on the course or not, had frankly lost its appeal.  But given my recent list of injuries and the fact that I had not run a race since Escarpment, I woke up last Saturday contemplating the possibility of going back for round 3.  Adding to my interest was rumblings on the BS that the race director had decided to go against tradition and mark the course.  Yes, I would go!  Lefty had a school obligation and Ticket was scheduled to work but Sudsy was going, so I texted him to ask for a ride and spent the rest of the evening washing running clothes, charging my camera battery and locating gu’s.

The next morning I met Suds off of RT. 9 and we made the quick trip up to Union chatting about this and that and anticipating the race.  We arrived early and had plenty of time to register (no race numbers, just pay and go), use the bathroom (with a smell like no other) and put together everything we needed for the race.  Not long after we arrived, Nadia and Catamount pulled into the parking lot, followed by Iggy who had driven up with Mr. Wonderful and dropped him off at a nearby golf course.  As we chatted, Iggy changed from pink sneakers to dirty girl gaiters, Elaine opted for short sleeves, and we corralled a fellow runner into taking a group photo.

I had three goals …..

1.   Not to break/dislocate any additional bones

2.   Not to fall and

3.   A PR

…with a strong emphasis on 1 & 2!

At 9:45 the race director, Karl, walked us back to the starting area and gave last minute instructions.  The good news was that everything would be marked with blue ribbons but the bad news was that barring someone else taking it over, this would be the last year for Breakneck.  Runners thanked Karl for his work on the Breakneck and then it was time……BREAKNECK! (yell and begin running)

It is amazing how different running and racing feels.  Between mile 2 and 3, I was already keenly aware that I had not raced in a while.  Despite my efforts to relax into my pace, I was finding myself feeling slightly winded and a bit off.  Hoping that it would pass, I decided to maintain my pace and reassess when we reached the lake.

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The BREAKNECK is a lollipop course which includes a 4.2 mile stick on the Ridge Trail followed by a trip around the lake (direction of your choice) and a trip back on the stick.  The highlight of the stick has to be the crossing of the beaver dam.  There is really no good way to cross this area.  Although at first there appears to be a few strategically placed logs, they disappear quickly and runners are left with thigh high mud sucking at your legs.  After the race we learned that it is here that Iggy went off course for a bit, deciding to add some mileage to her day, while Suds decided he was due for a bit of a mud bath.  Luckily my crossing was slow, but uneventful, and remember, we would pass this way again on the way back.  When we hit the lake, I was in the lead of a small group and when I took off counter clockwise…they followed.  It was at this point I realized the downside of having the course marked.  No longer were we given the option of cutting out to the double track gravel trail when things got super technical on the single track.  The trail on the right side of the lake was thin and perfect for falling with lots wet and slippery rocks and roots.  To add to the fun, we occasionally found ourselves face to face with a runner who had chosen the opposite way around the lake.  This section made me really nervous so I made a point of taking it easy and tried to really focus.  I had a couple of toe digs and slips, but no falls!  I was in awe of Nadia, who handled this section with the skill of a true gymnast hopping from rock to rock with grace and style.

After completing the lake loop it was time to hit the stick again.  On the way back there were a couple of steep climbs that made the legs burn and the lungs sing!  Since I had never really felt 100% comfortable the whole race, I decided to play around with my food choices and add some additional calories at this time…gu and shotblox.  I was running along fine but at about 2.5 miles out something happened.  I suddenly felt amazing – relaxed, settled, and strong.  It seemed to me I was truly experiencing a “second wind”. My pace increased and my running felt easy.  I’m sure I was smiling because it felt so amazing.  I knew that Nadia could not be too far ahead and decided to try and catch her.  I flew past a girl and a couple of men but did not see Nadia until I came into the finish line where she had finished a minute or so earlier.  Nadia and I high–fived and headed for the food, which was homemade, delicious and served by women who reminded everyone of their grandmother.  [singlepic=4954,280,200,,right] Catamount came in soon after, soon followed by Suds and Iggy.  After stories, more food and an “after picture” we said our goodbyes and headed home.  I was happy that I had indeed ran a PR, finishing 11 minutes faster than last year, but was really excited to have made it through without any falls.

Breakneck 20K is not an easy course.  It constantly comes at you and requires focus to stay on your feet.  I think it was Nadia who said “it makes your brain tired” – which I agree.  Although only a 20K it is a beautiful course this time of year and a great Sunday afternoon challenge.  Hopefully it will continue so more Bimblers will get the opportunity to ….. Breakneck!!! (yell and start running).

Race results

More pictures