Support Through Sport: Massanutten Mountain Trails 100

Family, Friends, and Comrades in Arms,

On May 12th, I will “Toe the Line” for the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Endurance Run http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/ . The MMT 100 Endurance Run is a 103.7 mile long ultramarathon that takes place on trails in Virginia’s Massanutten Mountains. The MMT is a challenging 100 mile trail ultra over a demanding, rocky course in the Massanutten Mountains of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The course includes short but rugged mountain climbs that total over 16,000 feet of elevation gain. The race starts at 0400 on 12 May, you can track my race at http://www.vhtrc.org/mmtlive/ .

I am entering into my fifth year of support to Team Semper Fi Sports Program and am dedicating my time and efforts to raise awareness and funds for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund http://www.semperfifund.org/ . The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a non-profit organization and over the past seven years has provided more than 40,000 grants totaling over $61 million in assistance to our Nation's wounded heroes and families. This assistance helps with immediate financial needs and perpetuating needs, such as modified transportation, home modifications, and specialized equipment.

The Semper Fi Fund is committed to the good stewardship of the monies entrusted to them by the American people to provide supplemental assistance to our Marines, Sailors, and their families as they face their road to recovery. Clearly, the program is working. But our challenges are actually increasing, especially due to the level of severe trauma sustained in areas like Afghanistan and Iraq. I plan to donate 100% of the funds raised to the Semper Fi Fund in an effort to continue to move this noble mission forward.

The Semper Fi Fund is a great cause for some of America’s best Patriots; please visit my fundraising page at https://www.huffer2012.stayclassy.org/ . This donation page will be available through the end of 2012, your contribution, at any level, is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your gracious support,

God Bless and Semper Fi.
Michael Huff
LtCol, USMC (Ret)

Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

Last Saturday morning, 4 June 2011, at 0400, as I stood at the starting line of the Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run, I felt more prepared than I had for my previous 100 mile attempts to complete the distance. Unfortunately, the distance was not the competition for this race, the clock was. The OD100 is the second oldest 100 mile race in the country; this was to be the 33rd running of the event. Back in the day, to get the coveted 100 mile belt buckle runners had to complete the distance in less than 24 hours. Well over time and as we have become a more sensitive/feel good society most races have opted to award a buckle to all of those who finish within the cutoff time of the race, not Old Dominion.

My best 100 mile time coming into this race was 26h:26m on the Grindstone 100 course in 2008, so to win the buckle I would have to improve my personal best by almost 2h:30m. My preparation was strong, I had run most of the course in different training runs, I had some big mileage weeks, I was not injured and most importantly I had an attitude of success and a realization of why I was running this race. So here’s how it went.

68 athletes toeing the line at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, VA, temperature was in the mid 50’s with a little humidity in the air. We started with a lap around the outside of the horse track and then took to the darkened streets of the town. The pace was easy and the miles started to click away, the first aid station was a water only stop at 2.7 miles on the outskirts of downtown. The course took a right turn and headed to the base of the Massanutten Mountains. After another 2ish miles we crossed the Shenandoah River and started the first of the advertised “14 significant climbs” up to Woodstock Gap and the second aid station.

As I came into the aid station the sun was already starting to brighten the eastern sky and you could tell it was going to be a beautiful sunrise leading into a great day. From Woodstock Gap (7.2 miles) we had a nice 3 mile downhill run on gravel, country road to the first trail section of the race and aid station 3. This 3 mile section of trail was the only trail portion for the first 32 miles of the course. Old Dominion was holding the tougher sections for later in the race.

My pace was ahead of schedule, the temperature was still very cool, and the humidity was dropping as I ran into the first pit crew stop at 19.7 miles. My wife Debbie and my kids formed the crew for me during the race and they did a fantastic job supporting me throughout the day and night. Debbie got me everything I needed, told me I was about 25 minutes ahead of schedule and reminded me not to go to fast. I tend to go out like a lion and fade to a lamb, to be successful today there could be no fading.

The next section was all country roads through some beautiful old farms and great countryside. I uncharacteristically opted to run with my IPOD for this section. I think it helped to pass the time on a non-technical section of the course. I was able to keep a good pace and stayed right with my time card on this stretch of the course. There were three aid stations placed about 3 miles apart and they were manned by some enthusiastic volunteers, mostly local folks who had been associated with the race for a long time. This added to the grass roots/family environment feeling of the entire event.

So coming into pit crew stop 2, which is just over the 50K mark (32.5 miles), I was surprised to see an elapsed time of 5h:32m. That would have been a good time for me in 50K race but as the first part of a hundred I thought that I might still be going too fast. The next part of the race is a 15 mile loop back to the same pit stop. A significant portion of this loop is trail with two major climbs.
So off I went on the first climb up to the Luray Overlook about 1.5 miles of trail and then a quick 1.5 mile descent down the road to the Duncan Hollow Trail. This started a 5 mile gradual climb up to Scothorn Gap. The trail started off as a nice single track and then turned into an ATV trail and then back to single track. There was an aid station about 2.5 miles into the trail that the volunteers had driven motorcycles into and brought bottled water in backpacks, I’m glad they were there.

Although the humidity was staying low I could definitely feel the temperature beginning to rise. The final couples of miles, up to the gap, were tough and seemed to drag on forever. I finally reached the gap a little behind schedule and started the 2 mile trail descent to the first medical checkpoint at Crisman Hollow (43.2 miles). I was down about 6 pounds at this point but was feeling very good and pressed on for the continued descent to Four Points and pit crew stop 3.

The Crisman Hollow Road descent was a 5 mile downhill on gravel roads that took forever to complete. Eventually I got into Four Points and met up with the crew (48 miles). I was still ahead of schedule, under 10 hours. The crew did another great job of getting me in and out quickly. The next 9 mile section was all road and I once again opted for the IPOD. From Four Points the course climbed 3 miles to Moreland Gap, about half way up this climb there was a line spray painted across the road with 50 MILES written on it-Half Way in 9h:45m.

There was an aid station at the top of Moreland Gap with some incredibly energetic kids (I needed to harness some their energy). I fueled up and continued to climb along the Moreland Gap Road. This section saw a dramatic slowdown in my pace as the heat of the day started to take its toll. Although a good portion of the road was shaded whenever I got into the sun, it was hot. I finally got to the top of the road and enjoyed a good 2 mile downhill into pit stop 4 (56.5 miles). I was feeling tired and this was the first time I choose to sit down. I needed a cold towel on my head and shoulders to try and cool down. The crew did their job and kicked me out of the chair and down the trail.

The next section was the Peters Mill Run ATV trail, this was the only portion of the course that I had not previously been on and had no idea what to expect. Well let’s start with a climb and climb we did for about 2 miles up a pretty exposed trail-feeling the heat. Once I topped the hill the rest of the trail was downhill into Little Fort Valley, about 5 miles. The trail was fairly well covered and the slope was gradual. I was able to keep a good pace and had the opportunity to get wet in a couple of shallow stream crossings; this helped to keep the morale up. I came into pit stop 5 (64 miles) at 13h:10m and again opted for the chair. As a side note: My best time for the 100K distance (62.2 miles) was 13h:56m and here I was at 64 with a 100K personal best-Praise the Lord.

The goal for the next section was to get to Elizabeth’s Furnace, pit stop 6 (75 miles) by 2000, it was 1720 when I left Little fort Valley and I was projecting 2h:30m to cover the next 11 miles. The crew was going to take the opportunity to run into Front Royal and get something to eat and then meet me at Elizabeth’s Furnace.

How about we start with a climb, up Woodstock Tower road we go for about a mile and then a repeat of miles 8-10 from the morning. I was moving good and looking forward to getting into the Mudhole Gap aid station to replenish my water. Prior to getting into Mudhole I tried to stomach a Hammer Gel, no luck; stomach revolted and purged all contents. This unfortunately would start to become a trend but luckily did not affect my performance too much. As I pulled into Mudhole I was informed that they were out of water but that it was on the way. Didn’t have to wait too long and had the opportunity for some great conversation with another Christian Brother. The water came, I refilled, and left feeling reenergized (more by the conversation than by the water)-God is Good.

Mudhole Gap Trail went fast and then onto the forest service road and the fast continued. I was amazed at the pace I was able to keep and as I looked at the time I saw that I was about 25 minutes ahead of schedule. After about 3 miles I turned off onto the Bear Hollow Trail still way ahead of schedule, then onto the Tuscarora Trail and downhill into Elizabeth’s Furnace. As I approached the Fort Valley road crossing I saw Debbie and the crew pulling into the parking lot, what timing. I arrived at the pit stop (75 miles) at 1930, 30 minutes ahead of schedule and feeling good as I got ready to attack the toughest section of the race.

I have been up Sherman Gap many times and I knew what I was getting into. I knew it was rocky, steep, and slow but up I went and slowly I went. The goal was to get to the top in one hour, well I missed that by about 20 minutes, much slower than I thought-good thing I had come in early on the previous leg, almost as if Someone knew I would need the extra time… curious. So, 3 miles to the top and then 3 miles to the bottom. The trail down the backside is terrible, steep and rocky for the first 1.5 miles and then it gets a little better. Well just after I started the descent I caught a rock with my right toe and took a hard fall. Luckily, I was able to get my hands out in front of me and didn’t hit my head. I just rolled over on my back, turned off my headlamp, and looked at the stars for a minute-man it was peaceful. After I came back to reality, I did a quick system check and everything appeared to be good to go, so downhill I went.

The climb up Sherman Gap had taken most of my water but I knew that there was an unmanned aid station at the bottom of the trail. As I came up on the aid station I saw that there was just one 5 gallon jug and wouldn’t you know it, it was empty-not good. There was 2 miles to go to the next full service aid station and that was a long 2 miles for me. Fighting off cotton mouth for 2 miles, I finally got to the Veach East aid station and took a good 10 minutes to rehydrate and prep for the next climb-Veach Gap. I started to watch my time slip away but had to take care of the machine if I was to have any chance of completing the mission, this was the low point of the race for me.

After seven cups of mixed Mountain Dew and water I started the second to last climb on the course, Veach Gap. It started slow and I was getting concerned about the slow pace when all of a sudden I came out of the low I was in and started to push hard on the last, long switchback to the gap. My trick was to set a constant cadence, look directly at the ground in front of my feet, count out 50 paces and then look up the trail for the next chem light. I just kept moving at the same pace and count all the way to the top.

My prayers were answered, my attitude was great, and I started to hit the 2 plus mile downhill section hard. I came into Veach West, pit stop 7 (86 miles) behind schedule but with 3h:30m to finish in under 24 hours. I knew that I had it.

All I wanted to do was filled my water bottles and get down the road. It was 0030 in the morning and the crew was fired up, although I had taken a long time on this section they could feel the positive energy that I had and they knew I was going to get it done.

The rest of the race was on roads, with one more climb ahead I started out at a slow but consistent pace. I moved on schedule up to the last pit stop at 90 miles, gave my wife a kiss and told them that I would race them back to Woodstock. They had about 25 miles to drive and I only had 6.5 miles to run-they beat me.

I moved pretty well up the last climb to Woodstock Gap and then pounded hard for the 2.5 mile descent to the Shenandoah River. Once I got to the river things slowed down a little, as I evaluated the condition of my body against the amount of time I had left to complete. This resulted in a little more walking in the last 5 miles of the race. I was still able to run the downhills but the uphills and flats were mostly a walking event. Heading back into Woodstock, the crew met me at Water Street (2.7 miles left) and told me they would see me at the finish.

I weaved my way through the dark streets of Woodstock in the reverse order from that which I had run out less than 24 hours ago. Mixing in a little running with the walking, I kept my eye on the time and knew that I was in good shape. Coming up the final hill before the Fairgrounds I had my last stomach revolt which ended with 5 or 6 solid dry heaves and let me know that I had given my all in this race and nothing was left in the tank and I mean nothing. I crested the hill and entered the fairgrounds for a final lap around the horse track and crossed the finish line at 0309, for a total time on course of 23 hours and 9 minutes in 27th place, all for His Glory.

After having some time to absorb the impact of the race I have to continue to praise God for giving me the ability to achieve the goals that I set. Not only was I able to finish the race in under 24 hours, I was able to improve my 100 mile personal best by 3h:17m. We like to think that we are in control of our own destiny and that we can change the outcome of events through our own actions but the bottom line is that we are at mercy of a sovereign God. He has a mission and purpose for each of us and He reveals that purpose to us as we prove ourselves ready and worthy to receive it. All things happen for a reason and I know now more than ever that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil 4:13.

I would like to close by saying thanks to the Race directors, Volunteers, fellow runners, and my excellent CREW. The clock was the competition and it was a very worthy opponent-100 miles in One Day is worthy challenge-The Challenge was accepted-the Competition was won-May all the Glory be HIS.

RUN STRONG!

Semper Fi and God Bless,

Michael Huff

“Huffer”

Promise Land 50K++

“On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of Egypt into a land I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands.” Ezekiel 20:6

Well the Promise Land Youth Camp in Bedford, VA is not filled with milk and honey but it sure was filled with good people and great food last Saturday when I had the chance to run the Promise Land 50K++. This is another of Dr David Horton’s Lynchburg Ultra Series Races and a spring classic in Virginia. As with all of Horton’s races the distance is not as advertised and there are always some “Horton miles” thrown in for free. The race starts and finishes at the Promise Land Youth Camp and with an early 0530 start, I headed out Friday night for the 3 hour drive to Bedford. I got a late start from Fairfax and ended up getting in to camp around 2100. Having missed most of the evening’s festivities, I got checked in for the race and headed to the car to turn in for the night.

It rained on and off all night and the temps dropped into the low 50’s but by the time we stepped off at 0530 the rain had all but stopped and it would not return for the rest of the race. The first 4 miles or so of the course is a 2300’ climb up and past Overstreet Falls and up Onion Mountain. It starts out mild on a paved road which degrades to a slightly steeper gravel road. When state maintenance ends the road gets significantly steeper and then you hit the trail for the last mile and a half. Once on top of Onion Mountain we hit the smooth, grassy trails of the Glenwood horse Trail and part of the Hellgate course and just like on the Hellgate course this is where some of the Horton miles are hidden. This takes you into aid station 2 (~10 miles) and the kickoff of the next big climb up to the high point of the race on Apple Orchard Mountain, just over 4000’.

Crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway, in a very thick fog bank, we were done with climbing for a while and from the top of the course we started the constant descent to the "Dark Side" and the lowest point on the course. The first couple of miles were a gentle descent on a dirt road that paralleled the parkway into AS 3 (Sunset Fields, ~13.5 miles). At that point we jumped on the very steep Apple Orchard Falls Trail to the Cornelius Creek Trail to AS 4. This 5 and a half mile, 2500’ descent went fairly quick but it took a toll on my quads and hips. Passing AS 4 the drop continued for another 2 miles down a gravel road until we finally hit the bottom of the course.

Leaving the road we started the climb out of the “Dark Side” on the White Tail Deer Trail. After about a mile of mostly uphill trail we came into AS 5 (~21 miles). This aid station is famous for having ice cream sandwiches and this year was no different. Unfortunately, my stomach was not going to cooperate with ice cream so I passed and continued on. The next 5 miles are a hard section of this race. It is a gradual uphill along grassy jeep trails and gravel roads. The good news for me, on this day, was that the sun was just starting to peak through the clouds and the temps were still relatively cool. Mentally, this section seems to go on forever and as it follows the in and out contours of the landscape it is hard to see what is up ahead, so if you’re not mentally prepared for this it can be very frustrating. Finally the trail takes a hard turn to the right and you know that you are on the final stretch in to the aid station.

Returning to the Cornelius Creek AS (both AS4 and 6), the good news is that we had less than 8 miles to go to the finish, the bad news is that we had the smack down 2000’ climb UP Apple Orchard Falls. I was now 26ish miles into the race and my legs were still feeling pretty good. The first mile or so of the climb up the falls trail is a semi runnable (for me) but once I got to the falls proper it was a hike all the way back up to Sunset Fields. I was hoping to make it up the section in less than an hour but it ended up taking 1h:5m and it was just as brutal as the last time I ran this race three years ago. The benefit of all the rain we had was that the creeks were full and the falls were beautiful. This offered a momentary distraction to the steep slope of the climb. Topping out at Sunset Fields (AS 7) was a great feeling and I knew that I only had one more small climb and then a 4 mile downhill to the finish.

Although the four mile downhill sounds nice, after 6 plus hours of running my legs ability to absorb the downhill pounding was severely diminished. Needless to say I would have liked to have made better time moving downhill but was satisfied with the pace I was able to keep. Coming down Onion Mountain and into the final aid station I could smell the barn. I motored past the aid station and started down the dirt road toward the “Promise Land”. I passed the one mile to go marker and before I knew it I was turning into the Promise Land Youth Camp and be greeted at the finish by Dr. Horton (6h:41m).

It was fitting that this race was run on Easter weekend. The descents and ascents of the Blue Ridge Mountains were symbolic of the sacrifice that Christ made for us on Good Friday and His glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday. During the race, the hard climb up to Apple Orchard Mountain could symbolize Christ’s hard climb up Golgotha to the place of His crucifixion. The descent down Cornelius trail, to the depths of the “Dark Side”, represents Christ’s descent into Hell. The struggle along the long and winding, grassy road reflects His hard fought battle to atone for OUR sins. The tough ascent up Apple Orchard Falls symbolizes His resurrection and rise from the DARK into the LIGHT, for us it was the light of Sunset Fields. And it was with the glorious feeling of resurrection that we ran, with joy and confidence, the final downhill section into “The Promise Land”. Many thanks to Dr. Horton and all of his great volunteers, this was a great run.

For His Glory,

Michael Huff

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5-6

I know that it’s been a while since the last post and I wanted to let everyone know that the 2011 Ultra Running season is underway. This year has started off well, to date I have completed 4 Ultras (Willis River Trail 50K, the ICY 8 Hour Adventure Run, Seneca Creek Greenway 50K, Bel Monte 50 Miler, and The Sweetwater 50K). My next event is this coming Saturday in Bedford, VA – The Promise Land 50K.

This is the fourth year that I will be supporting the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and I have included a link to the 2011 fundraising page below, it has changed from last year’s site http://www.active.com/donate/SFFCOMMATHL2011/HUFFER2011 . Over the past 3 years we have managed to raise approximately $14,000.00 due to gracious contribution and support. I know it's a rather difficult time, financially, for everyone and to ask someone to give is even more difficult. But we are getting more and more injured service members back. We had over a dozen double amputee or higher injuries come into Bethesda Hospital this past couple of months! This fundraising effort is helping them. It's going to be a complicated time for them and the Semper Fi Fund is able to make a major impact on their lives when it matters the most.

Since I started working with the Semper Fi Fund, more than 4 years ago, I have seen them grow as an organization. Due to their streamlined structure they are able to keep overhead very low – at 5% – which allows more of our donations go where they are truly needed.

The basic ideal that drives the Semper Fi Funds effort is simple: as much as these American heroes have sacrificed, they deserve the best care and support available in their hour of need. Injuries are often severe, and the road to recovery or rehabilitation can be long and costly. Many of those that the Fund work with must have their homes modified, or even move into a new home designed to accommodate a serious disability; adaptive transportation is needed. The list goes on and on, and so do the bills. That’s where the efforts and support of the Semper Fi Fund come in.

Since establishing this fund in 2004, they have issued close to 26,000 grants totaling more than $46 million to thousands of our heroes and their families. Clearly, the program is working. But our challenges are actually increasing, especially due to the level of severe trauma sustained in areas like Afghanistan and Iraq.

Tax-deductible contributions make up the lifeblood of the Semper Fi Fund. Whether the donation is large or small, a one-time gift or ongoing endowment, you have the power to make a real difference, here and now – no matter where in the world you live.

I have dedicated my running effort s, once again, to those that protect and serve. This year’s goal event is to complete the Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run on the 4th and 5th of June. I have a couple more races prior to this event and then I will attempt to complete the run in less than 24 hours. I will try and do a better job updating the blog site with race reports.

Thanks again for all of your support, please join me in spreading the Semper Fi message and supporting this noble cause.

God Bless and Semper Fi,
Huffer

2010 Hellgate 100K

"For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with the birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves. Eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance." Romans 8 : 22-25

I don’t know if doing something 3 years in a row makes the event a habit or a ritual but for the third year in row, on the second Saturday in December, at 12:01am, I found myself standing at the beginning of the Glenwood horse trail anticipating the start of the Hellgate 100K. This year there were 126 anxious runners at the start and following the traditional singing of the National Anthem and a prayer we were off on our 66.6 mile “Special” journey of the soul. It was about 22 degrees at the start with clear skies and a good forecast for Saturday, the best weather in the three years I have run this event. The trail was in great condition and the stage was set for a great race.

The Hellgate is unlike any other ultra-event that I have competed in. I have only been doing this for about three years but the group of runners that assemble here for this race are a gritty, determined, and tough bunch. Dr. Horton advertises this as a “Special” race and for me the “special” has been something different each year- the journey down the trail has been different each year but the feeling as I enter Camp Bethel for the last stretch to the finish line has been the same, the feeling of accomplishment.

Coming off of a year of injuries that started after the Bull Run Run in April, included a DNF at 38 miles at Western States and ended with 3 months off to heel a stress fracture in the left tibia, I was unsure how the race would unfold. The first stretch was uneventful, as the heard thinned out and everyone settled into their pace for the night, the stream crossing prior to the first aid station was not even that bad. I was able to run a good portion of the climb up to AS 2, Petite’s Gap and crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRPW) in good shape. Of note, due to some new gates that the park service installed and some icy road conditions, crews were not permitted until AS4, Headforemost at mile 22-24 (depending on whose mileage you trust).

So I started the rugged downhill after crossing the parkway and tended to run fairly cautious and conservative. The trail still had a good 2-3 inches of snow on it but the footing was pretty good and before I knew it I had dropped out on to the dirt road and the long climb up to Camping Gap, AS3. Approaching Camping Gap at about 2:45am I saw that the Liberty University crew had the aid station well stocked and they were energetically and efficiently getting runners fueled up and back on the trail.

The longest stretch of the course was made longer this year due to the relocation of AS4, it measured just over 10 miles and it took a long time to get there. The highlight of this leg was the 2 mile downhill to Overstreet Falls. This is a pretty rugged trail but there was a good 5-6 inches of snow cover that tended to even out rocky sections and allowed for a smooth descent to the road. Last year climbing the road up to the aid station I ran in to a severe bout of sleepiness and was literally sleep walking up the hill, fortunately that did not happen this year and I ran into AS 4 just after 5:00am. I was able to meet up with crew (Mom, Dad, and my oldest daughter, Ashley), drop the camelback that I was carrying and get down the trail to Jennings Creek.

The long, persistent descent in to AS5 is where my lack of downhill training started to materialize as my quads began to scream at me. This was a long leg and I was starting to feel the effects of nearly 7 hours of running. As I ran in to AS5 I met the crew again fueled up, dropped off my headlamp and started the long climb up to Little Cove. The sun began to rise on the climb out of Jennings Creek but the temperature did not. It seemed to even get a little colder in the early part of the morning. I noticed that my pace was starting to drop off and the downhill running was becoming more painful, quads and hips were not feeling good at all.

Knowing the I was starting to fall off of my normal pace was not the motivation that I needed going in to the next leg and by the time I started down the single track portion of this leg I was starting to have serious doubts about continuing on past Bearwallow. As I started the last big climb and headed across “the devil’s trail” I had all but confirmed that I was going to call it day at AS7. I had all sorts of good, rationalized reasons: my legs hurt, my hips hurt, I had finished twice before, and 100 more good reasons. So, as I walk in to Bearwallow I told the crew that I was done, to which they toldl me that they don’t think so. What they said and what they were thinking were two different things, they were thinking “No way pal, you drug us out here in the cold at midnight-you are going to get your butt down that trail, suck it up”. Which is, reluctantly, what I did.

Leaving Bearwallow there is big 2 mile climb and then about 1000 in and out sections of the trail as you traverse the side of the ridgeline. It took a long time for me to slog my way through this section but my attitude had changed from wanting to drop to wanting to get to the finish and be done. So as I came in to Bobblet’s Gap I told the crew that I was physically feeling worse but I was going to push through. There were 14 miles left and I had plenty of time. The next leg of the course is known as the forever section, probably because this is Dr. Horton’s biggest measurement error on the course, under estimating the distance by more than a mile, so his 6.6 miles is really closer to 8.

This leg starts with a 2.5-3 mile downhill on a dirt road and I was moving slow and hurting. Once I got to the single track I knew that I had three big climbs and a final descent into Day Creek. About half way up the first climb I pulled off the trail for an environmental break and noticed that although my urine was clear, there was a nice red tint-blood. I have never had this happen and it concerned me. I had about 4 miles to go so I kept drinking and moved slowly down the trail. Once again the mental demons came out and talked me in to dropping at the last aid station.

As I came in to Day Creek, I told the crew what was happening and that I didn’t want to push the condition, this time they didn’t try as hard to push me on. However, much to my surprise, my daughter Ashley, was dressed in her running gear and ready to escort me the final six miles to Camp Bethel. Fortunately, others did not give up on me as quick as I had given up on me. Adam Casseday had some words with me and basically said “you’ve got 3 hours to go 6 miles, take it slow and get to the finish” – thanks for the push. The other determining factor was that Ashley was willing to run with me (she is not a runner) although I wasn’t really running at that point. It was at this point that I took an internal survey of “why do I race?” I race for the Glory of God and the fact that He allows me to go these distances; I had forgotten that fact and needed some coaxing from a godly man to get me moving. A piece by Ralph Waldo Emerson from his essay entitled “Circles” describes well what was going through my head:

"It is the highest power of divine moments that they abolish our contritions also. I accuse myself of sloth and unprofitableness day by day; but when these waves of God flow into me, I no longer reckon lost time. I no longer poorly compute my possible achievement by what remains to me of the month or the year; for these moments confer a sort of omnipresence and omnipotence which asks nothing of duration, but sees that the energy of the mind is comensurate with the work to be done, without time."

“Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better” – And Ashley and I started up the “Redemption Road”. I was tired, my legs hurt, and I wanted to be done, so I kept moving. I’m not a big talker on the trail but it was nice to have the support on the final leg. As we crested the ridgeline and crossed the BRPW, I knew we had about 3 miles to the finish-downhill. I started to run and was told by Ashley that I really wasn’t running, it was more like a fast walk-so we picked up the pace a little and before I knew it we had crossed the 1 mile to go marker and had the entrance to Camp Bethel in sight. For the third year in row God gave me the strength and endurance to cross the finish line of the Hellgate 100k, this year He also strengthened me through the assistance of others to which I am eternally grateful.

This race is special, and it’s special to each and every runner for a different reason. Be it a habit or a ritual, I know where I plan to be on the second Saturday of December, 2011. Thanks to Dr. Horton and all of the diehard volunteers and a special thanks to my crew and family and finally to the One whom goes all of the Glory, God.

God Bless and Semper Fi,

Michael Huff

P.S. Don't let anyone tell you that Hellgate won't change you. Just look at the before and after pictures below!