Trail Run Tribe members Shane, Rachel and I traveled to Grayson Highlands State Park in southern Virginia to run the Grayson Highlands Half Marathon, the state's highest race, situated at 5,089 feet above sea level, on Sunday, May 6.
We chose this course because of these highlights, listed on the race website:
Yes, it was as spectacular and scenic as it sounds. Here I give you seven of my personal favorite, fun and surprising things from the race weekend.
We chose this course because of these highlights, listed on the race website:
- Twin Pinnacles - Epic view and highest point on ANY race in Virginia at 5,089 feet
- View of Mt. Rogers - Highest point in Virginia
- Cabin Creek Falls - An amazing waterfall
- Wilson Creek Trail - Several small falls along beautiful Wilson Creek
- Wilburn Ridge - An epic scramble through giant boulders with insane views
- The possibility to see a wild mini pony! There are more than 100 that flourish in the highlands
Yes, it was as spectacular and scenic as it sounds. Here I give you seven of my personal favorite, fun and surprising things from the race weekend.
1. After a night of torrential downpours, the weather gods turned in our favor and gave us a sunny, clear high 50-degree morning.
2. We saw LOTS of tiny, adorable wild ponies, in all colors, and even this wee baby.
3. Being at high elevation GOT TO ME. The total elevation gain was about 1,800 feet, similar to, the runs I do at home in southwestern Pennsylvania, but the actual elevation (feet above sea level) was more than twice as high as the mountains I run at home. At mile nine, I wanted to vomit. At mile nine and a half, I wanted to surrender and lie down as I attempted to trudge uphill with heavy legs. At mile 10, I fought against the feeling of passing out. At mile 11, nausea took hold. For two hours after finishing, these feelings lingered... but I was too ecstatic to let it get me down... keep reading to see why ;)
4. The downhills became my strength. Typically I love climbing hills, but with the effect of the elevation, I had to make up for lost time by throwing caution to the wind and running as fast as I could down the rocky, technical, wet trail. And guess what? I LOVED it!
4. The downhills became my strength. Typically I love climbing hills, but with the effect of the elevation, I had to make up for lost time by throwing caution to the wind and running as fast as I could down the rocky, technical, wet trail. And guess what? I LOVED it!
5. I made two race buddies! It is rare that I stay with the same person or persons during an entire race. This time, to my delight, it happened. A young Spanish-speaking man by the name of Erick Martinez and a weight-lifting gentleman named Ray Mullins and I ran together for 2/3 of the course, laughing, chatting and encouraging one another. We bombed the downhills, smiled at the ponies and shared the agony of the hills. They finished just ahead of me - keeping them in view and hearing their hoots and hollers pulled me along. Thank you, guys!
6. I won second overall female out of 83 women and eighth overall out of 147 total racers (men and women). Placing high hurts so good (see number three) yet always humbles and surprises me. My time was 1:59:42.
7. My youngest son, Grey, took his first steps, at 13 months old, after the race in the hotel room while we were packing to go home. Maybe watching so many runners inspired him :) Go, Grey!
That's all for now. Here's to making memories and friends in another race. Until next time,
Brynn :)
Brynn :)
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