[roots]

<img alt="" src="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/STATEPARKS/PARKS/laurelridge/laurelridge_locmap.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"><br><br><a href="http://www.laurelultra.com/" target="_blank">http://www.laurelultra.com/</a><br><br>
Who's in this year?<br><br>
I know there's a few KR vets out there, like pithydoug and Trail Goat. I ran here in 2006 (with crunningman) and, at the time it was my farthest run. This year I plan to go back. I haven't planned a 100 this year, so this is likely one of my goal races for the year. I'd like to better my time, at worst beating sundown.<br><br>
29th year for the 70 mile. Rustic, point-to-point, aid stations every 2.5-3.5 hours, and very scenic. Concurrent relay race and a 50k starts 2.5 hours later.<br><br>
Anyone else for this year? I'll likely travel to Ohiopyle for at least one training weekend or run.

 

[merigayle]

good luck! not a race i ever have an urge to run. maybe one day.

 

[crunningman]

Hey roots -<br>
I wish you the best of luck my friend. I seriously considered it this year as well, but know I'll do it again one day. You described the course/aid outlay well. One really has to experience it for themselves to get a good idea of what this course will throw at you. Nothing like seeing a "mile marker" at each mile or NOT!<br>
-craig

 

[roots]

Ha. You are excused this year since you have a date with the Sierra Nevadas two weeks later. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
I have confidence that you will conquer Laurel one day.

 

[roots]

Oh my, I forgot about the mile markers. One every mile, for 70 miles!<br><br>
You ran exceptionally well that year. Yours is a time that I would like to achieve for myself!

 

[Trail Goat]

One of the best ultras out there - it was my second (first longer than 50k) in 2002 and I ran it again last year. It's not on my schedule for this year, but nothing is beyond Old Pueblo and HAT. If nothing crops up, you might just see me in Ohiopyle. I love this race.<br><br>
I'm sitting at my desk at work and have both of my mile markers in sight... only 68 to go!<br>
-Bryon

 

[crunningman]

And you will no doubt be in shape to get it. You'll have your speed built up by then so you can run for a longer period of time, but slower.<br><br>
I still remember during the race when I hit a wall around mile 30 and said to myself, "Only 40 more to go".

 

[cowanesque]

I'm in. It's a great event. I love the course. I train on similar terrain. I'm hoping to chop off some time this year. Stomach held me back to 18:40??? last year. And it's one of the closer ones to me.

 

[pithydoug]

I don't know about one of best but it does have character and unless they have made vast improvements last year, the aid stations need some serious improvements. I did the whole thing one year but most of time we come with 3 person team which I take claim to the first two legs, about 32 miles. I'm not driving 7-8 hours for any less than a 50k.<br><br>
Some hints to those have not run it. The first 8 miles has most of the hard uphill climbs. Once you are up on the ridge it is very runnable or runnable to a fault. If you are not careful you can run too much or said differently, not take some walk breaks. If you a top 10 runner then ignore, if a mere mortal take heed.<br><br>
It can be warm and humid so salt input is of the essence.<br><br>
If you run too much in the early stages, well, it becomes less fun and your time is geometrically slower, aka a "sucky" experience.<br><br>
I'm not sure if I'm going this year. We have yet to work our plans.

 

[Buddo]

I'm kickin myself for getting fat and slow over the winter,not having run in months! Maybe next year. Is the 50K worth it?

 

[pithydoug]

Worth what? If it gets you off your duff and doesn't kill you, then it's worth whatever you are using to measure value. <img alt="huh.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/huh.gif">

 

[Buddo]

Good point. I guess I measure the value of the race mostly in picturesque quatntites. Is it beautiful? Does it move you? At one point in the VT50 last fall I shouted out "Thank You!" as I was overcome by the beauty of the course. 'Course that was till I started puking afterwards, then I never wanted to run again.

 

[pithydoug]

Yes, the trail on top of ridge of LH is beautiful and undulating. The mile markers are a little distracting but still a stunning course. VT50 in the fall is just as fine but in a Green Mountain, Vermont sort of way. The foliage for both are simply different. I literally go into a trance for the first 20 miles of the VT50. It is so easy to get absorbed, as the Sherpa(not our Sherpa John) say, you don't conquer the mountain you become one with it. <img alt="blush.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/blush.gif"><br><br>
Either will make you blow chunks when you exceed personal boundaries. Run slower, barf less. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[AnthonyP]

I think I might try to sqeeze the 70 into my schedule.

 

[divaleh]

If I thought I could handle 70 at this point, or be responsibly trained by June, I would be up for it. It sounds beautiful.

 

[merigayle]

There is a 50K option.<br><br>
Still, no urge to ever run this race <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> maybe next year.

 

[divaleh]

But I wanna run further (farther?) - *insert whine here*<img alt="sad2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad2.gif">

 

[merigayle]

the 50K there will feel MUCH farther than 31 miles <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[sistergoldenhair]

[Former English major] farther [/Former English major] <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[divaleh]

Filed away for future reference.<br><br>
You done learned me good!