2025 Mountain Mist 50K | OLDEST ULTRA IN ALABAMA скачать в хорошем качестве

2025 Mountain Mist 50K | OLDEST ULTRA IN ALABAMA

This year's edition was the 31st running of the Mountain Mist 50K. It is not only the oldest ultra marathon in Alabama, but it's also one of the largest ultras in the United States. This would be my 14th start at this race and hopefully my 14th finish. Runners earn a 10 time finisher jacket after 10 successful years of running Mountain Mist. This race is very special to me. It was my second ultra ever and after having run ultras now for 15 years, this race is truly a trail family reunion. Runners come from all over the US to run this event. It's always an opportunity for me to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in a while both before the race start as we all try to stay warm inside the Monte Sano lodge as well as after the race right outside around the finish line (weather permitting) or inside the lodge while warming up fireside while listening to a live band keeping the party going. The before and after are as big a deal to me as the actual race. This year, our little "Black Dog Running Club" had a great showing. We missed a couple of runners, but we did have a 100% finisher rate along with a 2nd overall finish for our youngest club member. I had been dealing with a foot injury just before toeing the line at the 268 mile Winter Spine Race jut 2 weeks earlier resulting in a quick DNF, so I had no idea how this race would turn out. Regardless, I was going to hike it in, if I had to. I was not going to be denied my 14th finish. Thankfully, things turned out significantly better than expected and while I did slow towards the end, I did enjoy the last few miles with friends as we spent time chatting and just having a great time. Not every ultra can be about performance. I would not be enjoying this sport as much as I am if I were always chasing PRs. Especially in ultras of 100 miles and beyond, the goal is to cross the finish line, but even over the shorter distances, I am happy to share miles with friends rather than beating my body to oblivion for a faster time.