Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd

We headed to Tahlequah, OK this past weekend to run the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd.  A multi-distance race (10M, 25K, 50K, 100K, and 100M), we listened to our heads (not our hearts) and both signed up for the 25K.   

Camping at the same place as race headquarters was a bonus.  Not only was it a gorgeous site alongside the Illinois River, the logistics of everything being right there gave it a great vibe.  And a campfire….it’s been awhile since we’ve had one!

Saturday morning, we meandered over to the race start/finish area to watch the 50K/100K/100M start.  We were greeted by this peaceful sight...

Got chatting with Karen, who was dressed in a super hero type of outfit (red cape included!).  She was preparing to cycle out on the course as a volunteer and gave us some intel about the course.  She headed off to volunteer; we headed off to get ready for our race.

The 25K included an out and back on a dirt/gravelly road, boasting of farms, cows, beautiful rock formations, and the most beautiful aqua-colored Illinois River.  And some legit hills…..(for my New England friends, these were Derry 16 Miler type of hills!).

We were both pleased with how we ran, but know we’ve still got some work to do to get back to solid ultra fitness. 

The best part wasn’t the shirt, the medal, or the placement; it was more about being outside and around “our people”.  As I was rounding the turn into the finish area, I heard “Let’s go New England!!”  It was Karen; super-hero-on-the-bike Karen 😊  Back in July at Dark & Dirty trail race, I met Sheila.  We were camping neighbors; she was running the 25K and I the 10K.  Another out and back race, we cheered each other on each time we passed each other.  When she finished, we congratulated each other as if we’d known each other forever.  I mean, that’s how running friends friend.  So who did we bump into at Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd?  Sheila…who rocked her first 50K!  Judging from our shared hunger for the distance, I suspect we’ll see a lot of each other on the trails.   

So many great things about the race, but the best part is meeting new friends who share the love of running.  Oh, and finishing....finishing is pretty great too!

Be Still My Heart – Lake McMurtry | Stillwater, OK

What a gem!  After signing up for Lake McMurtry Run (50K in April), we decided to check it out by planning a long run on some of its trails.  We dropped Bella off at daycare and headed out of town.

An hour later, we found ourselves in our element.  A lake, several long trails, camping, nature, fresh air….all the things we crave.  The drive was beautiful as well, as we quickly traded busy Oklahoma City area for Stillwater, where the cow population appeared greater than the human population!  Again, totally up our alley.

We chose the Orange Trail and, depending on how we felt, decided we might add another trail after.  Spoiler alert:  1) we felt great and followed the Orange Trail with the Blue Trail, and 2) we didn’t know when we were running it, but now know the 50K race will take place on the Orange Trail...score!  Gathered up 13.26 miles between the two trails, and LOVED.EVERY.MINUTE.

For my friends and family back in New England, these trails reminded us of home!  Some areas thrust us back in time to running StoneCat.  Lots of single track, some ankle grabbers, rocks, and switchbacks.  There was even an abandoned car (just like the StoneCat course)!

Other parts of the trail felt like we were running through the fields of Pineland Farms.  My calf sleeves show a collection of dagger-like prickers from some of the overgrown areas, and possibly from the bushwhacking we did to get back on trail at one point -

Can’t wait to go back!  They do charge $6 for a day pass, but they also offer bathrooms, trash receptacles and a manned gate.  The park is pretty and feels undisturbed.  The trails were clear and passable at all times.  So $6?  Totally worth it.  We loved it so much, we may even buy a year pass.  Totally worth the money and the drive.  I mean, how do you put a value on peacefulness, solitude, and happiness.

Run happy friends!