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!