Rising from Hellgate to Slay the Beast

Just some quick reflections.  Last weekend I finished Hellgate in 15:24:58 and with that completed The Beast Ultra series, my primary goal for 2014.

Hellgate is a special Ultra.  Its been called a "Spiritual Awakening" before, as well as a "Final Exam" to Ultra-running.  It was very difficult and I had to put everything I have learned into practice.  The race starts at 12:01am, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in December.  You can't register for it - you have to "apply" via a paper registration form and the Race Director (the notorious David Horton) can accept your application if he feels you have a shot at completing it and deserve to run it.  There are only around 145 runners allowed in each year.  Outside Magazine Online even included it in their 10 race Trail Runners' bucket list with other spectacular yet sometimes low-key races around the world.

The Beast is an ultra series spanning a calendar year.  The prelude is three 50km races in the Spring.  This really ends up being a warm-up to the fall portion, which features a 100 miler, a 50 miler, and lastly the Hellgate 66.6 mile run.  All but one of the races feature very challenging terrain with long, steep climbs and descents.

Clark Zealand, race director of 3 of the Beast Series Races
(David Horton directs the other 3) presenting me the
Beast Series Finisher trophy.  Its a bear, and they mail you
a plaque with your name, the races, and finish times to affix
to the front.  I think thats pretty sweet!

While I am feeling very accomplished, its more of a subtle feeling.  Maybe it just hasn't sunk in yet but its not the jumping-for-joy feeling I've got after getting PRs in shorter distances.  I think this bodes well though with the essence of Ultras, quiet awe over ruckus jubilation.

I plan on writing up a full race report on Hellgate as well as a recap of The Beast series soon.