For those of you who are tired of pounding the pavement and prefer to run with nature, trail running is for you. You’ll find softer ground, bigger hills and winding paths where birdsongs and fresh air are of abundance. You’ll see less commercialism, local organization, no asphalt, no stoplights, no fanfare and more fun. You’ll encounter fewer aid stations, more DNFs (did not finish), vague course markings, the occasional tumble, wet feet and headlamps. We take the path less trodden and seek out longer events in isolated parks.

We few, we happy few, we merry band of brothers (and one sister) – Jim A, Jim B, Tim C, Mike B, Mike E, Mike M, James W, Anthony A, Mary K, Dana B, Bill T and myself made the 4hr drive to run the Holiday Lake 50k++ trail race. For the metric-impaired 50km is about 32miles. Since the race is longer than a standard marathon (26.2 miles), it earns the designation “Ultra Marathon”. The race was run on Feb 9^th in the isolated Buckingham State Forest in rural southern Virginia. Holiday Lake 50k++ is the first leg of the Beast Series of Ultra-marathons organized by Dr. David Horton. Dr. Horton always selects picturesque venues and this time was no exception. Holiday Lake is well stocked with fish and is surrounded by scenic forests and gentle rolling hills.

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