I have been running a race in my home town of Raleigh, NC USA, the Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run, since 1996. It takes place on a 12.5 mile loop course in a state park. It's primarily a 100 Mile race, but there is an optional 50 Miler that lists official results at that distance.

I've been fortunate to finish the 100 five times and as of last year the 50 9 times. I was looking forward to finishing my 10th 50. I believe I have retired from the 100, although 70 year olds are still finishing that distance. I'm almost 69. Last year I had a simultaneous attack of knee soreness and a bad attitude (it was a cold day) and quit at 25 miles.

This year I trained on the hilly parts of the course and my knees were fine. The race was last Saturday and it was another unseasonably cold day. We started before sunrise and I was still running when the sun went down. The last 12.5 mile loop took a little gumption, but I got it done and finished tied with another person for dead last in the 50. There is a runner's acronym for that position - DFL - but I was proud to be there. The time was 16:29.

HD gene? What HD gene?

Will

Way to go Will!!!

Mike

CONGRATS WILL!! Any 69 old person would be proud!!!!! Your our hero!!



Hey I skied every weekend this winter and steeps out west!! 55 and 42 count!!! What HD gene!!!

Great job Will!

Great Job!

Awesome Will! Your such an inspiration. Congratulations. 👍

That's awesome Will, you are an inspiration to us all! Get busy living... or get busy... running!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/07/2015 10:35PM by TylerFitz.

I am in total awe (as usual when it comes to Will)!

Way to go Will! Such a priviledge for all of us to know you

Atta-Boy Will Your'e the Good Stuff to the rest of us!

Mark

Wow, my sister and u want to do our first half marathon this year. If this isn't inspiration enough, I don't know what is. Good for you Will!