Night Hawk 50k
Two weeks ago I ran the Night Hawk 50k at Clinton Lake Trails in Lawrence, KS. Signed up week of but had been thinking about it for a couple months. I'm running Never Summer 100k in another 2 weeks and felt like a needed another race beforehand to keep me on my game. Only an hourish drive from home, I needed a long run and it was at night so even better for training. Everything came together last minute, dropped Gretchen off with my mom who I really appreciate watching her so I could go out to the race. I picked up fellow runner Leia on the way and we got there in plenty of time to get our stuff together and hangout a little before the start.
The whole thing went by kinda fast for me, I mean it took all night but didn't seem like it. I realized I was already hungry right before the start and ate the cliff bar I had brought along. The 50k and 10 miler started together. I kinda started towards the front because I wanted to and so there were probably 10 - 15 guys in front all fast but there wasn't anyone looking to get past me once we were on the trail so I think I picked the right spot. There was still daylight for the first 5ish miles of the race for me so I figured go a little faster while I had the daylight. The course was 3 loops with an aid station 6. something miles in and at the start/finish. Both were well stocked and all the aid station volunteers were super nice and helpful. It was super hot(90ish˙ I think) and muggy though out the night. I went with wearing my current favorite shorts, a sports bra I made. I wore new hot pink compression socks from Tiux since my old ones died at my last race. The socks fit great and no foot issues after the race even though I did that thing you are never supposed to do and didn't try wearing them before the race. Then new Altras I bought at RUN816. The first loop went by the fastest with it being light out for half of it and having other runners around a little bit. The 10miler started at the same time so more people out on the first loop. The 2nd loop felt the longest especially when getting close to the aid station that is more than half way though the course. Everything sped back up after that. Much shorter distance back to the start then it's all "well what's one more loop?" My favorite were the woo hooing girls volunteering and directing us on which way to go near the beginning and end of the course. My other favorites were the aid station volunteers filling my hydration pack and handing out the cold wet towels, the towels felt great! They had a great selection of food options but during the race I ate 2 packs of honey stinger chews, pickles at each stop, 4 red hard candy things and I think a few Pringle's once. I did drink a cup of the tailwind at each aid stop as well. I placed 1st female, love the wood burned award! I got to see my friend Dennis, he had just ran a night half marathon the night before running this one. He'll be running Never Summer 100k in a couple of weeks as well. Shoe Twins!
Finish Stats:
| 7 | 545 | Kristen Weigand | 6:44:47 | 1st place woman CR |
No comments