Kingman Farm Moonlight Snowshoe 5K

Sunday, 24 February 2008

Kingman Farm Moonlight Snowshoe 5K

Over the past 10 years I had run 200+ road races, a couple dozen trail races, a cross country steeplechase, several track races, and a half dozen snowshoe races --- and last night's Kingman Farm Moonlight Snowshoe 5K was simply the best race I have ever participated in. I didn't win any prize money or a big trophy or even a 12 pack of beer --- but I have never had such a gre at experience in a race. The course, under the moonlight and lit by the headlamps every snowshoer was wearing, was simply awesome. I cross the finish line and was disappointed that it was over. If I was in better shape I might have been tempted to run it again.
The first 2 miles or so of the race were on well groomed, double track trails. The start was slow as we were on double track right from the start and it took a 1/4 mile to break free of the pack. I must have passed 20 snowshoers in that first 1/4 mile. Over the next 1 3/4 mile I gradually picked off another dozen or so snowshoers, while being passed by only 2 or 3. Then we hit the switchbacks up and over Hicks Hill --- followed by more switchbacks down the other side to the finish line.
For the whole trip up and over Hicks Hill I thought I had the real abominable snowman chasing me. I felt his presence right behind me and even asked if he wanted to pass me a couple times. He kept declining saying I was keeping up a good pace. Little did I know he was setting me up to outsprint me at the finish. He made his move before I realized the finish was close and he took me down by 4 seconds. Fortunately, despite his height, he was not an Abominable Snowman and I was once again the champion of the Yeti Division. 2 down and 1 more to go at the Winter's Last Hurrah Snowshoe Race in Biddeford, Maine on March 15.
For now it's time for a little R&R with the family as we fly out for 8 days in Las Vegas and San Diego...