July 21, 2019.

Still the hardest short distance race I have ever done. 15 miles with 8k feet of elevation gain. And most of that 8k feet of elevation gain comes from under 5 miles of ascent. 2.3 miles climb up Whiteface Mtn with 3.3k feet gain, then 2.3 miles down back to the base. Twice. Oh yes, you get a break in between. 5+ miles to recover on a considerably flatter trail. 5+ miles to ponder whether the body is still willing to go up that 2.3 miles again, and 2.3 down.

2 years ago, I did this event. I redline many times that year. This year, I didn’t redline. By choice. At 51, I have to admit, I am scared to get to that point. Those what if scenarios sneaking in my mind. So every time my heartbeat goes boom boom boom, I would stop. Recover. Breathe. Finished with controlled effort, 1 hour slower than 2 years ago. But it was good.

There’s a heat advisory when I left New Jersey on Saturday. It was really hot and humid. There was another race on Saturday – the short Whiteface VK which just goes up the summit. Those who participated in the event experienced the brunt of the weather, for it was worse on Saturday. The Sky Race was on Sunday. Still hot and humid, but better than Saturday’s weather. My mantra during the race – “Thank you Lord for the breeze.” We had cool breeze on the climb up, which helped offset the humidity and heat.

“Thank you Lord for the breeze.”

Thanks to Red Newt Racing for making sure runners have enough food and water at every aid station. And ICE! Imagine having to haul ice to the aid stations for the runners! Big thanks to the volunteers for being there, providing cheers and support. And congratulations to all who participated, whether they have finished or not.