Hamster Endurance Runs

 In 2022 I signed up for the Hamster Endurance 12 hour run, but I had to give up that registration due to Plantar Fasciitis in my left foot & a Cancer recurrence. In 2023 I signed up for the 12 hour run, but I had to give up that registration due to Plantar Fasciitis in my right foot. Argh... things weren't going well for my goals. 

It's been eating away at me ever since my feet began to consistently feel better, that maybe I should see if it wasn't too late to enter again this year. On June 30th I saw that I'd missed the deadline, there was waitlist only entries so I decided to register on the waitlist for the 6 hour event. I decided that if I got in I would walk it. The Hamster Endurance Runs has a number of sign up opportunities, the 6 hour, the 12 hour, the 24 hour and the 32 hour (with possible 100 miles buckle category).

Last year our son ran the 32 hour and earned his 100 mile buckle. His fiancée ran the 6 hour and was near a marathon distance at her finish. My daughter, his fiancée, my husband and myself were our son's crew support. My daughter and I were his fiancée's crew. My husband was out of town and came later to help for the 32 hour crewing. It was such a fun event to crew and to watch. I love the community around these running events. 

My waitlist registration didn't last long. The next day on July 1st my registration had been accepted. I was in! I decided I would walk it so hopefully to not aggravate any foot issues from the past. I asked my daughter, son, and his fiancée to crew for me. My husband would be out of town that weekend. Last Monday I walked casually around Lake Padden to get a feel for a comfortable walking pace, so I would have a number to aim for. It took me around an hour to complete the 2.65 mile loop. I decided I could reasonably set my goal for 15 miles. I wouldn't have much time for aid, or resting if I needed it but I thought it would work.

I decided when I registered that this event would be a gift to me for my 70th year. 

Yesterday I left home bright and early for the packet pickup. As I arrived I got a text from my son that they didn't hear the alarm and hoped they would make it for the start. They were coming from Canada and also ended up with a border wait. I then got a text from my daughter saying they were on there way but probably wouldn't make the start. Oh well that's life. If there is anything I've learned in my life is that I'm ultimately responsible for myself. So I took a deep breath and settled in to get everything ready for however long I was in this alone.

I sent them a photo of my chair and belongings so they could find it & organize my aid place when they arrived.

The 6 hour packet pickup table sign

The race started in waves: The 32 hour runners started first, then the 24, the 12 and finally us 6 hour folks.

A nice view of the lake for our start.

Selfie on the trail after starting. 

Yes everyone left me fast since they were running. I happily wandered along at my own pace and on my own journey.

The support group did a great job of having everything ready for me when I came by. They had all arrived by the time I came around on the first loop. If there was something I thought I needed I just texted them and they were set. They were very efficient, fast and encouraging, always a positive tip to help me on the next loop.

The race organizers put cute little signs up here and there along the path.

Even though we had a nice early start it still got warm quickly, it was nice to have a breeze every once in awhile. 

Walking over the timing chip mats on one of the early loops. 

View of the lake from the other end.

Watermelon was a treat! My son made sure that I was well hydrated. Always cautioning me to eat and drink more than I thought I needed to.

As they say it takes a village. Everyone it seemed to have something to give me.

The race director took a photo of us all together. I think this was just before my last loop.

And then I was on the home stretch. 

I finished!

My group told me I needed to ring the bell when I was done, so I obliged.

I couldn't have completed my goal distance if it hadn't been for my support crew: my son, his fiancée, my daughter and Axel. In the 6 hour event I never sat down except at the restrooms that thankfully were along the course. My aid station refuel stops totaled about 10 minutes for the whole 6 hours, that really helped me to reach my 15 mile walking goal. I finished with about 6 minutes to spare. The total distance for me by my Garmin tracker was 15.88 miles and 1100 feet of elevation gain. I went off course for the restroom near the dog park which gave me a few more steps in the distance for each loop. I walked the first 3 hours without my trekking poles, then grabbed them for the last three hours Also, thank you to my support crew for taking photos of the day. It was wonderful to experience the community of the event and to be on the other side of the crew team.

I like the words in the lower left photo: "It's about coming to terms with the new you, the one who survived a storm...It's not a race and certainly not a competition" and on the lower right: "Just lightly let things happen and cope with them....that's why you must walk so lightly, lightly". 

I kept those words on my mind throughout the event, whispering "lightly, lightly" when I felt it was getting hot and long.

My totals:

A great event put on by Walla trails