Rocky Raccoon 05 was my second visit to Huntsville State Park. The first was in 2000 when my goal was to finish and be able to say I'd finished 100 milers in four decades. I was a finisher at the first OD 100 in 1979 and I've finished 20 or more others along the way. The trip also gave me the opportunity to visit my sister and brother-in-law, winter Texans living in Harlingen.

I arrived in Huntsville ready to run. I was definitely ready mentally, the physical part to be determined. The starting line energy and excitement almost stilled the thought provoking knowledge that nearly 30 hours of relentless forward motion would be required before I crossed the finish line. Simultaneously, there was a look back to 2004 and two unsuccessful attempts to reach my objective as a hundred-mile finisher after reaching three score and ten years. I was determined to finish Rocky Raccoon.

The Rocky Raccoon web site is a good source of information for previous or new participants. I was able to review splits for other finishers reaching age 70 and use them as a guide knowing I'd slowed down since 2000. Indeed, passing milestones such as 60 or 65 have always been with great trepidation and concern about when I'd no longer be able to run 100 milers, or ultras for that matter.

The web site told me what I had to do to finish. I had to run the first loop between four and five hours, the closer to four the better. I needed to reach 50 miles between 12 and 13 hours, the closer to twelve the better. I needed to stay on course, contend with changing weather conditions and not waste time at the frequent aid stations on the course. Eating and drinking wisely goes without saying.

Within a couple miles I had the positive feeling that RR 05 was definitely doable. I felt good, my training appeared sufficient, I was rested and we were blessed with great weather, often the most important factor affecting finishing. I decided it was "Goldilocks Weather," not too hot, not too cold but just right. Other than changing socks at 60 miles, I didn't waste time changing clothes except for a change to a short sleeve shirt on the second loop, and change back to my original long sleeve shirt on the third loop. I was fortunate to have worn gaiters.

The first loop was finished at 4:25. I'd found my peer group and enjoyed running with both friends and new acquaintances until the finish. Fortunately, I was not bringing up the rear, another good sign for a successful run.

I did spend a lot of time with the socks change at the end of the third loop. But I was blessed with assistance from Linda Hurd's volunteers at the start/finish aid station and that saved time. My only drop bag was at that aid station and I received outstanding service each and every time I arrived including my almost collapse at the finish.

Linda Hurd's aid station was outstanding. Other aid stations were great as well, with excellent choices for food or drink including hot soup throughout the night. Another plus about Rocky Raccoon was the course markings. They were bountiful and clearly visible. It was nearly impossible to have any concern about whether you were on course. The aid stations and course markings clearly demonstrated a caring, competent management team, fellow ultrarunners that did everything possible to help us finish. RD Joe Prusaitis is to be commended.

As hoped, I was at 50 miles about 12:05. That time sure built confidence. Likewise, I reached 60 miles at 15:10. That left me more than enough time to finish in 30 hours if I just kept moving. Darkness and three loops had definitely slowed my progress and I continued to run nervously with the thought that I could be on the bubble for finishing. I was able to run to some degree, downs and straights of course, the fourth loop and was determined to do so on the fifth loop. But the running muscles wouldn't function after reaching 87 miles and I set out to walk as fast as I could the last half-marathon. Curiously, I was almost by myself the final loop, not being passed or passed by hardly anyone.

There were plenty of night noises to keep me company. They were louder than the crows during the day. There were owls at night and frogs, nearly deafening at times, and it sounded to me like ducks out on the lake were eating the frogs in a near frenzy. Time marched on and like everyone else I was happy to see the dawn and pleased that my flashlight had held up the entire night. I only used one hand held flashlight but it seemed like almost everyone else was carrying at least two.

Having started and not finished the MMT 100 and San Diego 100 in 2004 I can assure you that the Rocky Raccoon 100 is an easier course. There is little elevation gain or loss, no altitude, no rocks but an abundance of roots and annoying, to me at least, muddy patches. With good weather, all you need to do is concentrate on running/walking at a reasonable pace and overcome obstacles, such as blisters, falls, chaffing, stomach problems, and others along the way. Sooner or later, you reach that penultimate aid station to savor the last three miles to the finish. I did, reaching the finish line at 28:41 in time for the awards ceremony and a brand new belt buckle since the design was changed this year.

Ed Demoney