Anytime we move to an area Chrysa goes on a mission to find local races to get involved in. Somehow the Hellcat hit her radar. Before I knew it I was signed up to run a 10K, at half past too early o’clock, on a warm and sticky morning, in a town I had never heard of. Undaunted, we got up, I shot gunned some coffee, and we drove the Jeep to Green Cove Springs.
While driving to the race Chrysa gave me some history of the event and the location. The Hellcat Race is named after the famous Hellcat airplane of WWII fame. It turned out the run was taking place on retired, Lee Field, which was the home of the Navy fighter plane. This was the second running of the race, and the proceeds and money made would go to support the WWII museum on site. Chrysa and I love this sort of thing. We really enjoy seeing the profits of an event go to passionate folks. The Hellcat is a race that keeps the money local, and really leans on local volunteers. It’s the kind of run that, as the participant, you end up cheering for the event, as much as the spectators cheer for you.
As everyone might remember, Chrysa is a budding long distance trail runner. Accordingly, she wanted to get to Lee Field early enough to see the 50K runners start. Having already caffeinated, I was OK with it. I really like cheering on folks who have such an inspiring level of commitment. It serves a reminder that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
After the distance runners took off, it was our turn. Having done ZERO research on this race I really didn’t go in with any expectations. I had been keeping myself race ready, but I really hadn’t run for a PR since July. I really just didn’t want to embarrass myself. Happily I didn’t!
The 10K race started under hazy and humid conditions. After a short speech, we were off to the races. I’ve decided that I like to start in the middle of the pack and work my way to the front. I like the mental boost you get from passing people, and the challenge of maintaining pace. The course was lovely. The mist made for a slightly spooky atmosphere as the pack weaved through the wood. As the mist cleared it gave way to a warm and humid morning. By the half way point the pack had stretched out, but I had managed to make my way toward the front. In fact, I had managed to catch up to some JROTC kids whose training officer had signed them up for the race. I was thrilled that I managed to catch them, and even pass them at one point, though I couldn’t hold them off. Call me a narcissist, but I like the idea of my 40 year old legs being able to keep up with 18 year olds.
After starting in the middle of the pack I ended up finishing 22nd overall. Right behind the JROTC kids. I was thrilled with the result. Chrysa did fantastic as well. She finished strong (as always!) especially considering she was nursing a nagging injury.
The success we had was overshadowed by success of the race as a whole. The race director told us that he was expecting about 200 participants. It turned out that they ended up with 350! As a result they ran out of T-shirts and finisher medals. Chrysa and I both want to wish this fantastic race all the best in the future. It was a great race that has a very bright future ahead of it. Here’s to all the success they can handle for the 3rd running of the Hellcat 10K!
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