Race: 2020 Hard as Hell Half-Marathon
What does a runner do when races are getting cancelled left and right because of a stupid virus called COVID-19? In my case, I signed up for the Hard as Hell Half-Marathon, put on by the Albany Running Exchange. 2020 marks the very first year of the Hard as Hell Half-Marathon and was run in conjunction with the Dippikill Froggy Five Mile race. While most races are being cancelled locally, the ARE has still been making certain races work, albeit, looking slightly different.
The Hard as Hell Half-Marathon is located near Warrensburg, NY in the foothills of the Adirondacks and boasts an overall course elevation gain of 1,400 feet. While not technically a full blown trail race–there were some paved roads involved–the course wound up and down dirt, sand and gravel back roads for a very outdoorsy experience. Even though I’ve run this type of elevation before, I wasn’t sure what to expect or how to run a shorter race with this type of significant elevation. My coach wanted me to not race the race and follow my already planned workout paces. While my numbers aren’t as good as I wanted, I needed to stick with my training plan. Either way, I’m really looking forward to running this again next year, but next time as a full-blown race!
Sitting in Glen Creek post race
Once of the most memorable parts of the race occurred after I finished. The Glen Creek follows about 2-3 miles of the final leg of the race course. The creek was tempting every step of the way. The temperatures had increased, I was becoming hotter, more tired and I really wanted to jump into the creek. I managed to restrain myself, but once I was done, my friend Gideon and I drove down to the river and sat ourselves into the water. It was the most glorious feeling I’ve ever experienced. The air was hot, my muscles were sore and tired, and the cool flow of the water over my body was transcendent. It goes without saying, but sitting in the river bed is will be a tradition every time I run this race.
If you saw the Hard as Hell or the Froggy Five and thought you’d never finish it. I’d encourage you to put yourself out there and give it a shot. While it is very difficult, I think most runners could complete it with the proper foreknowledge, especially as it relates to tackling the hills. If you ever want to talk trail/hill running, I’d love chat with you. Send me a message here on my site, or through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Total Time: 2:02:45
Pace: 9’23”
Place: 11 / 23
Division Place: N/A
Bib #: 1423
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From the Website
This will probably be the hardest half marathon you ever run in your life. You will never get a break, and the climb from miles 5 to 7 will have you begging for mercy. And you'll relatively get that until the final mile, which may very well break your spirit. But if you survive, YOU WILL FEEL INVINCIBLE.
The first 2.25M drop steeply before completing the ~2.75M paved section of the course. Returning to the ST/FIN area is a brutal climb, at which time you pass the ST/FIN and drop down to Glen Creek Rd for a gorgeous 3.75M out/back along the creek.
Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
Course Map: View on Strava