Let the H.U.R.T.ing begin!!!

With the official start of the fall running season is the advent of many of the Ohana's training. Many will be getting their final distance runs in to get ready for the Honolulu Marathon on Sunday, December 14th. For several members of the Ohana, this will mark their first marathon ever!!! There are, however, a few that have decided to add a little extra twist to this. A few have embarked on doing the December Double of the Las Vegas (12/7) & Honolulu Marathons (so far the list being Frayed Laces, Denise, Maniacles, and Shaka...think there are a few more). There is also the H.U.R.T. 100 in January being run by two of the more insane (or masocistic) members of the gang. However a few souls couldn't wait this long and have fast-forwarded thier efforts to this weekend which will be a culmination of all of their training and knowledge to date.
On Saturday, October 25th at 6am, begins the H.U.R.T Peacock 54-miler (really a 56-miler)! As seen in previous blogs, this event takes place out on the Kaena/Waianae side of O`ahu. Starting at the parking lot of Dillingham Airfield, runners sally-forth up the Kealia & Kuaolala Trail into the northern section of the Waianae Mountain Range. Offering spectacular views of both the North Shore and Waianae side of the island, participants must concentrate on pacing, hydration, route, and above all time (completion cutoff time of 18 hrs...12am)! Though these trails are only about 14 miles, runners must segway off 4/5 of the way through down another trail leading to Peacock Flats then head down a 'long (concrete) road' to the aid station/turnaround at the base of the mountains. Thereafter, participants make their way back up to the Kealia trail and back down to the start. This would be the completion of one 27-mile (measured by Garmin to be 28+) loop. Those still game (or wanting more pain) head back out for another loop to complete the entire race course.
Shaka and myself have decidedly taken up the challenge to complete the full race. Three others of the Ohana, Heather, Wily/Klepto-Coyote, and Habu-sama, will be embarking on half of the odyssey...though that is half more than anyone else that isn't doing it.
For our more sane and normal members, there is the Readiness Series 30k on Sunday, 10/26, starting at 5am. While many of our 'rookie' marathoners have already done this distance, this race is a good way to examine one's progress and either affirm or set new goals for the Honolulu Marathon. For some of the veterans, it's an event to see old friends and acquaintences as well as renew friendly rivalries...all in all, a great day to go out and run 18-miles.
For those participating in either or both events, good luck!
Whatever you all do this weekend, get out, be safe and have fun! Alohas!!!