Well we managed to muddle through our first annual Deer Fly 30K here in Moss Bluff Louisiana. Since this was a spur of the moment thing, we did not get any advertising out and only had three runners show up. OK - one runner and two slackers. This year all runners opted for the 30K even though we had a 25K "fun run" course marked off as well.
Conditions for the race were perfect. As the race director had hoped, the heat and humidity were incredibly oppressive in the piney woods at Sam Houston Jones State Park at the race start time of 7:00 am. By 8:30 the sun was finally high enough so that temperatures could really start their daily climb into the more than brutal range. Total lack of any air movement within the forest was simply an added bonus. The only disappointment was that it may have been too hot for the deer flies since only a few were brave enough to venture forth to torment the runners.
The trail was in great shape for the run with no mud, lots of roots and a few sandy portions. The route consisted of two out and backs with a spur out and back along the way each time. This gave the more competitive runners an opportunity to keep track of each other and monitor their placing throughout the race. Even though there were no water crossings, everyone's feet were totally soaked with water (sweat) squishing out of their shoes by mile 7.
Chris Matus took command of the pace early with Steve Hookanson drafting close behind. After about two miles, Steve came to his senses and backed the pace way down which allowed Duane to catch up and hang onto his coat tails for the first out and back. Chris stayed strong and cranked in the first out and back in 1:57 with Steve and Duane getting in about 8 minutes later. Steve made a quick turnaround and headed back out to take care of business. Duane was slow getting out of the aid station and was smart enough to not try and keep up with Steve.
About mile 12, Steve caught up with Chris who was beginning to pay the price for the fast start. After toying with him for a half mile or so, Steve kicked in the afterburners and disappeared into the distance. This took the last of the fight out of Chris (who by this time was hallucinating) and let Duane catch up about mile 16. Steve kept up his attack on the course until about mile 17 and then admits that he was reduced to power walking it in. He still came in with a course record and overall winning time of 4:16:43. Chris and Duane struggled in and tied for combination honors of second place and DFL with a time of 4:50:59.
The awards ceremony was held at the race director's house with his lovely wife Rebecca presenting all participants with bacon, eggs and hash browns and toast from home made bread.
August 27, 2005 Deer Fly Festival 30K – Official Results
|
Name |
Age |
Overall Rank |
First Split |
Finish Time |
|
Steve Hookanson |
49 |
1 |
2:05:41 |
4:16:43 |
|
Chris Matus |
41 |
2/DFL |
1:57:00 |
4:50:59 |
|
Duane Lewis |
49 |
2/DFL |
2:05:42 |
4:50:59 |
