I had never run an ultra, or even a marathon until HL50K. But I  like to go long so I agreed to train and run the HL50K with an adventure friend. I had 2 months and change to prepare with a base run of 2 hours in the can. I was conservative with both pace and volume. I did a long run of 4.25 hours, felt good and registered within hours of deadline. Then I tapered, cross-trained and flat rested in the week of the event. I would toe the line a little low on training, but with a plan of keeping a conservative pace and managing nutrition to make it to the mid-point in good condition. I hoped the training I had would be enough to equip me to deal with the difficulties I would face on the backside of 25 miles. We arrived to the Lake late on the evening before perhaps because Horton dropped some Horton miles on to I-95 too. Because the bunkhouse was full we hunkered down in a cabin for the evening. Colder than ice, it was - 13 degrees in the cabin in the morning, which is a good reason to start running before dawn. From the line the pace was relaxed as the sun rose as everyone settled in to a long run. As the bunch spread, we moved faster than I expected to move and before long we were bound for the midpoint - running through frozen streams like I had never done before. We found the Horton miles, made it to the turnaround and were back on the course as planned. And as planned, the difficulties arose. The stomach just could not take on food (and beverage to some extent) after mile 24. I started to expect the wheels to come off. But we were with some experienced runners (thanks Martha, et al) and the forward momentum continued. Some offered advice, or just chatter. I hung in, made needed adjustments to the mind, and I drank Coke. I soon grew certain the finish would come and reveled in thought of pulling off such an adventure. Six miles turned to three to one. I was excited to see the finish line, but was not prepared for the emotion of the moment. It was a beautiful time I will keep with me for a long time. I now understand the cold rest, the dark start, the cold streams and the Horton miles and I am thankful for them, and I am thankful to all who contributed to such a special occasion. Jamie Bridges.