My first ever 50 miler was Haliburton in 2011, I did it in 10h08. After breaking my leg in 2017 on the Bruce Trail, I was terrified by trails and it took me years to make my way back. Early 2022, I told myself this year was the right one to get back to trail racing and really wanted Hali to be my first post accident 50 miler. And I got pregnant

So it was pushed to 2023. Perfect temperature, it was so much fun! After 3 ankle surgeries, I no longer have the ability, the guts or the desire to run hard on technical terrain. I was warned the new course is a lot harder than the previous one. Based on my 2011 time, I thought a sub 14 hours goal would be realistic given I had to stop at 25 miles to pump my milk, I’m older, slower and it’s a tougher course.

I stick to my plan. Hiked the technical sections, speed up on climbs and flat roads. Everything went super well! I didn’t fall, didn’t get hurt, had energy from start to finish. And I surprised myself with a finishing time of 12h37! Way faster than I thought. If I take out my pumping break, my second loop was only 12 minutes slower. I didn’t ranked well, but I don’t care. My race went really well and I had so much fun.

After being out of the sport for so many years, it was really nice to see so many familiar faces. I felt so bad for losing my straw on the course (if you know, you know). Trail marking was top notch and the volunteers were all amazing! Special thanks to Clay Williams, Maryka Hladki, Don Kuzenko, Helen Malmberg for cheering me up along the way!

Haliburton Forest Trail Race 2023
results

Elise est 21e overall sur 65 participants, 6e chez les femmes et 2e de son groupe d’âge (40-49 ans) en 6h 38m 46