Adirondack Life Magazine: Long-Distance Relationship Inside the mind of an ultra trail runner
Last fall I ran the 133-mile Northville-Placid Trail (NPT). It was a 60.5-hour solo journey that challenged me physically, but there’s more to it. Ultra trail running—covering distances of 26.3 miles or more—is mostly mental. After my first 24 hours along the NPT I fought to turn off my brain, deal with the pain and get in the zone, one foot in front of the other.
ADIRONDACK DAILY ENTERPRISE NPT RECORD ARTICLE
LAKE PLACID – Jay resident Drew Haas has given a new meaning to the term “motivated employee” – showing up to work just hours after completing the 135-mile Northville-Placid Trail in 2.5 days.
2 1/2 DAYS ON THE NPT
I have obsessed over the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) for the last few years. 133 miles of lakes, forests, mud and bugs cutting through the heart of the Adirondacks. Last summer I attempted to run the trail from the north with support from friends and family to feed and encourage me. After 96 miles I had to stop due mostly to blistered feet from the very wet trail. It’s tough to organize people to help out for such a remote and extreme challenge like this, with weather and work it was stressful. This year came around and I wanted redemption but sought to try it in a different style. Last go around I was fully supported, this time it was all on me, unsupported and solo.
FKT-NORTHVILLE/PLACID TRAIL-UNSUPPORTED
Northville Placid Hiking Trail without support from crew.
RECORD BROKEN!
Drew Haas
September 2, 2009 11:40 AM – September 5, 2009 12:10 AM
60.5 Hours /2D 12H 30M
Town of Northville to Averyville Rd Train Station, Lake Placid 135 miles
