FKT: Lance Smith - Homestead Trail (NE) - 2022-10-27

I drove to Lincoln, Ne from Sioux Falls, SD-3.5 hours.   My brother-Judd drove me from the Jamaica TH in South Lincoln to the start in Beatrice.   I started at about 12:30 pm.  I did a short tour of the Gage County Museum in the old train depot.  
 

I felt great the first 13 miles and then the slow degrade took place.  I ran a back yard Ultra a couple of weeks ago and did 80 miles.  I’m sure I’m not fully recovered but this worked out so well with a work meeting and weather window, I had to give it a try. I got to a marathon in 3:45.  I ran out of fluids with about 9 miles to go.   My legs felt heavy and my hip flexors were tight and upset with my life choices.  I did walk a bit from time to time at the end.  I knew I was going to beat the time as long as I kept it together.   I was able to run the last mile in to the TH. 
 

I wasn’t aware at the time but my niece Emmersyn was at the trailhead with her Girl Scout troop and I came in hot to touch the rock and disrupted there closing circle.  Bad Uncle!   I really felt horrible when I ended.  Due to pushing my body, lack of fluids and muscle tightness.   I felt like I might loose it from both ends but was able to get some fluids and get myself together.   
 

I am glad I did the run.  It is a soft time.  Many quicker runners should do this trail.  It is nice and well maintained.   There is not potable water on the trail.   There are some gas stations off trail in Courtland??   I didn’t use them but they could be used.  
 

I ate 4 gels, a Milky Way and drank a liter of coke and 20oz of water.  I ran out.  Temps were 60 degrees with winds of 12-15 mph out of the SE which helped me get back to Lincoln.  
 

Give it a try.  What do you have to loose!?