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- It is trail
- It is a trail with almost 4,000 feet of elevation change
- It is a trail with ~ 4,00 feet elevation change in mid-summer
- It is a trail with ~ 4,00 feet elevation change in mid-summer in DC
I sometimes complain that running in the DC summer is akin to running in a sauna while breathing through a wet towel. This race was no exception, with race temp starting off at reasonable 73 before shooting up past 90 within a few hours.
I don't want to give the wrong impression, I do like this course a lot. It starts out with short 1/2 mile on road to thin everyone out before squeezing down to single track. Around the 1 mile mark, I hit the first real hill - you can actually reach out in front of you and touch the incline as you climb up more than 100 feet up in less than 1/4 mile. Then repeat this experience at mile 2, 3, and 3.5. I took a page out of ultra running and walk these hills, saving energy for down hills.
Of course it isn't all up hill, as each of these hills start by crossing the same stream. That means plenty of 'controlled falling' decent. Between the water crossings, the rocks, the roots, and the loose dirt, it definitely pays to have trail shoes and wool blend socks. I am fan of the Saucony Peregrines and smart wool.
There are aid stations every 2 or 3 miles. While I carry my only water, I did take advantage of the opportunity to dump cold water on my head as both the day and my body began to heat up. Around mile 6 there is a lollipop loop that you come back on around mile 8. After navigating the loop, I notice a running on her way out wearing a Blue Ridge Marathon shirt. We exchanged friendly waves and a knowing smile.
The last few miles were a mix of run/walk as the hills took their toll. I was able to run the last mile at good pace, but still finished at a disappointing at 2 hour and 17 minutes, a lot slower than I wanted (12 in my age group, 39th overall). I consoled myself by indulging in breakfast burritos, pizza, and lots of water. Next year, I will have to spend my time training in the sauna : 0
Of course it isn't all up hill, as each of these hills start by crossing the same stream. That means plenty of 'controlled falling' decent. Between the water crossings, the rocks, the roots, and the loose dirt, it definitely pays to have trail shoes and wool blend socks. I am fan of the Saucony Peregrines and smart wool.
There are aid stations every 2 or 3 miles. While I carry my only water, I did take advantage of the opportunity to dump cold water on my head as both the day and my body began to heat up. Around mile 6 there is a lollipop loop that you come back on around mile 8. After navigating the loop, I notice a running on her way out wearing a Blue Ridge Marathon shirt. We exchanged friendly waves and a knowing smile.
The last few miles were a mix of run/walk as the hills took their toll. I was able to run the last mile at good pace, but still finished at a disappointing at 2 hour and 17 minutes, a lot slower than I wanted (12 in my age group, 39th overall). I consoled myself by indulging in breakfast burritos, pizza, and lots of water. Next year, I will have to spend my time training in the sauna : 0
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