"There are a lot of ups and downs on this course," said the race director at the pre-race briefing. He then went on to describe the course, "after running on … MORE
“There are a lot of ups and downs on this course,” said the race director at the pre-race briefing. He then went on to describe the course, “after running on the sidewalk along the beach, you turn left and go up the gravel road, for what I call the mandatory walking break. I call it this because I bet even the leaders will be walking.” He also went on to say, “if you don’t take it easy at the beginning, you’ll pay for it later.” Of course he was right. There were no major climbs, but the 3.41 mile course constantly went up and down. In the 34.1 miles that I ran, there were 4,691 feet of total elevation gain according to my GPS watch. For someone who live near the mountains, this might not seem to much, but for this flatlander, it was a tough day’s work. The scenery made up for the hills though. There were the two lakes of Twin Lakes State Park, lots of dormant trees, a shrubby tree with purple blossoms that is still unknown to me, and spring wildflowers bursting forth from the ground. We lucked out with the weather this year. It was cool in the morning, with highs near 65 degrees F. The trail was in very good condition, and was wide enough so that faster runners could pass easily. There were few large rocks, but some roots that would reach out and grab you if you weren’t paying attention. There was a restroom with indoor plumbing just a few feet from the course, and just one aid station at the start/finish line. Along with the traditional ultra aid station staples, they cooked hamburgers and hot dogs around noon, and made quesadillas later in the afternoon. No timing chips were used, but the race organizers did a good job counting laps. I didn’t hear of anyone complaining about inaccuracies in the results. Finisher awards were a keychain on a ceramic fob, and runners who completed 26.2 miles, 50K, and 50 miles were given a ceramic tile magnet or coaster with their distance completed.
The hills will eat you alive
"There are a lot of ups and downs on this course," said the race director at the pre-race briefing. He then went on to describe the course, "after running on … MORE
“There are a lot of ups and downs on this course,” said the race director at the pre-race briefing. He then went on to describe the course, “after running on the sidewalk along the beach, you turn left and go up the gravel road, for what I call the mandatory walking break. I call it this because I bet even the leaders will be walking.” He also went on to say, “if you don’t take it easy at the beginning, you’ll pay for it later.” Of course he was right. There were no major climbs, but the 3.41 mile course constantly went up and down. In the 34.1 miles that I ran, there were 4,691 feet of total elevation gain according to my GPS watch. For someone who live near the mountains, this might not seem to much, but for this flatlander, it was a tough day’s work. The scenery made up for the hills though. There were the two lakes of Twin Lakes State Park, lots of dormant trees, a shrubby tree with purple blossoms that is still unknown to me, and spring wildflowers bursting forth from the ground. We lucked out with the weather this year. It was cool in the morning, with highs near 65 degrees F. The trail was in very good condition, and was wide enough so that faster runners could pass easily. There were few large rocks, but some roots that would reach out and grab you if you weren’t paying attention. There was a restroom with indoor plumbing just a few feet from the course, and just one aid station at the start/finish line. Along with the traditional ultra aid station staples, they cooked hamburgers and hot dogs around noon, and made quesadillas later in the afternoon. No timing chips were used, but the race organizers did a good job counting laps. I didn’t hear of anyone complaining about inaccuracies in the results. Finisher awards were a keychain on a ceramic fob, and runners who completed 26.2 miles, 50K, and 50 miles were given a ceramic tile magnet or coaster with their distance completed.