|
|
FLRC Newsletter - November 2004 |
| The Dirt on the Down ‘n’ Dirty— | |
As a trail running rookie (this was my first real trail race), I want to say that Sue and her crew were fantastic, from preregistration on. I don't know everyone's name, but I wish I could thank them personally.
Alliteration is nice, but this should be called the Danby UP, Down, & Dirty. I'm still trying to convince myself that the net elevation change was 0.
I was amazed at how much mud there was on the course, even after the five to six weeks of dry weather we've had. Can't imagine what it is like after a rainy stretch.
The volunteers at Bald Hill Road were much appreciated, not once, but twice—and as much for their spirit as the Gatorade and water they were dispensing.
A long-sleeved T-shirt and hooded sweatshirt was not the right combination to run in. I'll be better prepared next time (at least have a hat and gloves).
I want to come back and see the view from the Pinnacles when it isn't misted in.
I've yet to figure out how to politely pass someone on the trail. At one point, after feeling like I'd bulldozed by people, I tried saying something to the person I was overtaking, only to watch him take off like a startled deer down the trail ahead of me (I later passed him when he turned the wrong way).
I found the course to be reasonably well marked, although I did find the first 10K better marked than the second.
Having running company was great; the loneliest mile was just after the 10K point, when the three or four runners nearest me all went straight and I turned left to keep going. Luckily, a fellow runner caught up to me near the top of the hill (and that isn't just because you found the quickmud first, Amy!), and we ran in together.
Thanks to whomever trucked the water up to the remote station at the top of the hill.
Downhills are dangerous, but fun. I appreciated the lime on the hidden roots and rocks. I came close to twisting an ankle more than once, but what a ride!
The lady at the turnoff of Michigan Hollow Road was a welcome sight—thanks for keeping us on course!
It is possible to miss a turn twice—and you can be sure people will be right behind you, used to you figuring out the way, when you do. (I missed the turn up the hill after the last creek crossing both times, and both times had two or three runners right there to follow me the wrong way.)
It is possible to walk up a hill faster than run up it; but I didn't learn that until the end when someone walking passed me as I tried to run up the last hill.
The young lady diligently taking numbers at the last little turn was a very welcome sight!
And, yes, in keeping with the race map I carried with me throughout, I did sprint to the finish.
Thanks again, Sue, and all who helped her—it was a great race, despite the weather. I'll plan on coming back next year—and you really didn't need to bribe me with Trail Runner subscription!
| Prev Article | Front Page | Next Article |