Ultralong champs, brown. Mass start. Fountainhead Park.
I decided on Saturday that I didn't want to do the green ultralong on a hilly course, so I dropped down to brown. So glad I did.
It had been a long time since I've done a mass start race, and this was fun. I ran a bit too fast at the beginning, of course, but it was worth it to watch George, Lyn, Sharon and Valeriy in action. I was within sight of them through the third control. Last saw Lyn at the 5th control. I should have followed her!
I looked at the leg from 5 to 6, and thought, I don't want to do this! There was a maze of mountain bike trails (filled with kamikaze riders, who had the right of way). I promptly got confused and went on the wrong trail, but I figured that out right away. Crossed the stream and took another trail. At this point, I slowed down to remove my hat and gloves, and then continued on. But the trail was doing funny things. I followed it some more, trying to make it fit. But then I gave up and said: just follow the contours, and ignore the trails. Ran down a big hill and then started noticing some brown course runners going the opposite direction. I stopped and looked again at my compass: I had done a 180!! Ugh!
After this, I had no joy in getting to 6. It was just a slog up and down the hills. And I was alone most of the time. Didn't see anyone until I approached 8. Followed some folks up the stream towards 9. This was good, because it forced me to pick up my pace a bit, although I was dogging it up the hills. I caught up with Gail at 9. Of course, she of the steady, accurate navigation, had passed me earlier.
From 10 onwards, it was pretty flat, so I pushed in towards the finish and passed a few folks. I was so happy to be under 2 hours, but of course, very disgusted with my big mistake. Sloppy technique.
Beautiful woods, once again. And so inspiring to watch the "oldsters" in action. I hope I'm half as fit as them when I'm in my 70s.
route, part 1
route, part 2