Training Log Archive: GlenT

"Quadzilla" 15k trail race at Trexler Nature Preserve. A mix of single and double track with a few paved sections (mostly at the start and finish). Basically a circumnavigation of the Preserve. Some roots, not many rocks but plenty of hills and one major stream crossing. The steepest hills (aka "The Back of the Beast") and the stream crossing come in the last few miles of the race. Before that the hills are more moderate (i.e. would be mostly runnable in a shorter race) but there is a quite long one in the first 5k. Race started at 7:30am to avoid the heat - about 70F at the start and sunny but tolerable humidity levels. The stream crossing (at about the 8 mile mark) felt very good but was a bit of a challenge since it's probably 60 feet across and recent rains made for above the knee water levels with noticable flow.

Took a conservative approach to the race, trying to stay at a sustainable pace. Walked the steeper hill parts after about 2 miles and generally resisted any urges to pass people in the first half of the race. Had a cup of Gatorade and a cup of water at each of the three aid stations, a slice of watermelon (!) at the second stop, ate a Gu at about 50 minutes (just before aid station 2) and carried a water bottle for in between drinks. Survived pretty well, finishing 135 out of ~400 and 2nd M60+ (just over a minute behind 1st M60).

Temperature ~70F, Dew point ~70F. Lots of sweat, nowhere for it to go. Overcast and only a few sprinkles while running. A rumble of thunder just as I finished, followed by a rain shower.

Event: DVOA Fort Washington
 

Sprint 1 at Fort Washington SP. 2.1k, 75m climb. Course designed by Greg Ahlswede, map updated by Sandy F to include a moderately complex trail network following a disc golf course (used extensively by the courses). Lots of nice route choice snd navigation challenges. Very hot (upper 80s) and humid, so quite a sweatfest.

An OK run with lots of hesitations in the trail maze. Tough to run hard with the heat. Walked some, particularly on the uphills.

Sprint 2. 2.3k, 55m. More trail maze (it wasn't any easier the second time) and then a long route choice leg. Pretty drained from the first run so decision making was a real.challenge. Big error on #5 (maybe 90 sec or so). Thought I had made an error on the long leg but I ended up with an OK route. Thanks to Sandy and all her helpers.

Sprint 1 - Splits

Sprint 2 - Splits

Went out in the morning but it was already 80F and humid.