OWL-DRAGON

Double Trouble Trail Run

This is a trail run in French Creek State Park. Runners have the option of running a 15K or doing a second loop for 30K. The trail is of moderate difficulty, mostly single track, with lots of rock. Some of the trail seems to be a stream bed and I remember doing this run after a heavy rain when those beds were running water. Sunday everything was dry but the heat index was 100. I was concerned but I must have managed my fluids well because I ran without cramping and any real discomfort. (Although I got so wet that some of my succeed tablets actually dissolved!)

This is a Ron Horn race, so beginning with the application through pre-race instructions and jokes posted along the trail you have plenty of politically incorrect humor. But Ron does put on a well organized race with plenty of dedicated volunteers. Sample: traditionally Ron starts the race by leading a chorus of insults 15K runners and 30K runners. Among the 15K insults: hope your parents had at some intelligent children.

The race has a difficult start because the trail narrows almost immediately. About a third of a mile into the race you must cross a narrow bridge and then climb a steep incline. This causes a choke point and a very slow first mile. After that it becomes easier to find your pace but passing can still be a problem.

Wooden Bridge
Originally uploaded by ctbrunner.

As with many trail runs, we walked the steeper uphills. I was annoyed that I seemed to do these so slowly. It was especially embarrassing to be passed by some tiny woman. I mean shouldn’t my stride length alone keep me going.

Usually I was able to run hard on the downhills. Footing was tricky but you could run. I stumbled but never fell although I did observe a couple of tumbles. Once my foot slammed hard into a hole – I have a bruise on my foot but no serious damage.

Something I had never encountered on a trail run was mountain bikers. I was a bit annoyed that we had to squeeze over to make room on the already narrow path.

I wish I had a map of the course so I had a better idea of how it is laid out. There is at least one great loop because you pass a water stop at 4.5 and then again at 7.5. You circle a lake coming full around. The last mile is downhill or flat. Ironically, I almost made a wrong turn in that last mile. You briefly come out into a parking area and there was no one in front of me. I wasn’t sure where the course went. Fortunately a runner behind me spied the red tape that marked where we reentered the woods. From there it was an easy run on cinder until you come out on a path that has the lake on one side and a pool on the other. Several bathers had walked over to the pool fence and were cheering the runners.

Hopewell Lake
Originally uploaded by ctbrunner.

Hopewell Lake as seen from the pool area. The runners finish on the path by the boats.

Results Board
Originally uploaded by ctbrunner.

Not sure the park approves but several runners cooled down by entering the lake. Felt great and was a quick way to lower the core body temperature. Tickets were provided that permitted the runners to use the pool showers – water was freezing but it was nice to get all the grime off before the ride home.

When I walked from the Lake back to the finish area I checked the results board and realized the first 30K runner would be coming in a few minutes. I waited around and he came sailing up the last incline looking great. I clapped for him and a few others nearby did too but mostly it went unnoticed. Good thing achievement is its own reward.

There were many impressive runners competing in that heat and humidity but I was especially impressed with Heide Moebius. She was one of those woman who sprang up the hills ahead of me. Although I could pass her on the downhills she would pass me on the next uphill. Great race Heide.

Age Group Winner
Originally uploaded by ctbrunner.

Heide Moebius