Race: Salmagundi Trail Half Marathon
Runner: Coach Frank Fisher
Race Date: 11/12/2022
Location: Austin, TX
Results: 3rd dude
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8107278898/overview
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The course was fun and fast, weather was perfect, and it’s pretty close to home.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
You have to register early for swag (a beanie), and packet pick up was downtown on a Friday…not exactly the most fun thing to do. If you bring any friends or family with you that are not racing it costs $5 per person to enter the park.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I was looking at this race as more of a fitness check and a workout, so I did not go hard from the beginning. I stayed relaxed for the first 4-5 miles, but I also wanted to stay close to the front and possibly compete for a podium if the legs were feeling good. That ended up working out and I had plenty of people to chase down through the rest of the race. My legs felt great and a strong finish got me to that last podium spot.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The first 1.5 miles is the most technical part of the race, its narrow single track with some very rocky spots that you need to watch out for. After that it opens up to mostly two track the rest of the way. It’s very runnable with two modest longer climbs. Keep an eye out for the turns and signage. There are multiple distance races going on at the same time, and the signage was all the same color with small lettering so you have to pay attention. There’s only one aid station that you pass by a couple of times with no aid for the last 5 miles of the race. Something to keep in mind if you’re not carrying water.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
If it rains the day of or day before the course will be muddy, and it will stick to your shoes so watch the paths you take. Seems like the better path through the muddy spots was where other runners had taken the top layer of muddy clay off.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Turns and signage. I got lost in one of this race organizations previous races for the same reasons; small lettering, signs all the same color for all races going on. They do a good job of posting the race course beforehand so make sure you have a good idea of where your turns are. It’s a little long too, so if you’re looking at your watch towards the end of the race it might get a little frustrating as the total distance is closer to 13.5-13.7 miles.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It’s pretty nice for this part of Texas.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Nope. I overestimated how tough it would be and was way under the time I thought I’d likely finish in.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
I’ve volunteered and ran a few of their races now, it’s kind of a mixed bag. I think they have it pretty well together, not quite a well oiled machine, but not flying by the seat of their pants either.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Relatively speaking, yes. Good size field, lots of good runners in the area. Maybe not quite the top end, but plenty of people to race for your ability level.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Easy to get into, did not quite fill up. Less than an hour from most parts of Austin. Plenty of parking and port-o-potties. Perfect set up for a local race.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Not sure, didn’t stop. Very friendly and lively crew though!
Weather and typical race conditions
Typically, low’s in the 40’s highs in the 60’s. This year was cold, but sunny. Generally, a nice time of year in central TX.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Fast shoes and a hand held is probably all you need. Most of the course is hard pack sand/dirt on two track.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Sort of, plenty of trails to get around on and catch runners at multiple points of the race if you were so inclined. As mentioned, there is an additional charge to enter the park for non racers, so it didn’t really seem like too many spectators came out. However, the start/finish area was nice with tacos, coffee and beer so not a bad place to come watch a race either.
How’s the Swag?
Meh… I didn’t register early enough to get the beanie, and that was it. It’s kind of pricey too, so no swag is kind of a bummer.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I’d say 4 out of 5. I really liked this course! It’s very runnable, the surface is nice, plenty of fun sections to rip it on and excellent weather. By far my favorite course I’ve raced on in central TX. Most of the other races I’ve done out here are really rocky with lots of twists and turns that slow you down, this one is just the opposite. I’d say it’s a tad bit overpriced for not having any good swag and it being a local race, but other than that, I’d highly recommend it.
Frank Fisher is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.