Pineland Trail Festival 15k Race Report – Jeff Lind

Race: Pineland trail festival 15k

Runner: Jeff Lind

Race Date: 05/28/2023

Location: Pineland Farms, ME

Results: 1:23:40

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/h32yOWpFeAb

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

Great course; Well organized; good swag

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The portapotties were kind of rough for the second day of races, with the long races happening the day before. The only other negative is that I have not seen race results posted on Runsignup, which is where I signed up for the race.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Ran well considering I was 2 weeks post-COVID. Was pleased that I kept a steady pace and didn’t burn out early.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

It’s not an easy course and it’s easy to go out too hard and burn out. I passed several folks that went out fast and then ended up walking.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Absolutely

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes, 1,000 ft +/- of climb

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Very organized

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes

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.

I signed up two weeks before as a replacement race for missing another race due to catching COVID. No issues signing up.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard

Weather and typical race conditions

It was hot even for an 8am start. Course was in great shape.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Just trail shoes

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

At the end yes, but not much for other spectator spots

How’s the Swag?

Good looking gear and medal

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Highly recommend – 4.5 stars

Elephant Mountain 12k Race Report – Kiona Ogle

Race: Elephant Mountain Trail Runs, 12K

Runner: Kiona Ogle

Race Date: 02/04/2023

Location: Cave Creek Regional Park, Cave Creek, AZ

Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=94657

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. The scenery. The desert landscape is beautiful this time of year!
  2. The course. The trails are challenging, but very runnable. There are a few long hills that are challenging, but they are followed by downhill sections that are fun for running fast!
  3. The organization. The race is put on by Aravaipa, and it is exceptionally well organized.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

I used to be able to park on-site, but this year, people running the 12K (and two other races) had to park off site and take a bus to the race location. I prefer the convenience of parking on site and having access to my pre- and post-race gear.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

There’s good chance that you’ll run through or smell horse poop.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I really enjoy being able to pick up speed and stretch the legs on the downhill sections. There are a few relatively long downhill sections that are very runnable (pretty smooth, minimal rocks). Also, I’ve run this race four times over the past 5-6 years, and the weather has been perfect every time! The longer distances likely experience some heat later in the day, but generally not the 12K.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Be a little conservative the first mile or so, which involves mostly running up switchbacks. There’s another challenging hill section from about mile 3.5-4.5, and don’t feel bad about walking the last steep section! Also, I suggest bringing fluids, even though this is a relatively short distance; the air is dry, and it can get warm.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

This was my fourth time running this race and this course, and I learned from past races how to tackle the hills: “steady and strong.” Also, the first time I ran this race, I had a major fall because I tripped on my shoe laces (the bungee type) — so, I learned to use regular shoe laces and double tie!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Don’t go out too hard, be a little conservative on the first uphill section, and you need to turn-around at the aid station at the out-and-back section (I missed the turn-around my first time, and I ran an extra 1/4 – 1/2 mile).

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Stunning!! I will keep coming back.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes, relatively tough. There are some challenging hills, and a short, moderately technical section through a desert wash.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Exceptionally well organized by Aravaipa!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes, competition is generally pretty strong. I was second woman this year, and the first place woman set a course record and finished first overall. She was flying!

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 register, so far. But, I do worry that as the Aravaipa races get more and more popular (their size grows every year) that there’ll be a time when one will have to register far in advance. Also, I like to camp at the Cave Creek Regional Park (walking distance from race location), but the campsites are often booked far in advance; I couldn’t camp there this year.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

I rarely stop at the aid stations, so can’t say much about them. But, important to note that they are cupless — you have to bring your own water bottle, etc.

Weather and typical race conditions

Weather is almost always perfect, but can get hot for the longer (ultra) races. If it hasn’t rained in a while, the trails can be dusty, which is most noticeable at the start, but once it thins out and there are fewer people running near you, the dust isn’t an issue.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

I always wear a hat, sun glasses, and sun screen. Trail running shoes with good traction are great for allowing you to let loose on the downhills.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Generally, yes. And, people often bring their dogs, too. There’s a play ground for the kiddos.

How’s the Swag?

Great. Really nice t-shirts and post-race option of a unique, hand-made “metal” or a glass or mug of some sort (wine glasses this year). Podium finishers also get unique, hand made trophies. The trophies and metals seem to change each year. There’s usually a “swag shop” on-site, and I often raid the sale bins; can get some great deals on hats, neck gators, shirts, and other items.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5 out of 5; yes, I’d recommend it, reluctantly (I don’t want the race to grow too much more in size!).

Jingle All the Way 15k Race Report – Kristen Hodsdon

Race: Jingle All the Way 15K

Runner: Kristen Hodsdon

Race Date: 12/11/2022

Location: Washington, DC

Results: 1.22.13 net time and 8.50 net pace. I finished 19th in my division (35-39) out of 59 runners and 255 out of 712 overall

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/RAmoqesCRvb

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. The course was great. For the most part, it was fast and flat, and took us on a tour of D.C. No matter how many times I run through this area, I never get sick of it.
  2. There was a smaller crowd of runners, so there was a lot more space to spread out on the course.
  3. Well, of course it was fun to see all the various runners dressed in their holiday best. (One person was donning a lamp à la A Christmas Story!) While I didn’t dress up for the festivities beyond my typical gear (it is beyond me how people can run in Santa suits, etc.), it was amusing to experience.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  1. I was expecting more decor aspects from the group, Pacers Running, that put this on — lights along the course or singing Santas. Sounds silly, but it was a gimmicky race, so on-course elements would have been fun to see, too.
  2. There probably could’ve been one or two more water stations.
  3. There were no visible pacers on the course. I always appreciate them because it is a visual indicator of whether you’re running where you want to or not without constantly looking at a watch.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

One of the weird factors was also a best. I just don’t know how people can dress up in Santa suits, as lamps, as elves, and so on, and run.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I didn’t go into this in the best head space. In fact, I wanted to skip it entirely. I live with Type 1 diabetes and the day before, for some reason, was rough with my numbers (lows and highs). I can’t tell you why — sometimes you just have days like this — but I was frustrated when I went to bed and bummed out. That being said, I was in a good place when the run began, and I ran my fastest 10K in years (if not ever) and am fairly certain I PR’d on the 15K.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Don’t get too much in your own head if things go awry in the day or two ahead. And get water at all the stops — don’t skip the first one like I did, because the rest are few and far between.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

This is super-niche, but I’ll wait to turn on my “exercise” settings on my insulin pump till right before the race starts to avoid high numbers on the course. (I’ve been trying to crack the exact time, food, etc., to keep my T1D in check for years on various races, from 10Ks to marathons, and each time I learn something new.) Otherwise, following Matt Urbanski’s guidance to actually warm up for 10-15 minutes before getting into the corral, I think, was a life changer. (Admittedly, I never used to do this.)

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The course goes uphill at the end. It’s not drastic by any means, but I wasn’t prepared for that and had to slow what was a fairly fast pace to tackle it and still finish strong.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes, gorgeous. Who can beat running around the DC landmarks?

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not really. I’d say this was an easier course for folks new to longer-ish distance.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

It’s hard to say. Sometimes Pacers Running does a great job, and sometimes they don’t. I’d say this race was better organized than the DC Half I ran with Pacers Running in early fall.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

I think fewer people signed up for this race because of the time of year, and because there was a smaller showing, the folks who were running were more hardcore. That said … there were also the people dressed as Santas.

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.

Nope, you could’ve signed up the day beforehand. You just have to pick your packet up ahead of time (not day-of).

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Honestly, I think I saw one or two? I can’t recall, so I’m not a good judge here.

Weather and typical race conditions

It actually ended up being a little warmer than I expected for December and was subsequently overdressed with one too many core layers. It was drizzling at first and in the low-40s.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Dress up! Wear your beanie!

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes!

How’s the Swag?

The themed beanie was a fun alternative to a typical T-shirt, which we all have too many of.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Out of 10, I’d give it an 8. I’d also recommend it, particularly if you’re running with a group of folks who want to dress up with you.

Tiger Mountain Trail 12k Race Report – Chanelle Lansley

Race: Tiger Mountain Trail Run, 12k

Runner: Chanelle Lansley

Race Date: 08/20/2022

Location: Tiger Mountain State Forest, Issaquah, WA

Results: 1:16:44 Elapsed Time, 1st place Female, 9th place overall

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7671456506

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. The organizers and volunteers were great! There was a community-feel from the beginning until the end.
  2. The trail! This was my first trail race and I thought it was perfect for beginners and likely those with a lot more experience as well. It wasn’t too technical.
  3. Post-race snacks. There was a good amount of fuel and hydration available.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The trail had a lot of mountain bikers, who were all very considerate and friendly towards the runners, but made for some crowded trails at times.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

There was a baby bear spotting!

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I enjoyed the mentally “fun” part of the race. It was a nice change of pace from my usual road running.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

I tried the 12k instead of the half-marathon for my first trail race. I’m glad I started here because the elevation was tougher than I anticipated.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I wish I would have taken my hydration pack or belt. There was one aid station, but I could have been more self-sufficient.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Very pretty!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not technically difficult, but maybe ~2k of elevation gain.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes

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.

Runners can register the morning of!

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Standard

Weather and typical race conditions

It was a perfect day

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

At the start and finish, yes. Outside of that, no.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5

Bitterroot Runoff Race Report – Michael Adams

Race: Bitterroot Runoff

Runner: Michael Adams

Race Date: 04/16/2022

Location: Lolo Montana

Results: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/29135#resultSetId-309340;perpage:10

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/6992063009

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  • The overall organization of the race. It’s very well put together by people who are also runners; and want you to have a good race experience all the way to the end! Tilting to the environmentally friendly type of race. Bring your own cups and recycle what you can – they have appropriate bins for this as well.
  • Like race vendors? Like food and refreshments at the end of the race?! Like a fire on a relatively cold day but not too cold to race in? You’ll find it here!
  • Almost forgot there are massages!

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The only things I don’t like about the race day is more personal issues, old injuries coming up that sort of thing. I don’t have problems with the race or how its organized. I like trail races though, definitely more that road so I’m biased.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

The weather. From year to year it has not been the same. Last year (2021) it was snowing/raining at the top which made for a very chilly experience. This year it was just a little breezy but only started to rain/snow just as the award ceremony was wrapping up. Few years ago it was good weather the whole day.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I like the amount of prep I did for this race. Helped me power through the beginning 4.7ish miles of uphill then its that roller-coaster like single track till the end.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Get proficient at running uphill. Its not the longest race, but plenty of vertical. Enough to make you rethink your training for this run. Its a relentless first half. While your catching your breath down hill for the first time, remember once you reach the 2nd aid station then the majority of hill climbing is done. Still some during the last couple miles but negligible (although it might not feel that way). There is one stretch closer to the end that is a gradual uphill, but a gradual uphill and the tail end of the 8 miles and ~1800 feet of running up to that point can be more challenging that you might like.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

You haven’t done enough hill climbing for this race. That should be your mind during training.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Cupless race. Hills. If you want some of the awesome go-go juice or water then bring a collapsible cup.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Its in the Lolo national forest! If your not too busy trying not to fall over rocks or roots you can see around for miles at a couple points! If your like most trail runners you live for those glimpses of beauty.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Moderate-Hard course. Ill say it again the first 4.7ish miles is uphill. Its not pikes peak, but you should have practice on you hill climbing.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Definitely a well oiled machine. Since this one guy, might be a name you recognize, Adam Peterman, started helping out with this even its gotten a little better I’d say.

Photo: The Runners Edge – Missoula, MT

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Kinda hit or miss. Seems to be stacked with local runners every few years or so like races tend to be. Then the other years its anybody’s race.

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.

If there is an event like this somewhere here in Montana don’t count on trying to book a hotel a couple weeks before hand. Goes for pretty much any race. The start is on a private ranch with public access so camping out is a no go as far as I know.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Cupless race, bring a cup you can stuff in a pocket.

Weather and typical race conditions

Varies. This year is was overcast and didn’t start snowing till the end of the award ceremony. Last year you could have gotten snowed on at the top.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Definitely! Not like your going to see the majority of the course since its hilly you’ll have to do some work if you want to see more than the start/finish. Then the question is are you going to see either the start and finish or skip either/or? Can you make it back? People walk the course just be courteous to the runners. They are in danger of not being able to think at times.

How’s the Swag?

Standard Swag, Awesome shirt and finishers medal. I really like the medals. And the group awards if your lucky enough to snag one of those are cool! They have been dishing out ones made of wood!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

What scale? 5/5 or 10/10. Originally from Alaska and have ran races there, here in Montana, couple, in Idaho and Oregon. Ran through college so all over during that time. Experienced the good the bad and the ugly in terms of organization and this is defiantly one of the better ones.

Looking to run your first trail race and not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered.

Photo: The Runners Edge – Missoula, MT

taprock 17k race report

TrapRock 17k Race Report – Robert H

taprock 17k race reportRace: TrapRock 17k

Runner: Robert H

Race Date: 04/13/2019

Location: Penwood State Park in Bloomfield, CT

Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=59326

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/Z2CMCw9qTV

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Challenging course
  2. The 50K runs on the same course and runners were very positive even as they lapped us slow folks
  3. Great views

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Post race – the 0.5mile walk up a steep hill is a kick in the butt

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Climbing the “stairs” of rock in race.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

  • Finishing.
  • I ran a smart race. Took my time where I should. Stopped for some photos. And, then the end, it was fun plunging through some of the mud and small streams. What is the point of a trail race if you don’t get dirty?

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Bring a chair and a bag for the post-race. After I got to my car, there was no way that I was going back down the hill (and then back-up) to watch the finishers

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

  • My road shoes worked for me. They did better than my trail shoes.
  • I drank almost 2L of water with the heat.
  • I need to work on really steep climbs. Traprock starts with a nasty uphill. And, I thought I had been doing hills, but I was wrong

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Cupless race. Bring a cup or something to drink out of.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Very pretty. You run along a ridge so sheer drops but great views.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes. Which makes the 50Ks that much more impressive

“The Traprock course is a loop course of approximately 10.5-11 miles per loop. There will be two races (one (17k) and three loops (50k)). It is a rolling course with 50 % technical single track on the Metacomet Trail. The balance of the course is double-track. ”

taprock 17k race report

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

This year was a new group running it and they did awesome. Event started on time. Plenty of support throughout the course

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes – but I can’t see them from the back

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.

This race sells out fairly fast. It is very popular. And, it is now a UTMB qualifier.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Well stocked.

Weather and typical race conditions

Temperatures hit near 70 which considering most of us have been training in the 40s sort of hurt. Rain happened the night before and the morning of the race. However, there was a decent breeze for most of the race. So hot, but not deadly.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

No. It is almost impossible to spectate

How’s the Swag?

Good beer glass.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

5 stars out of 5.

My friends and I are planning on running it next year.

Looking at running your first ultra? Check out our 7 steps to get started!

hot chocolate 15k seattle race report

Hot Chocolate 15k Seattle Race Report – Abi H

hot chocolate 15k seattle race reportRace: Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k Seattle

Runner: Abi H

Date: 3/04/2018

Location: Seattle, WA

Results: 1:21:07

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1436735689/overview

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

My hometown is Kirkland, so race in Seattle is very convenient as I don’t have to travel. Street parking is usually available for early birds, and they are free on a Sunday. They have great swags. I like this year’s stretchy zippered long shirt, and love their medal design too!

For after race party, they have a bowl of goodies filled with hot chocolate (duh!), ginormous sized melted chocolate for dipping, pretzels, cookies and banana. I usually only consume the banana, hot chocolate and pretzels.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Since the race is in early March, Seattle weather is a crapshoot (well, that probably holds true for the rest of the 11 months in Seattle). Rain can very well be part of the festivity. We lucked out on the weather this time, it was cold (but not that cold) and dry.

Hills! The constant endless rolling hills could be bothersome if not prepared.

You have to bring your own fueling packets, unless you’re into sweet treats. They have marshmallows, chocolate and tootsie rolls for fueling. Really?

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

The chocolate galore! There are variety of different pace time pacers on all corrals from D on, so after turning around you’ll see all kind of pace numbers behind you.

hot chocolate 15k seattle race report

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I did really well running the downhills to make up some time lost going uphills. I had absolutely no cramps during the race and after the race, which is a first for a medium range race with rolling hills. I had 3 official true PRs in this race: 5k, 10k and 15k, which is good and bad.

Lessons Learned – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner or yourself on the next time around

There are a lot of buildings in downtown Seattle, plus a fairly long tunnel. So GPS isn’t that accurate. I brought foot pod as well with me for pace display, and used GPS for distance. Both sensors were not accurate at all, so I was going blind in the beginning of the race. I ran way too fast in the beginning – which is where the 5k & 10k PRs came from. I think if I had paced myself correctly in the beginning, I could’ve really used the energy to plow through long downhills in the second half.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Gotta train for the hills and know where to slow down and push through.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

The race was very well organized with lots of goodies and nice swag. Event was on time.

Logistics – Anything special regarding getting to/from the race, hotels around the course, registration…?

This was a local race for me, so everything was within reach. But there are plenty of hotels around.

Weather and typical race conditions

It’s usually cold with about 50% chance of rain.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

It is spectators friendly.

How’s the swag?

I’ve got really nice stretchy long sleeves shirt with zipper this year. Very nice color and material. Much better than last year’s cotton sweater jacket.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

I highly recommend this race (*****). My wife and my daughter also ran this race and we’re registering for next year’s again.

hot chocolate 15k seattle race report

Bogota Allianz 15k – Matt U

Race: Allianz 15k – Bogota, Colomobia

Runner: Matt U

Date: 6/4/17

Location: Bogota, Colombia

Results – 57:13 – 92nd overall out of 8027 runners

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  • I got to race with my friends. Thankfully, I met some cool, fast guys during my first of five weeks staying in Bogota. They showed me around the city by taking me on runs in all sorts of cool places. This race was just before we left the city so I had a chance to race them all before leaving town.
  • I beat all my friends, but it took a last second surge to hold off a hard-charging Christian as he got on my shoulder in the final 100m – I hadn’t seen him the entire race.
  • There were over 8000 runners, it was the second biggest race of the year in Bogota, and while there were probably other foreigners in the race, I didn’t see any. There’s something cool about being the only guy not from Colombia in the race.

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  • The start is absolutely ridiculous. They had different wrist bands based on estimated finish times. However, in the final minutes before the start, everyone stampeded into the start area. There was serious pushing and shoving going on as we were slowly herded through the start. I was a good minute before I got out and I was up front with those pushing. And then once it started, there were so many slower people clogging up the road for the first mile – a real shit show of a start!

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

  • The majority of people in the race wear their race shirts on race day. Often seen as taboo in the US, this is common in Latin America – I learned this racing in Mexico last year. So this year I embraced the custom and raced with my blue Allianz 15k shirt likely 90% of the other racers!

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

  • I ran hard and did not blow up. I was scarred from the Toluca Marathon last year (9000’+ elevation and I was struggling worse than any other race in recent memory), and though this was only a 15k, going faster at altitude presents additional challenges. I ran decently fast and though I did slow some later in the race, it wasn’t drastic.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

  • Figure out how to get near the front to save yourself some real hassle at the start.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

  • Be better about finding the right people to run and pace with throughout the race. While there were always people around, as the race thinned after 8k, I struggled more than necessary with some head winds and some of the hills (10k and 11k into the race). Had I had the right people to be working with, I think I could have held it together better.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

  • Two overpasses during 10k and 11k. They’re not big, but if you’re already sucking wind from being over 8000’ elevation, these little hills will kick your breathing into overdrive. Not much you can do about them, unless you train specifically for the hills there, but you can at least avoid mental devastation by knowing they’re coming.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

  • Not really. It’s a big city, you run on big city roads, and it’s Bogota. There is certainly something cool about running a city like this, but pretty is not the word I would use to describe it. Plus, there are  plethora of fumes you’ll likely be sucking down that may well take years off your life.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

  • Yes and no. Altitude – yes. But it’s also roads and it’s generally flat. So it’s not that hard.  I don’t think locals see it as a difficult course.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

  • Online registration was easy if you can read Spanish. They asked for my insurance company and blood type during registration – interesting. Packet pickup was big with lots of big name companies present. It was easy to get to and get through though. Race day was smooth overall. Good finisher area with food and drink at the end. Start area was the only real fiasco.

Competition – is there a strong field?

  • Yeah. There are some fast runners in Colombia and I think they’re all at this race. I thnk the winner wins a new car.

Aid Stations

  • Water and gatorade at many spots. Water comes in little plastic bags. I think they had some gel too along the way. I didn’t take anything but it seemed like a substantial amount of aid available.

Weather and typical race conditions –

  • 60s, cloudy, slight head wind. Good weather for racing.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

  • Nothing special. I wore my favorite Salomon tights with the pockets built in. I carried my phone so I could Uber to the race. No gear needed for carrying any fueling stuff though – it’s only a 15k.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

  • I assume so, but I was a tourist in Bogota and not super efficient at getting around. I imagine it is fairly easy to hit a couple spots along the way though if you know what you’re doing.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

  • 4.5/5 Totally unique experience, good people to run with, fast and competitive, and a real challenge given the altitude. If the start wasn’t so ridiculous, it’d be a 5 out of 5.

Adidas Split 16k – Julie U

Race: Adidas Split 16k – http://www.totalrunning.com/new/evento/SPTMCAR1463509567  

Runner: Julie Usplit 16k finish

Date: 6/12/2016

Location: Chapultepec Park, Mexico City, Mexico

Results – 1:27.13

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  1. Exploring more of Chapultepec than just the small 2 mile circle I normally stick to. It was great seeing so much more of it, especially early in the morning before the rest of the city was awake
  2. The proximity of the race to our apartment; I was able to walk just 25 minutes to the start, with a little bit of jogging as a warmup
  3. Being a part of the running culture in another country and city, especially in a city as big as Mexico City.

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Packet pickup – It was at a mall, on a Saturday, on the very south side of the city, about 15 miles from the actual race location. It’s difficult going much more than a few miles in a car here, so the trip to get the packet took about 4 hours and cost more in Uber fees than the race fee. To make it worse, they moved the site of the packet pickup the day of, so we were walking around the mall, clueless as to where to go, until we spotted a guy with a race bag and he explained where it was.

Also, the race had lots and lots of turns and little out and backs. We took about 25 turns on the course and took 180 degree turns at least 5 times. I definitely lost momentum with every turn and turnaround and was a little miffed at some runners who decided to pass on turns, especially the narrow ones, as they’d cut right in front of me and then I’d nearly clip their heels. I’m amazed the winners ran as fast as they did (2 men under 51 minutes and many more under 1 hour!).

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

Group stretching. I knew to expect it because Matt did it has the Toluca marathon the weekend prior, but it was still a little weird. 15 minutes before the start 2 guys got up on a platform in front of the group and led us all in stretching and calisthenics. I went along with most of it, and so did about half the runners.

Also, another thing I knew to expect, is that about 75% of runners wear their race shirt the day of the race. Had it been as short as a 5k, I would have joined in, but given it was almost 10 miles and my first race back, I didn’t want to chance suffering through miles of chaffage from wearing a new shirt the day of the race.

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

It was my first race back since becoming pregnant and giving birth via c-section, so it was really cool for me to get back in the racing culture again. While I ran a little slower than I would have liked, I still think I ran to my potential given the shape I’m in, given my training, and given the altitude here. My goal was to break 1:30 and I ran 1:27.13, so not bad!

Also, I love racing in other countries. It’s a cool glimpse into what’s normal for that country and/or that city’s running culture. For the most part races are the same, but there are enough differences that make these races all the more memorable. I just wish I was in better shape to be able to run faster and be closer to the front of the pack, or at least the front of the average Jane runners.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Altitude makes a difference! I wasn’t sure if the race would be flat or not, as I only saw a course map a few days before the race, and even the tiniest of hills were difficult. We gained about 350 feet I believe, according to my Garmin, and most of it was in just a couple hills. Definitely struggled there.

Other tips – Be ready for something to change regarding the race. Just a few days before the race I received an email saying the location of the race had changed (seriously, how does that happen?), so I’m glad I paid attention to that. Even the packet pickup changed the day of the packet pickup.

Bring your own toilet paper (really, to any race here and abroad). The porta potties didn’t have any and thankfully I brought a little ziploc of toilet paper just in case. Many people used the hand paper towels that were in the hand washing stations (really, hand washing stations but no tp in the porta potties???), but had those not been there, people would have been pretty screwed, unless they all know to bring their own tp too.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Train in altitude as long as possible. Don’t start out too fast because it hurts even more at altitude and is harder to recover on the run. I went out a little too fast for the shape I’m in, at 8:45 pace, and suffered the first 4 miles, slowing down more and more every mile, and it was hard to recover on the run, but then got a little pep after 5 miles (and the hills were the worst at miles 4 and 5) and got a little faster near the end.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

For Mexico City, yes. It’s in one of the biggest parks in the city and stays in the park, so it’s definitely a pretty place to run. We went around a few lakes that were actually really beautiful to run around, especially given that I could see the entire circle around the lake surrounded by runners, and because early morning mist was still steaming off the top of the water.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Yes, only because it’s at altitude, because there are a few hills, and because of all the turns and turn arounds. For someone who is accustomed to altitude, it’s a fairly easy course that’s more annoying than anything because of all the turns. It’s a relatively flat course, but for me, altitude made a difference.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

On a scale of 1-10, I would say an 8. The packet pickup location change felt like a newbie move and it was a little unnerving that they changed the race location days before the race. Otherwise, during the race, it felt like a well oiled machine. It’s an Adidas race series, so you’d hope it feels put together. We started the race right on time, there were lots of bathrooms near the start, tons of signs throughout the race, volunteers at every turn, and plenty of water and gatorade, and a nice finish chute at the end with a goody bag.

Competition – is there a strong field?

Yes, there was an Elite starting chute and by the look of them warming up and judging by the results, definitely a strong field. I’m not sure how deep it was, but there were certainly fast times. This is also part of a race series throughout the year, so I would bet a lot of people do the entire series and focus on really racing all of them.

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.

It had a cap of 5,000 and sold out about 10 days before the race, and registration only opened in late May, so sign up early. When I signed up I was #4489, so I was one of the last to sign up and it closed shortly thereafter. If you want to run any of the races in this series, stay on top of when registration opens. And pay attention to any race communication after you’ve signed up, as they change things all the time.

Aid Stations

It had 3 water stations and 3 Gatorade stations. Either way, it was plenty throughout the race, not so much that it was overkill, but enough that I was actually thirsty by the time the water stops came around. The only downside was that it was either a water station or a Gatorade station, but not both. There wasn’t any other aid like Gu; I carried one Powergel, which I ate at mile 7.

Weather and typical race conditions –

We’re in the rainy season so it’s typically high 50’s, low 60’s in the early mornings and warms up to high 70’s in the day. The race started at 7am, so it was dark and high 50’s until the race started, then warmed up over the course of the race. It was fairly humid since it had rained quite a bit the night before, which made for some puddles and muddy spots along the way.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Bring your own toilet paper and your own food, such as Gu or Powergel. Other than that, nothing special since it’s a road race.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Sort of. Had Matt been there for the start (he had Paavo do deal with, so he wasn’t getting there that early), he could have seen me at the start, at 6k, and then the finish. If he was able to get around the course faster without a baby, maybe he could have seen me at one other spot in the park.

Awards –

I think they gave away special shirts to the first 30 people and I think because it’s a race series that there’s like a “yellow jersey”, Tour de France type shirt, that they give to the winner of that race.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

4 out of 5. Had the packet pickup not been so hellish of an experience, it would be a 5. Otherwise, a fun race in a big green space in the city, well run, competitive, well supported, and downright fun to be a part of in another country.