Race: Deception Pass 25k
Runner: Stephanie G
Date: 12/10/2017
Location: Deception Pass, WA
Results: 2:29:20, 5th woman, 17th overall
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1310046424
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Beautiful scenery, especially on the first half of the course
- This year, the weather. It was a rare sunny and warm December day.
- The race organizers are such a nice group of people – after the race one of them helped me look through the bushes for my headband I had tossed at the beginning of the race because I got too hot. I’m sure he had many other more important things he could have been doing, but he swore he had seen it and wanted to find it.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
While it is fun to see friends on all of the lollipops, those are some of the hardest trails to pass on of races I’ve run, and you pass by people a lot. There are a lot of blind corners, a lot of narrow trails, and a lot of people.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I thought I ran the flats and downhills pretty well. And I kept a fairly positive mindset, even though this course always seems to be one of the more difficult for me. My legs don’t seem to love these particular rolling hills.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Be mentally prepared for passing on narrow trails, and for the big climb near the end. After that, it really is almost all fun downhill.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
This was the third time I’ve run this race, I learned it’s much nicer when the sun is out!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s beautiful, enjoy the scenery. Lots of little ups and downs with only one major climb.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Definitely!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I always seem to find it surprisingly difficult. I always picture the first half as flat, but it is definitely not.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well run, like all Rainshadow Running races.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It seemed like it this year. It felt like a sprint from the beginning and there were many competitive women in the field.
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.
A lottery many months in advance requires some early decision-making, although this year I ended up buying an entry from someone a week before the race thanks to Rainshadow’s new transfer policy (which I love!)
Aid Stations
One aid station that you pass by twice. I assume it had usual ultra fare, although I did not stop.
Weather and typical race conditions
Usually cold, rainy, windy, unpleasant. This year warm and sunny!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
One bottle worked just fine
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Not particularly, although I think they could drive to the aid station and see you twice.
How’s the Swag?
Received a nice stainless steel much with race logo.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I think I’d give it 4 out of 5. Passing people on those trails is really kind of annoying if you’re trying to get into a rhythm, and the weather is usually terrible (not the race’s fault of course).