Race: NWTR: Ravenna Refresher 12k
Runner: Matt Pawelski
Race Date: 11/16/2019
Location: Ravenna Park, Seattle
Results: 1:07:33.8 50/92
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2869554236
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. Delicious aid station
2. Pretty urban park
3. Atmosphere and friendliness among participants
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I don’t care for the starts before everyone spreads out, lots of choke points on slim trails to get around, makes it hard to run at intended pace. Also kind of hurts my ability to lock-in my effort level. Personal growth opportunity 🙂
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
So they made sure to remind us that racers got happy hour pricing all day by showing their race bibs at Big Time Brewery in nearby U-district. However, the establishment was already running an all day happy hour for everyone! Hah!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I paced it well and got started despite being kind of sick, and ultimately accomplished my goal of getting a good workout, with my HR at threshold and higher the whole time.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
If you want to race competitively get to the front!!!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
No new lessons but good reminder that you can’t always predict how you’ll feel on race morning!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s a ravine and so the trails go up and down. It’s mostly rolling with a couple steeper inclines but be aware the terrain will vary a bit.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty park! Can’t wait to go back!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not particularly tough, it’s about 100ft/mile average with some of that at particular sections. The trail when wet at least was quite comfortable, not too rooty or rocky. Definitely easier than say most trails on Tiger and similar.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well-organized. They have lots of practice at this point at NWTR.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Some fast folks in Seattle definitely come out for these. Lots of strong runners in the area!
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, but if you sign up for 4 of these you get extra swag.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Good aid station at the start/finish which you go by twice on the 12k. (3 loops)
Weather and typical race conditions
Early winter / late fall, so wet and cold. I still ran in a tank and thin running shorts despite drizzle and wet course.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
My gaiters may have been nice.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yeah it’s open to the public so friends would be great!
How’s the Swag?
There is a raffle of shirts, mugs, backpacks and beers, as well as gift cards.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3/5 – If you haven’t run at Ravenna Park, it’s a nice way to go there and get a good workout.