“Lessons you learned that will help you next time around: Learn to use your headlamp before the race! Don’t pack so much – it was overwhelming coming back to my car (4 laps of 25) because although I was organized I could’ve been better organized.”
Race: Riverlands 100
Runner: Susan H
Race Date: 05/11/2019
Location: Androscoggin State Park, Turner, Maine
Results: 2nd female/18 out of 26/28:47 /33 DNF
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/athlete/training
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Loved the single track
- Loved that I was able to see my friends who were running the relay at the same time I was running solo
- Loved that I was running with someone for my 1st 100 – especially this course – it wasn’t very big so you are running often alone.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
ATV trails – really rocky – stubbed my toes way too much!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
That I finished! I felt good most of the time – was really concerned about past GI issues – but really concentrated on fueling. Aid station and RD’s were all very encouraging.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Use your headlamp before the race.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Learn to use your headlamp before the race!
Don’t pack so much – it was overwhelming coming back to my car (4 laps of 25) because although I was organized I could’ve been better organized.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Lots of rocks and roots – lots of rolling hills, not so many epic climbs, but over the course of 4 laps – the elevation was at least 10,000 ft.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It is pretty- mostly different types of “forest” that you go thru. Some views of the river and a couple views when you’re on top of a ledge.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes – the ATV trails are tough.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Yes – RD’s and volunteers were great.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s starting to become. Lots of folks from Canada, a few from West Coast, majority from New England.
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.
Just sign up – it did fill up this year – so you probably have until March/April to get in.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Pretty standard fare – I had told a volunteer ahead of time that I was GF and he made sure there were GF options – that was great.
Weather and typical race conditions
Perfect weather – although Saturday was a bit warm – but that’s relative because it just hasn’t’ been warm at all here – probably high 50’s and low 40’s at night. Lots of puddles on the course because it has been such a rainy spring and it had rained on Friday.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nope – good headlamps.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
No – only time you can see the runners is at the Start/Finish – which you do go to every lap.
How’s the Swag?
Yypical – t-shirt/buckle/sticker – race is inexpensive though – and that’s better than swag. There is a pre-race dinner which is included in the price as well as a post-race awards dinner which is included.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4 – But I have nothing really to compare it to – as this was my first 100. It’s not a big race as I said, so for your first – it may be better to do one that has more people.
