Race: San Diego 50 Mile
Runner: Coach Jeffrey Zawadzki
Race Date: 01/18/2020
Location: Escondido, CA
Results: 14th overall, PR 8:17
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- I loved the trails around Lake Hodges
- The aid stations are awesome and well stocked with food and motivated volunteers!
- Downhill and flat last couple of miles.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
On my part I showed up with literally 3 minutes to the start.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
For a 50 mile trail race this is a very fast flat course which can be misleading as you try to pace the first half and second half of this race. I was blazing in the cool weather for the first half and then the heat of the day came and slowed me down, due to lack of drinking fluids on my part. Finished fast and downhill was a wonderful yet painful feeling as you hammer toward home with the #mambamentality!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Pace… pace… pace yourself.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Pace… pace… pace yourself. It will get warm out there.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It is an out and back course but the way back has an off shoot for about 4 miles or so that can mentally fatigue you more than the run.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The course is 90% gorgeous and 10% flat farm type land. The views are amazing at points.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The only difficult part of this race is the final stretch up Raptor Ridge and down the flat 3 miles at the end.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Organized well and went off flawlessly!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The field is getting more and more competitive and faster.
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.
No, just read the directions beforehand.
Weather and typical race conditions
Cold start and warm throughout.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Very spectator friendly course.
How’s the Swag?
The swag is okay but it not a reasonably priced race. The finishing award and mug are HOT!!!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4/5 stars
Jeffry Zawadzki is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with Coach Jeffrey, check out his coaching page.
