Texas

Houston Marathon Info

1. Pre-Race Zoom Call 

With the Houston Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!

Date: Monday, Dec. 29, 2025
Time: 6pm EST
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/3883695228

If you think you can make it, or want to submit a question in advance, email your host TRR coach Elaina Raponi at [email protected].

Can’t make the call? We’ll record the call and share the link in the following week’s newsletter. 

2. Shakeout Run 

Date: TBD

Time: TBD

Location: TBD

3. Houston Marathon Race Intel

Date: January 11, 2026

Location: Houston, TX

Start: Congress Avenue at Fannin

Finish: Lamar and Crawford, one block up from the George R. Brown Convention Center

Course type: Loop

Boston Qualifier: Yes

Elevation gain: 225 feet (68 metres)

Elevation loss: 222 feet (67 metres)

Course Map: https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/race-weekend/course-info/ 

Elevation Map: https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CHM_Elevation_Map.pdf 

Start Line Map: https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-CHM-AHHM-Start-Line-Map-FINAL.pdf 

Temperature

Average high: 63°F (17°C)
Average low: 43° F (6°C)

Tips from Coaches

  • “The wind down in Texas can be pretty strong, so prepare yourself for some possible strong gusts at some portion of the course.” – Coach Jonathan Gooch
  • “The course is mainly flat and fast! But the last few miles are consistent up and down rolling hills along the Buffalo Bayou Park on Allen Parkway. Nothing too crazy, but your legs will be tired at this point and every incline will feel more challenging than the last.” – Coach Jonathan Gooch
  • “About half a mile (or roughly 1 km) from the finish will be the largest hill going from the Bayou Park into the city. Once up that hill, it’s flat to the finish, so you can start to pick up the pace with whatever you have left!” – Coach Jonathan Gooch

4. Race Reports

Want even more intel on the Houston Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:

From Scott Sayler: https://teamrunrun.com/houston-marathon-race-report-scott-sayler/

5. Houston Marathon Coaching Info

At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for Houston Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:

In addition, see the official race website here for even more information.

Above all, good luck!

My Cancer-Filled Ultramarathon: Part 4

This is part 4 of a multipart blog series about one Team RunRunner’s, Vincent Rossi, cancer-filled ultramarathon. Catch up on part 1, part 2, and part 3.

Beyond Me: Running for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN)

Vincent running the Rocky 50 ultramarathon.
Vincent running the Rocky 50 ultramarathon.

Throughout my cancer journey, the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) has been a great resource; in particular, their message boards allowed me to connect with other bladder cancer patients and receive valuable advice. As I learned and gained experience, I tried my best to help others facing a new cancer diagnosis too. I made strong connections with patients through BCAN’s resources, some of whom have become real and meaningful friends. So before the race, I contacted the team at BCAN to set up a “DIY fundraising page”, which I began sharing with friends and family.

While I was thankful to see donations come in before the race, this also made me nervous. I wanted to do my part and finish this race—not just to support BCAN, but to achieve this crazy bucket list goal for myself, and to show my family and children what determination and strength look like. In many ways, the cancer community felt a lot like the ultrarunning community, where friendships and strong bonds formed quickly.

The Final Three Miles: Snakes, Surprises, Strength

With three miles to go, my wife and I reached a stretch of flat, open trail from where we could hear music from the finish area. I could not believe it. “Am I really going to do this?” I thought. I was ecstatic, though also delirious.

It was fully dark now. My wife kept the pace while my eyes stayed fixed on the reflective strips on the back of her running shoes, lit by my headlamp. At one point, my focus glued to her feet moving down the trail, I saw her step on something. “A snake!” I yelled. She looked back, before marching on as if this was normal. Still delirious, I later told her that she had stepped on a venomous copperhead. In hindsight, this felt symbolic—my wife leading me through a dark forest, stepping on threats, driving me to the ER, holding my hand as I woke from a surgery that carried, on average, a 10 percent mortality rate. Together, my wife and I have shared this cancer-filled ultramarathon, and the end wasn’t in sight yet. We kept pushing forward.

Amazingly, we passed at least eight runners in the last three miles, each one a source of energy and motivation to keep going. Many were much younger than me, a 51-year old man holding on tightly; I felt both surprised and proud. The finish line was in sight. This was it, the last part. “Holy shit, we are going to do it!” I thought. As we neared the finish line, despite my delirium and exhaustion, I raised my hand, and my wife high-fived me. It was 9:00 pm and, despite the fact that I was among the final finishers, music was blaring, people were cheering, and the finish line vibes were high!

Vincent's Rocky 50 ultramarathon finisher medal.
Vincent’s Rocky 50 ultramarathon finisher medal.

I Am An Ultramarathoner! (…and my body knows it!)

I crossed the finish line and high-fived the race director. Humorously, a kind volunteer reminded me to stop my watch: the Strava gods rejoiced! I was presented with a Rocky 50 finisher medal and put it around my neck. I just could not believe it: I had finished, I was an ultramarathoner. Then, with all the energy I could muster, I walked to our crew blanket and collapsed. 

My wife, a superhero, packed our rental car with coolers, food, and race supplies as I laid on the ground totally exhausted. We picked up our drop bags and drove back to the hotel. Getting out of the car and limping to our hotel room felt like another ultramarathon, this one rewarded with a long, hot bath.

Post Race Reflections

That night, in the bathtub, I thought about the day’s events. I thought about the last four years of this difficult journey. I was filled with gratitude for my wife, the rock of our family, who kept me going. She made sure dinners were ready while I recovered from chemo, surgery, the difficult treatments, and the side effects of cancer. 

The phrase “run the mile that you are in” became a deep understanding. Beyond what I had done during the race, it was what I had done through my entire cancer journey. It was what my wife was doing every day, coping with the constant stress of this horrible disease. It was what all my cancer friends were doing. Despite tough and awful situations, each of us was running the mile we were in: that was all any of us can do when facing seemingly impossible challenges. Over time, the miles–literally and metaphorically–carve a path through the dark forest of doubt and hopelessness. Tears ran down my face as I lay in the tub with sore and bleeding legs, this deep understanding washing over me.

Waffles at the hotel post race.
Waffles at the hotel post race.

Our Cancer-Filled Ultramarathon 

On Sunday, waiting for our flight back to D.C., I wrote a race report thanking everyone who donated to my Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network fundraiser. I was incredibly grateful for both their donations to BCAN, and the encouragement and belief they showed me. When the race seemed impossible, I persevered through the heat, pain, and endless miles to reach the finish line, fueled by their support.

I was also very thankful for this new ultrarunning community I found. From the aid station crews who encouraged me and opened my Skratch electrolyte packets when my fingers were too swollen, to Chris’s kindness in traveling to Huntsville to meet a stranger and race with him, and of course, my wife, who paced me. I know I would not have finished if she had not been there.

Final Thoughts and Transferable Takeaways 

As I get ready for my next surgery and the continuation of my cancer-filled ultramarathon, I will remember this mantra. I will remember the support from the ultramarathon community and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network. And I suggest that when things get hard, when they feel impossible and you cannot take another step, you do your best, put one foot in front of the other, and run the mile you are in.

About Vincent

Vincent Rossi is a father, husband, cancer survivor, and newly minted ultramarathoner! Check out Vincent’s website and Instagram @gnocchi_dinner. He continues to fundraise for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN). Take a look at Vincent’s BCAN fundraising page here. 

My Cancer-Filled Ultramarathon: Part 3

This is part 3 of a multipart blog series about one Team RunRunner’s, Vincent Rossi, cancer-filled ultramarathon. Catch up on part 1 and part 2. 

The physical startline of Vincent's cancer-filled ultramarathon at the Rocky 50. PC: Let's Wander Photography
The physical startline of Vincent’s cancer-filled ultramarathon at the Rocky 50. PC: Let’s Wander Photography

The First Lap: A Challenge From Step One

Right from the start, this race was hard. My training leading up to the Rocky 50 had been entirely on the flat streets of Washington, D.C., and I had almost no trail running experience. Running with Chris the first five miles was invaluable. He taught me the power hike method for hills that I had read about, but never practiced. 

Immediately, the hills took their toll, as did the heat. As a total newcomer to trail running, the most challenging part was the uneven ground and the tree roots. Oh, the tree roots. The Rocky Raccoon races are known for large pine tree roots on the trail: traps for tired runners. About 10 miles in, I tripped on a root and landed hard. The wind was knocked out of me. “Holy shit,” I thought. “Ok, my first fall.” I told myself iIt was part of the race, and then got up, brushed myself off, and started running again. It must have looked bad because runners around me stopped to check on me. “I’m good!” I yelled, stunned but not hurt. 

Blood, Sweat, and Pee

Later in loop one, I stopped to pee and saw I was already peeing blood. It was a lot—my urine was dark red and thick. This blood was not from running; it began before the race: a sign that the cancer had spread to my kidneys. This, plus my abbreviated training build to this race, made understanding my fluid losses and hydration needs impossible. My right kidney ached: my cancer-filled ultramarathon continued. That was the area surgeons would soon inspect, and then possibly remove. I put thoughts of cancer aside and kept running.

Runner navigating lots of tree roots on the Rocky 50 ultramarathon course.
Runner navigating lots of tree roots on the Rocky 50 ultramarathon course.

At the end of the first loop, I had run 16.7 miles. In training, 16 miles was normal for me. I had been running about 50 miles per week. But this was different. The heat, hills, and uneven ground left me completely exhausted. “Oh fuck,” I thought. Finishing felt impossible after that first lap. I had promised myself I would not quit. I would push myself as far as possible, no matter what.

Before the race, Chris, who seemed worried he had gotten me into a dangerous situation, said, “Hey man, if you feel like you are hurting yourself, it’s just not worth it.” With my cancer history and new diagnosis, I knew today was my only chance. My future was uncertain, so I would push hard. I thought, “Hell, to die during an ultra would be more badass than dying on fentanyl in a hospital bed.” I smiled at Chris and said, “I think I am ready to do hard things.” Chris smiled nervously back. Two more 16.7-mile loops to go.

Lap Two: “Run the Mile You Are In”

Lap two was brutal. I had told my coach I wanted to suffer, and there’s no doubt my wish was granted! Despite refilling my ice bandana at each aid station, the Texas heat meant it quickly became a wet rag. I fell two more times, each time so suddenly and hard I did not even catch myself. One moment I was running, the next I was on the ground. 

I chose not to show my mileage on my running watch; ultramarathon math would not help me right now! I feared that constantly seeing how much distance was left—like 40, 30, or 20 miles to go—would make me lose the mental battle, which I knew was key to staying in the race.

On the flight to Texas, I listened to an ultrarunning audiobook. The author warned about the dangers of ultrarunning math, instead advising runners to simply “run the mile that you are in.” Thinking about running another 30 miles could have broken me easily. During the second lap, this advice came to mind and became my race mantra. I felt a large blister on my right foot from sand in my shoe, but I was too tired to stop and empty it. “Run the mile that you are in,” I thought. My quad muscles began to shake with intense pain. For a moment, I thought, “How can I keep going for another 30 miles?” The mantra returned: “Run the mile you are in.”

Cancer, Caution, and Crew Stations

By the end of the second lap, I reached my crew station where my wife had my race vest ready and waiting. She had packed it with gels, trail mix, salt tablets, and hydration powder for my final lap. The first two laps were so hot that I had opted to run with a belt instead of a vest. 

As I approached, my wife immediately saw I was in trouble. Due to cancer treatments, I had lost the ability to sweat and control my body temperature. For me, 83 degrees Fahrenheit felt like 120! I walked up to the five-gallon ice bucket my wife had also prepared, and put my arms in the ice water, trying to recover from near heat stroke. Chris was there and decided to stop after two laps and about 55 miles, since his main race, the Umstead 100, was coming up. Wisely, he did not want to hurt his performance. 

Rocky 50 ultramarathon aid station.
Rocky 50 ultramarathon aid station.

I was a zombie. Chris talked to me and gave advice, but I do not think I heard anything he said. I struggled to stand. From what I had read about ultras, I knew sitting down was not a good idea. Finishing the second lap meant I had officially run an ultramarathon–beyond the 26.2 mile (42K) marathon distance. But my goal was 50 miles, not 33.4. 

As if Rocky 50 wasn’t already challenging enough, then the nausea hit. I removed a handful of gels from my vest, knowing that if I ate one more, I would throw up. From then on, I would only drink water. I managed to give Chris what might have looked like a smile, unable to speak, and a fist bump on my way out.

Rocky 50 race bibs: "43" for Vincent, "pacer" for his wife.
Rocky 50 race bibs: “43” for Vincent, “pacer” for his wife.

The Final Lap

The third lap started. I had no idea how I would get through the next 16.7 miles. As we began, some of the 50K finishers clapped as I went back on the course. Race rules allowed a pacer for the last lap, and my wife joined me—she was my savior. She did the ultramarathon math for me and tried her best to keep me moving at a pace to finish. Before the race, our plan was for me to speed up on the last lap, maybe run a 9:30-minute mile. Now in real time, the thought of running that fast would have been funny if I was not so scared. My wife ran far ahead, then looked back to see me limping. “Oh man, I am in trouble,” I thought.

At one point, I sat to tie my shoe. An abdominal muscle cramped so badly the pain was unbearable. I screamed, surprising myself. My wife looked at me, very worried, but I got up and kept going. She knew the plan: keep me moving no matter what. “Run the mile that you are in,” I thought again. 

It’s Me Against the Clock 

Near the end of the last lap, with four miles to go, I started to believe I could finish this cancer-filled ultramarathon. But I did not want to get too confident. If my pace slowed or I fell again, I could miss the cutoff time. As we walked up a steep hill, my wife checked her watch. She turned to me and said, “Okay, we need to pick it up now.” Her tone scared me, though not as much as the thought of a DNF (did not finish). I had come so far, endured so much: it was now or never.

I dug deep, trying my best to keep up with my wife. She was jogging at a slow 12-minute mile pace, but for me, it felt like a sprint. My legs were completely raw, and both my feet were bleeding. But for a moment, the thought of crossing that finish line gave me goosebumps. Despite the pain, I felt a fleeting giddiness. I smiled through this new kind of pain.

About Vincent

Vincent Rossi is a father, husband, cancer survivor, and newly minted ultramarathoner! Check out Vincent’s website and Instagram @gnocchi_dinner. He continues to fundraise for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN). Take a look at Vincent’s BCAN fundraising page here. 

Part 4 of My Cancer-Filled Ultramarathon will be released soon.

My Cancer-Filled Ultramarathon: Part 2

This is part 2 of a multipart blog series about one Team Runner’s, Vincent Rossi, cancer-filled ultramarathon. Catch up on part 1 here. 

Vincent Rossi (white shirt) beginning the Rocky 50.
Vincent Rossi (white shirt) beginning the Rocky 50.

An Unexpected Turn

Only two weeks after my Philadelphia Marathon finish, and already planning to run 50 miles, I received unexpected news from a medical test. The result read: “Suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinoma.” Despite being used to cancer stress by now, I felt awful. Surgery to check my kidneys for cancer was quickly scheduled.

This was a major setback, but after several dark days, I decided to rally. I texted my TRR Coach, Brant Stachel, to explain the situation, but mostly to ask how soon I could realistically attempt to finish an ultramarathon. He said I needed at least 12 weeks of specific, more intense training, the high [injury] risk, high reward type. I started training right away.

My original goal had been to complete the Crested Butte Ultra 50 mile in Colorado; a race taking place in September of 2025. However, with surgery on the horizon, I needed a race sooner, much sooner.

From Reddit to Rocky 50

Waiting until after the kidney surgery, or ureteroscopy, was not an option because I knew how fast things could get worse depending on the results.  At that time, I had a false diagnosis of Stage 4 colorectal cancer, later found to be a return of my bladder cancer in the kidneys.

So, on impulse, I posted on the r/ultramarathon subreddit for help finding a suitable race. I wrote about my cancer’s return and my ultramarathon goal. As a first time poster, albeit a long-time consumer, I was surprised my Reddit post received the attention it did. Soon, I had over 100 responses from Redditors suggesting races across the U.S. and worldwide. I was amazed by the supportive messages, including several Redditors offering to race or pace with me. After reading many ultra stories, I thought, “This community is amazing.” A Redditor in San Antonio, Texas, recommended the Rocky 50-mile race taking place in Texas in February, 2025.

Rocky 50 course map.
Rocky 50 course map.

Rocky 50: The Build-Up

My new Redditor friend, Chris from San Antonio, offered to do the race with me. “LFG go!” I replied on the r/ultramarathon thread. The plan was set for my cancer-filled ultramarathon: I would race the Rocky 50.

Rocky 50 was a course good for beginners: non-technical and, by trail running standards, pretty flat with only ~2,700 feet of elevation gain and equal loss. The course consisted of three identical 16.7-mile loops around a large lake in Huntsville, Texas, with a time cutoff of 14 hours and 30 minutes. My wife would crew me on every loop. I had no prior trail running, or trail aid station, experience, so frequent access to her crew station would be very helpful. 

Past weather data for February in Huntsville predicted temperatures between 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit: perfect, I thought. My cancer treatments have made me very sensitive to heat, thus the cooler weather was a big reason I chose this event. Unfortunately, as the race date got closer, bad news came; weather reports predicted 83 degrees! I remembered running the Georgetown Half Marathon in 75-degree weather a few months before and almost passing out at the finish. “How can I run in 83-degree weather?” I thought. “And run 50 miles?!” All I could do was hope and pray that the weather would change at the last minute, but, alas, the forecasts held. 

Chris texted that with this unusual heat, I might want to find another race. But my plane tickets were bought, hotel rooms booked, and the course researched. For me, this race was happening. With my surgery date scheduled, there was no Plan B. 83-degree temperatures or not, Rocky 50 was my race.

Vincent's Rocky 50 drop bags.
Vincent’s Rocky 50 drop bags.

Rocky 50: Race Day!

Fast forward to February 8th and race day was here! Having flown into San Antonio the day before, my wife and I prepared as well as we could within the confines of our hotel room. We carefully packed drop bags with gels, salt tablets, ice packs, ginger chews for nausea, and body lube. Early on race morning, we dropped these bags at the three aid stations and headed to the start. 

It was 6:30 am and the temperature was already 73 degrees! My brow was sweating simply standing around, well before the race began. As we set up a small beach blanket, a cooler with ice, and a folding chair for my wife, I met Chris for the first time. We shook hands and introduced ourselves face-to-face. It was good to meet him. He was friendly and had gone to the effort of driving four hours from his home to the race venue. Through calls and texts, I knew Chris had been preparing. Now, in person, he gave me some last minute advice. “You ran a 4:18 marathon. You can finish this race,” Chris said. I was not so sure. The heat was already affecting me, and, as a result, I was very nervous.

About Vincent

Vincent Rossi is a father, husband, cancer survivor, and newly minted ultramarathoner! Check out Vincent’s website and Instagram @gnocchi_dinner. He continues to fundraise for the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN). Take a look at Vincent’s BCAN fundraising page here. 

Part 3 of My Cancer-Filled Ultramarathon will be released soon. 

Cowtown Ultra Race Report – Coach Jenny Windham

Race: Cowtown Ultra

Runner: Coach Jenny Windham

Race Date: 02/26/2023

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Results: 7:01:02

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

  • The spectators-they line the streets and not only have fun signs, but offer everything from water to snacks & beer or shots!
  • The downtown scenes-you get to see some top attractions like the Stockyards, Cultural district, TCU, and Trinity River Park trails.
  • The friends-this race has been going for 45yrs and has history you can share with other family and friends who had their firsts here.

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

There are a lot of people, which requires planning for parking and meeting up.

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

Define weird haha. If you want a uniquely western TX feel, this is it! Uber friendly folks combined with uber friendly runners!
I wouldn’t define necessarily as weird, but maybe not found elsewhere.

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

  • My friend was running it too! She didn’t have as much confidence, and was dealing with calf issues, so it was nice to feel strong and there for her.
  • My husband and a good friend came out and met us twice, and were there for the finish. Course support decreases the further you go, and that’s when we planned for. There are no drop boxes/bag options in this race, and the weather is always very different by the afternoon.
  • My feet made it with blisters, yes, but no major permanent setbacks. Such a great feeling achieving my first Ultra!

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

  • There are distances from 5K to Ultra, kids 5K and adults. Plan to arrive early, and aim for the Friday Expo/packet pickup.
  • This allows more enjoyment of the moments leading up to the run.
  • Pace yourself, many start out faster than they should. It’s easy to get swept up in the fanfare.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

  • Course familiarity is a bonus, whether it’s mile 9 bridge hill or the different sections you’re passing.
  • I liken it to a road trip. The more you remember various stops, even if it’s an aid station in front of a house having a block party, it’s something to help distract you from how many miles are left, or a nagging knee or blister etc.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Take your time at the beginning as the crowd doesn’t thin out til a couple miles in. There’s no rush, plenty of time to make up for it later once your breathing sets in and legs get warm…sometimes literally. Plan your fuel and stick to it, especially for any areas you struggle with. For most, even myself as I did the shorter distances (Half & Full) it was mentally conquering the mile 9 hill. Having fuel at mile 8 helps, and you can focus on the cheering and mental grit to not stop, etc whatever your goals are. There are bricks you’ll be running on in the Stockyards area. If you have foot or ankle etc issues, you’ll want to take care and plan for a slower section. The finish is uphill, but it’s not steep, just drawn out. Then it turns and you have a flat walk, jog or sprint to the finish line.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s downtown, so mainly roads and store fronts, but there are some fun sections like the Stockyards and residential area near TCU.
The Full/Ultra course go thru nice Trinity River trails, so if you’ve done races there or just weekend training runs, that’s a peacceful area.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

I’d say it’s moderate. There are plenty of hills and turns to navigate. For some this might feel like it drains your energy, for others it might feel like a nice change of pace (pun intended).

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

This is the MOST and BEST organized run of all!!! Constant email communication, prompt replies from race director if you have any team or other questions. They have maps for Expo and Event layout, as well as parking lots, and course, including pacers for all distances.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

  • Oh yes! There’s an Elite Men & Women start a few mins before the main corrals start.
  • The longer courses are USATF and BQ, there are division awards 5 deep for the kids, 3 deep for Adults, 1 deep for the Ultra.

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.

Best prices are earliest, best hotel availability is in advance, as any travel. They also have a very runner friendly race distance change, or deferment to virtual or another racer for a fee. Friends may pickup packets, everything is in their FAQ.

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

  • Standard fare, water and Gatorade Endurance. Some vendors have real food, including pb&j, hot dogs, burgers, plus bananas, oranges, pickles.
  • I didn’t see much GU or wafers, but I was in a longer run where the shorter quicker distances may have used it up.

Weather and typical race conditions

Just like TX weather, it has varied from icy morning to very warm afternoon. They provide a recyclable cover up at the finish, for the next year. Folks generally plan a hoodie and gloves/hat/gaiter for the morning and shorts or tank for afternoon. They donate any thrown away items, or you can hand it off to a loved one if they’re there. Communication is excellent as far as the Expo and Race hours, and last year we had a delayed start on the Saturday races (shorter distances 5K/10K are Saturday, longer Half/Full/Full Relay/Ultra are Sunday) because of ice.

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

They are a Nonprofit active in the Community and donate to C.A.L.F. (Children’s Activities for Life and Fitness), as well as partner with Alzheimer’s Assoc and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and also allow strollers. I’ve seen people run with pockets, running belts, running vest, carrying a hand bottle or hydration packs.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, as long as they don’t mind navigating road closures and crowds. There is a RunFarUSA app they can follow for live tracking, in addition to your Garmin or Strava options. I carry my phone, and my husband was able to track me in tandem with the app. My friend and I ran separate paces before the first mile. I finally only caught up to her at mile 24, but we texted each other starting around mile 20 checking all was good.

How’s the Swag?

The best around! They have running shirts and finisher shirts. Medals that fit a different theme each year, or that you can combine with the previous series. They also have a “Challenge,” which is running a race distance both days, and another medal. The shirts are drywicking, and they also have a store online and in person at the Expo that you can buy hoodies and hats, additional merchandise.

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

5, I absolutely recommend this one for all distances. It’s my favorite and unique to our town culture/history.

Jenny Windham is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.

Austin Half Marathon Race Report – Scott Sayler

Race: The Ascension Seton Austin Half Marathon

Runner: Coach Scott Sayler

Race Date: 02/19/2023

Location: Austin, TX

Results: 1:52:44

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8589711276

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

  1. The Half/Full Marathon were sold out with 18,000 runners strong.
  2. Well organized with “Start/Finish” about 1/2 mile apart with “Gear Check” and plenty of porta-potties in between.
  3. A very challenging rolling hill course with nearly 600′ of elevation gain. The first 3 miles had a 300′ elevation gain. There were only a few miles of nearly flat terrain. The last three miles had three very steep and long climbs. You might be wondering why I’m listing this as something that I liked about the race course. This was a tuneup race for the upcoming Boston Marathon. And although Boston, unlike Austin, begins with a big downhill portion, managing my energy over this rolling course was great preparation for Boston as most of my racing has been on flat terrain.

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

  • I was hoping for a few more bands along the route. After all, this is Austin. The bands that were out playing were awesome.
  • If you’re trying to qualify for Boston, this is a very challenging course.
  • The post race food/drinks was disappointing. No bananas, orange slices.

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

At the 12 mile mark there was a very steep hill that was about 300m long.

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

  • I feel very good about how I executed the race plan. I managed my energy over the rolling hills so that I could put the hammer down and race hard the last 3-4 miles. This resulted in a Top 5 Age Group finish. My fitness is right where it needs to be as I prepare for Boston.

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

  • Between the Start and the Gear Check area, each cross street off of Congress had plenty of porta-potties. The further you got away from the start the less crowed the bathrooms were. There were some pretty long lines down by the start. A few blocks away 5-6 people.
  • Like most half or fulls, go out slow. On this course, with the first 3 miles being uphill, it’s imperative.
  • As Matt Fitzgerald addresses in his book titled: “How Bad Do You Want It?” “Brace yourself for the three hills between mile 9.5 and 12.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Just before the race started, literally a minute or two, I looked down and noticed that I hadn’t double knotted my shoes. As I reached down to double knot, my left shoe laces got tangled up. I thought I was going to get trampled by the crowd, but managed to avoid disaster by getting it untangled and taken care of. That was a close one.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Already mentioned multiple times: A very hilly course

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes. It’s a nice course through the city.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes. It’s a tough course.

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

Yes! Very well organized

Competition – Is there a strong field?

A strong field. The half and the full marathon race side by side for the first 12.5 miles, so if you’re running the half, there will be plenty of people to pull you along and inspire you.

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 was an easy race to sign up for. If you’re traveling from out of town, like many of the big city races, the downtown hotels raise their prices. The hotels were quite bit less expensive on the south side of Lady Bird Lake. And it was an easy 1 mile walk to the start.

Weather and typical race conditions

We had ideal racing conditions. The start temperatures were in the high 40s and moved up into the low 50s with a light breeze.

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

No special gear required

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes! There are plenty of great places to watch the race from. It was very crowed at the finish. You definitely need to make very specific plans to meet someone after the race. My wife chose to meet me back at the hotel. Much easier that way.

How’s the Swag?

The Austin Marathon was three for three on the swag. An awesome Under Armour short sleeve t-shirt, running ball cap and a finishing medal that can be used as a big time cowboy belt buckle. Some of the coolest swag I’ve seen at a race.

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

FIVE STARS. I do recommend this race but not if you’re trying to qualify for Boston for the first time. It’s a great race to prepare for Boston.

Scott Sayler is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.

Jackalope Jam 24 Hour Race Report – Lydia Schrandt

Race: Jackalope Jam 24 Hours

Runner: Lydia Schrandt

Race Date: 02/18/2023

Location: Cat Spring, TX

Results: 66 miles

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8586344654

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

  1. The community. Everyone was super welcoming and supportive and cheered each runner’s accomplishments equally, whether a half marathon or 200 miles.
  2. Easy access to the aid station every 1.5 miles. This means you don’t have to wear a vest or carry much of anything, and you can test out different nutrition strategies.
  3. Organization. Trail Racing Over Texas puts on great events.

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

The course is pretty flat, which was hard on the body as the miles climbed.

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

You’re running a 1.5-mile out-and-back around the “cone of death,” which is a beat up orange traffic cone wrapped in flashing Christmas lights. It’s a bit surreal when you’re approaching the cone at 4am, slightly delirious, with no other runners around.

The appropriately named, Cone of Death

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

I managed to shave almost an hour off my 50k time, and I managed to pass the 50-mile and 100k marks for the first time.

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

Stick to your plan. The event has runners tackling times between 6 and 100 hours, so you’ll see other runners moving at a fast clip and others walking at a leisurely pace. This makes it extra important to run your race and not get distracted by what others are doing.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I need to tinker with fueling after the 9-hour mark. At that point, nothing sounded appetizing, and at one point, even water made my stomach turn. Once I let nutrition get away from me, my performance (and ability to keep warm) began to erode.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s a flat gravel road with zero shade or shelter from wind.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s nice enough, but aesthetics aren’t really the point of this one.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No, other than the fact that the flat path can get monotonous.

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

Very well organized.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It’s a pretty small field – only 35 runners for the 24-hour event. Mostly local Texas runners.

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.

The ranch that hosts the race offers free camping. You can set up a tent right alongside the first 400 meters or so of the course, so you have easy access to whatever you need. There are also RV sites available, and a few small hotels in nearby towns. You can usually register right up to when the race begins.

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

The aid stations generally have water, Gatorade, Base Performance, and a few different types of sodas. There was a nice range of sweet and savory snacks (fruit, trail mix, cookies, chips, pretzels), and at nights, hot foods like ramen noodles and pierogis.

Weather and typical race conditions

It ranged between 40 and 58 degrees for the 24 hour race, but last year had freezing rain and sub-freezing temperatures. Other years have reached the 80s.

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

Definitely a head or waist lamp at night.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes, lots of spectators and crews come and camp alongside the course.

How’s the Swag?

Everyone gets a wooden medal and a hoodie, plus buckles for 100k+ finishers.

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

4/5

Franklin Mountains Trail Run 55k Race Report – Frank Fisher

Race: Franklin Mountains Trail Runs 55k

Runner: Coach Frank Fisher

Race Date: 01/21/2023

Location: El Paso, TX

Results: 6th place 9:19

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8430523651/overview

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

I loved the technical challenging nature of the course. The scenery is awesome, and I enjoyed the lowkey relaxed vibe. This was one of my more enjoyable and memorable race experiences yet.

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

Honestly, no complaints on this one.

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

There’s a few things about that race that are kind of weird. It starts when the rubber chicken goes off, though we had to have a little bit of an extra “leave already” from the RD as most were confused by the chicken. It feels super remote even though the mountain chain the course is on runs through the middle of the city of El Paso. There was an escaped fugitive running around part of the race course that the cops had to track down (helicopters and all) in the middle of the 50 mile racers. No podium awards, and the results aren’t “exact,” which might bug some people. The 55k is much, much closer to 60k than 55k.

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

Well, maybe not a highlight, but I face planted and dislocated a finger around mile 21. Despite that, I had an awesome day! This is hands down the most technical ultra I’ve run, which was really enjoyable for me. I knew it was going to be a long day so I approached it more like a 50 miler, with a focus on being efficient over speed. That strategy paid off well, and I felt great the majority of the race minus the period post crash and the last mile or so of the big climb (elevation/long climb combo were tough!). I really enjoyed being able to race in my hometown and the mountains I grew up on, such a beautiful and underrated part of the country.

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

This is a HARD course! The vast majority of it is rocky and technical with some tough climbs and tricky descents. There are sections that might make you pucker up if you’re scared of heights, lots of washouts and a few spots where some scrambling is required. Although I thought the course was well marked you do have to pay attention, and it helps to have the map handy. This is not a course for beginners. If I were the RD, I would probably have some pre-recs to race the 55k and the 50 miler. I also highly suggest reading the race manual and attending the online pre-race meeting.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

You really have to stay on your toes and pay attention on this course. I knew that going in, and I still crashed. I also saw a guy face plant into a prickly pear, and one other dude broke his finger too, so be careful. There are some sections in the first half of the race that you can take advantage of and open it up some.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

This course starts with a hard climb in the first 1.5 miles. The next 13-14 miles are the fastest section of the course. A lot of the climbs/descents don’t look terrible on the elevation profile, but the rocky nature just slows you down. There’s only 3 aid stations throughout the 37-ish miles, so you need to be sure you have all you need when you leave the aid stations. From mile 23 to 35 there’s only a water stop and it’s around mile 26. This is also the hardest part of the course with a 3000 ft climb up to just over 7000 feet. The middle section of the big descent is slow and technical, and the footing can get difficult. That turn is also easy to miss, but there are signs. The last 1.5 miles to the finish are no joke either.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes, classic desert southwest. You can see for miles from the top of the mountain with views of Texas, Mexico and even snow capped mountains in New Mexico.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes!

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

Excellent race organization. It was a smaller race numbers wise, but very well done with a full weekend of different race options. Volunteers were fantastic, and the RD, John, was awesome.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It’s not a big field, but it seems to attract a well experienced crowd. No elite level runners, but plenty of good runners.

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 get into, right in the middle of town so race morning is a breeze. El Paso is a big city with great food and plenty to do. It’s also very cheap!

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

Standard stuff, but as mentioned, only 3 full aid stations on the course and there’s huge gap between 2 and 3.

Weather and typical race conditions

Sunny, cold and windy. It was 22* at the race start, warmed up to low 50’s. The sun makes if feel warmer than it is till the wind picks up later in the day. You definitely need to layer up for a long day. Once the sun starts to set it gets cold quick, so an extra jacket or something would be smart.

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

One of the few courses I might recommend poles for. You definitely want some heavier lugs on your shoes that grip well on rock and loose dirt. Layer up and be ready for a 30* average temperature swing throughout the day.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

The start finish is in Tom Mays park which is really nice for friends and family. You can also see a lot of the finish there, but the rest of the course is hard to get to and they prefer not to have spectators.

How’s the Swag?

Cool t-shirt.

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

5 out of 5 stars!

Frank Fisher is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.

Hoka Bandera 25k Race Report – Frank Fisher

Race: Hoka Bandera Endurance Event 25k

Runner: Coach Frank Fisher

Race Date: 01/08/2023

Location: Bandera, TX

Results: 18th, 2:26:31

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8360705673/overview

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

It’s a super cool weekend with the 100k being a Golden Ticket race, so the vibes are fantastic! I really liked the course; challenging, technical but still fun and runnable. It’s fairly big for a trail race so lots of good competition close to home for me.

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

Parking was not great, but not the worst. Other than that, I didn’t have any issues.

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

We have this super fun plant here in central Texas called the sotol. It’s like if you sent an aloe plant to spend the summer in hell and it came back angry and dehydrated with lots of tiny razor sharp teeth. The course is covered in these plants, and they’re almost impossible to miss while you’re running. At the same time they don’t really hurt when you run through them, you’ll just have a these tiny little cuts on your legs at the end of the day.

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

This was more of a hard training run for me, so not an ‘A’ race. My goal was to have a good strong run and beat my legs up a bit, so in the words of GW, “Mission accomplished!” I managed my effort really well, stayed on top of nutrition and hydration and had a solid race start to finish. The climbs and descents were strong, I handled the technical portions well, and came out unscathed (besides aforementioned minor scratches). I also wanted to stick my nose in it a little earlier in the race and ‘race it’, which I did, just so happened to be a really fast year.

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

Don’t worry about the sotol. The climbs are punchy but short. Shoe choice is worth considering. You’ll want something with some heavier lugs and a rock plate, or lots of cushion to protect your feet. I did slip a fair bit, but lots of dry rocky sections with loose dirt, and also a good amount of bare rock on the downhills which can also be slick for some outsole compounds.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Arrive a little earlier for better parking. The course is tough, but not scary tough. It’s very runnable so don’t be afraid to attack the front section a little harder.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Lots of rocks, but if you stay focused and go it’s not as slow as it looks. The first 7.5 miles are the most technical and slower part of the course, which is also where most of the vert comes in as you go up and down 3 large hills. It gets fast after that till the last climb around mile 13.5 which is probably the steepest and rockiest climb of the whole course, but it’s super short and only takes a 1-2 minutes. It pitches down real quick to a short technical descent and then you can hammer home the last 1.5 miles.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes, this is a very pretty part of Texas. Quintessential Hill Country with a number of really nice views along the course.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yes. If Courtney Dauwalter says it’s tough, I think it’s tough. Although it doesn’t have a ton of vert, the technicality and punchy ups and downs make it a challenge. The conditions can certainly add to it too.

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

Very well done! Tejas Trails kills it.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes! Lots of super fast regional folks as well as out of state peeps. I was impressed with how fast this race was. My time would normally be top 10, so this was an extra fast year. It made it lots of fun though, and some tight racing all the way through.

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 get into, but it is a big weekend event that’s in a remote part of Texas so not a lot of hotels/lodging near the race course. There is camping around the start line. San Antonio and Kerrville are also both around an hour drive.

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

The 50k goes on at the same time as the 25k on Sunday, so well stocked aid stations with lots of volunteers. I didn’t stop so not totally sure what’s there, but given the size of the event I would expect a good spread.

Weather and typical race conditions

It’s Texas in the “winter”… It could be 75* and 99% humidity with some showers like it was for the 100k on Saturday, or it could be 55* clear and sunny like it was the next day for us.

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

Other than shoes like I mentioned above, not really. Aids are close enough to not worry about having to carry a lot of water. Some people wore longer shorts or tights to protect their thighs from the sotol, but I don’t think it’s that bad.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yep. Really easy access for spectators. They do charge for non-racers to enter the state park, but the way the course is setup it’s easy to get around. Plenty of people cheering around the course.

How’s the Swag?

Nice long sleeve T-shirt. Cool awards for podium peeps, some sotol style sculptures, buckles for the 100k.

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

5 out of 5. Highly recommend the 25k for anyone looking for a good race in the winter. I think I’ll come back for the 50k next year. Of course, the 100k is a Golden Ticket race and Western States qualifier. Probably one of the better options to get the WS qualifier for those of in the Texas and southwest regions.

Frank Fisher is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.

Salmagundi Trail Half Marathon Race Report – Frank Fisher

Race: Salmagundi Trail Half Marathon

Runner: Coach Frank Fisher

Race Date: 11/12/2022

Location: Austin, TX

Results: 3rd dude

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8107278898/overview

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

The course was fun and fast, weather was perfect, and it’s pretty close to home.

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

You have to register early for swag (a beanie), and packet pick up was downtown on a Friday…not exactly the most fun thing to do. If you bring any friends or family with you that are not racing it costs $5 per person to enter the park.

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

I was looking at this race as more of a fitness check and a workout, so I did not go hard from the beginning. I stayed relaxed for the first 4-5 miles, but I also wanted to stay close to the front and possibly compete for a podium if the legs were feeling good. That ended up working out and I had plenty of people to chase down through the rest of the race. My legs felt great and a strong finish got me to that last podium spot.

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

The first 1.5 miles is the most technical part of the race, its narrow single track with some very rocky spots that you need to watch out for. After that it opens up to mostly two track the rest of the way. It’s very runnable with two modest longer climbs. Keep an eye out for the turns and signage. There are multiple distance races going on at the same time, and the signage was all the same color with small lettering so you have to pay attention. There’s only one aid station that you pass by a couple of times with no aid for the last 5 miles of the race. Something to keep in mind if you’re not carrying water.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

If it rains the day of or day before the course will be muddy, and it will stick to your shoes so watch the paths you take. Seems like the better path through the muddy spots was where other runners had taken the top layer of muddy clay off.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Turns and signage. I got lost in one of this race organizations previous races for the same reasons; small lettering, signs all the same color for all races going on. They do a good job of posting the race course beforehand so make sure you have a good idea of where your turns are. It’s a little long too, so if you’re looking at your watch towards the end of the race it might get a little frustrating as the total distance is closer to 13.5-13.7 miles.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s pretty nice for this part of Texas.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Nope. I overestimated how tough it would be and was way under the time I thought I’d likely finish in.

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

I’ve volunteered and ran a few of their races now, it’s kind of a mixed bag. I think they have it pretty well together, not quite a well oiled machine, but not flying by the seat of their pants either.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Relatively speaking, yes. Good size field, lots of good runners in the area. Maybe not quite the top end, but plenty of people to race for your ability level.

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 get into, did not quite fill up. Less than an hour from most parts of Austin. Plenty of parking and port-o-potties. Perfect set up for a local race.

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

Not sure, didn’t stop. Very friendly and lively crew though!

Weather and typical race conditions

Typically, low’s in the 40’s highs in the 60’s. This year was cold, but sunny. Generally, a nice time of year in central TX.

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

Fast shoes and a hand held is probably all you need. Most of the course is hard pack sand/dirt on two track.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Sort of, plenty of trails to get around on and catch runners at multiple points of the race if you were so inclined. As mentioned, there is an additional charge to enter the park for non racers, so it didn’t really seem like too many spectators came out. However, the start/finish area was nice with tacos, coffee and beer so not a bad place to come watch a race either.

How’s the Swag?

Meh… I didn’t register early enough to get the beanie, and that was it. It’s kind of pricey too, so no swag is kind of a bummer.

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

I’d say 4 out of 5. I really liked this course! It’s very runnable, the surface is nice, plenty of fun sections to rip it on and excellent weather. By far my favorite course I’ve raced on in central TX. Most of the other races I’ve done out here are really rocky with lots of twists and turns that slow you down, this one is just the opposite. I’d say it’s a tad bit overpriced for not having any good swag and it being a local race, but other than that, I’d highly recommend it.

Frank Fisher is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.

Spartan Beast Dallas Race Report

Race: Spartan Beast

Runner: Coach Jenny Windham

Race Date: 10/22/2022

Location: Granbury, TX

Results: 5:35:39

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

Running with friends, the Spartan Community, the beautiful weather.

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

The terrain was very technical between cactus, hills & rocky creek crossings. Blisters, learning lesson that I should size up 2 next pair of trail shoes.

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

Of all my past runs, this one I took a small tumble. Nothing serious, just more proof that muscles and brain fatigue despite the best fueling, hydration & training strategies.

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

I appreciated running with workout friends, and seeing our hard work paying off as we passed others who were having to rest, and some who could barely walk due to leg cramps. Giving our all at the obstacles was a mental exercise trying to prioritize how much energy we had just then vs what was ahead. My husband had fuel/HR issues, so we kept track and that’s the nice thing about this Community is you know they’ll take care of you even if your friend or family isn’t there. Our 63yr trainer friend was in the lead, and seeing him be able to complete a course he had previously dismissed was the ultimate inspiration!

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

Bring more than what you think you’ll need in the way of layers, gear, fuel & hydration. There’s a free bag check, and I leave a combo of things there as well as the truck. If you can’t carry it on course, at least you’ll have it as soon as you finish. Enjoy the Community and atmosphere. Having FUN is the biggest part, no matter if you’re in a Competitive or Open wave.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

The course and obstacle order change every race, and I had brought liquid chalk for the first time. It was nice having it, but ended up not needing it. Each obstacle uses a different type of strength, so until you reach them, it takes quick assessment of mind and body. Pause to watch a few others and see how they fare. There’s no practice attempts, so don’t rush getting in line. I also bring a thin biking glove for things like the plate drag, Hercules hoist, rope climb. Some things are easier when you have more feeling though, especially that require precision. We had the sun in our eyes a couple of times, not much you can do except check your view with and without sunglasses. I always tell myself to watch my footing and pick up my feet, but you have people passing, so I would say my ultimate lesson is try to stay focused.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Anything goes. Be prepared mentally and physically for a chilly start, wind, blazing sun, stop to rest in the shade if possible. One year they brought water in to make the ENTIRE course a big mud trail. The earlier you can start, the better for many reasons. Allow extra commute time for parking, and registration/portalet/bag check lines. Shop when you first arrive for merchandise, if desired, there’s no crowd and you can stuff it in your bag check.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It was this year, but last year was at a nearby ranch with much more flat and sunny switchback lanes. This year we had longhorn cattle, goats & horses. Also a very scenic pond area. Much more hilly this year, but those always bring such inspiration with the reward of the view at the top. This year, there was more cactus and rock than dirt or grass.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

For sure! It’s designed to be. This is the longest of the Trifecta, 13ish miles. The shorter ones are less intense, but they reserve the biggest WOW factors for the Beast. They will combine several tough obstacles in a short section, then have long stretches of running and hills. Sometimes they combine a tough obstacle like 40lb sandbell carry up and down a steep hill. I stopped comparing one race to another, they vary so much. I had planned to do the Ultra, which is 2 loops of this Beast race, but had unexpected BP issues in April so decided to wait until all clear with that. I wasn’t able to train as intensely so am keeping it on my goal list for when the time is right.

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

These races are historically top notch in everything from registration to volunteers to staff. There are others in my area I won’t even consider due to less organized or safety measures in place. I have personally witnessed several medical instances and their quick response, as well as participants, which are impressive and appreciated. It’s a family affair, with kids runs, spectators and vendor/festival activities.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

This is for sure the Elite and Age Group waves. Internationally known, super inspiring. I did an Age Group race in June for the first time, and did well though definitely wasn’t in podium reach. Open class is most inspiring and enjoyable for me personally, not only because you can start a bit late of your wave time if needed, and can join with friends of all different fitness levels/ages/etc.

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.

The best deals are planned out. You can volunteer and earn a free race code. You can buy a Trifecta pass, if you know you’re wanting to do a Sprint (5K), Super (10K), and Beast (21K). Otherwise, you can signup individually and just check for Groupons, which may only apply for afternoon waves. People enjoy traveling as a destination race, so you get to meet folks from all over.

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

There are water, water fill stations & someties Gu or Honey Stingers, just depends on that year’s sponsors. These are listed on the course map in advance.

Weather and typical race conditions

TX weather changes often, these courses typically have water and mud. The MC will give a good race report at the start line too.

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

My preferences are a water pack with pockets for fuel, chapstick, sunblock, eye drops & my phone in a ziplock bag. Some people don’t carry water, but I like the freedom to add an electrolyte or in this case I used my performance fuel the entire way and supplemented with water at the aid stations. I also added 2 gels for extra stamina at miles 5 and 9. Some sort of sun protection like a hat, gaiter, arm sleeves, thin leggings or hiking/compression socks. Definitely trail shoes pay off for the terrain, mostly steep muddy inclines when you could have a sandbag or bucket in your grasp as well.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

It lasts 5+ hours, so knowing that ahead of time is helpful between meals at food trucks, watching others compete, start or finish. In this case, you could also walk the grounds and look at the longhorns and some ranch buildings. Some race distances are usually combined, so there’s always something going on. The Spectator pass is $20 race day, but if you know in advance you’ll need it, you can request a free one with your registration. I also pick a few top restaurants in the area ahead of time, as there could be long lines at the food truck, or even at the first stop with others refueling.

How’s the Swag?

The tees are top quality, but sizing is running small this year. You receive a medal with a detachable piece that fits in a display plaque. You can buy individual coins for each location if you like, get a patch, tshirt, tank, hat, decal or sticker. The merchandise tent has shoes you can try on. With a Trifecta pass, you get a $50 merchandise credit. You also will receive a recovery drink, water and some snacks or banana. This year was water, a banana, protein bar or fruit bar. Always a good variety. There are also official photos, so a nice variety to get just one or 2 things each time until you know you have a particular goal race etc you want to commemorate.

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

5 for sure, and YES! Don’t be as intimidated as I was to just get out there are see what you can do! I still can’t do every obstacle, but I do my burpees or penalty loop and move forward. You’ll meet tons of friendly participants who love talking strategy and motivation.

Jenny Windham is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.

Tejas Trails Cap’n Karl’s 20k Race Report – Ryan Sheehy

Race: Tejas Trails Cap’n Karl’s Reveille Peak Ranch 20k

Runner: Ryan Sheehy

Race Date: 08/27/2022

Location: Burnet, TX

Results: 3rd Place

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7712071346

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

  • The night time race is always a fun aspect, it gets you in a different environment under the headlamp.
  • REALLY REALLY well marked course, and even though it was at night and very twisty, I never felt lost at all.
  • The course was challenging but not brutal – running on a large granite dome can definitely put wear and tear on you.

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

  • There’s some pretty hard spots where the rocks are jagged and definitely led to some blistering on my feet.
  • It’s a bit off the beaten path.
  • The granite can be had on the body, and you go from loamy/sandy dirt to rock and back, so there’s no middle ground, it’s either super hard or super soft trail.

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

The granite dome is probably it. The footing is uneven and hard, and etched out from rain.

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

I really dialed in my nutrition on this race, where I planned ahead with my fuel and had it loaded and ready to go. I knew what I was going to eat, when I was going to eat it, and just stuck with the plan. I also really maintained a healthy hydration.

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

Don’t be afraid to share miles and tailgate someone else for a few miles. It leads to great conversation (if you’re willing or their willing to) and allows you to keep a healthy pace without feeling like you’re pushing it. It also passes the time well before the race starts to really crank up.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

This is a multi-lap race (2), and each one was 6 miles. Next time I run a similar distance lap race, I will likely have a second hydration vest packed and ready to go and just fast-swap out the packs.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The granite dome will get you! Just take it easy on it.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s quite dark when the race actually starts but the venue is beautiful.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

I would rate this as a moderate course. Not too technical or heavy on incline. But the footing on the dome is hard to place and there’s plenty of rollers throughout the course.

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

Tejas Trails puts on some of the best races in the country (they host the Bandera 100k qualifier for WS100, and the Rocky Raccoon 100 (also a WS100 qualifier and UTMB qualifier). PJ the race director is a pro, but keeps it fun the whole time too.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The field was a little light this time around (55 runners total) but the top 4 finished within 10 minutes of each other.

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.

Really easy to get in, the ranch is a fun place and plenty of parking and camping spots (primitive and hookups)

Weather and typical race conditions

The weather was BEAUTIFUL, after a brutal summer of 100 degree days (and early evenings) the starting temp of this one was 87 and only got cooler as the race went on. No rain, but some beautiful lightning off in the distance (a safe distance away)

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

There’s plenty to do at the start/finish line for spectators to hang out and enjoy.

How’s the Swag?

Solid medals, great shirts!

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

4.5 star. Definitely recommend it to experience a unique Texas environment (social, cultural and ecological).

Looking to run your first trail race? Check out our trail running coaches to get started!

Habanero 100 (20k) Race Report – Lydia Schrandt

Race: Habanero 100 (20k)

Runner: Lydia Schrandt

Race Date: 08/20/2022

Location: Cat Spring, Texas

Results: https://ultrasignup.com/live/live.htm?dtid=46073

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

  1. The crazy challenge of the whole thing
  2. The stellar volunteers and well-stocked aid stations
  3. General tailgating race atmosphere

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

  1. The sand pits
  2. Not the most scenic course

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

It starts at noon in August in Texas, which generally means crazy heat and humidity. For my race, it was 88 with a heat index of 100, 66% humidity, and this was considered a rather cool day for this race’s standards.

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

I knew I wasn’t going to set any speed records given the heat, so I went out intentionally slow. Pretty much everyone was walking at some point or another, and I can almost always pass people while walking/hiking. It was slow, but I managed to place 3rd female in the 20k.

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

This is a weirdly Texas challenge with distances ranging from 10k to 100 miles (including 100k and 100-mile relays). If you’re looking for a challenge that doesn’t involve any vert, give this one a try. The race is well organized, and you’re never more than 3 miles from an aid station.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

This is all about heat management. I had to slow down way more than I expected.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The course is a 10k loop that goes through several sand pits. Gaiters were a life saver to prevent it from getting in my shoes. The whole course is technically easy and runnable, but the extreme heat makes it a challenge.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The course passes through 7IL Ranch an hour west of Houston. It’s pretty typical Texas countryside. Nothing spectacular. Honestly, it was too hot to worry much about the scenery 🙂

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Not really. Several sandy areas, but relatively flat and not at all technical.

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

Yes, Trail Racing Over Texas puts on fantastic events with great volunteer support. This race was no exception.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Not especially. I imagine it’s more competitive at the 100-mile and 100k distances, but it’s not really a race where anyone’s going to PR.

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.

Very easy to register. It sometimes sells out, but usually only a week or two in advance.

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

A full range of sodas, water, Gatorade, and snacks. They also have Powerade slushies, which are fantastic when it’s hot. There’s always plentiful ice and ice buckets with sponges for cooling off. There were two fully staffed aid stations on the course (a 10km loop) as well as one unmanned station with water and ice.

Weather and typical race conditions

Hot and humid. Expect a head index of over 100 at the starting line (and until after sundown for the longer distances).

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

Gaiters to keep the sand out of your shoes.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

The start/finish line area is pretty lively with a bunch of people (including families) camping out for the weekend.

How’s the Swag?

Tri-blend shirt, nice medal, and a cool visor with led lights along the front of the brim

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

3.5/5 – Objectively, it’s not the prettiest or most fun race, but it does offer a unique challenge and an excellent community.

Want to get into trails but not sure where to start? Check out our coaches to see if we can help!

Capt’n Karls Night Trail Race 20k – Frank Fisher

Race: Capt’n Karls Night Trail Races 20k

Runner: Coach Frank Fisher

Race Date: 06/25/2022

Location: Johnson City, TX

Results: 6th place 1:54:40

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7369092782

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

I like the night race, that was a fun experience. Lots of stars once the sun went down. Pretty good turnout and a nice setup. Course marking was excellent and easy to see.

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

It was HOT! 96* at 8:30 PM. Very dusty, been a long time since we had some rain in these parts. The longer distance races were running opposite direction on the same trails and getting lights shined in your eyes is no fun.

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

Maybe not weird, but definitely a product of our horrible hot and dry summer, was the fine dust particles just hanging in the air. It was really thick in some places and made for some interesting visual effects with the headlamps going about.

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

Highlight #1, did not fall or twist an ankle! It’s a fairly rocky course and my headlamp is not the greatest, so staying upright was awesome. I paced it pretty well and beat my goal time coming in. I was able to pass a lot of people on the second loop and managed to keep my core temp under control despite the warm conditions. I did start to overheat towards the very end, but I dialed it back and reset my pace a little bit and that got me to the finish.

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

Be smart in the heat. Start conservative and make sure you are well hydrated before you get to the start line. Keep drinking throughout the race and have some sort of cooling strategy ready. Be aware you will likely be slower if you’re not used to running in high temps. Good lights make a big difference on this course. There’s quite a few rocky and rutted sections that you will want to be able to see well once it gets dark.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I thought I could get away with my current headlamp, but I will have to get something more substantial for future races. Other peoples’ super bright lights were casting shadows over me and my little headlamp, which made it a lot harder to see what was in front of my feet.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s rocky and rutted in places. Even though it’s a fast course as far as trail races go, it’s easy to get caught by some loose sharp rocks. I saw quite a few people eat it and/or turn ankles. Be ready for it to still be warm even with a late start.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Typical Texas hill country, although it would normally be greener at this time of year, it’s a pretty area. Not a lot of views on this course, but once the sun goes down the stars are amazing!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No, not a tough course at all. Potentially a very fast course. Uphills are very modest and downhills are gradual so you can really rip it. The hardest thing for me was the heat.

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

Well run. Tejas Trails put together an excellent race. Course was well marked, very smooth packet pick up, plenty of port-o-potties, race results posted quickly.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Much larger race than anticipated with some good runners. There are several different distances racing at the same time so it gets a little hard to tell who you’re racing against, but I thought there were plenty of good runners to keep you working hard.

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 sign up for. Not too far out of town so an easy drive. Camping and day pass comes with registration so you can camp out after the race if you like. Plenty of parking. Great race for locals.

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

Seemed like standard fair. Only one aid on the 10k loop, and I’m not totally sure what was there since I didn’t stop on either of my two loops, but the start/finish aid was well stocked. Tailwind and water, oranges, cookies, chips, all the good stuff.

Weather and typical race conditions

Normally a little bit cooler this time of year. This just happened to be one of the hotter days we’ve had in this La Nina summer of hell. I think 104 was the daytime high, and as mentioned…around 96 at race start. I would think normal race conditions would be mid 80’s.

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

Good lights, plenty of water and a cup for aid stations (cupless race).

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yep. Very easy to get around the course. Plenty of stuff going on at the start/finish, and a kids race (my girls were upset that I did not take them once they found out there was a kids race). Food trucks and beer also, nice chill atmosphere with plenty of people hanging around.

How’s the Swag?

Pretty medal. Not much else.

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

I’d give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Well run event, kind of pricey for what it is. Not the most challenging or aesthetically beautiful course, but it’s what we got. Great event to get some miles in, distances all the way up to 60k. Solid local race.

Frank is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coaching page.

Dallas Half Marathon Race Report – Scott Sayler

Race: BMW Dallas Half Marathon

Runner: Scott Sayler

Race Date: 12/12/2021

Location: Dallas, TX

Results: 1:49:09

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/6375974175

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

  • Great course!
  • Nearly perfect weather.
  • Well organized! (see below…no negative comments)

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

I’m preparing to qualify for Boston at the January 16, 2022 Houston Marathon. Part of my preparation was racing the Williams Route 66 Tulsa Half Marathon back on Nov. 21. I had a 5 minute PR in that race and felt pretty good about myself going into the Dallas Half Marathon. I had been nailing all of my workouts and was excited about improving upon my 1:52:09 at Tulsa. My pre-race goal was to improve upon my Tulsa results.

The Dallas course has a slight 200′ gain in elevation on the front half and a slight downhill 200′ loss heading towards the finish line. My goal was to go out a bit faster, but nothing crazy. I was hoping to settle into a pace that allowed me to really open it up and race for home in the second half. It worked to perfection. I ran nearly a perfect race. I hit all of my front half splits going out the first mile, holding back at 8:45 and then settled into a 8:25-8:30 pace for the first half of the race uphill. I was hoping to sustain 8:15 on the second half but exceeded my expectations with the following splits from 7 miles on: 8:22, 8:11, 7:55, 7:55, 7:45, 7:52, 7:48. My goal was to break my Tulsa PR by a minute or so. I thought I had an optimistic shot at breaking the 1:50 barrier. Result exactly a 3 minute PR. Expectations exceeded. I never looked at elapse time. I totally focused in on each individual mile. It didn’t hurt that I had nearly perfect weather. Temps at start were high 30s, sunny, light wind, temps at finish high 40s.

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

Hold back at start conserving energy for the second half of the race. At the start, the race course immediately goes downhill. It would be very easy to go out too fast. On the front half, push a bit on the slight uphill sections, but not so much that there’s nothing in the tank when you get to the slight downhill. The slight downhill allows you to really open it up.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Many time us runners have an alternative plan if our race plan is not going well. Be sure to have an alternative race strategy for those times when you are exceeding your race plan….and go for it!

I have been experimenting with UCAN edge fuel to go. (Super starch) This was the first time I had raced with it. I followed the directions and
consumed UCAN 40 minutes before the race and then at the 8.5 mark where UCAN had a station. I had no ill affects, no stomach issues. I will be using it at Houston.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

  • Hold back at the start
  • Conserve on the front half
  • Race downhill on the second half
  • It really helped me for my pre-race prep to stay in a hotel (Aloft) adjacent to the start. I was 1/3 mile from my corral. I was able to stay warm and take my last bathroom break before heading out for a short warmup.
  • I also had some disposable warmup gear that kept me warm prior to start

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes, mostly. The course starts and finishes downtown among the Dallas skyscrapers. There are some beautiful neighborhoods along with everyday nothing to write home about city streets.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Although it is not flat, the Dallas Half Marathon is not a tough course. All of the uphill and downhill is very gradual. It could be tough if you went out too fast.

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

Yes!

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 would say it helps to book early.

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

Excellent aid stations along the route. 9 stations in 13.1 miles. They also had UCAN (starch energy fluid) at the start and mile 8.5 (16 mile for marathon)

Weather and typical race conditions

Slightly cool but much preferred to warm/hot. Temps were in the high 30s to start and high 40s at the finish. Sunny and light winds

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

With the cool temps, I had some disposable warmup gear

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yes!

How’s the Swag?

  • Excellent! A nice cotton “check-in” T.
  • An awesome finishing long sleeve T.
  • Great 50th anniversary medal

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give the Dallas Half Marathon race and do you recommend that others run it?

5 STARS. I would highly recommend this race to anyone.

Scott Sayler is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with Coach Scott, check out his coaching page.

Franklin Mountains King of the Mountains Race Report – Frank Fisher

Race: Franklin Mountains King of the Mountain

Runner: Frank Fisher

Race Date: 11/12/2021

Location: El Paso, TX

Results: 5th OA

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/6247738241

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

  1. It’s in my hometown.
  2. It’s technical af!
  3. Views forever!

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

I kinda wish it was longer, but other than that it was cool.

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

Nothing weird. Some kids came and ran it then had to go to school, losers… Lol!

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

Highlight number one is I didn’t die! I sort of enjoyed the views, but I was to busy trying to consume oxygen to enjoy a lot of the scenery. Being in only modest shape and living at sea level made for an interesting day. Race starts at around 5000 ft in elevation and goes up to 7000 ft. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me, but holy smokes… I was sucking wind immediately. My legs felt great, but I had to go kinda slow on the way up so as not to pass out. On the way down I figured I would make some time up on everyone else, which happened for the most part but I wasn’t able to go as fast as I wanted. Just not as sharp technically as I would’ve needed to be, but it was fun and once I got past a bit of fear it went well.

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

There are 3 route options, I chose the most direct route because it’s a King/Queen of the Mountain race and why would you do it any other way? The other two routes are quite a bit longer and I never even saw the flagging for them. On the direct route, it’s pretty much a scramble till you get up to the saddle and there is a trail up the ridge to the top. I highly suggest following the locals.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Lesson number one, be in better shape and don’t let this be your second trail run in a few months. It’s 5 days later and my quads are still sensitive to the touch.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Follow the locals. It’s extremely rocky, technical and there’s lots of stickers and things that will hurt you. You’re probably going to get hurt and bleed some. I came home bloody and bruised, others faired a little worse, you need to be on your p’s and q’s and be focused the entire time. Make a lot of mental notes on your way up as it looks a bit different coming down and easy to miss the fastest route down from the saddle. This is an ankle breaker of a course for numerous reasons, by far the most technical race I’ve ever done. Had I not grown up on this stuff I imagine it would be fairly daunting.

Hell yeah, this is beautiful!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

If you like the high desert and mountains, it’s beautiful. The view from the saddle is fantastic, and even better when you reach the top. You get to see Texas, New Mexico and Mexico in all their brown and dusty glory.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yep. It starts out on a dirt “road” for about a quarter mile that’s full of large sharp rocks, loose dirt, loose rocks and sand. Then you turn off the trail and pretty much pick your own path from there across some scree fields and up the hill which is mostly large sharp rocks, loose dirt and solid rock. At the saddle you follow the ridge on some better surface but there’s a few spots of modest scrambling. Closer to the top is fairly easy and probably the nicest most well defined trail. Then you go back down the way you came and it’s pretty gnarly.

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

Well run, Trail Racing Over Texas has been around a while and had it together pretty good.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Nope, sorry locals, but not particularly competitive. I stopped and took pictures (was really just catching my breath), talked to a photographer and spent a few minutes at the top talking to one of the volunteers (also still trying to catch my breath), and didn’t take this particularly seriously and got 5th having not prepared for this whatsoever.

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 get to, I registered the day before. I think that had day of registration as well.

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

No aid stations.

Weather and typical race conditions

Beautiful, sunny and a little chilly in the morning but it warms up quick.

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

Wear your grippiest shoes with good lugs. Maybe gaiters too, lots of loose rocks and dirt.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Not really.

How’s the Swag?

Good, I really liked the shirt.

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

4 stars. I loved the course and would do it again, and probably do one of the longer races they have that weekend. Several distances to choose from up to 100k.

Frank Fisher is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with Coach Frank, check out his coaching page.

bandera 100k race report

Bandera 100k Race Report – Ricke Harris

Race: Hoka Bandera 100K

Runner: Ricke Harris

Race Date: 01/09/2021

Location: Bandera, TX

Results: 15:17:15

Strava Activity Link: https://strava.app.link/Lm0OWzDcedb

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

  1. COURSE – The beautiful vistas and challenging terrain. Two loops with a lot of rocks and steep climbs with sotol cactus plants growing in the most inconvenient places make this two-loop course a very rewarding sucker-punch you’ll want to do again!
  2. SUPPORT/ORGANIZATION – The race volunteers are all super awesome. I wanted to hug the guy making pancakes and bacon – but that would have been awkward and, you know…the virus. Even with the challenge of racing in a pandemic, this event was super-organized.
  3. VALUE – Tejas Trails runs an early-bird special if you can get on to their mailing list. Travelling to Texas and planning/paying for the supporting logistics can run up the bills. But having a chance for a deep discount on your race registration is a big help. Even at full price, though, you won’t be disappointed.

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

Okay, this is not really a negative this year. But, the topic of aid station water was a negative for me at this race last year so I’ll address it here. There is no water available at the Hill Country State Natural Area, where the race is ran. The RD has to bring in all his water for the aid stations and this is provided by a race sponsor (Crazy Water). This is an interesting spring water with minerals and (I think) electrolytes that are supposedly naturally-occurring when it is pumped out of the ground (I’m not sure about anything I just said and I hope I don’t get in trouble for using a band name here 😉 – I suggest you Google it). But, last year it was a negative because it tasted weird when all I wanted was just cold water. But, it didn’t bother me at all this year. What made the difference? Simply put, I expected it. I didn’t mix my own Tailwind so sweet and took more of the Tailwind offered at the aid station. I think because I both expected it AND I didn’t have the juxtaposition of an overly sweet beverage in my second water bottle, I really didn’t notice it that much. In fact, I went through a full bottle of it in between each aid station with no issues. So, just consider this if you run the race.

bandera 100k race report

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

Dude… a bunch of people are running two 50K loops through rough terrain with plants that leave hundreds of tiny paper cuts on your legs and are loving it. THAT’S WEIRD!

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

  • PR!!!! Thanks Coach Erin!!!!
  • A conservative first loop.
  • Hiked any climb that I had to raise my head above normal running posture to see the top.
  • Held back on the descents to save my quads. Didn’t bomb the downhills. Okay, I did bomb one of them… sorry coach… but you DID tell me to “have fun”! 😉
  • Considering my nutrition and resupply needs before arriving at the aid station so I could get in and out with very little wasted time. I went a little long at a few aid stations later on, but most stops were well below my planned aid station turnaround time. The average time at aid stations was still faster than my plan.
  • Compared to last year, didn’t have to power hike until much later in the race. Focusing on good form and taking it bit by bit kept the speed of advance better than last year.

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

  • Of course, don’t forget to SMILE, even when you don’t feel like it. Your face will tell your brain what to think even when your brain thinks its down in the dumps.
  • Have a plan, but don’t be afraid to tweak it mid race for the right reasons. I like to have an A, B, and C goal. A – aiming for the moon. B – what I think I can do. C – what I feel would define, for me, not wimping out. A plan never survives first contact with the enemy, but you need to have something to help shape the point from which you deviate when you have to problem-solve an issue or to let you know when you’re either smoking the course or about to run the wheels off. Don’t let “the plan” get in the way of having fun, though.
  • Set your watch to beep every mile and take a drink when it does.
  • Salt

bandera 100k race reportLessons you learned that will help you next time around

Unlike last year, I didn’t include salt tabs as part of my nutrition plan. I honestly don’t know why I blew that off – maybe because I didn’t use them as much in training. In the second loop, I noticed that I only wanted Pringles and pickles at the aid stations. It occurred to me that I needed salt (duh). The temp at the start was in the 30’s, so dehydration was insidious. Next year, I’m packing salt tabs.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Very hilly and rocky. Consider shoes with a rock plate or enough stack height to protect your feet. Make sure your shoes perform well in descents; jamming your toes around in too large of a toe box will leave your toenails behind. First year I ran, I used Altra Lone Peaks. Still love them and they did great, but the two box was just a bit sloppy for me (and my toenails). This year, I ran in Altra Timps. Also love them and they did great as well. No rock plate and the tread is a little less aggressive than my Lone Peaks, but the shoe grabbed my foot well while still giving my toes room to splay. No blisters and I still have my toenails. Everyone’s foot is different; this is just my own experience.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Beautiful course!!! Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the views (unless, of course, you’re shooting for a WSER golden ticket or are on the cusp of a cut-off!

Difficulty – Is Bandera 100k a tough course?

YEP!

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

YEP!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

It’s a Hoka WSER golden ticket race and any finishers less than 17 hours earn a lottery entry to the WSER. So, there is plenty of competition if you’re looking for it. But there are plenty of first-time 100K-ers as well (even a few first time ultra runners!).

bandera 100k race report

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.

All the information is available on the Tejas Trails website. I didn’t have trouble finding a hotel within a month of the race. Last year I stayed in Hondo (not much there but closer to the race). This year I stayed NW of San Antonio in Boerne (much more there but plan on nearly an hour to the start). There are hotels in Bandera, which is the closest you can get without camping; Bandera is a small town venue. There is also primitive tent camping and RV camping at the start.

bandera 100k race report

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

Listed on the website. Tailwind and Crazy Water for hydration. Typical fare including cookies, chips, candy. Most aid stations also had pickles. A few had S-caps. Every other had either broth, ramen, quesadillas, etc. (or several).

Weather and typical race conditions

Last two years were cool (30s/40s) at the start and 50s during the day. Put a shell on after sunset and that worked for me.

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

If you’re a hiker tend to spend longer on a course like me, learn to use poles. They may save your face on some of the descents after dark when you’re tired.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Most aid stations have road access for crew and friends.

How’s the Swag?

Quality shirt and NICE buckle!

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

5 out of 5 stars

Looking to run your first ultra? Check out our 7 Steps Towards Running your First Ultra!

Bandera 100K Race Report – Rick H

Race: Bandera 100K

Runner: Rick H

Race Date: 01/11/2020

Location: Hill Country State Natural Area, Bandera, TX

Results: 15:54:31

Strava Activity Link:  https://www.strava.com/activities/3004736853

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

  • Challenging course.
  • Beautiful landscape.
  • Positive volunteers and well-supported.

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

  • Due to a new course change, the course map and elevation profile was hard to interpret pre-race.
  • No plain water. Since there is no water available in the state natural area, it had to be brought in. Each aid station had a choice of soda or tailwind, but the only water was a mineral water provide by a race sponsor. The flavor of the water started to make me feel sick to my stomach around mile 40.

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

Maybe not weird, but I saw Billy Yang filming at the start. I’ll go out on a limb here and say that he probably wasn’t there to see me. But you bet I’ll be looking for his Bandera 2020 video!

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

I ran my own race. The first couple miles were crowded as everyone got compressed into the single track quickly. But, staying patient paid off as I was able to maintain a steady pace for the first lap to make it through the first loop 30-minutes ahead of my A-goal. I stayed efficient at aid stations and didn’t linger unless I had something to do; this gave me more time to work through the course.

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

  • Run your own race; not someone else’s.
  • If you’re not actually taking aid at an aid station – leave.
  • Travel light and use your drop bags; there’s no use carrying gloves all day when you won’t need them until after nightfall.
  • Stay positive – whenever you think of or hear someone say something negative, turn it into something positive; instead of, “there’s a monster climb ahead”, remind yourself, “it will feel AWESOME to conquer that next monster climb.”
  • SMILE. It actually makes you feel better.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

  • Cross train/train for climbing
  • More real food. Less gels.
  • Mt. Dew comes straight from heaven. So does bacon.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

  • VERY rocky. Have sturdy footwear. I ran in Altra Lone Peaks which incorporate a rock plate in the sole and has deeper tread lugs than my other favorite (Topo Runventure).
  • Wear calf sleeves or high compression socks; if not for the compression, then to protect against the sotol cactus leaves cutting your legs up. You CAN’T avoid the sotol.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

BEAUTIFUL!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It depends on your background. For a flatlander from Florida like me, it was very challenging. For someone who is used to vert, it may be somewhat middle-of-the road.

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

This was a very well-run race.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Its a Western States qualifier… ’nuff said. 😉

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.

Everything is available on the website.

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

If you want water that doesn’t taste like minerals, bring your own. The tailwind does well to cover up the flavor, though. Everything else was standard with the addition of bacon, quesadillas, and hot ramen in the evening.

Weather and typical race conditions

2020 was nearly perfect. Mid-40s gave way to a clear blue sky in the mid-60’s. A lot of the course had at least some shade except for when the sun was directly overhead, which was helpful. Mid-30’s that evening was cold when not moving, though.

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

My poles proved invaluable for the last 20 miles. They saved me from a couple near-falls on the descents after nightfall when my legs were spent.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

All aid stations can be reached by car.

How’s the Swag?

Awesome buckle and comfy long sleeved shirt.

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

5/5 stars. Highly recommend the experience. If you’re not up for 100K, there are shorter options

kerrville craft beer run

Kerrville Craft Beer Run Race Report – Kristi A

Race: Kerrville Craft Beer Run

Runner: Kristi A

Race Date: 06/08/2019

Location: Kerrville, Texas

Results: 26:30

kerrville craft beer run

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

This is a small-town race that benefits a good cause – the proceeds are used to plant additional trees in the park where the race is held. It is logistically really easy. The race location is easy to find and there is plenty of parking. However, I ran to the race from my hotel.

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

The race is in Texas in June, so it’s hot. That’s to be expected. I did not expect that there would be no water offered before the race. There were park bathrooms and a water fountain a fair distance away from the start line, but other than that, there was no water to be found beforehand. At the finish line, there was a table with small water bottles. That water supply was running low for later-finishers. A lack of water at a summer race in Texas in inexcusable (and can be dangerous).

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

There’s nothing particularly weird about this race.

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

This wasn’t my best race result, but I enjoyed that the race was no-fuss. The logistics weren’t difficult, and there were no huge crowds. It’s a great race to do to remind yourself what to do and not do!

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

Come prepared with your own water and look for a shady spot to wait before the race starts!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

If I ran this particular race again, I would drive to the park, take my own water, and run a slow warmup along the course route to get a sense of it beforehand. I might also keep rags in ice water in my car to cool off with before the race start.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The race is held on the park’s river “trail,” which is actually a wide sidewalk. Parts of the river trail are very exposed to the sun, and other parts are very shaded. No information was provided beforehand about the actual course, but it turned out to be mostly along the shaded part. The course was open to other park patrons, so there were a few people and their dogs along the course who were not participating in the race. There weren’t enough of them to cause a problem, though.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

This is a very pretty course that parallels a river and is mostly tree-shaded.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The course is not tough. It is an out-and-back, mostly flat course. There are a few inclines, but they aren’t steep or difficult.

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

This was only the second year for this race, but overall it was well-organized.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

For a small town race, the field was stronger than I expected. The top finisher was a woman who finished in 18 minutes.

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 is not difficult to participate in this race! There was a discount if you signed up early, but they had race-day registration as well. There are plenty of hotels in the area.

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

There was one water table set up near the turnaround point. There were small cups of self-serve water – no one to hand them out.

Weather and typical race conditions

Hot, humid, and sunny! Expect temperatures in the 80s, with humidity around 80-85%.

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

Nothing special.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

It is a really spectator-friendly course. Spectators have easy access to the start and finish lines for photos and cheering.

How’s the Swag?

The race is sponsored by two local breweries, so the race packet includes 2 coupons, each for a free pint of beer. You also get a cotton T-shirt (non-technical). Post-race, the free beer was plentiful. Too bad for me that I don’t drink beer!

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

I would recommend this race to others if you’re looking for a good practice race. Because of the lack of water at the start and the low supply of water at the finish, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.

Kerrville Craft Beer Run 5k Race Info

Date: 6/8/2019

Location: Kerrville, TX

Start Time: 8:00am

Avg Temps (f): 89/67

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • Pictures and reviews of the Kerrville River Trail located here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56079-d8678603-Reviews-Kerrville_River_Trail-Kerrville_Texas.html
  • Only the second year of this race, but lots of positive reviews of the river trail itself, which is the entire 5k course
  • While the race starts early, temps likely rise quickly, so factor in the heat. If there’s any aid with ice or water, take advantage of it
  • Pictures of the river trail look both shaded and exposed – have a hat and/or sunglasses for the sunny portions
  • With an out and back course, be ready for the abrupt turn around and possible crowding at the turnaround, and sharing the course with runners going both ways

Course

Type: Out and back on Kerrville River Trail

Start/Finish Info: Both in Louise Hays Park

Hills: Minimal

Course Map/Elevation: None given on race website

Aid stations

No information listed on race website other than plenty of snacks and drinks post-run

Spectator access

Best location is likely start and finish at Louise Hays Park since it’s an out and back

Strava links

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/kerrville-river-trail

Race Website

https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Kerrville/KerrvilleCraftBeerRun