Washington

super tunnel marathon

Tunnel Vision Marathon – Matt K

Race: Tunnel Vision Marathon (Part of Tunnel Marathon series)

Runner: Matt K

Date: 8/21/2016

Location: North Bend, WA

Results – 3:09:30 (13th of 225)

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  1. Good start line / finish line logistics, with easy parking and a relaxed, non-hectic start.
  2. Running through the tunnel. It’ll probably mess with your pacing and GPS watch, but it’s a unique experience and a lot of fun.
  3. The course is very fast, and very scenic compared to your average city marathon. We even ran past a group of rock climbers, which was fun to watch!

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

Aid stations either weren’t ready for us or were understaffed. A few times I wanted to grab a cup and a gel without stopping, but volunteers weren’t handing out aid, requiring a painful abrupt stop to grab stuff and go again.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

Definitely the tunnel. The race starts just outside an old, 2.3 mile long train tunnel that runs under Snoqualmie Pass. The tunnel is unlit, requiring a headlamp as you barrel towards a pinprick of light that is the other side.

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

The highlight for me was my big PR. This was just my second marathon, and I improved from a 3:54 to a 3:09; knocking way more time off than I thought possible in one year’s worth of training.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The downhill course can be deceptive. Early miles go by all-too-easily; you need a lot of discipline for proper pacing.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Overall I’d say this is a pretty nice course. I complained a bit about this same course in my Mt. Si 50 miler report because a few places you pass close to the I-90 highway, but in this case I think I have different expectations. The 50 miler I expect to be a trail run and to be immersed in nature. This is a marathon course where seeing the mountains and trail was a welcome alternative to dodging a pack of runners.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

The course is a slight downhill all the way to the final 3 miles, which are flat, so objectively this is not a difficult course, however a few things can conspire to make it more difficult if you aren’t careful:

  1. The downhill profile can easily lure you into going too fast
  2. The tunnel will almost certainly mess with your GPS watch. If you’re aiming for a specific time I would recommend a pace bracelet or some other mechanism to track your progress
  3. After running downhill the whole race, the flat final miles will feel extra tough

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

Overall a well run race. Check-in was easy, course was well marked, and the race even has a drop bag for your headlamp at the end of the tunnel, which was available promptly at the finish.

Competition – is there a strong field?

Not particularly. This year the winner’s time was 2:56, with an average finish time of 4:14.

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.

Registration is simple; they usually do sell out, but there are 3 identical runs per year (Light at the End of the Tunnel, Little Tunnel, and Super Tunnel), so finding a race that fits your schedule shouldn’t be too tough. There aren’t many hotels close to the race, but it should also be easy to book one if you’re coming from far away. I live in Seattle so I just drove directly from home to the start.

Aid Stations

Aid stations were spaced 3 – 5 miles apart, which is a bit far compared to many city marathons, but I think aid every mile is overkill. Nothing special here, and as I mentioned previously I had to stop at a few aid stations to grab water or gels instead of handing off at speed.

Weather and typical race conditions –

The race is near Snoqualmie Pass, so typical “anything can happen in the mountains” caveats apply. Typically the race seems to be in the 50s – 70s degrees, with either overcast or rainy skies. For our run it started off quite cool, but warmed up throughout the race.

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

I saw many other runners geared up for a trail ultra (vests, packs, etc.), which I felt was very unnecessary. Try to run with as little gear as possible. I’d only bring along some gels, as only two aid stations had gel, which may not be enough for you.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

This is decidedly not a spectator-friendly course. After the start there’s just a single point along the route (Cedar Butte / Rattlesnake falls) that runs anywhere near a road.

Awards –

Small finisher’s medal. There may be awards for top finishers, but I didn’t see any.

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

I’d give race 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a small race, but a good, fast course. It’s advertised as one of your best chances to qualify for Boston, and I think it’s great for that.

deception pass 50k

How to DNF and Survive the Fallout: Deception Pass 50k – Daisy C

DNF is an expression you hear a lot in ultra running. Did not finish. It means different things to different people, and experiencing your first one will either be an epic event, or a simple blip on the radar screen. Right? If only running were that simple.

I was looking forward to Deception Pass this year, because I had done the race in 2015 and wanted to go back having just had the year of my life as a runner. I wasn’t nervous about it. I was a tad worn down by training after my completion of Mountain Lakes 100, but overall, my body was cooperating and I had been able to keep up with the majority of my training leading up to race day. I was faster, a little overweight, but getting the work done. Every year at this time I get a little funky with the new darkness of shorter days and the acclimation to colder, wet weather. Heading out the door before work at 4:30 am isn’t as easy. I hit the snooze button too often. I tell myself, “I’ll run after work.” My mind and body feel heavy both in a physical and mental sense.

I headed up to Whidbey with a few friends on Friday before the race. I was in good company. My friend Keith was seeded to be a contender for the win and a fun wager was going on between him and a few other top guns. On race morning lining up I saw many familiar faces, lots of hugs exchanged. I was feeling great. I slept well the night before, I pooped, my pack was filled with all of my favorite goodies. The weather was brisk and dry. Last year it was raining and windy (30mph!). James counted down and off we all went from the new start line up the road for our first short out and back before hitting single track and the mighty bridge. I was in my usual routine of warming up and finding my groove. People were crowding the single track. I passed people as I set my pace. The trail was wet, but not too muddy. I ran the smaller hills without any hesitation as others slowed to a near halt to hike up them. As we ran along the Sound I looked up to see the leaders cruising across the first span of the bridge. Once you cross the bridge, you head down onto some sweet single track covered in roots, rocks and switchbacks. I clipped down that section confidently. There was a group of about 8 of us, all chatting and sharing introductions. For the first time ever I realized I was running in the mid pack. I smiled silently to myself. I thought about what an amazing year I’d had, and how far I’d come in training. By the time I hit mile four I noticed my left hip felt tight. I shook it off and figured it would work itself out once I hit 10k and was properly warmed up. You do a series of 3 lollipops on the first section. They’re solid fun. Ups and downs and switchbacks and the kind of PNW trails I’ve grown to love. The hip wasn’t happy and I kept having this sharp pain that radiated from my low back down into my IT band. It was getting painful to lift my left leg and I slowed down to remind myself to keep lifting my feet enough to avoid tripping or falling. *Those of you who know my history know I tend to fall and get scraped up often. I have grown to HATE this and am determined to avoid it at all costs. So here I was full of confidence, feeling like I finally belonged with the mid packers and my hip has to start acting up. I started getting pissed off. I wasn’t high fiving the leaders as they passed anymore. I got quiet. I was busy in my head and got stuck there. I tried every single trick in the book to stay positive. Just get back to the bridge and reassess. By then you’ll be a third of the way in and you can just run this hip regardless. I repeated this over and over hoping my back and hip would somehow get the message. Then a little light went off behind my eyes like an alarm–Black Canyons! I was about two miles from the bridge. Sure, your hip is hurting, you’re grimacing with every foot fall. But there is no way you can keep this up and not risk injury. I was alone on this section. Most of the people I had been running with were way ahead. I came back up to the road. A volunteer told me I looked great. My brain begged me to keep going. My body was in full pain mode. Being on flat pavement actually felt better. I relaxed and picked up my pace. I focused forward across the span as cars whizzed past.

Despite my disappointment I was quite pleased to be appreciably faster this year and got to see Glenn Tachiyama on the bridge in time for him to get my photo. I couldn’t enjoy the gorgeous view, because I am afraid of heights and can’t turn my head to look over the railing without getting dizzy. I simply kept running. This was when I said to myself, “DNF.” I hit the second span and had accepted the fact that I needed to stop running if I wanted to prevent a major disruption in training for my next race in February. I didn’t feel like I had any wiggle room to take time off if I messed up my hip. I felt flat. I wasn’t emotional. Race volunteers were kind enough to drive me back to the start. I met up with my pal Travis and he gave me his gloves and propped me next to the heater. He was the perfect person to share this downtime, because he was a great reminder to not take myself too seriously. I sincerely felt that I had made the best decision in stopping. It was a smart thing to do. In training for the past two years with Matt if I have learned anything, it is to listen to your gut and your body when they tell you something isn’t quite 100%. There is so much value in tuning into your inner workings while making choices as we push ourselves beyond the comfort zone and into our outer limits of physical and emotional landscapes. We headed home that afternoon and I still felt good. Sure, I wasn’t entirely happy about not finishing. I had planned to crush my previous time. Sometimes plans need to change.

As the days wore on I started to get fairly bummed out. I was hard on myself. Maybe I had not been invested in this race as much as I should. I didn’t train enough. I didn’t do enough squats or core work or yoga or hills. All of the self doubt I work so diligently to avoid came rushing back. I looked at my belly fat as the enemy. I made myself the enemy. I committed to a week off to get it together. Go to work, focus on other people. Take stock. By the next weekend I was ready to run again. A little rehab was successful and my mind was in a good place. It was time to focus on the next step and get prepped for Black Canyons. I made a mental note to take a solid 2-3 weeks off after that race to give my hard working body a chance to recover and get pampered. Even though this was my first DNF, I have had races I wasn’t able to attend due to injury. I don’t know at this point which one is more damning, the lost opportunity of not doing any of it, or getting there through your training and having to give it up in progress. I may never know that answer. Honestly, I don’t need to know. What I do need to know are my limits and when to obey versus push past them. I’ll likely always feel like an ultra novice. It seems I’ll be logging thousands of more miles before I feel truly at ease in this sport. It is a sport of unknowns. You take off from the start line and the longer you go, the deeper you dive to find your problem solving skills. It is unsettling when I miss the chance to do that. I’ll admit to liking that discomfort. I enjoy getting to the place where my body aches and possibly doesn’t want to go any further, but I somehow convince it to do so. I’ve had some amazing experiences this past year using my brain to convince my body to keep moving. I’ve had to run through pain, emotional crisis, and when plans needed to change on the fly for one reason or another. I always managed to get it done despite what I faced. This is my greatest source of pride as the season comes to an end. I not only became a better runner, but a better solver of race related riddles. You’ll hear all kinds of ways that folks claim ultra running is 90% mental. I don’t agree. I am pretty darn sure the miles I log in training get me to where I need to be on race day. Sure, the mental game needs to be strong. What I do know is that you have to believe you’re going to finish. This takes both the physical and mental chops.

My 2016 race season is over. It ended quietly with a DNF. I’m OK with that.

Race Details:

Deception Pass 50k takes place near Whidbey Island just SW of Anacortes, WA. It is a Rainshadow Running event. If you haven’t done one of their races, definitely go look at the website and plan to do one in 2017. They fill up fast, so set a reminder in Ultrasignup. They are well run races with tons of great support. Live music, wood fired pizza and libations await you at the finish. The course is beautiful! Mostly single track, moderately technical in sections, but a good entry level ultra for those wanting a good first race experience. The only caveat is the time of year if you do not like racing in mud or inclement weather. There is also a 25k option on Sunday. There is also plenty of lodging nearby, and other modern conveniences.

My Gear:

Altra Olympus (my favorite shoe of all time)

Salomon Sense Lab 5 pack (I carry about 1L of fluid fuel)

Oiselle tights, team singlet, and jacket

Fitsox crew trail socks

Team Seven Hills cap

Garmin 920 XT and HRM

Tailwind

Huma gel

Justin’s peanut butter packs

Candied ginger

grand ridge 50k race report

Grand Ridge 50k – Matt U

Race: Grand Ridge 50k – http://www.evergreentrailruns.com/grand-ridge-fall-upcominggrand ridge 50k race report

Runner: Matt U

Date: 11/19/2016

Location: Exit 20 on I-90 east of Issaquah

Results –

2nd overall, 4:42.53

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  • Local race with lots of local friends
  • Trails were well maintained and not muddy, which was surprising given that it was November in WA and it seemed like it should be muddy!
  • There happened to be a fast guy to pace with, even though he dusted me in the end.

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

  • It was a small race and really low key. I knew this already so it wasn’t a downside, but it’s good to know heading in so you don’t have expectations for a big racing extravaganza. There are a decent amount of mountain bikes on the course which could get annoying. However, I didn’t encounter any rude or discourteous cyclists on course. They tended to stop and move for me and some even cheered as I passed.

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

  • I am really happy with how I managed my race. This was primarily a training run so that I could get in a hard long run. Because of this, I didn’t want to race too hard or go too hard too soon and wreck my legs for future training. I worked hard, and because Chase Nowak (the winner of the race) was with me for most of the race, I pushed even harder than I likely would have on my own during the latter stages of the race. All around good effort and my goals for the race were all met.

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

  • The third time up the hill was hard. The first time up was noticeable, the second was really tiring, and the final up was just UGHHH! Be ready for the climbs and the fatigue you’re likely to feel later in the race on the climbs.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

  • There were more aid stations than I had remembered (I did this race in 2013 too). I knew there was an aid station at the start/finish/turn around, and that there was water at the turn around of the half marathon course. However, there is also aid a few miles into each loop that we pass twice each loop. I carried more fluids than I needed the first lap as a result and I would carry less next time around knowing there was plenty of aid available.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

  • There is plenty of climbing – my watch said there was 5,528’ feet over 29.9 miles. The course is all runnable though and not technical. If you’re not ready for hills though, it’s not so runnable! ????

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

  • It’s all wooded with no major views. If you like running in the forest, it’s a pretty run. It starts and finishes close to the interstate so there is some freeway noise for parts of the race.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

  • Moderate for a 50k trail race with elevation. There certainly easier 50ks out there but there are all more difficult ones.

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

  • This isn’t their first time doing this race and it’s a pretty straightforward deal. No awards (that I knew of) and no shirts, just a simple local 50k. They didn’t screw anything up and it all seemed to function smoothly.

Competition – is there a strong field?

  • There were a couple faster guys, but it’s generally a small race (only 36 finishers) and therefore not likely to be fast. Hit or miss race when it comes to competition.

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. I signed up close to race day, and it wasn’t too expensive, around $50. Packet pickup (just the race bib, actually) was at the start an hour before the race started.

Aid Stations

  • There were two manned aid stations, and one unmanned water stop at the turn around point. This was plenty for this race. There were 8 total spots to get something along the course, and for a 31 mile race, that is plenty.

Weather and typical race conditions –

  • November in the Seattle area, I wouldn’t have very high expectations for good weather and I’d be sure to own some good rain gear if I were planning to run this race!

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

  • I wore my 5L Salomon vest, and carried one 0.5L soft flask along with some gels. I rarely needed to stop to refill because it was cooler weather and wet so I wasn’t thirsty often. If the weather were bad, I could see wanting more weather-specific gear.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

  • Not really. There is access at the aid station in the middle of the course, along with the start/finish, but most of the race is back in the forest with little spectator access. However, given all the out-and-backs on the course, there are plenty of runners to be seen along the way, and lots of cheering from fellow racers.

Awards –

  • None that I am aware of.

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

  • For me the race is 4 out of 5. There isn’t much more they could do to make the race better, but given the nature of the race, I don’t think 5/5 stars is achievable. The race is well run and it was a perfect training race for me as I build toward bigger goal races ahead.

Lake Washington Half Marathon – Mark P

Race: Lake Washington Half Marathon – http://lakewashingtonhalf.com/

Runner: Mark P

Date: 11/5/2016

Location: Start/finish at Juanita Beach Park (Kirkland, WA).  Course goes south along Lake Washington and back north on the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC)

Results – 5th, 1:20:08, https://results.chronotrack.com/m/ctlive/#25059

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

I liked that it was near me, and running along Lake Washington and on the CKC is usually nice.

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

The race started over a half hour late.  Apparently they announced that the police had said it was too dark, but I had talked to a policeman who said they hadn’t set up the cones so the course didn’t pass inspection.  I think the latter explanation is more likely.

The course markings were poor.  Although they had announced lots of lane closures and delays (and there were car backups at some crossings), they only coned off shoulders or bike lanes, which even disappeared a few times.  There was a short early stretch in downtown Kirkland in a narrow door zone bike lane.  The cones were along a steep dropoff on Forbes Creek Drive.  It was unclear when road crossings were supposed to happen – the police seemed to be expecting right turns, but there usually weren’t cones marking the turn itself.

It was wet.  Really wet.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

A 7:30 am (scheduled) start in November seemed a little odd given the weather and darkness.

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

I got an easy and quick first mile tagging along with some others.  I thought I executed well on the various hilly, rolling, and flat portions.

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

With the various hilly, rolling, and flat portions, I think having a plan or at least knowing what to expect is a little more important than usual on this one.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I had a disappointing race, time-wise, though it didn’t matter for placing with how big the gaps were between the places.  I think I mainly learned that a race exposes a busy schedule (and not enough sleep) more than workouts do.  I also ran a bit much the day before, but I have a hard time resisting the chance to (literally) run errands.  I probably would have been better about that if I had considered this an “A” race, but it was just one that I did because I could fit it in.

With all the stuff going on at the start (and me arriving late if the race had actually started on time), I didn’t go through a good pre-race routine.  I think the warm-up worked out, but I had a shoelace come untied mid-race (twice), which is pretty inexcusable.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

There’s a moderate length hill near the beginning, and then short but somewhat steep climbs around miles 5 and 12.  The CKC is railroad-flat.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

It should be with the lake and the CKC, but if it’s raining hard enough you won’t really see anything.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

I think it might be deceptively tough.  It doesn’t have a lot of climbing, and it has flat stretches, but it just seemed slow.  I don’t know if the rain was all of that or just part of it, though.

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

This was strange.  They have lots of experience and lined up lots of sponsors and stuff like that.  But the course markings and the delay made it seem like they had no clue.  The group that organized this typically does trail runs (and the Lake Sammamish Half, which has minimal road interaction too), so it’s possible they didn’t.  Hopefully next year will be better.

Competition – is there a strong field?

There were a handful of strong runners, but it wasn’t very deep.  (4 under 1:18 but then only only 2 more under 1:26)  The companion 5k did not have a strong field.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

I got my bib the day before at packet pickup.  I think it was at about 80% of capacity.  The only weird thing was that race swag was only available at packet pickup the day before the race in Bellevue.

The race start was on Juanita Drive, not in the park itself.  I had been on one side of the park and actually had to ask where it was.  I don’t think others had much trouble with this though.

Aid Stations

I think there were 6 – water only.  (And to the volunteers at 52nd, if I splashed you with my fail of a cup pickup, I’m really sorry.)

Weather and typical race conditions –

It managed to stay dry through the pre-race delay, and then it started pouring shortly after the race started for hours.  50s and drizzle would be more likely.  Dry is possible but not likely.  It’s the northwest in November, after all.

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

The race was the day before the time change.  If it had actually started at 7:30, it still would have been dark.  There was ambient light around, but when I was warming up, it was really hard to see at the south end of the boardwalk (about a half mile into the race) because of headlights on the road.  I guess a headlamp would help for the first mile or two, but then it wouldn’t be needed.  The race might move after the time change too.

Be ready for rain.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

There is certainly access along Lake Washington and the CKC.  The CKC is nicely away from roads but is mostly narrow.  Since it’s a loop (and has a mini-loop-ish start and finish), the more energetic spectator could see the race in multiple points.

Awards –

They said awards were 3 deep overall and in the age groups.

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

I don’t recommend this one.  It has course elements that I like, but I can’t excuse the poor markings and the delay.  It also had stronger runners to take up the podium without the depth to give me someone to run with.  2/5

Cougar Mountain 20M – Dionne H

Race: Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series – 20 miler – http://www.seattlerunningclub.org/Events/Cougar/cougarmtn1.html

Runner: Dionne H

Date: 10/30/2016

Location: Cougar Mountain

Results – 4:13. 4th out of 7 in my age group ????

3 Bests – it is not crowded, well marked course and inexpensive.

Not so much – I didn’t know there’s no cups at aid station, so it was a bit hard for me to get water/drinks. I had to tilt-up the bottle which of course with my shaky hands most of it (or in my case it was coca cola) ended up spilling all over me. The course changes a lot with many ups and downs and turns that I never can get a good rhythm.

Weird factor – nothing that I could think of.

Highlights of your race – given the fact this is my longest trail race to date, the course is very technical for my skills: lots of roots, rock, wet in some parts, covered with leaves, small single track at some spots, but I enjoyed everything. The distance is also perfect as part of my training for 50 mile race in 5 weeks, it is short but long enough to get me comfortable with the trail.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner: do your tempo workout on hilly course. It will help you enjoying the race better ????

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around: I will train more up and down hills on trails. I slowed down more on downhills because I got nervous from falling down and simply being new to the trail running. I would really like to be able to run faster downhills to make up the time and have stronger legs to power-hike or even jog those uphills eventually.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race: I could not find the race profile anywhere on the website. If you need it, just go to my Strava and there you have it. I was blind going to this race only relying on what people say about where the next hill is. I think it is hilly EVERYWHERE.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course – it is but I wish I could enjoy it more, instead I was focusing 99% on my footing.

Difficulty – is it a tough course – Yes, it is for me.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants? Yes, it is well organized and the volunteers are very nice too.

Competition – is there a strong field? I don’t know but seems like some people have been doing this series all summer long.

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 registered very late and still can get in. It is not a sold-out race and my guess is it is because of the season.

Aid Stations: 3 stations with water, gu, bananas, PB&J and sodas. But they don’t have cups and expect you to fill out your bottles/vests.

Weather and typical race conditions – it was cold and damp. But we were lucky that it wasn’t raining on this day.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy? I am glad I had my vest on. I had tailwind, powergel and m&ms. Perfect.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends. It is at the starting line, the aid stations (especially 2nd station as it was right off the main road). Other that that the whole course is in the boonies.

Awards – I think there was but I am not sure.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it: 5 out of 5. A good training course for your next ultra. Like I said before this trail is pretty technical, it is short but long enough to get the workout done, inexpensive and it’s on our backyard.

super tunnel marathon

Tunnel Vision Marathon – Dan S

Race:  Tunnel Vision Marathon (Part of Tunnel Marathon series)

Runner: Dan S

Date: 8/21/2016

Location: The race starts at Hyak (Snoqualmie Pass) and ends in North Bend, Washington.

Results: 3:04.14

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  1. The course is pretty much tailor made for a personal record: gradual down, all the way.
  2. The course is pretty in many places; from sections in the woods to more open trestles over creeks, it’s a nice (aesthetically) path.
  3. Though small (only a couple hundred finishers or so), the race seemed to be well run.

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

The only notable “drawback” of the event that stood out is that the aid stations are really shallow.  This reality was entirely to be expected with a small race like this, but it did mean that I was doing loops at several-most aid stations (it was a warm day) to get a couple of cups of fluids (one to dump on me, the other to drink).

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

The better part of the first two miles of the race are in a tunnel (the tunnel is the race’s namesake). The race follows a path that used to be used by trains (hence the gradual down) and the outset of the race (racers enter the tunnel at about 0.25 miles) is underground in an old rail tunnel.  Headlamp required.

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

This is by far the best marathon I’ve ever run.  I shattered my personal record by a margin I hadn’t even imagined possible and in so doing, achieved a long-standing personal marathon time goal.

Things were going so well that I literally did not trust my training computer for much of the first half of the race (the GPS was thrown off in the tunnel so I knew the data from that portion of the race was inaccurate).  It was not until the guy standing by the side of the course at the half marathon mark (no clock – just a guy with a watch – it’s a small race) told me what pace I was on that I started to believe what my training computer was telling me.

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

The race started kind of late (8:00am) and was held in late August.  So heat could be an issue.  We were lucky in 2016 that it was warm but not too hot.  That said, right up to the morning of the race it was looking like we’d be dealing with performance-dampening temperatures.

Most of the race is on gravel.  I found gaiters helpful for keeping rocks out of my shoes.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I learned (from Matt) about the technique of placing crushed ice in the back of my running vest to help keep my core temperature down.  I did not end up needing to implement this technique (or using the vest at all) but if I do end up trying a high temperature, long distance run in the future, the crushed-ice-in-the-vest idea may be useful.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

This course was the easiest marathon course I have ever run.  As noted above, bring a headlamp for the tunnel (there’s a drop station right at the end of the tunnel where headlamps can be left for transport to the finish line) and be ready for a long run on gravel (not big gravel, but also not a smooth, paved surface).

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Yes.  This is one of the prettiest courses that I’ve run.  The aesthetics are somewhat “spoiled” by the soft roar of the freeway (the course largely parallels the highway for the first 15-18 miles or more) in the background.  When the course ducks away from the freeway into the woods or runs over a creek, though, very nice.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

No.  As noted several times above, this course is the easiest marathon course I’ve ever run.  It is downhill essentially for all 26 miles.  The downs are gradual enough that my quads were not blown out by the run, but steep enough that I definitely knew I was going down, down, down.

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

The race was, particularly for its small size, well organized.  While this year (2016) was the first year of the Super Tunnel event, the race follows the exact same course as the Tunnel Light and Light at the End of the Tunnel races and is organized by the same people.  The other races have been going on (and filling up) for years – the people organizing the race know what they are doing and did well.

Competition – is there a strong field?

Ummm…  I finished 6th overall.  Which lets you know that Meb most definitely was not out there.  This was a small race and there were no elites, no big names (to my knowledge), or even local legends out there for this run.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

No.  I registered very early because the sister races (Light at the End of the Tunnel and Tunnel Light) fill up.  I don’t believe that this race filled.  I got in with no issues – just went online and signed registered.

Aid Stations

There were aid stations every 2-3 miles.  All were stocked with water and-or energy drink.  I believe that some were stocked with gels.  There were only a couple of people at several of the aid stations, so (as noted above), getting two drinks meant sacrificing time to run a loop.

Weather and typical race conditions

As noted above, heat could be an issue in late August in this part of the country.  The course is in the mountains, though, so heat is not guaranteed.  August is generally known to be one of the more consistently nice weather months here in the Northwest.  So chances are comparatively low that inclement weather will mess up the race.

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

No.  When I saw that temperatures weren’t going to be too high, I went with bare-bones attire.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Not really.  There is access to the course by road (it looked like) at about 13 miles and then again at about 20 miles along the course.  The start is road accessible, as is the finish.  Otherwise, the course is not readily accessible for spectators.

Awards

None to my knowledge. Finishers receive a shirt and a medal.

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

For the first time ever, I will award a race ten out of ten stars.  Please recall, though, my comments about setting a personal record and achieving a big goal on this particular run.  My assessment of the race is filtered through rose-colored glasses.

Nevertheless, if you are interested in a fast full marathon in the Northwest that is small, goes through the woods, is well organized and is fast (did I say that already?), the Super Tunnel Marathon is definitely one to consider.

super tunnel marathon

Tunnel Vision Marathon – Dionne H

Race:  Tunnel Vision Marathon (Part of Tunnel Marathon series)

Runner: Dionne H

Date: 8/21/2016

Location: Hyak, WA

Results – 3:41:02

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  • Small race/not overly crowded
  • Fast course
  • Boston qualifier

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

I can’t think of anything.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

You are going through Hyak tunnel that is pitch-black and damp in the beginning of the race and you will need to use a head-light.

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

The fast course. It keeps on going downhill but not steep enough for you to feel uncomfortable.

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

I ran the course once during one of my long runs, 21 miles, and that helps a lot.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Check with the weather forecast.

I thought I was going to need my vest (wasn’t in the game plan) because it was supposed to be a warm day. But after checking again in the morning I realized I will be finishing right around when the temperature is in the high 60’s low 70’s.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The last 3-4 miles of the course were flat all the way to the finish line.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

It can be at several spots.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

No.

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

It is well organized.

Competition – is there a strong field?

I don’t know but one thing I know is that this race is popular for those trying to get BQ.

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.

Register early.

Aid Stations –

Several of them.

Weather and typical race conditions –

Warm. Start out in the 50’s but by the time you are done it can be in low to high 70’s. Put sunscreen on, the sun will be on your back throughout the entire ran.

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

Running gaitors will keep gravels out of your shoes.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Yes. Plenty of access to the trail.

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

I give it a 4 out of 5. It is a fast course, makes it feel like you are running your tempo pace on a good day. We just don’t need the noise from I-90.

Cascade Crest 100 – Vivian D

In this Cascade Crest 100 Race Report, runner Vivian shares her experience of the endurance run. Read for her tips on how to make the most of the race!

The Cascade Crest 100 Race Report

Race: Cascade Crest 100

Runner: Vivian D

Date: 8/27/2016 & 8/28/2016

Location: Easton, WA

Results: 33:59:13 (I know, cut a little too close)

3 Bests – what aspects of the Cascade Crest 100 did you like the most?

The view, the climb, the people

Not so much – What aspects of the race didn’t work for you?

None

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about the Cascade Crest 100?

The rope and tunnel (maybe weird but special)

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

There is always lows during the 100. This time was my darkest with longest time (came in waves, but close to 14 hours total), mostly because I could not eat solid food, (threw up after m43 A/S). After a while, I could drink tiny bit of liquid calories (I guess maybe 200 during 6h, 500 during 12h? And 30+ miles?). I never really felt completely empty, got pretty low for sure. And the experience of seeing the dark(er) side, going there and finding the light again, came back to life, all alone by myself. It may sound funny, I felt I got the upgrade.

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

When I threw up at the first time, I should have just stopped, taken my pepto bismol out and eaten it right away. It may have cut down some of my low time.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I will take medicine right away after I throw up next time.

Trust my body can handle it when I could not eat.

It’s a continuous damage control, and problem solving process.

Silver lining of middle low section: save my legs. I made m80 with 10 min to spare. When I was able to eat some, I had enough energy to shuffle through the needle section in okay time.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race?

Go to the training run weekend. And train on the course as much as possible, specially the first climb.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course?

Not the most scenic I have run. But yes.

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?

Well run.

Competition – is there a strong field?

I guess so. I just do my own race.

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.

Lottery opens in early Feb. New start time at 9a, Tom was in Teton, so I camped with a friend at Easton lake state park the night before, like 5 min drive. And shared a hotel room with 3 other people in Cle Elum after the run. First time has this arrangement (usually Tom drove me home), need more time off, but  I liked it. More relaxing.

How are the Aid Stations?

Good

Weather and typical race conditions 

Mountain has its own weather. Always want to be prepared.

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

Not really. Cant think of any.

Spectators – is the Cascade Crest 100 a friendly course for your friends?

I never have a crew. They can see runners in few places.

How are the awards?

Finisher buckle, hoodie this year. I also got the finisher towel few years ago.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give the Cascade Crest 100 and do you recommend that others run it

Before maybe 9. After adding the new 3.5m section, now it’s 10. Makes the whole flow better and even better view at early part. It’s hard but I highly recommend.

Get more tips on the Cascade Crest 100 from our race intel page!

daisy clark

White River 50M – Daisy C

Race: White River 50 Mile

Runner: Daisy C

Date: 7/30/16

Location: Near Crystal Mountain Resort outside Greenwater, WA

Results: Favorable, given I had a couple of time sucks. 12:17 and change.

Bests:

On this particular day I would have to say the weather was perfect. Low 70’s, a nice breeze, sunny. I had done a training run there on the first half of the course during a rainy day, so having seen the trails muddied and slippery it was a real treat to run on dry, grippy dirt throughout.

The views at the tops of the major climbs will take your breath away.

The aid station crews were great. As soon as I approached someone was checking off my bib number and a volunteer would be there before I knew it with my drop bag ready. Super organized! Plus, so many of my trail running friends were volunteering in addition to Team Urbanski members being there to show support. So nice to see familiar faces!

Not so much:

There was nothing about this race that was a bummer, except for my uncanny ability to trip and fall four times. I swear there were gremlins out there!

Highlights:

It’s a beautiful, challenging course. Every climb rewards you with spectacular views. It is tough and satisfying. No matter how hard I thought a section was it pushed you to keep working. Having many friends and TU teammates running felt good too. I got to see both Ricardo and Dave coming up to Corral Pass, and that was a huge confidence boost. I was also representing for my team Oiselle, and a lot of people yelled out to me on course in support of the Volee. I ran the last 8 miles with another Oiselle teammate.

Lessons:

This is not a course for beginners. I am certain I wouldn’t have done as well if this was my first 50 miler. Of course, I can only speak to my own experience. Everyone is different. But if you want to do this race, then you need to do the training runs and prepare for the climbs in your training. They will break you. You need to break down the course into sections and run them with patience. I had a hard time getting through the sweet, technical Ranger Creek portion. It is the 5 mile of down from Corral Pass that just screams at you to run it fast. It is some of the nicest switchback around. Gravity begs you to lean in and enjoy the ride, but if you do that you will have no legs left for the Sun Top climb and Skookum flats. I literally had to hold back the whole time knowing what was ahead, and it paid off.

DaisyC White River 50-2Aesthetics:

Mt. Rainier views, sweet PNW canopied trails, creeks, chipmunks, and wildflowers.

Difficulty:

I consider this an intermediate trail race. 10,000 feet of elevation gain is pretty formidable. The trails are not super technical, but enough so that you need to prepare well in advance if you want to run it well and come out of it having had a good time.

Competition:

This is a very competitive race. It attracts some fast folks. The female winner (and 4th overall) is the world title 100k holder. I’m just an old lady having fun. I was pleased to finish 5th (of 15) in my age group (50-59).

Aid Stations:

Great aid stations with the usual fare. At every station that I had a drop bag it was either handed to me as soon as I arrived, or someone found it quickly for me. I had friends volunteering at every station, so that was especially nice to see people who knew what I was going through and attended to my needs. Josh and Dave took great care of me at Buck Creek!

Weather and typical race conditions:

This is the PNW, so you should expect nearly any type of weather. This year was near perfect. It never got above mid 70’s and much of the trail is forested, so you get a lot of respite from the sun. Sun Top was the warmest section, but it actually felt good to me.

Gear:

I wore my Salomon Sense Lab vest and hydration bladder. I never had more than 1.5 liters in it at a time, because the aid stations are pretty close. Next year I will just use soft bottles in front to lower weight. I had trained wearing everything exactly as I did on race day. This is Urbanski law. It works! Nothing about my gear went afoul. Well, except for my Julbo sunglasses tumbling down a steep forest wall into the abyss. No chafing, no rubbing, nothing. I recommend grippy shoes. I wore Altra Olympus 2.0. I dig cushion on these longer efforts, plus they have a knobby Vibram sole perfect for every type of footing the trail presented from soft pine needles to rocks, slippery creeks and hard packed gravel road. There were quite a few folks using poles. I could see using them on some of the climbs, but I would need to train with them to acclimate.

Spectators:

The only crew access is at Buck Creek and Skookum. This was fine for me, as it allows spectators time to get from the start and back in time. And your supporters can see you at mile 27, 43 and finish.

The Overall Score:

A solid 5+ (of 5). This is my favorite race so far. My hardest, my most satisfying effort. It has beauty, challenging terrain and is well organized. It showcases everything that makes the PNW trail community so special. You can camp at the race location or choose to get a hotel at Crystal Mountain or rent a local cabin. I highly recommend this race and I will be there next year to run smarter, faster and see what challenges it presents.

To read a more detailed race report from Daisy, check out her post that we put on Urbyville, which we called, Why we Run. Thank you to Daisy for sharing all these wonderful race reports.

Fueled by Fine Wine Half – Mark P

Race: Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon – https://fueledbyfinewine.com/

Runner: Mark P

Date: 7/10/2016

Location: Dundee Hills (wine country), OR:  The 2016 race started and finished at Stoller Family Estate.  The course changes every year.

Results: 1:25:56, 3rd place gun time (4th officially)

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  • Running through wineries!  This is the reason to run this race.
  • After-race party:  There is a big tent with ~25 local wineries.  Most (or every?) winery had a Pinot Noir and a white (mostly Pinot Gris and Chardonnay).  You also get to keep your Pinot wine glass with race logo.
  • A challenging course:  It had ~1700 ft of climbing and dropping, and I think this was less than other years.  I generally describe it as racing more like 14 miles than 13.1.

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

  • This is the only race I’ve ever done that used chip times instead of gun times for placing.  This mostly wouldn’t matter except that there’s a guy that starts 10 minutes late and passes as many runners as he can as a fundraiser.  This knocked me out of the top 3.  It makes the event part race and part time trial.
  • The 7am start is really tough if you’re not staying (very) nearby.  I was staying with family in Corvallis and had to wake up before 4am to make it work.  I think the race previously started at 8am, and I’m guessing they hit a hot year and are trying to avoid that.
  • Yes, it’s rather difficult to actually appreciate Pinot Noir after a hard HM.  But whatever ????

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

The connection to wine is definitely the weirdest thing about this race.  Both the course through wineries and the wine-tasting at the end are pretty unique.  The wine tasting, as one might expect, is pretty different from the beer gardens at many races.

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

I paced this one pretty well.  There were some long climbs, and I felt like I hit a good balance of getting up them and having some energy left afterwards.

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

The terrain is difficult on this course every year.  Sometimes there are long or steep descents on roads, which just pounds the legs.  This year had a lot of rough gravel and a bit of uneven dirt/grass.  I run in fairly minimalist stuff, and while I used one of my more cushioned shoes, it was not enough and my feet and lower legs were toast by about mile 9.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Definitely!  Wine country is beautiful.  The early and late road sections were less interesting this year (before climbing to and then after dropping from the vineyards).  There’s a lot of running along the ends of rows of vines and even some running down the rows.  The higher points of the course have views of the surrounding areas.  The course also loops around some of the winery buildings, which are somewhat interesting but less so than the vines and views.  Sometimes the stretches to get to and around a building seem long.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Yes, and extremely so if you are used to road courses.  There’s always a lot of elevation, and the terrain is tough too.  I’d estimate it’s 30-60 seconds per mile slower than a flat, road HM.

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

I think this was the 7th Fueled by Fine Wine, and it’s well done.  I did packet pickup the morning of the race and it was quick (though I was there right at the beginning so I don’t know if it backed up later).  There was a long line of porta-potties, though as usual there was a line right before the race start.  The race started 5-10 minutes late, though they announced it at least 10 minutes before the planned start time.  The course was well marked.  The only time I was worried was on a long road stretch.  With no turns, there were no markers, and after a while I started to wonder if I’d missed something.  But eventually I hit the next turn.  There was a wide range of food at the finish (I’m forgetting some but I remember bagels and croissants with spreads, bananas, string cheese, and cookies).

Competition – is there a strong field?

It’s pretty sparse at the front.  There was an impressive 1:17 but then only 4 more within 15 minutes of that.  Past that there are plenty of people to run with in a field with over 1000 people.

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 believe that the race has sold out in past years but took same-day registrations this year.  I would recommend watching the website and planning on registering at least a few weeks or a month in advance.  Lodging might be more difficult as there are over 1000 runners on top of the usual visitors, but eventually there will be something as you get closer to Portland.

Aid Stations

There were 6 or 7 stations that had water and a sports drink.

Weather and typical race conditions –

It can vary.  Rain could make a cool morning seem awfully cold.  This year we had 50s at the start and the rain held off, so it was great.  Everything is pretty exposed, so a hot, sunny day could be rough.  I think the 7am start is intended to help with that, but as usual the faster one is the better the heat can be avoided.

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

Unless you do a lot of running on tough terrain, I think you’re going to want extra protection for the feet.  If you already wear highly-cushioned shoes, then you’ll probably be fine.  I’m still not sure what I’d want to race in.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

I think the courses are generally tough to get around on because there aren’t that many roads and the course often isn’t on them.  That said, hanging out at a beautiful spot on the course for a while isn’t so bad.  Pro-tip: volunteer and get free entry into the race party.

Awards –

Warning: Awards were done by chip time so you have no idea if you need to beat the person next to you by 0.1 or 10 seconds or if someone out of sight will beat you.

Top 3 overall male/female and top 1 (or maybe 3) masters male/female as well as top 1 in each gender/age group win bottles of wine.  Each runner can only win one prize.  I believe the top 3 (and maybe the masters) won magnums.

I like having technical shirts that say “Fueled by Fine Wine” on them.  All participants get them (unless maybe same day registrants if they run out).

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

5/5.  This is the only race I’ve really made a point to return to a second (and now third) time.  I love the running/wine combination.  It’s a great challenge for road folks (and I suspect still not on the easy side for trail folks).

Bridle Trails 5k – Mark P

Race: Bridle Trails Party in the Park 5k – http://www.bridletrails.org/news_events/party-in-the-park-2015-event-details.html

Runner: Mark P

Date: 6/25/2016

Location: Bridle Trails State Park – Kirkland, WA

Results: 17:08, 1st place

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  • It’s a fundraiser for the park combined by other events including a pancake breakfast afterwards.
  • I really like their 5k course.  It’s on fairly wide and nice trails, so it’s fine for those used to the roads.  The 5k has an early steepish climb and then is almost entirely flat and downhill.  The 10k has a few narrower parts in the middle but is still fairly nice.

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

  • The 5k starts 5 minutes after the 10k, and the 10k has an early extra short loop.  There’s about a quarter mile after that and before they diverge for good where the fastest 5k runners catch the slowest 10k runners.  The race has gotten smaller so it was less of a problem this year.
  • The fields are typically pretty weak.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

Watch out for horse poop!

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

I ran a good but controlled race and avoided any risks.  I let the second place finisher work up the opening hill and was able to make a strong move to pull away right after that.

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

Don’t overwork the opening hill.  While it’s possible to lose more time than can be made up, it’s more common to do the opposite.  The rest of the 5k course is potentially very fast due to being flat and downhill, though the turns do slow things down a bit.  The 10k course adds another smaller hill in the first half and then a moderate one in the second half, so it’s not as simple as the 5k strategy-wise.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

It’s a very pleasant run through the woods.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Although both courses open with a decent climb (a minute or so and somewhat steep), the 5k is pretty fast after that, especially if you can handle the bends in the trails.  It won’t be as fast as a flat, road 5k, but I think it’s deceptively fast.  The 10k isn’t as fast since it has a few more hills, but it’s still not overly difficult.

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

They have their routine down with the 10k start followed by the 5k one.  The course is always very well marked.  (I saw the retired Ranger Mary making her rounds before the race – thank you to her!)  There was plenty of water at the race finish.  The race is smaller than the greater party/fundraiser, so the porta-potties seem to be sufficient.  (The usual park restrooms are closed because they can’t handle the volume.)

Competition – is there a strong field?

No

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’s easy, though it’s not advertised all that much.  Watch www.bridletrails.org for race information.  It’s fine to register the morning of the race, but you probably won’t get a t-shirt.

Aid Stations

I’m not sure.  There’s an early one (about mile 1 on both courses), and I think the 10k picks up another one.  They are probably just water.

Weather and typical race conditions –

It’s a June morning in the northwest, so it’s unlikely to be particularly hot or cold.  Rain is possible.  The state of the trails will be based on the last several days, not just that morning.  The trails can be anywhere from dusty to sloppy in places.

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

If it’s been raining, then be ready for some mud.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

No, not really.  It’s hard to see much on the trails.  Theoretically, one could go on the power line in the middle of the park and catch the runners crossing it in both directions (at different spots).  Everyone just sits at the arena at the start/finish.

Awards –

There might be overall and age group ribbons.

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

3/5 from a pure running perspective.  It’s done well, but it’s a weak 5k/10k.  However 4/5 from an overall perspective if you combine it with the breakfast and the party events afterwards.  It can make a nice morning.  A bunch of the events are kid-oriented, so it’s a fun family outing.

Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon – Dionne H

Race: Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon – http://www.runrocknroll.com/seattle/

Runner: Dionne H

Date: 6/18/2016

Location: Seattle, WA

Results – 3:51.25 (PR!)

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

-It’s in Seattle. So the logistic is very easy and simple when the race is in your own hometown.

– Known for not a fast course, surprisingly it was not that bad. If you train on hills this course is relatively fun.

– It is a very spectator friendly race. People cheer you on everywhere.

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

There is no restrooms to change after you are done. They have porta potty but it is tough to change in one of those.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

There were none really.

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

Given the fact I just came out of an injury recently, to my surprise I set my PR in this race. I studied the course profile more so than before because I was nervous and felt slightly under trained (not enough time). And having your peers, in this case Daisy and Josh, throughout the course gives me boost of energy that help me finish the race strong.

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

Be patience. I ran conservatively, watched my pace and heart rate in the beginning. Then I really tried to push it for the last 2-3 miles. It paid off.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Bring more gels just in case. I ate well every 45-50 minutes. But the last hour or so I got hungry and ate 2 gels within an hour. I’m glad I brought enough.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

It is pretty overall when you ran along the water in Lake WA Blvd, around the Seward Park and in the beginning of the course when you run the viaduct looking towards the sound.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

As I mentioned it before, as long as you train well this course is not that tough.

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

Yes it is a very well organized, except for the changing room area.

Competition – is there a strong field?

Very strong field indeed.

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 decided to register 6 weeks prior to this race and there is still spots available. I don’t think it is a sold out event at all. And if you are from out of town, I overheard some people were saying the hotels were not fully booked either and relatively available around town.

Aid Stations

I noticed there were several of them throughout the course.

Weather and typical race conditions –

Get ready with Seattle weather. I was training for hot weather only to find this year the weather was in high 50s to low 60’s and a slight rain. But it was perfect.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Very friendly course

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

4 out of 5. 5 will be a completely flat course for me ???? with the same weather as this weekend.

Beacon Rock 25k – Stephanie G

Race: Beacon Rock 25k

Runner: Stephanie G

Date: 6/4/2016

Location – Beacon Rock State Park in Stevenson, WA (Columbia River Gorge)

Results – 7th female, 24th overall

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  • For this year, the fact that the vast majority of the race is in the shade was great. High of 100 degrees on race day! Also really appreciated that Rainshadow moved the start from 10am to 8:15am to try and combat some of the heat.
  • The aid station was absolutely great. The volunteers were super friendly and ready to douse you with water.
  • The downhills are really fun and runnable
  • Also have to mention the finish area. People hung out all day and it was fun and a great atmosphere.

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

I really enjoyed all of it

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

Nothing really

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

I felt like I did well on the downhills and felt much stronger at the top of the last climb than I had in the past.

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

The climbs are long! The whole race is just two climbs and descents. But with 3800’ of climbing, when you start going up, you know you’re going up for awhile.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

This was my third time running the course (50k once and 25k twice), so I’m not sure I learned much new this time.

beacon rock 25k stephanie gAesthetics – is it a pretty course

A lot of pretty forest, and some really great views at the top

Difficulty – is it a tough course

In line with many other Rainshadow Races

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

Very well run

Competition – is there a strong field?

Seemed pretty strong, even on a hot day.

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.

There aren’t many places to stay nearby, unless you want to camp at the start. Otherwise, not hard to get a hotel about 30 mins away, either in Washougal or Hood River. The 25k sold out fast, the 50k had spots up until a few weeks before the race. No cell phone reception anywhere in the state park.

Aid Stations

There was only one for the 25k (the course passed by it twice). The volunteers were fantastic.

Weather and typical race conditions –

Usually warm, this year hot!!

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

I ran with one bottle for the 25k and was fine. Most people wore packs because it was so hot. I did run into a few people running out of water.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

The 25k – not unless they want to go for a hike. The 50k passes back by the start line at the halfway point.

Awards –

Top 3 men and women. Also lots of raffle prizes.

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

5 and yes!

matt kotsenas

Mt. Si 50M – Matt K

Race: Mt. Si 50 miler – http://www.mtsirelay.com/ultras.html

Runner: Matt K

Date: 4/24/2016

Location: Snoqualmie, WA

Results – 7:55:12 3rd Overall

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

First, the race feels like a fun, small, old school event.  I like that you can just focus on having fun and running a good race. Second, the ultra race passes through the relay exchange points several times. Seeing and hearing the relay-ers cheer on the ultra race was a a lot of fun and a big mental boost. Finally, I liked the course route itself. While the scenery wasn’t always the best (see below), the out-and-back nature made it easier for me to take the course in bite-sized chunks and reduce the total amount of logistics and stuff I needed to keep in my head. Made things easier on crew too!

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

The only part of the race I didn’t love was some of the scenery. Most of the first 8 miles are on trails through suburbs, and in a few places you pass close to or look down on I-90. Not a big deal, but the rest of the scenery is the foothills and so beautiful that the blemishes stand out.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

There’s a relay race going on simultaneously, so you get to see and talk to new people often, but it’s also easy to get sucked into a group running a very different race.

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

The highlight for me was definitely my even pacing. Given that this was my first attempt at the distance, I didn’t know what to expect and had a hard time staying conservative in the beginning. At the turnaround I was 7th overall and decided now was the time to start slowly reeling people in. A big contributor to being able to catch other racers was my limited time in aid stations; my wonderful crew got me in and out every time in around 30 seconds. As a result I caught two of the four runners at aid stations.

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

Pacing is critical in this race; the first half is all gentle uphill and the second is all gentle down. You need to be conservative enough in the first half to avoid blowing up, and then you can race the whole second half.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Mostly, but with the blemishes noted previously.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

This was my first 50 miler, so I don’t have a frame of reference, but the course seemed easier than many trail races. The course is an out-and-back with the whole first half a gentle uphill that keeps you working but is totally runnable. The second half is much easier to push a faster pace. The downhill is gentle and doesn’t blow out your quads.

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

I heard of others having a bit of confusion, but I thought the race was executed well. Pre-race info was thorough, aid was well stocked, and the course was clearly marked. I didn’t use drop bags but it appeared they were there on time and easy to find. I was also near the front of the pack, so it’s possible mid- or back-of-the-packers may have had a different experience.

mt si matt kCompetition – is there a strong field?

The field was composed mostly of locals. Past years have had some fast times, but the event generally doesn’t attract well-known names.

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.

Signup is simple on www.mtsirelay.com. Neither the 50 mi or 50k sold out, though the relay did after a few weeks. I chose to stay in nearby Falls City (North Bend is also good) the night before to make the race morning drive shorter, but driving in from the Seattle metro area is totally doable.

Aid Stations

Aid was standard grub (chips, potatoes, pretzels, cookies, gu) but was well stocked. Stations were 5 – 8 miles apart which was nice. The only oddity was a missing water station at the turnaround according to pre-race info, but that section was short and I didn’t really need it.

Weather and typical race conditions –

Weather is typically 40 – 60 F, and rain is 50/50. For my race the weather was the high 40s and light rain the whole time.

Be warned that in the foothills the temperature tends to be about 5 degrees colder than online forecasts.

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

The course itself is all wide rails-to-trails with medium to big gravel. I wore more responsive shoes since I was in “race mode” and I think a cushy shoe would save some wear-and-tear on your feet.

Otherwise aid is roughly 5 miles apart with stocked aid stations and 3 drop bags along the course so gear is pretty straightforward.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Not particularly. All but the McClellan Butte aid station were open to spectators, but the Garcia aid station required a 1 mi hike in, and there wasn’t much time to drive between aid stations. My crew ended up missing me at a station and skipped another because there was no way to make it in time.

The finish was a small gathering of people and vendors in the parking lot. It was enough to get me rested and fed for the trip home, but it wasn’t like the more elaborate finish-line parties like you see from Rainshadow Running. People generally didn’t seem to hang around long after finishing.

Awards –

Awards for the top two in each category

–       Men’s Open (under 40)

–       Women’s Open (under 40)

–       Men’s Masters (40+)

–       Women’s Master (40+)

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

Score 3/5

Now this score isn’t as bad as it sounds. 5 stars is reserved for one-of-a-kind events like Western States or Hardrock. 4 is then for fantastic races that are just a step below that. The Mt. Si ultra is a solid race that doesn’t require a lottery and makes a great stepping stone for the distance. I recommend it, I just don’t think it’s one you’ll feel the need to race year after year.

Orcas Island 100 – Ricardo H

Race: Orcas Island 100 miler – http://www.rainshadowrunning.com/orcas-island-100.html

Runner: Ricardo H

Date: 2/19/2016

Location: Orcas Island

The distance raced and other options

100 miler. There is also on a 25k and a 50k on different weekends.

Results – 9th overall, 26:44

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  • Scenery
  • Aid stations and race organization
  • Course terrain: single track, loop course, big climbs.

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

  • Nothing. It was a very well organized race and I don’t have any complains.

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

  • Laundry-I didn’t expect that my crew would have to wash and dry my clothes for each loops (and at times, they would have my clothes and shoes ready by the next aid station). I got completely soaking wet and muddy on this course and it was incredibly cold, wet, and windy. My crew would take my clothes and shoes and wash and dry them for me so I had fresh clothes and shoes for the next loop, and this was incredibly beneficial.

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

  • Finishing my first 100 miler with very few low points.
  • Being able to see my crew before the powerline (I was able to get dry clothes and new shoes before the line one each loop).
  • Miso soup and sushi at Mt. Pickett aid station.

What did you learn about racing 100 milers and what would you do differently next time?

  • Patience-better to take it slow and save your energy for the end. I thought I paced my race really well, but overall, I think I was a bit too conservative and I wish I would have pushed a little more throughout the race.
  • Crew Communication-This race was a first for my crew and myself, so we really had to work together intuitively and simply figure it out at some points in the race. We did our best to prepare for unexpected situation, and I was impressed at how it all came together. I also learned what personalities I work best with in my crew team. I would also have less crew members, but it was helpful to see the different crew styles and how it works with my running style.
  • Rental House-I would have gotten a house closer to the race for the sake of the crew.

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

  • Layers- I saw many other runners getting very cold because they didn’t realize how much power-hiking they would have to do. It helped me to have dry shoes with my crew. There were also a few deep and long (unavoidable) puddles throughout the race course, and it was impossible to stay dry.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty courseRicardo Orcas 100-3

  • This was an absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous course.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

  • Yes, 63% completion rate.

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

  • This race was very well organized, and I was impressed with how smooth things ran considering this was their first ever 100 mile race event.

Competition – is there a strong field?

  • There were definitely some amazing runners on the course, but I don’t think Ultra Sports Live will be out there next year.

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 happenings.

  • 8 hours of trail work volunteering required
  • At least one 50 mile race with minimum 7,000 feet of elevation gain
  • The race is on an island and it’s a small community, so make sure to bring what you need. Food, clothes, etc.
  • Book accommodations in advance because places fill up fast.

Aid Stations

  • Four aid stations over-all, one of which crew was not allowed to access. All aid stations were stocks incredibly well with great volunteers. I was very pleased with the aid stations. Mt. Constitution can be a pain for crew to get to (for their sake), and it’s not necessary to have them at the aid station, because it was so well stocked with supplies and volunteers.

Weather and typical race conditions –

  • The weather varied drastically depending on which leg of the loop you were on, and the weather also varied throughout the 24 hour period as well. We saw rain, sun, fog, snow, and strong winds.

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

  • Highly suggest a good headlamp and handheld flashlight. The headlamp was not enough due to the fog.
  • Good winter layers
  • Hand warmers

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

  • Yes, everyone had wonderful feedback about this course. Most places were easily accessible for spectators and crew, and the overall tone and moral from the other runners, volunteers, spectators and staff was very positive and high. I enjoyed the other runners and my crew enjoyed the folks they met while crewing as well. There was an underlying feeling of camaraderie throughout every aspect of this race.

Awards –

  • There was an award ceremony the next day at the local theater. We received our race buckles and took time to celebrate our accomplishment with the other runners and staff.

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

  • 9 out of 10. Highly recommend this race not only for the race itself, but also for the beauty surrounding you (and your team) throughout the race.

520 10k – Mark P

Race: 520 Go Long 10k – http://promotionevents.com/520/index.php

Runner: Mark P

Date: 4/2/2016

Results: 10th overall, 34:30

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most:

– The bridge – runners taking over a highway!

– Strong and deep field

– No lines at bag drop, even pretty close to race time (my schedule was tight, so this was a huge relief)

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

– The field was too large.  This was fair because it’s a one-time event and the goal was to get a huge number of people on the bridge, but it took away from the running.  The outbound pack took up almost the entire road, so coming back we had a single file.  Sometimes there were even people on the curb to our right, and people often used our lane to pass!  I heard that people in the main pack were boxed in during the entire 10k.

– The Montlake Bridge is terrible to run on.  It’s very coarse grating and uncomfortable.  There are holes in it that are large enough to trip someone, though I didn’t witness any falls.

– It was hard to find things.  The porta-potties, even though there were a ton of them, were way in the back.  The water and bag check were right there but not obvious.  Some big signs would have helped a lot.

– Stressful transportation logistics (for details, see my blog post: https://fromthecrosswalk.wordpress.com/2016/05/04/more-transportation-logistics-from-520-go-long-grand-opening/)

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular:

– Good pacing – I moved up in the second half but also didn’t go out too slowly

– Very strong finish – got two places near the end

– PR!

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

– Learn about problematic spots on the course ahead of time.  I was glad to have warmed up over the Montlake grates to have advance warning.

– Don’t expect strong thinking late in a race.  I tried to remember too many details about the locations of the worst parts of the Montlake Bridge.  They ended up jumbled.  I should have just remembered a simple, safe path.

– Get in the right position before the race starts and the early part of the race – it is hard to move around in a huge field

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course:

Yes, running on bridges without cars is great!

Difficulty – is it a tough course:

It was a fairly easy course.  It was mostly flat, but there were minor climbs on the ends of the bridge and back up to Montlake.

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

Yes and no. It had to be organized to get the reported 13500 runners through a course.  There were lots of small things though.  They closed the Eastside packet pickup early due to “unforeseen circumstances”.  I got mine but would not have been happy with a Green Lake pickup or a race day one.  Letting everyone line themselves up doesn’t scale to this size of race.  The field was too big for the course.  I described the problems that we had on the return leg, but if they had controlled the road better for us, then the pack would have been even more squished.  There was water but no bagels/fruit/etc at the finish.  Thank goodness Kind had a booth!

Competition – is there a strong field:

Yes – There weren’t any 30s or 31s, but there were 12 under 35 minutes, and 50th was 38:30.

Weather and typical race conditions:

Since this race is not intended to happen again, I guess upper 40s and dry are typical.  April is certainly no guarantee of avoiding rain in general though.  We also got lucky with minimal wind on the bridge.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends:

Since most of the race was on the bridge, it was a difficult one to watch.  The first and last half mile were viewable on Montlake.  I don’t know if the bridge turnaround point could be accessed from the east side; I’m guessing not.

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

5/5 – It wasn’t perfect, but the unique experience of the 520 bridge wins out.  If they did this yearly, I would be less enthusiastic about scoring for return trips, probably 4/5 since the bridge would still be neat, especially if the competition remained strong.

Squak Mt. Marathon – Josh B

Race: Squak Mt. Marathon – http://www.evergreentrailruns.com/squak-mtn-trail-run

Runner: Josh B

Date: 4/9/2016

Location: Issaquah WA

Results – 7:30 or so.

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

  1. Vertical Gain. I signed up for this as a training race only and it squeezes 8k of gain into a marathon. They have a 50k option that has almost 10k of gain. Perfect early season training race for Mountainous summer races.
  2. Well supported aid stations. The aid stations were stocked well and had volunteers that were also trail runners. Great food selection for runners that don’t want to carry a ton of stuff on them.
  3. Location- Being only 30 minutes from Seattle makes it an easy race logistically.

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

This course has two loops so for people that don’t like loop courses this would not be for you. In terms of a training run, this course was perfect for me.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

N/A

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular.

I used this as a test of gear and nutrition for an upcoming race. All the gear I used worked perfectly and I was able to practice eating real food as the aid station selection of food was great. Now if I could only get every aid station to have nutella quesadillas and bacon avocado quesadillas I would be set. I went into the race with the goal of finishing and feeling fresh afterwards and succeeded with this.

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

If I was to race this, not as a training run, I would only carry a single handheld or small camelbak for water/nutrition. The aid stations are close together and well stocked which makes there no need to carry a bunch of stuff on you. Being a two loop course you also could leave a drop bag at the halfway point so that you could grab stuff.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

The single track portions are nice but there are no great views. For a race with 8k vert you would expect some nice views.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

The amount of gain makes it difficult but the trails are not technical so it is not too bad.

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

Evergreen Trail Runs does a good job managing these races. The races are cheap and organized well. Nice finish line atmosphere afterwards.

Competition – is there a strong field?

Seems like most of the field was using this as training for other future races. Not very competitive all together.

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 race logistically. They even have day of race registration.

Aid Stations-

5 aid stations for the marathon which was plenty. Each one had plenty of food and beverage options.

Weather and typical race conditions – The weather was sunny and in the 60s this year. I could imagine years where the weather could be rainy. Even with rain the course wouldn’t be too muddy.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy? This race requires minimal gear as the aid stations are close together. A single handheld or small camelbak would be adequate.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends. Crews really only have access to the start/finish area which you pass through at the halfway point. I guess crews could hike up to the peak and see you come by if they wanted to. It would be a couple mile hike with 1500ft of gain or so.

Awards – No awards or medals.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it. 4 stars as a training run.

Dupont City Trail Marathon – Rich W

Race: DuPont City Trail Marathon – http://www.dctmassoc.org/

Runner: Rich W

Date: 3/5/2016

Location: DuPont, WA – Sellers Park

Distance raced and other options: Marathon, ½-Marathon

Results – 4:13:50 http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=34208#id2991

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

– Fun, variable terrain… gravel double-track, dirt single-track, rocky beach, sidewalk.  Had a little bit of everything.

– Running somewhere local, yet new to me.  Beautiful area and trails I didn’t realize are so close… about 15 minutes south of Tacoma.

– Very chill, low-frills community event.

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

Nothing.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

There are two water crossing near the end of each ½ marathon loop where you get at least knee to mid-thigh deep in fairly cold water.

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

Running with a friend most of the distance.  Also, running a fairly steady, consistent pace.  Second ½ about 5 minutes slower than first ½ .

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

Prepare for some hills and variable footing (rocky beach section).  Fairly hilly but runnable.  Not a PR type course.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Gorgeous course.  Sections along creek and beach.  Views overlooking southern Puget Sound.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

Relatively difficult, if you’re accustomed to road marathons.  But very runnable hills.  My watch indicated about 2600’ of climb.

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, especially considering first year of event.  Aid station volunteers were very helpful and organized.  The RD is an experienced trail runner and the nicest dude you’ll meet.

Competition – is there a strong field?

There was one fast dude (non-local visiting family), obviously a relatively fast road marathoner that finished in 3:20, about 45 minutes ahead of the next finisher.  Then, the rest of us trail runner folk starting pouring in after about 4:07.

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.

Event was advertised fairly heavily on local facebook runner forums with registration on ultrasignup. Short drive south of Tacoma or Seattle.  Start/finish just off I-5 exit 119.

Aid Stations

One aid station that you pass twice per loop, plus at turnaround (roughly miles 5.2, 8.1, 13.1, 18.3, 21.2). Very well stocked and staffed.

Weather and typical race conditions

Cool, but sunny, beautiful day, especially at beginning of March.

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

Nothing special required, unless you want to change shoes and socks (and get heckled) after first loop as your feet (and knees) get submerged at about mile 13.0.  I carried a light Nathan (Krissy) vest and one handheld bottle.  I could have easily gone with just the handheld, but habits die hard.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Yes, spectators can see you at 4 times by staying in one spot near the aid station, more if they wanna get mobile.

Awards – I got a medal and a few high-fives for finishing.  I place a higher value on the high-fives. Pretty sure the winners got a gift certificate for an hour massage.

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

I had a great run with friends at a very well organized, scenic, fun, low-frills event.  Two-thumbs up.  Or 5 Stars (out of 5).

Yakima Skyline 25k – Stephanie G

Race: Yakima Skyline 25k – http://www.rainshadowrunning.com/yakima-skyline-25k.html

Runner: Stephanie G

Date: 4/17/2016

Location: I’d call it more Ellensburg than Yakima

Results: 3:05:37, 5th place Female

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

 

  • One of the prettiest races I’ve ever done. The views went on forever (when you could look up from the ground)
  • The start/finish location on the river was a great place to hang out
  • Weather! It did get hot at the end, but stayed nice and cool on the ridge due to the breeze.

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

I really can’t complain about anything. You do have to carry 40oz of water, which seemed like a lot to me for a 25K, but it was fine and meant I never had to stop to refill.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

There’s a section of really steep sandy trail that I’m sure many people fell on. It was really hard to find footing and stay out of people’s way, and since the race is out and back there were people everywhere trying to navigate it going both directions.

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

I felt really good after getting up the first hill and felt like I ran the rolling trail and downhills pretty well.

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

The majority of the single track is really, really rocky, very twisty-turny and pretty steep. I had to concentrate really hard on footing for most of the downhill parts of the race.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

YES!

Difficulty – is it a tough course

I thought so. Times seem to be slower all around compared to other 25Ks.

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

Well run

Competition – is there a strong field?

Women’s winner was very strong – not sure about the men’s side.

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.

Sells out like all other Rainshadow Runs. Very close to Ellensburg and easy to get to the start.

Aid Stations

One full aid station at the turnaround, one other one with mostly beverages and some candy.

Weather and typical race conditions – Seems to be mostly sunny and warm.

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

Good trail shoes (lots of loose rock and dirt), something to carry 40oz of water.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Not really, the only way to watch would be for them to hike up the first hill.

Awards –

Top 3 per gender… I think.

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

5!

Mercer Island Half – Jael A

Race: Mercer Island Half Marathon – http://mercerislandhalf.com/

Runner: Jael A

Date: 3/20/2016

Results – 1:56:11 PR

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

The course runs around Mercer island so there is a nice view most of the way along the course.  The course wasn’t too crowded and as most of the two way road was closed off to traffic, it was quiet with occasional people cheering for their friends/family along the way. I completed my first sub 2 hour half marathon ????

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

I’m not a big fan of hills at the end of the race, there was a pretty big hill after mile 11 and then a smaller one right before the finish.  It just made the course more challenging for me which isn’t a bad thing.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

I had to go to the airport right after the race to fly to the east coast….that was weird, or just plain crazy.

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

I ran much faster than I thought I would.  This is my first half marathon other than the Big Sur Half Marathon so I was a bit unsure of how I would run given I was unfamiliar with the course.

I liked the new scenery, the weather (only a bit of rain at the end, and no wind!), and the course was overall good (except for the hill I have mentioned many times at mile 11….).   It was nice having a crew of people running the race and others cheering on the team as they finished the race.

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

Study the course prior to the race to prepare yourself for the hills.  I didn’t study the map so the course was a bit of a surprise along the way.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

Pretty course along the road that runs around the outer edge of the island.  Trees and nice views.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

I didn’t find the course too difficult until the hill just after mile 11.  Definitely took some motivation to make it up that hill.

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

Organized and well run.  The parking was easy to find and in walking distance to the start of the race.

Competition – is there a strong field?

Appeared to be many competitors as they passed me during the race ????

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 registered a week or so before the race and didn’t have any problems.  I picked up my bib the day before the race and they seemed pretty flexible if you needed to change anything.  Parking was easy to find and walking distance to the start/finish line.

Aid Stations

Water, electrolyte and clif shot stations along the course.  I didn’t stop for any but many people were happy to have the stations there.  They made sure to communicate that the electrolyte was at the first table and the water was second for people who had a preference.

Weather and typical race conditions –

Weather was cloudy with a bit of a rain sprinkle for the last 2 miles.  In my opinion perfect as I prefer to run when it’s a bit cooler weather.

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

If it was a sunny day, I would recommend sunglasses.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Yes, my mom watched the race and she found the event and a place to watch at the finish line without any issues.

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

5 stars.  I enjoyed this race and think others would enjoy it as well.