Race: Tejas Trails Cap’n Karl’s Reveille Peak Ranch 20k
Runner: Ryan Sheehy
Race Date: 08/27/2022
Location: Burnet, TX
Results: 3rd Place
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7712071346
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- The night time race is always a fun aspect, it gets you in a different environment under the headlamp.
- REALLY REALLY well marked course, and even though it was at night and very twisty, I never felt lost at all.
- The course was challenging but not brutal – running on a large granite dome can definitely put wear and tear on you.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
- There’s some pretty hard spots where the rocks are jagged and definitely led to some blistering on my feet.
- It’s a bit off the beaten path.
- The granite can be had on the body, and you go from loamy/sandy dirt to rock and back, so there’s no middle ground, it’s either super hard or super soft trail.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The granite dome is probably it. The footing is uneven and hard, and etched out from rain.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I really dialed in my nutrition on this race, where I planned ahead with my fuel and had it loaded and ready to go. I knew what I was going to eat, when I was going to eat it, and just stuck with the plan. I also really maintained a healthy hydration.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Don’t be afraid to share miles and tailgate someone else for a few miles. It leads to great conversation (if you’re willing or their willing to) and allows you to keep a healthy pace without feeling like you’re pushing it. It also passes the time well before the race starts to really crank up.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
This is a multi-lap race (2), and each one was 6 miles. Next time I run a similar distance lap race, I will likely have a second hydration vest packed and ready to go and just fast-swap out the packs.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The granite dome will get you! Just take it easy on it.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It’s quite dark when the race actually starts but the venue is beautiful.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I would rate this as a moderate course. Not too technical or heavy on incline. But the footing on the dome is hard to place and there’s plenty of rollers throughout the course.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Tejas Trails puts on some of the best races in the country (they host the Bandera 100k qualifier for WS100, and the Rocky Raccoon 100 (also a WS100 qualifier and UTMB qualifier). PJ the race director is a pro, but keeps it fun the whole time too.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The field was a little light this time around (55 runners total) but the top 4 finished within 10 minutes of each other.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Really easy to get in, the ranch is a fun place and plenty of parking and camping spots (primitive and hookups)
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather was BEAUTIFUL, after a brutal summer of 100 degree days (and early evenings) the starting temp of this one was 87 and only got cooler as the race went on. No rain, but some beautiful lightning off in the distance (a safe distance away)
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There’s plenty to do at the start/finish line for spectators to hang out and enjoy.
How’s the Swag?
Solid medals, great shirts!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4.5 star. Definitely recommend it to experience a unique Texas environment (social, cultural and ecological).
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