Training Run — Sunday, June 27, 2004
First Half, 24 Km
This was the second training run in a row to take on the first 1/2 of the course (last week added on the third quarter) and the last time that most people would get a chance to get familiar with the climb up Black Mountain. The weather was stellar (if not a bit hot), and another large group of almost 50 runners showed up. After a brief overview of the ground we were covering, we headed off. Again, people tended to stay in groups and now that the training runs have been going on for a bit, runners are getting to know who else is within their running pace.
The climb up Black went by relatively quickly as our group of about 12, talked, joked, and sweated our way up and over the peak. I snapped a few pictures, but somehow I doubt that anyone who has not done this section can appreciate how steep it is.
The area around the lake still led to some confusing route finding, but rest assured that this area will be very well marked on race day. When we got to the Cypress alpine parking area, a few runners opted to refill water bottles (veterans of this section opted to wait for the colder water at the Ranger Station). The trail was surprisingly dry, with only limited mud patches and no snow to worry about – it should be another fast year.
The run down the Hollyburn Chute saw the group beak into pairs and trios as everybody took to accepting gravity on different terms (personally, I was having “a good gravity day”). The trail was in great condition but there were a few loose roots that threatened to deepen my beer debt (remember The Rule?). Keep your eye/foot coordination on high alert on this section – it has surprised a few of us before. We pulled into Cleveland Dam in almost 4 hours total, & the rest of the group trickled in at about 1 to 2 minute intervals. All in all, it was a very fun day of running and joking.
By now everyone should have some idea of their goal times (either for the entire race or even for the 1/4 sections of the course). You might want to take the time to look at previous results and see what kind of splits were posted compared to your goal time – use them as a guide only, as everybody is different. Remember that it is a long race and that much can happen during the race itself, so don’t get too hung up on exact splits. It is not uncommon to have a really lousy section followed by a incredibly perfect section – there is a lot of time for recovery. Last year I had such a bad first 1/4 that I even doubted that I would finish (stomach issues). By the time I got to Cleveland things were better, and I went on set a personal best…you just never know.
Glenn Pacé
P.S. In case you missed the hyperlink above, please click here to see pictures from the run.
