Decided to do this race since it was free and a short warmup to my usual stomping groups, but with the added "fun" of running through the hills and switchbacks above the creek and my baby, Forbidden Drive. I knew I didn't have a chance of winning, but I wanted to mix it up with some of the faster local runners. It also forced me to get out of bed before 10 or 11, which was good for me.
The course starts on Forbidden Drive (hard packed dirt) for about a quarter mile and then runs mostly through single track and some horse trails that look like narrow creek beds (and they are steep). There are plenty of rocks, roots, and downed trees.
My quads would burn like crazy on the uphills then I tried to kamikazee the downhills. I passed a few guys but also got passed. My effort was up throughout. Second place was around 42 minutes and first was under 40. Running 6:25 through those trails is pretty crazy.
The splits don't really tell the story, so I'm including links. Since Philly I run with my watch but I run my miles and don't show time or pace, which has really helped. If I want to go back and look at splits, Strava puts them in "auto lap" for me since I shut that feature off on my watch as well.
2+ up/2 down
http://www.strava.com/activities/231525642
http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/654435967
PM: Light stretching + light core for about 15 minutes
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