Thursday 4/9
RUNch Break shakeout
3mi, 32:41
Beautiful day, legs feel ready to go. Like a coil spring. Had to hold back and remind myself this run was just for movement.
Friday 4/10
30k Race Recap
Had a great night of sleep, despite being in a hotel and excited for the race. Woke up without an alarm at 530. Got breakfast, coffee and generally moved slowly toward the 10am start time.
Arrived at the bib pickup and finish line a little after 8. Pinned my bib on, and tired to find a warm place to hang out and wait for the bus to the start line. Buses loaded and left a little after 9, for a 30 minute drive to the start. Hopped off the bus and waded through the crowed and start-line tension to warm up, drop my jacket and wait patiently for the start.
It was a four wave start, I opted for wave three, not having the confidence for anything higher.
Wave three gets rolling around 1015, and off I go. It was a sold out race, on tight, single track trails. I realized in the first three miles I was well prepared, and this was many peopleās first trail race. I was in a line of traffic walking for most of the first few miles. When the trail would level out, there was some light jogging. Generally, it was like being on the freeway and not getting to use cruise control because no one can maintain a constant speed. After a couple miles, I stopped trying to jog for brief moments because I could power hike just as fast and save energy. I put myself in second gear, enjoyed all the beautiful scenery and waterfalls, and passed when the trail was wide enough. Additionally, this was not a closed course, which meant dodging tourists taking selfies with all the waterfalls. On a fun note, it also meant more people than usual cheering you on.
Mile 5 was the first aid station. I grabbed some water, refilled my electrolytes, swipped a gel for a later time, and off I went. The crowd has started to spread a bit departing the aid station. This was also the two mile pavement section, so I opened up my pace. I was conservative, but the speed felt blistering compared to the first five miles.
I get to the first switchback climb and start up. This section of trail is about 1.5 track wide, plus there are many runners stopped on the side for snacking, allowing me to cruise by at least ten people. I reach the top of the climb and get behind on a line of 6 runners, in time for a long decent. I match their pace and stay patient, as itās not the half way point yet. We all get to the bottom of the hill and to the next waterfall, and a creek crossing. The bridge had a tree fall on it and had not been repaired, so it was time to skip across on rocks. There was quite a back up at the narrowest point with runners slipping and sliding off the mossy rocks trying to cross dry, and failing. I accepted my fate, told my feet to hold on, and ran through the shallowest point I could find. This allowed me to pass about 15 more people.
Up the next series of switchbacks. I reach the halfway point, feeling great. My fueling is on point, my legs still feel good. My feet are wet and my moleskins have slid of my potential hot spots, but other than that, Iām feeling awesome. The course levels out for a while here. I catch the next pack of runners and fall in for the most part. Only passing one or two as short hill climbs allow.
Mile 12 and the second aid station is reached after a nice decent. Same as the first, water, electrolyte, swipe a gel, continue. Time for the biggest climb, 700ā over 1.5 miles. Nothing too crazy. I start up, power hiking away. Iām cruising by people. Mile 12 was my decision point- if I felt good, Iāll push, if not, Iāll hang out. I felt good. Pass more people. Still climbing. Mile 14.5ish, top of climb. Itās a two track at this point. Everyone is looking miserable and still walking.
I get to the decent, where I shine. I grew up playing on red rock boulders, lava rock and I have strong ankles. I start my usual approach to running downhill: send it and control the chaos. I get caught behind a couple of people for a short time, but most people are kind enough to let me by while they tip-toed down the hill.
Bottom of hill, mile 16.5. The rest of the course is a bike trail and sidewalk through down to the finish line. Itās mostly flat, smooth and feels blissful after miles of chunky rock single track. So I speed up more, less than two miles to go, no point in leaving anything in the tank.
Iām passing people left and right, my best guess is about 20 runners in total, very few are still running. I can hear the finish line music, legs are tired, feet are a little sore, but I give it a final kick and cruise through the last half mile, down the finish chute and cross the line.
Official time- 18.3mi, 4:25.16
First race of 2026, and my second longest run ever, in the bag. I felt like I could have done more, which is exactly what I wanted. Iām even more excited for my next race.
Photos to follow once the race company posts them.
