It called for an ice storm with ice accumulations and treacherous traveling conditions. Our philosophy is we head out and if it's too bad we turn around. However, we weren't just not going to go!
Per usual, the weather man was incorrect. It iced a bit before noon then cleared right up before the race at 6pm. The wet weather conditions made the course pleasantly muddy.
We arrived early to ensure a decent parking spot. 131 events always sell out and this was no exception. Parking is limited due to it being at a state park, so we knew to get there early. Last year we did this race and it was bitter cold. The wet trails had frozen over, there were many people who slipped on the ice and fell and it was overall a mess...by no fault of the race director. Mother Nature was just being her witchy self.
However, this year the weather was nice and balmy. A little chilly to start but I quickly warmed up. I had intended to walk it with my buddy but she backed out due to the weather concern (and she kicked herself later for being so paranoid!). Therefore, I told Matt it just isn't in my nature to walk if I am not nursing an injury, and I was not.
The distance options were a full marathon, a half and a quarter. We did the quarter. It is such a nice trail and we had done several races there prior so the course was familiar. As I previously stated, the trail was nice and muddy. I find it funny to watch "non-mud runners" navigate a muddy course. They wear street shoes (I had on OCR trail shoes) and they try to tip toe past the mud and water. Me? I just plowed through it. I was covered in mud from me knees down. Fantastic! Makes me excited for mud season.
I finished 8 minutes faster than last year - woot. It is a slow course and time is never an issue with me on these. They are trails and there was to be caution exercised so slower is okay here. At the end of the race, 131 always takes care of their runners. They had coffee, hot cocoa, donuts, granola bars, salty treats and fruit...not to mention the honking medal!
It was a great start to the new season!
So the review of the event Winter Night Trail:
Terrain - trails, mud, some pavement
Organization - 131 Events - always well organized and great company...they take care of their runners!
Cost - $40-ish
Time of the race - 6pm
Overall - very nicely done, second year doing this one and will do it again
Swag - a medal
My Time - 1hr 29min
Race #1 (61 total to date)
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