While only half the distance this race starts out with a brutal climb up the Pine and Cedar Trail–1,400ft in just over 2 miles. The course follows the final 25k of the 50k course as it winds through ferns and mud, up to the rocky Raptor Ridge lookout and around Fragrance Lake, before plummeting down to the finish at Larabee State Park’s Lost Lake Day Use parking lot.
I kept this mind all throughout my training, having done what I thought was plenty of climbing. Race day came and I was feeling (mostly) ready. Having not done the longest runs I wanted to (the longest being around 10 miles), I figured going in under trained was better than the opposite. I'm sure if this helped or hurt me in the end.
My taper for the race began after the Chirico Tenpeat - an informal race where participants strive to go up and down the Chirico trail from 1-10 times over the course of 12 hours. The winner (10 repeats in the shortest time), wins the coveted Tiger hat. The winner finished this year in 8hrs57 minutes! I had to work so I went and did 2, feeling tired and accomplished. Maybe next year I'll strive for 3? Anyhow, I digress...
The last few weeks it had taken me longer to recover from hard efforts than I expected so I figured a relaxed taper would make sure I was ready come race day. With easy runs on Saturday & Wednesday before the race, the Wednesday run, albeit short and relaxed, my legs still felt sluggish. Left me very much looking forward to my appointment with Dr.David - chiropractor and ART/Graston specialist - even more. I'm thoroughly convinced the combination of the soft tissue work, chiropractic adjustments, and improvements to my form have kept me from anything more than soreness after hard efforts.
Fast forward to race day...
I leave early Saturday morning from Issaquah around 7 am (with one stop for coffee and a snack since the race doesn't start until 10). I get there in plenty of time, check in, get my shirt and around 9:20 hop on to the shuttle (a volunteer and his Camry, haha) to the start. I had been warned that there was not much space to do any sort of significant warm-up - the trailhead parking lot was such that you could do about 10 laps and MAYBE log a mile. The other option was the hill you'd be spending the better part of 2 miles on. I opted for a few laps around the parking lot.
I learned that there were actually fewer people running the 25k than were running the 50k because the 50k had been around for so much longer (this was only the 2nd year a 25k option was available). My estimate was around 25. After a brief rundown of the course markings, we take off. I had no intentions of attempting to run this section so it would be the last I see of most of the runners as they speed off ahead. First mental note: Never enough hill training. Not even close. I start my music and settle in for a good 45 minute calf burn. The lady with the husky makes me wonder how the dog will fare in the heat, but I try to remind myself "she knows her dog best," etc and try not to worry too much.
At around mile 2, the course levels out for which I (and my lower legs) are quite grateful. The course is well shaded, with lots of rocks and roots to contend with. Started encountering some of the 50k runners coming the opposite direction and had to remind myself they had been running for the better part of 2-3 hours already. I stepped out of the way when need be, and wished most of them "good job" or "nice work" as did most of them to me.
The course stayed this way for the better part of the race, which was great, with the exception of a few short climbs. I did stop to take pictures, being mindful to not stop my garmin, because the scenery was beautiful and I'm all for enjoying the experience. My least favorite part of this section was the nettle. Brushed up against it twice (once with the hand, and soon after with my shin). Ow!
Around mile 5, I took in the pocketfuel (Vanilla Haze - delicious, btw) because I knew if I waited until I needed it, it would be too late. I came upon the one and only photographer while walking so I picked up the pace a little and attempted to smile.
Mile 8 brought you to the first pass of the Fragrance Lake aid station. It was nice to see some friendly faces since I had been on my own for most of the run thus far. It was well stocked - fruit, candy, energy chews, etc. I ate a few pieces of watermelon and set on my way. Watermelon has to be one of my favorite foods both during and post run. Refreshing, light, and just the hint of sweetness.
The next few miles were around Fragrance Lake itself. Lots of people out enjoying the warm day. I don't remember which happened first but this was about where I both tripped & fell (tripped several times already without falling - yay!) and had my right ankle roll to the point I almost became worried. Another note: remember to pick up your feet, especially when tired. The tree roots and rocks made it almost unavoidable but the ground was soft and rock-free so I considered myself lucky. Seeing all the benches along these next few miles felt like such a tease - "come on, just for a minute..." - but I did not stop at any of them, despite their calling.
At around mile 10-11, you hit the interurban trail (flat, gravel) and start making your way back toward the aid station, including a downhill section of dirt road that I could've done without. I was feeling pretty good, a bit fatigued, but confident. It was fairly warm (probably 60-65?) and a bit muggy so I knew that had an effect on me as well. I snack on my "Need for Seed" Picky Bar, in small bites, knowing I hadn't eaten much and fueling had been an issue in races past.
Mile 12 starts the last big climb to the top and this is about where my legs cried "Uncle" and wouldn't let me get more than a shuffle on anything remotely flat. This about where I start asking myself "why do we do this?" "If this hurts this much, how the hell do you expect to get through a 50k (in October)?" I try to focus on my music and just keep trudging along, knowing the aid station (and that watermelon) was not far away.
At mile 13.5, you reach the top and the aid station. Yay!! 2ish miles to go and its mostly downhill - albeit on gravel/dirt. I snag a few more pieces of watermelon and head on my way. My legs are fatigued but I'm still upright and in good spirits so all in all, not bad. I reach the finish in 4:02. Only 2 other 25k'ers come in after me and they were the ones I had passed on the big uphill. Time to start thinking of a goal for next year, now that I know the course - 3:45, maybe 3:30? We shall see.
The Stats:
Nutrition: 1 pocketfuel, Vanilla Haze flavor; 1 Picky Bar, "Need for Seed"; and several slices of watermelon at each pass of the aid station
Hydration: I had run out of nuun and didn't pick any up prior to the race so I had water in my pack with several shakes of the salt shaker because I know I am a "salty sweater." I think it served me well.
Temperature: Cool to start (55ish?) but warmed up quickly to about 65, if I had to guess. Not that hot when you're not running but every degree of warmth seems to be amplified when you are. And it was muggy - bring on the bugs. Glad I used a few sprays of Off! before I left my car.
Course: 15.54 miles, 3700 ft of climbing with 2 major climbs - the start, and again at mile 12. I definitely need to do hill work on tired legs to help avoid what happened.
The Good: weather, nutrition/hydration, scenery, course, people, watermelon
The Bad: self-talk at the last climb, the bugs, the nettle, 1 fall, 1 ankle roll
What needs work: picking up feet when tired, hill work on tired legs (mid long run to simulate potential race conditions)
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| Elevation profile - Lost Lake 25K |
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