The Grayson Highlands 50k in Mouth of Wilson, VA runs through a state park that serves as the home to herds of wild ponies, long horned steer, and the Appalachian Trail. After a tough decision to not run Hyner because the race was on Easter, this race seemed like an awesome alternative and a great way to experience new trails on the East Coast. I learned about Grayson from listening to the East Coast Trail and Ultra Podcast and hearing the race director say it was his most scenic.
This weekend doubled as a fun weekend escape. It was an 8 hour ride from the Philly burbs to our sweet mountain top cabin that was only 20 minutes from the race start. Our cabin was adjacent to a Christmas tree farm, had a gravel path on 10% grade that let me test X-mode in my new Subaru Ascent, and most importantly had a fire pit and hot tub.
Friday's sunrise greeted me with a dozen deer grazing in the meadow outside our cabin. We got some much needed sun, coffee and R&R before I got to further test my car and race car driving skills on our drive to Damascus Friday afternoon for packet pickup. We stopped in at Grayson Highlands park on our way to check out the start and did a mini detour to meet the ponies. Holy curvy mountain roads during torrential downpour on our way to Damascus - my heart rate was highest all weekend while behind the wheel. Damascus is a cool small town haven catering to AT through hikers. We picked up some food at Mojo's Trailside Cafe where we got to meet super friendly Jason Green and learn about Yeti Trail Runners. We picked up our packets and swag where the spirits were high and all smiles from the runners anticipating the course on Saturday!
Saturday morning was smooth until we reached a long line of cars getting into the park. Some brilliant runner figured out to give us the envelopes to prefill and the line zipped right through.
What went well
1. Running among ponies was really awe inspiring. Like as amazing as advertised. Maybe more.
2. The race had a super positive energy from 99% of the people we encountered and the southern accents were awesome - all ya'll all day long.
3. It was super smart to go down a few days early and have Friday to relax and screw around. This never happens the day after the race when you have to travel.
4. We were prepared for the distance. A bit more climbing during training would've served us (when doesn't it), but there wasn't crazy elevation so it was fine.
What went not so well
1. Ran out of tailwind and aid stations had Gatorade (blech). Next time bring what I need for hydration - rookie mistake. Luckily I had salt tabs so all was well.
2. Similarly, we are spoiled by all the candy choices in PA races so bring gummi bears. These are critical problems at the end of a race.
3. My leg is poop and needs to be fixed before Manitou's or I will be in trouble.
4. I was not prepared for the heat and during that shitty loop from mile 17 - 25 I was not enjoying the course.
No comments:
Post a Comment