Sunday, November 12, 2017

After the leaves have fallen half marathon

I learned about this race last year when learning about shawangunk ridge runners.  I actually thought Red Newt racing was the only trail racing organization in NY.  Glad to find out I was wrong.  The race sold out last year but just from the sounds of it, a half marathon in Minnewaska state park got it in my to do list.  This year I learned about the race just in time and registered.  I posted the link on my facebook account and another two friends got in.  Another two were too late but got in by posting in the event page.  Transfers were allowed till the Thursday before the event.  This was my only event with Shawangunk ridge runners this year, finishing my 100 miler in September had me on a 5 week break from training and I didn't want to keep pushing it on races.  I hope to do more next year!  One of my friends ended up Houston so there were four of us in the race.

I hoped to run the race with my friends, I ran 21 miles the day before and this was just an easy run to help me do my double long runs (I'm doing a quick ramp up for a 50 miler in December).  One of my friends, Christina was doing her first half.  Another Brenda was doing her third half this season and another Louis DNF with me at the Ironman half Lake Placid (we both didn't make the swim cutoff).  A half mile in Louis fell behind and a mile in Brenda looked like she was struggling.  I fell behind to run with her but she didn't want to feel pressured to run faster so I ended up running with Christina.  I talked my mouth off doing the run, sharing my first half marathon experience and such.  The views were gorgeous and I was happy to make a few quick stops to soak it in (and take photos).  The course was all wide easy trails, a few hills (1,000 feet of gain) but overall easy trail race.  I strongly recommend running here!  Brenda finished 12ish minutes after us and Louis about 6 minutes after her.  It was great to get a chance to cheer them on in their finishes.






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