Two weekends in 2012 so far and two races done! I am on a roll.
Last weekend my friend Kim told me she had signed up for a 22 mile trail race. I came home, checked my running schedule, thought about it for 2 seconds, and signed up. I didn’t have quite 22 miles on tap and it had been a long time since I had run that far, but I knew if I took it easy I could do it and I am so glad I did!
I have heard about the beauty that is Woodside trail running and the Skyline trail, but I had never seen it myself until Saturday. It is pretty much trail runner’s heaven there, with miles and miles of shaded single track… I will definitely be back.
I met up with friends early that morning and we carpooled to the start. We got there about 45 minutes early, got our bibs, hit the bathrooms and got our stuff ready to go. These small races are so nice and easy logistically, I love them!
As we were lined up listening to instructions, Naomi, Alyssa and Courtney, who were all doing other lengths of the race, found me for a quick hello before I started running. It was so great to see them and I am hoping this got them hooked on trail running, at least a little bit.
A couple minutes later, the running started. The majority of the climbing on this course came in the first 6 miles. We just kept going up! It was absolutely stunning though and so fun to be running on some brand new trails. Kim and I ran together pretty much the entire way, sometimes chatting and sometimes not. The 22 mile race was 90% single track trails, which can make conversing a little bit difficult at times… but we kept each other going.
The trails were shaded pretty much 99% of the entire run from the big redwood trees that covered the park. Once we got to the top of the main hill, the terrain was rolling with some longer ups and downs in the middle.
I really want to start testing out different kinds of fuel for AR50, so going to a trail race is an excellent and easy place to start! There was an aid station around mile 5/6 and another one at the 11 mile turn around, all with tons of goodies to choose from. I had my mind set on potato chips this week, so that’s what I tried and they were very tasty and didn’t make my stomach mad. In addition to that I had a couple packs of Shot Bloks and carried my handheld with water that I refilled at every aid station.
My legs did get tired towards the end but I kept moving forward. I almost fell a ton of times during this race, especially in the dark Skyline portion. One time I got really close, but somehow caught myself… it was pretty comical. I made sure to stop and take walk breaks here and there, practicing starting running again after walking, and I was always able to easily start running again.
22 miles later, we were rounded the corner to the finish and Kim and I finished side by side once again. It was a great day to be out running and so nice to have someone to run that far with!
22.0 miles/4:27:03/12:08 avg pace
2290 feet elevation gain
(source)
This was my last race in the 20-29 age group and as I was standing there afterwards, I heard my name… I got a 2nd AG medal! I think there might have been only 2 of us in that age group, but that’s ok, I will take it. It was a great way to end my running in my 20’s.
Kylie modeling the new medal… she is so proud! 
A few other notes:
- This was my longest trail run ever! Previous longest was a 30k (18.6 miles). I am sure that 22 miles will be broken very soon.
- This was my longest time run ever! I believe the longest run time wise I have done is the San Diego Marathon in 4:19. Another record that won’t be standing for long.
- I will definitely be doing as many trail races as I can during my training, it’s such a great way to get supported long runs in.
- I love this.
Looks gorgeous! and a perfect distance.. congratulations!
That is a LONG run!!! Way to go out of 25-29 with a bang. Nice AG finish and congrats on your longest trail race to date!! Super exciting seeing you hit all these new milestones. I’m so happy for you.
That’s three races in a row that we’ve both been at (I was at both Brazen New Years runs too). This is a great report – congrats on getting the 22 miles in (and this wasn’t an easy 22 miles), with an age group medal to boot! Trail races are so much fun! (I’ve got a race report too at my website.)
What a beautiful run on a tough course! Keep it up! You are doing great in your training!
Looks like a beautiful race! Congratulations on the finish and the AG award! Definitely a great way to end your time in the under 30s.
Enjoy your week!
Congratulations!!!!! You are an inspiration!!!
Nice job, congrats…I’m ramping up for some trail events and doing other trail events as training too…great way to get some variety and good trail runs!
Awesome! I LOVE trail running!
You should look into doing the Annadel Half @ http://www.annadelhalf.com/
it’s tough one but worth it! I’m not quite ready to run the full half but I’ll probably do the 5k (we’ll see tho) It’s local=ish up here in Santa Rosa (sonoma co)
Aww its the week after AR50 and I probably won’t be moving then
maybe next year and thanks for letting me know about it!
You didn’t tell me you placed…nice job! And I’m sure it was 2nd place out of 124!
Glad you are loving this so much!
This is SO cool! I love following something new and challenging! Wish we had these opportunities here! Keep the posts coming! Incredible job Aron! You are TOUGH!
Awesome job! Where do you find out about all of these trail runs? Looks like something I would like to try out!
We have a few local trail running companies who put on multiple trail races throughout the year, so I just check their websites
Hey Aron, didn’t know you ran this! I ran into Courtney and Alyssa (first time meeting them!)! That course was gorgeous and omg, trail races humble me… It really kicked my ass.
ANOTHER race we were both at!!!
I swear! We must meet in person this year! Oh, btw, do you have any discount code for the SFM? I’m running the full ( my first) in memory of my grandm that just passed away
What a gorgeous race course!
looks like fun! beautiful trails make all the difference : ) you are doing such an awesome job with training so far, AR is gonna be a walk in the park!
What a tough trail! How fantastic. Great job Aron!
looks like such a pretty place for a long run. congrats and looking forward to reading about your 50 mile training!
This *was* fun — I loved the aid station most, haha.
Not sure I am as addicted as you are, but I’d do it again. 
Congrats on your AG finish!!!!! Kylie looks so fancy in your medal!
Stunning photos. Great job. I admire trail runners. I love the photo of Kylie showing off the medal. Very cute
The whole time I was running the short little 5-mile race I kept thinking, “I can’t believe Aron is running 22-miles in this place.” It was no easy feat – you are such a bad ass!