This weekend I ran Silver Falls Half Marathon. It was my first time doing a half marathon, and I’m very joyful that I selected this particular race as my first. It wasn’t only a fairly race, it was nicely organized, difficult, and the climate was perfection.
The climate for this race couldn’t have been higher. It was a bit chilly once we began – about 39 levels, however I felt snug in my long-sleeved shirt as soon as we received warmed up. The one factor that mattered to me weather-wise was that the solar was shining and there was no rain. Good path operating circumstances? Completely!
The half marathon had about 1,250 runners signed up. I used to be anticipating a whole lot of congestion on the paths and a few discomfort, however I didn’t discover a lot of that in any respect. There have been two completely different waves of runners, and we left quarter-hour aside. It gave these speedy of us time to get manner forward of the slower ones. There might need been extra visitors jams for the sooner runners, however for the group I used to be operating with, we solely observed a decelerate just a few occasions.
Nearly all of the visitors was individuals mountain climbing the paths and never a part of the race. I saved pondering that I’d be disillusioned if I deliberate a hike and had a bunch of loud, sweaty runners ruining my view.
The race was nicely organized. Typically it may be complicated the place to go when it’s good to decide up your bib, and there may be lengthy traces. There was none of that. I needed to wait behind two individuals to get my bib – it was magical.
Parking was additionally not unhealthy contemplating the variety of runners on the race. We discovered a spot immediately and there have been nice volunteers out directing automobiles. General, I used to be very impressed with the group of the race and the minimal degree of effort it took to get myself to the beginning chute.
The help stations have been one of the best I’ve seen. They’d electrolytes or water at every station. The one factor that would have improved these stations would have been meals. I had some Clif Shot gels with me, however by mile 10, they have been making me jittery and sick to my abdomen. Was that as a result of they have been mocha flavored and contained 50mg of caffeine every, and I consumed three of them? Yeah, most likely.
Despite the fact that I spent a few years residing within the space in my youth, I had by no means been to Silver Falls earlier than right now. It appeared prefer it was straightforward to seek out, with the assistance of navigation. And the park is so lovely. The bushes appear to stretch ceaselessly into the sky, and the waterfalls will take your breath away. There have been some fall colours, however I couldn’t assist pondering that if the race have been a month earlier within the yr, the views could be about 80% higher than they have been. I’m positive the color-changing leaves within the space are an actual sight to see.
One phrase of warning on this path race – watch your head when you find yourself operating close to the waterfalls. There are some low rock outcroppings that would trigger some severe head trauma.
The paths are nicely maintained, and whereas they do comprise uncovered roots and rocky spots, the path isn’t very technical. Many of the bigger roots have been spray-painted by the race organizers, in order that they have been straightforward to identify and keep away from. Round mile 10, I did journey over a rock and got here very near face-planting on the path, however I saved myself on the final minute. That will have been terrible.
Folks say that mile 8 is the worst throughout a half marathon, however I’ve to disagree. It wasn’t till mile 10 that my legs began to get heavy. And it wasn’t till mile 11 that every thing got here aside for me. Each inch of my legs and ft began screaming for me to cease operating. Not solely that, however I’ve been nursing a sore IT band for the previous week, and any downhill despatched capturing pains down the facet of my knee.
At mile 12, I used to be carried out. I used to be fantasizing about having a scooter and using my option to the end line. That final mile appeared just like the longest distance I might think about.
The extra races I do, the extra I’m satisfied that race administrators have sick senses of humor. How else do you clarify the big hill earlier than the end of each race? Why do they do that? My principle is that they prefer to torture the runner. This race was no exception. Mile 12 featured the ‘Nutcracker Hill.’ It was brutally steep and kicked my exhausted tush. Nutcracker hill then proceeded to show into Nutcracker Downhill, which I’d usually admire. Nevertheless, my IT band prohibited me from having fun with it. I ended up descending sideways to make it down in any respect.
Then it was only a brief jaunt, and we have been completed. There was beer and grilled cheese, and this superb chili. I received to go to with associates and shake off a bit of the ache and overlook concerning the discomfort of the final three miles.
Throughout this race, I had the pleasure of operating with two associates. We caught collectively and cheered one another on by means of the powerful occasions. I couldn’t have made it by means of the top of this race with out them. I’m positive I’d have walked a lot greater than I did with out their encouragement. They have been an absolute blessing.
There was one final lovely factor about this race that I need to point out, and that’s it falls the day the Daylight Financial savings time ends. Not solely did the race not begin till 9:15 AM, however we had an additional hour to spend making ready for it. It was appreciated.
I extremely advocate this race. It’s a must-run!
