Ran a 10k - Official Thread (4 Viewers)

[Juxtatarot]

I'm surprised at how long it's taking city officials to announce what they'll do if there's a protest. I'm also surprised that this story doesn't seem to be getting national attention.

 

[tri-man 47]

Information on Protest atMedtronic Twin Cities Marathon

Dear Runners,

City officials have informed us that the St. Paul chapter of Black Lives Matter is planning a disruptive protest during the running of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on October 4th. The chapter says the protest is in response to recent St. Paul police actions.

We are working closely with city officials to ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers, and spectators. City officials are advising on logistics and recommendations and we will share that with you as soon as it is available. We ask for your patience as we work on this, and want to reiterate that your safety is our highest priority.

Thank you for your understanding.

[SIZE=12pt]Sincerely,[/SIZE]Twin Cities In Motion

After Boston I'm not sure how these folks don't get arrested for terroristic threats. Security at these events has gotten a lot more paranoid.

those guys. I'd love to see them try to stop me from crossing a finish line...

I'm with you, gruecd. And I agree with Sand's point. Would they really risk a security disaster at a marathon? Different context, certainly, but why risk bringing up thoughts of Boston?

 

[Nigel]

Felt a sharp pain in my lower right calf during the warmup mile of my run at lunch. I stopped and stretched it and continued on, finished the four miles. Rolled it when I got back. Three hours later it ####### kills, limping around the office. It's tender in one specific spot and there's bruising. Leaving tomorrow night for a Pinehurst golf trip and was going to be ataking at least Friday to Sunday off, might just make it a five day rest now. First leg issue in a long while, guess I was due.

 

[tri-man 47]

Dances With Dirt 100K Trail Relay Race; Hell, MI

This was the 5th year for 2Young and I and three others from the Detroit area to run this race. It's a great weekend of camping, drinking, and running. 2Young found some funny shirts, so we changed our name to match - #Viagra (our recurring battle cry: "Run Hard!"). Weekend weather was very good with overnight temps in the low 60s and Saturday running weather overcast and low/mid 70s. As always, we each run three legs. My adventure:

Leg 1, 4.5 miles. A mile in we ran through maybe 150 yards of swampy, black muck. I decided to try quick-stepping through an early section, and that was a major fail. I lost a shoe deep in the knee high muck. Because I was stepping quickly, I wasn't positive where the shoe was since I'd lifted that foot out of the spot. I dropped on my hands and knees in the crap and tried reaching down to find it. No luck. How long do I spend digging around in that s### while others runners pass by? I decided to carry on without it. To keep balanced, I chucked the other shoe as well ...and ran the next 3.5 trail miles in my socks. The first mile was mostly rocky, so that really sucked trying to step along in a glorified walk. When we got back on single track trail, I was to some degree able to spring along on my forefeet, but I still had some ongoing rocks and hills to deal with. Somehow, with all that, I kept a pace of 14:45/mile.

Leg 2, 6 miles. I always bring plenty of shoes, so that wasn't an issue. But my feet were in some serious pain for this dry, but very hilly, section. The lack of almost any training over the past month, and lack of quality training all summer, showed. I also tripped and fell twice and picked up some cuts. Overall pace was 10:05/mile.

Leg 3, 3.5 miles. An easy leg, half of it on a gravel road, though it did end with a splash through a small pond. I knew I was shot, though. A pre-start pee was that dark yellow, mineral stuff that tells me my body is shot and breaking down muscle as it tries to find some sort of fuel. I was running on "E." I just poked along at a 9:55/mile pace.

The feet have gotten better, but I'm still walking tenderly. Nevertheless, a fun time with 2Young and the guys!

 

[Ned]

Trail run with no shoes?!

 

[igbomb]

Dances With Dirt 100K Trail Relay Race; Hell, MI

This was the 5th year for 2Young and I and three others from the Detroit area to run this race. It's a great weekend of camping, drinking, and running. 2Young found some funny shirts, so we changed our name to match - #Viagra (our recurring battle cry: "Run Hard!"). Weekend weather was very good with overnight temps in the low 60s and Saturday running weather overcast and low/mid 70s. As always, we each run three legs. My adventure:

Leg 1, 4.5 miles. A mile in we ran through maybe 150 yards of swampy, black muck. I decided to try quick-stepping through an early section, and that was a major fail. I lost a shoe deep in the knee high muck. Because I was stepping quickly, I wasn't positive where the shoe was since I'd lifted that foot out of the spot. I dropped on my hands and knees in the crap and tried reaching down to find it. No luck. How long do I spend digging around in that s### while others runners pass by? I decided to carry on without it. To keep balanced, I chucked the other shoe as well ...and ran the next 3.5 trail miles in my socks. The first mile was mostly rocky, so that really sucked trying to step along in a glorified walk. When we got back on single track trail, I was to some degree able to spring along on my forefeet, but I still had some ongoing rocks and hills to deal with. Somehow, with all that, I kept a pace of 14:45/mile.

Leg 2, 6 miles. I always bring plenty of shoes, so that wasn't an issue. But my feet were in some serious pain for this dry, but very hilly, section. The lack of almost any training over the past month, and lack of quality training all summer, showed. I also tripped and fell twice and picked up some cuts. Overall pace was 10:05/mile.

Leg 3, 3.5 miles. An easy leg, half of it on a gravel road, though it did end with a splash through a small pond. I knew I was shot, though. A pre-start pee was that dark yellow, mineral stuff that tells me my body is shot and breaking down muscle as it tries to find some sort of fuel. I was running on "E." I just poked along at a 9:55/mile pace.

The feet have gotten better, but I'm still walking tenderly. Nevertheless, a fun time with 2Young and the guys!

Good buddy of mine ran this as well. No way I'm going to miss it next year.

ETA: I would have never thought to have more than one pair of shoes. Genius to be that prepared.

 

[Juxtatarot]

If I only read Duck reports, I'd want to ditch the streets and head out to the trails. Fortunately there are posters here like Tri-man and Nigel to set me straight.

 

[Sand]

The more I thought about this, I bet its all a bluff. The story about them planning to do it is all they needed to drum up their awareness.

These are the guys who did the march in which they chanted about cooking pigs in a blanket. The BLM national org won't recognize them as they're on the looney end on things - i.e. the Westboro of these groups (not commenting on BLM groups in general, just these particular characters - most of the protests have been peaceful which is a-ok). I would not put this past them.

Here we are, September 29th & the SI was 150 at 5AM. Where the #### is Fall and when is it getting here?

My run yesterday (4pm, not 5am) was at 150SI - 75 with duck soup humidity. Actually best run I've had in forever. Still a SI of 90 or so would be welcome.

 

[ChiefD]

Some hikers are gonna find a pair of shoes out there this winter and go WTF?

Only 3.5 miles of running a trail in your socks. No big deal.

 

[Hang 10]

Running shoeless and hard. Way to go, tri-man!

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Yeah, I never packed more than one pair of shoes for an event. If I lost mine in the mud, I'd be screwed.

 

[Nigel]

Daughter just texted that she came in first over all in today's meet, beat the senior on her team and everyone else! No details yet on time.

I'm damn near crying here...so proud...and pissed I wasn't there.

 

[SFBayDuck]

If I only read Duck reports, I'd want to ditch the streets and head out to the trails. Fortunately there are posters here like Tri-man and Nigel to set me straight.

What do you mean? Tri's report sounds awesome!

 

[FUBAR]

Trail run with no shoes?!

he said it was hell.

if you're going through hell, keep on going...

 

[FUBAR]

Yeah, I never packed more than one pair of shoes for an event. If I lost mine in the mud, I'd be screwed.

usually I'd do the same. But given that this was an ultra trail relay and a good recon of the event would probably have shown swampy portions, not bringing an extra pair would be dumb.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Dances With Dirt 100K Trail Relay Race; Hell, MI

This was the 5th year for 2Young and I and three others from the Detroit area to run this race. It's a great weekend of camping, drinking, and running. 2Young found some funny shirts, so we changed our name to match - #Viagra (our recurring battle cry: "Run Hard!"). Weekend weather was very good with overnight temps in the low 60s and Saturday running weather overcast and low/mid 70s. As always, we each run three legs. My adventure:

Leg 1, 4.5 miles. A mile in we ran through maybe 150 yards of swampy, black muck. I decided to try quick-stepping through an early section, and that was a major fail. I lost a shoe deep in the knee high muck. Because I was stepping quickly, I wasn't positive where the shoe was since I'd lifted that foot out of the spot. I dropped on my hands and knees in the crap and tried reaching down to find it. No luck. How long do I spend digging around in that s### while others runners pass by? I decided to carry on without it. To keep balanced, I chucked the other shoe as well ...and ran the next 3.5 trail miles in my socks. The first mile was mostly rocky, so that really sucked trying to step along in a glorified walk. When we got back on single track trail, I was to some degree able to spring along on my forefeet, but I still had some ongoing rocks and hills to deal with. Somehow, with all that, I kept a pace of 14:45/mile.

Leg 2, 6 miles. I always bring plenty of shoes, so that wasn't an issue. But my feet were in some serious pain for this dry, but very hilly, section. The lack of almost any training over the past month, and lack of quality training all summer, showed. I also tripped and fell twice and picked up some cuts. Overall pace was 10:05/mile.

Leg 3, 3.5 miles. An easy leg, half of it on a gravel road, though it did end with a splash through a small pond. I knew I was shot, though. A pre-start pee was that dark yellow, mineral stuff that tells me my body is shot and breaking down muscle as it tries to find some sort of fuel. I was running on "E." I just poked along at a 9:55/mile pace.

The feet have gotten better, but I'm still walking tenderly. Nevertheless, a fun time with 2Young and the guys!

Good buddy of mine ran this as well. No way I'm going to miss it next year.

ETA: I would have never thought to have more than one pair of shoes. Genius to be that prepared.

You learn quick to pack three full sets of gear as part of the event in some mystery woven into to the legs. Coming off surgery, I thought I took only dry legs only to find my middle leg (5.6 miles) included a detour through a bog. Its really hard to do this event justice, but maybe this pic will help : https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=960665750657084&set=gm.10153631155819573&type=3&theater That's me and another team mate over at the far right with the Viagra sign in case you missed us.

eta, and seeing a 7' 60 year old without shoes running out of the woods seem normal too. As TM said, perfect weekend all around. I was very slow, very careful and very drunk after.

 

[Ned]

Daughter just texted that she came in first over all in today's meet, beat the senior on her team and everyone else! No details yet on time.

I'm damn near crying here...so proud...and pissed I wasn't there.

OUT#######STANDING!!!!!!!

 

[2Young2BBald]

Daughter just texted that she came in first over all in today's meet, beat the senior on her team and everyone else! No details yet on time.

I'm damn near crying here...so proud...and pissed I wasn't there.

So cool. Hoping for sub 20 as this would put her right with the top 5 Freshmen in the state based on current MileSplit posted results (20:52 holds the current #10 spot).

 

[Nigel]

19:33 though she said the course was 2.9. She also said it was hilly whereas the home course is completely flat.

I asked her if the senior on the team was upset she beat her. She told me she caught her and a girl on the other team at the bottom of a hill around 2.5, and the girl said to her "pass me Annie..." I thought that was cool.

 

[ChiefD]

Daughter just texted that she came in first over all in today's meet, beat the senior on her team and everyone else! No details yet on time.

I'm damn near crying here...so proud...and pissed I wasn't there.

Freaking awesome Nigel!

 

[ChiefD]

Rested the sore foot yesterday, and been doing the stretches as you all suggested. The frozen golf ball trick was great - did that in my office today. Plus I got to play through during our sales meeting, which was nice.

Went out tonight to test it out, and had a bit of an eye opening run. Ran 5.04, pace was 9:38. HR was 147. Just a nice easy run. This HR and pace combo is pretty low for me.

Weather starting to cool here, but that is a major advancement for me. We'll see how the rest of the week goes. Foot was a little sore but ok. I think I'll be fine there.

Edit to add: Just looked at my training calendar when I first started in June. One of my first 5 mile easy runs was: 5.01 Miles. 11:21 pace. 152HR.

 

[Ned]

19:33 though she said the course was 2.9. She also said it was hilly whereas the home course is completely flat.

I asked her if the senior on the team was upset she beat her. She told me she caught her and a girl on the other team at the bottom of a hill around 2.5, and the girl said to her "pass me Annie..." I thought that was cool.

Super exciting stuff, Nigel! That's icing on the cake that Annie has awesome teammates.

 

[Ned]

Rested the sore foot yesterday, and been doing the stretches as you all suggested. The frozen golf ball trick was great - did that in my office today. Plus I got to play through during our sales meeting, which was nice.

Went out tonight to test it out, and had a bit of an eye opening run. Ran 5.04, pace was 9:38. HR was 147. Just a nice easy run. This HR and pace combo is pretty low for me.

Weather starting to cool here, but that is a major advancement for me. We'll see how the rest of the week goes. Foot was a little sore but ok. I think I'll be fine there.

Edit to add: Just looked at my training calendar when I first started in June. One of my first 5 mile easy runs was: 5.01 Miles. 11:21 pace. 152HR.

Ahhhhhh, the benefits of rest. The taper is awesome, if you can get past the mind####.

 

[MAC_32]

I don't remember the last time I had a big race coming up in which something did NOT happen just before. This time, some sort of bug. Doing everything I can to get this thing out of my system before the weekend

 

[igbomb]

Is there some super secret website where I can find good trail runs in my area? I can't find anything but the nearest state park that has a trail run. It's solid, but I like some variety.

Every high school in the area has a cross-country team. Where do these dudes run?

 

[2Young2BBald]

Is there some super secret website where I can find good trail runs in my area? I can't find anything but the nearest state park that has a trail run. It's solid, but I like some variety.

Every high school in the area has a cross-country team. Where do these dudes run?

You can ask me. Where are you in Michigan? Also, grab the AllTrails App on your phone.

ETA, AllTrails has a function where it will show the closest trails to your current location and give you trail rating and info. You can even hit up a forum on any specific trail if you have questions.

 

[Ned]

Is there some super secret website where I can find good trail runs in my area? I can't find anything but the nearest state park that has a trail run. It's solid, but I like some variety.

Every high school in the area has a cross-country team. Where do these dudes run?

Do a segment search on Strava.

 

[igbomb]

Is there some super secret website where I can find good trail runs in my area? I can't find anything but the nearest state park that has a trail run. It's solid, but I like some variety.

Every high school in the area has a cross-country team. Where do these dudes run?

You can ask me. Where are you in Michigan? Also, grab the AllTrails App on your phone.

ETA, AllTrails has a function where it will show the closest trails to your current location and give you trail rating and info. You can even hit up a forum on any specific trail if you have questions.

Plymouth - Mayberry is close but I don't see much else.

 

[beer 30]

If I only read Duck reports, I'd want to ditch the streets and head out to the trails. Fortunately there are posters here like Tri-man and Nigel to set me straight.

What do you mean? Tri's report sounds awesome!

Yeah, I never packed more than one pair of shoes for an event. If I lost mine in the mud, I'd be screwed.

usually I'd do the same. But given that this was an ultra trail relay and a good recon of the event would probably have shown swampy portions, not bringing an extra pair would be dumb.

Any of the ultra's I did I took 3 pair of shoes, never used them but wasn't going to sacrifice a race because I didn't have an extra pair of shoes from the pile I have in my garage. Especially a relay like this, I'd probably have 3 sets of everything.

 

[The_Man]

Daughter just texted that she came in first over all in today's meet, beat the senior on her team and everyone else! No details yet on time.

I'm damn near crying here...so proud...and pissed I wasn't there.

Sounds like there are going to be a lot more big races in your future to attend, so I wouldn't sweat this one too much. That is awesome!

 

[worrierking]

Congrats Nigel's Daughter! Great report, Tri-Man.

Good progress, Chief. I'm excited for your race.

Cool front moving through today, so I am jazzed that we might see temps in the 50s Friday and Saturday. Haven't seen the 50s since April.

 

[2Young2BBald]

Is there some super secret website where I can find good trail runs in my area? I can't find anything but the nearest state park that has a trail run. It's solid, but I like some variety.

Every high school in the area has a cross-country team. Where do these dudes run?

You can ask me. Where are you in Michigan? Also, grab the AllTrails App on your phone.

ETA, AllTrails has a function where it will show the closest trails to your current location and give you trail rating and info. You can even hit up a forum on any specific trail if you have questions.

Plymouth - Mayberry is close but I don't see much else.

You are in a PERFECT location, less than an hour from incredible trails.

Pinckney Rec offers up the best trails around with multiple options to start and finish at: http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=484

In order of priority I would start at Silver Lake (better bath and showers), Half Moon (porta-johns, no showers, but a nice beach) and Bruin Lake (full campground and more remote trails). Any of these will have trail maps and signage to keep you on track. The granddaddy of the trails here is Potto (check it out on all trails).

Waterloo Rec is a bit further away and their trails are a bit more spread out and remote: http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=506

Island Lake Rec would be my first choice for you based on closer to home and trails: http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=462 I park at Springmill pond and access the trail just above the pond. The blue mountain bike trail is about 9 miles long and very well marked. Springmill has a full bath, showers and a great beach.

Kensington MetroPark is just across 96 from Island Lake Rec and can be accessed from both via an underpass by Kent Lake. Smaller series of MTB and hiking trails. http://www.metroparks.com/kensington-metropark

Stony Creek MetroPark is my favorite. The MTB trail has a 5+ mile easier outer loop with intersecting blue and black trails where you can run about 12 miles without retracing your steps. http://www.metroparks.com/stony-creek-metropark

Hudson Mills MetroPark I have only been there for XC meets (Gabriel Richard Invite) and have not run the other trails. Very nice park.

If you want to travel a bit from home and possibly camp, I have camped and ran the trails at the parks below:

Sleep Hollow State Park GREAT trail race here in august. http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=495

Yankee Springs State Park Kick ### park with awesome trails in a campground on a killer lake. AND, a casino right down the road. http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=511

Michigan is also FLUSH with opportunities to trail race http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?Rank=Upcoming&Special=trail&State=MI&Page=1

Let me know if you need more info. There are probably a dozen other locations I can share.

eta, If you want to come race with me (and have a Bloody Mary after) The Highland Rugged Man is on my annual trail race rotation (Nov 8th Highland Rec): http://www.stayintheshade.org/home.php?layout=355106

 

[Brony]

Got a 5K this Saturday - weather looks great. As usual, leg injury has prevented me from doing any kind of adequate training for this. Still looking forward to it as I haven't done a 5K in earnest since April.

 

[SFBayDuck]

Is there some super secret website where I can find good trail runs in my area? I can't find anything but the nearest state park that has a trail run. It's solid, but I like some variety.

Every high school in the area has a cross-country team. Where do these dudes run?

Do a segment search on Strava.

Good tips. I also look to see if the area has any trail races and use the course map for those to explore new trails.

 

[Ned]

2Y2BB - this is why this thread is so incredible. That's an awesome post, GB.

Oh, and happy birthday you old *******.

 

[gruecd]

Cutoff was 2:28. Sorry, Ned.

Qualifying standards will stay the same for 2017 (too late to change them now), but I fully expect that they'll take off another 5 minutes across the board for 2018 (just like they did back in 2011 for the 2013 race).

 

[Ned]

Got my reject email from Boston. Cutoff was 3:07:32. PBM - NINE ####### SECONDS FOR YOU??????

Time to focus on some short/fast stuff.

 

[The_Man]

Got my reject email from Boston. Cutoff was 3:07:32. PBM - NINE ####### SECONDS FOR YOU??????

Time to focus on some short/fast stuff.

I really, really want to run Boston 2017.

Ned, if you can gear up for one more qualifying effort over the next year, I can probably set you up with a couch to crash on at my mother-in-law's in 2017 - not to mention an epic Italian Easter dinner the night before.

Now I just need to get in shape to run a 3:20 of my own...

 

[pbm107]

Got my reject email from Boston. Cutoff was 3:07:32. PBM - NINE ####### SECONDS FOR YOU??????

Time to focus on some short/fast stuff.

I am sorry man. I'm not running Boston in 2016. There is still time for you to switch to the full for Philly.

 

[Ned]

Got my reject email from Boston. Cutoff was 3:07:32. PBM - NINE ####### SECONDS FOR YOU??????

Time to focus on some short/fast stuff.

I really, really want to run Boston 2017.

Ned, if you can gear up for one more qualifying effort over the next year, I can probably set you up with a couch to crash on at my mother-in-law's in 2017 - not to mention an epic Italian Easter dinner the night before.

Now I just need to get in shape to run a 3:20 of my own...

Appreciate the offer, GB, but I'm done with marathons for a long time. I dedicated 4 years (9,951 miles!! ) to this and I just don't want to keep doing it. I'm ready to have some fun working on my speed and hammering the hell out of whoever gets in my way.

Ironically, today was the first time my legs started to show some pep since Via. 17 ####### days to start to feel normal again?? I'm sure I'll be sore again tomorrow. Screw this nonsense.

 

[pbm107]

Got my reject email from Boston. Cutoff was 3:07:32. PBM - NINE ####### SECONDS FOR YOU??????

Time to focus on some short/fast stuff.

I really, really want to run Boston 2017.

Ned, if you can gear up for one more qualifying effort over the next year, I can probably set you up with a couch to crash on at my mother-in-law's in 2017 - not to mention an epic Italian Easter dinner the night before.

Now I just need to get in shape to run a 3:20 of my own...

Appreciate the offer, GB, but I'm done with marathons for a long time. I dedicated 4 years (9,951 miles!! ) to this and I just don't want to keep doing it. I'm ready to have some fun working on my speed and hammering the hell out of whoever gets in my way.

Ironically, today was the first time my legs started to show some pep since Via. 17 ####### days to start to feel normal again?? I'm sure I'll be sore again tomorrow. Screw this nonsense.

You've got me beat, 8,522 miles since 9/30/11.

 

[Juxtatarot]

PBM - are you thinking about Boston 2017? I've been mulling it over. (Assuming I qualify, of course.)

 

[pbm107]

PBM - are you thinking about Boston 2017? I've been mulling it over. (Assuming I qualify, of course.)

It is unlikely that I will run Boston in 2017, but a lot can happen between now and then. It's hard for me to think about anything beyond Nov 22 (Philly).

 

[Nigel]

Sorry To hear about Boston Ned, will have to find another reason to cornhole someday...for however long it lasts enjoy your retirement while watching us other suckers get on the hamster wheel!

 

[gruecd]

PBM - are you thinking about Boston 2017? I've been mulling it over. (Assuming I qualify, of course.)

I know you didn't ask me, but assuming I can qualify at Boston '16, I'm sure I'll be back in 2017 for my 8th straight (and 9th overall).

 

[igbomb]

Is there some super secret website where I can find good trail runs in my area? I can't find anything but the nearest state park that has a trail run. It's solid, but I like some variety.

Every high school in the area has a cross-country team. Where do these dudes run?

You can ask me. Where are you in Michigan? Also, grab the AllTrails App on your phone.

ETA, AllTrails has a function where it will show the closest trails to your current location and give you trail rating and info. You can even hit up a forum on any specific trail if you have questions.

Plymouth - Mayberry is close but I don't see much else.

You are in a PERFECT location, less than an hour from incredible trails.

Pinckney Rec offers up the best trails around with multiple options to start and finish at: http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=484

In order of priority I would start at Silver Lake (better bath and showers), Half Moon (porta-johns, no showers, but a nice beach) and Bruin Lake (full campground and more remote trails). Any of these will have trail maps and signage to keep you on track. The granddaddy of the trails here is Potto (check it out on all trails).

Waterloo Rec is a bit further away and their trails are a bit more spread out and remote: http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=506

Island Lake Rec would be my first choice for you based on closer to home and trails: http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=462 I park at Springmill pond and access the trail just above the pond. The blue mountain bike trail is about 9 miles long and very well marked. Springmill has a full bath, showers and a great beach.

Kensington MetroPark is just across 96 from Island Lake Rec and can be accessed from both via an underpass by Kent Lake. Smaller series of MTB and hiking trails. http://www.metroparks.com/kensington-metropark

Stony Creek MetroPark is my favorite. The MTB trail has a 5+ mile easier outer loop with intersecting blue and black trails where you can run about 12 miles without retracing your steps. http://www.metroparks.com/stony-creek-metropark

Hudson Mills MetroPark I have only been there for XC meets (Gabriel Richard Invite) and have not run the other trails. Very nice park.

If you want to travel a bit from home and possibly camp, I have camped and ran the trails at the parks below:

Sleep Hollow State Park GREAT trail race here in august. http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=495

Yankee Springs State Park Kick ### park with awesome trails in a campground on a killer lake. AND, a casino right down the road. http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=511

Michigan is also FLUSH with opportunities to trail race http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?Rank=Upcoming&Special=trail&State=MI&Page=1

Let me know if you need more info. There are probably a dozen other locations I can share.

eta, If you want to come race with me (and have a Bloody Mary after) The Highland Rugged Man is on my annual trail race rotation (Nov 8th Highland Rec): http://www.stayintheshade.org/home.php?layout=355106

Wow. Fantastic post! I'm bookmarking this and reading it in detail when I get off work later tonight. Thanks!

 

[Juxtatarot]

PBM - are you thinking about Boston 2017? I've been mulling it over. (Assuming I qualify, of course.)

I know you didn't ask me, but assuming I can qualify at Boston '16, I'm sure I'll be back in 2017 for my 8th straight (and 9th overall).

Yes, I know you normally plan to run every year. At this time I don't plan on running any marathons in 2016 but I think I'd like to run Boston again someday since I wasn't pleased with my performance last time. If a bunch of you guys are also running one year, it would give me an incentive to join you.

 

[FUBAR]

This would suck:

Ironman Maryland1 hr ·
Dear IRONMAN Maryland Athletes,

Due to projected flooding from abnormally high tides, heavy rain, wind, and the expected impact of Hurricane Joaquin, IRONMAN Maryland will not take place this Saturday.

Given the severity of the expected weather conditions, which may – depending on the path of Joaquin – require the evacuation of certain coastal regions on the Delmarva Peninsula, we cannot guarantee that public safety officials will be able to provide the support necessary for the safe execution of our event.

The safety of our athletes, volunteers, spectators, and staff is our number one priority.

We are asking all athletes to not travel to Maryland since forecasts expect heavy weather impact in the area. We are tentatively planning and have tentative approval to have the race take place on Saturday, October 17; however, no final decision can be made until the effects of the storm are fully assessed.

We appreciate your understanding and will be in further communication with you by 6pm EST next Tuesday.

 

[SFBayDuck]

This would suck:

Ironman Maryland

1 hr ·

Dear IRONMAN Maryland Athletes,

Due to projected flooding from abnormally high tides, heavy rain, wind, and the expected impact of Hurricane Joaquin, IRONMAN Maryland will not take place this Saturday.

Given the severity of the expected weather conditions, which may depending on the path of Joaquin require the evacuation of certain coastal regions on the Delmarva Peninsula, we cannot guarantee that public safety officials will be able to provide the support necessary for the safe execution of our event.

The safety of our athletes, volunteers, spectators, and staff is our number one priority.

We are asking all athletes to not travel to Maryland since forecasts expect heavy weather impact in the area. We are tentatively planning and have tentative approval to have the race take place on Saturday, October 17; however, no final decision can be made until the effects of the storm are fully assessed.

We appreciate your understanding and will be in further communication with you by 6pm EST next Tuesday.

Grindstone 100M in Virginia was also just cancelled. Forest Service pulled the permits due to the weather forecast for this weekend.

 

[tri-man 47]

This would suck:

Ironman Maryland1 hr ·
Dear IRONMAN Maryland Athletes,

Due to projected flooding from abnormally high tides, heavy rain, wind, and the expected impact of Hurricane Joaquin, IRONMAN Maryland will not take place this Saturday.

Given the severity of the expected weather conditions, which may – depending on the path of Joaquin – require the evacuation of certain coastal regions on the Delmarva Peninsula, we cannot guarantee that public safety officials will be able to provide the support necessary for the safe execution of our event.

The safety of our athletes, volunteers, spectators, and staff is our number one priority.

We are asking all athletes to not travel to Maryland since forecasts expect heavy weather impact in the area. We are tentatively planning and have tentative approval to have the race take place on Saturday, October 17; however, no final decision can be made until the effects of the storm are fully assessed.

We appreciate your understanding and will be in further communication with you by 6pm EST next Tuesday.

FSM (flood safety matters).

Ned, so sorry about the time cut-off! That sucks big time. The cut-off time is even greater than the past two years ...it's nuts. I agree with gruecd that they'll probably tighten the standard again.

As to 2017 for me, I'll see how the training goes this winter ...and the 2016 race as a potential requalifier. On one hand, I wouldn't want to pass up the Boston opportunity. On the other hand, I'd like to get away from marathon training.