A Running Fool....Ron's Running Adventures

This is NOT your ordinary trail race.... That would be one of the first thoughts that popped into my head as I began the annual running of The Seven Sisters Trail Race. Described as a "Very Hilly & Rocky 12 Mile Run", the Seven Sisters Trail Race was to be second race of the season and my first "new race" of 2008.

When I initially sat down in the off-season and planned my 2008 race season I started with the goals of: A) Increasing my number of events (both within and outside of the Grand Tree Series), B) Adding 1-2 long distance events & C) Adding a minimum of 3 new events. The Seven Sisters was one of the first races I added to my schedule and despite it's "short" distance, one of the races I most looked forward to. A simple reading of the race application would bring a smile to my face with it's deceptive description:

"An out-and-back roller coaster ride along the ridgeline of the Mt. Holyoke Range on a single-track trail. Very scenic overlooks of the Pioneer Valley with views of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College, Hampshire College and the Town of Amherst, as well as a beautiful view of the Connecticut River and Northampton to the west. Extremely hilly with 3,700 feet of climb consisting of many steep hills with hazardous footing in places due to the many sharp basalt rocks the comprise the elevated ridge of Mt. Holyoke."

My enthusiasm for this event would only be further buoyed by the many curses I heard hurled it's way during the running of The Northern Nipmuck Trail Race last month. As my first attempt of this event got underway, I was to see first hand why it has been on the receiving end of many of those curses. I'd even get a chance to add a few of my own before the day was done.

A damp and overcast day, along with some AM showers was forecast for race day. And with a steep and rocky course ahead of me, and Todd's injuries still fresh in my mind, I reminded myself that safety should take priority over speed (not that I have alot of that anyway). With the showers ending just before the race start, my clothing options would very similar to last month's Northern Nipmuck as I would go with shorts and a short sleeved shirt. Due to it being slightly cool, I armed myself (no pun intended) with my new Moeben Sleeves as I liked having the option of being warmer at the race start and being able to adjust by removing the sleeves later in the race. For hydration I brought along my Hawg Camelbak. However for the first time, I was without my Nathan handheld bottle (which was left sitting full on my kitchen counter). Nutrition needs were to be staified with my now regular rations of potatoes and Cliff Shot Gel Bloks.

The pre-race check in was at the Mt. Holyoke State Park Visitor Center which was abuzz with runners coming and going as I arrived to pick up my race bib. After a quick stop at the t-shirt table (I picked up the stick running guy version) and a lucky break at the porta potty (no line) I sat anxiously awaiting the race start. About 5 minutes before the race start, I joined the mass of runners crossing the street to the race start. BTW, a tip of the hat and kudos to the park ranger who handled both the runner and road traffic as we all lined up for the start. What could easily have been uncontrolled chaos was made somewhat controllable instead. Lining up in my usual mid-pack spot, I mentally prepared myself for the task ahead. Before long I faintly made out the RD's starting commands and was off.

For those that don't know, the race begins with a long, rocky uphill that even included some scrambling type climbing. It's an uphill that for someone of my level (not elite), would be very difficult to run up. Not that running was really an option at this point anyway. With 241 runners on the course, this climb would turn out to be nothing more than a long slow slog. Up, up & Up we climbed. It was an impressive climb and would be a good indication of what was to come.

With this being a new event for me, I was basically running blind. Up to my arrival at the race start, I had not seen a course map or read any race reports. The only knowledge I had of the race was that it was run on a portion of the Metacomet-Manadnock Trail. I'd run many a long run on the Metacomet Trail in CT and it has yet to disappoint, in terms of both beauty and difficulty. If this portion of the trail was anything like it's Southern parts in CT, I knew I'd be in for a challenging day. A quick glance at the trail map obtained from the visitor center at the race start would confirm this.

Finally, after about 15-20 minutes into the race I got my first taste of running on this course. And after the initial climbing and crowds it felt nice to finally stretch the legs a bit. Luckily it didn't take long to find a less crowded spot in the field and settle into a good pace. I found the early going still a bit herky jerky as I found the field getting bunched up on both the uphills and downhills. You'd think with the amount of elevation this course most of the bottleneck would be on the uphills but I actually found the opposite to be the truth. With the muddy, slick conditions combined with the rocky course, everyone was being a bit cautious at first, including me. For although I was once again wearing my trusty North Face XCR 103's (a shoe I have been very happy with), I was conscious that they did not have the best traction in these conditions.

Further along we ran, up & down. Finally after the fourth or fifth climb (I lost count eventually), there was enough of a gap in the field to allow me to be more aggressive on the downhills. Treading that fine line between being in or out of control, I let gravity do it's work as I adjusted to the trail conditions more and more on each successive downhill. While doing thisI also made mental notes of each uphill/downhill in reverse. Visualizing how each climb/descent would be on the return trip.

As is now my usual custom, I began a game of leapfrog with the group of runners around me as we all settled into a comfortable pace. Using this as both distraction and motivation I continued on, finally getting fully warmed up and in mid-race mode. Before long we past aid-station two (I totally missed aid station one) and crossed the paved road to begin our climb to the Summit House. I began to wonder how much more there really was to climb. It certainly felt like we gained alot of elevation and I knew we had along descent to the turnaround point.

Once again, it was up to the ridge line, which on any other day would have offered some excellent views I am sure. However, with today's overcast conditions, it was more like running in a fog bank. These conditions, along with the constant elevation changes (and my lack of knowledge of the course) combined to make me unsure of the distance we had traveled. This would have both a positive and negative mental impact through out the race. For now, it was positive, as I crested the ridge and the terrain smoothed out on the approach to the summit house. Sitting on the summit of Mt. Holyoke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Holyoke), elevation 935 feet, it is a picturesque setting that would make a nice site to bring the family on a good weather day. Up the wooden steps and across the porch we ran, enjoying the cheers of the hardy souls that came out to cheer us on. Descending the steps back onto the trail we began the long decline to the turnaround point.

Down & down the trail went over numerous slick bare rock sections. More than any other point in the race, I took care to step smartly and err on the side of caution. Now that I was almost halfway through the race, it would be along way back if I obtained an injury at this point. It was also during this section I began to see the returning runners (and a few fellow Shenipsit striders) making their way back up towards the summit house. This added yet another element as one now had to be aware of others coming up as you try and descend somewhat controllably. The lengthy descent continued (the longest of the race) until at last I reached the final switchback. A final dash downhill and I reached aid station three and the turnaround point of the race (1:30:++).

Pausing only for a couple quick cups of Gatorade and to thank the aid station volunteers, I turned to begin yet another slow slog uphill. For this climb I decided to take my time (it wasn't really a choice anyway) and enjoy the climb. I also decided now was a good time to take on some nourishment and break out my trusty potatoes and Cliff Shot Bloks. Knowing this was likely the only time I'd refuel for this race, I made sure to have my fill. Early in the climb I came across an injured runner awaiting assistance from below. I stopped to ask if he needed help and offered up two pain relievers as he waited, which he gladly accepted. As I did so, the group of runners I had been with most of the race passed me on their way uphill. Using this as motivation I started up again, in pursuit.

Sooner than expected, I had surprisingly reached the summit house. Once again, up the wooden steps and across the porch I passed my group of runners and continued across the summit to begin another descent. Still unsure of exactly how many miles I had left, I reminded myself to stay in mid-race mode and not use up all my energy. I continued to keep focused on my footing, knowing that fatigue could make me lessen up. I settled in once again joining up with a fellow runner, Ivan. We moved along, pushing and pulling each other along the ups and down. Ivan would pull ahead, I'd reel him in. Crossing the paved road to aid station two we soldiered on.

Now having lost any idea of how many climbs/descents were ahead I would focus only on the piece of trail in front of me. Staying mentally strong, I took stockof my physical status. Endurance wise I felt strong. I knew I had plenty in the tank and might even have some to spare at the end. I had zero issues with my feet and no chafing or clothing issues. The only thing I noted was that I actually felt a bit cool and was glad I started the race with the Moeben sleeves (and still had them on).

Yet another section of the race came to close as Ivan and I made our way into aid station one. Ivan paused for some water and let me take over the lead in our little race. Knowing this was the final section I now began to push a bit harder and use up that little bit of extra energy. Before long I began to reel in more runners. More often than not I was catching them on the uphills. It seems the hillwork and stairclimber were now paying off. Sensing I was a bit stronger than those in front of me I continued to push. I gave a quick glance to my watch and realized I had a chance to finish in under 3 hours. Up & down over the now rolling course I went, becoming more and more aggressive on the downhills and hiking hard on the uphills. Spurned on by one of the final runners I passed ("you got 5 minutes, you can make it!") I reached the beginning of the final downhill.

Descending as fast as I could I was half running and half jumping down the extremely rocky trail that was originally our race start. With the trail clear of runners I ran with reckless abandon stepping and hopping as fast as I could. Dropping elevation quicker than any other time in the race I hurtled myself downhill. At last, the rocks were gone as I finally hit dirt, took a hard right turn and burst through to the finish. Greeted with congratulations from the numerous runners huddled at the finish I quickly stepped aside to keep the finish clear. I immediately spotted two members of the world greatest support crew (my parents) amongst the crowd and gave them a quick run down of the event.

I think this race could be described as the Northern Nipmuck on steroids but that doesn't really do it justice either. In truth, the Seven Sisters is in itself unique and that's what I loved about it. Tremendous elevation change on a challenging single track, long enough to have the characteristics of a long distance event but short enough to let you push, it has a real good balance. This I will say, if you aren't 100% confident in your ability to be aggressive on the downhills or if you are footing challenged, take your time or wait until you are ready. This course has the potential and the proven track record of causing injuries. It isn’t a course to be taken lightly. Respect the distance and the trail. But overall, a great course and great event. Pencil this one in as one that every trail runner should run. I know I will...again.

Oh, and if you want to know, I did NOT make the 3 hours I was trying for. Oh, well, there's always next year....who's gonna join me?

Final standings are now posted, here are the numbers:
Place Name           M/F Age Town     St  Time     GT %
127    Ron  Starrett  M    38   Vernon CT  3:01:55  58.95%

Next up....The Soapstone Mountain Trail Run (14.5 Miles) - Sunday - May 18, 2008

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