Saturday, May 5, 2018

ECTA Spring For The Trails Half Marathon

"You're kind of a big guy for a trail runner..."

That comment came at me at about mile 4 while I was chatting with another runner, and I didn't know what to say. I just kept on running, smashing trees and scaring the wildlife like a woodland Godzilla.

Truth be told, that comment came from a really nice woman whom I chatted with for a couple of miles, but I thought it was pretty funny.

This was the second trail marathon of the season and the weather was markedly better than the one in April. While the race in Falmouth skirted freezing temperatures, early May in Ipswich brought bright sun, clear skies and temps in the high 60's. Toward the end of the run, I was so warm that I ran shirtless for a bit. With that said, I should apologize to all that were blinded by pale white skin that shone like a beacon. Squirrels had to avert their eyes, and I covered up before hitting the finish line.

Overall, the course was great with plenty of awesome singletrack and some great climbs. I've ridden hundreds of miles in Willowdale over the years, but this was my first long run there and it gave me a new appreciation for this trail network.

By the way, my GPS is messing with me... I did NOT cut the course, and this IS the full 13.1 miles:



The event was a fundraiser for the Essex County Trail Association which does a lot of work at Willowdale and many other trail systems north of Boston. Organizations like this ROCK!

Anyway, I ran... not fast, not super far, but I ran and I had fun, and that's what it's all about. Now, I'm kicking back with a beer and "resting" for a 27+ mile gravel ride with a few thousand feet of climbing... should be even MORE fun!







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