Fragrance Lake Half Marathon - Run

First 1.5 miles are on wide gravel path to thin the herd before hitting the single track. Had a very comfortable 8:20 opening mile to warmup. Next half mile was about 7:40 pace before starting the climb. About a third of a mile up a very steep section of dirt road that turned onto single track trail.

Another two miles of climbing went well. I felt great all the way up to Fragrance Lake. The trail loops around the lake before getting on another trail which climbs another 1000 ft over about a mile and a half. There was supposed to be an aid station here but alas someone goofed up. I was really thirsty. And then the mud started. Up until then the trail was in very good shape. It was sticky, wet mud which made for pretty slow going. Was still running though and still feeling ok.

After cresting this ridge, the trail drops for about a mile. The trail was straight but again very, very muddy. I heard it described as slip 'n slide mud. Very precarious trying to keep some speed up without sliding off the course out of control or ending up face planted. Very mentally exhausting to be on the edge like that.

Last uphill before the top of the mountain was on what is called the Rock Trail. Steep uphill section carved around massive boulders and cliffsides. Almost 200 steps were built into the trail. I don't think I saw anyone run up this. It was soul sucking.

Just off the summit was the one and only aid station, finally. But what a cf. There was a card table with stuff and about 10-15 people were standing all around the table . A few people were even sitting on the ground right in front of the table. Had to squeeze between people standing there chatting to grab a drink. My only comfort was that while they beat me up the hill I was flying back down while they just stood there.

The next couple of miles were the worst of the race. Extremely technical trail that drops slightly down the top of the ridge. Crazy roller coaster of rocks, roots, drops, climbs. I had one half mile stretch where I averaged a 20:00 mile going slightly down!! This included having to slide down a ten foot boulder and having to rappel down another backwards hanging on to tree roots. Towards the ended on this crazy dance I stepped on a slippery root and my foot seemed to break in two like someone hacked it with a meat cleaver. Just a flash of white hot pain. I hopped on it until it relaxed enough to put weight back on. I think the endorphines saved me from walking the rest of the way. It is a shame as I had to step gingerly the last three miles which were back down all the switchbacks. I lot of pounding on a tender foot but I tried to balance keeping a descent pace with protecting myself from further damage.

Finished as strong as I could and think overall I paced a really tough course about as well as I could have. The course was long at 13.8 miles. I really could have done without the extra. Very happy with the day other than my foot.


Only thing would be to bring a backup gel or two. Last couple of races have been a bit disappointing as far as aid stations go.

Had my wife drop me and my son off at our local brew pub on the way home. We both wanted to show off our medals. It's becoming something of a ritual.

After the endorphines started to wear off it got more and more difficult to walk. Foot was swollen and tender. Wasn't until Monday that I could walk without limping and now I can walk with no pain. Another few days and I'll start testing it again. Thankfully I can swim and ride ok.


Lack of water due to the non-existent first aid station


Overall this is a great event. Course was very well marked. Trails were amazing.