Conditions were a bit squishy after two previous waves of runners plodded through the Huddart County Park trails. The 17km and the 35km races were the last to take off. Since I was racing the 17km, I would do a large loop around the park with a little out-and-back to skyline at the top.

My only goal was to run hard and complete the course as quickly as I could. No time goals or place goals. After scouting out the first quarter mile of the course, I determined that briskly running to the first turn was wise, as a backup could (and ultimately did) occur. My partner and I slotted in in a great position and zig-zagged through the trees down to the lowest point on the course. That was my favorite part!

Then, it was up up up the hill at a decent grade until about the 5 mile mark, up and down for the next mile, and then 4 miles of wonderously flowing and gorgeous downhill with pictueresque redwoods and gullies. My second favorite part.

It was smooth sailing all the way into the finish.

I achieved a new 60min heartrate average. 189!

If you don't do the race, you should definitely check out the park and its trails. It is just off of King's Mountain road in Woodside. Parking is $6 and totally worth it.

-Samo