New to trail running....which event to start?

[mareao]

I am interested in entering one of the PCTR events and am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a first-time trail runner as to which event(s) would be the best to start with?? I have only been in a few small road events and typically run on hilly roads in the mountains, but have little experience on trails (other than hiking - I hike a lot). I'll probably start with a 10-12k and work my way up. Thanks for any help!

[jeffontrails]

Wow, so many to choose from! Assuming that driving is not a problem, Angel Island is a very runable course and the views are spectacular. I also enjoy the ride over on the ferry.

Another good runable course is Woodside. Woodside can be a bit chilly in December and definately cold in February.

Have fun!

[thr3ee]

If you have no problem with hills and don't mind possibly doing some hiking then you really can't go wrong with any of their events. It just comes down to personal preference as to the locale and type of terrain you want to experience. Here is my evaluation of the upcoming races. While, I haven't run all of these, I am familiar with most of the trails where they are held:

Stinson Beach 12K: Starts and ends at the beach, but you will travel through varied terrain including some deep woods and open hills. You start on some of the most famous trails in the area going up part of the same trails where the Dipsea race comes down. Mind you, there are some technical trails here and you will have a bit of a "grind" going up early in this course.

Santa Monica Mountains: I know nothing here, ask someone from SoCal

Woodside 10K: A great woodsy area to run with excellent trails. The 10K stays within Huddard Park and has some serious climbing, but overall it is probably a more "runnable" course than above and starts on a downhill. I promised myself no racing in December, but the 50K course of this race has me really drooling.

Muir Beach 11K: Another beach start/finish. You'll have some pretty good climbing right from the get-go, but it is more up-and-down than Stinson Beach even if the overall gain is more. I don't think the trails themselves are as pretty as the previous two, but you will have some great ocean views (weather permitting) for a good portion of it.

Rodeo Beach 8K: Yes, another beach start-finish in Marin County this one right on the other side of the Golden Gate. All of the climbing is right at the start (including some stairs) and it has the longest flat section of any of those described. This and the shorter distance should make this the fastest run, but there is a beach crossing before the finish to slow you down a bit. I would probably put it last on the list in terms of trail beauty. However, please don't take that to imply that they aren't great trails, it's just that some of the others are just a bit more incredible still.


All of the above is only my opinion and some of the trails are a little faded in my memory so take it with a grain of salt. As I said at the start, though, you really can't go wrong with any of the PCTR races. Well, except the one this weekend...running in circles for hours on end? Come on now! I'm gonna have to show up just to make fun of those people . ;D

p.s. I am just joking about the SF One Day as I know plenty of people doing the race...it's just not my thing.

[leinfellner]

I suggest Mount Diablo.
;D

[Jon]

leinfellner said:

I suggest Mount Diablo.
;D

That's just mean. ;D

[thr3ee]

burgjon said:

leinfellner said:

I suggest Mount Diablo.
;D

That's just mean. ;D

Actually, the 8K course on Diablo isn't quite so hideous. Of course, you can't really call it the Diablo experience if you don't go to the peak at least once

[mareao]

Thanks for the suggestions and input! I'll be driving a decent distance to get to any of them and I'm used to cold weather, so now I guess I just need to choose. I'm thinking Woodside to start....thanks again.

[ultragirl]

leinfellner said:

I suggest Mount Diablo.
;D

hahaha yes yes, this is a great way to start. Jump in the fire is my motto.

[fredx]

The Barkley has a "fun run" option...