pacifica trail run 1/19/08

[jayno]

I am a street runner and I am looking to start my running year off with something new and I wanted to do a trail run in 2007 but for some reason I was alittle intimidated.
But ya know new year new attitude.

So anyways what can you tell me about the Pacific trail run to start with?
Thanks

[willgotthardt]

Along with my reply on the RW forum...

No need to be intimidated, so what distance are you considering?

Will G.

[jayno]

I am just going for the 9K.

[willgotthardt]

Yeah the 9K Pacifica course is ideal for a first-time trail runner...two mild runnable climbs/descents, lots of switchbacks to keep you focused, and trails are pretty much loamy dirt single/doubletrack throughout, nothing technical. It's fast & challenging, you'll have a blast. Good luck.

Will G.

[jayno]

sounds great I am signing up this week.
I cant wait to dig in to thetrails.
Thanks

[mweston]

I'm not sure if I'm a first-timer or not. I've trained mostly on trails (mostly Rancho San Antonio) for road races, but I've never done a trail race. I'm considering the 21 or 30km distances at Pacifica. It does look like it will have more climbing per mile than I've done, but I should be able to do it.

Anyway, the real reason I'm writing is to ask what are the most common things that first timers don't think to bring that I'll be sorry to not have. I see the 20+oz water requirement, and that's no problem. What else would be a good idea?

Thanks!

[jhulka]

The races are so well done, you really don't need much more than the water they suggest along with extra cliff product (or your energy "thing" of choice) if you are the type to require such fuel in between the well maintained aid stations.

My suggestion as a newcomer with 4 races under my belt (similar training as you): Do the 21Km, bring water, some gu or something if you like, and have a great time. As for the water, either a handheld bottle or a camelbak will work - just depends on whether you like running while holding something or if you like running hands-free. Of course, dress appropriately and prepare to NOT worry about your chronograph. Enjoy!

Oh yeah, after the race you'll need to be aware that you will have the tendency to go home and immediately sign up for the next one...and you'll likely do a 30Km. My first race, I did the 11Km, even though I really wanted to do the longer distance. I'm glad I did the shorter distance, because I realized I that even though I was an experienced runner/triathlete, I was using muscles I hadn't used before, given my focus on the road. Cheers!

[trailrunnerjeff]

mweston, this is not a "thing to bring", but it is a "thing to think about". Most of us walk the uphills and run the downhills and flats, so just want you to know there is no shame in that

[mweston]

trailrunnerjeff said:

mweston, this is not a "thing to bring", but it is a "thing to think about". Most of us walk the uphills and run the downhills and flats, so just want you to know there is no shame in that

Interestingly, that is one reason I'm tempted to do the 30K, since 21K is short enough that I would more likely feel wimpy about walking. My goal is to do a 50K this year, and I know I'll need to walk some of that.

[trailrunnerjeff]

"Interestingly, that is one reason I'm tempted to do the 30K, since 21K is short enough that I would more likely feel wimpy about walking. My goal is to do a 50K this year, and I know I'll need to walk some of that. "

well, depending on the terrain, you may want to consider walking even parts of a 21K if you're not convinced, go do the uphill leg of Mt. Diablo I just did Saturday with some friends !!

[adunni66]

I wouldn't think about walking -vs- running or wimpy -vs- tough. Its all about efficiency. If I can walk up a hill faster than I can run up a hill I'll walk. I have even practiced power-walking up hills. Pacifica was my first 50k -- and I loved it. As far as what you'll need, it varies greatly from person to person. You kinda have to figure it out on the trail. Believe me, by the end of the race you'll know exactly what you needed but didn't have. Nipple guards, body glide, socks with toes, rigid shoes/soft shoes, hydration packs/bottles -- you'll figure it out. These are very well run and well stocked events, so even if you don't have everything you need you will be fine. Good luck.

[mweston]

Thanks for all the advice. I had thought of walking more as resting than efficiency, but I can see where on steep hills it might actually be faster. And of course if it keeps you from running completely out of steam, that makes you faster too.

I just signed up for the 30K, but if I'm not feeling strong on Saturday I'll switch to the 21K, and walk some either way.

Thanks again!

-- Mike

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

Just remember that, with the new Race Series, you need to decide by check-in at the latest which distance you plan to do. If you sign up for the 30 Km and stop at 21 Km, you will not be listed on the results.

Sarah

[kevinluu2003]

If it's a hot day and the distance exceeds 10 miles, I would bring salt tablets to reduce the chance of cramping or have a lto of potato with salt at the aid stations if there are any.

Also, bring a hat that can absorb sweat. Very useful.

mweston said:

I'm not sure if I'm a first-timer or not. I've trained mostly on trails (mostly Rancho San Antonio) for road races, but I've never done a trail race. I'm considering the 21 or 30km distances at Pacifica. It does look like it will have more climbing per mile than I've done, but I should be able to do it.

Anyway, the real reason I'm writing is to ask what are the most common things that first timers don't think to bring that I'll be sorry to not have. I see the 20+oz water requirement, and that's no problem. What else would be a good idea?

Thanks!

[sdunlap]

Walking is good on that course - check out some of the pics of the hills from last year. Whew!

runtrails.blogspot.com/2007/01/pacifica-50k-oceans-cliffs-and-smiles.html