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Post by robinadams on May 2, 2007 14:42:50 GMT -5
. . . in September? We have a group of about 6 that would like to try our first 50k in 2008. We're from Florida, most of us have done at least 3 road marathons, and all of us are very excited about picking the perfect trail run as our first. Are PCTR rated for difficulty? Is this run a good choice for newbies to trail running? We currently run on a beautiful trail here in Florida but of course we're at sea level.
Share your thoughts, please!
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Post by Pacific Coast Trail Runs on May 3, 2007 11:16:27 GMT -5
I know that there are folks on this Message Board who have run other distances at Big Basin (Norbert, do you have any comments?), but I can make a few comments about the 50 Km course.
First, we're changing the course slightly so that there will be a rather long loop (to the waterfalls) without aid - we suggest that each runner carry at least 40 ounces (2 bottles) of water on that loop.
Second, the course isn't at altitude, so the fact that you're coming from sea level shouldn't be an issue. There are some climbs and descents, though, on the course. Most people will hike the uphill parts and run the downhill parts.
Like all our courses, Big Basin is challenging but it definitely is doable as a first 50 Km. Also, you do loop back through the start/finish a couple of times during the day in case you're not having a great day and decide to cut your run short. We always list your time along with the distance completed, too, so you'll get credit for kilometers run, regardless.
Hope that helps, and I imagine you'll get feedback from others here, too.
Sarah (PCTR)
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Post by thr3ee on May 3, 2007 11:24:00 GMT -5
I did Big Basin last year and the one thing I can say for sure is that you can't ask for a more beautiful course. It runs through some of the amazing redwood forest in the area with lots of awesome single-track trail that even includes a waterfall. There are steeper and more technical trails in the area, but this race definitely contains its share of both. The downhill sections require good attention to roots and rocks in some places and you can expect to be walking certain parts of the course especially the steps near the waterfall and probably parts of the 9K loop. The course does have over 6000ft of elevation gain which in my mind is the starting point of the more challenging 50K trail runs. Courses with 7K, 8K, 9K (or more) definitely take it to a whole other level, but you want something with at least 5000+ft of gain or it isn't really much more challenging than running a flat road course (unless all the elevation is all at once). Basically, I would recommend finding some way to do some hill work, but beyond that it is a great course for a first 50K and the low-key nature of most PCTR events can't be beat. Finally, if it is warm, you may actually experience some humidity with the creek under the trees there which will give you Floridians an advantage over us locals :-). I hope you decide to come on out and have a great race!!! -Steve mountain-man-steve.blogspot.com/ |
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Post by thr3ee on May 3, 2007 11:35:38 GMT -5
First, we're changing the course slightly so that there will be a rather long loop (to the waterfalls) without aid - we suggest that each runner carry at least 40 ounces (2 bottles) of water on that loop. Sarah (PCTR) Sarah, is the course map and description already updated on the site with these changes? When I looked at it, I thought it was different from last year as I don't recall doing the 9K loop twice. However, I think we went longer without aid last year due to that little miscommunication with the rangers that resulted in locked gate and no aid at the turnaround. ;D I was very happy to be carrying my two water bottles and a few snacks that I always include in my waist pack. Good advice for any ultra! One other warning that should be included is that if you are allergic to bees or hornets you might want to take some meds with you on this course. I was stung three times last year  -Steve mountain-man-steve.blogspot.com/ |
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Post by Pacific Coast Trail Runs on May 3, 2007 11:58:42 GMT -5
Yep, Steve, it's already updated - good eye! That's the 'long loop' I was describing - but it'll be shorter than what you all did last year because of the locked gate.
And good suggestion about the sting precautions - last year was the first year that it was an issue at Big Basin, but it's worth being aware of at all the CA parks.
Sarah
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Post by leinfellner on May 4, 2007 2:58:09 GMT -5
Hi all, good comments Sarah, and since you asked: Big Basin was my third PCTR run and, I'm still convinced, the most beautiful and toughest one (among the sub 50-milers ) Running there feels like being in a different world, but perhaps this is because of my European heritage - never saw so big trees in my life before!! The cushy trails, the waterfalls, the canopees - what an experience! I also got stung by a bee, at the ankle, and I was behaving like a whining little child "Oh, my god I got stung!" - coming to the finish and learning that 90% of the runners met at least one nice bee, taught me a lesson: Man, you're out there in nature and running in a natural habitat means you're crossing other creature's territory! There is always a tradeoff: In the vast, dry, exposed meadowy trails of Diablo you're pretty save (Although I watched a huge bee swarm in the trees!!). In the woods , you face bees sometimes and hey, they talk to you! (Of course, we don't understand so they use their stingy thing...) In summary: Big Basin is so different! It's a nice race for first timers (cushy, shades..), but it's technical and fast enough to challenge the pro's! Running over "redwood tree bridges" is quite a privilege - where else can yo do that? Everybody that is close enough to do it: Go out and take it on! Have fun and see you there! Norbert Leinfellner |
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Post by chihpingfu on May 4, 2007 9:03:22 GMT -5
Norbert,
First thanks for the ride to Diablo last week.
I enjoy reading your above comments about Big Basin and I look forward to being there. I did a day hike on skyline-to-the-sea trail (highly recommended), but I never thought the trails over there can be so difficult. It seems I should try it next time and experience the fun!
Chihping
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Post by thr3ee on May 4, 2007 13:18:42 GMT -5
Norbert, Sarah's comment was right that last year was pretty exceptional as far as the bees at Big Basin. As I recall, there was a swarm of them hovered around a shirt that someone had thrown off. Last year, I was the king of being stung at ultras. I was stung once behind the ear at Santa Cruz Mtns 50K, 2-3 times on different body parts at Big Basin and, finally, I got nailed twice in the calf at thingy Collins Firetrails 50 in October. I'm not really sure what this says about me, but I'm hoping NOT to break that record this summer -Steve |
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Post by leinfellner on May 4, 2007 22:38:27 GMT -5
OMG, sorry to hear that Steve. I'm pretty scared by those beasts. And the second kind of animals I'm afraid of during running are snakes. Didn't see any at Big Basin though  Happy running Norbert |
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