James
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Posts: 46
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Post by James on Jun 25, 2009 22:31:56 GMT -5
I see there's a change in Headlands 100 course route. Does this mean 4 instead of 3 passes up Pirate's Cove? I don't want to start a rumor, but am having a little trouble interpreting the description.
-James
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Post by thr3ee on Jun 26, 2009 8:34:25 GMT -5
You can wait for an official response the be sure, but it looks to me like you will be passing through the cove 4 times, but will be changing directions each loop according to the directions. So you won't actually have to climb the stairs 3 times, but will instead ascend twice and descend twice.
I think its a bit of a bummer that you won't be heading out to Pantoll, but it looks like they are taking the best options possible given the situation. I can attest that running "washing-machine loops" can add a level of variety that really don't make it feel like a loop course. It also means that you get to see more runners later in the race as you cross going opposite directions. However, I do imagine that things might get a bit confusing at Tennessee Valley with people coming and going from all directions.
It will be interesting to see how the elevation profile comes out.
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Post by pctrailruns on Jun 26, 2009 11:31:58 GMT -5
thr3ee is correct, as usual. Here's our official announcement: "... due to the current California State budget cuts, Mt. Tamalpais State Park (MTSP) has placed a temporary hold on special events. The original Headlands Hundred course included a significant section within MTSP (Pantoll & Bolinas Ridge). Accordingly, we've modified the course and added an additional aid station within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Links to the new course map and course description are available on the event page: pctrailruns.com/Headlands_Hundred.htmThe revised course is a 25-mile loop. The first loop is counterclockwise. Then, you reverse direction to clockwise and alternate ("washing-machine" loops). We’ve run the Javelina Jundred for many years using this format and it’s a lot of fun. It’s also very convenient to have special items (coolers, food, and gear) every 25 miles. With the added aid station, there are now aid stations every 4-5 miles instead of the 8 mile sections on the old course."... Wendell (PCTR) |
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Post by coachken on Jun 26, 2009 19:34:43 GMT -5
So, we get to run each hill twice, from each direction?!?! This new course sounds like a lot more fun!
Thanks for making a new course and not cancelling this event!
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Post by mweston on Jun 30, 2009 14:47:36 GMT -5
The first loop is counterclockwise. Then, you reverse direction to clockwise and alternate ("washing-machine" loops). Just curious: Did you consider starting clockwise, so each race ends with a counter-clockwise loop? I really like the idea of ending the race coming down the mountain better than slogging across the beach. I do realize that means the two climbs of the Pirate's Cove stairs are done near the end when we're more tired. Either way has it's advantages and disadvantages, so it's not a big deal. And thanks for making the race happen despite the unexpected challenges! |
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Post by pctrailruns on Jun 30, 2009 15:12:19 GMT -5
Yes, we're going to change it to go clockwise first to avoid crossing the beach to the finish.
We're also going to mark the section from S/F to Muir Beach with Orange and the rest of the course in Pink (including glowsticks at night) to simply following the course. Plus, if a runner goes the wrong way to/from Muir Beach, it's the same distance (4.1 miles) and about the same elevation change. So we won't disqualify anyone for an inadvertent mistake on that section.
Wendell (PCTR)
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Post by dimboola on Jul 5, 2009 18:58:27 GMT -5
A couple of questions please Wendell on the new course.
1. Will a new profile be posted on the web site
2. Is the cutoff still 33 hours for the 100 miles and if so, as the 2nd 50 is identical to the first, can the 50 mile cutoff be extended a little to cater for us slow but consistent runners to at least 15 hours.
Regards from Australia ---- Bill
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Post by dimboola on Jul 5, 2009 19:05:55 GMT -5
Sorry Wendell - noticed web now updated. However, any chance on cutoff change?
Bill
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Post by mweston on Jul 6, 2009 19:15:47 GMT -5
I forget what page it was on, but I know for the old course there was a listing of the elevation gain and loss on each segment (aid station to aid station), which I found very helpful when working up predictions for my crew (my wife) for the 50 mile last year. Is that available somewhere (maybe I'm blind) or will it be?
Thanks! If not, I'll make do.
Different subject: We should brainstorm on how to label the four ways to leave Tennessee Valley so we don't get too confused. Something like "Loops 1 and 3, if you came from the start/finish"[for Tennessee Valley Road].
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Post by Alaskan Assassin on Jul 6, 2009 19:47:16 GMT -5
I have no idea what the course is and have never seen any part of it. Make it nasty and hard as possible. That is the way it should be. See you August 8th!!
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Post by coachken on Jul 7, 2009 10:57:44 GMT -5
The info has been updated on the site, but here are a few key points: 20,020' gain (20,020' loss... The course is now FLAT!!! he-he!) 50 Mile cutoff = 9:30 p.m. (14.5 hours) 75 Mile cutoff = 6:30 a.m. (23.5 hours) 100 Mile cutoff = 4:00 p.m. (33 hours) Mike, maybe this will help: www.pctrailruns.com/HH_Aid_Stations.htmI'm hitting the course with my Garmin this afternoon. If I have some time in the next few weeks, I'll see if I can come up with a hill by hill report on gain vs. loss. Off the top of my head, here are the bigger climbs. There are a lot of other hills, some steeper, most shorter. These are the spots where I'm planning on loosing time: Loops I and III Hill 88 (Coastal) Miwok (not major, but a climb) Coastal (from Muir) Coyote Ridge (roller, some steep parts) Marincello Rodeo Coastal will roll to finish line II and IV Coastal (roller) Bobcat Miwok (minor, but long) Coastal (from Muir) Pirates Cove stairs If I've got this right: Loops I and III Old Springs -> TV -> Coastal Miwok -> TV -> Marincello Loops II and IV Marincello ->TV -> Miwok Coastal -> TV -> Old Springs The trick I'm using to remember this is; if your running inland, stay inland. On the coast? Stay on the coast. Each time you leave TV heading to Muir Beach, stop in. I hear the aid station there is really nice and the friendly folks have been out there a long time, waiting for company. |
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Post by Pacific Coast Trail Runs on Jul 7, 2009 11:11:59 GMT -5
I have no idea what the course is and have never seen any part of it. Make it nasty and hard as possible. That is the way it should be. See you August 8th!! That's the spirit, Evan! ;D |
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path
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Post by path on Jul 8, 2009 16:08:39 GMT -5
Eleveation change - Just ensuring that I have this right. Is the total elevation change 20,020' or 20,020' gain and 20,020' loss for a total of 40,040', which would be similar to Cascade Crest? TIA, Pat
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Post by thr3ee on Jul 8, 2009 18:20:22 GMT -5
Eleveation change - Just ensuring that I have this right. Is the total elevation change 20,020' or 20,020' gain and 20,020' loss for a total of 40,040', which would be similar to Cascade Crest? TIA, Pat It is definitely +/-20,000ft. So it should be pretty similar in overall climb and descent to Cascade just without the deep forests, downed trees, rope descents, mud, snow, trail-through-hell or abandoned train tunnel  . That isn't to say that Headlands won't be without its challenges. I imagine that the new course will feel much more like constant ups and downs. There might be one or two sections that feel slightly flat, but rest assured they won't last and by the 4th loop they will disappear completely. |
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path
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Post by path on Jul 9, 2009 11:18:05 GMT -5
Thanks for the clarification Steve - and it is what I expected. And based on my training the flat parts will probably disappear by the third loop. (and I am glad that there is not a trail -through-hell as I always bled time on that section). Cheers, Pat
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. That isn't to say that Headlands won't be without its challenges. I imagine that the new course will feel much more like constant ups and downs. There might be one or two sections that feel slightly flat, but rest assured they won't last and by the 4th loop they will disappear completely.