First Trail Run

[jerry]

Hi everyone,
I just registered for the Pacifca 21k. My family and I are visiting SF from Brooklyn, NY and Pacifica looks real nice. I've done 2 marathons (training for my third this Nov.) and 7 half marathons, but the closest I've come to trail running is the bridle path in Prospect Park Brooklyn.
I would aprpeciate any advice on the following:
How easy/long is it to drive to Pacifica from Union Square, SF?
Would my wife and kids (aged 5, 7 &9) be very bored waiting for me to complete the 21k?
What finsh time would you estimate for a 21k trail race if I average about 1:50 for a half marathon road race?
Are road running shoes ok for Pacifica?

Thanks.

[drmorello]

This is my first trail run also but I have grown up in Pacifica and lived here all my life. From Union Square to Pacifica is about 30 minutes to San Pedro Valley Park. No your wife and kids wouldn't be bored...They could drive down to the beach are there is plenty of grassy picknic area for them to play around. My wife and kids and my buddies wife and kids will be waiting for us. I don't know how to answer your finish time question except that I did the 9k portion in 56 minutes and the 12K portion in 59 minutes last week on seperate days. I am a begginner runner and I don't know what will happen when I add the two together. I am sure other people here will have better estimations. I just bought brooks adreniline 7 road runnning shoes and have been using them on the trail for the past month. They are fine. The trails are dry so no problem with mud. If you are coming out early before the race, I have no problem going with you on one of the runs. P.S. Welcome to Pacifica !

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

And we always have lots of food - candy, chips, pretzels, soup, chili, soda, etc. - at the start/finish area, and it's for friends and family as well as runners. The park also has a nice little visitors' center.

Looking forward to meeting all you first-timers and the folks accompanying you in Pacifica!

Sarah (PCTR)

[ultragirl]

We may take a friend too ,he wants to see what its like at a trail run.He doesnt run and has been to our raod marathons but I told him trail runs are different.More relaxed and laid back.

[thr3ee]

Jerry,

Unfortunately, it is really difficult to estimate finish times from flat, road runs to trail runs as there are just too many variables on the trail. I am reasonably experienced at running trails (10+ years) and still have trouble estimating my time on new courses even if I have run on something with a similar elevation change. The trail surface makes a difference, the amount of sustained vs up-and-down climbing makes a difference and the temperature can be a much bigger issue when you are climbing 1000s of feet in your run.

With that caveat, I will make a few general comments. First, given that the course record is right around your half-marathon time, you should expect to finish MUCH slower than this. Most of the people who win these races can run in the 6 min/mi on the flats. I would estimate anywhere between 30-60% slowdown in pace. I generally run in the low-8 min/mi when training on roads and have times that range from 10-14+ min/mi when running hilly trails.

Some people like to estimate based on where "in the pack" they usually come in. However, I have found that this can be difficult at smaller events because you never know when a handful of speedsters may show up and blow out your estimation. Also, it is difficult when you are new to the area or type of course as your first trail run is the worst indicator of how you will do in the future.

Pacifica is a beautiful area. Unfortunately, I won't be joining this run as I will be in Costa Rica. Wait...on second thought, that isn't unfortunate ;-). Have a great time and enjoy the Northern California trails!

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

And you might find it helpful to read the other Pacifica-related threads, so I bumped them up near the top of the list.

Sarah

[ultragirl]

The pace on trail sis definately slower.I am not fast runner.On my road halfs I do them in 2 hours ,my best was 1 hr 53 min. I average 10 min miles or just under.On trails I run much slower and my average is different every time.
I just love taking my time and enjoying the run.Enjoy the surroundings & just relax.

[jerry]

Thanks so much for all the tips and info everyone! I plan to enjoy the scenery and not worry about time - just wanted a rough estimate of how long it would take me. Looking forward to the run.
Jerry