Surviving Sycamore (And Trail Runs!)
I don’t like trail runs and they don't like me.
Reason I say that is because they tend to favor runners with more nimble strides who can maintain footing on uneven - even treacherous - surfaces. Trail runs work best for runners who view the race by each segment - be it a sharp incline up a dirt hillside or using a short break in a grassy clearing to pass someone. Trail runs demand that a runner’s gaze never averts from the trail where a single rock jutting up an inch could lead to a disastrous fall.
That ain’t me.
My mind breaks races down by miles with those paces adjusted only by any increase or decrease in elevation. My feet count on flat asphalt or concrete for my Nike Vaporfly’s to do their thing. In a race, my mind is riveted on maintaining or exceeding a specific pace from the start to the finish.
Yet this year found me at the Sycamore 8. Again. Competing in a race on narrow, wooded trails near Des Moines. Although it’s called the “Sycamore 8”, the course always varies somewhere between seven and eight miles.
What earthly reason would a wimpy road runner like me subject himself to such needless punishment?
As my coach puts it, runners need at least one race a year to take us out of our comfort zones.
I’ll buy that. I'll also add that the Sycamore 8 is a well-organized race put on by the good people of the Capital Striders, a local running club that also claims me as a member. Another incentive is an awards ceremony at GoodSons, a wonderfully charming watering hole that makes a mean chili with an ample supply of quality ales to wash it down.
But that doesn’t mean I simply dove into this event. Past experience has taught me the following strategies.
How to Survive the Sycamore 8
Preview the Course. Given the uncertain nature of trails, it makes sense to have a practice run or two on the course beforehand. Not only do you gain a better recognition of troublesome roots or rocks, but you'll find the areas where you can pass other runners and plan accordingly during the race.
Prepare for a Faster Start. This is key if you intend to run a competitive race. Sycamore 8's narrow trails pose a considerable challenge when it comes to passing other runners. But there's around a third of a mile from the start of the race before moving into the trails. You need to take advantage of that to establish your position in the race. The trick is starting out fast enough to avoid the problem of being stuck behind someone slower while not going out so fast that you become that same problem for someone else.
Always Keep an Eye on the Path. Although the trails are well-marked, that doesn't mean they're easy to navigate. Rocks, roots and intruding limbs provide ample opportunity for disaster. Knowing your next step is a must.
Pass Whenever You Can. I can count on one hand the best opportunities to pass other runners in this race. And even those windows are narrow. If you believe you can pass someone, then do so as quickly as you can.
Save Enough for the Finish. Circling back to a previous recommendation, this race allows just over a third of a mile out of the trails to the finish line. You'll need enough left at this point to stave off any final challengers or to finally get around the runners you couldn't pass on the trails.
How did all of that work out?
Although I'm pleased with the outcome, in all honesty, getting there wasn't much fun.
A quick start had me in good position entering the trails. I say this because I passed and was passed by fewer than five runners throughout the entire race. On only one brief occasion did I feel as if I had to ease back a bit because of the runner in front of me.
But the tradeoff from that start came with feeling winded and tired before completing the first mile. Instead of easing to my pace, I found myself locked into it far too early, knowing that I would need to endure what I was feeling for the remaining seven plus miles. In addition, unlike the road where I can typically target other runners ahead of me, all the twists and turns of the trails left me unable to determine if I was gaining on anyone ahead of me or losing ground. While road racing certainly has hills that can slow or quicken the pace, Sycamore's trails had sudden, sharp inclines or declines that required quick adjustments as well as uncertain surfaces that caused more than one runner to fall.
Although a beautiful, wooded setting, there also seemed a monotony in all of it. A sense of wondering if you're actually going anywhere or not - a stark difference from a road race where you often run thorough different neighborhoods, downtowns and parks.
Essentially, this became just under eight miles of enduring the pain cave, wondering when or if I'd ever reach the paved trail and the salvation of the finish line.
As indicated before, I've no complaints about the final results, as I won my age group and was the first 50+ male finisher. It's more a style of racing that lacked appeal for me. If the Sycamore 8 epitomizes trail running, then it also underscores that trail running isn't for me. I prefer a race where I can better utilize my running strengths.
On the other hand, I would definitely enjoy these trails for a relaxed training run where I can enjoy the surroundings - particularly during the summer when the trees and shrubs are lush with leaves.
Nor is there any question that after this race, I've an even greater respect for runners who favor and excel in trail running. Knowing that many of these races incorporate far more miles than the Sycamore, I've absolutely no idea how those runners do it. But more power to them!
Hands down, the best part of Sycamore 8 was the opportunity to meet several runners as well as touch base with those that I know. Nor could I complain about that hot chili and cold ale afterwards.
Trail runs may not be my cup of tea. But I know that's not the case with a good number of you. Let me know your thoughts. I'd definitely enjoy learning about your trail running experiences. You can share them below or on Facebook.
