Surly Trail Loppet 2014

The weather at race time was beautiful. The temperature was in the high 60's and mostly sunny. It rained a little the night before, but nothing to cause concern for muddy trails. A thin layer of mud over hard ground is one type of surface where I find bare feet have little traction.

This was my second time doing this race. I knew that I could do it, but also knew how tough it would be. For both years I've done this race, it has been near the limit of what I could endure for a barefoot run. I knew the really tough spots, so that helped prepare for them. Basically, I eased up a bit to give myself a rest so that I could run through those sections practically on tiptoe. While that type of stride makes it easier for me to handle really rough surfaces, it takes its toll in terms of energy spent.

I signed up for the second wave start and started at the very tail end of that. I prefer not to get in front of people who often start fast only to slow down later. Also, because the course was often only wide enough for one runner, I didn't want to have too many people on my tail. That makes it hard for me to concentrate on a proper pace.

I kept behind everyone for as long as I could, but after the first mile began passing others. Over the course of the race, I passed nearly a hundred runners and was passed by 20. I figure most of those who passed me were the front runners from the third wave. Next year, I may start in the third wave.
Since the race is chip-timed, it doesn't really matter how I place in the pack.

One of the early hills was long and steep. I settled into a stride that was barely above a walk. This seems to be more effective than trying to run and just a tad faster than walking. Over the course of the race, I would pass a lot more runners using this stride.

The terrain was constantly changing as well as the surfaces. There was little time to get used to one thing before it would change. The course was a mixture of smooth and broken asphalt, dirt, gravel, grass and railroad bed. I kept my eyes on the ground most of the time and tried to keep track of the runners in front of me with my peripheral vision.

One thing I experience with this race that I do not with road races of a similar distance, is that the muscles in my feet get tired. I figure it's all the flexing required to lift myself up hills. The half-walk-half-run stride I use minimizes that, but doesn't eliminate it completely.

I'm pretty sure I'm the only barefoot runner to have completed this particular race. The expressions of amazement were pretty constant from spectators, race volunteers and runners. As for whether I could run this race faster with shoes, I'm not sure. While the terrain was tough and slowed me down at times, I think there were advantages too. I think I handle the uphills when I'm barefoot than I do with shoes. Also, on uneven surfaces I run with greater confidence in bare feet than wearing shoes.

I crossed the finish line at 2:19. That was about ten minutes slower than last year, but, this is one race where I consider just being able to finish to be an accomplishment. I had a lot of fun doing the race. I hope to do it again next year.

For those who may consider it, but feel they may not be ready for the full distance, there is a 5K and a 13.1K race. While all the races start at the same spot and share the initial course with the half marathon, both of these races avoid the most difficult conditions. For those up for the whole thing, be prepared for doing about a half mile stretch over railroad ballast starting at about mile 11.

Oh, and how could I have forgotten. The sponsor was Surly Brewing Company, so, there was great beer at the end.