The Twisted Ankle Marathon Experience

19 May 2005

James H. “Sloppy” State Park

Summerdale, GA.

 

That was a wicked good time huh? This was my first trail marathon and I must say that hill (mountain depending on where you're from) was a little higher (steeper) up close than it appeared from the lake. (I guess all of the pain relievers in the runner's packet should have been the first clue huh?) I wasn't quite sure how to pace myself throughout as it was never really clear when the hills would end! By the turnaround for the half my "uphill" muscles were all but gone and the uphill just past the gate at the top of the service road was epic for me. I hadn't experienced cramping like this in 2 previous marathons (Macon had some good hills too).Is that fatigue or lack of salt or something else? If anyone knows please give me your ideas. Near the end of the ridge before dropping into the valley for the last time any rise at all produced excruciating calf cramps. I was about 1 hour off of my PR marathon and felt quite satisfied with that effort.

My support crew (the family) enjoyed the camping experience at the State Park and are ready to go again next year! The campground was comfortable and it was super convenient to be right on location for the start. We enjoyed the trails after the race.

The kids fun run was OK but it could be improved by giving something a little more substantive to the runners of tomorrow at the end of their race than a piece of paper fashioned into a ribbon! Some refreshments for the kids would be a nice touch too. I think their $5 should go a little further and an effort to make running fun/exciting would encourage more running as they grow up.

Apparently at the end of the marathon folks were coming out of the brush from several different directions (only one of which was the correct direction/across the bridge). Not sure how this occurred since there were pretty good signs on the trail throughout.

Several of the aid stations on the half route were too close together and one more on the first leg for the full would have been useful.

Volunteers were friendly and helpful.

The t-shirt had a nice design but I'd go for a breast logo rather than such a large graphic (it's too hot where I live to wear a shirt like that/the silk screen doesn't breathe) also I'd put "Marathon" and Half-Marathon" somewhere on or in the design.

If I were king I'd recommend starting the marathon earlier in the day. I think we dodged a bullet with the weather cooperating by remaining overcast and cool.


Several proposed names for the hill "holy crap hill" proposed by some fellow Pensacolians (FL) or my suggestion: "gut-check hill". I think I know what "technical" really means now: "any place a mountain goat can go".

Strengths and weaknesses aside, overall I had a GREAT time and will certainly be back for more next time!

Trails Rule!