Running in the Redwoods, Woodside 35K

Running in the Redwoods- Part 1

 On the 14^th, Secretariat and I ran a 35 km trail run in Woodside, California.   Although the morning temperature was cool, it warmed and was comfortable during the run. In other words, the weather was perfect.  Parts of the trail were wet, but that did not interfere nor take away from running in the redwood environment. The day was serene and spiritual.  I cannot easily recall   another trail that was more beautiful.

I divided the run into four parts.   Section one was practically all uphill for about 6 miles.  I wore a heart rate monitor and kept my VO2, primarily in the 90% range.  Keeping my heart rate that high was a test to see if I would be compromised later on during the run.  The   next section, part two, was approximately 6 miles and was easier as the trail had more gentle ups and downs. At the end of this section there was a turnaround.

Just prior to reaching the turnaround I saw Secretariat running toward me. .  He remarked that I looked good.  I said to him   “I am feeling good, wait for me.”  He replied “I am slowing down.”  Should I believe him?  Would he allow me to catch him?  I do not think that is in his DNA. I reached the turnaround point, got supplies, and headed back in search of Secretariat.

  I eventually reached the last aid station (section 4) but Secretariat was nowhere to be seen.  I refilled my water bottles, took some GU and proceeded down that last section.  I was impressed with myself as to how I handled that difficult and tough section earlier. I ran that section easily, and I did not run hard nor beat myself up going down the trail since I had not trained running down hill with that steep grade for such a long distance.

To be continued- Did I catch Secretariat?