Rattlesnake Lake Marathon

Some last minute changes to the entrant list allowed both Margaret and Jamal to join me for the marathon. We got there for the early start at 7:00 am. It was chilly with gray clouds overhead and a light misty rain - perfect! At a few minutes before seven, we walked up the trail to the start line where we received last minute instructions. There were about 15 or so runners taking the early start, a few had taken the early, early start, leaving the rest (maybe 30 runners?) to start at the published 8:00 start time.

The course drops from 960 feet at start to 520 feet at five mile turnaround, then climbs to 1650 feet at the 18 mile turnaround, then back down to the finish.

We had a lovely run down wide gravelled trails for five miles. The three of us chatted away, running five and walking one, trying to keep it sorta slow to save energy for later. At the five mile turnaround, we began the uphill trudge. We were facing thirteen miles of a gradual climb - the kind you can't really see, but can certainly feel. Eric was out on his bike offering us support, and so was Rich, Linda's husband. Sometimes they rode together, sometimes apart. We started to see regular start runners heading out, and it wasn't long till we spotted Linda coming our way. We ran five miles back to the start, then up a small hill to join the Iron Horse Trail, where we were to do an eight mile out and back. More climbing...

I tried a couple of new things today. I tried saltwater taffy instead of rice krispies, and I had sweetened iced tea instead of coke. I learned that saltwater taffy needs to be held in the hand for a while to soften up, and that a runner should only eat a half at a time, otherwise it's a choking hazard. Otherwise, it worked pretty good. The tea was a great alternative. I also had Eric carrying a tofurky sandwich for me - I only ate half, a quarter at a time, but I really enjoyed it. Other runners seemed to find tofurky strange...

On the eight mile section there are some long bridges to cross - old railroad trestles that are high above gorges and offer a beautiful view. I think the bridges are the highlight of this run. A couple of them have concrete decking, but on a couple others the gravel trail runs right over the bridge, really soft and really fine. We stopped and peaked over the edge or stared at the view more than once. Just before the bridges there is an area where people gather to climb the rock walls, also cool to see.

I had a great day - even on the uphill I was feeling good. At the turn around Eric offered me a Doubleshot (coffee), another new thing to try. I drank about half and found it to be a good energy boost. We started back down the trail, and oh, the glory of running downhill! It was wonderful! Our first five miles we averaged right around 11:25 per mile, with walk breaks and remember, downhill. The thirteen uphill miles averaged something more like 12:50 with a couple of 15 minute miles (probably the aid stops with Eric or the portapotty stops), then the last eight miles we were back to 11 somethings, with a couple sub 11 miles. Downhill really makes a difference! Total time was 5:35:06. All in all, a fabulous run. I didn't bonk, I felt strong and fast all day, I ran with great friends and in a beautiful setting. Life is good!

The weather stayed cool all day. We followed the race with lunch at my favorite restaurant and a stop at our beloved Starbucks, then headed for home. I've got Margaret thinking about Light at the End of the Tunnel, and we strategized how we could do it even if it's hot - run the tunnel, run the shade, walk the sun. We'll see!

Eric put together this album of the pictures he took, and also the video that follows. Notice Margaret and I running off and leaving Jamal peeking over the edge. Don't worry though, Jamal is a speedy guy and had no trouble catching up.

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