Part of my Spartan Ultra training, I decided to throw in some trail races because earning medals and having someone else plot my course is so much more fun! This was my first race with coastaltrailruns.com so I wasn't sure what to expect, but luckily I did a volunteer shift with them the week before so I knew what to expect for aide stations. First of all, trail aide stations are SO MUCH BETTER than road aide stations! So many salty snacks! It was awesome. and the views!!!! Breathtaking!!!
I was really impressed with how well the course was marked! You really had to try and get lost! We started in misty fog and it was humid, but nice. The weather was perfect and I never overheated on the trails. There was a last minute change to the course map due to trail closures and that added more elevation!! Also, I think someone (or my Strava) added a couple extra miles for fun because I ended up with over 28 miles! But the real struggle was that I had to do this trail loop 2x to make marathon distance. I made the 1st cutoff on the dot, but was given an out to complete only the half marathon course or finish another loop for the full marathon. I decided to finish and I am so glad I did!! Wendell, the race director, said as long as I was moving forward I was guaranteed to finish! It was a beautiful course along the west coast and well put on. I felt fully supported with fluids, fuel, and was encouraged by participants and volunteers! well done Coastal Trails!!! 30 people registered for the marathon and 26 finished. I was #26 and there were only 3 ladies in my age group so I was surprised with a 3rd place medal. Made my decision to finish what I started even sweeter!! Now to take on my 1st 50k in September as I continue on my road to Spartan SoCal Ultra!!
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