The Ridley Creek State Park run is back for its second year. They moved the race from June to October, and I am glad they did because it was a great way to end my running season. I have wanted to visit the park to explore the trails for quite some time but never got the chance. When my friend mentioned he would be running the race, I decided to sign up. My usual race review format involves answering three questions: what went right, what went wrong, and how either I or the race could improve.
What went right?
Since the weather was nearly perfect for racing, I didn’t need to carry much gear—just a small waist belt with one bottle filled with concentrated Tailwind. The temperature was 40 degrees at the start and reached a high of 70 degrees during the day, which meant we didn’t have to deal with the heat they apparently experienced last year. My kit included removable arm sleeves, a waist belt, one bottle with three scoops of Tailwind, a single granola bar, my hat camera, and compression calf sleeves. I knew I could easily run this distance and rely on the aid stations to keep moving quickly. A 25K race is short enough that it doesn’t put extreme demands on my body. The longer the race, the more food, water, and nutrients you need.
Originally, I had set my pace at 9:15 per mile. However, as I progressed through the miles, I realized the favorable weather conditions allowed me to push the pace. My pacing was on point; although the first mile was a bit fast, I quickly adjusted by walking the hills and running most of the flats. Having completed several 50K races in the weeks leading up to this event, I knew I had the training necessary for this shorter distance.
What went wrong?
I loaded the course on my watch to aid in guidance on the course. I’m glad I did because I still got confused on a few turns. A large portion of the course doubled back on itself. However, this didn’t detract from the overall race experience. I enjoyed the course and the route, though part of me wonders if they could devise a better route through the park that includes more unique miles. They had plenty of people on the course to ensure runners went the right way and ample signage. There were just one or two spots where you had to slow down and look carefully to make sure you saw the trail markers.
On a personal note, I was doing strides during my taper, and I think I was doing them too fast, which caused some soreness in the week leading up to the race. In hindsight, I should have dropped the strides to avoid the added strain.
What could be done differently?
There wasn’t much I would change about my performance and actions for this year, but I do have some ideas for the race and the race directors for future events.
I loved the event, and your team put together an amazing experience that I will probably participate in again next year. I enjoyed the door prizes, the good swag, and the entertaining course. If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to reduce some of the out-and-back sections and create more unique miles that explore different parts of the park. I’m not sure if that’s possible, as it was my first time at the park, but it would be a nice improvement to consider.
The second thing I would change would be to add age group awards. It’s great that all the young hot shots got prizes, but as a coach, I know that some people race to achieve an age group award. It can be something simple or inexpensive, but just having it to say you won is great for social media and helps promote the race. I loved the finisher mug they gave out, but it would be nice to also have an age group award that you can give to the person as they cross the finish line.
Final Thoughts:
Great race, great swag, and great course markings, but the course could use some adjustments. I liked the little hole punch hill to prove you went up it—that was a clever and unique touch that I hadn’t seen before in a race.
I made a virtual run of my race at Ridley Creek State Park, check it out below. I had some fun with all the twists and turns of the out-and-back course by poking fun with my AI image for the thumbnail.
AI Image Gallery for Race of “What way to do I go?”
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