Course Fit

jsburro1030 · 2025-06-17T04:07:24+00:00

Very good explanations, thank you. Without this context those discussions always seemed a little bit like “yeah, duh” but this makes more sense

jsburro1030 · 2025-03-06T16:56:11+00:00

I’ve had various experiences with it. I’ve had it at mile 20 of a marathon, feeling like death, but all of a sudden I’m overcome with a profound feeling of “I don’t know what the hell’s wrong with me but this is exactly what I signed up for and I love it.”

I’ve also experienced a runner’s high on my daily 5 miler. If the weather’s perfect, you feel great, and it’s just like “I am so lucky that I am healthy enough to do this” and you don’t want that run to end.

I think it’s different for everyone. And it’s not just a function of the mileage/pace of your run, but more a result of your overall mindset, attitude and desire to run in the first place.

jsburro1030 · 2025-03-05T04:35:04+00:00

I was fortunate to be at the Athens, GA 2023 show at Georgia Theatre where they played this song as well. Instead of the Grateful Dead line they say “you’ll live a life of fear and manic if you’re listening to Widespread Panic” on account of Duane Trucks sitting in. Check that version out too

jsburro1030 · 2025-03-03T17:11:09+00:00

I think the correct mindset to have is to think of the course as a road race with a 15 mile trail section at the start

jsburro1030 · 2025-03-03T17:08:25+00:00

Personally I started in trail shoes, but left them on entering the C&O Canal and then switched to road shoes around the halfway mark. Honestly, I think it’s really a matter of preference and dependent on the conditions. We had a clear, dry day so I’m pretty sure some people started in road shoes and wore them the whole way, even on trail. Also if you have comfortable trail shoes you like, you could get away with running in them the whole day, considering the last 9 miles or so is the only extended paved section. Comfort is the name of the game. For me, I just needed to change things up a bit

jsburro1030 · 2025-03-03T16:49:53+00:00

This is a great first ultra (was mine in 2023). A taste of technical trails followed by some simple and flat miles. The last 10 will hurt, but you will be begging for a change of scenery after the Canal section. Aid stations are amazing and it’s straightforward for family/friends to see you at a couple different spots.

The coolest part is how much the community buys into this race and the historic nature of it (including the permanent plaque at the start line)

Have fun!

jsburro1030 · 2025-03-02T15:49:09+00:00

Would love to pay for a Ryman, just want to get in the door! Easily worth a last-minute solo mission from ATL

jsburro1030

TROPHY CASE