Commentary By Rick Rodriguez
The Woodside Half Marathon in Huddart County Park is set for tomorrow morning rain or shine! Right now, it looks like a drenching is in store for me and the other brave souls willing to take on the elements. Unless, the race is called for safety reasons, possible but unlikely, it should be a memorable day. It's not often that I would willingly place myself in this situation, but really it will do nothing more than add to the adventure of experiencing the Santa Cruz Mountains. In fact, rain isn't always a bad thing when running and sometimes it serves to cool body temperature. That being said, running all out will probably be unlikely as trail condition will play a key factor!
Here's what the race director's Envirosports say about the run "The scenic course may humble you, with its 1,880 feet of climbing and descending - but at the same time, the remarkable surroundings will energize you as you navigate the lush hiking trails of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Along the course, you'll be shielded by redwood and oak forests and bordered by sprays of vibrant wildflowers. The climb will take you just shy of reaching Skyline Blvd. Who wants to be reminded of traffic anyway? At the turn-around aid station, you'll be able to fuel up for your descent back into Woodside. 5-milers turn around at an earlier point along the course. This is the half marathon that will rocket you towards your spring marathon goal."
Sounds fun and it beats running on pavement any day!
February 27, 2010
Huddart Park did not disappoint! Along with decent trail conditions, the beautiful setting made for an excellent day of trail running. After Dave Horning, race director and owner of Envirosports, led us in the usual rendition of America the Beautiful, we were off and up toward Skyline Blvd, the morning's turn around point and nearly 1900 feet up this segment of the Santa Cruz Mountains. After an early muddy and puddlely experience on the fire trail, the field moved up a single track trail (Dean & Crystal Springs Trails) buttressed by a plethora of redwood trees that shielded the runners from the nebulous sky above.
I settled into a steady pace, conserving my energy for later use, trying to restrain my competitive urges as many in the field whisked by. Unfamiliar with the terrain, and armed with only the knowledge of having to climb the aforementioned height, I reasoned this was my best strategy. Moreover, I couldn't get my breathing right and for some reason my breathing wasn't fluid, and notwithstanding the work at hand, I couldn't get to the point of catching my breath.
Along the way, I met a fellow Saint Mary's College grad (Chris 88') and we shared a brief chat discussing our respective running experiences, employment, and the serenity of the park. Chris moved ahead as I stuck to my strategy. It wasn't long before I started seeing the leaders descending the mountain. Since it was an out and back, we had to move aside as they came down the hill, many yelled encouragement as we continued our trek up the mountain, including Chris whom had started back as I crested the final ascent. After refueling with some Hydro aid, I headed back down enthusiastically, and after re-entering the canopy covered trail, my pace quickened. I needed to make up time and with the help of gravity, good footing, and a bit of luck--I started passing several runners.
While running downhill is less taxing on the lungs, potential injury and ligament pounding is exacerbated; and coupled with the wet trails and what would become a cold steady rain, made it even riskier to descend at a fast pace. Nonetheless, I moved briskly downhill and passed many of the aforementioned runners that passed me ascending, and as I galloped downward, each step I took was planted securely to keep me from face planting on the trail or over the side! Very soon, the rain thickened and I was covered in it, but thanks to my trusty vest I stayed somewhat warm.
There's something special about running in the forest with rain nourishing the trees. It is somewhat odd but at the same time there's a serenity about. In addition to this peace, the mind only focuses on one step at a time, surveying the striking point, and the next, in order to assure safe keeping. I was engrossed in this process. And, after a couple of miles of descent, I moved away from the pack, and found myself alone on the trail with only a distant runner ahead of me.
I knew I had about 4 miles to go and didn't want anyone to catch me. So, I kept a solid pace, and eventually caught the runner ahead of me. I asked him if he minded me staying behind him, and with an accent said "no" and thus began another trail conversation. Michael, originally from Germany, and now a software engineer at Twitter and a Mountain View, Ca. resident, had kept a steady pace throughout and in fact I had noticed him earlier. It certainly amazes me how often this happens; noticing someone and then later conversing as old friends. In another half-marathon, I met Dominic Catalano, a friend who lives in Florida, and is paying me a visit in March. I met Dominic at Mile 9 in Annadel State Park in the North Bay (Santa Rosa) and here we are still pals over a decade later. Michael, a former tri-athlete was looking forward to the finish and together we ran the last few miles. It was a nice way to finish the race and neither of us had any interest in a race off. So, we breezed in and the time passed quickly. After the finish, I grabbed some replenishments, and after a good wipe down to eliminate the excessive mud that had tagged along for the ride down, I headed home.
The Woodside Half-Marathon is in the history books, at least for this year, and because of the experience, I'll come back to this one. I enjoyed the run up the hill as it was not too difficult. And, Huddart County Park, tucked conveniently adjacent to Woodside, Ca., with easy access from Highway 280, makes it an easy place to get to for a run, hike, or walk. I found it a great way to get the weekend started and look forward to next year's run!
