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Trail Running
Fastest Known Times (FKTs) have exploded in popularity in recent years. But what is an FKT? Who can submit one? Who are the people out there setting FKTs, and what more can we do to help support those people or what can we do to attempt one ourselves?
These are races that have come up in trail groups and conversations year after year, plus a few others that I’ve found via searching for local beginner-friendly trail options. This list is focused on the greater NC area (basically anything within a few hours’ drive from central NC), mostly trails, with options from 5K up through 100 milers, plus the World Majors and a few tried and true popular road races.
100 miles. I’m not really sure what exactly compels a person to decide to run that far. I had originally planned and trained to run Umstead 100 in spring 2020 as my first 100 miler but, well, spring 2020 happened. In that aftermath I felt burned out from running, but once January 2021 rolled around that old restless itch reappeared and asked, “what if…” So I signed up for the Yeti 100 Mile Endurance Run lottery, thinking there was no way I’d actually get in. (Surprise!!)
From night running to fireflies to the stories we tell, the Night Train 50K was a memorable adventure!
Trail running has never been more popular. And I’m not exaggerating or making big declarative statements just because I love the sport! (Though I reserve the right to wax poetic and passionate about trail running!) But if you’re new to trail running or you’re looking for tips (and groups local to the Triangle!) check out my top six tips and bonus resources!
This past weekend I volunteered at the Uwharrie Mountain Run 8-16-40 miler race at the mile 5/35 (for the 40 milers) aid station (mile 5/11 for the 16 milers). While I was there I snapped photos of the racers coming back along the course. The full album is available on Facebook, but here’s a quick glimpse of the highlights!
How do I describe running 31 miles in the mountains? The fact that I’m struggling to describe it tells me one thing: it’s a lot to process. I’m remembering the race in snippets, like scenes from a dream: a long line of runners streaking across a field in blue pre-dawn light, the angry buzz of perturbed yellow jackets, gravel roads that continue for miles, swollen mountain streams, the arduous climb to the summit, the thrill of the technical downhill running, the smell of cookies and bananas and PB&J, and the final grueling miles in the late afternoon heat. Thirty-one miles is a montage of pain and stubbornness.
Just four days into the new year and I’ve already completed my first race of 2020 - nay, my first ULTRA of 2020! 50K #3 is officially in the books for me after the Salem Lake Frosty Fifty on January 4!
