Shin high snow, single path trails, fallen trees to climb under, exposed roots to climb over, branches snapping back in faces, thick branches to duck under, packed snow with foot divots, slippery snow, sinking snow, steep fast downhills, an uphill steeper than most ladders to a roof, 12 inch wooden planks to cross streams, tree trunks to navigate, and other runners to contend with.
What does this all describe? THE MOST FUN TRAIL RACE EVER - that's what!!
The Muddy Monk "Punk The Monk" at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda, IL. Held Saturday, March 7. The elements were perfect for this event - the trail was "technical"- which I learned is just a polite way of saying "difficult". But not too difficult. One of the great things about Trail Races (and all 5Ks) is that runners don't have to be experts. There are the "in it to win it" group, the competitive runners, the leisurely runners, the in-between runners, and the walkers. No matter which category one falls into - this trail race would satisfy them all.
The snow, certainly can't be planned for, but it added to the challenge - and the fun. The course starts off with a 5-6 wide path which narrows to a 2-wide path rather quickly and then to a single wide. Probably 80% of the course was single wide path. Now, this doesn't mean there weren't opportunities to pass. Runners could pass on turns and there was a good 1/4 miles stretch of single wide with ample, yet tricky passing opportunities. Most of the time the path had trees on both sides making passing difficult (but never impossible for those that wanted to try - and many did). There were spots where runners had to keep their heads down and eyes forward to avoid tiny branches swinging back from other runners and even a fallen tree to climb UNDER. But there was a stretch through a field in which the "path" (the crushed down snow) was one-wide - but ambitious runners could hop to the outside and pass in the virgin snow. Now, that passing lane was shin deep snow - so when going to pass - plan for some high-stepping! That "passing zone" was a 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile long near the middle of the course. This was definitely a welcome oasis from the previous mile or so of trees and branches on both sides. But then it then went back to single-path and lots of elevation changes, some winding down hills, some steep down hills, some flat cork-screws. Two creek crossings, in which side-by-side 4x4s were used to create a bridge (snow covered, of course). And after the final creek an immediate uphill climb, that I swear was steeper than I put my ladder to my roof when I have to clean snow off my DirecTV dish!! And, to make it more "technical" that uphill was snow covered!
However, upon reaching the top of that hill, and a quick turn of the corner - the finish line was in sight!!! A nice 5-6 wide finishing area, where all that was left was to finish without hitting a divot made by previous runners!
Now, this may sound tough, and it was, I even experienced some "spaghetti legs" near the end and was bouncing off the trees on the sides of me just to keep moving. Runners had a choice - keep moving or pull over for a second and let others by. Either option was acceptable and every participant I witnessed ran/passed/pulled-over/kept-up with perfect runner's etiquette. At times I felt like that slow car in the far left lane, but that's what kept me going - pushing harder than I ever have in a Trail Race. When runners did yield allow faster traffic by, "thank yous" were heard. When runners went to make a pass, "passing on your left" was heard. Perfect etiquette all race - people of all levels sharing a single-lane path in harmony!
When it ended - and throughout the race even - every participant, no matter how exhausted, how hard they were trying, how beat they were feeling - every participant was smiling or laughing!!! It was FUN! Total fun!! All I could think about was - doing it again.
Of course, there were rewards - a nice custom mason jar filled with Pipeworks Beer and a Chicago Dog at the finish line!!! I do believe with 1 mile to go - that was my motivation!!
Muddy Monk knows how to design a trail that is "technical" but also fun. This course was perfect for the most experienced trail runners and the first timers.
Below is a photo of that "open field passing area" I mentioned - it should help illustrate what I was saying about the "path" and the "passing areas". Even the "path" was snow covered.
(yes, that is me in the green - just about to attempt a pass as a matter of fact)
Oh shoot, why is it called Punk The Monk you might ask? The race director dresses like a Monk. Those that beat him get added swag at the finish line!!!
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