Running Event of the Week : Frozen Gnome 10k/50k

Welcome back to our running blog.  The focus has changed from "Featured 5k" to "Featured Running Event" - as I venture beyond the safe confines of the 5k onto bigger races.  But never fear, 5Ks will still be reviewed here as well.

The first event of 2016 was also the first event I ran in 2016 - The Frozen Gnome 10k/50k.  I only ran the 10k.

The event takes place at Veterans Acre Park and Sternes Woods Park in Crystal Lake and is a 10k Loop through both parks/woods.

This is the very definition of a Trail Race.  At least two-thirds of the course is single track, at least 2-thirds has the runners going uphill or downhill.  I barely even remember any moments of just running on flat land.  According to my (newly purchased) GPS Watch, there was 300 feet of total incline in the event (and 300 feet of total decline).  I didn't count, but I know there were at least 20 ups (and 20 downs).  Most were steep and were more like climbing than running.  There were a few passable areas where the path fanned out to up to 4 wide.  There was also a rather large prairie crossing which included rolling hills and not steep hills,  There was a little (very little) running on actual paved surfaces - and just to complete the diversity of terrain - there was even a bridge crossing!!  I mean, really, is it a trail without a bridge or creek - or both?

This course is rated Triple X Black Diamond (or something intimidating like that) on the event website - and they weren't kidding!!  This is not for the weak minded!!  After every short reprieve of a downhill or flat surface (50 yards at most) - there was a turn and an incline that was unseen until the turn was made.  Runners forever thinking - another uphill?

The race is run in January, and the name is descriptive.  A week prior to the race an ice storm came through the area, and the course was solid ice.  But a week of rain and above-freezing temps turned the course into a sloppy/slushy mess (with some packed snow and thin ice patches).  Many runners were wearing self-made screw shoes or purchased ice-grippers.

Now, at first pass, this might seem daunting or even scary, and to be honest, as a relative novice trail runner that I am, it WAS daunting and scary.   But, in reality, and simply put - IT WAS A BLAST!!!!  A total blast!!!  It definitely was a limit-pusher and a goal-stretcher - BUT IT WAS A BLAST!!!  The constant challenge, the constantly changing scenery of woods, prairie, bridges, wide trails, even a baseball diamond, and what appeared to be a tame coyote staring at us like we were crazy,  kept the entire event captivating.

If you are into Trail Running - this is a 100% must event.  If you are new to Trail Running - keep in mind this is a full 10k loop, so if the distance is new to you, be prepared for a workout, because there is no turning back.  But, testimonial time, this was my longest race ever (only did a 7k prior) and the toughest Trail Race I've ever done - and IT WAS A BLAST!!!!  Trail Running at it's most challenging and most fun!

Speaking of fun - BUTTSLIDE HILL!!!!  Normally there is a lot of snow on the ground - and one section of the course is dubbed "buttslide hill".  Where runners, literally sit on their buttocks and slide down the hill.  It's single track, just about the size of a toboggan track or water slide.  And runners slide.  This year, it was more like slush or slippery dirt.  But that didn't stop the fun!  The Buttslide Hill is so much fun - a photographer is stationed there for the duration of the event to get photos!!

(also, the queue waiting for the runner's turn, is a nice rest as well)

The event itself - very well organized.  Weeks leading up to the event, their facebook site, https://www.facebook.com/FrozenGnome10k50k/?fref=ts, is well-manned and they provided answers and updates almost immediately.  Leading up to the event they provide Trail Reports so runners know the conditions and what kind of shoes to wear.  Even the night before and EARLY in the morning of the event, important information is posted regarding the condition of the course.

There is a warming shelter at the event along with all the other standard amenities of a race.

Oh, and the 50k runners - do the above five times!!!