Well, the full name is the Universal Sole Valentine's Train Run, but that's too long for the headline. The weather was the primary story, so let me start with the other stuff first, so it doesn't get overshadowed.
This was my first U-SOLE race, and I have to admit, it was a blast. They would say things like "Results in 30 U-Sole seconds, which means 2 minutes or more". It had snowed 12+ inches the night before - and at 30 minutes before race they announced "We have checked on the course conditions, and there is some snow". I can't even remember all the different funny one-liners before and after the race. This had all the great spirit of trail running, it's all about the outdoors, the adventure, and the fun. Given the conditions, setting up probably was more challenging than usual - but it didn't show. Race day packet pickup and registration went just fine. The finish line chute and timing devices were set up just fine. Everything went off like just another day - but with snow - lots of snow. The volunteers at the start/finish and on the course were awesome and all light-hearted and fun.
Because of conditions, they had to make an audible and remove some of the course, shortening it was 4.2 miles to 3.2 miles. But they politely explained it ahead of time, and nobody minded. They did a great job inspecting the course ahead of time (and marking it) and because of that, they could make the call.
Now the conditions - 12" or more of snow for the entire course. It was out-and-back - and even after being trampled on the "out", it was still at least 6-8" deep on the "back". Part of the course crossed a parking lot - and that involved going over or through the 36" snow pile created by the Forest Preserve plows. (side note : excellent job by the Forest Preserve, the roads and parking lots were driveable and well plowed and salted)
The course was grueling, even the most seasoned runners remarked on their slowest times. The course was basically flat, with some hills, but not much. But, traversing the deep snow, and then the single-wide paths made it very challenging. Jumping off the beaten path to slow down - or to pass - was difficult as the snow went from the padded down 8" to at least 12" - it was like swimming upstream when not on the single-wide well-trodden path. The path wound through the trees, in some spots single-wide between trees, across a parking lot, and through a prairie, and was actually quite scenic - almost like a Norman Rockwell winterscape.
The thing is - all of this challenge made it fun. Difficult, very difficult but fun, very fun. Everybody was smiling the entire race and laughing and joking. Even exhausted at the finish, people were crossing the line with Christmas morning smiles on their faces. This is what winter trail running is all about.
But even without the snow, this would have been a great race, thanks to great organization, a well marked trail, and fun and funny volunteers!!!! Universal Sole organizes several trail races, and I know I'll be back again!!!
Oh, and it ended with free beer and free chili - and everybody stuck around in the snow and cold and enjoyed the eats and drinks!!!
You can check them out on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/universalsole/
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