2025 terrapin half marathon

course overview

The first mile or so was on the road, with a subtle incline until the Terrapin Mountain trailhead. From there, steady climbs on rocky / rooty single track with an unavoidable foot-drenching water crossing at mile 2.5. Single track continued until the first aid station at mile ~4. Mile 4-5 was very steep, hands-on-knees climbing. Once at the summit, high winds and cold. The next ~3 miles were very technical downhill leading into the second aid station (mile 7.5). Coming out of aid, we backtrack ~1/2 mile to a steady climb leading to rolling hills. The last 2.5 miles were downhill / flat and very runnable.

strategy

Off the start, I quickly fell to the last third of the pack, not wanting to push too hard. On the initial climb, I wanted to stay behind someone who was going slightly faster than I naturally wanted to go. If / when they slowed down, I sprinted past them. Continued doing this until the summit.

At this point, I bombed the downhill. It was steep and technical, but I knew my legs could take it, plus it is where I have the most fun. I passed maybe 10 people and never saw them again. I stayed aware of the trip and fall risk and picked my toes up with intention.

Coming into the second aid station, my legs were very worked, so I walked most of the next uphill section.

Hitting the rolling hills, I worked to catch 2 guys I saw ~100 yards ahead. As I caught them, one broke away, and I followed. I couldn’t keep his pace, and he eventually got away. Final 2.5 downhill, I ran pretty hard into the finish.

fuel and hydration

50-75g carbs/hr. I used Maurten hydro gels. I used Precision in training, but my follow-up order was going to be late, so I got the Maurten from a local run shop. For hydration, I used a vest with a bladder and Tailwind. This is what I’m used to from training. Didn’t fill up at aid but did drink water from cups while at aid.

did well

I think my uphill strategy worked well. I had runners cheering me on as I sprinted past, which was a boost. But it also kept me sharp, aggressive, and didn’t allow the suck to sink in too badly.

The downhills were great and the most fun of the race.

I ran more on the uphill portion of the rolling hills than I normally would. I think that was largely a benefit of the training.

While the carbs/hr are a touch low, it is much more than I have done in the past, and I could feel it; my energy levels were very good for how hard I was pushing.

could be better

Hydration was not good enough. I think I was focusing a lot on other aspects and forgot to drink a lot of times, and the Tailwind was too much.

Carbs could be better. It was definitely hard to get the gels down towards the end. I think I would forgo the Tailwind and just drink water. I also made the mistake of eating an aid station brownie, which was good in the moment but shortly gave me a stomach ache.

My heart rate was high (and always has been, honestly). I didn’t look at it at all, so I wasn’t aware. Instead, I focused on RPE and I was riding the line between 2nd and 3rd for most of the race.

My uphill strategy was good, but I would like to do it faster.

While I ran more than I might have in the past, I think there is even more room for improvement here.

I had bad sleep the night before. We camped in our camper trailer, but I was cold and had racing thoughts of the race and other random things.

final thoughts

I’m overall very happy with my race. I pushed really hard and got a time that I’m good with. Would I have liked to be faster? Sure, but meh < 15 min miles average on that gnarly terrain is pretty good for me. I stayed positive and managed my physical and emotional energy well, which was a major goal. I hope that it sets me up for a good experience at Promise Land.