Monday, February 1, 2016

World's End Ultra Preview

Last weekend I decided to drive 16 hours to run ~17 miles...yes you read that right.  It was 8 hours each way, but well worth the trip.  In addition, I had the chance to check out our new point and shoot that we bought for our upcoming NZ trip, as well as for adventures such as these.  

It's been a while since we upgraded our little camera (and we haven't gone the way of the iPhone yet).  I read good reviews about the new Fuji XP90, and decided to check it out.  Turns out there is also an XP80 which is smaller and lighter, but no technical differences at all.  Great, I prefer the smaller for fitting into my pack.  It also has wifi ability to connect to my a tablet, can withstand 14F temps and is waterproof.  I'm still trying to figure out all the modes, but so far so good.

So on to the run.  In May, I will be running my second 100k at World's End State Park in PA.  Most of the run is on the Loyalsock trail.  The RD held a preview in Dec and again last weekend.  I wasn't able to make the Dec one, but really wanted to see the course.  It helps me get a feeling for what I will be running.  And boy, will it be a doozy...

But first the drive.  Of course, it being winter in OH, flying was out of the question.  At least it allowed me a chance to stop and run.  I found a nice trail in Cedarville PA called the Quehanna trail and ran a short loop.  It was snowing and pretty.





This new camera is pretty good at selfies...





The next day, I headed out to World's End State Park. 

After the first big climb...

yep, that is the trail...

Loyalsock creek

More hidden trails....



the end...

I'm glad i was able to get out there to check out the course.  This will be a challenging run in many ways.  While there is less elevation gain than Cloudsplitter, the terrain is definitely more difficult.  In addition, the trail is not as defined.  One final challenge, it has a 19 hour cut-off, which puts added pressure on race planning and preparation.  My plan is to do 4 hour/25k, just like at Cloudsplitter.  If I can stay with that, I'll be happy.

As far as the camera, I'm happy with it.  

1 comment:

  1. I hope they are going to be marking the course like ORRRC does! One of the benefits of being a back of the pack ultra runner is letting the leader take the cobwebs, scare out the bears, and trample down more of trail...

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