Before I delve into the details of the Train Run itself, I'd like to get a little bit into the organization of it first. The course for the Train Run is on the main part of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath (Park Map and Mileage Table). a beautiful path through Central New Jersey that goes from Trenton to outside New Brunswick, NJ. The main section is 33.9 miles in length. Another 0.2 miles at the end would end up in Johnson Park where the finish is for a total of 34.1 miles (55k).
The Raritan Valley Road Runners who put on the event have each aid station timed at an 8:30 min/mile pace so that runners who start at 6:00AM in Trenton finish 5 hours later at 11:00AM.
This poses to be a bit of a problem for me. Although I am quite capable of going 8:30 min/mile pace, I do not want to push myself that hard because it can mean a very long recovery time and time lost for training for the Vermont 100 Miler.
I've also ran with a friend last week who has finished 100 mile ultramarathons. He told me that I needed to get 3-4 overnight runs in to get used to the sleep deprivation and lack of light.
Lastly I want to get a run of at least 40 miles in this weekend. 34.1 miles is a nice distance, but I need to get some runs longer than that in. The 40+ miles during the Mayapple Ultras were nice and a second run that long would be perfect at this time.
One easy solution that solves all these problems: run the other way (that is, to Trenton) the night before, get to the start an hour before the group starts, then have the group overtake me on the way back to the park. At some point I will get at least 40 miles in and can tag along with the crew helping out the other runners during the event. At about 2 miles to go in the event, I'll hop back in and complete the course with the rest of the runners. I get my night running in, go at my own pace, and finish at least 40 miles of running. Also, the event organizers don't have to go out of their way to accommodate me and would probably welcome another helper when I'm done with my run.
I'll be wearing a Camelback and will also stash some supplies in 3 key places along the Towpath to replenish my food and drink. I'm figuring about a 9:30PM to 10:00PM start tomorrow night. My car will be parked outside Johnson Park to prevent from being towed.
That;s about it! Oh, one other thing. It might be humid on Saturday, so heat will be a factor. To all those who are doing the run, seriously take that into account when preparing for your run.
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