I though peer pressure only existed in high school...guess not. 

Registered...I decided it was best not to think about it.

I agree,Jamie. I also said "for a 50-miler" - considering the distance, it is not an easy race compared to many 50k's or marathons. It is a race on non-technical single-track, with some rolling hills that are neither steep nor long, but it's still uphills. Some smaller rocks and roots, most covered in leaves, so there is some potential to trip and fall. It starts when it is still dark, so you'll need a lamp for the first hour or so, and you should have done some night running during your training.

If it has been raining a lot, it can be very muddy, and during the morning hours, it's likely to be frozen ground and puddles. There is a 3-mile section on the C&O Canal Towpath (somewhere between miles 26 and 31, I think), which is absolutely flat and covered with fine gravel, some sand. This section can beat up your legs and feet, and if it's a hot and sunny day, it can be draining.

That said, it is a great course, very friendly and helpful volunteers, sometimes challenging your sense of direction and marker-finding skills (although you shoudn't really get lost), not boring or monotonous at all. Best value for the buck, for sure.

First all Couch says it's "easy"...you have to consider what kinds of trails she is used to running - very technical with lots of PA "hills".  Stone Mill is not hilly nor would it be considered technical compared to PA trails.  The times are slower as compared to JFK mainly because the course is 90%+ of single track.

 

This is the fourth year for the race.  It usually takes a race 3-4 years to become popular.  I think SM already has a following (one reason being the affordable price and convience of locality) so it's not clear when it might sell out but it certainly will.  But will it be in August or later? I wouldn't wait too long though.  The price it right and worst case scenario is you lose 35 bucks.  I think they cap @ 300 runners maybe?!?

 

Having said all that, I am registered!!

 

edit: mecrowe - my longest run going into SM two years ago was a 50k.  So you could be fine - but make sure you do a 50k ish type of distance in the fall in the weeks prior to SM.

I'm thinking of running the YUTC 50K in September as a supported long run before Stone Mill.  It's in Youngstown, OH on Sept 14 if anyone is interested.

 

 

Peer Pressure is really making me want to sign up for SM50  

Doooooooooo iiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttt!    50 miles is such a fun distance.

Peer Pressure is really making me want to sign up for SM50  

Just follow Zilla's example. Quit thinking about it and do it!!!!

I registered on 8/1 WHILE I was moving into a new house. SO MANY EXCITING THINGS!

Now I just have to stick to my training plan. I ran a grand total of 10 miles last week. Yeah.

(If you can't tell, I've had a pretty busy/awesome week.)

My husband signed me up the day it opened. I ended up missing it last year because of an ugly ITB and need to get there healthy this year!

Such a good husband!

I thought about it too much and did not register in time.