Notes
I liked this 50K after I was done. But then again, I can say that about most Ultras except Capon 50K. The trail was not as technical as Patapsco, not as picturesque as others. Mostly single track dirt through a lot of woods. Some of this course is the returning side for Stone Mill 50.
Chris and I carpooled in the Orange Beetle and got to the park early but it was difficult to actually find the start since the volunteers were still meeting and not directing vehicles. Got situated, went to the bathroom twice before the start (damn coffee). The temps looked better than original so I went with shorts and calf sleeves. One long sleeve and one fleece type quarter zip. Toe warmers in the gloves. (Don't ask)
The volunteers at one of the aid stations were wearing 60s style clothes and were terrific. Very energetic. For food I ate numerous small grilled cheese pieces, peanut butter and jelly pieces, cookies, animal cookies, peanut M & Ms, Pringles, regular potato chips and then had Gatorade refills for my bottle along with ginger ale.
The aid stations were fairly well stocked but missing my favorite of potato pieces with salt. Not bad though.
The course meanders on the Seneca Greenway trail down towards the tow path and then back on a parallel track. The worst part is near the end. You come out of the woods and ahead is a nice person asking you, "Marathon or 50K?". If you don't lie and say Marathon, then they send you right to go around a fairly nasty 4+ mile lake to complete the 50K. This thing takes forever. You continue around corners, around corners, never ending with your energy sucked away by the minute. Chris and I were playing the alphabet game by then just trying to stay motivated and finish.
For my third 50K in 21 days, this was a good effort. My watch gave out at 30 miles so the added piece equaled the results of the scoring.