2023 Unsupported Trail Race Unofficial Challenge #3

Simons Skyline Loop 12.4 km (7.7-miles)

This was a difficult run from roughly the 4-mile point onward.

Actually, from the road crossing around mile 3.5 or so, it wasn't easy...

This is the old Wednesday Night Run organized by KS back in the late nineties and early two-thousands.  Occasionally, I get motivated to check it out again after a couple years.

The Skyline section went fine, but once across the road and on the climb to 880' I began to feel the hills.  I missed a couple paths along the way, mostly minor due to lack of use and heavy leaf duff.

Took the alternate western trail to climb Pine, and once descending that I felt decently good.

On the way to the road crossing to get back to Skyline, the muddy briar infested section was all it ever was.  Deep puddles of mud, ice and water surrounded by briars and thorns.  Not much choice but to travel right down the middle of the water, which I did not want to do.  I tried to go around and it was rough - I ended up with a dozen or more thorns stuck in my hands, arms and legs.

That took some of the joy out of the run, but I the worse was still to come.  Somehow, once in Skyline, I ended up on a trail that began to travel in the wrong direction (there are just so many new trails it makes it difficult).

Finally, I got back on track, but not the way I had wished.  I ended the last half-mile the same as the start, which is a rocky section and a bit dangerous on icy ground and tired legs.

Completed the 7.7-miles as 8.2-miles, in 2:06:00.  Much room for improvement!

Had an ending pace of  3.9 mph or 15:22 per mile.