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Well, Hey there, Stone Millers,

Time to strap on yer stinkin’ trail shoes, lube up those chafing spots (where the sun don’t shine) and join the Muddy Shoes gang on the Stone Mill course for a look-see at where you’ll be slapping your feet on race day! Yee-ha! Betcha’can’t wait!

For starters, think of the course in its entirety as an upside-down lollipop. You have ‘the stick’ (out-n-back portion) and ‘the candy’ part (a biiiiiig loop). We’ve divided that lollipop into four segments and will preview one section each week through the month of October. If you do all four preview runs you will have stepped on every inch of the course.

This week – we’ll preview ‘The Stick’! We’ll begin at the official Stone Mill race start-finish line and do the entire out and back of the stick which are the first and last sections of the race itself. This will include running around Clopper Lake on the outbound leg. On the way back the course skips the lake and heads right on back to the finish line at the school. The total mileage is in the 20-ish range, but I might be off by a mile or too…so be it. That’s trail running.

For starters let’s see the logistical details:

Location: Stedwick Elementary School

Address: 10631 Stedwick Rd, Montgomery Village, MD 20886

Date: Saturday 5 October

Time: 0730 after I finish the blah-blah-blah instructions that no one listens to!

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/UG1V9

Course: First and last sections of the Stone Mill Course. Start/Finish line at Stedwick to Riffleford Rd. and back.

Distance: 20 or 21-ish miles. See what your Garmin says!

Course Aid: Yes, water at Clopper Rd. Refreshments back at the start too.

Cost: Donations accepted (coupla bucks, maybe something with a picture of Alexander Hamilton on it or at least some spare change and Dorito crumbs from your car console). 😊 Help support Muddy Shoes Trail Runners!!!

OK, some other stuff:

• Just for the record, all are welcome to join us on these runs. You don’t have to be signed up for Stone Mill. If you want to come out and just do a couple of miles with your trail buds, go for it! We just love to see people out in the woods, hittin’ the single track!
• I highly recommend you download Caltopo on your phone and use the map link above. It helps with navigation if you get in a pickle out in the woods. Shows your location live and where the trail is.
• Our lawyer wanted me to let you know the following – *Please note, the course may not be marked beyond the normal trail markings (tree blazes), and neither Stone Mill nor MyMuddyShoes are responsible or liable for any incidents or injuries that may occur during these runs. Each runner undertakes these events on their own volition. This includes fronting bail money!

Well, I think I’ve talked enough for now.

C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!!!

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

OK, Trail Junkies,

Time to test your mettle. Looks like we won’t have a chance to dry out from Saturday. Might be a tad moist out there in the Forests of Derwood but that’s what makes trail running so exhilarating…running in the dark, in the rain! Personally, I love it. After the hot, dry, dusty Summer we had, a cool drizzly night almost sounds appealing. This is where the tough get going!

OK, Announcements then details…

Announcements:

– Upcoming on Saturdays in October – Stone Mill Course Preview runs. More details to come but these will be open to all.

– The Muddy Shoes Phantastic Phall Phat Ass is coming up on Saturday November 2nd. Take your pick – Half Marathon or 10k. All are welcome. It’s a potluck so look for a sign-up sheet soon. Great taper run for Stone Millers!

– Still have 10 year Muddy Shoes commemorative t-shirts (long and short sleeve) ready to order. Sizes run a little big. Buy ‘em here: https://mymuddyshoes.printify.me/products

Now, for the details:

Location: Redland M.S. (around back to the right side of school)

Address: 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 01 October 2024

Time: Warm up at 6 p.m. Run starts at 6:15

Course: The Redland Trails consist of an Upper and Lowwer trail with a .3 mile extension out to Muncaster Road. Each week we will alternate directions around the loop. Great trails! This week we will go counter-clockwise (Lower Trail first)

Head Lamp: Most definitely! Maybe an umbrella too!

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/ABPQC (includes warm up loop)

Distance: 5 miles with warm-up (feel free to do shorter or longer)

Pace: Fast, slow and in-between

Vibe: Chill…very chill

Hope to C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!

Namaste,

Muddy Shoes

Wassup, Stone Mill Trail Dogs!

It’s that time of year when those of you who eagerly – or maybe reluctantly – or even accidentally – hit the ‘Submit’ button on your Stone Mill 50 Miler registration form are now starting to focus on the task that awaits you on the morning of  November 9^th 2024! And mark my words, unless your last name is Walmsley or Jornet, running 50 miles is no small task. It requires a lot of preparation. By now, you’ve put in the miles, the hill repeats, and done the core work. You’ve adjusted your diet and done equipment checks. Figured out where you will or will not chafe. But one important ingredient to success that is often overlooked is course knowledge. Basically, what is coming your way on race day.

So, to fill that void far ya’ll once again – 7^th year in a row – MyMuddyShoes – the premier trail running club in Montgomery County – is sponsoring and hosting the official Stone Mill 50 Miler Course Preview Runs over the next four Saturdays in October. In a nutshell, we divide the course into 4 segments with each run being an out-n-back totaling 20-ish miles. We’ll provide some on course aid (water and maybe some calories) as well as fluids and snackeroos for the post-run mingle back at the parking lot. We do ask that ya’ll open your wallets and slide us a few bucks or at least some sticky loose change from your cars cupholder to help defer our costs. Remember, we are less likely to say negative things about you or make comments on your running style or family if you donate. At least we won’t say these things to your face!

For your viewing pleasure here is the list of runs and their starting point. More specific details about upcoming course and logistics will be sent out each week prior to the run – Thursday afternoon or Friday A.M.

Run #1                       Saturday 5 October           Stedwick E. S. Mont. Village, MD.

Run #2                       Saturday 12 October         Pennyfield Lock, Potomac MD.

Run #3                       Saturday 19 October         Pennyfield Lock (Again) Potomac MD

Run #4                       Saturday 26 October         Riffle Ford Rd, Gaithersburg MD

All runs start at 0730.

BTW, these runs are open to all trail runners. You don’t have to be doing Stone Mill. Just come out, get your miles in however short or long and hang around for the post-run mingle. Maybe it will inspire you to sign up next year!

C’MON OUT! THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

SATURDAY TRAILS WITH MUDDY SHOES – LAKE FRANK

Get ready to kiss September goodbye! Seems like we were just sweating and chafing in the heat and humidity of a DC Summer and next thing ya know, here we are barreling into Autumn with October around the corner!  But ‘corner’ is a euphemism when it comes to trail running, isn’t it? We don’t have ‘corners’ in trail running! We have creek crossings and mud, patches of thorns and poison ivy, and even trail heads! But the doesn’t quite work the way ‘corner’ does. Saying ‘October is right around the creek crossing’ leaves ya with a ‘what did he say’ kind of result. But I digress! This Saturday, we hit the single track! And Saturday is right around the trailhead!

OK, announcements then details:

· For the 7th year in a row, we will be hosting the Stone Mill 50 Course Preview Runs. For the unfamiliar, what we do is divide the Stone Mill course into four sections. Each Saturday in October we run a different section. Run all four and your feetsies will have been on the whole course. Good way to get a look-see at what awaits you if you’re racing. However, these runs are open to everybody just like our regular Saturday runs. You can do the whole thing or just a few miles. All are welcome! Donations will be accepted!

· Ten-year commemorative Muddy Shoes T-shirts are still available. Short and long sleeve. Sizes are running slightly large so order down one size. Buy them here https://mymuddyshoes.printify.me/products

· Tuesday evening runs have moved to Redland Middle School. Get your headlamps ready!

Now for the run details:

Ok, details for Saturday morning:

Location: Lake Frank from Avery Road parking lot

Address: 15211 Avery Road, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 28 September 2024

Time: 0730

Course: Out-and-back. Start on Lakeside Trail to a right on Muncaster Mill Trail. Take all the way to and under (if possible) Muncaster Mill Road to Kengla Trail. Take out to creek crossing under ICC. Stay on Kengla for a while until it turns into North Branch. Take out to Bowie Mill Road. Turn around and come back!

Distance: Prolly around 12-ish. It will be a drop back day.

Pace: Slow, Fast and In-between; all are welcome!

Vibe: Chill

Hope to C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

Hey Tree Slappers,

Ya know what? WE’RE MOVING TO REDLAND M.S.!!! That’s what! Wanted to put it in all caps to see if you’re paying attention. Yup, it’s time for our Fall migration to our Winter Quarters as we call them. Time to break out and recharge your headlamps! Guess ya gotta find ‘em first! After a long hot Summer pounding the single track around Lake Needwood, we’ll be slapping our feetsies in the Forests of Redland until Springtime. Love these trails!

Oh, and to make up for the missed 2nd Tuesday of the month visit to the Outta The Way Café, we’ll be heading there tonight where Catherine will take care of our hungry/thirsty selves! Always a fun mingle!

Right, then. Let’s see how many of you show up to Needwood by accident!

OK, Announcements then details…

Announcements:

– Upcoming on Saturdays in October – Stone Mill Course Preview runs. More details to come but these will be open to all.

– The Muddy Shoes Phantastic Phall Phat Ass is coming up on Saturday November 2nd. Take your pick – Half Marathon or 10k. All are welcome. It’s a potluck so look for a sign-up sheet soon. Great taper run for Stone Millers!

– Still have 10 year Muddy Shoes commemorative t-shirts (long and short sleeve) ready to order. Sizes run a little big. Buy ‘em here: https://mymuddyshoes.printify.me/products

Now, for the details:

Location: Redland M.S. (around back to the right side of school)

Address: 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 24 September 2024

Time: Warm up at 6 p.m. Run starts at 6:15

Course: The Redland Trails consist of an Upper and Lowwer trail with a .3 mile extension out to Muncaster Road. Each week we will alternate directions around the loop. Great trails! This week we will go clockwise (Upper Trail first)

Head Lamp: Most definitely!

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/ABPQC (includes warm up loop)

Distance: 5 miles with warm-up (feel free to do shorter or longer)

Pace: Fast, slow and in-between

Vibe: Chill…very chill

Hope to C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!

Namaste,

Muddy Shoes

Hey Trail Goobers,

Get ready for the last blast of Summer on the trails! That’s right, Summer ends Saturday. It’s been a long hot one, but Autumn is now knockin’ at the door like a little, obnoxious trick-or-treater. We do have a lot coming up in the next two months so be ready and stay tuned!

But we still have to get through our run Saturday, so put those crusty trailies by the door and get ready to lace them up. This week we are going to redo the original plan from last week. – meet at Watkins Mill H.S. for a nice jaunt North on the Greenway towards Damascus. Temps will be fine and there will be some humidity but otherwise a great day.

OK, announcements then details:

• For the 7^th year in a row, we will be hosting the Stone Mill 50 Course Preview Runs. For the unfamiliar, what we do is divide the Stone Mill course into four sections. Each Saturday in October we run a different section. Run all four and your feetsies will have been on the whole course. Good way to get a look-see at what awaits you if you’re racing. However, these runs are open to everybody just like our regular Saturday runs. You can do the whole thing or just a few miles. All are welcome! Donations will be accepted! 😊
• Ten-year commemorative Muddy Shoes T-shirts are still available. Short and long sleeve. Sizes are running slightly large so order down one size. Buy them here mymuddyshoes.printify.me
• Starting next Tuesday our evening runs are moving to Redland Middle School. Get your headlamps ready!

Now for the run details:

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21 @7:30 AM

WHAT:  North on Greenway towards Damascus

ADDRESS: Watkins Mill H.S.,10301 Apple Ridge Rd., Gaithersburg 20886

CALTOPO: https://caltopo.com/m/6E58

DISTANCE: 16 miles round trip to Damascus Regional Park

PACE: Fast, slow and in-between

VIBE: Yeah, we got one and it is chill.

Hope to C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!

Namaste,

Muddy Shoes

Hey Trail Kiddos,

Time for Tuesday Trails at Needwood for one last time before we move to our Winter Quarters. I think we can squeeze this one in before it gets too dark but there’s a chance we might have some precip in the area. That’s ok though cuz we be trail runners. S*%t like that don’t affect us – at least not in a negative way. Most important is the run time temp – it’ll be in the 70s! So come out and enjoy!

Announcements:

• Upcoming on Saturdays in October – Stone Mill Course Preview runs. More details to come but these will be open to all.

Now, for the details:

Location: Lake Needwood (Hiker/Biker Trail parking Lot)

Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 17 September 2024

Time: Warm up at 6 p.m. Run starts at 6:15

Course: Something a little different to close out our Summer residency here at the lake. Kind of an out-n-back. Head up the East side of the lake and out onto the Blue Jay Loop. Back past archery range on the Needwood Trail until intersection with Mudcat on right. Take that up to park entrance. Cross Needwood Road and go out-n-back on Beaver Trail (aka Upper Rock Creek). Cross back over Needwood Road the way you came and come back down Mudcat until you hit Needwood Trail. Go right and take that back to the parking lot. Kapeesh?

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/3EB4D7G

Distance: 6 miles with warm-up (feel free to do shorter or longer)

Pace: Fast, slow and in-between

Vibe: Chill…actually, sweaty. Yup, sweaty.

Hope to C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!

Namaste,

Muddy Shoes

Hey Joggers of the Forest,

The last weekend of Summer is coming up! It’s a 3-Day and we got a double whammy planned for ya! We’ll be having the regular run on Saturday morning (Cabin John this week) and a bonus trail run/trailhead clean up on Monday morning at Redland. Great way to wrap up the Summer and head into Fall.

Momma Nature once again sees us in her good graces and we will have nice weather this weekend (I must have pissed her off this past week to get those record-breaking temps! So sorry!). On Saturday it will still be humidity but run time temps should be around 70 degrees. Monday is forecast to be scrumptious! Lower temps and humidity!

OK, so, announcements then run details:

– T-SHIRTS! T-SHIRTS! T-SHIRTS! Get’em while they’re hot! The 10-Year Anniversary shirts are flying off the shelves! Very comfortable uni-sex moisture-wicking shirts that fit true-to-size with a custom design (Thanks to KLD Design https://www.kld-design.com) on the front and one of our Muddy Shoes mantras on the back. What are ya waiting for? These shirts aren’t gonna order themselves!

– Labor Day Trail Run and Clean Up at Redland. Hosted by Coach Roberta. Run first, then clean up the woods around the trail head. Gloves, garbage bags and refreshments provided. Good chance to give back to the trails!

Now, for the Saturday details:

Location: Cabin John playground parking lot

Address: 7400 Tuckerman Ln, Bethesda, MD 20817

Date: 31 August 2024

Time: 0730

Course: In a nutshell, run from the parking lot all the way down to MacArthur Blvd., turn around and come back. There’s a lot more to it than that (i.e road crossings, etc.) that we will explain in the pre-run brief. Better pay attention! Check out the caltopo for a good map of the route.

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/6PCV  ; includes extra 3 mile top loop for those wanting to add on.

Distance:  ~14 miles round trip (feel free to do shorter)

Pace: Fast, slow and in-between

Vibe: Chill…actually, sweaty. Yup, sweaty.

Hope to C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!

Namaste,

Muddy Shoes

Hey Folks,

It’s going to be a little warmer this evening than last week but Fall is just around the corner. The days are getting shorter, and it will soon be time to dust off our headlamps and begin the annual migration to our Winter quarters at Redland. But I digress, for Pete’s sake, we might hit 100 degrees tomorrow so don’t put your tank tops away just yet. There is sweat to come! So, in the meantime we run!

OK, announcements first, then details:

• Just to let ya’ll know, I’ll be out the next two Tuesdays.  Grandpa duty and  vacay.  I’m sure you folks know which way to go!

• Stay tuned. There might be a trail run and trailhead clean up activity this Monday (Labor Day)!

• T-SHIRTS! T-SHIRTS! T-SHIRTS! Get’em while they’re hot! The 10-Year Anniversary shirts are flying off the shelves! Very comfortable uni-sex moisture-wicking shirts that fit true-to-size with a custom design (Thanks to KLD Design https://www.kld-design.com) on the front and one of our Muddy Shoes mantras on the back. What are ya waiting for? These shirts aren’t gonna order themselves!

Now, for the details:

Location: Lake Needwood (Hiker/Biker Trail parking Lot)

Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 27 August 2024

Time: Warm up at 6 p.m. Run starts at 6:15

Course: Clockwise. Across dam and onto Parilla Path. Continue left onto Westside Trail up to Needwood Road and cross lake. At park entrance cross Needwood Road and go out-and-back on Beaver Tale Trail (aka Upper Rock Creek). Re-enter park and duck in to your right on the Mudcat Trail. Take this to Needwood Trail. Go right and back down East side of lake to the parking lot.

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/0NFMC

Distance: 5.75 miles with warm-up (feel free to do shorter or longer)

Pace: Fast, slow and in-between

Vibe: Chill…actually, sweaty. Yup, sweaty.

Hope to C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!

Namaste,

Muddy Shoes

Hey Forest Joggers of MoCo,

We are still in August, but Mother Nature is smiling down upon us for at least one more really, really nice day of running weather. Runtime temps should be around 60 degrees with low humidity. Enjoy it while you can. Summer temps are coming back next week.

So, I’m giving in to pressure here and taking us back to Patuxent River State Park by popular demand. Believe me, it didn’t take much peer pressure to get me to agree to run at this venue. Great trails, plenty of parking, brick-and-mortar bathroom (ok it’s technically a latrine), real friendly rangers and the Sunshine General Store (world famous Cheese Burgers) is right up the road for a post-run nosh and refuel. We’ll have our usual liquids and snacks on the sign-in table. Don’t forget, we happily accept donations!

OK, announcements then details:

• T-SHIRTS! T-SHIRTS! T-SHIRTS! Get’em while they’re hot! The 10-Year Anniversary shirts are flying off the shelves! Very comfortable uni-sex moisture-wicking shirts that fit true-to-size with a custom design (Thanks to KLD Design https://www.kld-design.com) on the front and one of our Muddy Shoes mantras on the back. What are ya waiting for? These shirts aren’t gonna order themselves!

• For all you Stone Mill runners (and everyone else too!), as we have in past years, we will be holding Stone Mill course preview runs each Saturday in October. We’ve divided the course into four sections from start to finish. Each weekend we do a different section. Run all four weekends and your feetsies will have plodded along every inch of the course. Great way to know what you’ll be facing on race day. More details as we get closer to October.

Ok, details for this Saturday:

Location: Patuxent River State Park

Address: 23222 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, MD 20833

Date: 24 August 2024

Time: 0730

Course: Loop is 3.75 miles. Recommend three loops for ~11.25

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/T007L

Pace: Slow, Fast and In-between; all are welcome!

Vibe: Chill

Hope to C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes