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 9th 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 – 7th 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