Hey Root Kickers and Tree Slappers,

Well, only two more Muddy Shoes Saturday runs are left this season! Starting back in April we have had 33 weekends in a row where we did some kind of organized trail run or activity. This included the Summer and Phall Phat Ass events, the Woodstock 8k Cross Country race (I know. That’s a MCRRC event but it is directed by Coach Gretchen and myself so its got a Muddy Shoes vibe), the Stone Mill Course Preview runs and the Pennyfield Aid Station. Not to mention all the regular Saturday training runs. Phew, it’s been a long year! So, after Thanksgiving I get to go on hiatus while Coach Audrey, Coach Mike E. (Big Mike) and Coach Mike C. (the guy that trained oh, so hard for Stone Mill) will guide us through the Winter Trail program that takes us all the way out to the Spring races. It’s all part of the MoCo trail continuum. No matter who is organizing and leading, we got your bad asses covered!

Anyway, I want to take us back to a couple of trailheads that you haven’t seen in a while. This Saturday we’ll head on up to Patuxent River State Park. This trail is a 3.75 mile loop and it’s beautiful. The course meanders through the woods with rolling hills but nothing too tough. Folks usually alternate their loops clockwise, counter-clockwise, clockwise, etc. Do as many loops as you like. I’ll hang out back at the parking lot to make sure everyone gets back alive (BTW, Muddy Shoes has a 100% survival rate. Hope I’m not jinxing that!) but then I’m headin’ up the road to the Sunshine General store for one of the best cheeseburgers in the DMV (Washington Post, August 7th, 2023). It’s a sweet bit of trails and Mother Nature should be smiling upon us with nice weather. Sounds like a plan!

So, first announcements then the run details.

– The MCRRC Winter Trails Program registration is open! Don’t wait to sign up! Here’s the link: https://mcrrc.org/training-program/winter-trail-program/

– Registration for Farm Park Challenge 2025 opens on Jan. 1, 2025. The race date is Saturday, May 3, 2025. This is one of the premier local Spring time trail events and we are excited to add a traditionally timed 25K this year! Mark your calendars for registration!

– Muddy Shoes 10-year anniversary shirts (long and short sleeve) are still available but only until 31 December. Shop here MyMuddyShoes.printify.me Sizes run large.

– Did you know we have other Muddy Shoes swag available? We sure do! Baseball hats ($15), Buffs ($10) Reusable trail cups ($5) and Stickers ($Free). The holidays are right around the corner so shop early! See Coach Phil.

OK, details for Saturday:

Location: Patuxent River State Park

Address: 23222 Georgia Ave, Brookeville, MD 20833

Date: 16 November 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