Author: Phil Epstein

BOO , Ya’ll!

So, I know that trail running at night can be a scary experience but we’re all adults and we don’t scare easy. Right? Personally, I am terrified of ticks and catching my trail shoe on a root on a steep downhill gives me nightmares but generally ghosts and monsters do not. I mean, they could be real but I’m not going to sweat it. So, I run! With a headlamp of course. That’s what keeps the goblins and witches away! No tricks on the trail, just treats. Avoid the neighborhood chaos and come to the not-so-haunted forests of Redland. You’ll still be home in time to rifle through your offsprings candy bag to confiscate the good stuff (Almond Joys, Good-n-Plenty and Double-Bubble to name a few)

OK scary announcements before the terrifying details for tonight:

PHANTASTIC PHALL PHAT ASS THIS SATURDAY!!! Coach Robin is returning after a one year hiatus for the 9th year of this event! It’s a pot-luck event so feel free to bring something yummy to share. Just lets not all bring donuts! Muddy Shoes will provide some usual snacks and bevs. Sign up today! https://www.signupgenius.com/…/20F0C4DABAB2DA64…

WINTER TRAIL PROGRAM 2023-2024 – REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Sign up here https://mcrrc.org/training-program/winter-trail-program/

Merch! Merch! Merch! – get it while it lasts! We got Muddy Shoes Baseball Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable, collapsible cups ($5). Do your holiday shopping early…or just treat yourself! See Coach Phil or Coach Mike C. BTW, our cups will be featured at the Stone Mill 50 Race which is going semi-cupless. Pick yours up at packet pick up!

Donations! –Thanks to recent donations we were able to purchase a brush cutting attachment for the Muddy Shoes weed-wacker. Keep the donations coming. Muchly appreciated! Paypal – pepstein1@verizon.net

OK, thanks for reading through. Now for this Tuesday’s details:

Location: Redland Middle School

Address: 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 31 October 2023

Time: Warm Up 6 p.m. Main event 6:15

Course: Clockwise (Upper Trail first) For newbies, the trailhead is to the right of the backstop (Go to back parking lot on right side of school.) Take this connector trail ~.15 miles to intersection with main trail and go left.

Distance: 5 miles with warm up, 4.3 without.

Pace: You pick. We have all paces, including walkers.

Vibe: M-e-l-l-o-w. This is not a race.

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

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

Hey Stone Millers (and any other Trail Dog that wants to c’mon out),

Welcome to the 4^th and final Stone Mill Preview Run!!! This Saturday we wrap up our preview of the course you will be tearing up on race day…or will it tear up you? Hmmm…Anyway, before I digress, lets chat about what we have planned for you.

So, if you visualize the Stone Mill course as being an upside-down lollipop, all we have left to do is the section from miles 12 – 15-ish and then miles 34-ish to 42. Those are the two pieces that come together at the lollipop ‘stick’ if you will. It’s a little confusing but we’ll  map and you’ll see it in Blue. Either way Saturday’s run will consist of two out-and-backs starting and finishing at Riffle Ford Rd. Distance is about 20-ish miles. This is also the site of the Mile 11.5 and Mile 42 aid stations during the race. We’ll be set up here Saturday with fluids, snacks and first aid for your running pleasure.

The first out and back will be starting in reverse of the race direction. You will run on the Seneca Ridge Trail and a small portion of the Greenway from Riffle Ford to the Rt. 28 parking lot– last week’s turn around point. Then head back. This will be the actual direction of the race. Once back at Riffle Ford you will head out through the edge of Seneca Creek State Park and out on an unnamed trail that will take you out to Quince Orchard Rd. Here is on of the pavement stretches of the race (Bleecchh!). Turning right on QO Rd you’ll run up to the corner of Rt. 28, take a left and hit the sidewalk for about 1.25 miles until you see a paved trail on your left through the guardrail that will take you to the tunnel under route 28 to the top of the Muddy Branch Trail, site of the Week #1 turn around. Now retrace your steps  to Riffle Ford for the post-run mingle.

*** One quick announcement – if you weren’t already in the loop – the 8^th Annual Phall Phat Ass Trail Run will take place on Sunday November 6^th starting at Lake Needwood and running up to the Ag Farm for a loop and back for a fun pot-luck after-run get together. This is an excellent taper run for folks doing Stone Mill or any other long, long race. Details on www.mymuddyshoes.org under the Events tab or on our FB page. You can sign up to bring something.

OK, here are the logistical details for ya for Saturday:

Location: Seneca Creek Greenway/ Seneca Ridge Trailhead @ Riffle Ford

Address: 16864 Riffle Ford Road, Darnestown

Coords: 39.132344, -77.267809

Date: Saturday 28 October

Time: 0730

Distance: If you have to ask you probably aren’t ready to run 50 miles!

Pets: On leash – OK but no hamsters

Vibe: Chill

OK, don’t want to waste your time so I’ll C U there!

Remember – THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!!!

Cheers,

Coach Phil

Wassup, Stone Mill Hopefuls – kidding – you GOT this!

Hey, a quick shout out to all those that have ventured out with us the previous two Saturdays. Good time was had by all. You’ve been rewarded for your hard work with Tater-Tots, Quesadillas and Momma Q’s Scones. Can’t wait to see what’s on the post-run menu this week!

Anyway, by now, if you’ve been to the first two preview runs your feet have been on the racecourse for about 29 or so miles of it. Plus, since these are out-and-backs you’ve piled on some extra training miles for good measure. So, between this Saturday and the next we’ll cover the remaining 21 miles. Betcha can’t wait!

We are up to Course Preview Run #3 showcasing the Southwest quadrant of the course (Mile 24 – 34). So, in a nutshell, we will re-convene at Pennyfield Lock – site of the world-famous Muddy Shoes Stone Mill Aid Station (Mile 24). Then from there we will continue in the direction of the race, up the C&O Canal for a few miles to Riley’s Lock -about 3.5 miles. At this point you will turn off the canal and run up Tschiffley Road. This is the point where the Seneca Greenway Trail begins. Almost immediately you will see and run through, the remains of the actual Stone Mill. Check out the link for historical facts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seneca_Quarry . Note: this will also be the site of your next aid station during the race. Rumor has it that you might encounter adult beverages to warm your running soul at this point! Continue up Tschiffley Rd. to River Rd.  Careful crossing. Once you cross head to your right over the creek on River Rd and make a quick left up Seneca Rd. for about a third of a mile before seeing the trailhead on your left. Duck in the woods on the Greenway trail and take it all the way up to Rt. 28. Now turn around and run back! Easy-peazy twenty miler for ya!

We’ll put water out on the course just not sure where yet. I’ll let ya know at the pre-run blah-blah.

Donations! So far folks have been pretty generous! From the bottom of my heart and my gruddy ol’ trail shoes – Thank You!!! Please feel free to stuff your hard-earned cash into our lovely-decorated donation box. Aside from paying for food and fluids we use at our weekly runs throughout the year, we have used this money to buy a Muddy Shoes brush cutter attachment for the weed-wacker to keep the trails clear. It works great! We are hoping to get enough money to purchase a Coleman Stove and a better cooler than my old clunker. Thanks again!

Caltopo – if you have any doubts about staying on course then download caltopo to your phone. I included the link to this weekend’s run in the details below. You can bring it up on Caltopo and it will show your current location as well as the course. It really works well.

***These runs are open to all. You don’t have to be running Stone Mill to join us. You can be training for a different event or just want to come out and do a few miles. C’mon out!

Well, enough chit-chat. Here are the details for Saturday:

Location: Pennyfield Lock, C & O Canal

Address: 12100-12226 Pennyfield Lock Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 (When you get to the canal go left and all the way down to where we will park)

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

Date: Saturday 21 October

Time: 0730

Donation: Yes, please! See above.

Pets: Dogs or small children on a leash OK. No ferrets!

Vibe: Usually pretty chill.

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

Cheers,

Coach Phil

Hey Trail Slappers, Dirt Mongers and Forest Joggers! (I think that’s everybody!)

So, here we go again with a wonderful Fall day/night to be out on the trails of MoCo! Where else would you rather be on a Tuesday? Home with crazy family (Kids! Homework! Dishes! Chores! Meltdowns!) Doing extra after-hours s#@t for work for a thankless boss? (I think not!) Watching Netflix re-runs (booorriinng!) What you need is a good romp in the woods with your headlamp and trail friends! Ya just gotta make it happen. And Muddy Shoes will be there to support! Not only will we run but we’ll head over to the Outta the Way Café afterwards for a comfy and delicious post-run chow and mingle! What could be better? (Don’t answer that!) So, we’ll see you there and I’ll save you a spot on the trail!

But first, announcements, then details:

Merch! Merch! Merch! – get it while it lasts! We got Muddy Shoes Baseball Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable, collapsible cups ($5). Do your holiday shopping early…or just treat yourself! See Coach Phil or Coach Mike C. BTW, our cups will be featured at the Stone Mill 50 Race which is going semi-cupless. Pick yours up at packet pick up!

Donations! –Thanks to recent donations we were able to purchase a brush cutting attachment for the Muddy Shoes weed-wacker. Keep the donations coming. Muchly appreciated! Paypal – pepstein1@verizon.net

Events – We have a big October/ November planned. In association with The Stone Mill 50 race, Muddy Shoes sponsors the ever-popular Stone Mill Course Preview runs. The 1st two are in the books. Each remaining Saturday in October (21st and 28th) we will hold a run that will preview the remaining parts of the Stone Mill course. Each run is an out-and-back on a section of the course ranging in distance from ~18-22 miles. You don’t have to be signed up for the race to join us. Come on out and just do a few miles. All are welcome. We ask folks to provide a donation to help with costs.

Phall Phat Ass – Continuing the tradition started by Coach Robin we hold the Phall Phat ass Trail Half Marathon and 10k the Saturday before Stone Mill. Great taper run! Sign up here – https://www.signupgenius.com/…/20F0C4DABAB2DA64…

OK, thanks for reading through. Now for this Tuesday’s details:

Location: Redland Middle School

Address: 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 17 October 2023

Time: Warm Up 6 p.m. Main event 6:15

Course: Clockwise (Upper Trail first) For newbies, the trailhead is to the right of the backstop (Go to back parking lot on right side of school.) Take this connector trail ~.15 miles to intersection with main trail and go left.

Distance: 5 miles with warm up, 4.3 without.

Pace: You pick. We have all paces, including walkers.

Vibe: M-e-l-l-o-w. This is not a race.

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

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

Hey Stone Millers!

Race day is getting closer, as if you didn’t know! Humidity has vamoosed the area, days are getting shorter, and the temps are a lot more reasonable than in late July. Four weeks from Saturday – unless you chicken out (Bawk! Bawk!) – you will be crossing the Stone Mill start line and heading on down the course. A lot of you are getting into the self-doubt portion of your training. ‘Did I do enough miles?’ ‘Will I be strong enough on race day?’ ‘Should I have done more hill repeats?’ ‘Will I have to poop in the woods?’…etcetera, etcetera, etcetera! Well, I guess ya’ll gonna find out! Either way, one thing you can do to prepare yourself is get familiar with the course. Basically, get a first-hand look at what you’ll be facing on race day.

So, let’s talk about the course preview runs. Just to re-hash, we have taken the Stone Mill course, which is basically shaped like an upside-down lollipop, and divided it up into four segments. Each weekend we run a different section. If you run with us all four weekends, your feet will have touched the course in its entirety. Muddy Shoes supplies on-course water, and post-run beverages, snacks and chit-chat back at the parking lot.

Last week we did Run #1. That covered the first and last 10 miles of Stone Mill (the lollipop stick). This week we’ll be convening at Pennyfield Lock to take a stroll on the Muddy Branch section of the course – basically Mile 15 to Mile 24, give or take a few feet.

BTW, Pennyfield Lock, the halfway point of Stone Mill, is the site of the Muddy Shoes Aid Station during the race. We’ll take care of your sorry-ass when you need it most with Hot Soup, Quesadillas, Tater Tots, Pickle Juice, Port-a-Pottys and some motivational commentary on how we think you are doing!

Whoops, I digress. Back to Run #2. This run will be an out-and-back totaling approximately 18-ish miles entirely on single-track excepting a small stretch of pavement along Esworthy Road and another very short stretch on Query Mill Road. The actual race direction will be duplicated when you head back from the turnaround point up at Rt. 28. That location will also be the site of the 3^rd Aid station on the course. It’s a beautiful trail that consists of wooded single track the entire way with many rolling hills but nothing too severe.

So, coupla things:

• Entry fee – We (Muddy Shoes) depend on your hard-earned moolah to bring you these events as well as all our other running activities throughout the year. This year we are asking for a $5 donation per runner per preview run. That’s cheap! We accept cash and paypal (pepstein1@verizon.net). No crypto, small trinkets or monopoly money, please. The more generous you are, the less likely it is that we will make nasty comments about you. At least not to your face!

• Caltopo – if you have any doubts about staying on course then download caltopo to your phone. I included the caltopo link to this weekend’s run in the details below. You can bring it up in the Caltopo app and it will show your current location as well as the day’s course. It works really well.

• These runs are open to all. You don’t have to be running Stone Mill to join us. You can be training for a different event or just want to do a few miles. C’mon out!

• We provide water on the course and beverages and snacks back at the trailhead to enjoy while you mingle after the run. This week the post-run treats will feature some baked goods from Momma Q’s Farm Market Bakery https://www.facebook.com/mommaqs/  Ya don’t wanna miss that!

Alright! Here are the details –

Location: Pennyfield Lock, C & O Canal

Address: 12100-12226 Pennyfield Lock Rd, Potomac, MD 20854 (When you get to the canal go left and all the way down to where we will park)

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/G5N5

Date: Saturday 14 October

Time: 0730

Donation: Yes, please!

Pets: Dogs or hamsters on a leash OK. No ferrets!

Vibe: Usually pretty chill.

Blah, blah, blah. I’ve talked enough. Hope to C U there cuz THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!!!

Cheers,

Coach Phil

Hey Forest Joggers,

I know it’s only Monday but another Tuesday is coming our way. Time to hit the single track in the Forests of Derwood! For the second week in a row, I will be out of town (At the beach!) so you will have to blow your own imaginary gym teacher whistle and draw straws to see who gets to yell out “THESE TRAILS AIN’T GONNA RUN THEMSELVES!” You just gotta figure out who among you is the biggest loudmouth! No shortage of contenders there!

Also, please look out for each other and make sure everyone gets back safely.

OK, announcements, then details:

Merch! Merch! Merch! – get it while it lasts! We got Muddy Shoes Baseball Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable, collapsible cups ($5). Do your holiday shopping early…or just treat yourself! See Coach Phil or Coach Mike C.

Donations! –Thanks to recent donations we were able to purchase a brush cutting attachment for the Muddy Shoes weed-wacker. Keep the donations coming. Much appreciated! Paypal – pepstein1@verizon.net

Events – We have a big October/ November planned. In association with The Stone Mill 50 race, Muddy Shoes sponsors the ever-popular Stone Mill Course Preview runs. The 1^st one was held last Saturday and previewed the top part of the course. Each remaining Saturday in October (14th, 21st28th) we will hold a run that will preview the remaining parts of the Stone Mill course. Each run is an out-and-back on a section of the course ranging in distance from ~18-22 miles. You don’t have to be signed up for the race to join us. Come on out and just do a few miles. All are welcome. We ask folks to provide a donation to help with costs.

Phall Phat Ass – Continuing the tradition started by Coach Robin we hold the Phall Phat ass Trail Half Marathon and 10k the Saturday before Stone Mill. Great taper run! Sign up here – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4DABAB2DA64-44900132-phantastic?fbclid=IwAR2nuYgrk2Wsg-WIoktMZzf8iGKK3baixjMWBF4WRsFKrSbJV_7fhlSFuwg#/

OK, thanks for reading through. Now for this Tuesday’s details:

Location: Redland Middle School

Address: 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 10 October 2023

Time: Warm Up 6 p.m. Main event 6:15

Course: Counter-Clockwise (Lower Trail first) For newbies, the trailhead is to the right of the backstop (Go to back parking lot on right side of school.) Take this connector trail ~.15 miles to intersection with main trail and go right.

Distance: 5 miles with warm up, 4.3 without.

Pace: You pick. We have all paces, including walkers.

Vibe: M-e-l-l-o-w. This is not a race.

Hope to C U there cuz these trails ain’t gonna run themselves!

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

Hosted by MY MUDDY SHOES – We ARE trail running in MOCO!

Well, Hey there, Stone Millers,

Time to strap on yer trail shoes, pull those big boy/big girl/big person running shorts up and join the Muddy Shoes gang out on the Stone Mill course for a look-see at what awaits you 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 slapped your toes 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.

So, let’s review the logistical details:

Location: Stedwick Elementary School

Address: 10631 Stedwick Rd, Montgomery Village, MD 20886

Coords: 39.174232, -77.212356

Date: Saturday 7 October

Time: 0730 (pre-run brief at 0720 or so)

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

Course: First and last sections of the Stone Mill Course

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

Course Aid: Yes, water at Riffle Ford Rd. turn around point. 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, 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

Hey Tuesday Trail Hounds!

Ready for round two in the dark? I thought so. We had a great crowd in the Forests of Redland last week and with the weather expected to be scrumptious there should be a good turnout tonight. Since I’m out of town you’ll need to get yourselves moving on time (no gym teacher whistle!) for the warmup and the run. Someone take charge! No dilly-dallying or lolly-gagging (lollipoping?) is allowed! Of course, we all love to chit-chat and mingle but save that for after the run!

Bring your headlamp! It will be dark by the time you finish!

OK announcements, then details:

Merch! Merch! Merch! – get it while it lasts! We got Muddy Shoes Baseball Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable, collapsible cups ($5). Do your holiday shopping early…or just treat yourself! See Coach Phil or Coach Mike C.

Donations! –Thanks to recent donations we were able to purchase a brush cutting attachment for the Muddy Shoes weed-wacker. Keep the donations coming. Much appreciated! Paypal –  pepstein1@verizon.net

Events – We have a big October/ November planned. In association with The Stone Mill 50 race, Muddy Shoes sponsors the ever-popular Stone Mill Course Preview runs. Each Saturday in October (7th, 14th, 21st28th) we will hold a run that will preview a part of the Stone Mill course. Each run is an out-and-back on a section of the course ranging in distance from ~18-22 miles. You don’t have to be signed up for the race to join us. Come on out and just do a few miles. All are welcome. We ask folks to provide a donation to help with costs.

Phall Phat Ass – Continuing the tradition started by Coach Robin we hold the Phall Phat ass Trail Half Marathon and 10k the Saturday before Stone Mill. Great taper run! More details to come!

OK, thanks for reading through. Now for this Tuesday’s details:

Location: Redland Middle School

Address: 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 03 October 2023

Time: Warm Up 6 p.m. Main event 6:15

Course: Clockwise (Upper Trail first) For newbies, the trailhead is to the right of the backstop (Go to back parking lot on right side of school.)  Take this connector trail ~.15 miles to intersection with main trail and go left.

Distance: 5 miles with warm up, 4.3 without.

Pace: You pick. We have all paces, including walkers.

Vibe: M-e-l-l-o-w. This is not a race.

Hope to C U there cuz these trails ain’t gonna run themselves!

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

Hey There, Trail Nerds!

Get ready for our Saturday long run! We’ll be heading over to Meadowside Nature Center for some single-trackin’ by Lake Frank and out on the Kengla and North Branch Trails this Saturday. Awesome trails! Weather should be picture-perfect. Nice temps, no precip and low humidity! Wow! Mother Nature has come through this weekend (as opposed to last Saturday with Hurricane Opehlia!)

OK. Announcements then details:

Merch! Merch! Merch! – get it while it lasts! We got Muddy Shoes Baseball Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable, collapsible cups ($5). Do your holiday shopping early…or just treat yourself! See Coach Phil or Coach Mike C.

Donations! –Thanks to recent donations we were able to purchase a brush cutting attachment for the Muddy Shoes weed-wacker. Keep the donations coming. Any amount appreciated! I humbly thank you for all we receive!

Events – Aside from our three regularly scheduled weekly runs (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays) we have a big October/ November planned. In association with The Stone Mill 50 race, Muddy Shoes sponsors the ever-popular Stone Mill Course Preview runs. Each Saturday in October (7th, 14th, 21st28th) we will hold a run that will preview a part of the Stone Mill course. Each run is an out-and-back on a section of the course ranging in distance from ~18-22 miles. You don’t have to be signed up for the race to join us. Come on out and just do a few miles. All are welcome. We ask folks to provide a donation to help with costs. All are welcome!

Phall Phat Ass – Continuing the tradition started by Coach Robin we hold the Phall Phat ass Trail Half Marathon and 10k the Saturday before Stone Mill. Great taper run! More details to come!

OK, thanks for reading through. Now for this Saturday’s details:

Location: Meadowside Nature Center

Address: 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20855

Caltopo: Unavailable. We’ll do it the old-fashioned way!

Date: 30 September 2023

Time: 0730

Course:

• Head out towards the Smith Environmental Center. Pick up Pioneer Trail around pond and up through the Pioneer Village.
• From Village take Spring Trail to Big Pines which will intersect with Lakeside Trail.
• Go right on Lakeside and take it until you hit asphalt near Lake Frank Dam.
• Turn around and head back on Lakeside until you hit Muncaster Mill Trail.
• Go right on Muncaster Mill Trail and take it to Muncaster Mill Road (notice ruins of Muncaster Mill on your left by road).
• Continue under Muncaster Mill Road and pick up the Kengla Trail.
• Go under ICC and cross creek.
• In ~ 1/10 mile stay right on Kengla Trail.
• Kengla Trail will continue for another mile or so (past the famous race car in the woods – photo op!) before becoming North Branch Trail.
• Continue out to Bowie Mill Road.
• Turn around and come all the way back under Muncaster Mill Road.
• Take second staircase on right ~ 1 mile or so) and head back up to cars.

Distance: 12.5-ish miles give or take

Pace: You pick. We have all paces including walkers.

Vibe: Chill

Hope to C U there cuz these trails ain’t gonna run themselves!

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

Wassup, Trailies!!!

Sorry, I know all caps means I’m yelling but I want to make sure we all know we move to our Winter quarters this week. That being said, shall we do a betting pool to see who will not read closely or zone out on their way here and sit at Needwood wondering ‘Where the F*#& is everybody?’ Happens every year.

Anyway, I have to yell one more thing – BRING A HEADLAMP! As Yogi Berra once said, ‘It gets late early around here!’ Well, it will get dark early around here this evening. Sun sets at 6:59 and with the cloud cover, we will be finishing in the dark.

If you haven’t run the Redland Trails before you are in for a treat and if you’ve never run trails in the dark, you’re in for an even bigger treat! Double the fun!

Just to explain about night running, folks have the impression that its difficult and dangerous. Not so. In fact, I would argue (even though I’m not very argumentative) that it’s safer and easier than daylight running. There are two reasons – 1) It’s dark so inherently you will run slower and 2) the only thing to look at is the trail in front of you in your cone of light. No distractions that might take your eyes off the trail and cause you to fall. Makes sense.

One other trail coaching tip for folks training for an upcoming ultra. So, let’s say you are running Stone Mill, just to pick one, chances are if you are a mere mortal like myself, you will be running in the dark at either the beginning or the end of the race or both. Coming out and hitting the trails with us in the dark will acclimatize you to those crucial portions of the event. Particularly the finish when you are exhausted, achy, whiny, and less likely to think or see straight. Having that night experience will be critical.

Anyway, welcome back to Redland!

OK enough blah, blah from me. Announcements then details:

Merch! Merch! Merch! – get it while it lasts! We got Muddy Shoes Baseball Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable, collapsible cups ($5). Do your holiday shopping early…or just treat yourself! See Coach Phil or Coach Mike C.

Donations! –Thanks to recent donations we were able to purchase a brush cutting attachment for the Muddy Shoes weed-wacker. Keep the donations coming. Any amount appreciated! I humbly thank you for all we receive!

Events – Aside from our three regularly scheduled weekly runs (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays) we have a big October/ November planned. In association with The Stone Mill 50 race, Muddy Shoes sponsors the ever-popular Stone Mill Course Preview runs. Each Saturday in October (7th, 14th, 21st28th) we will hold a run that will preview a part of the Stone Mill course. Each run is an out-and-back on a section of the course ranging in distance from ~18-22 miles. You don’t have to be signed up for the race to join us. Come on out and just do a few miles. All are welcome. We ask folks to provide a donation to help with costs. All are welcome!

Phall Phat Ass – Continuing the tradition started by Coach Robin we hold the Phall Phat ass Trail Half Marathon and 10k the Saturday before Stone Mill. Great taper run! More details to come!

OK, thanks for reading through. Now for this Tuesday’s details:

Location: Redland Middle School

Address: 6505 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855 (Go to back parking lot on right side of school.)

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

Date: 26 September 2023

Time: Warm Up 6 p.m. Main event 6:15

Course: Counter-Clockwise (Lower Trail first) For newbies, the trailhead is to the right of the back stop. Take this connector trail ~.15 miles to intersection with main trail)

Distance: 5 miles with warm up, 4.3 without.

Pace: You pick. We have all paces including walkers.

Vibe: M-e-l-l-o-w

Hope to C U there cuz these trails ain’t gonna run themselves!

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes