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Hey Dust Kickers, Root Chuckers and Other Assorted Trail-Lovin’ Miscreants,

Time to hit the trails of MoCo for some miles and well-deserved, self-administered Forest Therapy! Come enjoy slappin’ your feet on some awesome single-track while communing with nature along the way. We all know that exercise is good for your well-being (body and soul) but so is just being out in the woods and enjoying the surroundings. I think they call it Forest Bathing. Nonetheless its stress relief at its finest! AKA Forest Therapy. It’ll bring your blood pressure right down. It’s got the Muddy Shoes Gold Seal of Approval. And you’re invited!

Weather will be Summer-like but not as oppressive as last week! Maybe a splash of mud from Friday’s showers.

While I have your undivided attention lets do the announcements and then the 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 unisex 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. Available in both short and long sleeves. Several color options to choose from! What’re ya waiting for? THESE SHIRTS AIN’T GONNA WEAR THEMSELVES!

· 7th Annual Muddy Shoes Summer Fatass is coming up on Saturday July 27th. Great run on the trails of Seneca Creek State Park followed by an awesome pot luck post-run mingle. Muddy Shoes provides burgers (some veggie), dogs and tater tots. Sign up at the 7th Annual Summer Fatass page on FB. $15 donation appreciated! Throw in $20 and you’ll get a Muddy Shoes reusable cup!

OK, run details:

This week we go to middle MoCo.

Location: Seneca Ridge Trail (Riffle Ford to Black Rock Mill and back)

Address: 16864 Riffle Ford Road, Darnestown, MD 20878

Date: 13 July 2024

Time: 0730

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/6GVD3

Distance: 12 mile out and back; go shorter or longer if you like!

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, Sweat Bugs and Root Chuckers!

It’s gonna be a hot one! Mother Nature must be bored with my constant requests for mild temps and low humidity. Or maybe my ‘Fine Weather’ subscription has lapsed. I dunno. Maybe I should offer her a free T-Shirt or something. In the meantime, we suffer. Or should I say, we are being challenged! I mean, this is the DMV and it is July. We’ve all been here before.

However, it is a heat emergency day and at run time the ‘feels like’ temp will be close to 100. Ouch! We’ll stay in the shade and dial back a bit but, it is the 2^nd Tuesday of the month. That means post run we head over to the Outta the Way Café for some cool bevs, delicious food and great mingling. Sounds like a good plan to me. Just gotta get through that running part.

First announcements:

• 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!
• 7^th Annual Muddy Shoes Summer Fatass is coming up on Saturday July 27^th. Great run followed by an awesome pot luck post-run mingle. Muddy Shoes provides burgers, dogs and tater tots. Sign up at the 7th Annual Summer Fatass page on FB.

Ok, details for this evening:

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

Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 9 July 2024

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

Course: Counter-Clockwise. Trying to keep you in the shade so up East side on Needwood and Mudcat. Cross Needwood Road and out-and-back on Beaver Tale (aka Upper Rock Creek). Then cross the lake on Needwood Road. Down Westside Trail to Parilla. Across dam and back to parking lot.

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

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

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

Vibe: Chill

Outta the Way Address: 17503 Redland Rd, Derwood, MD 20855

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

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

Hey there, Trail Joggers and Forest Fashion-istas,

The commemorative t-shirts celebrating the 10^th Anniversary of Muddy Shoes are now available! These wonderful unisex moisture wicking tee shirts come in three different colors sporting a custom-designed anniversary logo on the front and one our Muddy Shoes mantras quoted on the back. I’ve been wearing the sample which is very comfortable and fits true to size. There is also a long sleeve version available for cooler weather too.

Billions of thanks and props go out to our own Karen Donahue of KLD Design for the outstanding graphics and putting up with my nit-noid bunch of tweaks and creative confusion. Love ya, Karen! ( https://www.kld-design.com/ ). And, yes, she did the original logo back ten years ago when it all started.

So, what ya waiting for? Order yours now and enhance your trail wardrobe! Be the envy of all the other mud chuckers out there!

Just go to  https://mymuddyshoes.printify.me/products  and add your choice(s) to the cart. Place your order and it will be shipped directly to you. That way you avoid my middleman handling surcharge that I would just end up spending on beer and stuff. Pretty Sweet!

Do it now! THESE SHIRTS AIN’T GONNA ORDER THEMSELVES!!!

Cheers,

Muddy Shoes

Howdy, Trail Doggies!

Welcome to July! We’re getting lucky once again as we start off one of the notoriously hotter, muggier running months of the year (I know, August sucks too!). At run time this afternoon, it’s going to be around 83 degrees with low humidity and a slight breeze. Sweeeeeet! Great weather for a post-run mingle as well. Can’t promise this every Tuesday so take it while you can get it!

OK, announcements then details

• NO OFFICIAL TRAIL RUN THIS SATURDAY. Feel free to use the FB page to organize one if you want to hit the trails with your trails buddies. Be a leader!
• 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of Muddy Shoes? Yup, ten years ago we had our first run. To mark the occasion, we’re getting commemorative swag to celebrate. Save your money! T-SHIRTS GO ON SALE TOMORROW
• Save the Date! July 27th! The 7th Annual Muddy Shoes Summer Phat Ass on the trails of Seneca Lake! Great run followed by an awesome pot luck post-run mingle. Muddy Shoes provides burgers, dogs and tater tots. Sign up at the 7th Annual Summer Fatass page on FB.
• We have swag! Muddy Shoes Baseball caps (a mere $15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable Cups ($5). See Coach Phil or Coach Mike (Chau)

Ok, details for this evening:

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

Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 2 July 2024

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

Course: Clockwise. Across dam and up onto Parilla Path up to Needwood Road. Cross lake and at the other side cross the road and do out-and-back on Beaver Tale Trail (aka Upper Rock Creek). Head back into park and pick up Mudcat Trail in about 50 yards on left. Take that to a right on Needwood Trail and head down East side of lake back to parking lot. Hill repeats on Potty Hill if desired.

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

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

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

Attention Trail Slappers, Root Kickers, Rock Smackers and Forest Joggers!

This week, by request, we are hitting the Seneca Greenway and Goshen Branch Trails starting up at Log House Road and heading South. This run is always a treat. The trail is beautiful! Temps will be low 70’s but there will humidity so hydrate starting NOW!!! We’ll have water out on the course and snackeroos and post-run mingling back at the parking lot as usual. Hope 2 C U there!

OK, announcements then details:

• OY!!!! It’s getting closer, the 7th Annual Muddy Shoes Summer Phat Ass on the trails of Seneca Lake is on July 27th! Great run followed by an awesome pot luck post-run mingle. Muddy Shoes provides burgers, dogs and tater tots. Currently in discussion with a local MoCo brewery to supply some liquid refreshment to each thirsty participant! More details to come! Check out 7th Annual Summer Fatass on FB to let us know you are going to attend.
• Did I mention that 2024 marks the 10 year anniversary of Muddy Shoes? Yup, ten years ago we had our first run. Things have kinda taken off since then! We’ll be getting some commemorative swag to celebrate. Stay tuned. Save up your money! T-shirts are coming?!
• We have swag! Muddy Shoes Baseball caps (a mere $15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable Cups ($5). See Coach Phil or Coach Mike (Chau)

Ok, details for Saturday:

Location: Log House Road Trail Head

Address: 23521-23599 Log House Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20882

Date: 29 June 2024

Time: 0730

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/9QUAL

Distance: 12 ½ mile out and back; go shorter or longer if you like!

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 Trail Dogs,

Tuesday is Trail Day at Lake Needwood! We’ve been getting good crowds lately. Must be the Muddy Shoes camaraderie because it surely can’t be the odor! To top it off we’re getting another big break in the weather. Compared to last week where we were in an oven, temps today will still be warm, mind you, at 88 but humidity will be really low and there will be a nice breeze. That’s Chamber of Commerce weather as the saying goes. Take advantage while you can, we got plenty of room on the trails for everybody!

OK, announcements then details:

• 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of Muddy Shoes? Yup, ten years ago we had our first run. To mark the occasion, we will be getting commemorative swag to celebrate. Stay tuned. Save your money! T-shirts are coming?!
• Save the Date! July 27th! The 7^th Annual Muddy Shoes Summer Phat Ass on the trails of Seneca Lake! Great run followed by an awesome pot luck post-run mingle. Muddy Shoes provides burgers, dogs and tater tots. Currently in discussion with a local MoCo brewery to supply some liquid refreshment to each thirsty participant! More details to come! Stay tuned! Check out 7^th Annual Summer Fatass on FB.
• Muddy Shoes Saturday Trail Runs are ongoing! Regular Saturday runs that take us to trails and venues that you might not have seen in a larger group. We also provide after-run refreshments (remember ice cold mini-Cokes and pickle chips?) and chit-chat. Mingle with your trail besties! Keep an eye out for details sent out each Friday.
• We have swag! Muddy Shoes Baseball caps (a mere $15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable Cups ($5). See Coach Phil or Coach Mike (Chau)

Ok, details for this evening:

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

Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 25 June 2024

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

Course: Counter-clockwise. Up East side of lake then cutover to Blue Jay Loop. Head back past Archery Range to pick up Need Trail to a right on Mudcat which brings you out to Needwood Road (almost) Cross lake on Needwood Road and cross road to the right on far side and do out and back on Troll Trail. Head back down Westside Trail and cross over dam (Hill repeats on Adie’s hill if desired) and back to cars.

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

Distance: 6.75 miles with warm-up (feel free to do shorter or longer)

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 Mud Chuckers and Forest Joggers,

Looks like we are going to be tested on Saturday. To say it’s going to be hot is an understatement but there are ways to prepare and safely get some miles in. Of course, we’ll be running in the morning, so we’ll beat the high heat of the day but we’ll still feel it. We’re looking at a run time temp of 77 degrees with a real feel of 81. Yeah, I know, that’s not pleasant but, hey, it is Summer in D.C.

So, here are some suggestions of how to prepare for running in the heat:

1. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
2. Include a source for electrolyte replacement (Heed, Nuun, S-Caps, etc.)
3. Slow down! This is not a race. No one cares if you finish the run first.
4. Reduce mileage! No need for a distance PR today.
5. Run naked! Apparently, this is a thing, but we don’t need to see that!

OK, well 4 out of 5 will do!

We’ll have ice-cold drinks, snacks and fans back at the lot for after-run replenishment. Bring a camp chair and dry clothes for the post-run mingle.

Right, then! Announcements, then details:

• 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of Muddy Shoes? Yup, ten years ago we had our first run. To mark the occasion, we will be getting commemorative swag to celebrate. Stay tuned. Save your money! T-shirts are coming?!
• Save the Date! July 27th! The Annual Muddy Shoes Summer Phat Ass on the trails of Seneca Lake! Great run followed by an awesome pot luck post-run mingle. Muddy Shoes provides burgers, dogs and tater tots. Currently in discussion with a local MoCo brewery to supply some liquid refreshment to each thirsty participant! 10$ runner cover fee. More details to come! Stay tuned!
• We have swag! Muddy Shoes Baseball caps (a mere $15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable Cups ($5). See Coach Phil or Coach Mike (Chau)

Ok, details for Saturday morning:

Location: Lake Frank from Avery Road parking lot

Address: 15211 Avery Road, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 22 June 2024

Time: 0730

Course: Counter-clockwise across dam on Lakeside Trail to out-and-back on Sunfish Trail. Back to Lakeside Trail up to Muncaster Road. Cross creek on shoulder. Hop over guard rail to Muncaster Mill Trail (Notice ruins of the actual Muncaster Mill on your immediate right). Take Muncaster Mill Trail to a left back onto Lakeside Trail to parking lot.

Distance: Prolly around 10k. 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

Howdy, Soon-to-be-Sweaty Forest Joggers,

Prepare to perspire! (Say that 10x fast!) It looks like our ‘Awesome Running Weather ‘ subscription has expired. Not because I didn’t pay the bill but because…well…ya know…DC in the Summer. We all know how that goes. The H&H will be here for a while so we need to adjust and acclimate. At least we’ll be on dirt in the shady woods. Still beats pavement! Don’t forget, ice-cold Watermelon post-run!

Couple of pro tips for hot weather trail running:

1) Hydrate

2) Hydrate

3) Hydrate

As usual, announcements then details:

• 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of Muddy Shoes? Yup, ten years ago we had our first run. To mark the occasion, we will be getting commemorative swag to celebrate. Stay tuned. Save your money! T-shirts are coming?!
• Save the Date! July 27th! The Annual Muddy Shoes Summer Phat Ass on the trails of Seneca Lake! Great run followed by an awesome pot luck post-run mingle. Muddy Shoes provides burgers, dogs and tater tots. Currently in discussion with a local MoCo brewery to supply some liquid refreshment to each thirsty participant! More details to come! Stay tuned!
• Muddy Shoes Saturday Trail Runs are ongoing! Regular Saturday runs that take us to trails and venues that you might not have seen in a larger group. We also provide after-run refreshments (remember ice cold mini-Cokes and pickle chips?) and chit-chat. Mingle with your trail besties! Keep an eye out for details sent out each Friday.
• We have swag! Muddy Shoes Baseball caps (a mere $15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable Cups ($5). See Coach Phil or Coach Mike (Chau)

Ok, details for this evening:

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

Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 18 June 2024

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

Course: Counter-clockwise. Up East side of lake on Needwood and Mudcat Trails, cross Needwood Road and do Beaver Tale (aka Upper Rock Creek) out and back then down West side of lake to Parilla Path, across dam back to cars.

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

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

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 Trail Joggers,

Guess what! As you read this you’re probably glancing at the thermometer and thinking “It’s a scorcher”! And, indeed it is. But…by Saturday a.m. the heat will give us a reprieve right in time for our jaunt through the woods. I think we should all chip in and get Mother Nature a gift card or something cuz she’s been very, very good to us so far this year. We all know the motivation-crushing heat and humidity will eventually get here (next week?) but for now…trail bliss. Come out and enjoy!

This week we will head down-county towards the river. It will be a loop course starting along the canal at Violette’s Lock. The loop will take us up through the Blockhouse Point Trails and on down to Pennyfield Lock where you pick up the canal and head back up to the start. Beautiful trails with a small bit of elevation.

Yup, so, announcements then details:

• 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of Muddy Shoes? Yup, ten years ago we had our first run. To mark the occasion, we will be getting commemorative swag to celebrate. Stay tuned. Save your money! T-shirts are coming?!
• Save the Date! July 27th! The Annual Muddy Shoes Summer Phat Ass on the trails of Seneca Creek State Park! Great run followed by an awesome potluck post-run mingle. Muddy Shoes provides burgers, dogs and tater tots. Currently in discussion with a local MoCo brewery to supply some liquid refreshment to each thirsty participant! More details to come! Stay tuned!
• We always have Muddy Shoes swag!Baseball caps (a mere $15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable Cups ($5). See Coach Phil or Coach Mike (Chau)

Ok, details for this Saturday:

Location: Violette’s Lock (C&O Canal Lock 23)

Address: 13001 Violettes Lock Rd, Darnestown, MD 20874

Date: 15 June 2024

Time: 0730

Course: Loop is 6.4 miles. Recommend two loops for ~12.5-13 miles

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

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 Forest Joggers and Root Chuckers,

Did you check the calendar? It’s the second Tuesday of the month which means it’s an Outta The Way Café night! Time for a post-run mingle and chow down at one of our favorite gathering places. Oh…almost forgot… first we have to do that run-thingamajig.

So, we will be doing something slightly different so we can get done in time for dinner. Round the lake with only the Troll Trail. This will still be almost 6 miles if you include the warm up.

This might be the last nice weather we get for a while on a Tuesday. Heat dome is a-coming. C’mon out and enjoy it while you can!

As usual, announcements then details:

• 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of Muddy Shoes? Yup, ten years ago we had our first run. To mark the occasion, we will be getting commemorative swag to celebrate. Stay tuned. Save your money! T-shirts are coming?!
• Muddy Shoes Saturday Trail Runs are ongoing! Regular Saturday runs that take us to trails and venues that you might not have seen in a larger group. We also provide after-run refreshments (remember ice cold mini-Cokes and pickle chips?) and chit-chat. Mingle with your trail besties! Keep an eye out for details sent out each Friday.
• We have swag! Muddy Shoes Baseball caps (a mere $15), Buffs ($10) and Reusable Cups ($5). See Coach Phil or Coach Mike (Chau)

Ok, details for this evening:

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

Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Derwood, MD 20855

Date: 11 June 2024

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

Course: Slight change to normal routine – Clockwise. Over dam and up to Needwood Road staying along lake shore. At Needwood Road cross onto Troll Trail for out-and-back. Cross lake on Needwood Road and turn right back into park. Take Mudcat Trail on your right. Take next right onto Needwood Trail and return along lake shore to parking lot. Easy-peazy!

Caltopo: https://caltopo.com/m/HP03H

Distance: 5.8-ish miles with warm-up (feel free to do shorter or longer)

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