My Muddy Shoes

TUESDAY TRAILS AT NEEDWOOD

Hey Tree Slappers and Root Kickers,

Weather-wise we have a doozy this evening. It’s going to be beauticious (New word!). Nice temps, clear skies and low humidity. Last chance before the next heat wave slaps us upside the head later this week. There is absolutely no good reason NOT to come join us. Let’s run through the excuses: Family commitments? Those people are the reason you need to run for a bit-o-sanity! Work? C’mon, everyone is replaceable. Lawn needs mowing? Hire someone! Injury? Bring a lawn chair and hang out in parking lot with Coach Phil while he recovers. Beats the couch! So, you see, there are really no excuses. Get yer trail shoes on and head over!

OK, first, announcements:

Muddy Shoes swag is still available! We got Hats ($15), Buffs ($10) and Re-usable Cups ($5). See Coach Phil.

Also, for your calendars – The Groovin’ Woodstock Trail 7k XC race! Coming up on Sunday August 3rd. This is a righteous race held at the beautiful Woodstock Equestrian Park brought to you by Coach Gretchen (RD) and Coach Phil (Asst. RD and Course designer – blame him!). Lots of space for racers AND volunteers! Wear your tie-dye! Check it out here – https://mcrrc.org/calendar…/groovin-woodstock-7k-xc-2025/

Now for the run details…

Location: Lake Needwood

Address: 15679 Needwood Lake Cir, Derwood, MD 20855

What3words address (IYKYK): milk.keys.flute

Date: 22 July 2025

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

Course: Counter-Clockwise up Needwood Trail along lake shore to a left on Mudcat. Take Mudcat out to park entrance then cross Needwood Road and out-n-back on Beaver Tale (aka Upper Rock Creek). Cross over Needwood Road and go right and cross lake. Now, pay attention. New directions. At far end of lake go left on Westside Trail and go RIGHT onto Blue Heron (I know, its pavement) Go up to top of hill and left back onto dirt (still Blue Heron) and go until you hook back up with Westside Trail (you’ll recognize where you are). Head down west side until you come to Gude(Parilla) on right. Do that loop and come out onto dam. Go across dam and back to Parking lot.

Distance: 5.5-ish miles with warm-up (feel free to do shorter or longer)

Pace: Fast, slow and in-between

Vibe: Chill…very chill but getting warmer!

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

Namaste,

Muddy Shoes