The Chokin' Kind - Heritage Oaks Snowy Frolic

Sandy Bottom + Crist Farm

Bridgewater Workout Wednesday

Initial Warmup

Bridgewater Wet Grass

Have always wanted to do the full trail, although I'm more interested in doing it in the opposite direction. Didn't think I was quite ready for the FKT, and I was right (a couple of guys have run 2:13 South to North).

Torrential downpour on the drive to American Tobacco Campus. Was wondering if this was a terrible idea. No public bathrooms at that end. Ran into Kevin Nickodem and his friend Charles who were finishing their run right before I started. They encouraged me to go shirtless given the rain.

Carried a pack of Welch's fruit snacks and two fun size Mr. Goodbar's. No water. Still pretty dark when I started. No one on ATT until I saw one guy running past 2 mile mark. Got really lucky and didn't have to stop a single time at an intersection for cars. Rain also kept bikers off the trail, only saw 2 total. Encountered 5 people total in first 7 miles and then I stumbled upon a 5K race that had its turnaround tent right where you have to make 90 degree right turn off old railway onto side trail that gets you around Southpoint.

I was passing all of the stragglers who were primarily walkers. Saw one kid racing with his dad with a flat tire (Vaporfly sole had delaminated from upper).

Durham section was beautiful with some leaves down, overhanging trees (protected me from rain some), and decent drainage, so no puddle issues.

Got confused at one intersection near Southpoint because criss-crossing greenway has been improved and looks exactly the same as ATT now. Thankfully there were some folks soon thereafter to confirm the right direction.

Started feeling a little beat up from all of the pavement (first 15 miles): a lot for me. Hips, knees, feet all feeling it. Transition to mushy crushed gravel was also a challenge. I do think it would be advantageous to start with gravel (on dry day), which would theoretically force you to keep it in check initially. I was a little quick out of the gate, but that was partially to warm body temp and once I hit long hill in third mile, I settled into planned rhythm. Splits were consistent, faster on downhills and slower on ups.

Stopped twice at water fountains: Pittard Sears and then New Hope Church. Had eaten one candy bar and started working on gummies by then and felt like I needed fluid. Glad I stopped. Skipped final water option at Wimberly with 3.5 miles left because I felt good enough.

Best and longest training long run of my life. Did not push, tried to stay smooth all the way to the end. Rain may have helped me because I didn't sweat like I normally do. Rain also wasn't nearly as intense during run as driving before or after.

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Lance H

American Tobacco Trail: Durham to Wake

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The Chokin' Kind - Heritage Oaks Snowy Frolic

Sandy Bottom + Crist Farm

Bridgewater Workout Wednesday

Initial Warmup

Bridgewater Wet Grass

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