Race director Matt Gunn did a test run marking the entire section of the Guacamole Trail with a new LED light system that will be used on race day. It is easy to get lost off track on Guacamole in the daylight, let alone trying to navigate it at night.
I got up to Guacamole very early in the morning while it was still dark. The owls and the coyotes were obviously having a contest to see who could yell louder. The trail was marked with a combination of standard ribbon, reflective ribbon, and the LED light. Matt said they have been named "trailies or glowies. Whichever sounds toughest."
I was surprised how well the glowies (Glowies? Is that the consensus? Should we vote on this?) stood out in the dark. Guacamole will likely be reached in the dark during the race so I really tried to put myself into the position of a runner who has never been on this trail before. They worked like a charm. I think these will become the gold standard for marking the night sections of ultramarathons.
I also took my first ever jumping pictures in the dark. There is definitely some potential with night shots.
Another thing he is adding to the course this year is some directional arrows in spots where there are trail junctions. I was out by myself in the dark and never felt confused or turned around.
While doing the test run in the dark, the glowies were fairly close together, so once I got to one, it was pretty easy to see the next one up ahead. I was relieved to hear that Matt is planning to over-mark this section for race day as well.
I felt much more confident about tackling the night portion of the Zion 100 after going on this training run. These updated marking tools are a huge improvement over last year's race.
Fortunately my legs were recovering and still on the slower side so I was also able to enjoy an amazing sunrise out on the trail with Zion National Park in the background.
Around this time I heard some running in the distance. Aside from people I have taken out here, I have never seen another runner on this trail before so I thought it may be Matt. Turns out it was. Here is Matt running across the typical terrain (lots of slick rock) of the Guacamole Trail:
Matt took me to a new part of the trail that I hadn't run before. The views were incredible. I feel so thankful to have this little chunk of awesomeness in my backyard.
Tomorrow is an exciting day. If everything goes as planned, I'll be meeting up with my running hero Scott Jurek for an interview! Can't wait.
Wow, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCool system for marking the trail. In Dirty Kanza, where I had a chunk of night riding, the trail marker stakes were topped with reflective tape, which stood out well in the light of a headlamp. At our nighttime trail half, reflective tape was hung from trees (varying degrees of effective depending on how the wind was blowing). Those trailies/glowies look like a great system, especially when fatigue is going to be playing a major part. I know my brain is pretty clueless once my body is tired.
Wait....Are you going to the Wasatch Running Center to his meet and greet thingy too? If so I'll see you there!!
ReplyDeleteYep, going to the fun run/speaking engagement at Wasatch Running Center. We also have an interview set up beforehand if things work out. It should be a fun night. See you there!
DeleteLove the pictures of you and your torches in the dark. They look so much fun.
ReplyDeleteThe trail marking system they've come up with looks just about idiot proof. But I guess race day will be the real test. If no one gets lost I'm happy to call the system genius!
Scott is awesome, you're going to have a great time! I met him last year and he gave me a signed poster to keep me motivated. :D
ReplyDeleteThose are some of your best jump shots yet! Not only in lighting but leaping. Great job.
ReplyDeleteSay hi to Scott for me! You know, because in my mind we're besties. :)
I'm laughing at Char - I've gotten lost with a trail marker smack in my face. I'll probably get lost driving from aid station to aid station...do they have glowies for night time driving for the crew?
ReplyDeletethose are great shots Cory. Have fun with Scott. He truly is such a nice guy. Don't be nervous :) Can't wait for the Zion 100 its going to be great.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sunrise shots! Pretty cool for Easter! I don't know how I would handle running around out there in the dark. It could get a little sketchy. You're really getting some good height on your jumps these days. Especially the ones with the lights in your hands. Not bad after the Buffalo 100!
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures Cory. Cannot wait to hear all about your interview with Scott!
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