The Camden Hills of Death

It started out looking like a day just like any other day... a mild spring day where several Trail Monsters (Ian, Stephen, Ryan, Jeff, Jim, Floyd, and myself) would take to the trails to have some fun and get some training in (Danielle, Kelly, Shauna and Kackie (sp?) were also present and would go hiking instead). This time though, it would be in the Camden Hills. Even the drive up was pleasant. We laughed, we joked... little did we know, there would be blood.

Alright, I'm being dramatic. But there was blood. Fortunately, not mine, but a couple of folks in our group took some good spills. I'm surprised I didn't, quite frankly, but I had a few close calls. The terrain was definitely very technical and chock full o' hills. Many were steep, and those steep sections were blanketed with rocks and roots. Guaranteed us all a great workout, and that we had.

Our group pretty much stuck together for the first 8 miles, but many of us decided to start to head back due to time constraints. Jim and Ryan opted to trek on to try to get in 20 miles, but they also cut it a bit short. At this 8 mile mark was Bald Rock, which in my opinion had the best views, which there were plenty of throughout the day. When you're running on mountains right on the coast, you're guaranteed some amazing scenery (no pics of my own, but I'm buying a new camera soon!).

So the rest of began the run back. Around mile 12 I bonked and it totally snuck up on me. I just had no energy and was reduced to a walk. I mowed down a peanut butter sandwich and drank some Gatorade, but it took a while for that to kick in. Stephen opted to wait for me, and we trekked on together. A few miles later, my energy started to return, but by then we were pretty much done.

Awesome time. I think it's safe to say all of us got are butts kicked. Company, as always, was great. I had real blast running with everyone. Afterwards, we got grub and brews at a pub in Camden.. great time!!!

Worth noting, I accidentally stopped my Garmin for about a third of a mile, so I'm basing the distance on what others had.

Link to Jeff's pics.

Ran 15.3 miles @ 13:54/mile pace.
AHR/MHR - 137/159
Rugged trails.
Insanely hilly.
Upper 50s to lower 60s, mostly cloudy.
Shorts, short sleeved shirt.