I had on my list to race a trail run. I picked the Pacific Crest 28K as described as a beginner trail run. This was to be my ‘A’ race for the year.
I came in 2nd in my age group! This was a peak experience. I loved the freedom of running in the wilderness knowing the route was flagged at every turn and 1/2 mile increments and support was in place if needed.
My training speed work was done on the high school cushioned track. For long runs, I ran 4 minutes/ walked 1 minute which were done on softer dirt or gravel. This made for a perfect training ground. I worked on strength twice weekly and cross-trained by swimming and cycling.
I practiced training with an Orange Mud HydraQuiver Double Barrel Hydration Pack as we were required to carry 40 ounces of water. I trained with a mix of homemade gels and and store bought fuel.
The race was point-to-point. On race day, the temperatures could vary from 38 to 90 degrees. The race start was indeed cold. The start had a shelter we stayed in till just before the race. Just before the race, I took off my layers of clothing, putting the extra clothes in a bag to be picked up after the race. I ran in shorts and a light-weight jacket with hood which worked fine. I quickly warmed up in the dry weather and sun, taking off my jacket. By the finish the temperature felt like in the 90’s.
With being in Scandinavia for 2 weeks before the race, I did early morning short runs when in larger cities. I really enjoyed being able to see an aspect of Bergen, Oslo, Copenhagen, and Reykjavík, I would normally not have seen without the running.
Iceland 
Bergen 
Oslo 
Oslo