those who have ran cow harbo before

How many hills about r in this race? I will be running in this race this wkend and all I have heard is how big these hills are and I'm a nervous wreak :( Can someone explain roughly what the course will be like.

Thanks

Re: those who have ran cow harbo before

Here's my take - I ran it last year for the first time (but have been a spectator many times!) and am running it again this year. Here's my take:

Start off slow! The first stretch is almost entirely down hill so people tend to fly - but then as soon as you get to the bottom you head up Bayview, which is a slight incline, but leads up to the James Street hill.

This is one of the most notorious in the race, as it is pretty steep, but it's really not that long, so just hang in there! But beware - just when you think you are at the top you will realize there is still a little bit more to go!

Then there is some flat and downhill running, and then you run along Waterside, which seems flat, but it is an ever so slight incline. Don't go too hard here or you will wear yourself out for Pumpernickel Hill. It's short but just steep enough to make you really feel it since it is toward the end of the race!

However once you get over that, you will likely see someone standing at the top holding a sign that says "It's all downhill from here!" which is true - literally!

If you go to the website and click on race facts there is a small map at the bottom. http://www.cowharborrace.com/

It's so much fun though!! Good luck!

Re: those who have ran cow harbo before

Re: those who have ran cow harbo before

was just looking up the cow harbor race and it says no headsets, so that means you can't use an ipod right??

Re: those who have ran cow harbo before

I used my iPod last year - and I was one of very many. I plan to again this year. I am not sure what they mean by headsets in this instance (maybe really big ones that block out all sound?) but I definitely wouldn't be worried about an iPod or MP3 player.(I just looked at the photos online from last year too - tons of them!)

I found that it really doesn't matter what group you start with. I know you are supposed to start in the group based upon what time you realistically think you will finish, but I noticed that people sign up for the same times so they can start together if they are friends/family - regardless of where they finish.

Last year I was in the slowest group and I passed people from the groups ahead of me (even though it took me just over an hour to finish) - no one really seemed to care about that.

Of course, I wouldn't try to do that in the top group, but hopefully you know what I mean!

Re: those who have ran cow harbo before

go to mapmyrun.com and look up runs in northport. The race is mapped for you. If you click on "show elevation", it gives you a good idea of what you are in for.

Re: those who have ran cow harbo before

Megan gave a great description.

quick reference:

mile 1 - downhill
mile 2 - slight then steep uphill
mile 3 - flat
mile 4 - slight downhill (although there is a bit of a steep part in there, but not for long)
mile 5 - slight uphill with the last hill at the end (there is the "all downhill from here sign" and someone always plays either "eye of the tiger" or the rocky theme)
mile 6 - all downhill to the end

just a point of reference - Church and Main is about 1/2 mile left.

James Street is a tough hill and I think that's what gives the race the tough reputation, but it's not impossible.

As for headphones - the USTAF recently banned headphones from all races a few years ago, but most races don't enforce - there will be tons of people wearing them.

as to where to start - you don't get to choose - it's a staggered start, so you are assigned a starting time with people of the same predicted time. you can move back, but don't - you will have added minutes to your official time

Re: those who have ran cow harbo before

I am peeing in my pants just reading this!

Re: those who have ran cow harbo before

i've done it about 10 times and think they other poster's gave a very good description of the route. i won't be doing it this yr since i just had a baby but wanted to also tell you that the last mile has an annoying little hill called pumpernickle hill-then you have to make it down main street to the finish line. there is no doubt you will love running this race! there are so many spectators and everyone is so supportive and encouraging you'll just want to keep going! have fun and enjoy it!! i am so jealous! can't wait to be there next year!

Re: those who have ran cow harbo before

Good luck tomorrow everyone!