Hyland Lake Trail Update

Trail Mix course map (click on picture for larger image).


I've enjoyed reading everyone's race reports from this past weekend - Northwoods trail runners are awesome!

I had a few client cancellations this week, which meant that I ended up having the afternoon off. Beautiful day - actually starting to feel a little bit like April! Went out to Hyland Lake for another cruise around the Trail Mix course, or at least most of it. I couldn't remember the exact route on the way to the Richardson Nature Center, so I'm pretty sure I shorted that section a little. This was my first real trail run since last fall, so my ankles are reminding me of a few muscles that took the winter off. Anyhoo...

The trail is starting to firm up nicely in lots of places, but there will still be some muddy spots this Saturday. There were a few small patches of snow in spots, but I expect that to be completely gone by race day; with the exception of the ski hill which still has a good 10+ inches of packed snow that seems kinda stubborn (unless we get some rain). It was a little slippery going down the ski hill, especially at an angle to catch the trail in the woods (which is still very muddy). Muddiest sections: the gradual north facing downslope early on in the course that runs parallel to East Bush Lake Rd and pops out near the paved intersection (aid station?), and the south running section after descending the ski hill until you get to the Lake Trail (almost lost my shoes in the deep mud in one spot). The wood chipped Lake trail is in excellent condition, and the Hill Trail has a few slippery muddy spots that should be in pretty good shape by Saturday. Same for the loop towards Richardson and the goat track up the back side of the ski hill - a few slick muddy spots, but drying out nicely. Of course if we get any rain, my trail predictions for race day are out the window ;)

For those who ran McNaughton or Chippewa this past weekend, these conditions will be a cake walk!

See ya Saturday!