Code Words for Courses

[WVUFan]

I had an unexpected free morning and ran a race with friends that was advertised as "hilly and challenging". The course was brutal with one flat section of about 100 yards. I'm use to hills in Pittsburgh, but this was really bad- all of us were way over PR. I've seen courses advertised using terms such as "flat", "rolling hills" or "some hills". Is there any general wisdom on what these tersm mean? Although I learned my lesson the hard way, I do think the race was excellent training.

 

[ironz]

Well, most races aren't going to tell you they are hard.
WDW would be described as flat, though anyone could tell you that the overpasses are most certainly hills.
I think always upgrade it at least one degree of difficulty from what you read.
Makes a difference, too, where you train and what you are used to. A tri bike course here in Austin that I call flat is hilly to those from Houston and Dallas.

Always preview the course if you can. I do as much as possible, as I like to be prepared.

 

[MikeofRose&Mike]

As a general rule any course that says it is hilly and challenging is brutal. Race directors tend to be optimistic about there courses, until they get to the point where they start ragging about how hard they are.

 

[WVUFan]

Well, most races aren't going to tell you they are hard.
WDW would be described as flat, though anyone could tell you that the overpasses are most certainly hills.
I think always upgrade it at least one degree of difficulty from what you read.
Makes a difference, too, where you train and what you are used to. A tri bike course here in Austin that I call flat is hilly to those from Houston and Dallas.

Always preview the course if you can. I do as much as possible, as I like to be prepared.

Thank you for the advice!

I should have thought twice when I couldn't find the course map or elevation chart anywhere.

 

[cewait]

"hilly and challenging" usually means exactly what it says. Flat usually has a few hills, but they are usually rollers or overpasses at worst.

Races that say "Warning: This is not a beginner friendly course. The trail run involves climbing and running on uneven rock and dirt surfaces. The finish is on the ROCK." are usually telling the truth (thanks to Enchanted Rock Extreme Du)

The ones I usually have problems with are those who have something like, :new flatter course". You never know what flatter really means.

 

[ironz]

Charles....are you/have you done Enchanted Rock? I did it last year and the year before. Super fun! The RD does not pull any punches about that course--I love that he is really straightforward about his races.
Would do it again, but have a conflict this year.

If you go and haven't been before....pace yourself before the final (timed) climb for King of the Hill...it doesn't start until a little way up.