Lake Chabot Trail Challenge - Run

I'm still fairly new to trail running so my plan was to run where the terrain was easy and power walk the steep hills.

The first 1.75 miles followed the tree lined lake shore and was a great start to the run before getting to the first hill. Climbing up from the lake for about .5 mile and 250' of elevation to a ridge line where the trail ran through an archway of oak trees. A challenging climb however the scenery made the effort worthwhile. Aside from a few steep spots the descent back down to lake level was smooth.

The second hill made the first one seem easy: 1.75 miles and 600' of elevation! The sun had burned away the morning clouds so the temperature was rising and the shade was spotty. Once at the top, the view was great! I paused at the aid station to eat my second gel then began the descent.

Heading down from the second hill was a loop in the trail that went about halfway down the hill then back up to the aid station at the top. Here the trail left the fire road and became single-track for the most part. The return uphill portion wound through a eucalyptus grove so it was nice and shady. At the aid station I refilled my water bottle and started the long descent down to the lake.

As the trail meandered through the upper reaches of the park and slowly descended down towards the lake I was really starting to feel the mileage. I did my best to keep running and only walking the occasional steep uphill bend in the trail however it was getting tougher to keep moving.

At the top of the last steep downhill section the lake came into view. I could see a little island that we passed in the first mile however I was now on the opposite shore. Not having a very good mental map of the lake I figured at the bottom of the hill the course would turn right and head to the finish. When I made it to the bottom the course turned left, much to my dismay. I checked my GPS and realized I still had 3 miles to go and it seemed so close yet so far away.

With the course back down at the shore line the terrain was mostly flat however my gas tank was mostly empty. For a regular road half-marathon I on have a gel at the start and at around an hour with my finish time at the 2 hour mark. At this point I was past the 2 hour mark and I was wishing I had one more gel to get to the finish. Fortunately at mile 11 there was an aid station and they had gels! Normally I just grab some water and keep running but this time I needed the break. As I downed the gel a helpful volunteer filled up my water bottle. Re-energized from the break I thanked everyone at the aid station and got back on the trail.

The last 2 miles were slow but steady and the gel helped get my mind back in the game. Finally the finish line came into view and I finished as strong as I could.

Longer duration training runs will help a lot. In retrospect it was the time spent on the trail that made the last couple of miles so difficult instead of the distance.

Stretched my legs, ate some orange slices and banana, and iced my foot.


I need more training on hilly trails.


Challenging but rewarding course.