The ultramarathon that I will run in five week’s time, will take place on a trail in Western Pennsylvania called the Baker Trail. I have never been on this trail before, so I need to try and understand the route for the race.

I plan to learn about the route in two ways.  The first is by studying the Baker Trail Guide that is produced by the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy.  It is an excellent guide, with detailed topographic maps. Each individual map, which typically covers about two miles of the trail, also has a detailed description of the route.

Having studied the maps, I do plan to do a couple of exploratory training runs on the trail, ahead of race day.  I am thinking that I will focus of running the sections of the trail towards the end of the race.  This is when I will be most tired, and therefore when I am most likely to get lost or run off the trail. Running the trail ahead of time, should help me become familiar with critical turns and land marks.

I am keenly aware that I should not rely on others to show me the route during this race.  Preparation is key and that includes knowing the route, not just getting fit enough to run 50 miles.