Moscow Mountain Maddness
Link to Web Site: palouse road runners
Rating: 
Date of Run: 12 Sept 2004
Reviewed By: Mullet Blue Monkey
Comments: This race is great. It is a bike race (which is the way I do it) and a running
race. It is 10 miles uphil (check out the map at the link above) and 2 miles down. It is hard hard hard.
The good bikers never see a runner, because the runners start 10 minutes later, but if you aren't
riding really strong you will often see a runner somewhere on the course! It is a great race
with cheesy ribbons at the end.
Check out some images on the MMM race event page.
Rating:
Date of Run: 12 Sept 2004
Reviewed By: Foo Blue Monkey
Comments: Now for the runner's perspective. Yes, this is a tough race. As the map shows, the first 4.5 miles (actually more like 4.7) average about 4.5% grade. This is no big deal if you're prepared. Just put it in low gear like the bikers and wind your way up slowly. You should take that first hill at about 1 min/mile slower that you think you can, 'cause you're gonna need it later. Miles 5 & 6 give the runner a respite, with gentle undulations, mostly downhill. Breath while you can, because mile 7 is the wall ("good thing it wasn't snowing, or you'd need an ice axe to get up it"). The few people who actually run up this tend to gain only 300 yards or so on those who walk it. Your choice. After the wall things even out to rambling slightly uphill until miles 11 & 12, which are severe downhill: 6%ish grade. I hope you've saved something, because you'll need a lot of muscle to remain in control down this slope. Of course, you will also make up for those 10 minute miles on the front end with a couple 6 minute miles. In case you are thinking of running this -- just for planning purposes: I usually run half marathons at a 7:30 pace, but this race my best was an 8:45 average. So count on adding 1:15 per mile or so to your pace. You might do better than that, though, becasue I'm not a very good hiller.