State #16 Race Recap: Triples Lakes Trail Race-40miler

State #16 North Carolina is in the books!

Triple Lakes Trail Race- 40 miler did not disappoint. Even if it ended up being longer than 40 miles!

There was the option to grab your packet in the morning of the race but that always stresses me out so we opted for the Friday packet pick up. Pretty simple packet: bib, pins, reusable cup ( they are a zero waste race so you refill the same cup at each aid station as you need it), and a fun long sleeve race shirt.

Morning of the race was a tad hectic on our end as we missed a couple alarms and woke up late but still made it to race with time to spare. The half marathon started five minutes earlier and then the 40k and 40 miler started.

We didn’t have a time goal, just wanted to run strong and we did that! There was a lot of elevation at times and tons of tree roots but the course was GORGEOUS. The fall colors were still up on the trees. The course was also extremely well marked and we didn’t get lost for the first time probably ever.

Josh and the kids were able to see us about 9 times which was great and really helps break up some of the low moments. Aid stations had nice volunteers with yummy snacks and HÜMA gels which was great since that’s the gels I was supplementing into my own fuel as some added carbs.

The course did have a couple loops in it but the only time it was a little annoying was the last 5k you ran past the finish line to do the 5k loop then back to actually head to the finish line. We were told after, without the loop it’s not a 40 miler so it made sense why we had to do it the way we did, just after 37 miles I get a little cranky.

The finish line was a lot of fun. The Race Director was full of energy which is always nice as you are giving your run your final push. After you crossed the finish line they gave you a fun spider web Medal, took your pic and then you could grab some food. They had a nice breakfast spread: pancakes, bacon, potatoes, fruits, and toppings. Josh was very happy with the spread, since I’m allergic to life he usually gets my finish line food and we are both happy then!

I somehow came out winning my age group which was a fun surprise and they gave me a nice blanket and nice glass pint glass.

I got lots of compliments on the spooky leggings and they actually held up great which was nice since they were $8 at Walmart and we love a good festive pair of leggings!

We are so happy we chose to end our 2022 race season with this race. 9 months of 1-2 endurance events a month and we are ready for a solid de-load month before we gear up for race season 2023 since our first race of the year next will he in February again!

For fuel we used:
Liquid IV mixed with intraformance
HUMA gels
Pringles
Gummy Bears
Baby Food and rice husks

Shoes:
Topo Ultraventure Pros

Leggings:
Walmart

Hydration pack/handheld water bottle:
Amazon