The Super Marathon in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington was the marathon we picked to follow up Mt Hood.  The race date was June 30, 2019.  Small race that is part of the Cascade Super Series in the Cascade Mountains.   Race day packet pick up.  Easy parking at the start line.  Point to point downhill marathon that passes thru the famed Snoqualmie Tunnel.  Julie, Me & Judy at the start.  LOVE these ladies!!!

Another downhill, marathon?  Yes.  This was the closest event we could find in proximity to the Revel Mt Hood race.  We try to get a good bang for our buck when we have to fly, or travel further away from the Midwest.  We were SUPER sore for the Mt Hood marathon, which had an elevation drop of 5600-5800 feet, depending on who you ask.  But this event only had a net drop of 1500 feet.  Very gradual and to be honest, it didn’t feel like a downhill race.  At least not, like Mt Hood. 

Race started at the Hyak trailhead at Iron Horse State Park.  Majority of the race is on the Iron Horse Trail, finishing on the John Wayne Trail at the Cedar Falls Trailhead of the Cascades State Park. 

The first 5 miles were flat, an out and back past Keechelus Lake.  Breathtaking views.  

 

The course was on a packed gravel trail.  Not super rough, but big enough rocks that I would have preferred trail shoes instead of road shoes.  My feet are wimpy!

Very low key race but plenty of support and there was never a question as to direction on course.  Aid stations every 1.5 to 2 miles.  Potties, gels, water, Gatorade & other items. 

At mile 5.2 we entered the famed Snoqualmie Tunnel.  Volunteers gave us little flashlights to navigate the darkness.  This is a 2.4 mile tunnel.  Very dark.  See the progression of our run thru the tunnel as the “light at the end of the tunnel” gets bigger & bigger until we were out. 

  

    

I loved running thru the tunnel but we were careful to take it slow since it was dark.  There were also some wet areas and the surface was uneven.  Lower air temp in the tunnel too, so it was a nice cool section for running.

Speaking of taking things slow.  The entire race was slow for us.  We were seriously damaged from the run down Mt Hood the previous day.  We aren’t new to endurance events.  Or even to doubles.  We have done several double marathons where we run 2 marathons in 2 days.  Judy has even done 3 in 3 days.  And Julie & I have each done 2 Ironman triathlons (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run).  But nothing has ever put the hurt on us like Mt Hood.  Normally, on Day 2 of a double, we are tight and slightly stiff but not really sore.  We start running like stiff, little old ladies, but in 4-5 miles we are loose and things go back to normal.  Its not uncommon for us to run faster on Day 2 because we know we don’t have to save anything for another race.  This was not the case for the Super Marathon.  We were sore the entire day.  In fact, it hurt to run.  Not like we were injured but rather our quads and calves were so tight and inflamed from Mt Hood, that it hurt to run.  I couldn’t even take full strides because my full body weight on a foot strike activated my quad muscles and caused piercing pain.  So we did A LOT of walking.  And I mean a lot.  It didn’t hurt to walk.  So well, we walked.   And took pictures.  Enjoy. 

Nice groomed trails.  Lots of shady areas.

   

Great views of the Cascade Mountains.

Lots of bridges & I really love bridges!

   

Waterfalls.

Beautiful Flowers.

 

Rock faces along the trail where people were climbing.

Overall, I really loved this race.  I loved running the trails and there was plenty to see.  I never noticed that it was a net downhill but my quads were so damaged before I started that it may have been more perceptible to those where were fresh. 

This is a very similar course to both the Jack n Jill Marathon and the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon.  The Snoqualmie Tunnel being the main attraction for each.  And the gentle downhill descent which is good for those looking for a PR or BQ.  I personally am not super coordinated, so I’m happy I was able to leisurely run thru the tunnel verses trying to stay on pace to achieve a certain finish time.  And I will note (again) that I would prefer trail shoes verses road shoes for this event.

Great event.  Great swag (not pictured:  water bottle & race bag). 

 

And the BEST part of the race was the famous grilled cheese at the end.  No, it wasn’t quite as large as the promo photo.  But there was plenty and it was super tasty. 

I really loved this race.  I’d definitely go back, if it were a bit closer. Washington was state #32 and marathon #55.  Making progress!  Next up the RAIN Ride from Terre Haute to Richmond, IN on July 20th.  Then Ironman Arizona on November 24th.

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz