FKT: Ben Harris - Twin Valley Trail (OH) - 2020-05-01

Athletes
Route variation
Double Twin
Gender category
Male
Style
Self-supported
Finish date
Total time
11h 7m 32s
GPS track(s)
Report

I made this attempt in order to complete the Big Turtle trail race, which had to go virtual this year because of the coronavirus. Like others I parked at Kercher Park, which is a great place to start since it is halfway between the two loops ana allows for self-support out of your car. I headed north to tackle Germantown, running clockwise in order to knock out the biggest hills first. Of course those hills would answer back with a vengeance on the second loop. Once I got back to the Kercher park area my speed picked up, as this is a mostly flat and paved section. I approached Twin Creek counter-clockwise, again to get the biggest hills out of the way and leave the flat areas for the end. I completed the first loop in great time, but with the first cramps showing up in my legs. The second loop was much slower for me, and devolved into run/walking towards the end. I didn't change anything about my approach, aiming to get the hills out of the way as soon as possible.
The trail is very well marked, just follow the little backpacking hiker symbol and you won't get lost. The trails were in great shape, despite a bit of rain during the week. Twin Creek is always a little boggy, so be prepared for that.