This is the point of the CIM course where things start to get serious, as ultra-runner extraordinaire Tim Twietmeyer tells us in his mile-by-mile analysis of the course:
MILE 6-7
Fair Oaks Boulevard to just before Greenback.
Topography: Two significant uphills, interrupted by a short descent.
Tim's Tips: "Some of these hills have a pretty good grade to them compared to Oak. You're almost a third of the way through the event. You're asking, 'Have I used a third of my energy?'
Sights: Tempo Park
MILE 7-8
Fair Oaks Boulevard to just before Madison.
Topography: First significant hill, reaching crest a 7.5-mile mark, rolling hills to Madison.
Tim's Tips: "This particular stretch is slower. I ran my PR on this course almost 20 years ago, and my slowest miles were 7 to 8, 8 to 9 and the first half of Mile 9. You've got to make the effort to stay on pace. Otherwise, you're going to be 30 seconds behind by Mile 10. In here, you'll have an aid station (during) a hill. So, you'll slow down for the aid and then you'll have a hill, which will slow you down even more. Don't get too worked up whether you've got the mile (pace) right on the nose, because there are obstacles to work through. Just make sure at certain milestones, you're back on track."
Sights: Strip malls.
COMING TOMORROW: Miles 8-10
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