Post written by Ridge Retail Manager Mary Sardinskas
Photo above: Views from the Sea Otter Classic 17k in Monterey, CA.
I spent last summer training for my longest trail run to date: the Mammoth Trailfest 50k in September. After finishing that goal, I did one last post-race run and threw my running shoes in my trunk and didn’t think about them again all winter.
After a winter in the Eastern Sierra without much snow, I decided to sign up for the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA, primarily a bike event that my boyfriend was competing in. For the first time ever, they were offering trail races: a 17k (~10 miles) and a 5k. I figured I’d have some time to train, and if not, what’s a 10 mile run off the couch?
Where is this trail run?!
When I arrived the day before the race, things got a little more real. I left Mammoth in a rush, and as I was walking around the sea of bike tents, I realized I’d forgotten my water bottles for my running vest. That got me thinking maybe I should get some energy chews. And maybe I should take a look at a course map to see if there were any water or aid stations along the way.
I made my way to the information booth. It was actually a surprise to the people at the booth that there was a trail run. After asking around, someone directed me to the finish line where they said someone might know. The official there said there was “a 90% chance there would be aid stations.” To be safe, I bought two water bottles and some GU energy gels.
I started to get a little nervous. The race started at 7 the next morning, and I was still trying to figure out where the start and finish lines were. When I went back to the hotel to get my things ready for the race, there was one thing I did feel confident about: what to wear for a long trail run.
My running go-tos in the past have always been the Ridge Bralette paired with a Solstice Sun Hoodie. You really can’t go wrong with that combo. If you’re cold, the Solstice is the perfect layer for before you start to sweat. When I warm up, I take the hoodie off and run in the bralette and my running vest. It’s the perfect amount of support without too many tan lines – ideal.
For this race, I went with something different. Our new Windshifter Windbreaker had just launched and I was really excited to try it. I also packed my Pursuit Ultralight Hoodie since I wasn’t sure what the weather would be like on the coast.
I set out my outfit for the 4:45 a.m. wakeup: a pair of shorts, my Ridge Minaret Socks, my Pursuit Hoodie, my bralette and my Windshifter jacket to go over it all.
Mid-run in a Pursuit Hoodie and Ridge Run Hat.
Running the Sea Otter Classic 17k
I parked and made my way to the start line. It was 60 degrees and sunny – the perfect day for a run. There were more people than I expected, which was both comforting and overwhelming. The announcer was hyping up the start for us. He mentioned there was confusion about aid stations and said there would be three along the way. Sigh of relief.
Heading to find the start line - before deciding to leave the Windshifter Windbreaker behind since it was warm and sunny.
I ditched the windbreaker at the start because the sun was shining and there was no wind. The race started up the iconic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, then turned off into the hills where it brought us along the beautiful trails of Fort Ord. As I ran, everything clicked into place. The adrenaline of the start line. The flow of the race as everyone funnels into a single track.
The Pursuit Hoodie was perfect to run in. Compared to the Solstice Sun Hoodie that has a bigger, bulkier hood, you don’t feel the Pursuit Hoodie’s hood when it’s not in use. If it had been a chillier start, the hood would have given the perfect warmth for my head and ears for those first few minutes. It also keeps the Run Hat in place on a windy day, without the hood getting in your eyes when you turn your head. Once I was a few miles in, I loved the breathability of the hoodie’s thin fabric. And I didn’t have any pilling or wear where my running vest was.
At mile 8, I was surprised to find a full mile uphill. I took off my Pursuit Hoodie for the climb and ran in just the bralette and my running vest. I don’t need much support, so the bralette/running vest combo works really well. I love running in Merino because I never worry about smelling bad at the end, no matter how many miles I’m doing.
The race ended up being well structured once we got going. The aid stations were well stocked, and I’m looking forward to doing this race again next year. 1600 feet of elevation gain (at sea level) made it the perfect start to another trail running season.
Waiting at the start line for the race to begin.
Let’s rewind: running the Mammoth Trailfest 50k
Running the Sea Otter Classic this spring had me thinking a lot about my Mammoth Trailfest 50k. Looking back, not knowing what to expect during a long run was par for the course for me.
I started running in 6th grade and immediately loved being able to compete with myself. It’s a team sport when you’re racing in school, but ultimately it comes down to you – how fast you can go and how long you can sustain it. I was hooked and continued running through high school.
After high school, I ran one half marathon and then took 10 years off. Moving to Mammoth in 2020 reignited my love for running as soon as I got out on the trails here.
When I started hearing about Mammoth Trailfest, it seemed overwhelming. 31 miles? The longest I had run before that was 22.5 miles. My best friend pressured me into signing up for the 50k saying if we were going to do the 26k, we might as well do the 50k. Okay, I said.
We signed up in January and the race wasn’t until September, so it was looming over me for quite some time. I spent the summer training, trying to do as much elevation training as I could since this race has almost 7,000 feet of vertical gain. Luckily living in Mammoth made this easy. There are endless trails right out my back door with plenty of gain.
While the race was listed as a 50k, it was actually 33 miles. As I lined up at the start, I really just wanted to finish the race. If I could do it in under 9 hours, I’d be happy, but I really had no idea what to expect.
I stood at the start line with three good friends, which helped calm my nerves. For this run, I wore my Minaret Socks, running shorts, bralette and Solstice Sun Hoodie, plus my running vest. It was beautiful late summer weather in Mammoth.
Standing with friends at the start line - wearing a Solstice Sun Hoodie, Ridge bralette and Minaret Socks.
A lot of the race was a blur. I remember the first aid station having an amazing snack selection. If every aid station was like this, I’d be pleasantly surprised. I also loved the camaraderie the race had. People cheering along the sides of all the roads, the aid station volunteers being so kind and encouraging, and the racers themselves all cheering each other. I was smiling most of the time.
All of the Mammoth Trailfest races (except the 10k) go up Dragon’s Back, a notorious steep ascent up the back of Mammoth Mountain. Somewhere along this climb, I shed my Solstice Hoodie and just ran in the bralette. It was sunny and warm and the vibes were high.
Since it was a local race, I had a lot of support. Some friends met me at the top of Mammoth Mountain with a bottle of champagne since my birthday was the day before and it felt like time to celebrate. I thought, “All I have to do is make it down the mountain and then it’s the home stretch.” So I drank some champagne and jogged down the hill. Little did I know I still had 16 miles left.
17 miles down, 16 to go. I did the second half of the race in the bralette & running vest combo.
I remember getting bored at some points, as running for that long isn’t that entertaining, even with music. But I still felt good. No blisters. No funky tan lines or sweating thanks to the bralette. As I got near the end of the race, I started running faster because I just wanted to be done.
I crossed the finish line at 7 hours and 52 minutes. I was stoked.
My secret to no blisters for 33 miles: Minaret Socks and good running shoes - Hokas for this race.
Looking ahead
The summer running season is just getting started here in Mammoth. When signups opened for this year’s Mammoth Trailfest back in January, I signed up for the Dragon’s Back Ascent – a 3-mile hike/run with 2,400 feet of gain to the summit of Mammoth Mountain. I’m excited to focus on this one short race. I know a lot of other people doing it too, which makes it feel more fun and competitive.
I was so happy with the results of my first 50k that I didn’t feel the need to do it again, but I’d like to do another one in a different location at some point. My next goal for myself is a 50 mile ultra. I’m not sure when or where, but I would love to continue to push myself with big races.
Whether I’m racing or training, and no matter how little I know about what I’m getting myself into, knowing what gear to wear and knowing it’ll keep me comfortable makes a big difference.
