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[RC] First 100s - Mary HowellHello Kyle - Both the Hallelujah 100 and Carolina 100 seem flat and easy for a first 100, but if the weather has been dry, there is a fair amount of repeat trail that can get quite cut up by all those hooves and make for some deep sandy areas. Try to train for soft footing, which can be hard on to horses not used to it. Since as much as a third of the ride can be after dark, plan for any type of weather - which can be cold and windy at that time of year. It sounds like your plan is to time your first 100 for late season, but if your horse has been competing a few years and can carry over some base through the winter, consider an early season 75 (like in NJ on March 24) or two back-to-back 50s, then tackle a 100 at a time of year when the days are longer. My first 100 was at Biltmore in May, which can be hot but which also has beautiful trails and never gets boring. The after dark loops repeat and seem to go quickly. Another great 100 is Pine Tree, since it's held at a time of year when you can get most of the miles done before dark. I sure hope your 100 mile plan include the OD! There's nothing else that compares, and the current 100 mile trail has a lot more places where you can move out than on the 50 miles. Of course, having good ride buddies and crew makes the hours and miles fly by, even if you don't finish til the wee hours. Best Wishes! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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