Get ready for the Goat Path

There is a feeling of anticipation at Lynn Woods. That?s because the summer cross country races are starting up again at the Woods next week.?We had a hard winter,” race director Bill Mullen said. “When spring finally comes, the anticipation of the Woods season in myself and lots of others starts to grow.?Once the weather gets a little better, March or April, (anticipation) grows and time goes pretty quickly. A number of people, when I see them, look forward (to the season). They make comments on Facebook.”The season – Mullen said this is either the 45th or 46th year – begins Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Great Woods Road entrance. There will be the familiar three races: short, long and junior high (the races are free). The long race is a 5.72-mile Gate to Gate course, the junior high race is its usual 1.59 miles. The short race is listed as 2.3 miles; Mullen said, “It will likely be one of the standard 2.2 to 2.5-mile routes. I?m sure we will incorporate the Goat Path (trail) on Wednesday?s short race. That?s always a good time.”Asked about the Goat Path, Mullen said, “Although it?s comparatively short, it?s a steep climb with water bars and rocks. It presents a challenge for most people. You come down a long, gradual downhill and make a left-hand turn onto a single-track trail.?Almost immediately, there?s a steep climb with obstacles in the way, water bars and rocks … Most folks remember the experience, climbing, running and walking.”Perhaps the Goat Path is an apt symbol for the Woods races, and for cross country running in general.?I think a newcomer, a new runner, just needs to be cognizant that there will be more difficult terrain than they?re used to on the streets,” Mullen said. “What a number of people have started doing is running and walking. That?s fine. On uphills, or whatever, it gets difficult.”He said to “be a little bit cautious out on the Woods,” but added, “A number of folks have made tremendous progress from walking the short courses to becoming full-time Woods runners. It?s very gratifying and rewarding to see.”Good luck to everyone getting ready for the summer cross country running season!