TrailFest is going to be a Fun Fest
Another day, another race to run.
This weekend, instead of attending the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions, I’ll be out on the trails at the Coventry Woods Trail Running Festival in Pottstown, PA. (I really can’t afford Sci Sessions, but it makes me feel better to say I had a race conflict.)
I’ve signed up for the 6-hour run because… well, I might be a little crazy.
The race takes place this Sunday, June 22, 2025, on a 6.2-mile loop of mixed single- and double-track trails — full of roots, rocks, climbs, and descents. You know, all the things we road runners secretly fear. Runners complete as many laps as possible in six hours.
The course features two aid stations:
- A well-stocked buffet at the start/finish
- A mid-loop water station
It’s got Backyard Ultra vibes — you can set up your own little pit area at the start/finish to restock, refuel, and question your life choices before heading back out again.
Each loop climbs 850 feet, which makes this a surprisingly spicy 10K. Even the trail veterans I’m going with say it’s hilly — so, yeah. Buckle up.
I’ll be bringing my trusty “kitchen sink” box — bug spray, sunscreen, Tums, peppermints (for the stomach), chafe stick, salt tablets, backup Pods, glucose kit, emergency glucose. You know — the usual runner/diabetes survival kit.
Why the Butterfinger?
Because they’re delicious, and I’m not made of stone.
My plan is ~150g of carbs per lap, spread across cookies, fruit snacks, baby food (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it). I’ve made six bags — just grab one and go. I’ll also reuse the custom bolus program I built for my last race, multiplying my carb ratio and correction factor by a factor of four.
🔥 Heat + Diabetes = Chaos (Sometimes)
Forecast? A steamy near-100°F with high humidity. That combo can wreak havoc on blood glucose, so I’ll write a full post on heat and diabetes later. For now, just a few highlights:
- Heat = faster insulin absorption → risk of lows
- Dehydration = slower insulin absorption → risk of highs
- Tech adhesives hate sweat. Pumps, sensors, and transmitters can all rebel. Sometimes it’s not the insulin that fails — it’s the gear.
🎯 My Goal?
Ideally, 30 miles (5 laps). But between the heat, the elevation, and my training fatigue, I’ll be happy with 24 miles (4 laps).
Also… I’m not 100%. I wouldn’t say I’m sick, but I’ve got a stubborn cough and a very, very, very light sore throat. Not enough to keep me home, but likely to factor into the day.
Either way, it’s going to be hot, hilly, and humbling — just how trail running (and diabetes) like it.