This blog post was originally published on October 30, 2023. You will see portions of this blog post in this pink color which indicate added commentary or edits to my original blog post. The intent of the commentary and edits are to provide updates and additional information learned from my attempt of the route on November 22, 2023.
We lost "an unforgettable man" and my oldest brother, John Franklin Cougnet, Jr. to ALS on July 8, 2023.
John in Newport Beach in July of 2021 |
In memory of Johnny, I completed this route as a solo and unsupported run circumnavigating the Loch Raven Reservoir in Baltimore County, MD on November 22, 2023. This route will forever be named, "Johnny's Route to Heaven" and it is published as an official route on Fastest Known Time for others to attempt the route and honor Johnny every time their name is added to the leaderboard. I completed the route in 13 hrs, 46 minutes, and 17 seconds.
For several years, I personally mapped this course and concluded confirmation of every segment of this route. To my amazement, I could not find record of anyone attempting to circumnavigate this very accessible reservoir just North of Baltimore City. It is a very popular destination for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and of course trail running. It requires navigation, technical trail running, and offers terrific scenic views.
The route around the reservoir is 56 miles long, one mile for every year Johnny lived. It is intended to be done solo and unsupported as a symbolic gesture towards the suffering someone endures as ALS progresses. I hope those that attempt this route in the future will recognize the meaning of this course and do it in memory of John and all the families worldwide that are impacted by this dreaded disease.
I completed this route the day before Thanksgiving (November, 22, 2023) which commemorates one of Johnny's favorite family pastimes in California, the Cougnet/Finn Turkey Bowl! November is also National Family Caregivers Month and I wanted to honor his wife, Maureen for the amazing care and support she gave Johnny!
A world without ALS can happen with people like us. Please consider donating to The ALS Assocation. Your donation will help advance important research and improve the lives of people with ALS, their families, and caregivers through vital programs, such as medical transportation, support groups, education, and advocacy. Follow this link to my fundraising page:
https://donate.als.org/
ROUTE DETAILS:
Here is a link to a CalTopo Map of the route where you can download the files in multiple formats: https://caltopo.com/m/4VE5S
The route is divided up into eight different segments to assist in navigation and description of the route. All eight segments are to be done in order starting with segment 1 and back to the starting point through Segment 8. This means you will navigate counterclockwise around the reservoir. Being that the route essentially runs along the shoreline of a public water reservoir, you are able to continually refill your hydration stores at your leisure. Despite the water being very clean, for safety, I recommend filtering or treating any water retrieved from any source.
As with all trail running, the middle of Fall through early Spring is the best time to attempt this route as the overgrowth of the forest will have diminished allowing the trails to be easier to navigate. Regardless of the time of season, there are about 4.4 miles of trail within this route that have significant deadfall, overgrowth, and briars that may be difficult or impossible to run. In the late Spring through Summer, some of the single track can get quite overgrown and really not great to run due to briars and overgrowth. It is possible but be prepared to get pretty scraped up!
Segment 1 - NCR Trail to Warren Road - 4.88 miles, 616'+ -632'
The route starts at the gate located at the intersection of the Torrey C Brown Rail Trail (aka North Central Rail Trail) and Paper Mill Road. There is plenty of parking at this location either in a large parking lot or along Paper Mill Road in both directions. I started my attempt at 6:00 AM EST which was approximately one hour before sunrise. My father was there to witness my start. We planted a sign at the starting point to designate the start and finish of the route.
Start / Finish Point - Torrey S Brown Trail (NCR Trail) at Paper Mill Road |
Start / Finish Marker of the Route at the NCR Gate |
Proceed South to the next parking lot which is also the start of the Torrey C Brown Rail Trail. You will continue through the parking lot and proceed to follow the abandoned remains of the North Central Rail Road. There is a single track leading you alongside the abandoned rails towards a former railroad bridge to cross the river. Only the main bridge span beams are intact which are about one foot wide, so you need to balance beam or shimmy your way across the bridge. After crossing the bridge follow the single track to the river. At this point, the trail turns into a mowed grass trail, and you will turn west to follow the river towards York Road.
During my attempt, we had over an inch of rain the night before and the river had overflowed its banks making this area submerged in knee deep water. There is a small drainage stream that had an ATV bridge across it which was washed away by the storm. Fortunately, I was able to use a nearby fallen tree and a 2x6 that was floating nearby to build a bridge, so I didn't need to wade across chest deep water in the stream.
Turn left onto York Road to proceed south towards Kelly Auto Body and turn left into their driveway and proceed to the abandoned railroad trail that is located behind their white buildings. Proceed to follow the abandoned railroad route until you reach the location where the railroad would cross the river again, but the bridge is not there. At this point, you will turn to the right and traverse through a small area of bamboo towards the backyard of several homes. Follow their property line through the woods to intersect the Sherwood Trails. This is undefined trail and will require some navigation through the trees to the trail head.
Parking Area at Warren Road - End of Segment 1 |
Trail Entry at Warren Road - Beginning of Segment 2 |
A moody picture of the reservoir on this segment from November, 2018 |
North End of Segment 3 |
As you approach the golf course, you will follow the shoreline of the reservoir to make your way onto the 8th hole tee box where you will start your trek around the golf course featuring a couple out and back sections to adhere to the shoreline intent of the route. Remain to the edge of the golfing holes and enjoy the views around the course. Again, there are plenty of points where you can refill your hydration stores. You also pass the 9th hole snack shack (you can only stop if you are doing a supported effort on this route). The snack shack is only open during the Spring and Summer seasons. As I entered the fire road area to the East of the 10th hole, I was starting to struggle from some stomach distress and fatigue that I didn't expect this early. I was beginning to worry about my water supply and whether it may not be trustworthy. I had to walk more portions of this area than anticipated. The Fire Road trail shown is not well maintained either so I found myself meandering through the woods to stay on the route. I was very happy to get back out onto the golf holes for some steady ground and clear paths ahead.
South End Map of Segment 3 |
Overview Map of Segment 4 |
Where the single track meets up with the gravel Glen Ellen Trail, there is a nice stream crossing where I stopped to refill my 1.5L bladder with a MSR hand-pump filter. It was a great place to recharge as well because the sun had finally broken through the clouds and there was no tree canopy, so it helped dry out my sweaty and wet clothing!
Profile of Segment 4 |
Overview Map of Segment 5 |
You eventually exit the shoreline trail via a steep climb to the roadway just above the top of the dam. From here, you will enjoy (if your legs can handle it) a long steady descent all the way down to Cromwell Bridge Road and turn left. Unfortunately, during my attempt, I struggled to muster the desire to run down the hill to Cromwell Bridge Road. I was frustrated as this was all free speed and could get me back on track. I elected to fast walk it the best I could, gather myself and prepare to run the entire segment of Cromwell Bridge Road back to the trails. This was the start of a dark patch for me.
Profile of Segment 5 |
At this point, you will follow the single-track trails back up past the dam and connect with Ridge Trail. This is another scenic area of the trail overlooking the reservoir and following the property line of the reservoir with private residences. Unfortunately, I mistakenly took the trail to the left that climbed straight up the hill adjacent to the dam. There is a bypass trail to the right that is far less steep and how I originally mapped the course. They both essentially climb the same elevation, but the one to the right takes a far less severe average gradient. The view however at the top of the wrong trail was pretty nice and a unique one from overtop the dam. At the top of this hill, I had to pause and regroup. This was the peak of my darkness for the day.
Overview Map of Segment 6 |
Run along Dulaney Valley Road in the grass and look for an entrance to a grass fire road before you reach the entrance to the Loch Raven Trap & Skeet Center. This fire road is mowed grass the entire way around the Skeet Center and returns you around to the entrance road to the Center where you will find your way back onto Dulaney Valley Road. This is a fairly nice fire trail to run, and you can clip off the miles steadily.
Dulaney Valle Road Bridge looking towards the Northwest from near the end of Segment 6 |
Road Crossing Map at Dulaney Valley Road and Jarrettsville Pike - Start of Segment 7 |
You will follow closely to the shoreline here, but this is a trail that traverses the contours along a steep hillside. With your legs fatiguing at this point, the uneven ground will bother you! Stay focused and you will be fine! Fortunately, I still had some run legs and did my best to move swiftly. The sunlight was fading quickly but visibility with my headlamp was still pretty good. You will continue around this shoreline trail and you will eventually intersect with the Blue Trail very close to Jarrettsville Pike. The Blue Trail is a wide gravel trail which you will follow for about 0.9 of a mile and then turn left onto a single-track trail that brings you back in touch with the shoreline of the reservoir where you can refill your water. I continued to run the downhills but also noticed that I actually felt better continuing to run the "uphills" as long as I could. Downhill running is far worse on the legs and my legs feeling it at this point!
A Nice Location to Refill Water Stores |
Best to refill here as there are not a lot of locations left on the route. |
Warren Road Bridge as you proceed North towards Paper Mill Road |
"The Home Stretch" - Paper Mill Flats to Torrey S Brown Rail Trail and the Finish |
Here is a 3-minute fly-thru Google Earth Video of the entire route showing the 8 segments detailed in this blog post:
- First aid kit - You never know and my wife will be happy to know I carry one.
- Garmin InReach Messenger Satellite GPS transmitter - I will be sending out a web address to all of you where you can track my progress next Wednesday.
- MSR Trail Shot Water Filter
- Salomon 12L Running Vest
- (2) Salomon 500 ml flasks with integrated filter straws
- SportsTrail 1.5L Bladder - This will be filled with my liquid nutrition mix
- (6) Science in Sport - Go Energy + Electrolyte Gels
- (4) Vafels Stroopwaffels
- Salt Stick Electrolyte Fastchews - I will carry a small bag for spare electrolytes in case I need them.
- (4) UCAN Edge Superstartch Energy Sachets
- Flow 60/90 Hydration & Energy Mix which will be enhanced by Beta Alanine, Magnesium, and Salt Stick Electrolyte Capsules
- (3) Maurten Gel 100 / CAF 100 - The only caffeine that I will be carrying for the day however I will no doubt have some coffee in the morning before I start.
- NAAK Ultra Energy Mix - This will be added to my Flow 60/90 Hydration and provides a protein source for the day. This is typically a no-no for triathlon but for a long-slow day, having some protein will help sustain my muscles and help my stomach feel full (at least I hope so).
- (2) Vafels Wafels - Nice dense solid food in case my stomach starts growling.
- MerinoTech 100% Merino Wool Base Layer Shirt - If raining, I will start with the short sleeve shirt and bring the long sleeve as backup. Otherwise, I will reverse the choice if it is not raining because I will opt out of the jackets and pants.
- Gorewear - R7 2in1 Shorts - Hoping to wear these from the start and not be in pants.
- Gorewear - R5 Gore-Tex Infinium Pants - I really hope not to wear these but it will be a decision at start time.
- Gorewear - Drive Jacket - This is a lightweight shell which is also water resistant.
- Saucony Peregrine 13 Trail Running Shoes - I have more pairs of trail running shoes than my wife prefers but these are the lightest and most comfortable. They are not waterproof like other pairs I have, but I am banking on it only being showers for the morning.
- Currex Runpro High Arch Insoles - Secret weapon to ward off fasciitis!
- Swiftwick - Flite XT Trail Five Socks - These are a mix of 38% Nylon, 24% Merino Wool, 22% Olefin, 13% Polyester, and 3% Spandex... super durable and awesome at keeping your feet dry!
- Bauerfiend Sports Ankle Support Dynamic - Just a small bit of ankle support for trail running and not too bulky. Wear under your socks!!
- Nathan Running Belt with See-Thru Pouch - For stashing my phone to remain connected. I will be wearing Shokz Open Run bone conducting headphones in case I need to call anyone (or anyone needs to call me). I'll also be carrying my travel plan in the see-thru pouch to check on my progress as I go.
- SmartWool Merino 250 Glove - My hands sweat a ton so wool gloves are the best at keeping you warm despite being soaking wet.
- Fenix HM65R-DT Trail Running Headlamp - Super light and super powerful when needed!
- Boco Gear - Technical Trucker Hat - California Golden Bear in honor of my California family! Plus it is hunting season out in the woods, need to be visible!