This was my first year doing this race, and I decided to "do the double". The first race was a very the Tough Cookie Trail run (4 miles). And it was incredibly difficult. At one point, I wished for a pick axe. The trails were a bit soft from rain and dew. There were two very significant hills built in, I literally had to lunge-hike the 2nd, there was NO RUNNING it, I even had to use my hands. The trail ran alongside the river. There were rocks, gravel, it was definitely tough terrain. Then, there was a break. See, the 4 mile race came at 7:30am, then the 8k road race started at 9. So when we finished the trail race, we had a break in between. I was worried I would stiffen up during this time, but it was actually nice to have time to stretch and take a drink (and a cookie break!), especially since I pushed so hard on the trail run (placing in my age division!). Then the 8k road race started. This started out on the same mulchy-dirt trails, but made it's way out onto the rock and pea gravel roads, which again included some hills. It was an out and back course, which I'm not a huge fan of, but it was nice to see all my runner friends. It was challenging having come off the tough 4 miler. There was water on the 8k about half way through. I placed again in my age division. I was a bit underwhelmed, since this was the first time I placed, especially in a double race, I thought I deserved a medal. But I got two boxes of thin mints and two girl scout thin mint sprint cups. Hey--it was a cheap race. They had a mini-expo inside with lot's of free goodies, race atmosphere was jovial, and I got a long sleeved hunter-green shirt that says, "One tough cookie" for Doing the Double. 2014 will be their 10th anniversary, and hopefully they're planning something big! Parking was a bit messy by the end of the race due to volume, but overall it was a great experience. Course is buried way back in the country on a girl scout campground, but signage was adequate.