Soon enough, runners get swallowed up by the woods, only to re-emerge in smaller, more companionable groupings. And this is an ongoing process, as participants leave one group and enjoy some solitude, only to happen upon another trail buddy farther on. But whether alone or in a group, you cannot drift along in a semi-conscious state, relying on mere speed to get you there. This is a sport where you have to use your legs and your brain to get you to the finish line. Let your attention lapse and you might vanish into a hole, hug a tree or miss a trail marker.
Space is a vital, multi-dimensional concept, more than mere distance from here to there.
Time, however, means less. Trail miles take longer than road miles. For all you older runners out there, this is a great revelation. Moreover, course times tend to vary widely from year to year due to mud, rain, drought and other acts of nature. Because they are somewhat removed from more normal activities, trail race applications don't normally fall into your lap.