Tuesday, June 2, 2009

should i be scared??! opinions wanted...

I got the following email about the little trail half-marathon I'm doing with the girls at El Dorado Lake this Saturday:
"So, I need to see what you think about something. We have a friend/she's a personal trainer at the Y who is in kick-ass shape and not a wuss (I need to preface the story with this). She went out to the course at El Dorado to scope out what it was going to be like. She came back saying that she is not only "no way" attempting the 1/2 but "hell no". For her to say this......well, it scares me a lot. She is one tough cookie. She said it's like that Derby run we did, but 13 miles of it.
-Lauren"

Let me point out the "Derby" run she is referring to was a 10K trail run that went on sand and dirt and grass and hills near the river (yes we have sand here, random but true, there are several really sandy spots here, kansas was the bottom of the ocean once after all), after just a 10K these girls were spent, and they hurt for about a week afterward. And I realize to all you trail runners out there, you are laughing at us little wimpy girls who never run on trails, thinking what I described sounds like a breeze... but hey if we never do it, come on, it would be hard don't you think?

So the question is, do I try and tough it out on a muddy hard core super difficult trail run (i never trail run) or wuss out and do the 5K. Holy crap I'm nervous!! Oh and don't you worry, apparently the race director is ensuring the race course is muddy. Who does that?!

Opinions needed!

And as a side note, I have bout 100 blogs to catch up on in my reader, I've been a slacker. Okay not a slacker, just insanely busy since Ed is leaving for BAK on Friday afternoon and his work schedule has been nuts so we have to prepare him to go this week (bike in the shop, target runs, making sure he meets baggage limits and gets everything he needs). So between paying getting things organized from being gone all weekend, doing normal start of the month stuff, softball and everything else.... oy. So I will read and comment soon. More empty promises you say....

11 comments:

RunningLaur said...

That does sound scary.

I'd say that if you think you may get hurt, then to opt out. If the other girls are up for it, I'd say to go for the longer race and take your time through the hard parts - it'd be an experience to say the least!

IzzyBubbles said...

hmm...well, hard to say on the 1/2. Maybe you could try calling the race director to get a more accurate description? Because one other person we talked to that ran out there said it wasn't that bad. I say, do whatever your gut tells you to do - don't necessarily let someone you don't know scare you off. But if you get into it and it's too much, just slow down and hike it.

Ace said...

I say, when in doubt, go do something crazy!! Who knows, you might like it? If it was easy, everyone would do it... :)

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

I say 5K but I am DEATHLY afraid of twisting something on a trail run and mud YUCK!!!

J said...

Ooo I would be scared too. It might be worth a shot but just go with what your instincts tell you. If you do the 5k and see the course maybe next year you can run it??

Unknown said...

Hard decision. Do whatever you're comfortable with - and have fun!

Marlene said...

I'd go for it, but be prepared to take your time and walk as needed. Treat it more as a fun-run, or a hike!

Anonymous said...

Trail runs are hard and definitely have more obstacles to work around. I think they are challenging and fun. But, you have to do what you are comfortable with. Have you seen pictures or had any reviews from others?

Mel-2nd Chances said...

hmmm, sounds tough, but go with your gut... i'm sure you'll make the right choice :)

Oz Runner said...

you need to do the half so you can tell me if i should do it next year...( ;

Melanie Tait said...

It's better to give it a go than be wondering - the magic of our feet is when they get tired of running they can walk. Go for it! It could be a wonderful adventure.