As hard as this race was, I actually really liked it. I sure didn't break any records, but I keep reminding myself it was my first trail race! It was challenging but I wasn't as fast as I was secretly hoping.
I think I like me some trail running. Not to do all the time, but every now and then I might hunt a trail race down. Plus I like finding a new way to run. I had never done a trail race before, I didn't know what to expect. Some of it was much harder than I thought, some of it ended up being easier.
Here is my report:
- 13.1 miles on a hilly, horse hoof HOLES, muddy, rocky, crevassed (yeah i know that isn't a word), wooded, windy, hot, humid, narrow, grassy, dirt trail course.
- Time = 2:18:29, I wanted to finish in under 2:30 so I'm happy and proud of myself.
- Official race stats aren't out, but I THINK I finished 88th, not sure on that. I have no idea how many people ran the 1/2. I heard it was around 225 total (there was also a 5K).
- It was fun and new and felt adventurous
- The wind was horrid, almost OKC marathon horrid, but we were sheltered from it every now and then.
- Running through the woods on a narrow trail alone after 12 miles is hard.
- I wasn't fast, but I'm proud of myself for finishing in the time I did... part of me wants to be hard on myself, but what's new. I'm trying to remember that it was a HARD race, and again that I never ran a trail before.
- I itch.
- I'm irritated Ed isn't here to check me for ticks, I hate them and get a bit freaked over those evil little blood suckers. I threw up a little in my mouth just typing that.
- I have scrapes and an almost blister.
- I got muddy and I liked it.
- I started off at the back of the pack and am proud to say after mile six or seven I started picking off other runners left and right. It made me feel like staying conservative at the start and being careful through the tricky parts paid off.
- I just kept telling myself to keep steady, no sprinting to catch and pass runners, just steady passing, that is a good feeling.
- I felt stronger than any other half (even though i was oddly slower) I ran before.
- I only got four hours sleep last night, not by choice, just couldn't fall asleep (what is up with my bad night before race sleeping habits, grrrrrrr).
- I now feel like a hard core runner!
When I post pictures later this week (ed has our camera on BAK, so i have to wait for the girls to send me pics) I'll explain more about the race so you can see the terrain.
I'm going to be posting Ed's BAK stats every day, so keep an eye out!
