Saturday, June 6, 2015

Happy Trails to You?

Today I ran my first trail run, which was part of the =PR= Race Series Trail Series. The series was designed to introduce:
  • beginners to trail running, 
  • more experienced trail runners to new trails, and
  • all trail runners to other trail runners!
There were four runs in the series; I couldn't attend the other three (Algonkian, Burke Lake, & River Bend) because they conflicted with prior commitments. Today was the last in the series, Lake Fairfax. Three different runs were offered: 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes. Within each run there were informal pace groups that developed.

I ran with my PR Training buddies Sallie, Rachel, and Jamie. We'll be running together a lot over the next few months as we train for the Marine Corps Marathon! 

Sallie, Rachel, Jamie & me

The trail was more technical than I expected, with branches, hills, and mud. I felt like I had to look down much of the time so I didn't trip or slip. I found it mentally and physically harder than road running (although not quite as hard as the cross-country run from a couple of weeks ago). We had selected the 30-minute run and I was glad we hadn't aimed higher! We ended up running for 35 minutes and that was just the right amount for me.

Take-aways:
  • Apples really hit the spot after a run
  • My new Brooks tank is going to be great for summer runs
  • I would prefer less technical trails, like Burke Lake
  • I would not enjoy a dirty girl mud run
  • My training buddies are willing to rally & do lunges with me after runs
  • My training buddies are going to be awesome to train with this summer and they will help get me through uncomfortable runs!

6 comments:

  1. I was there, too, and I can't believe we didn't see each other. I totally forgot to borrow the MRTT sign and set up a multi-chapter meet-up. Rats! Still working on my recap...

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    1. I looked for you but didn't see you anywhere. Now that your recap is up and I can see your pictures, I realize we were on opposite sides of the crowd. :(

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  2. Nice job getting out of your comfort zone - again! Good job and glad you had fun! I like trail running but it is definitely harder for me.

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    1. Thanks for the kudos. I am trying to keep pushing beyond my comfort zone :)

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  3. Nice job! Bummed I didn't get to make it out to the trail runs this year - hopefully next!

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    1. Yes! We have to meet at a race/run one of these days :)

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