Course was pretty challenging -- a lot of parts were pretty slick with mud, and there were also hills to contend with. As far as trail runs go, I imagine this one wasn't too difficult (this is my first ever trail run) on the grand scale of things, but gave me a tough time. And - mud and 40 degrees was better than snow and 10 degrees! It was really windy out, but that turned out to be a non-factor -- in the woods, the wind was pretty well blocked.

I was a little disappointed with myself; in this race, you had age group tags pinned to your back, so you always easily knew who you had to beat. There were two girls in my age group that I was right behind for most of the race ... at around 2.25 miles, though, they pulled ahead and I just didn't have it in me to keep up. If I could have kept on their tails and had a good last kick, I could have taken 2nd in my AG. I kind of lost it mentally, I think. Part of it was certainly not enough training lately, but I don't think that was all of it.

More training. I've never done any kind of trail running, so this was all new to me. Footing was dicey in a lot of places due to mud, and while I think I navigated it pretty well, it seemed like other people were able to keep up a better pace than me and still seem sure-footed.

Walked around, got some chili and hot chocolate. My sister (who lives about 5 minutes from the race venue) had come out to cheer me on, so I chatted with her.


Lack of training, bad footing.


This race is part of a 4-part trail run series. Next up is a 10k. Then it rounds out with a 15k and 20k. Should be a challenge for me! But - I'm looking forward to it.