Like most trail runs, this was not a big race, but like always it had a great atmosphere. It's amazing the different feel b/w trail races and road races! Plus trail race organization is really laid back. Of course, arguably race directors in road races have a lot more to deal with and have to be a bit more PITAs! But, whatever the reason, I really like the feel of trail races over road races, so I really should do more of them!

We finally had a break in our 90* weather with temps in the upper 50*s at the race start. Being the Florida wimps we are, although we loved the cooler temps, we were cold! So, after picking up our packets and hitting the porta potties we went back to the car to wait for the start. Since it was such a small race, we were parked about 30 feet from the start/finish line, so we didn't get out of the car until 5 minutes before the start. Awesome!!

Trail races are always harder than road races and as I've just gotten back up to HM distance, I knew I wasn't in the kind of shape I would like to be for this race, so my plan was to just run and enjoy the trail. Krystal's plan was to place in the top 3 OA women. Susan switched to the 5k since she's been really sick and hasn't been able to run more than 3 miles at a time in over 5 weeks. So, her plan was survival.

While waiting for the start we saw 2 other marathonfesters, one of whom I sometimes run with on Saturdays. I guess he decided that he likes running with me cuz we spent a lot of time together on the trail; unfortunately.

Race started and I immediately knew I was going to be fighting to keep this from being a personal worse trail run time. The course was tough! Beautiful, but tough. I really liked the course, but wish I was in better shape, so I could have enjoyed it more.

Krystal immediately left me in the dust and I found myself running alone. Well, except for Freeman who ran right behind me for the first almost 6 miles. I don't know why, but his presence really bugged me! Maybe it was because he runs with such a heavy footfall all I could hear was his pounding feet. Maybe it was because he was right on my ass and wouldn't pass me. In fact, at one point I pulled a little to the side -not too far b/c it was single track, and asked if he wanted to pass. He said "no" that I was doing a good pace, so he'd just sit behind me. I was annoyed by this for some reason and let my concentration lapse, so on a "downhill" I caught my toe on one of the million tree roots and took a header down the course. I landed heavily on my right side/back area and had the wind knocked out of me. And, since it was a down hill I kind of rolled down the hill a bit! I'm sure I looked as graceful as the bird they call the elephant :) I found out later that Freeman had his Go Pro on, but had somehow not turned it on, so I lucked out b/c had it been on my fall would have been posted on the MF Facebook page! Anyway, I wasn't really injured, although my ribs are sore. I was also lucky not to land on any roots - that would have been ugly! Freeman stopped to see if I was ok, I was. So, I got up and started running again and he got right in behind me again. Damn!

Because I was still a bit shaken up from the fall, my pace slowed a bit and Freeman finally went around me. Yay! Now I was alone on the trail and it was great! Then a woman passed me like I was standing still! Then not long after , a couple passed me - also like I was standing still. I started to feel like I must be running really, really slowly and would soon be passed by the rest of the field. Thankfully, that didn't happen. One more guy passed me about mile 10 and then that was pretty much it.
I caught up to and passed Freeman around the 8 mile mark as he was stopped at a water station. He caught up and passed me about a mile later. I then caught him within 1 mile to go (I thought it was 2 miles to go, but the course was short) and he never caught me again.
The last 2 miles were out of the bike trails and in a field. As I came within1.5 miles to go I saw Susan and Krystal on the course waiting to cheer for me. Damn it, Krystal really killed me if she had not only finished but had time to make it to that spot! I was happy for her, but it also pointed out how slowly I was running.
As I ran along this grass field my foot found a deep hole that was obscured by the grass and down I went. I was a bit concerned that I had screwed up my knee with this graceful fall as it did get twisted quite a bit, but i was able to run it out.
As I made my way toward the finish line it became apparent that the course was going to be short. I probably should be upset about it, but I was so happy to see the finish line!!

Crossed the finish line and was handed a big ass medal, a bottle of water and a pint glass. Sweet! Krystal and Susan greeted me and told me Krystal was 2 OA woman! Susan won her AG in the 5k! So, the pressure was on for me to place in my AG. Thankfully, I did as I didn't want to be the only one not to get a trophy :)

We hung around for the awards ceremony and by the time we left, I was SO sore I could barely move and my back was quite ouchy. All in all a successful race!!

Be better trained

nothing


I really liked this race and we are considering doing the last race in the series. Of course, that is in a different location, so no telling what that course will be like!