Cross country in the off-season

Sounds like a good idea, but I don't think there are any races around here in the winter. It would be great because the winters are pretty mild, I run on trails all winter...

I plan on doing at least 2 cross-country/trail runs in the off season...

One is at the end of this month, 9.5 miles to benefit the Town Forest Trail and then a 5K Turkey Trot. I actually miss running the trails around here! I have been neglecting the calling of dirt, rocks, roots, trees, streams and solitude in exchange for pavement-pounding among the suburb traffic. Or hotel treadmills.

In addition to the physical benefits of running hills and increasing agility, it clears my mind much more than any other kind of running.

The Middlesex Fells becon.

I finished my race, 10km today. It was in a big country estate. Huge country house and a lovely lake to run round. I used to live in the lake distric (uk) Englands highest hills. They is something really amazing about walking/running in the hill on a clear autumn morning. Now I live in a flat part of the country but we have some nice forests here.

Well my race today:
1st half was tough. It has been raining the past few days and the 1st 4km were most up hill in soft ground. I managed to keep a reasonable pace which I'm pleased about. Then at the top I found some extra energy from somewhere and ran the next 4km quite quick overtaking some people
Then the last 2km I was exhausted just latched on to someone going at a good pace and shut off from the world. I overtook him near the end but had nothing left to out sprint him to the line. A very good day hoping I'm in the top 20. Will check the official results later.

Edited by John_0026 2004-10-03 8:11 AM

Great job John. That sounds like a fun race with good scenery!!