Good luck to all the racers tomorrow and Sunday. Looking forward to reading how it went!
Thanks!
So, yesterday was only my second trail race, and also my second ultra (my first was also my first trail race). Well, it wasn't really an 'ultra' unless you wanted it to be. It was a 'time' race - in this case, 8 hours - and the only objective was to run as many loops (two options, a short 4.7M loop and a long 8M loop) as you wanted/could do in 8 hours. It was cold at the start, and though I dislike the cold generally, I love running in it (to a point), because I know I'm so much faster in it, and my core usually heats up enough that I actually start to feel pretty good. This wasn't really a 'goal' race for me, but more of a tune-up/dress rehearsal for my first 50 miler in April. Still, I wanted to get to 40 miles in 8 hours. To keep it brief, I missed the mark, but got close, running 4 long loops and one short loop for 36.7, still the longest run I've ever done. Under the rules, a loop had to
completed before the cut-off in order for it to count, so while I could've physically done one more long loop and hit 40, I was in danger of not getting back in time for to make the cut-off, so I opted to take the short loop instead. I'm slightly disappointed to fall short of my goal, but I learned a few things, the most important being just how much harder trail running really is! What with the constantly changing terrain and footing, with roots, rocks, puddles, horse manure, and other things to dodge on the trail, I never really got in a 'rhythm' like I can on the road, and my legs are absolutely wrecked today. Out on the trail, the fatigue set in so much faster, and so much harder! It's much harder than road running (at least for me), and the effect on the hips and thighs feels different. I
definitely need to run more trails before April! Other than that, it was a good time. I got a new distance PR, and the organizers gave a commemorative drinking glass to anyone who ran 50K or more. Plus, trail racers are really friendly people. I've found most runners to be, as a group, great folks, with VERY few competitive jerks, but for trail runners, the friendliness factor seemed even higher. It was just a friendly, casual atmosphere, with people out with their dogs/kids/friends/etc. having a good time running in the woods and cheering each other on. If you haven't tried a trail race, consider it. You may really enjoy it!