First Trail Race

I ran my first trail race this past Sunday. It was a 15k/30k race.  You signed up for the race but not a distance so if you wanted you could stop after the first loop (15k) or head out for another loop for the full 30k.  I thought about stopping at 15k but knew i had to test myself and get used to trail running while fatigued. 

The course:
The first mile was somewhat flat.  Mile 2 was uphill with stair steps included.  Mile 3 was slightly uphill but with loads of rocks.  Mile 4 was brutally uphill, loads of rocks and roots.  Mile 5 was up and down and 6 was another nasty climb.  Mile 7-8+ was a steep downhill with the last mile flat.  Then head back out and do it again for 30k.

The race:
All systems were in check the first half of first loop.  The uphills were very tough and I resorted to a few short walks.  I flew down all the hills trying to make up time.  The problem though with fast down hills on a very technical course is foot placement. Between the first and second loop I went down hard 5x. There were several more times I was all but down.

When i crossed the half way point I was pretty much by myself.  There was one gentleman with me that quickly fell back or DNF'ed.  The next couple of miles had me all alone. Around mile 12+ I finally caught someone.  It was a 47 year old woman that had no intention on me just going by.  Even on the small 200 meter section of asphalt she held me off (prob 7 min pace or better).  When we ducked back into the trails I finally passed.  For the next 1/2 mile or so we yo yo'ed back a few times.  Fianlly I passed her for good but it still took another mile to finally drop her.  She was amazing.

Within the next mile or so (15) I caught several more people, primarily because of fast down hill running.  At mile 17 or so (last water stop) it turns into a very steep downhill and I again let it fly.  There were probably 4-6 folks within striking distance and they decided not to use the down hill as much as I did.

Once I hit the flat (last mile or so) I continued to make up significant ground on several runners but never did catch them.  My GPS had it at 18.9 miles, averaging 8:50 per mile.

Although i was completely dead after the race I guess I cant be too upset.  The last loop had me catching 12-15 people and not getting caught myself.  But the trails are very humbling and I now realize that my 50 mile goal pace of 8:30-9:00 is pretty aggressive.

Today (Tuesday, 2 days after race) I went for a SLOW 7 miler (8:30 pace).

A decent effort

Michelle signed the whole family up for the Yardley 5k, our current hometown 5k.  My oldest daughter was really looking forward to this day.  She has shown some recent interest in running.  Her race went well. She ran 27:xx for her first full 5k.  I had debated about running with her and pacing, but I decided to let her go at it alone.  I'm very proud of her.

As for my race...The first mile was 5:41 and it felt uncomfortable.  I have done zero speed training since college and all my training to date has been long "slow" distance with some occasional tempo and fartleks as well.  I eventually moved into second and finished in 18:41.  Not exactly barn burning time but I was going to be happy with anything below 19:00...mission accomplished.

I'm beginning to explore fueling options now and recently tried, with good results, Hammer Gels.  So far my drink of choice has been Nuun tabs but plan on trying Hammer mixes as well.

13 days till 30k
76 days till 50k
124 days till 50 miler