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).