My Second Trail Race Ever: A Recap
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| Colleen and me high-10ing right after I crossed the finish line. Photo courtesy MCRRC. |
…and my first Low-Key Montgomery County Road Runners Club race!
Last week, at the encouragement of my friend Colleen, I signed back up for the Montgomery County Road Runners Club. It’s been a couple of years since I was a member, but something about the encouragement from Colleen, just completing the Ragnar Trail Relay, and a major pending race announcement I’ve been keeping from you guys had me feeling like it was a no-brainer.
The first race I would run was the Cross Country On the Farm 5k. Colleen warned me that it wouldn’t be rocky and rooty like the Ragnar Trail, but that there would likely be a lot of grass running. I’m not a huge fan of running in the grass, despite playing in grass volleyball tournaments every so often, plus my years of playing softball; however, I was very happy to not have to run on rocks and roots!
Race day had a decent drizzle, but it wasn’t really rainy, and the temperature was actually perfect for a run. Because of the wet weather, there was a fair bit of mud, which was not ideal. I’ve been extra clumsy lately, which does not pair well with water and mud. The race had some rolling hills, but it wasn’t a very technical run. Nonetheless, my clumsiness persisted. Needless to say, I’m still rehabbing a pretty badly rolled ankle from Sunday (it’s probably really a sprain, but I rebuke it!).
Although this was called a Low Key Race, there were plenty of volunteers, and the course was well marked. There was a pre-race warmup stretch, plenty of coffee, water, and food at the start/finish line, and everything was very well-run and organized. I felt like my membership paid for itself in just the first race!
Watch this video to relive the course!
I’m going to take a few weeks off from racing so that I can work on strength and flexibility while resting my ankle when I can, but I’m feeling like I’m finally enjoying running races again! I’m really falling in love with trail running, which just has such endless possibilities. I can’t wait to see what running has in store for me over the next year. Who knows? Maybe I’ll end up running in the cold weather after all!
Are you a member of your local Road Runners Club? Have you ever run a trail race? How do you feel like running in the cold and/or the rain? Share your responses in the comments!
HOORAY FOR TRAILS!!!! You know they are my favorite 😉
HOORAY FOR TRAILS!!!! You know they are my favorite 😉
I discovered a love of trail running for the first time this summer.
Our local running club sponsors them (and races.)
Have not raced one yet – too nervous that I would fall.
Good for you.
I have run many times in the rain…do't like it esp if it is cold or the distance is more than a 5k.
Hope your ankle injury is not serious. You confirmed why i cannot race trails.
I loved hearing about this the other night. Perhaps I will get up the nerve to do a Ragnar trail one of these days
Ugh. I'm sorry about the ankle. I've done some trails and I really like them, but they're hard for me to train on due to having to run really early or really late in the Florida heat.
Our local Road Runners clubs are all about 30 minutes or more away so that's challenging too. It's easier just to roll out of my bed in the morning and hit the street outside my house.
Ugh. I'm sorry about the ankle. I've done some trails and I really like them, but they're hard for me to train on due to having to run really early or really late in the Florida heat.
Our local Road Runners clubs are all about 30 minutes or more away so that's challenging too. It's easier just to roll out of my bed in the morning and hit the street outside my house.
I have yet to do a trail race but am definitely interested in trying one. Bummer about your ankle!
I have yet to do a trail race but am definitely interested in trying one. Bummer about your ankle!
You're one of the main people who has inspired me to run them more often! Now, if I could just get my ankles to get in on the action. 😛
You're one of the main people who has inspired me to run them more often! Now, if I could just get my ankles to get in on the action. 😛
Oh no! I'm a klutz, so don't take this to be normal! I had a lot of fun, despite the injury, and am looking forward to more trail races in the future. Now rain… that is one thing I can't make an excuse for. It is not my favorite condition to run in!
Oh no! I'm a klutz, so don't take this to be normal! I had a lot of fun, despite the injury, and am looking forward to more trail races in the future. Now rain… that is one thing I can't make an excuse for. It is not my favorite condition to run in!
You totally should! I think they're more fun than the Ragnar Road because you actually get to hang out with your teammates most of the time! It's definitely tougher, but I felt like such a badass at the end of it all!
You totally should! I think they're more fun than the Ragnar Road because you actually get to hang out with your teammates most of the time! It's definitely tougher, but I felt like such a badass at the end of it all!
Oh, I bet it's tough to train in Florida! I've been a gazillion times in my life, but I've only run one race (and it was early!). That stinks that there isn't a RRC nearby. I hope there are other running groups!
Oh, I bet it's tough to train in Florida! I've been a gazillion times in my life, but I've only run one race (and it was early!). That stinks that there isn't a RRC nearby. I hope there are other running groups!
It is so thrilling running trails! There's more pressure when it's part of the race, but it's so easy to tune everything out on the trail races versus the road race.
It is so thrilling running trails! There's more pressure when it's part of the race, but it's so easy to tune everything out on the trail races versus the road race.
You go girl! I'm scared to run on trails because I would no doubt fall and most likely injure myself.
You go girl! I'm scared to run on trails because I would no doubt fall and most likely injure myself.
I've not tried the trails yet…did short distances here and there but nothing serious…sorry to hear about your ankle
I've not tried the trails yet…did short distances here and there but nothing serious…sorry to hear about your ankle