Are you ready? It’s time for the story of my very first trail race.
Those of you who know me well may be surprised that I would opt for a trail race.
I mean, I love nature. Outside. Where it belongs.
I don’t like sweating, or getting dirty, or being without a cell signal, or lack of indoor plumbing. I don’t like snakes and I don’t like chupacabras.
It’s amazing that I run at all.
But everyone raves about how trail runs and races are so different and wonderful (Stacey, I’m looking at you), and so I, always one to try new things, decided to go for it.
Funny story about this race. I had sent a link to the FL*ROC 13.1 at Princess Place & 5K to Mr PugRunner as a suggestion for a Christmas gift. When I opened the card with the registration confirmation, I noticed that instead of the 5K, he had signed me up for the half! Gulp!
We had a good laugh over it – he said he realized after he submitted the registration that there even was a 5K, and I emailed the race director, who very graciously permitted me to drop down. Had it been a road race, I would have taken my chances, but I really didn’t know what to expect or how to really prepare for 13.1 miles on trails, and thought the wiser course of action would be to start small.
Mr PugRunner and little man planned to come out and cheer, but as race day approached, Mr PugRunner was down with a sinus issue and I was worried about them being out there for I don’t know how long. The race location was about 45 minutes away with morning of packet pickup, and I felt bad asking them to get up so early on a Saturday. We compromised by agreeing that when the race was over, we would meet for breakfast.
Since check-in started at 6:00, with the 5K scheduled for 8:00, I figured I could plan to get there by 6:20. The drive was an adventure in itself: once I got off the interstate, the GPS directed me along some pretty dark and poorly marked roads before I turned into Princess Place Preserve. Which was comprised of very narrow dirt roads. And one questionable wooden bridge. The speed limit was about 15MPH for most of it, to which I adhered, despite the car behind me, who was clearly more familiar with the area (Sorry, buddy). After what felt like forever, I saw signs for the parking area and had to come to a dead stop for an armadillo crossing the road.
Ah, nature.
I had brought an older pair of shoes, as well as a newer pair. An email received a day or two prior had indicated that this wasn’t a very technical trail, and would be mostly comprised of packed dirt and some pavement. I figured if that was the case, I could wear “good shoes.” However, the grass to get to the check-in tent was sodden, and so I laced into the older pair for the time being.
I got my bib and a really soft t-shirt, and then I waited in the car for a bit. It was pretty chilly out, and still dark.
Between the 5K and the half, there were less than 200 participants, and it created a very different vibe than the larger road races I normally run. There were different faces, different varieties of shoes (in fact, one man ran completely barefoot!) and different equipment. I didn’t feel particularly out of my depth, but it was all very new, too.
After the half went out, I walked around to stretch, and used the bathroom. The announcer started to gather us up around 7:50, and chatted for a bit.
He advised that there were some pretty big stretches of mud on the trail (yay for not wearing the new shoes!) and that while the course was well-marked, to be sure to always turn opposite of the covered bridges. If we ended up on a bridge, we were off route. I translated that to “may God have mercy on your souls” and vowed to pay extra attention to bridges.
The race began without much fanfare. Since it was gun timed, I started closer to the front, but there was plenty of room to spread out so I didn’t worry too much about holding anyone up.
I had forgotten to bring the ear buds for my iPod so I was music-less for this race. Which wasn’t a bad thing. I spent the 3.1 miles trying to take it all in. The trail was beautiful, sometimes bending along the river, and sometimes disappearing into a canopy of trees.
We ran on grass and dirt, over some roots and coquina shells. There were some pretty significant patches of mud, and even some horse droppings (I sent out a silent prayer that barefoot guy had missed all those). I knew that my pace would be slower than on the road, but I felt good, even with the mix of different surfaces and uneven ground. I’m sure I would have felt better with newer shoes.
Along the 5K route were two manned water stops. There were also great course markings, and even a couple of volunteers stationed along the way to point out the right direction. Best of all, I kept away from the bridges. Clearly, I was already a pro.
The race ended along the waterfront. I passed the finish line and collected a pint glass and a huge deer head medal.
I guess this is the only way I’ll ever have a deer head in my house.
My goal for the race was under 40:00. I wasn’t sure how long it would take to navigate the terrain, and that time felt reasonable. I was thrilled to come in under 35:00. It was a pretty nice confidence boost.
The after party was nice: plenty of beer and beans and rice with a great view and music. I had a long drive home so I couldn’t stay too long, but it was so nice to relax with a cold one, gazing out over the water. There were even some dolphins, which was awesome.
This was a great event. It was well organized, with wonderful volunteers. Aid stations were plentiful, and all the athletes were so nice. The vibe was much more low key than at the road races I usually run, but it was a nice atmosphere.
In fact, the only only only only flaw with this race was that there were no finish line photographers. I know that sounds vain, but I would have loved (and bought) a snap with the view of the water and the trees.
Do you prefer road racing or trail racing?
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen out on the trails?
I’ve never done a trail race, but I’d definitely be down for a 5K! This sounds really lovely!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Dopey Challenge Race Recap, Part 3
It was really nice and different. Very different.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
What a pretty run! I agree that they should have had photographers at the finish line….everyone wants a souvenir!
Maureen recently posted…Whole30 Round 2, Day 1 {WIAW}
I imagine it has something to do with keeping costs down, but it would have been nice to have some photographic evidence that I was out in the wild LOL! Next time, I know for sure to bring Mr PugRunner so he can be on camera duty.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
I am so not a trail race runner either! But hey look at you coming in 5 min under goal! Congrats
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Quality
I was pretty proud of myself! It wasn’t a lofty goal, but I had no idea what to expect out there.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
Congrats on your first trail run! I had to laugh a little at your description of how outdoorsy you are…I like to think I’m pretty outdoorsy, but then I remember I don’t like dirt, or bugs, or getting lost 😉
And that medal is AWESOME!!
Ariana recently posted…Plant-Based Sun Butter Energy Balls
I am very much a city dweller. Give me skyscrapers and concrete and I am very happy. I am trying to become more adventurous, and I’m always surprising myself. I don’t know that trail running would replace road running for me, but it’s always nice to mix things up.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
Hahaha I love how “outdoorsy” you are! But great race pictures!
Jessica recently posted…Maternity Photos with Sew Trendy and Amanda Nicole Photography
If anything, I’m honest about my shortcomings! I am trying to put myself out there!
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
This sounds like a great race! Congrats on a great run!
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Truthful Tuesday
Thanks, Stacie!
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
I haven’t done a trail race but I’ve got some I’m considering for fall. Of course, a trail run here in the midwest is a little different than Florida. No snakes or armadillos. No gators.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Less is more: Quality race training
And no chupacabras! I imagine there might be some yeti or bigfoot type creatures in your neck of the proverbial woods! Give it a try!
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
Sounds like a fun race! I love the trails. I need to find more trails to run around me in Philly because the scenery is amazing and it’s a nice distraction!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…ZOOMA Run Love 10K Training Week 2
Definitely a distraction. I barely even noticed I didn’t have music, which was nice.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
I’m hooked on trails now and have mostly given up concrete runs. Love getting out and seeing new places.
Shannon recently posted…Winter training plans
Have you, really? I don’t think I could give up on road races, but I will definitely supplement.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
This sounds like a great first trail race! My first trail run, not so great! I too do NOT get along with nature. Love that finishers medal.
Becki S recently posted…Stick To Your Guns: Snacking To Lose Weight in 2016
Nature can be kind of unpredictable, so I get you on that!
The medal was a fantastic surprise.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
I’m still laughing with this recap. I don’t like chupacabras either. I am definitely a road racer. The very few times I have encountered anything other than pavement, I find the instability makes fatigue faster. I’m gonna need a whole bunch of more miles before I would even consider a trail race. Congratulations!
No one likes the chupacabra, Frank. No one.
You definitely do work harder out on the trails. It was easier on my knees and ankles, for sure, but I know my efforts were greatly increased.
It took me a long time to ever consider getting out on the trails, but I’m glad I did.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
Great race. I love the idea of trail races but I got a severe in jury on the trail in October so I am nervous about tackling them again, it looks beautiful!
Toni recently posted…I Can Run!
Oh, no! They can certainly be dangerous and it’s so easy to lose your footing and get hurt, so I can totally understand your hesitation. I hope you can get back out there one day soon.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23
Sounds like a great run! and like it was perfect for one’s first trail race. I love the deer medal as well. Perhaps I’ll do a trail race this spring!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Spontaneous Trip to Arizona
Give it a shot! It’s a different experience but definitely worth it!
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 1.17 – 1.23