February 12 1996
Trail running is new to me. But, being new to running, most everything is new. This Sund y I raced in a trail run series. The races are every 2 weeks and get 20% longer leading to a 50K. The one I did was 15K. (my first trail run)
When I heard about the trail run I was thinking of wide dirt trails and fire roads. But these trails were small about 6" to a foot wide with rocks and huge holes to trip on. And very, very, VERY BIG hills both up and down. The area was overgrown and the trail twisted and turned so you did not see very far ahead.
The trail was marked by ribbon on bushes (sometimes). I got lost and added 2 extra miles. So my time was nothing to brag about at 2:10.
What a run!! I am sore today in places that never get sore from running. This was harder than the two 1/2 marathons I did a few weeks ago.
It was a blast. Down hill was like skiing. On the edge of loosing control every foot plant could be a disaster. No room to pass and with people behind you. You are pulled along with the group.
Up hill you run full tilt (watch your footing). I keep asking the people behind if they want to pass. Some do, but many just say, "Oh no, you are doing just fine".
Sore ankles and sore quads are making me walk funny today.
This type of running uses a set of skills and mussels that you don't use on the road. I am going to be back in 2 weeks for the 18K. Guess I have some new type of training to do.
It was a blast!!
But today my quads hurt (ouch). It hurts to walk and the non-running people in my office are at it again. "See you are going to hurt yourself running"
I try to tell them this is a good hurt (sore mussels), not an injury. Nothing is broken and in two days my quads will be back, stronger than before.
I guess all new runners have to take these comments from their non-running friends.
Is there a time when they think you are just one of those crazy people and give up trying to talk you out of running?
Author: John W. Meacham
Copyright (c) 1996
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