I know this recap is a bit overdue, but here it is: On Memorial Day, I ran my first ever trail race, the Powisett Farm Trail Run, a 6.1 trek through the trails of Powisset Farm and neighboring Noanet Woodlands, about 20 miles outside Boston.
And I survived. Although I will fully admit it was an incredibly humbling experience, even though I went in with a simple goal: finish in one piece without breaking or straining anything. Hurrah!
I swear I’m not being dramatic, but it was probably my hardest race ever, just eeeking out last year’s Hartford Half Marathon. I know much of it is due to the fact that I rarely run on trails (obviously), but I only realized post-race that much of my difficulty was probably more mental than anything. But more to come on that.
This was a small. inaugural race of less than 200 runners, some of whom were running the 6.1 race and some (like Dr. G.) were running the 8.8 race. After a bit of an issue at check-in, we gathered our really nice tech T-shirts and waited for the start, since runners competing in both distances were starting together.
The first 1-1.5 miles was a quick loop through the farm before entering the Noanet Woodlands and all it’s rocky, hilly craziness. Around mile 2, my feet started bothering me (of course — me and my foot issues) and I thought, Ugh, 4 more miles of this?!
The course included a little bit of everything: packed dirt, lose rocks, inclines where you hop over larger rocks. And as a newbie rail runner, I found it hard to relax out there. I tried to zone out and enjoy my surroundings, which were beautiful, but I felt I had to analyze every step, every path I took, to ensure I didn’t trip over a rock or stumble and twist an ankle.
It was kind of stressful; I felt like I couldn’t let my guard down or relax, unlike with road racing and my long runs, when I can mentally check out and almost go on autopilot. Trail running, for me, required my full and utmost concentration.
It was also more physically taxing than I bargained for. I’d had people tell me to expect to run a trail course as a far slower rate than a 10K road race, and they were right. But I also realized I held myself differently during the race, that my posture was different (probably during some of those brutal climbs and downhills), which explains why I woke up with a sore neck and upper shoulders the next morning.
But there’s no denying it was gorgeous, and the scenery was a breath of fresh air compared to the suburban roads I normally run on. And the shade was glorious!
My favorite part was also the hardest: a short but an insanely steep climb up Noanet Peak, where the payoff is this gorgeous view of the Boston city skyline.
In the end, I didn’t do too terribly: 57:37, a 9:27 pace. Definitely slower, as expected, than my 10K pace but I’m pleased considering this was my first trail race. Cross that one off the bucket list!
Now the important question: Will I do another trail race? Honestly, I’m not quite sure. If I do, I will definitely be sure to add a couple of train runs into the mix beforehand and not try to wing it again.
Amy @ Running on Faith and Coffee says
Congratulations!! It looks like fun.
I’ve never done a trail race nor do I think I ever will. I am clumsy enough and injury prone, I need to stick to flat surfaces!
Jessica says
That’s what I thought too — I trip over my own feet. I think that’s why I found trail running mentally exhausting — always thinking about where to step 🙂
Jamie King says
YAY, welcome to the most wonderful world of trail running. I pretty much don’t do any other kind of racing, just trails and ultras on trails for me. I always love when more runners start getting on the trails 😉
Congrats on a great first race!
Jessica says
Thanks!! I can see why people love it 😉
Jennifer says
Congrats! Would love to run a trail race this year.
Kristen says
Trail running looks beautiful, but it sounds so tough! I really want to make it a goal to run a trail race at some point this year. Although at my pace, I’ll be running pretty slow on the trails!
Jessica says
I was slower for sure and it was definitely tough, but I’m glad I tried it! 🙂
Liz says
I learned the hard way about not zoning out while running trails, and it was in the form of super-manning into the shrubs on the side of the trail after I didn’t lift my foot up high enough over a rock. Hilarious. So glad I was with a friend to witness it too!