One of my unofficial running goals in 2015 is to run a true trail race. My only experience with trail races so far has been snowy Turkey Trots runs through the woods in Pennsylvania (which doesn’t advertise itself as a trail race, even though 75% involves trails), and I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
So I’m upping my game … 6.1 miles through the woods over Memorial Day weekend for the Powisset Farm Trail Run! Eeeeek!
But I couldn’t pass down an opportunity to: (a) run a race less than 20 minutes from home; (b) run in an area that I’m familiar with from our family hikes, and (c) participate in a race that supports the Trustees of the Reservation, an organization that preserves land, nature, and historic places in Massachusetts (which we’re proud members of).
Okay, that’s all well and good. Registering is the easy part. The hard part will be the mental transition from road running to the trail running.
For me, running has always been a competitive thing. Beating my old time. Beating others in my age group. Getting a new PR. Staring compulsively at my Garmin.
But trail races aren’t so much about speed as they are about finishing, about the experience.That’s not to say you want to run slow, but running on different terrains with roots and rocks and other things that could trip you up — never mind the fierce inclines — doesn’t really lend itself to sprinting.
So this represents a total mind shift for me — from running for time to just getting through the race and completing it to the best of my ability. To being in the present, to focusing on my surroundings and the racers around me. To not comparing my 10K road race times to 6.1 miles of off-road racing.
I admit I’m pretty excited about this challenge. Because that’s what it will be…a challenge, albeit a fun one. Sure, it’s not going to be a piece of cake, but I’m looking forward to shaking up my running routine, taking myself out of my comfort zone, and just enjoying running in a whole new way.
RFC says
Awesome! My first trail race was almost a religious experience. These days, I cant’ believe I spent so much time on the pavement! I LOVE trail running, can’t get enough of it! I wrote a few posts with tips, I hope you can find these helpful!
http://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/2015/02/benefits-trail-running-6-reasons-hit-trails/
http://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/2014/10/trail-running-etiquette-tips/
http://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/2013/11/tips-for-trail-running-at-night/#
Have fun out there!
Jessica says
Awesome, thank you, Heather 🙂
Liz says
You’ll love it! They are challenging but very fun 🙂
Diane @runninrocker says
I just now posted my race recap of my first ever trail race that I ran yesterday so I loved coming across this post! OMG – it’s so much fun! Speaking from my experience, it was WAY harder than running city street half marathons (which is my usual race). This trail was a 15K (9.36 miles) but it did NOT feel shorter than a 1/2! BUT the CHALLENGE was so amazing that I can’t wait to do it again. This race had very steep inclines so my suggestion there would be trail shoes! I love the Brooks Cascadias my husband bought me right after I signed up. I swore I didn’t need new shoes but during this race, I was totally thanking him! Also, I think I usually run a lot with my glutes but this trail also took calves and quads…great workout though. Anyhow, those are my suggestions haha like I’m an expert! YOU WILL LOVE IT!
Kristen says
Yay congrats! I’m thinking about signing up for at least one trail race this summer. I love running in the woods and I think I’d like it a lot! Good luck with training!