Race Review- Sulphur Springs 10km Trail Race (my first)

I am sore. Big time.
First - how cool is it that a Canadian won the Giro today? That is unbelievable and so awesome. Seriously one of the biggest sporting wins by a Canadian ever - in any sport.

Okay, so I decided to run my first trail run - the Sulphur Springs 10km race this weekend. I thought I was prepared as I was running the trails at Bronte Creek, getting my legs moving again, and had plenty of km's for this 10km run. We got to Ancaster in plenty of time, got our race kit (which included a pair of sandals which are great), warmed up, and headed to the starting line for our 8:15am start. But we didn't start - and we waited, and waited, and waited. Apparently some of the information out there said it would be a 8:30 start so they didn't want to leave people behind. Why they wouldn't have just announced an 8:30 start is beyond me but standing there for 20 minutes sucked.

So the gun finally goes off and we hit the trails. Right off the start we proceed down a hill. This hill kept going, and going, and going, and going. Seriously was big. That's when I started thinking that I am going to have to up this thing at some point. Also going down the hill I felt a tweek in my hamstring. Now I am worried. I slowed down a bit and realized I could run with this - just not full out.

The trails on this course were undulating to say the least. Constantly up and down which was a killer. Those trails at Bronte I was talking about? No real undulating hills so there goes my thoughts on great training!! At around the 4km mark we started going up a hill that kept going, and going, and going. That's when I realized what was happening. We were going up a different hill - but the same distance as that one we went down in the beginning!!!  I made it to the top and was struggling but somehow caught my breath, and started pacing behind a couple at about a 5min pace. This felt great. I kept this up for the next 5kms or so until I hit the big hill - which I realized represented the end of the race.

I hit the top of the hill, rounded the corner and finished my first trail race in 55 minutes (although I do believe it was bit shorter than 10km - probably 9.5km).  I loved running the trails. Was I jealous of the 25km, 50km, and 100 mile runners on the trail? A little bit - and I can totally see myself doing the 25km race next year (or maybe the 100 mile relay?????). Outside of the start fiasco this was a great race - well organized, lots of signage on the trails, food at the end  - overall a great race.

I completely see myself doing this trail running thing quite a bit this summer....it is such a great change from road running.

Race Week!! - My first trail run race

I was heading out for a run about 2 1/2 weeks ago and started out with my usual route - down my street onto Upper Middle as I have a number of different routes I take depending on how long I am going to go from that point. About 1km in I decided - wait - why don't I turn around and head into Bronte Creek Provincial Park for a run. I turned around, hit the park, and I have not looked back since.

Running the trails was like a revelation for me. No cars - no music - no street lights, stop signs and looking around your shoulder to see if a car is turning right - just myself and the trail. Do I jump when a squirrel jumps onto the trail? Absolutely. But do I feel like I am in a different world (a better one)? Yup.

Now I must be very upfront with everyone. I am NOT trying to turn into Gary Robbins (www.gary-robbins.com/). Great job in Spain Gary. However this has once again refueled my passion for running. Every day that I am in the park I realize how great it is  - different trails, routes, distances - everything I am looking for in a run.

Oh - and it is race week!!! My first trail race so I am indeed starting small - the Sulpher Springs 10km trail race (http://www.burlingtonrunners.com/index.cfm?pagepath=Club_Races/Sulphur_Springs_Trail_Run&id=5711) I have been running 3 - 4 times a week, over 10km on the long runs,and as mentioned the last few weeks have been on the trails, still going to spinning, playing baseball on Monday night, and riding the Bronte Creek trails with Emma quite a bit. 

I am very excited to run this race and it might change my schedule for the rest of the year if I enjoy it. I am really thinking that instead of a half marathon in the fall ( or in addition to) I might do the Run for the Toad's 25km race. I am not going all out - would love to finsh this in under an hour but we will see....

Can't wait for Saturday.

The next chapter begins....

So my self imposed break is over...time to get back at it.Thought I would give an update on what I have been up to, what my short terms plans are, and how I am going to destroy Around the Bay 2013(registration just opened).

Before I do I will put this out to anyone who wants to run a race this year please let me know!!! I am totally open to run with anyone and unless you are planning a full marathon or ultra this year I will run for sure. Even if it is your first 5km LET ME KNOW!!

So what I have been up to? Well to be honest not a lot of running. I have only been running about 10 - 15 kms per week since ATB. My body was really tired and for the first time in a long time I wasn't loving the run. I was going back to the gym and spinning a couple times a week which I totally love doing and forgot how great of a workout it is. My issue right now is that the only reason I am going to the gym is the spinning classes so I might cancel that membership and look for a place that does spinning only. I also looked at some pictures of me from 16 months ago (like this one) and realize a trip down memory lane certainly does motivate me.

However, in the past week or two I have been hitting the road again and the love of running is certainly coming back. I need to go slow and ease up my mileage again but I finally feel great. No IT Band issues, nerve issues, any issues with the legs other than getting them use to running again and building the base. It is also nice that summer is back - no more wearing four layers and gloves and everything else that comes with running in the cold. It feels great.

Something new I have been doing which happened by accident is running without music. My iphone armband ripped and I haven't taken the time to get a new one. I always believed the only way to run was with music and that is was impossible to run without it. I will be honest and say I am really enjoying the run without music. I seem more in tune with the run. I am sure when the long runs come back I will appreciate the music but until the 15km runs come up - no music for me.

So what's next? After much consideration (okay not that much) I have come up with my plan for the next few months. I am the type that I need a goal - a race - something to keep me extra motivated. So here goes:
May 26 (in honour of Gary Robbins) - Sulpher Springs 10km Trail Run.
I really want to hit the trails and with Bronte Creek Park right beside me why wouldn't I?? I believe I am going to get KILLED here but let's try it.

July 1 - Canada day 5km Race - Burlington Downtown
Really want to break the 23 minute barrier this time

Saturday, September 22nd - Toronto Zoo 5km run
I am sooo excited for this one - Emma's first 5km run!!!

Really tempted to sign up the Run for the Toad 25km...should I????

Sunday, November 4th - Hamilton Marathon (Half)
Totally looking for a PB in this one. It was my first half ever last year and I know I can beat it.

And then it will be the ATB push. Can't wait.