Fall Fell Trail Run (7mi) Report

AWESOME!! Absolutely LOVED my very first time doing a water crossing!!

Ok, let me back up! This was another great KC Trail Nerds and Mudbabe event! And of course a huge shoutout to Dick Ross at SeeKCrun for these great pics!!

The race started at 9am (another reason I love these events). After breakfast of 2 Eggo Waffles smeared with Nutella yummy goodness and a half cup of milk, followed by a 10min panic because I could not find my car keys that I had apparently put in my bag of stuff yesterday..I got to Kill Creek Park with 30mins to spare. I signed the waiver, paid my $8 plus my small $2 contribution to keep trails managed, listened to Bad Ben’s instructions and we were off towards the trails!

I ran with two other Mudbabes that I’ve started to keep pace with, Lisa and Rachel. They both ran the KC Half Marathon yesterday, so were taking this one easy. I doubt I would have that kind of legs to keep me running 7miles on trails after a pretty hilly half. You ladies are awesome!! Lisa lead the first 2 miles or so and then we switched to where I was up front. For some time, we did not see any of the pink flags that mark the trail, but it was pretty much one path, so I kept moving. The course was pretty technical and had tons of rocks. All the fallen leaves made it a little tricky at times to see some of the loose rocks. But we were doing well…and then it was time to cross the creek!! My first time crossing water! I took it easy for the first section and it looked a little slippery, but decided to just go into the water during the latter half.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The crossing led to the out and back section with a lollipop loop for the turn around. That section kicked butt!!! This was where a lot of walking came in, as we also had to move for the faster runners on their way back! Speedsters :) It constantly amazes me how some of these runners can run 7-8 min mile paces on such rocky terrain! Crazy and Amazing group! Once we turned around and was abut half way, I got the ok for Lisa and Rachel to keep going, so I went on. Hit the creek crossing again and this time just went for it, splashing water and all :) Thank Goodness for trail shoes that drain really well. After crossing the water, I felt pretty good like it revived me. So during the latter part I felt good and was able to finish strong! Finish time according the Garmin was 1:40:13. I know it seems pretty slow for some, but I was pretty thrilled to break the 15min/mile for a trail race!!! Yey for a pair of Mizuno moisture wicking socks thanks to our awesome Mudbabe leader Sophia making sure I had one :) Muddy Hugs and we missed her today as she was working!!

Got home, downed some Hammer Recoverite, did an hour of p90x X stretch and chilled with Recovery socks on! My IT band seemed to hold up today as well. Gotta keep on that yoga, foam rolling and sticking. This afternoon I looked back at the races I’ve done this year and of the 8 completed so far, 4 have been Trail races. And looks like I’ve got 2 more before 2011! Hmmm…think I’ve grown to like this trail running past time :) Might be time to get me of these too!!

Tomorrow we’ve got a Mizuno Run With Us event, so it’ll be paved trail running and adding mileage as I build towards Gobbler Grind Half Marathon. Bring it!!!