Saturday, August 9, 2008

My legs...they have been worked

It's only 12:30 and my legs feel like they're ready to go to bed for the rest of the day.

I participated in the Arcata Sunrise Rotary and HealthSPORT Trail Run this morning, and I can say now that nothing chews me up and spits me out the way trail running does.

But it worked me in a good way. And I survived.

The course was gorgeous. Trails weaved through a redwood forest, the canopy so thick that it was too dark for sunglasses. I knew it would be hard when we reached our first hill at the 1/2-mile mark. A steep hill that seemed to climb forever, and continued around corners endlessly. I wasn't disappointed.

This course had some of the steepest hills I had ever seen. Seriously, there were at least two hills I walked up and felt like I was losing ground with every step. It was freakin' nuts! At least there were downhill sections after the uphills, but the uphills were quad killers.

I'm not ashamed to admit I walked up some of the hills. But I ran more than I walked, so I consider this a victory. When I crossed the finish line, I was so happy that I did this run. And I wasn't last! Yahoo!!!!

I was going to tack on another 2.4 miles to make it eight and qualify for Nancy's 8 on the 8th Virtual race, but my legs had other plans. Sorry, Nancy! Maybe I can squeeze in that additional distance tomorrow....

Today's stats:
Run:
Distance: 5.6 miles
Time: 1:11:20 (according to Garmin; I think my official time was pretty close)
Pace: 12:44 minute/mile

8 comments:

Running Jen said...

Good job! I would love to do a trail run, just sounds so pretty. I do have a fear of tripping all over the place though, as I'm a bit clumsy.

Great job on the race!!

J~Mom said...

Sounds great! I wish we had more trails around here!

J~Mom said...

Great job by the way!! That is a great pace on trails!

Mendy said...

That's awesome you dipped into a little trail running. I'd like to particopate in something like that soon. Good job on that run!!!!

Erin Leigh said...

Sounds awesome, especially the shade canopy part. Good work!!!

Sonia said...

WOO!!! Great job Michelle!!! That was a speedy trail race! I wanted to do my first one next week-end but 1 week from my half (or 10K) I don'T think it would be one of my best ideas!!

Alexandra said...

Good for you for tackling that trail and coming out a winner! I say you're a winner!

It sounds like a scenic trail! I think the beauty makes up for the toughness of these courses.

Nancy said...

No problem, you'll still make the report. Thanks for being out there with us!!


Nanc