1st Trail race / Run Thru Hell race report!

Saturday - Drove about 11 hours from New Orleans, LA to St. Pete, FL area.  Got to sleep about 11 pm

Sunday - Up at 5:30, did mom duty... dressing the kidlet.  Drove about 40 minutes to the race.

I hadn't realized the race was a trail race until the night before!  I thought it was called a Run Thru Hell because it was summer in Tampa!  I was wrong!  LOL

I just started running in August on last year... so I haven't been at this for very long.  I was also recently out of commission for about 3 months because of an IT band injury.  I also still have about 35 pounds to lose, so weight is an issue still. 

It was only a 5k, but the running terrain VARIED HUGELY throughout the race.  Blacktop, sand, tiny little weed covered paths, through branches, a boardwalk, roots, folage, and a huge ditch at the end that stopped me dead in my tracks! 

I started out  with the goal of running (more like a SLOW jog) the entire race.  I just wanted to do the whole thing without stopping for a walk.  About a mile and a half in I realized that I was exhausted from too little sleep, the traveling, and it wasn't going to be the day to do it.  I needed to walk, so I was disappointed in myself, but I was determined that if I was going to walk I would walk as fast as I could and continued to jog periodically through the last 1-1/2...   I was still really scared about the trails.  Every corner I took I was shocked!  I just kind of said to myself "You've got to me kidding me!  I can't believe I am doing this!"  I also thought that these people have to be crazy and then I would realize that I MUST BE CRAZY for doing this - for FUN no less! 

I finished in 42:15 which is a personal record.  Two minutes off my flat course time.  So, with my fourth 5k under my belt and my first trail race I am pretty damn proud of myself.  After I crossed the finish line I cried with relief and disappointment and pride and a rush of emotions!  Never cried at a race before either.  So I guess it was a day of firsts.  

WADDLE ON!!! 

 Very Cool!

It's interesting when the emotions come up and you don't expect it, but what a neat feeling.  

Great accomplishment!  2 minutes off your time is great.

My first trail run was during a triathlon.  Everyone kept talking about THE HILL.  I didn't know how bad it was until I was on it.  I walked up most of it.

You're doing great!  Thanks for posting, and keep up the good work.

Linn

Thank you, Linn!  

I think I actually want to do another trail run.  LOL  As crazy as that was, I was looking up one that's near my home last night.  Supposed to be the 2nd largest in the country and very muddy.  Even though I did one, I am still terrified!  

Thanks again! 

Congrats on completing the race.
I know the frustration of having to stop and that it is real easy to be hard on yourself.  Step back, take a breath and focus on the positives.
You completed the race and you still set a personal record.  All of this on a course you weren't prepared for until the night before.

Congrats!

Scott

Thanks, Scott! 

I love your signature line quote! 

Great Job! Sounds like it was a blast...

Sounds like the name was a good fit for the course with such a varied terrain.  Congratulations on making it through to the finish  . . . and with a PR despite the challenges.

Cassie