Earth Day 3 mile trail race report.

This morning I again abandoned my bed ridden, pregnant wife to go to a race about 30 miles away.  I went because some friends invited me and I told them I would go before she went on bed rest. 

The race started at 10 and I didn't meet up with them until about 9:50.  I started to think that they stood me up. 

They like to take their time and chat while they run.  I just can't do it.  Especially when there was a guy who was running for charity.  Money was donated for everyone who beat him.  I am usually about 2 minutes behind him in a 5K.  When the race started, my buddy gave me his blessing to go.  I was able to stay within about 100 meters of him for the first two miles.  Since it was a trail race, I would lose sight of him often and was surprised when I was in the same position when he would come in to view again.   There was also a two loop section with a muddy puddle that was about 10 yards long.  It was kind of fun flying through it when the guy next to me tried to tip toe through it.  He passed me back up the next hill when I had to walk a bit.  The trail kind of kicked my ass.  I don't     usually run on trails and 9 hours after the race, my ancles hurt.  There were lots of roots, rocks and again, the puddle.

The last quarter mile or so was a around a field and we could see everyone in front of us.  I had no chance to catch the fella as he was about 200-300 yards ahead.  I did pick off a few others in the last 1/4 and finished in 24:05.  I was really happy with the time considering the challenging course.  There was also a lot of up and down.

Here is the cool part.  I took third in the 30-39 age group which won me a tree.  That thing is going in the middle of my yard with spot lights and a plaque.  I may hire a professional to nurture for years to come.  When I came through the crowd, the announcer did a double take and said, "boy, there is a powerful runner".  I laughed at the discription and claimed my tree.  I was like a giddy kid all the way home thinking of my prize!

me and my tree:

CONGRATS SCOTT!!!!!!

How great, and I love the description (except for abandoning the wife, but I'm sure she and your soon to be little one will have years of shady enjoyment from your new tree!)

I'm considering to a 5K trail run in May, but have not run trails before, and unsure if I  need to do anything differently. My shoes (under armor) are in real good shape...I can barely feel it when a pine cone gets stuck in the tread!
  Any tips would be appreciated, and again CONGRATS!!!! 

Thanks a lot.

I would say that doing some trail work before the race would be a good idea.  Its not like road or treadmill running.  If you don't you will still do fine.  Some people would suggest trail shoes but again, for one race just wear what you have.  Good luck.

man, that's a a great time for 3 miles but for 3 miles on a trail (with puddle!) it is awesome.  great work, enjoy the tree!

It was fun to break it up a bit with the trail.  Thanks for the kind words.

Congrats Scott!! 

How about some Christmas lights on the tree year round?? I bet they'd look great!!

Again, nice work on your race!!  Third is pretty kick ass!!

The lights are a good idea.   I have to think about that one.

Scott,
Great job and way to tear up the course.   Wow, having that tree will give you a lot of great memories to remember you finish.
Rob

I am going to have to find a special place for it.

Good job and what a great time!  You'll always remember that tree and how you got it.

Duane