It was at night and cold. I bundled up in four layers but was still freezing. We went to the venue early due to parking and was glad we did. We got prime parking. Our running group had a tent sent up with a small heater. While it was warmer, it wasn't that much warmer than the outside air. But they had snacks and it was out of the wind so that was definitely a perk!
We hung around until race time. We had our head lamps on, mud shoes laced and ready to roll.
I told Matt I would see him at the finish and was off. There was the option of a quarter marathon (little over 6 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) or full marathon (26.2 miles). We only did the quarter. The ground was varied terrain - pavement, mud, ice, water, stairs, bridges, roots, etc. I did the first 3 miles feeling good. They had a water/gatorade station that I took advantage of. I made it to mile 4 okay. Feeling a little more sluggish which, in turn, made me not lift my feet as high as I should. And that created a scenario that I was trying to avoid - I fell. Hard.
My foot hit a small stump and before I knew it, I was on the ground. My left side landed on a tree root. The lady behind me asked numerous times if I was alright. To which I replied, I was fine and popped up. I dusted off the mud and took off again. It took me a few feet to realize I wasn't 'fine'. Not only had the wind gotten knocked out of me but my left quad muscle was locked, my elbow was feeling pinched and my ribs hurt tremendously. After a few more steps, I straightened my elbow and it popped back in place. My ribs hurt with every breath and I thought they were broken or cracked. My thigh though....it was the worst. At mile 5, I stopped at the water station again (and they had some trail mix) and enjoyed a moment of just stopping and evaluating the situation. Yup, still hurt.
At mile 6, I was running slow. So slow, that I was wondering if I was moving at all. I would run a bit, walk a bit, run a bit, walk a bit....or should I say limp?
My running watch was saying I was at 6.5 miles.....where was the stinking finish line?!?!
I came around a turn and there it was....I pushed and ran across the line and got stuck in the line to do another lap for the half - nooooo thank you! I quickly rectified that predicament!
The snacks were fantastic - chips, pretzels, fruit, water, gatorade, hot chocolate, donuts.....Lordy!
There were only a couple people that were there from our group there already so I waited at the finish for the group that was walking (my husband being in the group). I waited almost an hour and they crossed the line!
I was in so much pain that I could barely move. The next day was worse but I realize my rips were merely bruised. Not sure what is going on with the quad but as of today (2 days later), I am still sore but better.
The event was still fantastic. It is was exhilarating and peaceful. I love trail running and with this series we will do a summer run too and get a medal for doing both (3 medals for doing two races).
Despite the injuries and cold- it was a great time!
#BeastMode
So, the review of the event Winter Trail Night Run:
Terrain - predominately trails, mud, ice, roots, etc
Organization - Organized fairly well
Cost - $42 per person
Time of Race - 6:00pm
Overall - it was great, their snacks were fantastic, got a long sleeved shirt, glow sticks
Award - participation medal
My Time 1 hour and 37 minutes for 7 miles
Race # -3
 |
| Ready to roll |
 |
| Finished despite taking a tumble |
