I just want to race. There's jack for Saturday races in Portland from October to March. Surprising, I know. You'd think there would be races every weekend in a place like this but not so, except for the random Sunday run. Anyway, seeing how this was on Saturday and only 30 minutes from my house, I decided to brave the rain and race. From to event website : Very
scenic single and double track trails around the Willamette Mission
State Park. Mostly flat 6 mile loop course with portions along the
river. Expect very muddy conditions and heck, you may hafta wade
through some water too! Be prepared for tons of mud and standing water
on the course! If you are concerned about getting a little wet or
filthy, I would think twice about participating! The course will be
well marked with ribbon and arrows. Dogs are always welcome. Awards
for the Top 3 overall Male and Female Victims Finishers and first place age group winners! Random prizes will be given away from our fine sponsors. Sounds like fun, right? 6 miles to warm up and then jumped into the race. I followed the leader for about 2 minutes but didn't enjoy not seeing my footing so I took the lead a quarter mile in. Lots of hairpin turns, puddles, muck, mud, logs to jump over (glad I ran steeplechase in college); basically just what you'd expect from a trail race in January in Oregon. I wouldn't say it was fun but it was an experience to say the least. I prefer the roads but can appreciate the trail as well. It's a whole different type of race as you can't open up your stride and really 'race.' I would have enjoyed it more if it hadn't been so darn muddy. 90% of the race it felt like I was slipping on banana peels. It was like seeing a cartoon character when they don't move forward but their legs are spinning in circles beneath them. Anywho, I was ready to be done about mile 5 but the 2nd place guy was catching up so I kept running. Blah. Not the best time but given the conditions.... The biggest disappointment was that I walked away feeling unfulfilled. Racing to me is going 'all out' and I just couldn't do that on this course. Oh well. I guess there's always the Shamrock run in Medford in March. 6 more miles while waiting for awards/drawings. They gave out 3 pairs of new shoes and I struck out each time. Bummer. C2 (184) Y2 (472)
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