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Trail run learning curve

I was a really great student today!
Here is what I learned...

When signing up for a 10K:

  • Double-check that it really is a 10K... 7 miles is not a 10K. I would have been very happy had it been 6.2 miles!
  • Is this race on pavement or on a trail? If on a trail, what kind of trail?
  • Learn a little more about the route - what does the word "hilly" mean? 


When on a trail run:
  • An Ice Age Trail was formed by glaciers, thus the word "hilly" means just that - lots, and lots, and lots, and lots of hills. Training in town with only 2-3 hills is NOT the same thing. 
  • Trail runners find it perfectly fine to walk up hills. How sweet is that!? It is the norm to walk hills (unless you're the crazy 1st place runner).
  • Trail runs include many sticks, rocks, and very wet mud. Work hard to stay up-right after biffing it on one of the three mentioned. Take time to walk off the muscles that caught your almost fall - they don't like you otherwise.
  • Running on leaves is almost like running on snow.
  • Wear a knee brace if you have knee problems. Going down hills does not equal happy knees.
  • A (hilly) trail run is a great work-out! Take time to enjoy the m&m's when home.  :)
  • Did I mention to make sure you understand what the word "hilly" means!?!  I think I ran all of 1/2 a mile of "flat" ground. When they say hills, they mean HILLS.

See, I learned a lot today! :)

I had a great run/uphill walking with a teacher pal of mine at the Chippewa 10K on the Ice Age Trail today. I was happy to mark not only a 10K off of my list, but also a trail run! Not sure I would ever do a trail run again, but I do hope to do another 10K, preferrably on very flat, solid ground! I had hoped to run the whole race, but still feel very accomplished even though I had to do some walking.

Thank you to Brandy for inviting me to the race and staying with me during my slow joggin speed! And Thank you to my in-laws who watched Caleb while I was running (Jon had to work today)!!!!  And now we are all busy painting furniture for the boys room. Fun Saturday!  :)

Hope you all had a wonderful Saturday!

In Christ,
Mara

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