This past Saturday I ventured into the world of trail running.  My roomie, Lisa,  from AWBU was directing her first race and being the great pal that I am, I signed up.  I have run on gravel and dirt roads, but never a bonafide trail.  I am kind of clumsy and I hoped this adventure wouldn’t be disastrous.

Let me just say, I LOVED running on the trail.  All the rocks and roots were amazing.  I loved the mental awareness it took to not break my ankles.  It was exhilarating.  I forgot I was racing because I could never look up to see who was ahead or behind me.  I was in my own little world, well, almost.  When I came around the corner to the aid station, I looked up.  You are not supposed to look up for a reason.  I busted it right in front of everyone.  You know, I could have fallen when no one was around, but hey, why not bust it in front of the volunteers.  They had a nice giggle after they saw I wasn’t injured and I ran on.

I ended up coming in 5th out of the women and 2nd in my age group (30-39), which isn’t bad.  Here are a few pictures:

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Almost to the end of the trail (from Arkansas Outside Facebook page)

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Getting my lovely little trophy (from Arkansas Outside Facebook page)

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My sticker (I love stickers), my leg, and Pinnacle Mountain

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My trophy. It was cut out of cherry. Isn’t that neat!

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My shin the next day.

I was so excited to have a battle wound.  I know I am weird, but it proves I worked hard.

This was the first race of the Arkansas Trail Run Series and now I am signing up for the rest of the races.  I think you get points for each race, but I don’t know for sure how that works.  I don’t think I will sign up for many more road races.  Trails are a lot more challenging than silly road races and a lot more fun.

The next run is the Mt Nebo Bench Trail Race on December 15th and I cannot wait.  You can read Lisa’s official recap here and you can see all the race photos here.

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