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:

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

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

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

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

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.