Despite all the running I’ve done over the last year and a half I had yet to run an official 10K, a milestone that I reached this weekend at the North Shore Clinton Lake trail run sponsored by the Trail Nerds.
I ran this event last year when it was an 8 mile race in preparation for my first half-marathon. It was my favorite trail of the year to that point and has remained my favorite. I love it, beautiful, technical and fun.
This pic gives a nice idea at what parts of the trail look like. It is pretty much either this or rocks which means that you have to stay focused, it keeps you on your toes. The weather was hot on Saturday but mercifully was nice in the morning while the run was taking place.
(Okay…so does anyone else think I have an “uh oh” look on my face? Like I just realized I may have blown my witness protection program?) Actually I was surprised because I looked up and was shocked to see a photographer there on the trail.
I was rockin’ a new water bottle for this one and am not sure what I think about it. I have such small hands that it didn’t feel as snug as my palm version.
Generally on these trail runs headphones are prohibited because they are single-track trails and you need to be able to hear people notifying you about their intention to pass. This time race director Ben Holmes allowed runners to listen to this devices with one headphone only. I was pleased as I got to catch up on one of my favorite podcasts, The Coode Street Podcast. I knew that if I ran at a comfortable pace I would finish the 6.2 mile race before an episode was over and this was indeed the case.
I haven’t been running nearly enough this year (after the every day running between Memorial Day and the 4th of July) and so my pace has become very relaxed on these longer runs. Last year I ran the 8 mile run averaging just under 12 minute miles.
This year I ran a shorter distance (actually 6.3 miles) in 1:16:25 for a 12:07 minute mile pace. Not bad, but one of these days I really need to put some effort into speed training.
Not sure what is up next for me. I won’t be doing any more races in September as every weekend is filled with fall festivals and wedding preparation. My daughter gets married on the 28th…not too many days away! I do want to do one or two in October and over the next week or so I will decide whether or not I’m going to do Pilgrim Pacer Half-Marathon again in November this year. I’m leaning that way as I need to get another one in and put together a training plan for a full marathon. Would hate to not give this a try.
Such a fun Finish Line photo…the guy next to me looks like he is about to put a body-check on me. 🙂
Special thanks go out to Mile 90 Photography. These are some of the most gorgeous race photos I’ve seen, excepting of course the presence of my aging mug. I love how the sunlight manages to make this a magical finish photo.
And as always I am forced to fall short of adequately thanking Ben Holmes, Coco, and the rest of the Trail Nerds volunteers who run the most professional races with great support, clean, well-maintained trails, and the kind of fun that makes you want to do these events again and again. Thank you!!!
And thanks to my wonderful wife who is always willing to get up at the crack of dawn on the weekend to go to these races with me.
After the race was over Mary and I stopped by one of my favorite fast-food places, Runza. They don’t have these in Missouri and I grew up with them in Nebraska. I don’t really eat fast food anymore, but a Runza (or two) is my exception. I’m thankful they don’t have them close by, lol! My efforts at healthy living might be all for naught if that was the case.
So at this point, a year plus after my first run, I’ve got a couple of 2.8 milers in, numerous 5K’s, a couple of 4 mile runs, an 8 miler, a 10 miler, a Half-Marathon, and now a 10K. Can’t wait to add the sticker to my truck!
Time to enjoy my new running shirt (cool design, eh?) and order myself a new set of shoes. I’ve ran the other ones for far longer than is recommended and I think I should give myself a treat.
Would love to hear from the rest of you who running bloggers (and non-bloggers) as to how your running regime is going, what races you are training for, etc.
Congratulations on finishing the event!
I actually run about 16 miles a week but have never entered an organized event. I have thought about doing so however.
There is a connection between running and reading for me as I usually listen to audiobooks while running.
Congratulations on your daughters wedding!
Thanks Brian. You really should give an organized event a try. There are many inexpensive ones out there and even though most people, myself included, are only out there to compete against themselves, it is a real adrenaline rush.
I have yet to give audiobooks a try when I run but I’m sure that day will come.
Next time I am up that way, I will need to bring my running shoes and do a race with you!
Yes, that would be awesome. There are usually several runs going on every weekend around here.
First off, I didn’t realize your daughter was getting married – congrats to her! 🙂
Second – love all the pictures! I have yet to run any official trail races, mostly because I rarely run official races at all. I’m considering it for this fall, though. There’s a good 10K trail run in early December that would be fun.
Third – yes, get new shoes! Definitely worth it. 🙂
Great pictures,Carl. Look forward to cheering you on at an upcoming event:) Love you,son
Thanks mom, look forward to having you and dad out at one of these soon.
Amanda,
Yes, it is coming up QUICK! Thanks, we are all excited around here.
You should definitely do some more official races, they are such great fun, especially trail races. They work you out differently as well. If I ran on trails all the time I would be in amazing shape.
I’m looking forward to sliding on some new trail runners soon.
I feel conviction!
I really need to get back to training. I let the slow pace of summer keep me in bed during the early mornings. That’s the only time I have to run. My evenings are jam packed with classes and such.
You’re an inspiration!
As well you should!!! 😉
It is hard some times to get out of bed, that is for sure. I’m glad we’ve mostly had a cooler summer as mornings and later evenings have been nice times to run.
Proud of you! Great pics!
Thanks Abby. Yes, Mile 90 took some really great pics.
Good job, Carl. Looks like pretty tricky footing all the way.
It really was, Richard, which is part of the fun. I almost bit it three times but managed to get through another trail run without falling. Always a major triumph.
Wow, what a beautiful running trail! And yeah, you definitely have a “look” on your face in that photo, like you’ve been caught and are hoping no one will notice 😉
I was truly surprised to round a corner and look up to see a photographer sitting there. I’m psyched he was able to capture that very real moment.
Hey Carl
Congratulations on your run. I think you have the sort of expression on your face in that photo that I would have if I saw someone taking my picture whilst I was running (particularly as I usually have a bright red face which at least you don’t suffer with!).
Well done to you. I was just wondering how your running was going a couple of days ago and then your post popped out.
Lynn 😀
You look great, sweetie! So the guy with you at the finish has a blue bib, which as I recall means he was having to turn around and run the trail again as he was doing the half marathon, right? It does look like he is aiming for you though. LOL
Congratulations Carl!
Love those orange running shoes! Congratulations!
Thanks George! Gotta get online and track down a new pair.
Congrats, Carl. You are inspiration! And seriously what was that guy doing when he crossed the finish line? Keep on eye on him next time. i think he’s jealous of your cool water bottle. I should get one of those since five minutes in I’m dying of thirst and I never carry one. Of course you have a lot more humidity there. Keep up the good work and enjoy all the weddings and festivities you have planned. I wish your daughter and her partner the best.
Awesome!
I’ve only done one 5K this summer. I’ve been thinking about finding a fall race, but haven’t come across any I can do. I’m thinking half-marathon sometime next year.
I always listen to audiobooks when I’m running.