It is two weeks to the day since I finished my first official trail run, one of the destinations on the path of the fitness journey I have been on since the first part of the year. What first put the idea of trail running into my head was the image above, printed on a flyer at a local Gary Gribbles Running Sports while my wife was being fitted for shoes. Given my predilection for science fiction it is not all that surprising that a graphic with a spaceship, rocket, and moons on it would be the flame that lit the “I should try running” fuse. And I am so glad that it did. Not only has running been a significant contributing factor to my weight loss and improved health, I have discovered that I truly enjoy it.
Last night was the big night, my very first 5K run. And I was doing it in the dark. I’m not ashamed to admit that I had a degree of fear going into this thing. Running through the woods when you can clearly see is one thing. Running in the dark with only the aid of whatever light source you bring with you is an entirely different animal. It promised to be an adventure, a first-in-a-lifetime experience for me.
It was just that.
I had neglected to look carefully when signing up for this particular Trail Nerds run and only realized a few days ago that it was not just over the border into Kansas from Missouri, as I had supposed, but was instead and hour and a half drive northwest from my home. So early Friday evening Mary and I grabbed some tunes, loaded up the car with running and heat-beating paraphernalia, and headed west. We were encouraged to arrive an hour before race time, 8:30 p.m., and given that we weren’t entirely sure of how traffic might delay us, we arrived at approximately 7:15. On any other day this would have been fine. But last night it was still over 100 degrees at 8 p.m. Thankfully an occasional breeze brought relief and my nervous energy kept me distracted from the fact that it was pretty crazy to be out in 100+ temps. (Referencing the image to the right, my wife has instructed me it is time to “do something” about my farmer’s tan. 🙂 )
In other words, it was HOT! I was so thankful that my wife eschewed a Friday night in air-conditioned comfort reading a good book to spend three hours in a car with me driving through the Kansas countryside and an additional three hours outdoors in August-like temperatures. She was a real trooper and her presence calmed me and helped me to feel like I belonged.
8:20 rolled around and we were informed that the 10K and Half-Marathon runners would get the starter’s gun at 8:30 while us 5Kers would be waiting until 9. There was a part of me that was disappointed with this, in part because I was raring to go and in part because an 8:30 start would be mean more light on the trail. The larger part of me was thrilled though as I had driven there to experience a “night” run and by starting at 9 that is exactly what we got. It was relatively light through the first quarter mile of road running, but once we entered the Woods proper it was dark and the illumination from my headlamp and those of my fellow runners was much appreciated.
The course was described as a “loop course on rocky, root-bound, and hilly trails. 100% single-track trails” and they did not lie. I was actually surprised by just how rocky the trail was and there were times when I was thankful for the movements of the runner ahead of me that warned me of impending stones. As this was my first 5K I was not sure what might be realistic as far as my own personal goals. I did not plan to meet my under-12-minute-per-mile time of the 2.8 mile introductory run given that this was a rougher course and was taking place in the dark. At a comfortable pace on the flat trail where I run I average 13 minute miles. My hope was to finish the 3.1 mile run in under 40 minutes.
We all started out fast given that the first quarter mile was downhill. I am actually more nervous running downhill on rocky, dirty terrain for fear of slipping. The group I was with was running a good pace entering into the woods and I ended up behind a guy who I felt was setting a good, fast (for me) past and I endeavored to stay with him. He was my guardian angel at times, his footwork pointing out the more treacherous rocks and roots on the path. There was quite a bit of hill running on this course and I was determined to keep my walking to a bare minimum, passing if I needed to. About mid-way through the race, by my reckoning, I felt myself wanting to surge past my guide and I did so, eventually catching up to another group. I paced a lady for awhile and then passed her when a guy passed the two of us, setting my sites on him and his pace as where I wanted to be. I soon found myself passing him when he slowed during a hilly portion and although I have no idea how far the distance was, I spent much of the last mile or so with open trail in front of my, my lone light picking out the potential obstacles. I stumbled a few times but never fell and thank God that I made it through the entire course unscathed by injury.
I pushed myself harder than I expected to in this run, walking less than a minute total. Not long before breaking out of the woods for the final uphill push (on that same hill we all ran down to start the race), winded and tired and less sure-footed than I had been at the start, I remember thinking “I can’t believe I signed up to do another one of these next weekend”. That last hill was a killer and I walked briskly for about 30 seconds before deciding to just “go for it”. I’m so glad I did. This group does such a nice job of making you feel like a winner regardless of where you place. Little kids are ringing cowbells and people are clapping and shouting. Added to that was the voice of my dear wife urging me to push hard through to the end. I didn’t have any reserves for an all-out sprint, but I was able to run across the finish line as opposed to the crawling that my body wanted me to do. When the dust settled I had finished the 5K in 37:51, at a 12:13/mile pace.
I was thrilled. Exhausted. Sore. Tired. And Thrilled!
The organization had eats and drinks for participants and guests and we were able to sit out under a gorgeous moon watching other runners finish, adding our shouts, clapping and whistles to the mix. It was so impressive to be able to watch the top finishers of the Half-Marathon come across the finish line. Knowing how broken I felt after my 5K, I had an enormous amount of respect for the men and women who did both the 10K and the Half-marathon. Ben and the rest of the Trail Nerds organization put on another top-notch event that had the feel of an intimate family gathering. I’m honored to be a newbie member of the group.
When the official stats came in this afternoon I was jazzed with the results. I finished 15th out of 51 5K runners and placed 1st (out of 7) in my age/gender group (40-49). That was completely unexpected and not at all planned for, especially since I finished last out of 12 in my age group in the previous race. I am truly running for my own personal pleasure and not to “win”. But I’ll take it!!!
Special thanks to SeeKCRun for the great photos of the event. Dick Ross is a true gentleman and his joy is contagious. All of the photos save one are his and it makes me happy to have them. Thanks to my wife Mary for the additional photo.
I’m much more tired and sore than I had anticipated being. I’m sure that is due in no small part to the effects of running in high temperatures and the pounding a body takes running on that kind of terrain. But it is a good sore feeling, and I’ll (hopefully) be ready to do it all over again come Sunday July, 8th for:
Considering the warning: “Beware: It’s the toughest 5K trail run in the Midwest!”, my expectations for time will be much more realistic! This one will be all about finishing, with dignity (which means no crying until I get back in my vehicle to drive away 😉 )
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My wife bought me the Extended Editions of The Lord of the Rings films on blu-ray for Father’s Day and our Sunday afternoon plans involve watching The Fellowship of the Ring with my daughter and her fiance. I am a long-time fan of Sean Astin and a new fan of running so this seemed like an appropriate thing to share. Check out the rest of the articles and videos in the “I’m a Runner” series here on the Runner’s World website.
Way to go man! You did AWESOME!!! and Mary she’s da bomb. What a supportive better half. 🙂 This heat is a killer right now. I think it’s awesome you did so well in such temperatures. I’d be lying f I didn’t say I wasn’t worrying about you a lot last night. I was very thankful Mary texted me when you were done so I know all was well.
Sounds like another great event and a wonderful group you have found to run with. I look forward to joining you on the trails in a few more months. I’m no where near ready to hit the trails… yet! 🙂
Thanks, I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciated yours and Tori’s texts of encouragement and congratulations last night. Made me feel very good. And I appreciate the concern too. I had some of that myself. I’m glad I bought that runner’s water bottle (you can see me holding it in the finish line pics). It fits snug in the palm of my hand and the harness is really soft and comfy. It was nice to have a bit of aqua on the trail.
I’m feeling it today, mostly because of my back. I’ve had a nagging back injury for months and it just keeps getting worse. It feels like a torn muscle and it has been bothering me something fierce these last two days. Yesterday I scheduled an appt with the doctor. It didn’t hurt at all when I was running, largely because it is in my inner shoulder blade and I’m sure adrenaline helped. But I am feeling it today! Was nice to take a rest day. We walked down to the farmers market and back this morning, which is and will be my only exercise today.
Anyway, it was a lot of fun and I’m very glad I took the risks and did it. It was worth the drive there and back, a very memorable experience.
Wow!!! 100 degrees AND 1st place in your age group!? That is amazing, congratulations!! I have been reading for a long time and I just wanted to say thank you for posting about your journey. I am a runner as well and I always love being inspired by people who find a love for the sport. Great job! 🙂
Thanks Kim, I’m glad you decided to comment. How long have you been running? As a very new runner I too love to hear about others who run and the details of what they do.
wow! Awesome job. I am super impressed. Especially running in that heat. Something I’d love to do, but have bad knees so will live vicariously through you. Hope your back feels better soon.
Hey Robin! Hope your summer is going well thus far. Sorry about your knees. And yes, I’m hoping the back is better soon as well. Its been many months and I’m tired of it. Of course I also should have went to the doctor with it much sooner. 🙂
Congrats on this accomplishment! This is huge.
I am thrilled for you. And you continue to inspire me.
Thanks Deanna! It was fun, and for me to have fun in that kind of weather is saying something.
Carl, I am speechless!! I am just so damn proud of you!! Congratulations, friend 😀 You really are an inspiration and I hope to one day be in your shoes!! This all sounds so fantastic and the comraderie you’ve found in this running group is so awesome 🙂 Good luck next weekend!! I’ll be cheering you on from down here in New Orleans where it’s actually cooler than there believe it or not!
Aww, thanks Chris, that makes me feel very happy. I can’t believe you are having cooler weather than we are. I’m happy for you…jealous, but happy. I hope you can go on this journey as well, would love to cheer you on!
Wow-you did great ,Carl. Glad you didn’t fall or collapse in the heat! Love the pictures! Proud of you 🙂
Nope, managed to stay upright all the way, though there were a couple of times I thought that might not be the case. Heard some people talking about falling and noticed in the pictures for the event that there were some bloody finishers.
Wow Carl – this is fantastic – plus great pics. I’m so pleased for you – are you hooked on the night trail running now do you think? Good luck next week, it looks like it’s a toughie but you’ve completed your first now so you must be feeling really positive. Definitely get your back looked at – you mustn’t ignore these niggles!!
All the best next week and look forward to your post.
Lynn 😀
Thanks Lynn! And yes, I think so. There is another one hosted by this group in August that I plan on doing and there is a non-trail night 5K fundraiser near the end of July, I believe, that I may go ahead and sign up for. I’m interested in seeing what my run times would be like without the hills, rocks and roots.
This is great, I remember the other month you commented on my post about walking through the abandoned tunnel that you wanted to be more active and go on adventures. Well, it looks like you’ve found your adventure!
Trail running certainly has been an adventure thus far John, one I am enjoying very much. And I’m still hoping to go on some adventures like your tunnel exploration too!
Wow, 100 degrees! I can understand why they hold this at night. Congratulations on finishing and doing so well!
We are about 20 degrees above our norm for this time of year, so I imagine when they put the schedule together they assumed we’d be running in 70 degree temps! Ah well, it was fun all the same. And thanks!
Running in 100 degrees? Yer nuts, man.
Nah, just dedicated to embracing the adventures I commit myself to. 🙂
Awesome job! I love the way you are putting yourself out there and going for it. There are just so many rewards that come along with this journey and I do believe that you’re getting all of them.
It really does help me stay focused on the day to day efforts of eating well and exercising when I have the goal of one of these runs coming up. Especially now that I’ve lost much of the weight I planned to lose. And I’m having fun pushing myself and doing things I would never have thought I would ever do.
Wow! I’m so happy that you are meeting and exceeding your goals. Running races does so much to keep one on track and I loved the camaraderie when I was able to race. Keep up the good work. Just be careful in that 100 degree weather!
Thanks Barbara, I am too. It is funny because you do feel camaraderie even when you don’t really know the others you are racing with. Its just the idea that you are all out there trying to conquer the course. I’m hoping there won’t be too many more 100 degree races this summer!
Woohoo!! Congratulations – now – and your race pics look so good – Im jealous because mine always look like I’m dying (which I usually am)!
Thanks Tanya! The guy who does the free pics does such a great job. And I do fake it well, I was really feeling it there at the end.
After a weekend spend running around to event after event after event, I finally had a chance to come read this! Woohoo! 🙂 I’ve never done a night run but I really want to sometime! Not probably on trails though – I’d be so afraid of tripping, I’m so clumsy – and probably not in 100 degree heat. Sheesh! Hopefully it wasn’t too bad once the sun wasn’t directly on you guys. I know here when the sun starts to go down, even if it’s in the high 90s, it feels cooler and the wind picks up a bit.
That is a GREAT 5K time! That’s exactly where I had plans to get my time by June 1st next year before this stress fracture business. Who knows if I’ll make it now, but I do hope to eventually get to that pace. 🙂
It was quite the trail, let me tell you. It really wasn’t too bad running come race time. The sun was down and the moon was up before the 5K started. And once I was on the trail there wasn’t any thought at all about the heat, too much concentration was on the small area of the trail that your headlamp would illuminate. I didn’t want to fall!
I hope you get to that goal. Congrats on your June progress, by the way!
I had no idea you were planning this!
Very very cool!
Where are you running this coming weekend?
Wyandotte State Park near Leavenworth, Kansas. It is where I did my first run a few weeks ago only this time on a much more brutal trail, supposedly.
Congratulations!! That sounds really really fun and what a great first race! I completed a marathon a little over 10 years ago and although I was injured and wasn’t able to run for a couple of years after that, it remains one of my favorite experiences ever. You’re getting me all inspired to start running again. It’s so much fun, especially if you just take it easy.
I hope you do Daphne, I’m loving it. Even this morning on my run when my legs felt like lead and I had to keep pushing myself to complete the 2.5 mile morning routine, it was fun. And I felt so happy with it once I finished successfully. I’m psyched you completed a marathon. I haven’t had any desire to go beyond a 5K yet. No delusions of grandeur for me! 🙂
I’m impressed! When the temps go over 80 I tend to wilt!
I do too, George, unless I’m doing something I am enjoying. Today I was out working in 90 degree temps making the front beds look all nice and I really didn’t even notice the heat. But had I been outside just for no reason I would have been miserable.
Congrats, Carl!!! You story is very inspiring. I hope you have people getting up and getting in shape with all of these posts. 🙂
Thanks, I hope so too! We all need to take better care of ourselves. I only wish I had started sooner!
Wow this is really impressive…I’m pretty clumsy so night trail running would scare me, but I think it would be a ton of fun. Good for you Carl. Great time and I love that you are having fun! I wish you luck with your next one. And enjoy the DVD!
Thanks! It is a little scary running on trails at night! A few times I felt like I was just bouncing around hoping to land on solid ground.
It was fun watching Fellowship on bluray. We started in on The Two Towers and I could certainly identify with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli more now as they ran across the mountains and the plains of Rohan.
Off topic, have a happy Fourth, everyone!
Yes, I second that. And the same to you and Barbara!
I am so proud of you, honey! Way to go!
Thanks sweetie, it meant the world to me to have you there with me. Thanks for braving the hot, humid weather to hang out with me.
You ROCK! (Please pardon the pun.) If you ever decide to run a marathon or half marathon, you should check out our local run – the Blue Ridge Marathon. No trails, but lots of elevation change and great community support!
Way to go, Carl!
Hey, thanks! That does look like it would be a challenging marathon. I won’t say anymore that I’ll never do a marathon, considering that I said that about half-marathon and now I’m wanting to do one in November, but I will say that running a marathon isn’t top on my list right now. Maybe after I get more consistent miles under my belt.