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Race Recap--Scenic City Trail Half!


Brace yourselves for a full race recap! I've decided against the traditional mile-by-mile breakdown and opted instead for a list of pros and cons. It was such a great race!

Cons:
-The start was delayed by half an hour. When the weather was as warm as it was yesterday (90 degrees by the end of the day!) 30 minutes makes a big difference. No worries though, with all the extra time we had a mini photo shoot!

I promise this wasn't even staged. This is just my game face!

-The hills. Yowza. It was definitely a challenge, but I wasn't really prepared. My hamstrings were begging for forgiveness by the end. 

-The bottlenecks. About a mile in, the course changed to single track the rest of the way. There were quite a few places where we had to wait, just standing in place. Definitely lost time this way, and I was just anxious to get going!

-The slow pace. It's hard for me to wrap my head around being proud of a 10:35 pace when my training runs are so much faster. I need to remember that trails are different, and unpredictable. Garmin checks are unnecessary on such a trail!

PROS:
-Such gorgeous scenery. There were a few times when I was alone in the woods and it was so beautiful. A deer ran straight at me around Mile 12 and I actually just stopped and watched for a minute. Can't get that at a busy road race!

-Fantastic running community. Standing in line for the bathrooms before the race, the women were chatting and most of them were really experienced and had some great stories to share from recent trail ultras, Boston streaks (12 years for one woman!) and more. People were so considerate on the trail, letting you know when obstacles were ahead, and generally being positive. 

-Jellybeans. Seriously. I had 26 beans for the race in my handheld pouch, and at the end of the race I needed them big time. Such good encouragement to keep running!


-The victory lap. The last .3 miles were in a circle at the finish area so there was lots of cheering and hubs got some nice photos. Such encouragement at the end and I definitely sped up!




Overall chip time was 2:18:51. Certainly not winning anything (the woman winner came in around 1:40- oh yeah, and she was 50 years old. No biggie. ) but a respectable time. I counted up the results page and it looks like I was 57 out of 127 women, which I'll be happy about! Can't wait to break my time next year!!

Thanks for all the kind comments about this race, it was so encouraging to read!

Have you ever run a trail race? Would you like to?
Yes! My last 3 races have been on trails, and they're so awesome. Although I'm looking forward to some road races in the future so I can have some faster times!

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Sounds like a great race! I LOVE trail racing, it's so much more laid back, and like you said, the people can't be beat! Congrats!!

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  2. KaylaMay 22, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    It looks like it was a really fun race! I did a trail/mud run a couple of weeks ago and I am definitely not used to it, so it was a little bit difficult! Keep up the great work! Your time was AWESOME!

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  3. PamMay 22, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Trail race people are so cool. It really is different. And definitely be proud of that time! That's awesome! Especially for a trail race!

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  4. JuliaMay 22, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    this looks like such an awesome race! I am so excited for you!! I seriously cannot wait to do a trail race some day...it just sounds so exhilarating and adventurous! thanks for the recap :) and CONGRATS on finishing your first trail race!

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  5. AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    I have done a couple of trail races. I think they are a LOT of fun, more so than a road race!! Great job.. love the jelly beans!

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  6. LaurenMay 22, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    I'll be doing a trail 5K this summer with my mom (my first 5K and her first race!).
    I'm not going to "race" it, because 1) I'll be running with my mom, and 2) I really want to just enjoy the views. Plus, it is just two weeks after my half.

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  7. Monika @ Monika's MilesMay 22, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Congrats!! This sounds like it was an amazing race meant for its beauty rather than its PR capabilities. Great race :)

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  8. UnprofessionalMay 22, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    CONGRATS! Sounds like a great race! I've never done a trail race but it sounds rough! Especially since the WINNER ran a 1:40-i'd say you did great for your first!

    CONGRATS AGAIN!

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  9. ChristineMay 22, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    Congrats! It seems like a lot of trail races and ultras are won by older people- I love that running isn't a sport you can tap out on at age 25. Make sure to relax today!

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  10. MarleneMay 22, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    I have run a 10K trail race ("Mud Run") but would love to tyr something longer for a change of scenery.

    Great recap - lots more pros than cons. :)

    Congrats again!

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  11. Jill@Run for the HillsMay 22, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    Proud of you! Scenic City is a great course.

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  12. ChristinaMay 22, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    I laughed at the 26 Jelly Beans! :)

    Good job on running the trail! :)

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  13. ElleMay 22, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Great pictures and glad to read you enjoyed it. Sounds like you will be back next year.

    I am kind of afraid of trail running... I am such a klutz.

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  14. MotherRunnerMay 22, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Great job!! Can't wait to do a trail race someday.

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  15. Christina @ The AthletarianMay 22, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Congrats! What an amazing job! I have never run a trail race but I would definitely sign up if there was one in my city! I can't believe you got to see a deer...so awesome. You look amazing and congrats again on a great race!

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  16. ImTheMarigoldMay 22, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    ROCK STAR! Congrats on a super race! I haven't done a trail race before, I'm a little intimidated but your descriptions make me think I should give it a shot. Do something really awesome for yourself today as a reward!

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  17. AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    Ahh good job!! My first half was about that time, on a completely flat paved road course, so that's an incredible time on such a hilly trail!! I'm moving to the mountains in a week - and soooo nervous about the hills I'll have to get used to, since I've lived in the prairies all my life! Once I get sorta used to running on more hills, I would love to try trail running. Can't beat gorgeous scenery for motivation!

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  18. LindseyMay 22, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    Wonderful job!! It looks like the scenery would be gorgeous!

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  19. MelPeabody @ Green Mountain RunnerMay 22, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    I've never done a trail race but really want to. Reading your race re-cap makes me want to even more!!! Great job, and your time rocks for those hills!!!!! I hope when I am 50 I am running trails :)

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  20. ashleyMay 22, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    i love your game face! this sounds like a fun race, love that how racers were sharing their stories!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Running RicigMay 22, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Now I want jelly beans and I definitely didn't run a trail race today :).

    Sounds like you definitely enjoyed yourself despite the cons, so that's awesome! Congrats!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Coy MartinezMay 22, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Congrats!! It was such a great race! I hardly wanna go back to road racing now that I've been on the trail! Next time I just need to prepare a little better! I have two pics of you that my husband took on the trail. Email me at cmartinez@hiddenbrookfarmky.com and I'll send them to you!

    ReplyDelete
  23. JenniferMay 22, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Congrats on the race! It sounds like you had a lot of fun and enjoyed yourself.

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  24. JennÊ»s AdventureÊ»sMay 22, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    what an overall great experience! Good job!

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  25. Mary NevinMay 22, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    10:35 for a trail race is amazing!!! I definitely needed this inspiration today! My first race is in less than a month, so thank you for the motivation!! :) Happy Weekend

    Serenity and Style

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  26. Rachelle WardleMay 22, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Awesome recap. I haven't ever done a trail race so this is so interesting. You did great girl!

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  27. UnknownMay 22, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    Great job! That is such a great accomplishment and it looks like the weather and location were ideal! Congrats!

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  28. misszippyMay 22, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    Awesome--congrats to you! And yeah, there are some seriously fast masters runners out there. Love trail running!

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  29. KatieMay 22, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Congrats! I totally want to find a trail half to do now, I used to race trails all the time in cross-country, I miss it!!

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  30. CynthiaMay 22, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Great job!! and that time is great for a trail run i think!
    So cool you got to see a deer on your race, you are right you don't get that in a road race.

    I have been secretly eyeing a trail race...its a 50k. Yes i think i'm crazy and probably not ready for it this year, but next year... you never know ;)

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  31. Run with JessMay 22, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Cool - great job! I can't wait to do my first trail run next month!

    ReplyDelete
  32. FalonMay 22, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    You HAVE to be proud of that pace! I order you! ha ha Kidding, but TRAILS, HEAT, BOTTLENECKS! Oh my. I still think you are a brave ass woman for undertaking a trail race. Love the game face.

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  33. AnonymousMay 22, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    Very cool! I'd start out with a 5 or 10K trail race but would definitely consider working my way up to a 1/2 if I enjoyed it.

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  34. Neon Blonde RunnerMay 22, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    So exciting, congrats on your trail race!!
    I am too intimidated to do a trail race, much less a trail half marathon!!

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  35. ConnieMay 23, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    Awesome job! I'm impressed! Glad you had a fun day, looked like a beautiful day for a run.

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  36. CaitlinMay 23, 2011 at 1:43 AM

    Great job!! Awesome to hear you had a blast and kicked some trail butt. :)

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  37. Questionably TexanMay 23, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Congrats on a great race!!!

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  38. ChristinaMay 23, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Congratulations! I've never done a trail race before (besides a Muddy Buddy type race) and I'm sure they're more difficult than a road race. You actually have to pay attention to where you step I would imagine. Nice work!

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  39. Chelsea J RaynesMay 23, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Congrats! How exciting! I've done several trail races, but never a half! They are really more challenging then running on the road!

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  40. JenMay 23, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    Great job on the trail half! I like running trails but have never done a race. I have one in mind for next year but need to find some smaller ones to practice on. You killed it and I loved all your pictures!
    I also loved your post on your gluten free week. I've toyed with the idea of experimenting with that for me. My grandma switched and noticed a difference the first day. Thanks for all the details, poo and all.

    ReplyDelete
  41. DanielleMay 23, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    It's been really neat hearing about your results for GF week! It sounds like it's definitely something to consider trying.

    I've never done a trail race, I'm a scaredy cat! It sounds like it was an amazing experience!

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  42. ThisismeMay 23, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    WAhoo!! Awesome job!! I loved the spartan trail race- I def want to do another one soon!!! Maybe I"ll sign up for this one next year!

    I love hearing your diet stories too (;

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  43. Sarajane HerbertMay 23, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    I wouldn't worry about timing. Trails get dangerous if you try to do it fast. My mom is addicted to trail ultras and fell about 5 miles into her last hundred miler. She ran the last 95 miles over hill and dale with two broken ribs (she's totally my hero). I would love to find a nice trail run around my area but the only ones I've seen have been way to far for me.

    I'm doing the Tough Mudder Wisconsin in July. It's off-road. That counts as a trail run, kind of.

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  44. ColleenMay 23, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    Great job!!! It is neat that the finish is like a victory wrap! Congrats :)

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  45. ColleenMay 23, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    *wrap haha I meant lap

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  46. Janice {Run Far}May 23, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    good grief girlie... you flew on that course. it was a rough day out there for me. I am not real proud of my time, but I am just happy to have finished. Wish we would have run into each other. dang!

    ReplyDelete

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