Trail debut - 25K of fun

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casual-runner
Bill Crothers
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Trail debut - 25K of fun

Postby casual-runner » Sat May 24, 2008 4:30 pm

It was my first trail race. Yesterday I wasn't sure if I should run 10K or 25K. I had no idea what should be my pace. I wasn't sure if I will be able to finish the 25K I decided to run.
Today I am seasoned trail runner ;)

And now I totally understand:
"hilly trails make hilly roads seem like a walk in the park."
-mlazenby.

Weather was perfect. Sunny 10-12C at the start, not to hot under mostly tree covered trail during the race.
I met up with Kinga (kmiklos) and her non RM husband Viking, Sheldon (Doonst) and Mike (mlazenby). Meeting with maniacs boosted my confidence :)

me, Kinga, Doonst
Image

mlazenby, me, Doonst
Image

I didn't have any race expectations. I was very weak in the last few kilometers of my first marathon two weeks ago partially because I haven't done a lot of leg strength training or hard hilly runs. I started leg strength training earlier this week and this race was to cover hard hilly runs :)


I didn't have a race plan, but right after the start I started to follow Sheldon, this was his third race on this trail, and he is very seasoned trail runner. I have seen him right from the start, he was going very fast, 10-15 runners ahead of me. Soon I joined him and this was really blessing. He remembered all, where all turns and hills are and the most important he shared his knowledge how to run a trail race. We were walking some uphills. I didn't have to worry that I might be lost on one of those multiple turns or splits for different distances. I have learned a lot. Time was passing fast while we were talking. We were running together for a while although Sheldon was in the front most of the time.


I think I knew around 15K that Sheldon's pace was to fast for me. Somehow I couldn't let him go, because it felt so safe and pleasant, I was clinching to him like a baby to mother. By the 20K accumulation of fatigue from marathon, hard training, this hilly trail and Sheldon's acceleration left me alone. :evil:

Now I realized how tired I am. My calves were in pain, especially on the downhill parts of the trail. I finished 3-5 minutes behind Sheldon, results are not posted and I forgot to turn of my Garmin. My time is somewhere between 2:16.xx and 2:19.xx
*Edited to add final result: 2:16:52

after the race:
Image

I am so happy, it was good training run. I love trail running I will do it again :P I wouldn't be able to make such great training session alone. Thank You Sheldon :P and congratulation on a huge 23 minutes PB :clap: :clap:
Last edited by casual-runner on Sun May 25, 2008 8:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
My race log: http://itsmyrun.com
My training log: http://runningahead.com


----

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mlazenby
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Postby mlazenby » Sat May 24, 2008 5:19 pm

That's a pretty spectacular debut. I hate to think what you will do when you get a real feel for trails..... Nicely done and great to meet you!
Hola!

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UltraQueenga
Jerome Drayton
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Postby UltraQueenga » Sat May 24, 2008 5:30 pm

You're a trail racer! Congrats on your first trail race! Awesome result, considering Mississauga was just 13 days ago!
See you on the trails.
Say thanks to your wife for the nice photos.
Ultrarunner again

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scrumhalfgirl
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Postby scrumhalfgirl » Sat May 24, 2008 6:54 pm

Great results on your first time out on the trails - congrats!
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Postby braveheart » Sat May 24, 2008 7:25 pm

awesome work - I love the photos
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Ed Fizz
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Postby Ed Fizz » Sat May 24, 2008 7:40 pm

mlazenby wrote:That's a pretty spectacular debut. I hate to think what you will do when you get a real feel for trails.....


What he said!!! Congrats man!! :D

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Postby Marg » Sat May 24, 2008 8:33 pm

Wow... not a bad debut at all!!
Congrats! :D
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Postby Irongirl » Sat May 24, 2008 9:11 pm

awesome job!!

Viking isn't a manic?! :shock: I thought he was!
i run for me.

Number of Maniacs Met: 225!

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UltraQueenga
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Postby UltraQueenga » Sat May 24, 2008 9:13 pm

Irongirl wrote:awesome job!!

Viking isn't a manic?! :shock: I thought he was!


He's not a maniac, but he supports my habit. Does that count? :lol:
Ultrarunner again

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runJrun
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Postby runJrun » Sat May 24, 2008 9:14 pm

Just plain awesome!! That is one speedy trail race. Now just chill and rest those legs, you earned it!
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Postby Doonst » Sat May 24, 2008 9:43 pm

Very good Wes, well done! It was my pleasure, running together makes the time fly and takes your mind somewhat off the effort level. That time is very impressive for your first trail race. I'm sure I saw 2:16:53 when you were approaching the line. Lots more to come!
next up:


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So all you sinners come out
And all you drunkards crawl out
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Robbie-T
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Postby Robbie-T » Sat May 24, 2008 10:48 pm

Trails for Strength! You got a lesson from one of the best. Congrats!
Mississauga Marathon - 2:52
Around the Bay - 1:58
Click>> Race History
ItsMyRun.com

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trixiee
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Postby trixiee » Sun May 25, 2008 6:38 am

Very cool, Casual Trail Runner! :)
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AlfiefromPickering
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Postby AlfiefromPickering » Sun May 25, 2008 12:01 pm

Great race again.
I am very sorry that I missed this race. I woke up late at 7:00. I missed my alarm at 5:00 A.M. and it is a long way from Pickering to Dundas. :x
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ChrisL
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Postby ChrisL » Sun May 25, 2008 1:12 pm

Another great result! This race seems to be fun!
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Size5
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Postby Size5 » Sun May 25, 2008 4:34 pm

Trail running is where it is at! ;) Welcome to the muddy side :lol:
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dwayne_runs_far
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Postby dwayne_runs_far » Sun May 25, 2008 5:21 pm

I second what Size5 said, trail running is just a ton more fun. Great run so soon after your first full too.

Dwayne
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BJH
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Postby BJH » Sun May 25, 2008 5:26 pm

Congrats on your first (I'm sure first of many) trail race. :clap:
The road to hell is paved. Run trails.

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babysteps
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Postby babysteps » Sun May 25, 2008 6:00 pm

Sounds like fun was had by all! Congrats!

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Ironboy
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Postby Ironboy » Mon May 26, 2008 11:23 am

Sound like a very successful debut!

I really like running on trails. Racing, not so much. Glad you had a good time.

Congrats!


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