Doonst goes back to racing Terra Cotta 5 Peaks

[Doonst]

Saturday I was at the 5 Peaks Terra Cotta trail race. 12 K (almost) in 2 loops. It was a nice day and SO and Tuzo came along. I had done it last year as well in its first go. A few friendly faces in attendance including race director dgrant, and Robbie-T and family.
I've been having a bit of an off year, getting out to a few races but well off last year's times. Just not quite my usual keen self in training or racing. In the 2 weeks leading up to this race, I first had a full week of from running. I was on vacation and kicked a rock in the water and injured a toe. I DNSed a race at Dirty Girls. Then as it improved I ran 6 days in a row, and then cycled an hour an a half Friday afternoon.
The race went okay for the most part, tough at times for sure. As usual this year, maniac Sandra passed me about 20 minutes in. I never lost sight of her though, unlike most races. After one loop, I knew I was about 90 seconds back of last year's time. Surprisingly I passed Sandra again and stayed ahead, its been a year since I've done that. Just one indicator that this race was better than I've been doing. Still the second loop was a grind, a little slower up the hills. Eventually its over, 3 1/2 minutes off last year.1:06:40. 8/21 in my age group, last year was 8/24.
5 Peaks are always a fun atmosphere, a great mix of hard core racers and people new to trails. Robbie, Sandra, Duffinrunnr took their turn on the podium. Dave was entertaining on the microphone as only he can be, and kids ( and adults) were lined up to play with Tuzo. Good times.
Next up is Haliburton Forest, I'm doing the 26 K this year. Hopefully the start of a more competitive fall season. And of course the highlight of the year will be the amazing new course at 5 Peaks Hilton Falls, a Doonst original! See you all there?

[trixiee]

Great report Doonst! You'll get the fever and fervour back, I'm sure! Keep on a rockin' - just not with your toes!

[Robbie-T]

Great to see you there Bud! That second loop was a grind for me too.

I'm half way to Hilton Falls now.

[Marg]

Great to see you back at it!

[Jo-Jo]

Sounds like you finding your groove again!

[HCcD]

Nice running there, Sheldon ... Glad to see you back on the trails again ...

[purdy65]

Sounds like a great day on the trails!

Nice job Sheldon.

Lisa

[Robinandamelia]

Sounds like a great race day, congratulations!

[La]

I loved that run we did at Hilton Falls a few years ago!

Glad to hear you're back on the trails again.

[AlfiefromPickering]

Nice to hear that you're back in the running scenario Sheldon.

[Mid_Packer]

Sounds like you had a pretty good day and setting you up for the fall. Good job. As for the toe, I am envious. I broke mine July 6th and still can't run. Tried it July 30th but foot just get swollen up.
I might have to learn to ride a bike...hmm that's beena few year..I wonder if I've forgotten..

dave

[Sandra]

Great to see you on the trails again Sheldon. I knew when I passed you I made a big mistake - coming into the 2nd lap just about did me in. Can't wait to try out the "Doonst original" trail at Hilton Falls! See you there! Great race, btw!

[chunkymonkeymelonhed]

[richie-rich]

solid run doonst. hopefully this kick starts your training again.

[QuickChick]

Good job Sheldon! I can relate about feeling a bit off about racing. It sounds like it's coming back, though, and I do think your fall will be great. I'm glad you had a good day!

[West Grey Runner]

Sounds like Terra Cotta was a good warm up race for the OUS Haliburton and 5 Peaks Hilton Falls. Hope you can keep on running between now and then. Congratulations on your better than expected race.