Tackling the trails…..

 

Today I was scheduled to complete a "long run" of 17km. Feeling that my long training runs have been somewhat monotonous of late, I was searching for some motivation earlier in the week and came across this event. While I am not crazy fit enough to take on the 25km or marathon distance, a 19km race through the wonderful Canberra countryside sounded just perfect!

I must admit, however, that as today drew nearer I was starting to feel a little nervous.

(Heading to the start line…)

You might recall that I have previously done one other trail run - a 16km race along the scenic Canberra trails. You might also recall that this race proved to be a big challenge owing to one factor...HILLS!

Looking at the elevation of today's run - I knew that I would also be in for a similar challenge.

I left Mr BBB at home in bed as I started the hour's drive to the start line.  It was a chilly and foggy morning – and I was initially tempted to run in my raincoat.

But I am glad I left it behind because the fog cleared and the sun even came out.

At 7.30am, our small group of runners began the 19km trail.

The first 5km was predominantly uphill, which meant that I wasn’t cold for long.

 

I cannot stress enough how much of a killer the hills in this run were (my photos don’t really do they justice). They were completely energy zapping – well particularly  for someone like me who does very little trail running!

 

But as they say ‘what goes up must come down’ , and after the 5km turn around point we started to head downhill using a different trail.

 

(I believe this would be my “oh god I have so much further to go” face…)

The trails took us through some gorgeous bushland, and seeing as I lost ‘the pack’ quite early on, I had the trails to myself for a good hour or so.

 

   

Perfect for dorky self photos!

I finally reached the bottom turn-around point, and after a few cups of water it was time to head back up the hill towards the finish line (around 9km away).

(Ps. I was regretting running in this vest = waaaaaay too hot!!)

Just thinking of this hill makes my legs hurt.

(The lead female in the full marathon came flying by me at this point….super super impressive).

Be it through sheer stubbornness (or perhaps the lure of a warm shower), I made it to the last aid station, grabbed some water and some  lollies…

Munched on said lollies….

And then turned towards the final trail. I crossed the finish line in 2:27:10, and you know what, I could not have been happier with my time!

 

After my last trail race, I knew that there would be a lot of fast and experienced trail runners out on the course. Having worked to build up my endurance lately, I was confident that I could complete the distance, but completing the distance on trails and with hills would be a whole different experience.

A hard, humbling experience.

So, rather than attempt to keep up,  I “ran my own race - at my own pace". Sure it was a little pride-hurting to see my fellow runners disappear into the distance, but at the end of the day I was racing to complete my 'long run' for the week and complete it injury free!

Mission accomplished!

I may have been slow, but this was one of the most challenging runs I have completed so far. And boy am I going to be sore tomorrow…

But nothing a little afternoon baking can’t fix…

Happy Baking :)