Saturday is the Muddy Trails Bash in The Woodlands, a popular trail 5k/10k through a community greenbelt/trail system held in the afternoon. I'm excited for the challenge of running hard on dirt through the twists and turns of Rob Fleming Park and my legs and lungs burn a little already just thinking of it! I also don't know what to expect weather-wise as the race starts at 4 PM; can't control any of that but I can get ready for running uptempo on a surface that is far from technical, but still demands a little control to run it efficiently.
This season I am mixing up road and off-road events both for injury prevention but also for a fun challenge. Like I've mentioned before, 2014 is really all about maximum enjoyment and giving it my current best-whatever that happens to look like.
A fast 5k is challenging enough on pavement, and putting tree roots and turns in there you have to manage your pace and effort accordingly. As I plan ahead for how I should best approach the race (FYI, I have not done a 5k in almost a year!!) I thought I'd throw in some of my best tips for those taking on trail races. Since I haven't done an ultra at this time, I will stick to the shorter stuff that I know.
- First and foremost-do some off road work before attempting something with 'obstacles' (or just simple terrain changes). If nothing else, it's nice to have a familiar feeling while you race.
- Get used to running more by feel than pace. Especially for races where there are numerous hills, turns, and my "favorite"-tree roots. If you try to maintain a goal pace-you may end up frustrated and disappointed. Go with what the course gives you: accelerate in open spaces or straightaways, adjust and manage effort and energy for the landscape. I tend to go for effort and placing vs. running a PR... That would be really hard.
- Just like in cross-country running or cycling-pick a 'line' in front of you and let it guide you through the course. I like to have my eyes slightly down, to where I can see in front of me but am constantly scanning the ground.
- Keep your stride underneath you. It's so much easier to adjust to the surface if you're in control of where your legs are going.
- A little core strength (or even better a LOT) goes a long way and saves energy. There is considerable lateral movement whether you are dodging trees or trying to pass others. Working on lateral strength stabilizes your movement considerably.
- Shoes. Choose wisely. If the trail is more dirt and dips with minimal rocks and climbing, a racing flat for efficient runners may suffice. I think I am going to go with my Saucony Virratas this weekend because they are light, responsive, and seem to grip the ground well on light trails. Bottom line-wear a familiar pair that you don't mind getting a little scuffed or muddy-or both.
- Lastly, enjoy running in one of it's purest forms. Get lost out there (ok not really!) and take in a more natural setting. Trail running is challenging but can be one of the funnest race formats around.
There you have it. More pseudo-wisdom from Adrienne! Now about that giveaway....
Ok, in full disclosure this is a type of event I have NO experience with, but I know people who have done Spartan Races in the past and have really dug them. So when the Spartan crew reached out to me the other day with a FREE ENTRY to give away to one of their events, I was happy to pass it along.
Here's the deal: I'm holding an "epic race experience" contest over the next two weeks and will announce the winner on Sunday, 4/13. All you have to do is post a comment providing a tale of your craziest race experience to date. It does not have to be a trail or obstacle event, just something entertaining or unexpected. Be creative, but honest! Our judges will decide which story is worthy of the prize (ok, yours truly, but I'm trained in psychology and can spot a lie a mile away... ;)).
For more info on the Reebok Spartan Race Series, it's various locations and distances, check out this link.
Go big or go home in Spring 2014!
Stay the course.
4 comments:
Hmmmm....I've been racing for over 35 years now - I have plenty of stories!!! :) Maybe I'll have time to get back to you on a classic text book example of what could go wrong will race I did this past summer. Too long to write it all out now...my bed's calling :). But I am excited about your upcoming year .... I was nodding my head in agreement on the year to have fun and enjoy. The trails will do that to you - make you forget your watch and just take it all in and be an intrinsic part of nature. I know you'll have a blast!
Happy April! :)
So happy to see you back to racing... you are going to kick but at trails!!
I am not sure what I would do if I won a spartan race entry. There haven't been too many crazy race experiences, other than showing up late and trying to make it to the start. Perhaps it would be running into the garbage can during a half marathon. :)
Keep us posted on the 5k! You left some great trail race tips.
I mean, really, my blog could overtake the entire contest for crazy running stories. Haha, but I'll pass since there's no way I can do a Spartan Race any time soon.
So glad I can finally read your blog. I don't know WHAT in the world was wrong. I know you're going to kill that trail race. Seems to really be your forte these days. :)
My epic race experience... my wife and I signed up for a Jingle Bell Run, and there were many families at this race. In the past we had been happy to finish in the top 50% of the field, but we were determined to do our damnedest to place in our age group for this short, 2-mile run considering all the kids. Fast forward - there we are coming down the home stretch, people running with their dogs, kids 6 years old in front of us crossing the finish line, and a feeling of defeat came over me. Later on, we're joking and having a good time at the awards ceremony, and I hear my wife's name called. She placed first in her age group! But then a minute later I heard MY name! I took first in my group too! It was an unforgettable moment as we both PR'd the 2 miles and spent our winnings on new running gear. We still get a good laugh about the kids finishing ahead of us...
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