Last weekend, my friend Carrie and I ran in a local 25K or 50K (~31 mile) race. It was the first year for this event and we thought it would be fun to do. Yes, we thought it would be FUN to run a 31 mile race, in Iowa, in December, on a trail, in the snow and cold temps. We girls know how to have a good time!
Let me just interject that this is a for realz trail race. It's not all nice and sparkly. We're talking mud, trees, roots, rocks, etc.
So, race day is a bit rainy, but at least it's a balmy 30 degrees outside! We geared up and headed to Lake MacBride. As we're sitting in the car with Denton (Carrie's hubby), Carrie says this. "I don't get why people seem to think we could get hurt." To which I say, "Carrie, because we might ACTUALLY get hurt!!!" Um, duh! Carrie then says that we are smart runners, so we wouldn't get hurt. To which I say, "No, we are not smart, Carrie. The very essence of what we're doing today, in these conditions, is stupid." I think I made Denton's day at that point.
We all gathered at the start line and took off. The first part of the race is on a short little woody trail, then it drops you off at a road. We were on that road for a few miles, before linking up with another trail.
I have to say, even though it was raining and not ideal conditions, I was able to keep a decent attitude. I was actually pretty warm for the first part of the race. I had no real time goal for this race, other than to just run however I felt and finish. So, I took my time and enjoyed the Christmas music mix on my Shuffle.
When I got to the trail in Solon, I realized just how much rain was falling. The trail was muddy. I have a bum ankle that doesn't particularly do well in uneven, muddy terrain. It basically starts to roll. It can only roll so many times before I actually sprain it. So, around mile 7, I was entertaining the thought that I might be doing one loop. The only reason being that my ankle wasn't going to do well when that trail got even muddier.
I finished that piece of the trail and then headed off to the part of the trail where you head toward the spillway. Oh yes, the spillway. This part of the race wasn't too bad...until the spillway.
As I came upon the spillway, I heard, "GO MARIAH!!!" It was Denton, being a fantastic cheerleader - that was a huge boost! I had packed a few Target bags in my coat, hoping they would help. The DNR lady told me not to bother. I was trying to figure out the best way to cross without getting wet. Then I decided that it was all just too funny, and I should just walk right through. So, I just let myself soak my shoes up to my ankles and crossed. I told Denton that it may be a one lap day and went ahead. I had about 4 miles left at this point.
Again, I had a pretty good attitude and hadn't thought about how wet I actually was...until now. My pants kept falling down and I honestly couldn't figure out why. Only after 11 miles did I realize they were SO soaked, they couldn't stay up. I thought, "Hmm, I might be wetter than I think I am..."
I came back to the start/finish area for one final drink, before the last 2 miles. When I took off for the last bit, I felt great and just went with it. But, the last mile slowed me down. It was all mud/sludge and very tricky. I can't say there was much running, as I was constantly dodging trees, rocks, and falling on my behind.
As I crossed the finish line, the volunteer said, "Are you a 25K or 50K runner?" My reply? "I'm a 25K now!"
Physically, I felt fine and I think I could have done a second lap (albeit, a slower second lap). But, I had a couple concerns. #1 being that my ankle(s) would likely collapse on the second lap, going through the muddy sludge. #2 being that I would be out on that second lap pretty much by myself. I had a cell phone with me, but I was worried about being soaking wet, in the middle of the woods, with the temps dropping and snow falling.
I opted for the smart choice of calling it a day at 15.5 miles. And I'm completely fine with that. It was a challenging run, but I'm glad we did it. I would do it again, but not in December.
When I finally changed into dry clothes, I can't even describe to you how heavy/soaked my clothes were. It was ridiculous!
A few pics from the race, courtesy of Denton:
Here I am crossing the spillway
