I was insanely anxious about this race. I've never raced a 10k before and I have never done a trail race before. I've certainly never done a trail race with obstacles.
This race wasn't like a Tough Mudder or anything like that but it did have three river crossings, a lot of mud and a "wall". It wasn't a man made wall, just a big hill that goes just about straight up for a while.
I did walk the course ahead of time. We did as much as was marked on the map. We weren't keen about going off trail in a place where cell phone service was limited and the park is about 4,000 acres. I was calmed a little by walking the course...However I was scared stiff at the distance and running it.
The day was pretty chilly and a lot of rain was on its way. However, my a miracle it held off. I was cold at the starting line but I was able to shed my windbreaker and give it to my husband before I went into the woods.
The first mud section slowed everyone down a lot. I mean really people started walking. The first mile was filled with downed trees, streams and mud patches that needed care and to be walked through. This isn't a race you can really do for time, you're there for run.
As soon as the prayer was said (which I LOVED and will post later in a separate post) the the first pitch thrown out, we were off. I knew right away I was in love.
I run trails almost every day and because trail runs are hard to find I've been road racing. However, trail running is my true love.
The first river crossing was a bit of a shock. To actually go into the river on purpose and then come out with soaking wet feet was a little unreal but it was so much fun.
I talked with people the whole race. I never had to walk like I'd feared and I wasn't out of breath really either. I was shocked at how fast it went.
At the last river crossing, my family was there to cheer me on. It was so much fun seeing them there as I crossed the last river. They were muddier than I was because all of the other runner has splashed them!
The last .3 of a mile was uphill on a field and it was a pain int he you know what. I hated the end. It was anti climactic too because all of the spectators were back at the river crossing.
I finished and was on such a high I wanted to do it all again. Here are just a few photos from the day. If you go to their site there are thousands more! Its a lottery to enter this race, but I'm praying I get in again next year!
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