How the eff do you run a trail race?

One foot in front of the other, silly! And duck for trees, Jump over roots and don't trip!

But first, some terrible race photos from my gobble trot.




I can run and sleep at the same time!!




Minus the weird leg kick, I actually like this photo of Tribu and I... Although she isn't 2 feet taller than me in real life. That was some camera magic ;)

No, but seriously

I've got the Schiller Chiller coming up tomorrow and am nervous. I haven't run an honest to god trail race in a loooong time. Ok maybe except for the infamous "turkey trail trot" of 2009 in San Francisco, or the "Nitro turkey" 5k also in California. There was also that horrendous Muddy Buddy experience of 2010 that shall not be mentioned.

But those weren't "trails." Sure, they weren't on paved roads, but they might as well have been. It wasn't technical in the least bit. I'm very concerned about twisting my already weak and cranky ankle.

Muddy buddy San Jose, Ca circa2010- The race which left the worst taste in my mouth for "adventure" races. Because of that race, you'll NEVER see me sign up for a warrior dash, spartan whatever, or muddy buddy ever again. I won't go into my reasoning here. That's best served by a retro race recap. Or you can ask me later. But let's say that those aren't to be confused with trail races. I've really got the bug to run off the pavement after reading some lovely ladies blogs about their trail adventures.




We dressed up for the race because it was encouraged. Um yeah. Hula girl and batman hitting the trails.

I'm psyched that the weather will be MUCH warmer tomorrow than it was for the Turkey Trot. 50's!?! Why yes please!

I don't know what to wear just yet... But I do know I'll be wearing my Asics GT 2130's that I wore for the MB.




They even have mud in them from the Muddy Buddy over 2.5 years ago! (and about 10 total miles on them- mostly from the muddy buddy)




I should probably get my outfit for the race picked out tonight because the morning of the race is the worst time to be making last minute decisions on what to wear. As for race day plan, well "don't fall" is my number 1 priority.




What complicates my pre race routine is that I have my company's holiday party tonight- where I'll be rocking the sparkly creation above. The race (which I'm not taking too seriously) will be my excuse to leave the party before things get too crazy. :) And yes, it will get crazy. Dance floor+ alcohol + people who love to dance and drink = crazy!

My only goals for the race tomorrow are to have a heck of a lot of fun, and not get injured :)

What do you wear for a trail race?

Any advice for me tomorrow when I hit the trail?

Grant Park Turkey Trot

Time: 24:18 (5th Fastest 5k since Athlinks started keeping track)
4th AG out of 100
18th Woman of 617
103rd of 1034 Participants.

Pre Race:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Race Day:

 Race Recap:

Bag Check was a cluster- 15 minute wait. "Warmed" up for 5 minutes as a result. Started out conservatively and never got passed (we were "chicking" everyone) , ok, maybe we got passed once by a 15 year old. Garmin was on "manual lap" by my mistake since the last time I used it was the Chicago Marathon, so no splits- but I'll go ahead and say they were even as even could be, negative possibly. Sprinted the last .1 uphill to the finish. WTF uphill finish?!?  We chatted the entire time and had a freaking blast running together while we couldnt feel our fingers or toes or faces. Im pretty sure my speech was slurred by the time we finished. Hello Hypothermia!  Somehow we both ended up 4th in our respective Age Groups, and top 18/19 women.  Obviously a smaller field for a Chicago style race. I am also proud of L for clocking one of his faster times in a 5K this year.

Overall a  fun time, and I finally felt ready to tackle a 5K at mile 2.78 of the race, once I was properly "warmed up." BRR.

Post Race:

Sorry CB, but antlers just look so adorable on you...

Next up: The Schiller Chiller 5k on 12/1. 

Currently praying for warmer temps.

----Xaar

This week is gonna rock!

Im really looking forward to this week. Not only because L will return from a nearly 2 week business trip, or because CB will go to the vet for a checkup post surgery (so he can get the all clear to run again), but also for Thanksgiving and it being the only excuse I have to make 30 side dishes (unless we go out- after all its only L, CB and I), but also because my Tribu is coming to visit!. You might remember Tribu from the huge disaster that was the 2012 Miami Marathon where she so unselfishly stuck by my side the entire race, while I hobbled/limped through 26.2 miles with a hip flexor strain in 90 degree/ 100% humidity after training in 30-40's in Chicago all winter long. She put aside her possibility of a 2nd BQ for a PW. If that's not friendship, I dont know what is. Best 4:30 spent. Ever!


We will be tacking the Grant Park Turkey Trot this Saturday for our first race together since that dreadful January day in Miami. Im struggling with a "plan" for this race. Im so much of a freaking planner that I like to go into races with some semblance of a goal, but ever since the Fox Valley Marathon and the injuries I've incurred, Ive been taking running lightly while I heal. While i'm confident my 5K PR (22:18) from last years "Hot to Trot" is in no danger of being broken, I do wonder what I am capable of for this Saturday. Had I not gotten the ITB and the Ankle issues, I would have been shooting for a mid 21 something. That's out of the question for sure.

 The 3 other 5Ks I've done this year were 23:34, 23:37. and 23:41. Pretty damn consistent! So i'm thinking of going for  a 23:30 and see how that kind of pace feels.






I went for a run this Sunday and it was absolutely gorgeous out.The path is pretty empty this time of year post Chicago Marathon, which is a welcome change from the chaos that is the trail during the summer with all of the training groups.

It's really nice to not have to worry about passing a large herd of runners, or getting hit by a cyclist. I can just run and enjoy the moment. Since i'm not running a Thursday Turkey Trot, I plan on hitting the lakefront  in the morning for a nice mind clearing run.

I will happily be rocking out my new leggings (on right) which I got from Target this weekend in Saturdays race. I had been obsessing over the $80 pair on the left from sweatybetty.com for a few days, but they didnt have my size. When I saw the knit pair in target for $20, my heart skipped a beat... I plan to wear running tights under them since they are not made of a spandex/athletic material. My legs will be happy and warm in their new tacky leggings :)

Finally, I made vegan chocolate pudding from scratch. And it turned out delicious. Thank you Kim for the recipe! 

How do you make a "goal" for a race?

What are you looking forward to this week?
-Im definitely looking forward to spending time with my family and Tribu and also a 3.75 day workweek :)



----XAAR