A few months ago I decided that I would take on a trail run. I researched races that would fall on my birthday and asked fellow running folks their thoughts and opinions. I determined the Bobcat Trail half marathon was going to be my birthday present. I love running on my birthday because I am grateful that I was able to run another year and spend another year with family and friends. I am also crazy enough to run a 50 miler at Mohican next June with these crazy running friends.
Signing up for a race means you should prepare for the distance and the terrain. If you know the race will be hilly, you need to practice hills. If the race is going to be on trails and the most you’ve run is a towpath, you need to hit up some trails. That is exactly what I did last weekend along with some fellow running friends. We woke up and hit the road at 5:30am to arrive at Mohican Park by 7am. By 7:20, everyone had stretched, hit up the bathroom and we’ve reviewed the trail map. This bought us just enough time for the sun to come out and eliminate a need for headlamps or flashlights.
Just a few miles into our run we hit up the bike path. The terrain quickly changed to rough, bumpy, and up and down hills. It was AWESOME! I was seeing how fast I could take the downhills without tripping over anything or mis-stepping. The uphills, I walked or tried to jog here and there. Although it had rained the day before, there weren’t many puddles or muddy spots to break in my Hoka Torrents. They are still a bright orange with a tiny spec of dirt.
We passed a small waterfall and then a bigger waterfall, made a wrong turn and ended up back at the cars after 2 miles. After checking the map and getting a quick bathroom trip in, we set off to do another 6 miles. It was during this portion of the loop we were given more information about the Mohican 100 trail race and how the course logistics work out from a four time finisher. We were running to the fire tower when someone questioned the distance. It was at that point the maps came back out and we realized we missed our turn. Uh-Oh, we just added an additional two miles. Once we got to the fire tower some chose to climb the steps, I decided to rest my legs. We started to contend with mountain bikers as they were getting a long ride in around the park. After 10 miles, we made it back to our vehicles! It was a fun day, I wasn’t sore and I didn’t fall once during this run or my first official trail run either, but there is always next time. Don’t worry, I’m carrying a band-aid. I did miss my long run for the weekend, so I will need to make that up with my marathon relay.
I have definitely found something that is challenging and exciting that I will pursue more next year! I want to continue to explore new races to have new adventures. Even while I’m writing this, I am receiving messages about other trail races that will be opening registration soon. Running friends can be very persuasive.
Get out there with your friends and family and explore your national and state parks! As always, be confident, be fit, be you!
confidentandfitmom 
Who r u calling crazy!?
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