Out of the Woods

This week was particularly challenging on the running front. The 6-mile practice run last Saturday was invigorating but towards the end of a 2-3-3-2 mile sequence this week I was at an all-time low. Throughout the crazy work week my stomach had gotten cranky. I became dehydrated as a result. Working out every day felt great but probably wore me out more than I had realized. By the end of Thursday's run something was wrong. After a short high I got a killer headache with a side of nausea and blurry vision. Yowza!

On Friday I took a break from all physical activity, drinking lots of water with electrolytes and making sure to get enough protein. Our 10k was scheduled for the following day and, up until the morning of, I was unsure if I'd be up for the race. Thankfully, I felt better just in time! The guru and I headed to the Tyler Arboretum for the 6.2 mile trail run. My goal was simple: finish. Given the hectic week leading up to the race, I just wanted to complete it (I still kept my fingers crossed for a relatively good pace/finish time).

It was a chilly but sunny morning with a great turnout of runners and their good vibes. The race started out slow with people walking; the trail couldn't accommodate a quick dispersement. About 3 or 4 minutes in we were able to pick up the pace and it felt like the race was finally underway!

The trail was beautiful and I was pumped! We were all flying down the hills, the sun was shining, and I felt better on this run than I had all week. Then I saw my first steep incline. Yikes! It would be one of many throughout the course and one of several that I would walk up. I figured as long as a bunch of runners ahead were doing it, I could follow their lead.

Aside from the inclines, the run was really enjoyable. The steep hills nevertheless had me spent by mile 5. I ran the rest of the race on empty but reached the finish line with a time of 1:07! The guru finished with an impressive time of 48:50!

Now it's on to the Broad Street run! Ed and I are really digging the races and might do another one or two before the May 2nd 10-miler. The Bryn Mawr Running Club's Out and Back is a fun run for sure ~ 4 mile race along scenic Kelly Drive with a tomato pie (and beer) party following on Boathouse Row. I think another trail race will be in order too.

Does anyone have races to recommend?

Happy Trails!

P.S. Trail pictures are from the Delaware County Pennsylvania Road Runners Club site.