I was taking stairs a little slowly and sideways when I got up this morning after yesterday’s trail run.
I’ve had to take stair backwards after at least one marathon, so that doesn’t seem too bad.
Actually, I feel pretty good. I’m sore in the quads. My ankles are a little more sore from navigating the uneven surface than I think they’d be for a road event.
My abs are fine. That was my biggest concern, since this was my first run after having a camera and surgical tubes jammed up my belly a few weeks ago.
The main comp from the event is a very nice fleece blanket with the race logo emroidered at one corner. I like that, because I have a closet full of race t-shirts, and I imagine many people do. The race packets contained a great pair of running gloves too, better than the 99-cent ones you pick up at the running store and plan to toss halfway through your long run.
Hammer was a sponsor, and I tried one of their raspberry gels–not bad. I liked their Hammer Bars OK too, but on a hike or at the crag, I’d still go with Clif. I tried their Heed sports drink too. I can’t judge these things in terms of how they affected my performance, but they tasted fine.
I picked up a copy of Trail Runner during the post-race. They also sponsored the run. When Jenn saw it on the coffee table, however, she said, “Oh my god, you didn’t subscribe to another magazine.” I don’t think I’ll be subscribing, because I’m not ready to give up Backpacker, Runner’s World, or Climbing just yet, especially when I’ve already got National Geographic Adventure and Outside on my list.
Aid stations for trail run events are completely different from those at road events.
First, there are far fewer of them. In a typical road event, you might expect an aid station every two miles or so. On the trail, every five miles is liberal. There were three aid stations for Louisville’s Lovin the Hills. Obviously, you can’t pack in an aid station just anywhere along the trail.
Next, at a road event, you might expect to see several dozen supporters with arms outstretched, holding water or sports drink. Runners generally slow down and grab a drink, maybe walk fifty yards or so, then continue on, tossing an empty cup by the side of the road. Aid stations for this run were managed by just a few people, and trail runners practice trail ethics. Trail runners might suck down gels or chew energy bars mid trail, but they put the wrappers in their pockets.
On a trail run, aid stations might also serve as check points, where you’re required to record your bib number. They are also mini-buffets with an array of goodies to graze on, including everything from candies, to pretzels, to sports bars. People stop and chat. They don’t grab their drink and run.
These differences mean that you need to pack your own hydration and nutrition for the run. I used a Camelbak hydration pack that Graham and Evan gave me for Christmas. I filled it to its two-liter capacity and drank it nearly dry. It has plenty of room for snacks, so I took along pretzels, jelly beans, and granola bars. I also threw in my phone. It worked great for me. Lots of people carry bottles, but I like to have my hands free.
Trail running is quite a drug. It’s painful, but the endorphins are worth it. One time: I’m hooked.