So, this past weekend I ran my first trail race! It was so much fun. I am definitely looking forward to doing this race next year. It was held at the Coppell Nature Park, which is a beautiful trail perfect for a hike or trail run.
The race started around 8:30 am, which allowed for plenty of time to get out there and pick up my race number and t-shirt. I found some of my running buddies out there and we took some snapshots before the race.
Legwarmers on, ready to RUN!
The race was relatively small (about 427 total in the race), which is a nice change of pace from the larger races that I’m used to running. It was also an inaugural race, which was also nice to be a part of. The gun went off, and off we went.
I was feeling strong that morning. I was fighting a little bit of a bug (UGH) and I had a sore throat but my legs were feeling speedy and strong. I just kept telling myself, ‘Ok, it’s only 3 miles. You’ll be done before you know it!’ The first part of the race was part grass, part road leading into the trails. Since I had gone on a couple of trail runs before (just casual ones w/ friends) I sort of knew what to expect. I love trail running, because it takes you off of the constant pounding of being on the roads all the time, and it’s nice to just be immersed in nature.
So we went into the trails, and were asked to go into the trail single file. This was okay for me, since I had already sped up and jumped in front of a bunch of people, but most people were not very happy with that request, in case they did want to pass people. Aside from that, I enjoyed being on the trail, and in the middle of the woods. We left the trails and headed for the finish. I didn’t wear my Garmin watch so I really had no idea about my pace the whole time, I just knew I was pushing hard, and just kept telling myself to push harder. I glanced at the clock in front of me. 21:30 finish time. 7:10 average pace. Without the help of my trusty Garmin. 2nd place in my age group out of 46 girls. Still got it, I guess.
After the Deck the Trails race, I taught dance class at 24 Hour Fitness in Murphy. I loved the Christmas décor in the aerobics room.
I ran some more errands then went to my friend Karen’s spa party & gift exchange. I had a great time catching up with some old girlfriends, and I even got a cute sparkly top…better than the stationery I got last year!
Me & Lead Danceaton instructor Gaby
Later on in the evening, the BF and I were starved so we decided to check out this new Brazilian restaurant called Villa’s Grill. It is a quaint, romantic restaurant located in downtown Irving. The food is delicious, it is conveniently close to home and it’s byob. Does it get any better than that? I think not.
So overall a great weekend. Looking forward to more holiday festivities coming up, like the Jog’r Egg Nog’r 15K at White Rock Lake this weekend. I’ll be running it w/ a good running buddy of mine so it’ll be a good time. Bring it on!
