Cedar Ridge 36 KM (22 miles) Trail Race

Distance: 36 KM (22 miles)
Duration: 4:45:59
Weather: Start Time was 73 degrees. With the breeze, it felt a little chilly.
Unofficial Results:
I talked to the race director and he said there were 60 runners registered for the 36 KM race. I'm still waiting for the official results to be posted online, but according to the print out (at the race), I placed 24th overall and 7th place out of females. I'm anxious to see if I placed in my age group!!!!

I started the race with straight hair and this is how it looked, when I finished.

This is my new trail buddy, Robin. I met her at EnduraLAB.

OK. OK. Let me tell you about the trail.
IT WAS TOUGH!!!! Words alone can't describe how difficult it was, so I took photos to illustrate my point. The majority of the time, I had my eyes down. I tripped over tree roots and rocks, but never fell on my face, so that's good! The race started before sunrise at 5:30 am so, everyone wore headlamps. By the time I completed my first loop, I didn't need it, anymore. The course was almost entirely shaded, with trees -- which I loved. I was concerned with all the rain we got, days leading up to the race, that the trail would be muddy, but it was not. If anything, it helped to soften the soil. Some areas of the trail were really bouncy.

Imagine hills -- steep hills like this, Imagine running up something like this say times 20.
There were times, when I had to completely stop, put my hands on my knees and my head between my legs to catch my breath. Yes, the thought of quitting crossed my mind. But since I wasn't injured, I didn't see any good reason why I should quit. I started the run, I needed to finish it.

Before I ran, I had a goal of running an 11 minute pace or if the course was "tough," maybe I would run 11:30. LOL!!!!!! I had no idea what was in store for me. Now, I know. Just to give you an idea how different this run was for me compared to road running here's an example.
I ran the Dallas Marathon (26.2 miles a road race) in 4 hours 15 minutes versus this 22 mile trail race at 4 hours 45 minutes.

Now, I know how technical this trail is.

At least the weather was nice. I can't imagine having to run in 90 degree weather. I'm thankful for the cool front.

I'm always pleased when I get a sock line.

This is what I had for breakfast before heading off to the race. Spinach, sweet potatoes and ground turkey. Today, I feel sore. I might go for a walk, later just to loosen up. The girls are in Abilene with the grandparents, so I think Trey and I are going to get out and do some fun things.