Think Pink (a race report)

Yesterday, I ran through the woods of Framingham.  A very low key trail race caught Scott’s attention and he coaxed, “Come on, we’ll run it together and you know you won’t get lost!”  So, we signed up.  As I talked about previously in my PMS post, I’d love to put an ultra on my running resume.  Yesterday’s trail race was another step in that direction.  And man, was it fun!

By the time we got to race day, I had picked up two of my friends who were also interested in running.  Actually, one was really interested, while the other was not so excited but took the leap anyway.  I hadn’t seen or run with these friends in awhile, so it was great to dive into this unknown trail world together.  I ran a trail race last year with Scott, but it was only 4 miles.  This was 10 miles and had some pretty decent hills –

The weather was beautiful, climbing into the 60’s early on.  This found most runners in shorts in mid-November – sweet!  I have been feeling a little lazy post-Cape Cod and this race, as low key as it was, really recharged me.  The hills were tough and there were plenty of rocks and roots to jump up and trip us, but the course was terrific.  It was so clearly marked with pink ribbons, that even I wouldn’t have gotten lost.  Now that’s saying something.

The volunteers were happy and silly and helpful at any point along the course where a runner might get confused.  There were spectators who ventured through the woods to cheer us on, including their dogs who at times tried to run alongside.  There was a girl riding her horse along the same trails as the race, so that presented a little challenge as we approached from behind.  We passed the horse, but not before checking with its rider to make sure we weren’t going to scare the horse.  All clear, and we continued on.  Not more than 10 minutes later, we heard the horse suddenly crashing through the woods behind us and jumping – yes, jumping.  We all dashed over to the side of the trail as the rider calmed her excited horse.  If our heart rates weren’t already max’d out, they were at that point.

One of my friends took a tough fall, but she was a trooper.  She assessed the damage (knees looked like they wouldn’t be happy later and some blood – tough chic!) and kept going.  A few minutes later, Scott got distracted as he was talking to another runner, and BAM, he went down.  Fortunately, no real damage done, no evacuation from the trail, no hoof prints from the horse, and lots of smiles during and after the race.  I’d say the day was a success!