XTERRA Trail Run World Championships Recap
The morning started out well. Got up around 5:45, washed up, ate half a bagel, drank some water, then headed out to pick up Christian. We got to Kualoa Ranch about a quarter to 8, so lots of time to relax and warm up before the race. I had some pre-race jitters. I had no idea what the course was like or whether I could run that far since the farthest I've run all year was 12 miles.
It turns out the XTERRA trail races are incredibly challenging. I found out later that this race was an Xduro race -- one of their more challenging races. Just after the start, a surge of runners all passed me. I don't know whether I staged too far up front or they went out too fast. Regardless, I decided I'd stick to my own pace and not worry about whether people passed me or not. I always die if I go out faster than I should.
Ka'a'awa Valley is gorgeous, and I can't think of a more beautiful spot on this island for a run. Unfortunately, when you have to focus on the trail ahead of you, it's hard to take in all of the scenery. There were moments, though, where I looked up and saw the mountains towering above me. They always make me feel so safe. The first few miles were varied and beautiful, but I could tell I was in for some pain.
Then came the hills... I've never run up so many steep hills before! They just kept going and going. For the first few, I was determined to not walk, and I actually stuck to that plan. I passed people as I trotted slowly up the hills. After a few more hills, though, my legs just didn't have anything left in them and I succumbed to the peer pressure. Actually, it was more like my trotting was only trivially faster than walking, and I decided it wasn't worth the effort to keep running. Now that I look back and after talking to Christian, I realize that walking was probably better. That way, I had enough energy left for the rest of the race. Plus, my calves were ready to burst from all those crazy hills. I gave them a rest, and they returned the favor by not giving up on me.
Finally, just when I thought I couldn't go on, I took a GU that I fortunately brought with me before we hit a muddy downhill section. That was more like hiking. I caught up to Amy Eck, and pretty much followed her jingle bells from that point on (she was dressed as a Christmas elf). We slid down the mud for a while, then finally made it to a gentler downhill area. The finish line was about 2 miles away, or so we were told. It felt longer to me. Amy picked up the pace, so I followed the jingle bells and picked it up too. I was surprised my legs still had anything left, but I think the walking/hiking gave them time to recover.
Running into the finish felt glorious. I have never felt so satisfied from any race (granted, I've only done a few). Finish time was 2:09:35. Slow pace, but considering the course, I can't be upset. Not too shabby for a gal who just started running distance again in the last month. I can't take the credit, though. I dedicated this race to the Lord, and He pulled through for me in a major way. All the physical therapy with Crystal, the slower or shorter training runs alone and with Christian, and the support and encouragement of Christian, family and friends, and Team Jetters all helped me get here. Four days out, I still haven't really started to run again yet, but my knees feel fine so far. Now if I can just stay injury-free and keep building, I think I'll start preparing for my next trail race.
P.S. Christian and I both made it onto the race highlights video. Christian looks fine and finished in 1:31:51 for 11th overall. They got me at the finish making a really strange face, so enjoy laughing at me. I'm not very good in front of the camera.
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It turns out the XTERRA trail races are incredibly challenging. I found out later that this race was an Xduro race -- one of their more challenging races. Just after the start, a surge of runners all passed me. I don't know whether I staged too far up front or they went out too fast. Regardless, I decided I'd stick to my own pace and not worry about whether people passed me or not. I always die if I go out faster than I should.
Ka'a'awa Valley is gorgeous, and I can't think of a more beautiful spot on this island for a run. Unfortunately, when you have to focus on the trail ahead of you, it's hard to take in all of the scenery. There were moments, though, where I looked up and saw the mountains towering above me. They always make me feel so safe. The first few miles were varied and beautiful, but I could tell I was in for some pain.
Then came the hills... I've never run up so many steep hills before! They just kept going and going. For the first few, I was determined to not walk, and I actually stuck to that plan. I passed people as I trotted slowly up the hills. After a few more hills, though, my legs just didn't have anything left in them and I succumbed to the peer pressure. Actually, it was more like my trotting was only trivially faster than walking, and I decided it wasn't worth the effort to keep running. Now that I look back and after talking to Christian, I realize that walking was probably better. That way, I had enough energy left for the rest of the race. Plus, my calves were ready to burst from all those crazy hills. I gave them a rest, and they returned the favor by not giving up on me.
Finally, just when I thought I couldn't go on, I took a GU that I fortunately brought with me before we hit a muddy downhill section. That was more like hiking. I caught up to Amy Eck, and pretty much followed her jingle bells from that point on (she was dressed as a Christmas elf). We slid down the mud for a while, then finally made it to a gentler downhill area. The finish line was about 2 miles away, or so we were told. It felt longer to me. Amy picked up the pace, so I followed the jingle bells and picked it up too. I was surprised my legs still had anything left, but I think the walking/hiking gave them time to recover.
Running into the finish felt glorious. I have never felt so satisfied from any race (granted, I've only done a few). Finish time was 2:09:35. Slow pace, but considering the course, I can't be upset. Not too shabby for a gal who just started running distance again in the last month. I can't take the credit, though. I dedicated this race to the Lord, and He pulled through for me in a major way. All the physical therapy with Crystal, the slower or shorter training runs alone and with Christian, and the support and encouragement of Christian, family and friends, and Team Jetters all helped me get here. Four days out, I still haven't really started to run again yet, but my knees feel fine so far. Now if I can just stay injury-free and keep building, I think I'll start preparing for my next trail race.
P.S. Christian and I both made it onto the race highlights video. Christian looks fine and finished in 1:31:51 for 11th overall. They got me at the finish making a really strange face, so enjoy laughing at me. I'm not very good in front of the camera.
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