First Time Trail Race Stories

Kekibird

Hey runners who have ventured off the beaten path. I'm signed up for my first trail run in March and I'm a little nervous. I've run 5ks and a 10k but nothing off the path yet. This weekend I took my son and my guy (who is a long distance runner) and my trail shoes (breaking them in already) to try out the trail course for my race.

After a 2.3 mile hike/run through multiple trails, I felt much better and a lot less nervous about taking on my first trail race. I worked on my form for going down the hills and how to manage a the rather rocky parts. My guy gave me some great pointers and really was encouraging. We're planning another visit to the course in February without my son so I can run the full course with my guy coaching me.

I'd love to hear some stories from you trail runner about your first races and what you came away with. What did work and even what didn't. I'm even open to hearing some funny stories but mostly looking for encouraging experiences to help whittle away at those last niggling fears.

Thanks!

deekaydee

My first trail race was this past weekend -- a quarter-marathon (6.55 miles).

It was a night race, starting at 6p.m. Racers had to have either a headlamp or a flashlight to run.

I had a headlamp, but it was old, and not fancy. Not the powerful LED lights that most everyone else had. I checked to make sure my headlamp worked, but hadn't tested it outside or in the woods or anything. I was pretty naive about the whole thing. My headlamp turned on, and gave me a faint little circle of light right in front of me -- but that's about it.

By mile 4, I was stumbling along on the path, slowing down to let other racers catch up so I could take advantage of their headlamps! Anytime I fell behind a pack of racers, I slowed my pace until I could tag along with another one.

Looking back, I can't believe I made it out without falling, since I could barely see in front of me, and the course was full of roots and muddy areas.

The good news is -- I LOVED it! Can't wait to sign up for my next trail run. You'll do great (you're already miles ahead of where I was in terms of preparation)!

Kekibird

Looking back, I can't believe I made it out without falling, since I could barely see in front of me, and the course was full of roots and muddy areas.

The good news is -- I LOVED it! Can't wait to sign up for my next trail run. You'll do great (you're already miles ahead of where I was in terms of preparation)!

Congrats on your first trail run!! And thanks for sharing.

Falling is one of my biggest concerns. I just hope to make it through, no matter the length of time it takes, without stumbling to the ground and getting hurt.

summertime_girl

Avoid texting while running on a trail. You might accidentally trip over a downed branch or root. You might smash your knee in an attempt to save your iPhone from doom. It might hurt a lot, and you may need to limp the last mile or so. ;p

DiannaMoorer

Hey runners who have ventured off the beaten path. I'm signed up for my first trail run in March and I'm a little nervous. I've run 5ks and a 10k but nothing off the path yet. This weekend I took my son and my guy (who is a long distance runner) and my trail shoes (breaking them in already) to try out the trail course for my race.

After a 2.3 mile hike/run through multiple trails, I felt much better and a lot less nervous about taking on my first trail race. I worked on my form for going down the hills and how to manage a the rather rocky parts. My guy gave me some great pointers and really was encouraging. We're planning another visit to the course in February without my son so I can run the full course with my guy coaching me.

I'd love to hear some stories from you trail runner about your first races and what you came away with. What did work and even what didn't. I'm even open to hearing some funny stories but mostly looking for encouraging experiences to help whittle away at those last niggling fears.

Thanks!


Where is your run?

Kekibird

Where is your run?

I'm in Southern California and the race will be in the Irvine Regional Park.

Trail_Addict

bumping til I get back from my workout. I've got stories!

Kekibird

Avoid texting while running on a trail. You might accidentally trip over a downed branch or root. You might smash your knee in an attempt to save your iPhone from doom. It might hurt a lot, and you may need to limp the last mile or so. ;p

Heh....I know I shouldn't laugh but based on my first race of the year, any kind of running with a phone can be hazardous. I had a late start due to a technical malfunction with my phone!

Stupid technology....

iplayoutside19

Two years ago I signed up for my first 5K after completing the Couch-to-5K Program. I didn't realize that I had signed up for a trail race! Oh well. I had blast, but was not ready for the elevation change.

Last summer I signed up for a night trail 10K that started at 8pm. Had a blast there too. On parts of the trail it was so crooked and steep you couldn't run because you would run into a tree. I ran with a Camelback becuase I wasn't sure about the aid stations. In the end I think I drank too much water. (It all came up an hour after the race) In a week and a half I'm doing a 10 Mile Trail Race over the same course. But, it's winter now...and it will be daytime. I'm still taking the Camelback, but will be pacing my water intake better than last time.

I'm doing a night trail run tonight. I've fallen a couple times, but nothing major. You have to watch where you're going, even in the day. I guess what draws me to trail racing is it's not "how fast you can run", but "how fast can you get over the trail." There's a slight difference. Mostly I find trail running more fun than road running.