Trail Running!

I ran my first trail race last month and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. I have ran 4 marathons, so I figured an 18 mile race wouldn’t be that bad. Boy was I wrong! Trailing running is basically running up and down hills the entire time. And by hills, I mean steep hills! So steep, that I couldn’t even run down them because it was rocky and I had a fear of tumbling down the hill face first.  But after 18 grueling miles in the woods north of Pittsburgh, I finished my first trail race! This tough experience was just what I needed. It brought me back down to earth. I thought I was in amazing shape, but I could’ve trained a little harder and done some more research on the race. This race was a big learning experience for me. But a good learning experience for me because next weekend I am running 35 miles! HOLY COW! My last month of training has consisted of more hill runs, hiking through the National Parks in Utah, adding more leg days to my workout plan. I am so excited for the Rachel Carson Challenge next weekend. And to top it all off, my fiance surprised me and signed up for the 18 miler!!! I can’t wait to share this experience with him. 10 days until my toughest race.