My race is four days away, and it’s all I can think about. Whatever I’m doing, in the back of my mind I’m saying “I can’t forget to bring extra socks” and “I need to put lube in my drop bags.”
Now that I’m embracing my inner Winnie the Pooh, it occurs to me that trail running is a very Pooh-like activity. I’ll basically be wandering happily through the woods, eating honey all day- well okay, not honey. But I’ll be consuming gels and other treats that are the honey equivalent. Here are a couple Winnie the Pooh quotes that sum up my main concerns and goals for this race.
“Always watch where you are going. Otherwise, you may step on a piece of the forest that was left out by mistake.“
Honestly, the thing I’m most afraid of is falling. Let’s review my recent races:
Dunes 50k- fell. Did not sustain an injury, but this is probably when I got the spider bite that has left a discolored spot on my leg to this day.
Forgotten Florida 50 mile- FELL AND SPRAINED MY ANKLE. This is what caused me to DNF that race. Sadness.
Sweat, Swat and Swear 50k- Did not fall. Wait? Is that right? Wow. How did that happen.
Treasure Coast 12 hour race- fell and injured my rib. I thought it was broken, but later decided I damaged the cartilage between the sternum and ribs.
Numerous falls on training runs, including the last trail run I did where I nearly face planted. My elbows took the brunt of that one, luckily escaping with some minor scrapes.
In all these cases, I was taken down by a hidden root that I could not see. This is why I’m nervous- it’s not just a matter of being careful. Falls happen. I’ll be needing some good luck here. Next quote:
“Rivers know this: There is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
Ah, Winnie. So much wisdom here! I definitely learned this from the Forgotten Florida attempt. If something is wrong, SLOW DOWN AND ASK FOR HELP. That’s what the aid stations are for. The cutoffs for this race are very generous, so it will be almost impossible to DNF because of going too slowly. The whole goal is to finish… eventually.
Have you ever fallen over a piece of the forest that was left out by mistake?
Top photo by petra gerling on Unsplash
20 Responses
Haha, oh Jenny, I know how you feel. Once there’s a race on the schedule, the brain goes into full tunnel vision mode. Laundry? Work? World events? Irrelevant. Must. Think. About. Race.
I haven’t fallen in a while, but that’s mostly because I’ve been avoiding trails. Why? Because I was afraid of FALLING before Boston!
Wishing you all the luck — you will not fall. You will not freak out. You will absolutely crush it!
Thank you so much Catrina! And- great decision to avoid trails leading up to Boston. You were able to remain injury free and CRUSH YOUR RACE!
Good luck Jenny!!! You’re right – just ask for help! That’s what they are there for. You can do it!
Thank you Nicole! I appreciate it : )
You are at this stage of pre race that you are excited, anxious, worried, want to get over with it! I totally get it! ENJOY the scene and the “pain”
Yes, that’s exactly it! I wish the race could just be tomorrow so I could start.
I loved this post, Jenny. Such wise words and I am just so excited to hear all about your adventures (hopefully all adventures and no misadventures?!) this weekend. You are an inspiration to us all <3
Oh thank you Elisabeth!!! There may be some misadventures… but I’ll try to take it all in stride and enjoy the day no matter what.
I fall way too often, mostly because of rocks & not roots since we don’t have a lot of trees here, but usually I notice it gets worse in the taper and makes me freak out about hurting myself in the the race. I still usually end up falling once or twice in the race but it’s never as bad as I think it will be. But I hope you don’t fall at all during your race!
Thank you Ashley! Honestly, if I fall, I fall- it happens. I just don’t want to fall and end up DNFing because I hurt myself. And yes- your terrain is definitely different. Rocks and roots are both sinister beings, waiting to take us down!
Trail running sounds challenging–how can you be looking up to see where you’re going and simultaneously be looking down to make sure you’re not tripping? Aaargh–it makes my head spin!
I hope everything aligns and you have a fun experience, Jenny!
Thank you Maya! I think trail running is a skill that you get better at, just like anything else. I need more practice on technical trails- the trails near me are pretty smooth compared to trails in different areas of Florida.
Jenny, I am the clumsiest person you’ve ever met. I have fallen over pieces of the forest that have been left out, actual visible rugs in my own home, and absolutely nothing on well-tended sidewalks. And I have the injuries to back that up.
I’m so excited for your race! Have fun and enjoy it!
Thank you Engie!!! And I recommend that you avoid trail running, ha ha.
Someone needs to write a book called “All I Needed to Learn About Ultras I Learned from Reading Winnie-the-Pooh” – hey Jenny, you’re someone! It does sound like Pooh knew his trails.
I’ve tripped on roots and what not WALKING on the trails plenty of times. Not to mention all of the near slip n’slides that I’ve taken in mud. The trails are no joke!
Woo Hoo 4 days to go!!! Enjoy every taste of that honey.
Thank you Birchie! And, isn’t there a book called “The Tao of Pooh?” I’m not sure if I could fill a whole book with Pooh-related running wisdom. Maybe a pamphlet.
I haven’t fallen on a piece of the forest that was left out. What an appropriate quote. I did recently slip off the bottom stair. I suspect someone spilled something and now the hard wood steps are extra slippery. Anyway, I was grateful not to be carrying a baby at the time. I was a little sore, but I hurt nothing. Phew.
I hope the race is uneventful and that you stay on your feet.
My mom had a tendency to fall a lot when she was a runner. She once fell downtown and banged her head on a fire hydrant! Fun times. My anxiety cannot handle her clumsiness so I’m kinda glad she’s not running these days, lol.
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RACE!!!!!!!!
I have fallen so many times when trail running so have deemed it an activity that is not safe for Lisa. I haven’t been hurt badly by the falls but I figure I should not tempt fate!
All that said, I am wishing you a fall-free race experience!!
I do fall a lot which is why you will never get me running trails.
I think this one is the one where you will not fall!! Fingers crossed.