On Sunday I ran a 5K trail race to benefit the Solid Waste Authority- an odd little race that turned out to be perfect for me right now. One of the reasons I chose it is I figured a trail race would be kinder to my ego- after two years of dealing with my foot issues (and doing no speed work) I knew I would be running slowly. Everyone runs slower on a trail, right?
The race was about 45 minutes north of us, at the Renewable Energy Facility. I actually had no idea what this was or that it existed at all, but it turns out we have “the most advanced and cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in North America.” Who knew?
Since the race started at 7:30 and we had to pick up our packets, we got up nice and early- 5:20 am- and got ourselves ready to go. My husband had agreed to run it with me, but after he registered he found out he would be working Saturday night, and he didn’t get home until 11:30 pm. There was a teensy bit of grumbling at the early wakeup time, but overall he was an excellent sport.
I drank a big glass of water and then sipped on a cup of black tea on our way to the race. Once we were there and had gotten our packets and bib numbers, I ate a banana, ran a mile to warm up, and was ready to race.
It turned out this was a perfect course for someone who can’t run very fast, because if ever a race discouraged fast running, it was this one. The trail portions were nothing too treacherous- some rocks and tree roots, you had to watch your step- but the true challenges lay in the non-trail sections.
There were some paved stretches that were very uneven- ironically, I rolled my ankle on one of the paved parts (nothing serious.) Not only was the pavement broken, but there were some twists and turns that made it precarious. Then in the middle of the race we encountered the worst running surface imaginable. It was kind of like a concrete lattice, with holes in the center of each grid. It was literally impossible for me to step down without stepping partially into a hole. Oh, and this was the only part of the course that was downhill. It was only one or two tenths of a mile, but still- it was slow going.
Then, there were a couple stretches where we ran on a boardwalk over a marshy area. There was a sign that said “Caution! Boardwalk is slippery when wet” and you could see puddles ALL OVER IT. Some people in front of me walked across the boardwalk- I kept running, but I did slow down.
My overall pace for this race was 9:04/mile, which is astonishing considering I practically felt like I was running an obstacle race. As a matter of fact, I’m suspicious that the course was a little short- but I don’t know for sure because my Garmin chose this week to bite the dust. Hey- I’ll take 9:04 if you want to give it to me. And I came second in my age group!
One of the most exciting things about the race though was that my husband was third in his age group, and it’s the first time he’s ever placed in his age group. He was really happy! We got some pretty cool AG awards…
In all honesty, this quirky little race obviously didn’t attract fast runners. But that’s okay- I’ll take an AG award any day! It always makes it more fun when you win something.
My foot held up well- it didn’t hurt during the race. I was too distracted to notice it much. It got uncomfortable standing during the award ceremony though- when you’re in my age group, you have to wait a while for your category.
On the way home my husband said that regardless of how he placed, he was just happy that he’s still able to be out there running. I thought the same thing during the race- how lucky I was to out there, running on a trail, when a lot of people can’t run at all. So I’m grateful for that. HOWEVER…
I don’t think I’m quite at that point yet- the point where I say “I’m old and slow, but at least I can make it through a 5K without keeling over!” I’d like to think I still have some competitive days ahead of me, where I can train seriously for a race and have a time goal. So while I did have fun, it just reminded my that I NEED to get this foot situation fixed, so I can run the way I want to again.
Overall, we really enjoyed this event. When I signed us up we were making jokes about running a race for garbage. But I loved the focus on renewable energy and recycling. The trail was beautiful, and even the questionable running surfaces added to the unique quality of this race. We plan to do it again next year!
Do you ever run trail races?
What’s the oddest race you’ve ever run?
35 Responses
Congratulations, Jenny, on placing 2nd in your age group! And Runnersfly-Hubby on his 3rd place! Fabulous!
I know exactly what you mean with the concrete-lattice downhill section. That kind of path is the worst to run on!
The medal is lovely – although I was expecting some kind of garbage-related theme instead of an eagle. A miniature dumpster would have been nice, too! 🙂
Ha ha!!! Yes, I’m a little disappointed now- I want a dumpster medal.
Great job!! Although you had some challenges on the race course, those do make it interesting. I like to say they “level the field” because everone (even the fast folks) have to run with caution 🙂
Yes! That’s why it was the perfect race for me, ha ha. A fast road race wouldn’t have been as good this time.
Congrats to you on your 2nd place and your hubby on his 3rd place AG awards! The lattice-like concrete with holes in it sounds like a terrible surface for running. I’m impressed with your 9:05 pace considering the course and what you’ve been through with your foot these last two years.
I do enjoy trail races and just ordered a new pair of trail shoes.
Thank you Debbie! I still think the course may have been short… but there’s not way of knowing. The whole experience was encouraging though.
Congrats to you and your husband!
Sorry about the twisted ankle – ugh, but it really sounds like you made the most of a tough situation with the conditions and it is so helpful to reframe things with the understanding that so many (most people!) wouldn’t be capable of doing this at all.
I’m on my second run of 2022 and…wow…how humbling. I’ve never been overly athletic, but a few years ago I was almost up to running 15K’s and could reliably run a sub-60 10K. And now I’m hobbling through 3 km and praying I don’t keel over.
Today wasn’t horrible – my pace was exactly 6.6 min/km (9.3/mi)…BUT, I kept telling myself – “At least you can do this right now. What a gift…” in between feeling mildly depressed that finishing 3 km feels like a big deal!
Don’t be depressed! I know how hard it is to start again- I’ve been there. Look at it this way- the fact that you were able to do all that running before shows that you can get there if you work at it consistently. I’m excited that you’re running again!
I knew that the Solid Waste Authority would put on a good race! Congrats to you and the hubs, especially with the early morning wake up.
Thank you! Yes, he did especially well considering how little sleep he got.
Congrats on placing! I love how your “slow” pace is way faster than my fastest. Even when your foot isn’t up to snuff, you’re pure power!
Oh, thank you! It’s true paces are all subjective. I’m not naturally a fast runner, but I can run sort of fast when I really work hard at it.
Congratulations! That is excellent! I’m glad your foot held up too.
Thank you Nicole!
Nice job! Congrats to you & hubby! Love a reusable straw, too, although I already have plenty since I’m the only one that uses them. I think the short is cute, too.
I have done a few trail races. Trails definitely make me slower & they feel harder — I guess that’s why they’re so good for our body. Glad the rolled ankle wasn’t an issue!
The funny thing is we have a bunch of reusable straws but I was excited about this one because it came with a case- now I can always have it in my purse. Little things like that make me happy!
I think this was just what you needed to get your confidence back! Look at you getting an AG place! You are not slow. Hope you are proud of this one
Thank you Deborah. I’m really happy I did it!
What a well themed race! I have a straw just like that from college orientation day. I love that it has a plastic tip on it! Congrats to both our races. Sounds like quite interesting terrain. I have run two trail races. One was a super hilly course which is known for it’s 50 miler and 100 miler races. I ran the “kiddy race” which was the marathon distance. It was a fun event and I hope to do it again. The other was a 50K race at our local park. I cried several times during that race because it was fall and I kept tripping on tree roots hidden under the leaves. Sooooo frustrating! I had the worst case of DOMS for a week afterwards. Oddly, a super sore neck! My one and only ultra race.
Ha, that sounds like a hard way to run an ultra! Very impressive that you did it though. Yes, I’m loving my straw! The non-metal tip makes it extra-awesome.
Awesome! And heck, that would be a lightning fast pace for me even on roads! You did great. I’m familiar with that lattice stuff, and it’s impossible to run on. I saw your comment about Srimu, and yesss!! I actually didn’t know if that was definitely happening or not because I don’t work at Crosstown Concourse anymore (but I live within walking distance!). But before I left my job there, my boss asked me if I’d heard of Srimu. I hadn’t, but then I googled and realized it was Julie Piatt’s cheese company, and I was like, “YOU HAVE TO BRING THEM HERE!” Ha, so I’m glad to hear that’s moving along. I’ll have to go back and listen to that episode.
The whole episode is amazing, but you would especially like where she talks about how amazing Memphis is.
Congratulations to you and your husband! I didn’t realize he was a runner too. Sounds like a challenging course, and you did so great! Nice work Jenny.
Thank you Jessie! Yes, my husband loves running but doesn’t do a lot of formal training (like no speedwork or anything.). He’s not used to winning AG awards, so that’s why this was extra-fun.
What a cute race. Sounds perfect for getting back into the swing of things.
I think your pace was fast for most runners but I agree, I know you can run faster. Pace is so individual.
But as long as you can run without pain, you can race. And eventually longer and/or faster. Until you’re “old” like me…. I’m trying very hard to be content as a sloth.
Ha ha… As I remember, you win some AG awards yourself! You’re no sloth.
Congrats on your awesome finish! Your pace is nothing to sneeze at, especially with those treacherous conditions. Crazy that they’d have you run on that concrete lattice. I don’t know if you’ve ever run a race in Chicago, but they do have many of them over those steel grid bridges. If it’s wet, it’s dangerous and I’ve heard of runners falling. Ouch.
This had to make you feel encouraged!!
Yeah, the concrete lattice was bizarre. It’s almost like the race was put together by non-runners. But that’s okay- they did a good job overall.
Congrats to both of you! I guess your husband is glad he got up to do this with you after all. 😉
I love the “you didn’t stink …” message — so clever.
The terrain sounds tricky. I know exactly what you are describing with the concrete web. I’m glad your ankle roll wasn’t as tragic as my recent foot roll.
Yes, can you imagine if I sprained my ankle? That would have been the crowning blow.
Yes, we had a good chuckle over “you don’t stink…” It was a funny little race.
Way to go! That’s amazing that both of you placed in your age groups. Woop, woop!
Thank you Stephany. You know, I was thinking about you… they had a walker category and I know you try to do a 5k every month!
Congrats on placing 2nd, Jenny! What an unexpected surprise, I guess, but your pace was excellent for a course that sounded truly like an obstacle course. I’ve never run a trail race, but I think I’d enjoy it.
Kudos to your husband for tagging along!
Thanks San! It was a surprise. And the course was fun, in spite of all the difficulties.