A Trail Race????

I'm going to go ahead and say my goodbyes...it's been nice knowing you all.

Ok, a bit dramatic I am sure but really, a trail race? Not just an easy short one but a 10 MILE one. What am I thinking? Well I'll tell you what I am thinking...pumpkin pie...Mmmmm....

I have been forced into registering for the Raven Rock Rumble on November 17. I have some time to train so maybe I wont die. But then again maybe I will. Who knows? I'm actually excited to do this race, but not so excited about the pain I know I will endure. My last trail run was a month or so ago with Liz. The trail was very compact and not very technical at all. Then over a year ago I did a trail run during a sprint triathlon at a distance of 5k. It was awesome,raining,  muddy, and fun. I was, however, super sore afterwards. Before that I did a 9 mile trail run with J-Ninja and fell twice within the first half mile. It was sandy and rough. And no, I am not clumsy at all....Ahem....

So needless to say this 10 mile trail race will be interesting and I hope I don't break my leg or my foot or my ankle or my neck...or end up in a body cast.

This trail is not exactly smooth, compact or gravel. It is stoney, up and down, and what I would call a technical trail. It is not quite as technical as the mountain trail I ran on Mt. Rainier one year, where I was either going to fall 50 feet to my death into a roaring river or get eaten by a bear staring at me from 3 feet away. That was a trail race....But this one is not going to be easy. Fun? Yes. Easy? No.

J-Ninja pointed out that this is very uncharacteristic of me, to play it safe and not jump on the opportunity to punish myself in a race I am not prepared for.  Since when am I not up for a challenge? I guess since Big Sur really. Injuring my knee was a wake up call and I didn't like it. And then in Virginia Beach where I was prepared for neither the distance nor the humidity and my confidence was shattered. For the first time in four years I am not walking around, at any given point, half-marathon ready. And I don't like it, not one bit. So what am I going to do about it? I am smart enough to know that if I don't like something it is up to me to change it. No one can do it for me...so I am ready to get back into shape. Into the condition where I was so that on any given weekend I can up and race Amanda Style again...you know, last minute registrations and races.

So LB, Lazy Dog and I actually hit up Raven Rock trail a few weeks ago for a hike.  After just the 5 mile loop I was done for...tired. Exhausted.

Here are some pictures of the trail...and other random shots:

LB, Lazy Dog and me...LB doesn't usually sit in the front.
Only when Lazy Dog takes up the entire back seat.

Bridges and rivers...Fun.

I am certain we will not be balancing across fallen trees...at least I hope not!

I may remember this tree so I can crawl in and cry.

Just walking along...

Oh boy.....

Don't do it!!!