Why a race for my friend's first trail run? The nice thing about trail racing is that even though trail runners are competitive they're also super friendly, so you don't have to worry about getting knocked down and hurdled if you get in some speedster's way at the start. Not that that's ever happened to me at a road race either, but there is usually a hippy, peace-and-rainbows vibe at trail races that makes it a great place to feel comfortable as a newbie.
Lisa and Lara, ready to hit the trails. |
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Drew, Kathleen, Lisa, Lara, and Bob. Photo by Kathleen @ Motion Potion (thanks!). |
At the start line. |
My gym buddy and I stuck together throughout the race, hiking the hills when we needed to and flying down the other side when we could. Even though the trails weren't the most technical, my first-timer friend still had sore ankles the next day from navigating the course. I sometimes forget what it's like to be running trails for the first time, but there are a lot of little muscles that you find out you have after a trail race because they scream at you when you try to move the next day.
Kind of like we were screaming in this picture at the finish line. Help us! For serious, we need help.
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Lisa and Lara (trail first-timer who ran like a pro) |
The best, best, best (should I add a fourth?) part of this race was that the finish line shoots you out right beside the falls. The creek water was refreshingly cool for the steamy summer day, and it doubled as an ice bath for our tired race legs. Pretty much this was the best finish for a trail race that I've ever had. Combine this with the Chipotle burritos they brought in after Run for Kids Challenge 50K, and I would be in post-race heaven.
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Post-race ice bath in the creek. Photo by Kathleen @ Motion Potion. |
My first thought when I saw the creek was, I absolutely have to bring my four kids back here. The falls are big enough to stir up some white water and look exciting, but small enough to safely slide down on your own or with an inner tube. Also, the water is shallow enough in most parts that you can let the littlest ones explore without too much worry.
When we returned later that day, Ezra gave the thumbs up to playing in the waterfalls. |
Another fun part of this race series is the frying pan rewards for the winners. Not frying pan trophies or medals, actual frying pans. That's my kind of prize. Run your race and then head home to fry up some eggs and bacon.
Greg from Alabama Outdoors inspecting the race prizes. |
For those who might be interested in checking out this race or more trails, Turkey Creek 8K is part of the Sizzlin' Summer Trail series, and the final race of the series is the upcoming Ruffner Mountain Adios Summer 5K/10K/15K Trail Race on August 10. Ruffner will definitely provide a challenge for every level of trail runner with its technical and hilly terrain. And guess who'll be there with me to check them out -- my gym buddy. Turns out that a set of sore ankles and a few tree hurdles didn't scare her off.
Looks like so much fun!!! And what skirt are you wearing? I'm new to skirts but smitten already and planning (secretly) to build up my skirt wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteLook like a great race! I came so close to running it but decided not to the day before (I have never ran trails before). But I LOVE going to Turkey Creek and hiking or just laying out beside/ playing in the falls. I should probably sign up next year!
ReplyDeleteI love the picture and I need a new frying pan so I need to find some races where I can win one. I seriously need to pick a race near you and meet up for one of these trail races!
ReplyDeleteLove it! I agree about trails runners being super friendly. Your finish line pic is almost as cute as your little guy in the falls. :o)
ReplyDeletePost-race dip in the creek and frying pans for awards-this sounds like a perfect trail race!
ReplyDeleteNice! Love the jump pic.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your frying pan!