I have a new interest. I ran my first organized trail run yesterday, and today I was already sneaking a few minutes out of my work day to look online for my next one.
I ran the 8k at Montana de Oro. Not only was it absolutely beautiful and a bit exhilerating, it felt like a completely new sport to me. It wasn’t like a usual race and it wasn’t like a usual hike. It was some weird lovely hybrid where you go with the flow and take in the scenery and watch your footing and think “man, that’s a pretty big hill” and then “man, I’m flying down this hill!”
There’s a bit of surrender in it. Sometimes the path is narrow and your pace is dictated by the person in front of you. Sometimes the path is so steep that you walk. If I walk in a regular race, I typically feel deflated. But in this race, it was OK.
Part of the fun is the variety in your stride. Sure, you try to pace yourself, but obstacles are part of the adventure. I zigged then zagged. (I’ve been told it’s wrong to zag then zig). I got to leap. I had to leap. I can’t say that about many races in town.
It’s been awhile since I felt the joy of running. I’ve had good workouts and races I was pleased with, but for me, this was fun. I recommend it.
Posted in Races
