Wildwood Trail Run

I participated in a 10K trail run this weekend. It was in Forest Park, and a couple of friends invited me to partake. Sounded like fun, and not too difficult for me.

Oh boy, was I wrong!

This trail has a 750' elevation gain in roughly the first 3 miles. I was running up switchbacks for 3 stinkin' miles! Needless to say, I didn't make it. I ended up stopping close to ten times to catch my breath. Oh, and of course I received a side ache halfway through the race, which meant more torture and pain.

All week I have been disappointed with my performance. I keep thinking, "If only I hadn't drank too much on Friday," or "I shouldn't have eaten all that cheese!" So I've decided that I will go back someday in the future and try it again, just on my own; not with other racers. My goal is to be able to make it the whole way without stopping once. I think if I can get myself to that point, I'll be in good shape for the hood to coast. I am worried now that I am going to do poorly! I definitely need to step it up a notch. Guess I better go put my shorts on and go for a run...