Message posted by: barbara g.

Note to self: Do this race every year for the rest of my running life!!!!

This race is a halloween themed trail run near Albany and was a blast!

I have never even Run on a trail much less raced on one before. My idea of adding off road running to my routes is running on the grass/dirt snow shelf along the road. In addition, my longest run since July was one 10 miler last weekend so i was woefully undertrained and ill prepared for the physical demands of a fairly technical trail run.

I picked up a pair of trail shoes at the local TJMaxx store on Friday – price was right and figured I was all set. Despite a miserable all day rain, wind and lightening storm event on Saturday, race day was cool, cloudy and dry – at least the air was dry. The ground was wet, muddy and swampy. My daughter and I arrived and were greeted by a gorilla, squirrel and many costumed runners, spectators and spectating dogs.

the 6 milers and 1/2 marathoners all took off at once and were immediately greeted by a maniac with a chain saw (a real chain saw I might add) and a zombie who scared the crap out of quite a few. It just got better and better from there. Up hills, down hills, through rivers, mud puddles above the ankles, swamps, rocks and roots. It was a challange and a blast. I had no idea what to expect so I sat back to enjoy the ride. I collected some stuffed frogs, gorillas, and a few scrapes, cuts and bruises too. I made some friends – including one guy who encouraged me to go Zen and be “one with the mud” and then I promptly face planted in the next mud puddle. I would have been mortified if I hadn’t been laughing so hard.

Food including veggie burgers, hot dogs, pies, cookies, salads and a purple stuffed Hairy Gorilla finishers medal were our prize at the end. Albany Running Exchange knows how to do it up right. I also now really want to actually do some trail running to do more of this. It placed different stress on my body than I am used to and was far more demanding strength and technique wise than I knew. My daughter placed in her age group – of course – and I finished with a smile – all I was hoping for.

Next year the race is actually on Halloween – I am already planning my costume………

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