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| Very murky water after the rain storm last night. |
The race actually takes place on the island where I do most of my runs anyway so I figured I might as well go and practice on the course, so yesterday that's what I did. The race course is not the route I usually run. The race course route cuts through the wooded areas in some places and there is more running through grassy areas than I would do on my on runs. But since running in the grass is something that I hate to do, I figured I should start running in these grassy areas to practice. On race day I'm sure the grass is going to be wet and a little overgrown just like it was now! So I plodded along.
Besides the grassy areas, this race is a complete trail run and it is challenging. No hills, but inclines, uneven surfaces, dirt, and roots that you have to watch out for. Some of the trail was pretty muddy and some of it was a bit flooded due to rain we had the night before. I wondered what would happen if the trail looked like this on race day. Would the race be re-routed?
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| These are not sticks. They are actually roots in the ground. |
Last year race organizers spray painted roots that may have been in the way a bright orange and that seemed to help people stay aware. This year I've noticed that the path does not seem to be as manicured as it has been last summer. There are a lot more roots coming up and there are still limbs and trees down from that one storm earlier this Spring. I kind of feel sad that the route isn't as well maintained as it once was. It's heavily used too, so not sure why more isn't being done to keep it safe.
I completed 3 miles running and then walked about another mile just to enjoy the trail and the scenery. I came upon a family of ducks but I think they heard the music coming from my phone and scurried off. Even though it was hot and humid, and my shoes were soaked from the wet grass and mud, I felt so accomplished getting these miles in early in the morning. -M
Would you rather run in grass or on dirt trails with many roots?
What a challenging route to run on. I'm always so fearful of tripping and falling when I run on a route that isn't paved and/or smooth.
ReplyDeleteThat is certainly a possibility. I guess we just have to take it slow.
DeleteWhen my son and I were hiking this past weekend, the path was full of tree roots and I was tripping over them just walking! Not sure I'd want to run there, even if the roots were spray painted bright orange. I'm thinking that wouldn't help if you were moving pretty fast!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely makes you become more aware!
DeleteI have tripped twice on roots like that in trail races and now I am kind of afraid to try it again
ReplyDeleteI tripped and went flying on this trail earlier this year but luckily I caught myself!
DeleteI generally like packed dirt... but i am pretty clumsy... lol
ReplyDeletePacked dirt would be ideal!
DeleteI Hate running on grass because I can't see where it is going to be uneven. I'd rather run on trail with rocks and roots because at least I can see them! That really surprised me they spray painted the roots on the race course. I figure people know when they sign up for a trail race that there is going to be stuff like that.
ReplyDeleteI have the same thought about grass vs rocks/roots. At least with the roots I can see that I need to be careful. If the grass is above my ankles I worry about what's in there..lol
ReplyDeleteRoots and rocks were one of my struggles during any trail runs, but I love that they work different muscles.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that with all the rain we have been having, the trails are greener and more robust this year, in comparison to last year.
I hope you have an awesome race!
Thanks Ana, I hope it goes well too.
DeleteDefinitely on the grass! I like that (if it's not high). I've done a race that a portion is on a trail with lots of roots & they also spray paint them -- it's a huge help!
ReplyDeleteI hate when races are held on grassy areas that are not mowed. I know that the race director can't control that but at least the municipality or the area that is hosting the race should make sure it is cut.
DeleteI am not a trail runner, but I feel like grass could be slippery and hiding gopher holes, so I'll just stick to pavement...not an adventurer, as you can tell. :)
ReplyDeleteI prefer road races as well but when a race is right in your back yard (even if its a trail) its hard not to sign up!
DeleteI think I prefer dirt trail with roots because obstacles are more evident than they are in grass!
ReplyDeleteGreat point!
DeleteI do good to run or walk on flat pavement. Add in roots & there'd better be an ambulance waiting near for me.
ReplyDeleteI think I would much prefer dirt since I have more experience running on that. I don't know if I've ever run on grass as a part of a race/run? Only if I've taken a wrong turn maybe??
ReplyDeleteI've run on grass as part of a race. I find it hard to get my footing.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you and enjoy!
This finish line is on grass too!
ReplyDelete