The North Face Endurance Challenge Half Marathon starts at Great Falls. I’ve been there a lot of times over the years.
I’ve walked around what I believe will be a part of the course. I’ve hiked it with a child on my back.
I’ve even seen a copperhead there.
(gah, why am I running this again???)
But I’ve never actually attempted to run there. And the closest thing I’ve ever done to a trail race was one of the courses in the Dust Bowl Series.
I’m kind of sorta starting to get a bit nervous. Perhaps it’s a good thing I’ve signed up and they haven’t put up the course elevation yet. Gulp.
So, I turn to you, my faithful readers, to give me your best advice. I know some of you run trails all the time. Will I be laughed off the course if I wear a skirt? Are long compression socks a bad idea or a good one? How do I avoid twisting an ankle? Am I crazy? (I’ll answer that one – yes.)
In return, I’m giving away a code for 50% off the 10k or the 5k. I’m going to make it easy – just drop your name in the hat (aka enter yourself in rafflecopter.)
Sure, I’d love it if you liked me on Facebook, followed me on twitter, or followed me on instagram. And, you can also like the Endurance Challenge on Facebook or follow them on twitter. Go do it, just because we are cool!
And then enter here:
Disclaimer: North Face provided the code for me and for a reader. I was already planning to run and all opinions are my own. Now perhaps I should actually go for a run to prepare…
I’m not going to enter since I live far – I just wanted to say, your hair is cute in that picture with one of your boys on your back!!!
Walk the hills if you have to. No matter how fast you run this will be a PR since it is your first official trail half, right? No marathon shuffle, keep your feel light. Enjoy it! I ran part of the trail last weekend, about 4 miles out and back from Algonkian. There are a few gnarly hills, but there are a lot of long stretches where it is flat. Trail runners are laid back and most are out there to have a great run and enjoy the scenery. Don’t sweat it!
I ran the half marathon last year and loved it.
A skirt is cool.
Compression socks are too…actually they’re nice if there’s overgrown stinging nettle next to the trail because that much more of your leg is protected.
It’s not very technical – unless there are torential downpours the days prior (like last year) and then it’ll be a mudfest, fun but messy.
Definitely walk up the hills, one of my favorite perks of trail running.
Enjoy!!
Rock that skirt! I’ve worn them in trail races. Just make sure it has pockets for supplies. I would carry water since in my experience aid stations are few and far between in longer trail races due to the terrain.
The best advice I can give is to go out slow! Trails can destroy you, even if you can run the distance on the road with no problem. Have a great race!!!
Oh my goodness, we’re running a trail half in WY this weekend and I never thought that skirts may not be appropriate. I know nothing about trail etiquette, but like Gwen says above, I plan to go slooooow.
The half is mostly paths and dirt roads, nothing too technical! Have so much fun!
Can’t wait to hear how this goes. I’d love to do this race next year! Good luck!
Disclaimer: I’ve never done THIS race. But I’ve done plenty of trail-y stuff over the years.
Skirt: Definitely OK
Long Compression Socks: DEFINITELY WEAR THEM. They’ll also help if there are picker bushes, brush, etc. on the course.
Avoid Twisting An Ankle: Watch the ground very carefully (if it’s shady, don’t wear sunglasses, or pop them on your head in the shade – you’ll see the ground MUCH better). Do some preparatory calf/leg strengthening exercises (it’s not too late!). And if your ankle rolls….go with it. Better to roll completely than resist and pop something. You’d be surprised how often you can just pop back up!
Are you crazy: Only in the best way possible! Trail running ROCKS!
PS Don’t wear white socks. Then you WILL look like a trail running newbie. 🙂
I’m not a big trail runner so I can’t offer much advice. I’d say go with tall socks for protection, and maybe run with a handheld water bottle or a camelback in case its hot (IDK how many water stops are there for trail races?). Either way though, you are going to do great just take it easy and have fun with it!
Rock that skirt and compression socks; you will not be laughed at! I ran a trail race in a tutu last year and had the best time (a friend of mine did the same). Trail runners are fantastic; a lot of them commented on it, and it made for great conversation on the trail. One runner even suggested that I should have worn wings with the tutu (I can’t believe I didn’t think of that!). Anyway, I think you will really enjoy it. There’s nothing quite like running in the woods 🙂
Skirts and compression socks aok! Nothing says you can’t look cute while running trails 🙂 Wear cap instead of sunglasses and carry water with you and refill with ice if hot. Power walk hills if they are steep and don’t get sucked in just because someone else is running it. A fast walk conserves way more energy than slow run and then power downhills if you feel comfortable. Most of all enjoy the experience of being out in nature and it’ll all be good! Enjoy and can’t wait to hear how it goes!
I’ve never done a trail race, but I love running in skirts, so I say go for it. =)