Some day I’m going to choose a race that’s “flat and fast”. But, that would require actually reading the race course description before I sign up.
I recently completed Oregon by running the Deschutes Dash 10k in Bend, OR. I thought I was running a flat race on a paved path by a river. I was right about being by the Deschutes River. In fact, at one point, I was mere inches from said river.
The race was a very low key part of a multi-sport event. There were also an Olympic distance triathlon, an Aquabike, and a duathlon going on at the same time. The race start was in a parking lot near the transition area – very few signs for it and no one quite knew where to go. Once we found the start, we were informed that there were no volunteers on the course and to follow the markings to not get lost. Umm…
We started with a run down the sidewalk and then down a gravel path, across a muddy grassy area and under a bridge. As we went under the bridge, we were literally inches from the river on a single track dirt path. As we ran back up, we ended up on a paved path by the river. As we hit that path, I thought “Oh, this is a nice race now that the obstacles are done.” Somewhere in the 2nd mile, I ate my words.
The middle three miles of the race were on a single track packed dirt trail. To say I was mentally (and physically) unprepared for that would be an understatement. There were hills. There were tight turns. There were lots of rocks and roots to trip over. I’m sure someone who has experience running trails would say it was not very technical, but for someone who has pretty much never run on non-pavement, it was, umm, challenging. By mile 4 I was mentally done. By mile 4.5 I was pretty sure my legs had nothing left. I nearly cried for joy when we hit mile 5 and returned to pavement. As I approached the finish line, two younger women that I’d been going back and forth with for at least 3 miles decided to make their move and kick it in. I thought to myself “Oh, hell no are you beating me,” dug deep and sprinted past them to the finish. And I didn’t even puke (it was damn close though.)
I got a medal, a beer, and a brownie and suddenly it wasn’t such a bad race after all.
My legs after the race. Please note that I do not normally have a noticeable tan line…
Awesome job! I love that you didn’t let the younger ladies beat you:) That would have been so hard mentally. I am not used to trails, so I probably would have bit it several times. Way to push through!
Oh but flat and fast would be dull! Congrats on handling a tough trail race like that! Sometimes those challenging courses are the most rewarding (not to mention beer and brownies!)
It actually sounds like fun, although I may not have been happy either if I didnt’ know what I was in for
What a great medal… And I LOVE the photo of your dusty/muddy legs. That looks like a fun day to me! 🙂
Sounds like a really tough course. I know what you mean about trails being challenging mentally – you have to watch every step and make sure your foot is going to land safely. And I love that photo of you. It shows so much determination.
Great race!
I love a good tan/dirt line after a trail run. I also have a knack for picking *not* flat and face races. As Miss Zippy said, it would be very boring!
Did the route head up to Mt. Bachelor? LOL That’s not flat…. 🙂
I live in Portland but I spend winters in Bend snowshoeing. Someday I will make it to Bend in the summer time for a bike event or a run.
loved this. and YES YES YES GO US OLDER LADIES 🙂
Great job! Love the photo too!
Trails are definitely tricky as you really have to watch your footing!
Well done! I like that medal too!
Great job on a tough race! Trails are mentally challenging but sounds like you handled it well. And LOVED how you finished the race 🙂
yeahhh way to dig it in and smash them :0) another state in the books, way to go!
Thanks! I thought I had nothing left, but apparently there was a little bit there. ;o)
I think that’s one of the best medals I’ve seen – love the bike chain!!
It was pretty darn cool! And I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a medal for a 10k before.
that sprinting picture is AMAZING! seriously, you look badass.
That’s a really interesting medal. I like that! This sounds like a pretty tough race in my opinion.