XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series
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This Saturday I’ll be doing a half-marathon trail run in Winder, GA, the Xterra Georgia Trail Run Series “Thrill In The Hills XDURO.” It should be a lot of fun. I haven’t trained for it necessarily but I am in the middle of a half-marathon training schedule so I should be fine. Not that that really matters though. I once had an argument with a buddy about how at any time, no matter if we had been training or not, we could run a half-marathon. Well, I said I could run a half-marathon at anytime; he said that he could do a full marathon “wheneves.” That’s what the argument was about. I still don’t think you could do it bro-seph.
Back to the trail run. I haven’t been trail running as much as I should lately and can’t wait to get out there in the woods. I should be getting some new trail running shoes in the mail this week. I think I’m going to run in them this race. I’ve always thought the best way to break in new shoes is with a long run. Breaking in new shoes is like pulling a band-aid off: all at once! On the Dirty Spokes website they say about this race, “This is great single and double track off-road running experience. The race will start on the powerlines (required for spacing) but will soon lead into the woods. The terrain is made up of a little bit of everything, rolling hills, climbs, single track, double track, roots with some technical sections. The course is beautiful and offers something for every runner truly wishing to ‘ditch the city’. Nestled in the woods of suburban Atlanta lies a true gem. Well groomed system of trails with gentle slopes and beautiful scenery will leave you breathless (if that doesn’t, the 13.1 miles will). Once you descend into the woods, you will forget your in the city. As a matter of fact, you will come to know why we follow the creed ‘Ditch the City’.” It looks like they still have spots available. Go check it out if you are in the area. I’ll be the guy wearing a hip SeriousRunning T-shirt. I’m awesome.
What is it about trail running that inspires us so much? Is it being out with nature? Is it feeling like you are the only one around for miles? I personally like the extra challenge running on trails elicits. I don’t find too many things “extreme” unless it involves a cliff and a parachute or something like that. That’s pretty gnarly. But when trail running I get the challenge of a technical course and the feeling of pushing my body to its limits. Dehydration is extreme…that’s why I drink Mountain Dew.
I hope you get out to do some trail runs this weekend. Bring Tony, two chicken salad sandwiches and turn your hat backwards if you want to be really extreme. Just make sure to be cool or Tony may tell you to “step off.”
(If you did not recognize the last two sentences of this blog as a references to a Seinfeld episode about being extreme I am sorry. I owe you two sentences…well, 4 now)
Tags: half-marathon, training