Running Through the Dirt

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I signed up for a small low key 5k two weeks ago.  It was being held at the Sunrise picnic area, which is less than 5 minutes from home.  I figured it would be nice to go out and be social with other runners. This race was intended to be a tune up for next months Legends of Cross Country race. This race would be off road to simulate a cross country course. The Las Vegas Track club is really a great resource for our local runners. They use these low key races to raise money for scholarships at the end of the season for local area high school students. There were also lots of younger runners out there that morning getting ready for the upcoming cross country season.

The conditions for this race were not ideal. It was really hot and the course was in the dirt with gravel and small rocks. I knew this would not be a "fast" course. My goal was to be really careful and have fun.  When the gun went off the younger runners took off like jackrabbits. I kind of eased my way into it. I kept my eyes focused on the ground right in front of me. It was really rocky.  I almost felt like I was tippy toeing over the rocks but, I figured that I can't be too careful.  When I was pregnant two years ago I had a really bad scare. I was about 18  weeks pregnant and I was running with a friend. We were chit chatting and I took my eyes off the sidewalk for a minute and I tripped over a raised edge of sidewalk and I fell hard on my belly. It was one of the scariest things that had ever happened to me.  Fortunately the baby was just fine but, I was really shaken up by the experience and now I'm just extra careful..

I brought my trusty Nathan handheld water bottle with me for the race. It was loaded full of ice water and I used as a spray gun to pour water down my back, front and on top of my head.  I was getting close to the turn around point and the leaders were running back in. It felt good to cheer on the other younger runners. It reminds me of what it was like to be a teenager running cross country.  I'm glad I started off slow. I didn't feel like I was pushing my self too hard and I had energy to chase down a few runners towards the end.  I finished 26:06. After the race I talked to a few of the other runners but, the heat was getting to me and I went home soon after the race.

I didn't race at all during  my first pregnancy. I thought I would be too competitive and I wouldn't know how to back off. I was also foolishly vain, I didn't want to have slower times show up under my results list.  Since then I have learned that it may be awhile before I am back to where I used to be. I may never be back where I used to be. But, to sit on the sidelines and not participate in anything is just lame.  I really enjoy going to these low key races.  I hope there are at least one or two more this Fall.