Monday, February 9, 2009

Trail Running, Giveaways, and Virtual 5ks

So check out yesterday's post for more information on the virtual 5k. It's a great way to be able to enjoy a Valentines Dinner with your loved one if you wanted to burn some extra calories before hand! To sign up, just email me that you want to participate at Danicakoo@gmail.com. Even if you have to run more than 3.1 miles that day, you can still participate in the 5k, just keep running after you've completed the virtual 5k! I will be running six miles that day, but will be running the first 3.1 in honor of Non-Runner Nancy!

Today is the LAST day to sign up for my Giveaway! Don't forget to comment on that post to be entered!

So as many of you know, this weekend I ran the first race of the OC Chili Trail Run Winter Series. I had never run on trails before and have yet to do so, because the race was somewhat rained out this weekend. We had to stay on paved roads, but I still ran through a small river. It took me out of my comfort zone for many reasons.

1. I don't run in the rain. I despise being wet, especially for long periods of time, therefore rain running is not for me.
2. I don't like being muddy or dirty, especially when I run.
3. I went all by myself, and knew absolutely not one other person
4. I didn't run with my ipod

The race was well put on, and they had some great provisions, but it was kind of a different crowd that was at this race. I'm a very friendly and outgoing person, and trying to talk to these people was really hard for me. Well, I tried to make conversation with them and they stared at me like I was growing another leg. It was kind of bizarre and not the normal running community that I have become used too.

The race actually was pretty interesting. I saw everyone getting out of their cars and just kept telling myself that I was going to be okay. I was going to do this. It was okay to get wet, it was okay to get dirty. We finally lined up and off we went. It rained the entire time, and after we rounded a small bend in the paved road trail, I saw it. This river. I was going to have to run through a river. In my head I kept saying, just do it, you can do this, and then splish, splash, splish, splash I was through it. I told myself the entire race that it was okay that people were passing me and that I was just running this race at my own pace and not to worry about others around me.

I finished the race, went over and grabbed some free bars and muffins and left. I checked the results yesterday and realized that I got first in my age group, (24 and under) DOY! How does this happen! I wasn't running fast at all and my time was 33.50.xx. I was 9th overall. So random.

It was a good race to just enjoy the scenery, though it wasn't actually on the trails, it was still really pretty and different than what I'm used to and it was good to just run to run and not to race and get all worked up about time/place etc.

My knee has been giving me some problems though and yesterday around mile 6 on my 10 mile run I started having a lot of pain. Today is an off day so we'll see how that pans out. I've been putting on some bengay and using my new stick to rub out my sore muscles. Besides the knee yesterday my 10 mile run was great and it felt good to be putting in some nice miles again. I'm excited for the marathon still, so we'll see what I say when I have to put in 20 miles... Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Tomorrow I'll announce the winner of the giveaway! Thursday I'll have another deal day, with stuff for guys and gals, and who knows what else this great week will bring. Remember to sign up for the 5k!

I leave you with this amazing picture, proof that I too can run in the rain. Not the best picture of me... this proves that I don't always look great! :) ( I so wish they got one of me running across the river!)

Photobucket
That guy literally stopped like 300 yards from the finish line. I turned to him and said, "Come on, your almost there," and he said, "Oh yea, that's right," and he kept running. Ha ha ha
xoxo

35 comments:

No Longer Using said...

way to keep that guy going! you look very fast in that pic! and congrats on the AG Win!!!!! way to go. i've done some races where i don't know anyone there and it's def a different experience.

Amber said...

That's so funny about that guy. I love your running outfit. Super chic and cute!

Anonymous said...

Way to go!!

Runner Leana said...

First in your age group on your first trail race? Awesome job!

Chocolate & Chants said...

CUTE running tights!! I love the whole outfit!

Team Clancy said...

Congrats! I wish I had someone like you next to me cheering me on when I want to give up :-)

Marlene said...

Way to go, girlie! You're hardcore! :) Congrats on first place in your AG!!

BeachRunner said...

Congrats on a fantastic race! Nothing can stop you. You rock. Take care of the knee.

Janice {Run Far} said...

Your a hottie, even in the rain. Way to go.

J said...

Awesome job on the age group win! That is so awesome!! I hate being wet for long periods of time too! Thats so neat you tried the trail races!

Aron said...

first in your AG!!!! soooo awesome :) congrats!!!

hope the knee feels better soon!

LyndsAU said...

congrats on making it through the rain girl. that would be rough on me too!!

Kelly said...

Congrats on the race... I don't MIND running in the rain, but I hate the feeling of soggy socks, so running through the river would probably upset me.

Ms. V. said...

I'm doing the race on Sat.

Great photos!

Tina Mickelson said...

ohhh but you looked so cute and coordinated! Good job on first in your AG, 9th overall that rocks! I'll be gone tomorrow, so now i kinda hope someone else wins. If I do will you save it for me til I get back from DISNEYLAND on Sunday? You make me want to start running some trail runs. Out of my comfort zone too.

X-Country2 said...

YAY for the AG win! Rock star!!

Denise said...

That is so funny that he stopped short of the finish!

Did you miss out on an award by leaving too early? Congrats on winning your age group, that's great!

Felice Devine said...

Yay, congrats!
I don't like running in the rain, either.

DietCokeStraightUp said...

You are seriously an inspiration!! You kick the butt of every race you run!!!!

Run Mommy said...

Good job on the rain run. I actually like the rain (hate the cold). I am sure that guy was happy you were there too. :)

Unknown said...

Trail races are awesome, though it takes some getting used too, possibly wet, possibly muddy. I have several around here I run and they are soo much harder than road races. Though I never AG win. Congrats.

Alisa said...

I hate the rain too chica!

Congrats on the age group win. Awesome!

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

Ha Ha that is too funny about that guy. However, I appreciate that you encouraged him to keep going. I think that is awesome!

Billy said...

As I mentioned over on the RW forums, an age group win is huge. Way to tough it out under tough conditions. Proud of ya!

The Laminator said...

Wow, girl, you totally kicked butt! You won your age group because no one bothered to brave the rain like you. Great job. How inspiring!

Nicole said...

I'm super friendly and outgoing too! Sometimes people are just not approachable! I love talking to random strangers LOL!

Great job with the race.. running in rain makes me cranky. Being muddy makes me even crankier! Not a good combo!

:)

Nicole said...

I am a hardcore fast food junkie so maybe i should check that book out... or maybe i'll just find a deal on amazon or something and get both! HAHA

Ulyana said...

1st Place! And in the rain! Awesome!

joyRuN said...

CONGRATS on the AG!

Laurel said...

You are totally bad-ass for doing that race. You should be proud.

Glenn Jones said...

Ha! Yeah I know some of those folks Danica. Definitely different than us road runners....

Kristen said...

Congratulations on being first in your age group....maybe after this birthday I'll be able to say that (I'll be 40)

You look so great in your photo even with the rain!

My hubs and I did our own trail run a few weeks ago. It sure felt better on my feet and the views kept my mind off the hills.
There were a few issues with big roots and mud (it rained a few days earlier) but we will definately do it again.

Anonymous said...

We are all our own worst critics. You look great in the pic! Not to mention I'm digging the pink. :)

Oz Runner said...

way to go....true runners run in whatever weather mother nature provides...nice job on the run

Stuart said...

Hey nice job, and come up North for the PCTR next month and Billy, Sara and I will give you a warm welcome...and no rain!