I ran a couple times this week and didn’t take time to post. Family time is my priority during the holiday. But tomorrow I have my first ever trail race so I thought I should update you on what’s happening.
On Wednesday I ran four miles on the Back Country Trail in Cloudland Canyon State Park. It was a faster run than I expected at just under 48 minutes. Yesterday I did a short three mile run on the asphalt track and again my pace was faster than normal. Since I run with a heart monitor to keep from over or under training, the increased speed is definitely a good sign.
My only concern going into this race is the pain at the back of my right knee. I think I did something to it while playing table tennis with my sons. It hurt a little on Tuesday night and was painful during both runs after that. Even today while doing some shopping there was pain. It doesn’t seem to be slowing me down, but I’m concerned that it could become a bigger issue in tomorrow’s 6.2 mile race. I’ve got the leg elevated with a heat pad right now, so let’s hope it is only a minor nuisance tomorrow.
I’ve never run a race on dirt trails before other than one cross country race during high school. Even then it was a fairly level and easy course through open fields. Tomorrow’s race on Lookout mountain has some more challenging aspects. Also, it rained most of today, so there will be some mud and water to navigate. Nonetheless, it should be a lot of fun. I will update you on the result tomorrow or Sunday.
