"...In the end, people either have excuses or experiences; reasons or results; buts or
brilliance. They either have what they wanted or they have a detailed list of all the rational reasons why not."

~ Anonymous
(taken from Matt Erbele's, It Takes Time to Get Good)

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Race Report: Dick Houston Woodminster 9 mile Trail Run

Race Report: Dick Houston Woodminster 9 mile Trail Run. Oakland, CA. June 15, 2008

This was supposed to be a Father's Day run with my dad, but he hurt his calf last week hiking Red Rock in Utah, so he had to bow out. Bummer. I had chosen this run because my dad wanted to do something more challenging than a 10K. My dad is a little hardcore. Always has been. Even in his 60's he isn't really an "easier, softer way" kind of guy. Picture: Me and my dad at dinner this Friday.

Case in point, on our first skiing trip, after two trips down the bunny slope, he says "let's try something a little tougher." He took me up to a black diamond run and I spent the better part of the day attempting to get off the %^&#*@ mountain, while he shooshed on down like he had been doing it all his life. Anyhoo, this race was billed as a "very tough 9 miler."

Yesterday, I did the Mermaid Sprint Triathlon and then I went (after a nap) to get some bike miles in. I am concerned about my bike mileage, or lack thereof, for Barb's Race Half IM in August, so I went out for a 2 hour, 26 mile ride. I was, understandably, concerned about this "very tough 9 miler" today. Picture: Race Shwag

It was cool and overcast in Oakland this morning, but this burned off quickly to a beautiful, sunny day with temps only reaching about 70. Perfect running weather since the trail had lots of shade cover. Pictures: 1. View from the top of the first climb. 2. Pretty trail shot (I actually passed the woman w/ yellow, to make myself NOT dead fucking last in my age group. Go me)


The trail was breathtakingly beautiful. It had two really, really nasty climbs. One was only about 1/4 mile, but was like walking up stairs, rocky, broken stairs, for a 1/4 mile. Then the second climb was a little less steep, but went on for almost a mile. Picture: Elevation chart for the run.

The rest of the trail was very nice. There were a few technical sections with rocks and roots, but that is NOT where I had my first trail run fall. Picture: Technical descent in last 1/2 mile of race, makes for unhappy knees.

Yep, I bit it.
Hard.
I even skidded a bit.
Very cool.

I fell on a downhill section, but not a particularly, or even 'kind of', tough one. By some stroke of luck it was late in the run and everyone had already passed me, so no one witnessed my trail surfing event. I was, however, covered in dirt at the finish, so that may have been a clue that things had gone awry on the trail.

I am not sure how I finished. I know I was not DFL, but I was pretty far back. Even Teeka the Jack Russell Terrier beat me. Yes, she ran the whole thing with her owner! My kind of race! Picture: Teeka!


Final time: 1:57:34, 13:30 min/mile pace. Not bad for a tough race.

It was a great run and I am glad I did it, but I will enjoy my rest day tomorrow!

9 comments:

ShirleyPerly said...

Happy Father's Day to your Dad and nice on that tough trail run!!

Except for all those roots in that one picture, which would easily cause me to take a tumble too, it looks like a great place to run. Hope your Dad's calf heals up quick so you can run together again soon.

E said...

Two races in one weekend! You are so hardcore!

Calyx Meredith said...

Hardcore AND a Rockstar! Kudos! And? How can I thank you enough for posting about your trail surfing? Firstly - I have to say I'm so glad you didn't hurt yourself. Secondly, I have to admit that I am soooo likely to drop it, spill it, break it, and/or trip over it - that it eases my mind to know that even Rockstars take a tumble every now and again! You are going to kick it at Barb's.

PS - Are you going to be anywhere close to PG when we're out there for the clinic (Aug 2)? Would love to meet up!

Calyx Meredith said...

How could I have forgotten to say what a handsome father you have?! GREAT picture of both of you!

Erin Leigh said...

Your dad is adorable!! That is a great pic.

Props to you for 2 races in one weekend!!

Lou said...

You had a busy weekend with racing and training! Congrats on your race... it sounds like it was very challenging. I really wanted to try a trail run this year, but decided against it. Maybe next season.

Angela said...

You look like your dad. And, yes, that's a compliment! Way to go doing two races in one weekend. I think, my friend, that YOU are hardcore. Stop denying it!
-Angela

Stef0115 said...

That trail looks awesome!!! Great pic of you and your dad, too bad he could not run with you. I bet there will be a next time though.

I agree you are hard core for doing two races in one weekend! Way to GO!

Maryland Girl aka Michelle said...

Wow your weekend was much better than mine on the couch! I hate that I can't go run, ride or swim right now! Soon! Way to go!