Race Recap

Debut Blog and Race Report

I'm quite excited to share my racing and training adventures....but this is my first blog ever, so beware :)

Background: From Thanksgiving 08 till mid-January 09 I had been battling an obnoxious and unwavering knee injury. I had a screaming pain located on the outside of my right knee (IT band area) every time it would bend. Therefore, running was not an option let alone many other activities.

To gain fitness and get ready for the 09 trail season, I started swimming at the local YMCA and joined an indoor climbing gym. To my surprise, these two extra curricular activities paid off. I was able to get fit (as much as one can swimming in a pool) and build a great amount of strength.

Eventually, (after a well needed rest) my knee healed up and I was able to hit the trails once again.

Recently: It is now March 16th and I have put two races in the bank. Both were very successful. The first was more of a fitness test to see where I was in terms of endurance strength. I ran the fourth race of the Colorado Springs Winter Series (20k). The course was held on the rolling dirt/paved roads of Black Forest, CO (7,000 ft +). I placed 1st for the women and took 5th overall. This was a great start for the season, and was proof that the workouts were paying off.

This past Saturday (March 14th) was my second competition. I ran my first ever true trail 1/2 marathon. A Race Through Time, was held in Salida, CO starting at 7,000 ft. There was no course map, so I was clueless on what I would encounter a mile down the trail. I did know that the race climbed 2,000ft + of elevation. What I didn't know was that this was one continuous climb until the half way point. Woooooof! Needless to say, the uphill was a bit rough....but was worth it for the killer downhill :) I was wearing my X-Talon 212's and they were A-MAZING. They were lite and grippy for the uphill climb and did not allow me to slip or slide once while bombing the downhill. The cushioning and support were perfect for what I had to tackle.

I ended up winning the 1/2 marathon and taking 5th overall. My time was 1:31:04 - not to shabby considering the course conditions, climbing up to 9,000ft +, and the fact that I am a 5k-10k runner.

After these two races, it is apparent that my training is going excellent. My coach Howard Nippert is dead on with my workouts and performance analysis. I have a really great feeling about this upcoming season........which can't get here soon enough.