Race Report: OC Chili Winter Trail Run Series #1

After racing in my first trail run in December, I decided I wanted to do more trail races in 2011. I found a race series that runs through O'Neill Park and signed up for all three races. It's called the OC Chili Winter Trail Run Series because the series takes place in the winter and they provide chili after the race.

The first race of this 3-race series was on Saturday, February 12, also known as one of the most beautiful days of 2011 so far. The weather was perfect, no need for winter running clothes.

The five mile trail run started with an immediate climb. I hate that. My heart rate goes through the roof when that happens. The first two miles was mostly uphill, although not so steep that it was unbearable.

Skyler didn't race, as he's still rehabbing his knee, so he and Pumpkin were my official photographers.

I wish that Pumpkin could have ran with me because she just LOVES trail running. It would be cheating though because I let her pull me up hills.

After two miles of climbing, the next mile was flat followed by a long descent. I can fly on descents, so I made up some time here. The last 1-2 miles was moderately technical singletrack. A guy was running right on my heels so I kept my pace up pretty high. We ran together for the rest of the race.




The total distance ended up being just under 5 miles and my time was 42:28. I was 5th out of 122 women and 3rd in my age group. It seems as though I'll always be in a fast age group. Of the 4 women that were faster than me, 2 of them were in my age group. This is a time where I wished I was in the 30-34 age group. Oh well.

Skyler and Pumpkin joined me in the post-race activities: eating. The promised chili was very tasty, as was the licorice, pretzels, and cookies. I love a race with good post-race food.




Looking forward to race #2 (March 12) and #3 (April 16). Even though it's a race series, you can sign up for just one of the races. Come join me!