Last Saturday I ran in a different type of race. It really wasn't a race at all. I ran in the Dizzy Goat 6 hour trail run at Schramm Park. There was a 12 hour/6hour/3 hour option, and I chose the 6 hour. The course was the toughest course I have ever run. It was a 3.25 mile trail and you went the opposite direction each loop. You were handed either a pink or green bracelet after each loop to signify which direction you would head the next time around. The 12 hour group started at 7:00am, the 6 hour group at 1:00pm and the 3 hour group at 4:00pm. The idea was to have everyone finish together. It was hot come 1:00pm!
I signed up for this race many, many months ago. I started out with a goal of 30 miles. I ran the course a few weeks back, and my goal quickly changed to hoping to get 20 miles in. I would be good with getting a loop in per hour, and I surpassed this goal and ended up with 7 loops or 22.75 miles. The hills in this course are incredible...you can see the elevation change in the first photo below. Throw the hills and the 90 plus degree heat and humidity into it I knew there was no way I was getting 30 miles in! I'd be lucky to get that in a road race in that heat. Trail running is much different than road racing. You have to figure 1-2 minutes slower per mile. You run on dirt, rock, grass, roots, etc. It is harder for me because I just like to GO and not worry about my footing, but trail running is so beautiful!
I am part of running website called Daily Mile. It was fun to run with some local daily milers in this race. I rode out with my friend Keeley, who I met on Daily Mile and who also happens to live in my neighborhood. I ran the entire race with her...it was so much fun! We ran the first and last loop with another daily miler...Michael...and we saw a a few more! One lady that I have run with a few times did the 12 hour...wow!
We ran the first loop in 36 minutes and then each loop got slower and slower. We did stop at the GIANT aid station after each loop for 5-10 minutes before heading out again. They had everything from hamburgers to chocolate dipped bacon!
This race was put on by the G.O.A.T.z group (greater Omaha area trail runners). They are such an amazing group of people and this is by far the most fun I've ever had on a run! Maybe next year I'll be ready for the 12 hour?!
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| Those are some hills!! |
Keeley and I
Hello!
Stopping at the aid station to refuel
Me, Tammie (she did the 12 hour) and Keeley
The suspension bridge you had to run over
The Omaha Daily Milers...Me, Michael, Tammie and Keeley
Almost done!
Sprinting to the finish with Michael and Keeley!
We did it!
Having a beer at the finish with Michael
Waiting to start the run
This pic was taken on the course
So true!
