We ran a really fun trail race yesterday out in Oxford, MA. It was called the Oxford Dam Trail Race, and it was mostly rolling hills with a first few miles of technical trails, with the trails getting slightly less-technical as the race progressed. It was an 11 mile race, and a few of our track club friends also ran as well. There were a total of about 125 runners, some of which decided to run the 5 mile option. We ran 1 mile before the race, and 1 mile after the race, to top it off at 13 miles for the day.
So we started out the race with Ryan leading the way, but about 3.5 miles into the race, Miss Bethany wasn't happy with the pace and technicality of the course (Ryan is a bit more fearless (or stupid) running on trails than Miss Bethany), so we took it down a notch so as to avoid any trip-and-fall-down-a-rocky-hill injuries, and we kinda just enjoyed the scenery the rest of the way. At about mile 8, we had our first stream crossing! So much fun, Ryan loved to splash across the knee-deep stream. Since Miss Bethany was still a little grouchy at this point, she got a bit peeved when Ryan's stomping splashed her sunglasses.
After the race, on the way home, we saw a sign for Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, so we pulled over and checked it out and did some hiking. It was really cool, and here's some pics from it:
Miss Bethany at the entrance to Purgatory Chasm
Miss Bethany at Lovers Leap :-)
Ryan hiking up some rocks.
So we started out the race with Ryan leading the way, but about 3.5 miles into the race, Miss Bethany wasn't happy with the pace and technicality of the course (Ryan is a bit more fearless (or stupid) running on trails than Miss Bethany), so we took it down a notch so as to avoid any trip-and-fall-down-a-rocky-hill injuries, and we kinda just enjoyed the scenery the rest of the way. At about mile 8, we had our first stream crossing! So much fun, Ryan loved to splash across the knee-deep stream. Since Miss Bethany was still a little grouchy at this point, she got a bit peeved when Ryan's stomping splashed her sunglasses.
After the race, on the way home, we saw a sign for Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, so we pulled over and checked it out and did some hiking. It was really cool, and here's some pics from it:
17 comments:
yikes!
You guys are amazing...11 mile race - add on an extra two miles and then stop and do some hiking. Where do you get all the energy? Can I borrow some?
There's something fun about boulders and rock climbing...I'm glad you two didn't take "the leap" yet, you still have a year before you do that!! Get it, leap!?
Sounds like good times! I'd admit I'm scared of trails due to previous experience so I'd never do trail runs again.
Fun times all round! Glad you enjoyed the race and the hiking afterwards.
Very Cool! I used to live in Western MA, I miss it. We don't have rocks like that in Mississippi, weird but true! Have a great week!
looks amazing but i think i'm too chicken sh*t for that!
Now thats a fun day!! Nice job:)
9th comment.
Not 14th.
:)
Sounds like a great day out on the trails!
Purgatory is 15 min from our house and we are there ALL the time - including yesterday morning for a little hike! Isn't it great?
There is also an awesome ice cream place just down the street - West End Creamery...yum!
The sachets are easy to carry. You learn to bite just the right size hole…:) We always have cleanup crews after every race to sweep the route. On trails runners are asked not to drop anything but some people still do.
ohh that looks way fun! I haven't done any trail races because well I hurt myself walking around the house :)
I LOVE trail races right now! I love the danger, hahaha!
What beautiful pics, congrats on a great race :)
Love the pictures!!!!!! Love the name too.
No hiking in 4.5" heels?!?! Come on! ;)
beautiful pics!!! looks like a blast :)
i am cracking up at your comment too, you dont know how much it kills me to leave 6.9 on my garmin, but since i am with the group and we do our cooldown, etc together, i would look like a freak running extra .1 all the time :) haha. AND i just walked in from an 8.1 run to even it up ;)
What 50 are you running in Nov? You think your co-workers have no concept of running a marathon, just try recounting a 50 miler to them. Too funny.
I know you will do great! Make sure you train on terrain that is a close approximate to the race you will be running.
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