Trail of Torment 5K

YES! It is now over! I have been tormented, joggled, and twisted all in the name of being healthy? Oh, that was supposed to be all in the name of FUN! Well, I have to admit it was an enjoyable morning even if it was really early. The San Diego Running Institute offered a run at 7:30 this morning that consisted of a 5K, 10K, and 20K. Since Jay was working the race, we decided to support the run and I sign up for the 5K along with Jay's friend, Heidi. So we left home while it was still dark to drive out to Mission Trails. It was a crisp 57 degrees with a threat of showers. Sounds just like my kind of activity doesn't it?

It was cold at the start of the race, but by the time we finished (no time will be posted :( ), it was sunny and beautiful. The trails were wonderful, but the race write-up indicated that the 5K would be flat and fast. NOT!!! It was full of rocks, boulders, snake holes, brush, and general out door stuff. Again, does this sound like my kind of activity? Thank heavens no snakes crawled out of those holes! So, the run for me was more of a walk-trot affair. Of course, I stopped to talk to people at the aide station as well as random strangers on the trail. This too will hinder your time! Heidi was so kind as to stay back with "the mom" and we became unofficial sweepers for the 5K because there was ABSOLUTELY no one behind us.

Every time there was a camera we did run...or trot. Everyone who finished the event got a medal which is so cool because it can be inspiring. Now Dan did this race last year and this year he beat his time in over a minute! The scary part is that from the date of the last race until today he has not run, jogged, or trotted at all. I work with a trainer and a little running group and struggle.

All this running works up an appetite. The big breakfast burrito I wanted wasn't going to happen because I did not burn nearly enough calories for that. So, IHOP gratefully offered a 350 calorie breakfast of fruit, juice, and an egg-substitute spinach and mushroom omelet. It was great!

Final thoughts: Running on a trail is so pretty and if you don't care about your time, give it a try. Wow! I wish I had taken the camera to share some of it with you. However, your race time suffers...greatly. Besides, if I carried a camera with me, there would be NO DOUBT that I am not a serious runner! If you run on a street or track, you just move forward with the flow of the folks and so your time will be better. All in all..what a great way to start out the day :)