First runnning race complete!

I completed my first trail running race today! The Granite Head Trails & Ales trail race short course.

Three-ish weeks ago, I stumbled across this trail race. Since I've been running more, the race is basically in my backyard, and it looked like a good goal for me. I signed up and ran the short course (6.7 miles) with my wife's cousin.

Stats

Race Results and photos (tbd).

• 6.74 miles (short course)
• 11:01 /mi average pace ²
• 10K PR @ 1:08
• 1:14:02 total time
  • 61/179 overall
  • 43/82 gender
  • 15/25 age group

Race notes

The day started out a little cold since the weather is turning into fall. We ran over to the staging area from my house since it was only about a mile away. In mid- to low 50's, I felt pretty comfortable on the jog over wearing shorts and arm warmers. The race started 20 minutes late¹ and by that time, the sun warmed up and I had to ditch the arm warmers.

Despite trying to drink a lot of water the morning of and day before, I still drank my 500mL bottle a little faster than I would have liked... Next time I should actually use the aid stations or maybe try out one of those fancy-looking running vests I saw everyone wearing.

Everybody I came across was super supportive and cheered each other on. At one point there was a group of ladies behind me discussing different food options for some trip. It felt pretty cruel to have to listen to them discuss wine, grilled chicken, and rice dishes... I should bring some kind of snack next time. (Or again, try to stop at an aid station).

There were 3 aid stations for the short course. The runner tech T-shirts we got ran a little small; I wish I'd picked up a M instead.

I hate being the center of attention, but it was pretty fun getting cheered on and hearing my name over the speaker as I ran over the finish line. I must be getting old, boring, or both because the 10 a.m. post-run beer did not sound very appealing at 10am after running for an hour.