My apprehension grew as did the hills on my approach to Chino Hills State Park. I sensed the tremendous challenge awaiting me here this fine morning. A mere 50 degrees and breezy an hour before race time (but it wouldn't stay that cool for long). I registered and returned to my car until the sun broke over the mountains.
As I stood with other runners waiting to use the restroom, the air was abuzz with anticipation and friendly conversation. Many knew each other from running groups, some who run this course on a regular basis, like the women beside me in line. Particularly helpful to me was a woman (a nurse with Kaiser) who gave me a 101 of what to expect of the course--first 2 miles of climb, including switchback leading to the ridge, rolling hills along the ridge out to 6-7 miles, the mile-long gradual descent of single track through waist-high grass, then the continued gradual descent leading to the finish--a loop with only a little backtracking. This woman and her daughter were running together (and had run the LA marathon together a few weeks earlier) and invited me to stick with them. I knew that I was going to run a slower pace but did line up with them at the starting line.
"Ready, set, go!" over the loudspeaker was our signal to head out. I kept thinking about maintaining a reasonable pace and found myself running a near identical pace to another woman. About a mile into the course, I initiated a conversation with her--a conversation that would continue for 8 miles worth of race. Like me, Rebecca was a first-time trail runner. Below are some photos courtesy of my new friend Rebecca:
The research I had done into what to expect of trail running and the training on hills, snow, and uneven surfaces paid off. Walking the uphills was more exerting than running other parts of the course. (My quads are testifying to that fact today.) This course changed my impression of "rolling hills" forever, since they went on for 5 miles and at the crest of each I was greeted with the vista of the runners--tiny, little figures off in the distance--walking up the next. As Rebecca's photos above show, the views were breathtaking. As I ran the single track through the tall grass I was thinking how trail running would forever taint my road running experience. It was a runner's high unlike any other, so much that I may find trail alternatives for other planned half marathons.
Kudos to the race organizers for:
Met my goal of finishing in under 3 hours: 13.26 miles in 2:57.
As I stood with other runners waiting to use the restroom, the air was abuzz with anticipation and friendly conversation. Many knew each other from running groups, some who run this course on a regular basis, like the women beside me in line. Particularly helpful to me was a woman (a nurse with Kaiser) who gave me a 101 of what to expect of the course--first 2 miles of climb, including switchback leading to the ridge, rolling hills along the ridge out to 6-7 miles, the mile-long gradual descent of single track through waist-high grass, then the continued gradual descent leading to the finish--a loop with only a little backtracking. This woman and her daughter were running together (and had run the LA marathon together a few weeks earlier) and invited me to stick with them. I knew that I was going to run a slower pace but did line up with them at the starting line.
"Ready, set, go!" over the loudspeaker was our signal to head out. I kept thinking about maintaining a reasonable pace and found myself running a near identical pace to another woman. About a mile into the course, I initiated a conversation with her--a conversation that would continue for 8 miles worth of race. Like me, Rebecca was a first-time trail runner. Below are some photos courtesy of my new friend Rebecca:
The research I had done into what to expect of trail running and the training on hills, snow, and uneven surfaces paid off. Walking the uphills was more exerting than running other parts of the course. (My quads are testifying to that fact today.) This course changed my impression of "rolling hills" forever, since they went on for 5 miles and at the crest of each I was greeted with the vista of the runners--tiny, little figures off in the distance--walking up the next. As Rebecca's photos above show, the views were breathtaking. As I ran the single track through the tall grass I was thinking how trail running would forever taint my road running experience. It was a runner's high unlike any other, so much that I may find trail alternatives for other planned half marathons.
Kudos to the race organizers for:
- Clear race information on the website
- Informational briefing at the start of the race
- Awesome shirt and medal design
- Well-stocked station at about the halfway point (water, sports drink, snacks, gel packs, sunscreen)
- Plenty of food and beverage options at the finish
Met my goal of finishing in under 3 hours: 13.26 miles in 2:57.
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