The Loop Trail Race

I've been meaning to write about this, so now is a good a time as any.

Didn't do too well at the "The Loop". I'm a stubborn person with a high tolerance for pain and it was tested a little over a week ago. I arrived at the race just a little late but with enough time to get the zip tie for my timing chip and hear the race starter announce "Thirty Seconds till go time!" I like to think I set a new land speed record for putting a timing chip on a shoe. I was standing by the volunteer booth right next to the start, looked up, after setting my new record, and "Bang" the race started. Now if you have yet to have the privilege of running a trail allow me to inform you that if you consider yourself an above average time maker that it is very smart of you to be near the front at the start. I consider myself a slightly above average runner and ended up starting near the back of 214 runners. All of which were trying to squeeze in to a trail area, at times, barely wide enough for one person yet alone people in need of passing. So, I spent the better part of the first 2 miles trying to pass people and get by. Thankfully, runners are a completely different breed of people, very courteous and often considerate of fellow competitors.

I had a goal when I started the race of finishing under 50 minutes and after making some progress through the crowd, I was fairly confident it was going to happen. Shortly after mile 3, I met my arch nemesis Twisted Ankle, only slightly related and less painful than Twisted Sister the '80's hair band. That slowed me down considerably. So much that some of the 30k runners, who had a 30 minute head start, lapped me on the course. I finished the race in 1:03:35. Still a respectable overall time. Gives me something to shoot for on the next trail race. Semper Admotio Porro.

On to the course. The course was fabulous. This is the only time of the year that this particular section is open to foot traffic. Any other time of the year, it's used as a Dirt Bike hill country excursion area. We ran up and down hills numerous times, saw some beautiful Hill Country scenery in Emma Long Metropolitan Park (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/emmalong.htm), were challenged as trail runners on some tough terrain and, overall, had an enjoyable experience in Austin yet again. I highly recommend this race to anyone with a passion for running or a desire to start.

Texas Trail Series, Second Race

This Sunday up in Austin I will be running in the second race of the "Rogue/Vasque Trail Series Trial Run races in Austin, Texas." I participated in the initial race called "The Maze" about a month ago and it was a blast! It lives up to it's name. They have a 10k loop that zigs and zags every which imaginable. Thankfully, the course is extremely well marked and so were the places you shouldn't be going. The second race, aptly called "The Loop" is said to be the hardest in the three race series. I'm looking forward to the challenge on Sunday. My goal at the moment is to finish in under 52 minutes and to have a blast. I plan to camp in the park the night before, if spots are available, and spend the day Saturday up in Austin relaxing, maybe even going for a swim in Barton's Creek. If you're ever in Austin, lookup http://www.roguequipment.com/ for some good equipment and training! They the official host of the race. Also, if you read this in time, sign up for the third race!

The intro.

So, for anyone that might actually read this, let me start by saying that I'm a huge fan of Dean Karnazes, http://www.ultramarathonman.com/flash/ and Steve Prefontaine http://www.stevepre.com/ . If you don't know these two names I hope that you take your time to look at what they have done and that during your endeavors as a runner or in your happenings in life that these two men might be able to inspire you to new heights.

The reason why I started this blog was to right about my happenings and the things I learn while inspiring to be a better runner. By being a better runner, I don't just mean that I want to be a faster, more competitive runner alone. I hope that I can share my mistakes, my knowledge and the wisdom I've gained from other great runners, athletes and anyone else that I might find inspiration from with whom ever might be interested. If you happen to have tidbits of knowledge to share, please do. If you have questions, ask. If you have comments, feel free to make them.

At present, I am in San Antonio, Texas. I have been running competitively, off and on, since the 7th grade. About 13 years. I will never claim to be the smartest, fastest (I wouldn't mind though), best or greatest. I simply want to share my experiences and inspire others to do the same. I spent 5 years in the Marine Corps, straight out of High School. Over the last year, I've just gotten back in to the spirit of racing. I'll run anything from a 5k race on off weekends to full marathons and hopefully very soon Ultras. My goal is to find and run a race every weekend. Currently, I've been running in a lot of 10k races and getting my times steadily faster. Right now, my fastest time is around 46 minutes for a 10k. I ran much faster 6 yrs ago but I also know I can run much faster now with proper training.

I'll try to come on and write about once a week if not more. I would like to share my race day experiences with people and maybe recommend some good races wherever it might be that I run.

Thanks for stopping by.