Can I call myself a Trail Runner now?

[SaskAlliecat]

It has been an absolutely wonderful week long holiday, filled with rest, relaxation, quality time with my son while hubby had to work, and some amazing trail runs. My initial goal was to run every other day while at the lake and to make all of my runs trail runs. However, we've had a lot of heat and wind, followed by some stormy weather (with tornado watches) with a pile of rain on one day which would make the already sketchy trails more sketchy, so my 3rd run of the holiday ended up being a typical campground run. I thought I might add in a short interpretive trail at the start and/or end but given how tired my legs were at the start due to 2 very challenging hilly trail runs already this week, I decided to keep it a longish road run and managed just under 10k. I gave myself an extra day of rest to allow my legs to recuperate and before getting one final trail run in before the end of my holidays. I reached out to my friend and her daughter who just got back from a week away to see if they were available for a run this weekend and they were. We headed out bright and early this morning, exploring a part of the trails I've been wanting to try but knew I shouldn't do by myself, given the isolation and rough terrain.

It was quite the adventure, filled with water crossings, steep hills, gorgeous views, big rocks (one of which tripped me up within the first 10 minutes; but can you call yourself a trail runner before you've hit the dirt face down unexpectedly?) and a shoe filled with black sludge (I thought I had completely crossed the water crossing, but nope, not quite. My lovely long white tick-visibility socks will never be the same 😂). The first 3k were uphill where I was once again questioning my degree of fitness, but the last 2k were marvellous running along the ridges and back towards our starting point. I can truly say, after today, I feel like a trail runner and only wish my holidays weren't over yet. I have so much more in me. Oh well, I'll be back out in another couple weeks for the weekend, looking forward to hitting some more trails, but will be more careful in my water crossings to avoid the nasty black sludge. My new trail shoes are nicely broken in now, I'd say, and may never smell the same again 😖

[misswobble Graduate10]

Ooooh that looks fun 😁👍😃🏃‍♀️ Great innit! Pure escapism

Yeeeeeeeeeeeha 😁. Your shoe will dry and then you can bang it to knock the muck Off Good as new 👍😃.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

I wasn't sure if I should let it dry or not so I ended up rinsing and rinsing and rinsing and scrubbing and scrubbing and scrubbing. The shoes are now sitting in the wind on my front deck with newspapers shoved in them. Should be good as new(ish)... not really, but hey, I'm a trail runner now 😉

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Sask....you were already a trail runner in my eyes but after reading this, you have cemented the title of ‘Strong trail woman’ to me!!! You are one strong runner...a force to be reckoned with..fearless & determined...so glad you’ve had a good holiday in so many ways x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Aw, thanks MC 😊. As I was huffing and puffing behind my friends and they looked barely out of breath, I wasn't feeling overly strong, but boy do I feel awesome now. This holiday was just what I needed. I have another week booked off in August where I can hopefully do it all over again. Yay!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Brilliant!! So good for the soul x

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Oh that looks glorious, Sask! What fun. I would love to try trails. x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

They really are a lot of fun. I look at them so differently than my other runs. There is no running non-stop, there is no concern on pace (I walk faster than I run most my trail runs) and I stop to take lots of pictures and enjoy the beauty of my surroundings. It is a nice breath of fresh air for someone who is such an A personality that they tend to forget to just stop, smell the roses, and enjoy life a bit.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Sounds very good for the soul. And a whole different way of running - so nice to let go of the whole continuous, pace obsessed kind of run I imagine!

[Hidden]

I’m pretty sure you already were a trail runner 😉 sounds awesome, if somewhat sludgy. Tip given me by my sister’s marathon running boyfriend: pack your wet shoes with newspaper x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

After a good dousing and scrub, they’ve been sitting packed with newspaper on my front deck in the wind. I’ve changed the paper once already. Still a whiff of bog on them but that’s ok. I’m sure they’ll see more yet 😆

[Decker]

Looks like you are having a ton of fun there Sask and this vacation sounds like it was just what you needed to recharge! You are now a trail machine!

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

Yup, definitely having a blast. I’m normally a solo runner but I’m really enjoy running with these two in the hills. I “almost” forgot I have to head back to work Monday 😢. The beauty of this trail system, there’s still almost 40k of trails I haven’t explored yet .... oh so much to look forward to.....

[Decker in reply to SaskAlliecat]

40k of trails. Wow that will take some time to explore! I do want to try a real trail run soon.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Decker]

Totally do it! You’ll be hooked. It’s a completely different side of running. As you're creeping up a hill, you do question what the heck you’re doing but when you get to the top and start cruising along some ridge lines in gorgeous country, it feels so freeing. And surprisingly, I find my legs and joints hurt less despite how hard you feel you’re working

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

I think you are totally owning the trail running. So you go ahead and call yourself whatever you like Great stuff

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

Thanks pink. I’m loving every minute of it 😁

[pinkaardvark Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I'm totally with you btw, I love the freedom having to stop to negotiate a gate, or slowing through long wet grass, taking time not to go down a rabbit hole or turn an ankle on rocks, having to stop all the time to check google maps or just to take a pic and enjoy the view. That sense also that you are making your ankles and lower legs so much tougher and stronger than the road runner, they will never understand unless they go offroad

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

What I found so shocking was how creaky and achy my knees and calves felt after my one 10k road run this week whereas I never felt any of that on any of my trail runs. Granted my trail runs are shorter in distance but they’re longer in duration and I feel my legs and lungs are working so much harder.

[Hidden]

Sask, that looks totally amazeballs!! You're a lucky, lucky lady. 😁

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Sutsha, I feel so lucky to have this so close to home. This will only be the 3rd year they’ve held the races and the first year they’ve put in permanent markers. I’m so glad the provincial park has jumped on board; it adds another whole new dimension to the park and what it has to offer

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Allie, you are such a strong amazing runner..I am in awe of you...

Love that you are doing these trails and having fun as you train...

😊xxx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan, you really are too kind 😊

Trail running has allowed me to explore areas I never would’ve dreamt exploring. It’s been a blast. I just wish I had someone to go with me regularly so I could explore so much more. I’m still trying to convince hubby to come along....perhaps someday. In the meantime, I’ll cherish every time I get to hit the trails.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Its true and I mean it.😙x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

😊

[Goforitmama Graduate10]

It looks fantastic! I love a challenge, and oh boy you sure had some great challenges this week. A real tonic for the soul.

If your shoes are still a bit stinky, I guess it will just give you a motive to keep running and do less walking.

Thanks for the post, it's so good to know about another aspect of running. I'm not ready for it yet, but I time maybe?!

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Goforitmama]

Thanks mama. I started C25k last year to prepare for the 5k trail race in the fall. I did the programme on the road and called the trail runs I did pre-race a bonus. It was hard but I finished it and got completely hooked. So don’t doubt yourself, anything is possible.

[Fishypieface Graduate10]

Wow looks just glorious there!! I feel uplifted just looking at the pictures.... sounds like the perfect adventure- even with a boggy shoe! 😂 You certainly get to experience all weathers and terrains where you live!

Look forward to hearing about the next adventure soon Xx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Fishypieface]

Thanks fishy. I’ve been battling a nasty headache going on 2 days now and back to the grindstone at work again so haven’t ran since but hoping to drive out for a run on Friday morning 🤞

How’s your butt ache? Have you been able to get back to running yet?

[Fishypieface Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

No it's still there, thanks for asking... went away.... then came back!! The best news is that I am getting a new job so I can finally afford to see a physio. Sad news is I was hoping to run on hols in the Lake District soon and that won't happen I've been dreaming of running around the lakes all year but never mind, these things happen. The gym keeps me occupied in the meantime and I can look at your lovely runs too

Hope your headache eases off

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Fishypieface]

Sorry to hear it's still bothering you but yay on the new job. I'm sure once you can go to Physio they'll fix you right up and you'll get back to running. You may not be running around the lakes this year, but it'll still be there next time. Going to the gym like you've been doing will help when you finally can get back to running again.

[Fishypieface Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Yes, all very true, thanks! I'm keen to get it sorted now (4 months!!). I've even bought some cycling shorts to wear, so I don't have to stand about in my knickers!! Enjoy your next run xx