Run Forest Run - my first trail run and a medal!

This morning I ran in the Run Forest Run race - a 4 mile trail run in a nature preserve in our town. A local guy hosts this run, along with the gentleman that takes care of the preserve. It's a small race and it was AWESOME! I loved it. The trail was a bit wet from all the rain, but not muddy at all. There were about 52 runners in all. Awards were given to the first 3 men and first 3 women - no age groups. I loved this low key run. Nick, the organizer, gave us paper bags with our bibs, pins and cool t-shirts inside. Perfect - I always hate the swag bags and junk inside. My friends ran as well (who co coach soccer with C), which we made it to M's soccer game late....C coached the game alone and the girls scored 5 goals. At the end of the race we were given water and fresh pizza was delivered! Not bad for $20 fee.
Anyhow...I placed 2nd overall women. Here is my medal




The race was a quick one with so few runners. The first .50 mile was narrow so I made sure I ran ahead of  some slower paced runners. There were the two fast guys (they always win our local races) in the way lead, then the next group of runners, which included my friend (who is running a 30 mile ultra next Sunday!) and the organizer and his running partner...then me and everyone else! There were two other guys in front of me but I passed them after mile 2. I didn't speed up I think they just slowed down. I tried to catch up to my friend but he was a good .20 mile ahead. The trees and scenary were great - the fall colors and everything was great! I felt good, breathed hard, almost started to get a stitch in my side but ran it out. I loved running over the old bridges.

official time 31:41 7:55 pace