5 Weeks and a Trail Run

On Saturday August 15th I had the amazing opportunity of running in the Hidden Peak Hustle 10K Trail Run!  I didn't know what I was getting myself into.  I had NEVER done a trail run and yet I signed up to race 6.2 miles?  AM I INSANE?!  Well, for those of you who are reading, I can be insane.  I looked at my training schedule and I was supposed to run 8 miles.  My friend messaged me the day before asking if I wanted to do this race.  I thought, why not?  It's 2 miles less than my training, but at least it's something.  AND it's a trail run, making the difficulty higher.  So I signed up and got myself into a crazy race.

The next day I woke up bright an early so I could get to snowbird around 8AM.  Oh and the night before, I didn't sleep.  I didn't go to bed until about 3AM and couldn't really sleep once I was in bed.  Oh well!  I guess my body was just too excited.  

The race was amazing.  The race started at an elevation of 8000 feet and changed about 1000 feet more or less than that at times.  Trail running is a thrilling experience that I think everyone should try at least once.  The unfortunate part is that I wore my old Nike's.  BUT I FINISHED!  And I think I finished pretty strong.  The beginning was rough and I kept thinking, 'what was I thinking signing up for a 10K?  I could have just done the 5K!", but I am glad that I chose the longer distance.  During the middle-ish section of the race I was cruisin'.  I felt strong and really awesome.  Until I hit the end-ish of the race (I had no idea when I hit whatever miles) and there were some hills.  I had to walk parts of the rest due to the new experience to my body, but overall, I was running.  Although the last large hill I walked all the way up.  I tried to walk fast, but I was feeling the pain.  Finally there was one short and steep hill, but I got past it and then it was alright from there.  The ending was a downhill fast paced sprint.  I WAS DONE!  I didn't care too much about my time or place just then.  I just felt accomplished and happy.  Another reason trail running is sweet.  Not a lot of people do it, but those who do have to have endurance, desire, and heart.  Maybe now I'll get some legit trail running shoes and get into this new sport.  Who wouldn't want to run in nature with some fresh mountain air?  :)

I won third place in my age group!

They had a raffle at the end, and this is what I won.  :)

My other update (since it's been awhile) is about my half marathon training.  I just finished week 5!  Only 8 more weeks to go!  I am a little scared still, but just yesterday I ran 9.19 miles!  Not only did I run a long distance, I felt good.  My stomach felt good, my body felt good, and my mind was ready.  I am still not super fast, but I am strong.  I can already tell that this training is working!  I've slacked off some of my days, but for the most part I am strict and get in my miles or cross training.  I am loving it.

I'll post more about my training as it goes.  I've got more fun runs ahead!

Tiegan Hatch #352
Black Diamond Store Hidden Peak Hustle 10K (First Annual)
Elevation: varied 7000-9000 ft. (estimated)
Time: 1:13:50.1
Overal: 30/55
Age Group (20-29): 3/5
Women: 7/21




Runaway Girl

I'm running to change my life for the better.