With the boys back in school, my schedule hasn’t necessarily slowed down. In fact it has gotten busier if that is even possible!? The only thing that is different is that my day is quieter … which is a nice change.
I have been dabbling in my trail running the past few weeks, mainly gravel farm roads or wide trails for bikes. It has been pretty muddy lately and some of the trails are closed when it is too wet and slushy.
I decided to head out for a quick trail run. I had 3 miles on the training plan. Nice and easy. A single lane dirt trail was just what was in store for me. It was a gorgeous new-to-me trail that was filled with lush green forest. Lots of spider webs… that I conveniently ran into every few feet. Yuck!
The trail was pretty rocky the majority of the trail. It winded along the shoreline of the Smithville Lake. I spent the majority of my run looking down at my feet to make sure I didn’t trip over a rock, tree root or fallen stick. I did hop over a baby snake (didn’t stick around long enough to examine what type of snake it was) that was sunning itself in the middle of the trail. Oh my goodness… my heart rate jumped so high (per my Polar M400) it was alarming! ha!
After while I just ran to enjoy the trail. I guess I must have been shuffling my feet at a certain point, or not being careful with lifting my feet/legs as I ran. I totally biffed mid run. Like something you would see on a comedy show. Knees. Hands. Chest. Flop. Wipe out.
I got up and checked out myself and was thankful there were no injuries. Just a little bruise to my pride… and some dirt. I resumed running the trail with a little more caution and care with each step.
Along the trail there were a few options for ways to go, I thought I knew where I was going and kept on running. My trail was super close to the shore line and I was able to hear the fishermen’s conversation as they fished in a cove near me.
When it was time to turn around to get back to the van, I realized quickly that I had no idea where I was. I knew I started out on a trail that was marked with orange markers… but was now on a trail with red markers. Hmm… this kind of made me panic a little. I also realized that the trail I was on was completely new to me (new bridge, new rocks, new sights).
I backtracked a bit and found myself on the main paved bike trail that I was very familiar with. I decided to take the safe route back to the parking lot and ran that the rest of the way.
I will say that I was amazed at how running on the paved trail seemed so much harder than running on the trail. Even though my pace was about the same for both. Perhaps it was that when running on the trail my mind is preoccupied with not tripping and looking at what is ahead of me versus running on the pavement I am more aware of my heart, lungs, and muscles. It just made me realize that I need to run the real trails more.
I am loving the solo runs lately, and am still trying to find the balance with fitting in strength training too. Oh the many activities, meetings, appointments, and THINGS on my calendar and to do list is overwhelming. Having a plan and making sure it is on my planner helps me stay accountable and somewhat on track. Thank goodness for my EC Lifeplanner, eh!?
This week my goal is to do something every day. 30 minutes or 3 miles. I am also starting (late) to train for the RockNRoll STL half marathon on October 18th. Run with me… save $15 with the code: RunningRachel15 <3
Here is my training plan for this week:
Monday: 4 miles + speed work with the soccer team
Tuesday: 3 trail miles + body weight strength exercises
Wednesday: PiYo (mobility/flexibility/core work)
Thursday: 5 miles hilly route (easy pace)
Friday: active recovery/rest
Saturday: 5 miles
I asked over on instagram and facebook, and I’ll ask you the same question:
Do you like to run TRAILS or paved trails (roads) more?
Are you currently training for a race or running for fun?
Feel free to link up with Janice, Fitness Cheerleader, and I each week for #MotivateMe Monday (yes, I know today is Tuesday… I have been busy lately) where we share and encourage each other and YOU with your health and fitness goals!
CARLA says
ahh so much yes to the QUIETER BUT BUSIER.
I wish you lived here.
Id powerwalk behind you on the trails 🙂
Rachel says
Glad to see you’re incorporating PiYo with running! I’ve been doing Piyo for over a year and I love it. It’s definitely improved my running!
Amanda Brooks says
so funny I never ever ran trails in KC and now I’m like, what I want to do that!!! I didn’t really have any near us, but when I come back maybe I can head up your way!! Love that you are trying something new.
Rachel says
Yes! That would be awesome! Although I am not sure how much running we would do “together” it would be more me chasing your backside… speedy girl! 🙂
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
I can’t lie. I don’t run, like, at all…but this plan is a great kick in the butt! Love it!
Lucie Palka says
I’m lucky, my regular route takes me through a combinations n of roads and trails. My trails are also not so dangerous either. Trial running is for n because it so much more scenic!