Wild, Wild Wilderness

Yesterday was the Kennekuk Road Runner's Trail Run at Kickapoo - Wild, Wild Wilderness. It's a run I look forward to every year because it seems to be the ideal combination of weather (early fall), conditions (well-established trail), participants (huge variety of enthusiastic trail runners), and race direction (KRR).

I've been running a bit more lately, back on more of a regular schedule. I did not race triathlons at all this season, but with trail running season upon us I am excited for the events.

Race conditions were ideal. The temperature at race time was in the mid 60s and it was overcast and a little foggy. The run started on time at 10am.

There were over 300 runners participating, so the start was very congested and slow. Once the dirt trail started, the line of runners began to stretch out and pace groups began to form. I wasn't sure what to expect from myself. I have been running more, but my longest recent run was 5 miles. I was pleasantly surprised with how I felt throughout the run.

I think the setting really helps with relaxing and just enjoying the experience of running through the woods. I was hoping just to settle into a comfortable cadence and maintain it, and that's what ended up happening. My pace varied quite a bit...there are some significant hill climbs, obstacles, creek crossings, and stairways on the course that affect pace...but my cadence held pretty well.

This ended up being my slowest Wilderness run yet, but I'm viewing it as a starting point, not the usual "near-end of season" point. Next up will be a pair of October trail runs, Fox Ridge and Allerton park.