I’m alive!!
Let me tell you something, that. was. brutal.
I’ll start at the beginning.
We didn’t do much on Saturday so I wasn’t exhausted by the day thankfully. I was planning on leaving my house early as I didn’t get my bib the two days prior so I was out the door by 5 p.m. Bib pick-up started at 6 and the race location was almost an hour away–yes, an hour!! Game time was 7:30 so I wanted to make sure I got there with plenty of time.
I drove the 45+ minutes to get to the middle of nowhere aka: McDowell Mountain Park. I had never been there before so I had no clue what to expect. I also hadn’t looked at the course map or elevation chart before (<–um yeah, that would’ve been smart).
Started with the Long Loop 10 mile (bottom) followed by the Short Loop 10k (top–see mountain).
After glancing at the elevation chart(wha??!!), I picked up my bib and shirt (love!) and then headed over to my running group’s tent. There were about 40 of us that had signed up for the 10k and 27k. (Btw, there’s been much talk amongst my blogging friends on how cool running groups are. Mine is pretty amazing and will write soon on how I found them.)
AZTNT at Adrenaline 🙂
As we all chatted, we said how nice it was that it had gotten below 100 degrees. It actually felt pretty good out lol!
Pre-race pic!
Go time was right before sunset:
And we were off!
I started the race having absolutely no idea what to expect. I had never done a trail race and I had never raced at night. I figured I’d just go and see how it went.
I began with three teammates who are pretty fast. I knew I wasn’t going to stay with them long at all but it was nice to be around familiar faces at the start. After the first mile beeped though, I knew I was going too fast: 9:48. With my personal experience trail running, my easy comfort zone is way slower than that so I immediately slowed down.
I was looking around taking the scenery in. It was pretty cool to be out there in the desert watching the sun set and hearing nature. I think I got caught up with all of it because what I was hoping wouldn’t happen happened a lot earlier than expected. I flew into the air and almost fell flat on my face! I had tripped over a rock, hard, but was able to catch my balance mid air to escape disaster. Then, not just a few minutes later, I slipped and tweaked my ankle! Luckily, it wasn’t anything serious–but this was barely mile 2!!
Wouldn’t this distract you too??
Photo Cred: B. S (AZTNT)
I told myself to get it together; I still had 14 miles to go.
I slowed down considerably and was battling the up, down, up, down portion of the course. It finally settled into just up and I took my time as I climbed the hills.
A little after mile 5 was the first water station. I had heard from my running group that the stations were well stocked–as in, they had an assortment of candy, chips, watermelon, soda, water, gatorade. It was pretty cool! One of the volunteers even refilled my hydration pack for me!
I gobbled a watermelon slice, took a salt tablet, and got going.
Finally, I was at the downhill part of the first loop and it was nice because the trail was finally clear. No more jumping rocks 🙂 I settled in and cruised the next couple of miles. By this time, it was dark and my head lamp was on. It did a good job of lighting the path and it also helped that I had other runners around me. Like the guy in front running barefoot.
My watch beeped mile 8 and I was so glad to know that I was halfway done. I absolutely love trail running but it’s definitely a different type of running. A lot more concentration is involved–i.e. not tripping, twisting your ankle, getting lost–which i don’t mind but I learned that’s doubled when you’re trail running at night. I was already so exhausted!
We had to turn off the trail to start the second loop and this was SO confusing. I, along with several others, had missed it and had to turn back. We had to get on a trail that took us to the start line where we would get on a the 10k trail. It meant that for about a mile, those in front were running back and those still going were on the same trail. Not cool and this would be the only black spot I’d have on the race.
Plus, having to pass the start/finish line made me want to stop. Knowing I still had 6 miles left was tough. But, it was nice to hear the cheers from everyone.
The 10k loop was absolutely awful. From the very beginning you were climbing a mountain. The trail had gotten rocky again; I didn’t mind walking but I did wish I knew how long I had to the top– it seemed never ending. I started Lebronning (cramping) around mile 11 and I never fully recovered. My legs were so tight and I was fighting some serious pain.
It was around this time too that the crowd had really dissipated. I was alone for a long time with the exception of one girl who I’d pass and who’d catch up–we went like this for a while until I passed her and didn’t see her again.
It was very dark out. The moon provided some light but out there in the mountains it was difficult to navigate. Several times I had to stop and look around to make sure I was on the right path. I’d taken an extra hand flashlight (thank goodness) and that helped provide me with extra light to figure out where I was going.
Everything was hurting. My legs continued to cramp off and on and my feet hurt so bad. I was concentrating so hard on the trail but even then I found myself sailing forward again! I was able to catch myself for the second time and avoid any battle wounds.
I did a lot of jog and then walk, jog and then walk until I saw mile 15 and then I just told myself to try my hardest to keep running. Not seeing the end anywhere near was tough but when I was at halfway through the mile I finally heard life. I was close! I picked up it up (ja!! I was limping at this point) and tried to finish strong. With whatever strength I had, I lifted my arms up in celebration as I crossed the finish line 3 hours and 19 minutes later–I was finally done!
SO happy! 🙂
This was a great race put on my awesome people. If you’re ever in Arizona, definitely check out Aravaipa Running. I had so much fun although I do think I was ambitious in attempting the 27k as my first trail race (at night). Two days later, I’m still really sore and with marathon training 10 days away, it was poor planning on my part.
But all in all, it was a great experience and something I can cross off my list–and I love doing that 🙂
–Have you tripped during a race?
–What race exhausted you the most?
Wow, what a great recap Helly. I agree that trail racing is a totally different beast. You have to really concentrate so you don’t trip and I find personally its harder to breath since you are jumping over rocks, etc. I am so glad you were able to catch yourself from falling a few times. I can imagine how much more difficult is it to do a race like that at night, although it does sound really cool! Great job, you are totally killing it with adventure races lately 😉
Thanks Sara!! 🙂
I had a trail 15K on on Sunday. I ran the first 10k with my husband (he had to dnf) – he tripped on a big fat root and hurt his toe badly. In the last 5K I tripped twice! I think of all the trail races I’ve done I’ve only managed one where I didn’t fall at some point! No wait, make that two. But still!
Bummer your husband DNF 😦 I hope he’s feeling better. I’m glad you made it unscathed though!
AWESOME recap!!! When you showed me that elevation profile the other day it made my legs tired just looking at it. You are such a rock star. And yes I have tripped and fallen in a race because some lovely person tripped me and I didn’t even get an apology out of it. Grrrrrr.
Thanks love!! I coulda used your legs on this one for sure! 🙂
And def grrr to that person who tripped you!! If I ever run into them…..
wow! I actually just joined AZ TnT this week in hopes to work on speed work and to meet new runners….but Im not going to lie I may be a little intimidated to show up now after reading that! lol. Nice work though…truly an amazing accomplishment.
Jen!!!! Seriously, the best decision EVER was joining AZTNT. You’re going to LOVE IT!! Hope to see you at track tomorrow night!!!
Are you Jen Foley from Vegas? If so…small, small world! Hi, from Julia Izzolo!
Trail races are unbelievably hard. I’ve tripped SO many times. My last one I ate it ate least 4 times. Stupid rocks! Glad you survived though!
Jules! Yes it’s me…sorry no profile photo so can be confusing. I started following Helly from YOUR blog! Looks like you deserve a referral fee. Haha
Yes! Thanks Julia and thanks Jen for visiting! 🙂 I really do hope I see/meet you soon!
Helly I had no idea you were here in az. I have ran with TnT once and will be at the roadrunner event on thurs. Awesome group of runners, everyone is super nice.
Great race recap. Everything I’ve read from bloggers says that Aravaipa throws awesome events. Plus having 40 other TnT runners make it that much better.
Oh yay!! You’re here?? And have run with TnT?? Awesome!! I’ll be there on Thursday too! (I’m letting the exclamations flow right now LOL)
Wow! I’m not sure I’m brave enough for trail running at night, great job!
I’ve never tripped and fallen in a race, but there was a particularly hot, exhausting training run that had me eating sidewalk!
Eeek! Heat can definitely cause some damage!
This race sounded incredibly challenging… a 27K trail race AT NIGHT?? Great job on finishing – that’s a huge accomplishment! I’ve done a few 5K trail races and I agree that it takes a whole new level of concentration just to make sure I don’t fall down, especially on the narrow, rocky, twisty trails that we have in the woods here in Pennsylvania. I can’t imaging doing that at night!!
Did you ever have to worry about snakes or other wildlife or was that not really an issue since so many other runners were out on the same course? (Maybe just the first guy had to worry?) 😉
Thanks Annie!!
I didn’t see anything too crazy out there. Lizards and rats mostly lol!
That elevation profile is serious. Why did they save the 10k loop for last with that crazy mountain?
Your Lebronning metaphor was priceless, lol!
Congrats on your first trail race- no falls and at night is impressive 🙂
I have NO idea why that monstrous 10k loop was last–it was pretty awful lol!
And thank you! 🙂
Wow! Sounds like an amazing race! Congrats! I love trial running / race but I don’t think my imagination would let me do it in the dark.
It was definitely intense but a lot of fun 🙂
That sounds like a crazy race! So glad you made it to the finish line safely! I have taken my fair share of running tumbles but (knock on wood) nothing major during a race. Did you see any wild life while you were running? I would be worried about snakes!
No snakes but I saw lizards and rats lol!
holy moly elevation chart! the sunset looked beautiful though!
Yeah, that elevation was no joke! But the course and views were really pretty–almost sorta made up for it 🙂
Awesome job!!!
I wouldn’t worry if you are sore next week and need to take it easy. Missing a few runs on your training won’t be the end of the world.
I never tripped during a race but I did trip running once. I got cut up pretty bad because i slammed into the concrete. When I fell I got back up and was going to try to keep running but I was bleeding everywhere. I was about a month away from my first marathon and had to take a full week off. My knee was swollen pretty badly too.
Yeah, totally planning on taking it easy.
That sounds like a nasty fall, yikes!
Wow! You’re so crazy! You just keep going and going! Congrats! Way to push through!
I’ve only done one night race, but it was on streets. I did not like it at all. Sooo dangerous. I hear trails are different though.
Most exhausted after a race? Well, marathons come to mind, but sometimes shorter races do too cause I push so hard. I remember PRing a half last year and was just done afterwards!
Shorter races annihilate me–that’s why I’m not a huge fan of the 5k lol! This race totally wiped me out though–I’m still recovering jaja!
You are hardcore! Grand Canyon followed by this…….I’m exhausted just reading your recap. And I like how Lebronning is now a legit verb – but does that mean you broke down in tears too?
BAAJAJAJAJA!!!! Omg, no joke, I texted my husband that I was Lebronning during the race and his response was, “Gassed out, cramping, all done, or crying?” LOL
For the record, only cramping. No quitting here 🙂
You’re recap is great, but you completing the race is even greater! Congrats! It’s a pretty hard race from what I’ve read, I admire your courage! I don’t think I’d be running a night race any time soon. 😛 Where there times when you were alone – alone while running?
Thank you!!
I was alone towards the end. That was tough because I just wanted to be done and it was kinda difficult to know if I was on the right path.
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Oh my god that race sounds nuts! You are seriously doing the coolest races! I’m so scared to try a trail race (in Alaska that basically means straight up a mountain) but I’m really tempted to try because I love hiking and running and trail running is a combo of both! I’m a huge klutz so if you were tripping a lot, I probably would have been falling all over the place! Congrats on finishing in the dark!
It was a pretty nutty race lol!! It would be AWESOME to do a trail race in Alaska–you absolutely have to do one!! What’s awesome about trail running is there is waaaay less pressure about time/pace than road racing. It’s all about just enjoying where you’re at and taking everything in 🙂 I’ll be waiting for the news when you sign up for a trail race lady!!
It was a pretty nutty race lol!! It would be AWESOME to do a trail race in Alaska–you absolutely have to do one!! What’s awesome about trail running is there is waaaay less pressure about time/pace than road racing. It’s all about just enjoying where you’re at and taking everything in 🙂 I’ll be waiting for the news when you sign up for a trail race lady!!
Seriously, you are my running idol. I thought running Ragnar in the dark was scary by myself…but that is crazy! The course looked so hard!! Major props to you my friend. You are a badass.
Aww thank you Sue!! I think you’re pretty amazing 🙂
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