Somehow I got the crazy idea that I should start trail running. I don't really know what sparked it, possibly Andrew Skurka's feats, or having moved to Eugene which is running crazy of course. I do think after my wife and I hiked Spencer Butte a week ago, that maybe she'd like to do some trail running and such as well. So, I propsed the idea to her, and she was game. This led to a quick bit of shopping to pick up some shoes and shorts, etc. I had done a bit of research, but we'll see how it all works out.
Today I got out for my first run, although unfortunately my wife couldn't join me. We'll go together on Thursday. I headed over to Ridgeline park, at the Fox Hollow trailhead, where I ride my bike sometimes. I know the trails there, and figured the upper loop might be a good starting point - not too long (I hoped), and reasonable ups and downs. I figured I'd do a loop and that'd probably destroy me, and I'd come home...
I started out by walking for about 8 minutes to get warmed up, see how my shoes felt, etc. Then I ran. Or, um, I call it running - my form leaves a lot to be desired I can assure you. I found I could run for several minutes, then needed to walk, run again, walk, repeat. I did the top loop in 22 minutes. I don't know how many miles it is, maybe 1.5? When I was done, I felt pretty decent actually, and decided to do another.
My legs, just above the knees were hurting a bit from the descents, so I on this lap I tried to run as much of the flats and hills as I could, and walked most of the descents. I cut 5 minutes off my first lap time on the second lap, and decided that was it for the first time out. Didn't want to overdo it, and knew the spots above my knees would probably be hurtin' a bit.
A few key learnings:
- I didn't hate it! I feared this, as I have NOT liked running in the past. I was a really great sprinter growing up actually, but never liked distance stuff. So, this is a promising start.
- The descents are what hurt the most for me. I'll have to watch this, and I may not try to do too heavy of climbing/vertical until I'm more conditioned to it.
- I do need one of those water bottle hand wrap/holder thingies. I just held a plain cycling water bottle, which was ok, but it gets kinda slippery with the sweat.
- I feel my stride is terrible, and that I run rather flat-footed (or at least the foot "landings" feel that way). I suspect I need to lengthen my stride a bit (on trail that seemed to help), generally improve of course, and also, maybe work my arms more. Need to learn more here! Recommendations/advice much appreciated!
- My shoes worked well (Salomon XT Wings), and the shorts were quite nice (some Adidas ones). So, other than the water bottle, I think I'm good on gear.
- I'm ready to do it again. As I sit here this evening, my legs are a bit sore, but I plan to go out on the road bike tomorrow and ride that out; will be interested to see how that works out.
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