September 17, 2011

CASA 5k Trail Race report


A few weeks ago Karen and I decided to run the CASA 5k as a “Texas Trail Nerd club social”. Karen obtained permission from the race director to set our club tent and banner. I took the social a step further and cooked ~20 breakfast tacos the night before. On the race website I didn't see any food sponsors, so I thought this would be a nice treat after to the race.

The morning started off good, even though I’m in a constant cycle of sleep deprivation. We arrived at Jones National Forest an hour early and had no problems setting up our club tent. I was proud to display our club banner and it is starting to feel like we’re a legitimate running club.

During the pre-race announcements the race director acknowledged our club and thanked us for our support. The RD even told the crowd how Karen ran thirty miles the night before and was still here this morning. Again, another proud moment for the Texas Trail Nerds.

My run started bad and never improved. My legs were completely dead and my head was not into the race. It was only a 5k, so I knew I could tough out the mileage. The scenery of the park is stunning, although I found it difficult to run in the 4-6 inches of sand on the jeep roads. My legs never loosened up, so I decided to minimize the suffering with a regimen of 8/2’s.

In the final half mile we were running on a wide compact forest trail. I opened up my stride for a solid finish to an otherwise crappy performance. I’ve spent a lot of time wondering what the problem’s were, but I know it is the same issues; weight, poor nutrition, and more recently... a lack of sleep.

Karen finished her run in a blazing 24:55, which was good enough for the FIRST PLACE FEMALE MASTERS win. Karen is very humble, so much so that I was more excited than she was!

The timing company was having issues with the results, and we had to hang around for nearly an hour before the award ceremony. The wait was well worth it to see Karen receive her medal and for a second “shout out” to the Texas Trail Nerds by the race director. I've realized a couple things... we need a website to direct people to and some type of flyer.

After the race I drove back home from the Woodlands, to prepare for Alison’s ice skating party in College Station, TX. The drive there was a BEAST and took me 3.5 hours due to traffic from a wreck.

I had a blast hanging out with Erin and the kids.  The party was a huge success and everyone seemed to have a great time. I didn't come prepared to skate, but I think I’d like would like to try skating in the future. After the party I hung out with Erin and the kids while we were shopping for Alison’s 4H outfits for the upcoming Trinity County Fair. Alison doesn't like shopping for clothes, so we had our hands full trying to select outfits for the judging and auction. 

It was a long day with a ton of driving, but it was all worth it!

Run (CASA 5k)
3.11 miles
37:22
12:03



























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