Squirrelly Six Mile Trail Race

Happy Halloween! Today I did one of the most fun things I could think of on Halloween day...run my first trail race!! The Albany Running Exchange puts on this Halloween themed race: The Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon and Squirrelly Six Mile Trail Races at Thacher State Park in Voorheesville. It was AWESOME!!! All of the runners were dressed up, and they had some of the course even decorated for Halloween!

There were even live gorillas hiding in the trees…

I, of course, was running the six mile, another half marathon is way too soon for me! I also dressed up as a bumble bee. 😉

I got there at about 8:30 (race started at 9:30) and ran into Sarah! She was running the half! How awesome!!

Eventually I met up with Katie! She was a lady bug!

How cute! We decided we would run part of the race together! I’m glad we did because it was nice having someone to talk to for the first three miles!

Then we found the Squirrell!

And saw two gorillas hanging out.

The course was hilly, and through the woods. The first mile was pretty congested since the trails were so narrow, we walked quite a bit.

The Start: a gorgeous view!

I brought my camera with me on the course, just because I knew there would be things I want to take pictures of!

And then there were hills.

And escaped inmates.

And pumpkins.

And more gorillas.

And mile 5 I started to feel tired…and a girl slipped and fell in front of me. I asked if she was okay, and then I said, “I’m surprised that hasn’t happened to me yet!” Well, I shouldn’t have, because at mile 5.75 I slipped and twisted my ankle. I hobbled for maybe a minute or two, but then decided it didn’t hurt TOO bad. Who wants to walk the last quarter mile of a race? Not this girl. I ran the last bit on a sore ankle, and finished in 1:08:33. I think the course was off a bit because it said it was only 5.92 miles on my garmin.

Katie finished only a few minutes behind me! Go girl, you are so awesome!!!

The trail race was SO much fun! I’m so glad I ran it. It was the perfect way to spend Halloween. My goal for this race: HAVE FUN! I wasn’t even worried about time.

Garmin Stats (They are ALL OVER the place):
Total Distance – 5.92 miles
Total Elapsed Time – 1:08:33
Average Pace – 11:35 (walking up hills, crowded trail, etc.– I didn’t plan on PRing!)

Splits
Mile 1 – 12:23
Mile 2 – 12:42 (mostly walking up hills)
Mile 3 – 13:49 (more walking!)
Mile 4 – 10:37
Mile 5 – 9:05
Mile 6 – 10:48 (where I fell)

This was the slowest race I’ve ran in a while, but I’m not worried about it. I did lots of walking up the hills, and during the congested trail areas. I loved it, and still had a great time, despite falling.

In true blogger fashion, Katie and I went to brunch afterward at Jake Moon, one of the best country restaurants in the Albany area.

The thing I love about Jake Moon is that they use fresh and local ingredients. Their eggs are farm fresh, and they bake their bread in house. Amazing!

Katie and I both ordered hot apple cider, from Indian Ladder Farms. It was delicious. And we got a free refill!

For brunch I ordered the Clarksville Scramble: eggs, vegetarian sausage, potatoes, fresh herbs and cheddar cheese, with two slices of whole wheat toast.

It was SO much food, but oh so good. 🙂 Nothing tastes better than brunch after a race, in my opinion!

There was also apple butter and jam to put on our toast. My favorite was the apple butter.

Jake Moon hit the spot! And I got to spend quality chatting time with Katie, which is always fun!

When I got home I was in the mood for something sweet, so I finished up the last of my S’mashing S’mores from TJ’s…and popped them in the microwave for a few seconds!

Yummy!

Well, I am off to watch Halloween movies on TV and elevate my ankle. 🙁 I’m hoping it gets better by Sunday, but I won’t be completely devastated if it doesn’t. If worst comes to worst, I am still going to spectate the Stockade-athon with Heather, since Chris is running it!

Hope everyone is having a great Halloween!!