Trail Running race 1:48:56 [4] 13.1 mi (8:19 / mi) +2190ft 7:11 / mi
ahr:158 max:179 rhr:44 slept:5.1
My first ever half marathon -- and a trail race at that. First mile was DOWNHILL; then five excruciating miles uphill to the aid station, 1.2 more miles uphill to the turn around, back to the aid station and back down the hill via an alternate route. From miles 3-6 it did not seem like the hill would ever end, but I kept a jog up and endured it. The last four miles were unmitigated fun with a steady descent and another runner nipping at my heels (finished just ahead of her). I don't think this will be the last trail race I do--it really took me to great lows and highs coupled with an incredible atmosphere surrounded by other endurance runners also struggling but encouraging.
I ended up in 10th out of 121 runners, but 3rd in my age group so I got a medal.