I had had my eye on the 5k in the Thatcher Park Trail Running Festival for months — but I only wanted to run it if the weather was nice. Especially since I ran 9 miles the day before the race.
A couple of friends came to cheer me in and we all volunteered afterward, too. This is kind of a long recap for a mere 5k, but I talk a bit about volunteering and the difference between trail runners and road runners, too.
Getting There & Hanging Out
I headed out bright and early on Sunday morning to Thatcher Park, which is a bit over 30 minutes from our home. We walked around there about six weeks previously with the dogs, which gave me a little idea of the lay of the land (it’s a larger park with many different parking areas) and what I might expect from running a trail race there.
I got there when I expected to, around 7:30 (the race starts at 8:30), and the way to the parking lot was well marked and the volunteers were on hand to show you where to park.
Packet Pickup was easy peasy and there are real bathrooms right by the pavilion — always a treat.
I had thought I’d walk back to my car to get my stuff, but when I saw lots of runners toting bags, I decided to just take it with me, and I left it in the pavilion. I also attended the volunteer meeting, since I was volunteering after the race, and met the woman I’d be manning the aid station with.
After a series of hot, humid days, some beautiful weather blew in midweek and it was a gorgeous day for a race — although a bit chilly in the morning, and I had a throaway sweatshirt on; I didn’t have to throw it away, either, as I just left it with my bag in the pavilion.
I wore a Skirtsports Cascade skirt and Exhale Bra Top. While it was cool enough when I arrived, but 8:30 it was getting warmer, and this outfit worked out great.
My Race Plan
I had run 9 miles the day before, so this was my recovery run and I seriously did not have a plan. But Rachel @ Runningonhappy was whispering in my ear, so I did a .9 mile warmup run (to make it an even 4 miles for the day).
My goal was simply to finish injury free.
So how’d that work for me?
- Mile 1: 13:42. You start out on the grass, a little on a paved path as you turn (although you could still run on grass if you wanted to), and there was an immediate bottleneck getting through some trees where it came to a complete standstill. Luckily, I wasn’t racing. Most of the first mile was fairly non-techinal, open, and on grass with some nice views as you come towards Hailes Cave (where I would be manning the aid station later).
- Mile 2: 15:17. Much of this mile was on very technical singletrack through the woods — lots of roots and rocks and I walked a great deal. There were also several portions with mud the width of the path, which I wasn’t counting on at all due to our dry week.
- Mile 3: 12:40. Coming out of the woods — finally! — and I felt like I could run again. Some grass, some gravel, but far fewer roots and rocks. I almost missed the slight turn towards the left at the end — it was marked well, but if the girl in front of me hadn’t turned, I might have kept going straight.
- Last .08: 9:15. In that last little bit I was really trying to beat the same girl that helped me not miss that last turn. I saw some of my running buddies as I came into the finish chute, and in the end, I did manage to beat her. She was about 15 years younger than me; yes, that made me happy. And I think I can also credit her with that last mile being the fastest — nothing like a little healthy competition!
42:25 — Official Time
13:40 Average Pace
Was the race well run?
Extremely. Everything was well marked, although sometimes in the woods there was a long time between flags and since I was mostly by myself, I’d begin to wonder if I was going the wrong way.
There’s also a club day via a local running club. They do games (I was out volunteering) and grill hot dogs and hamburgers. Despite the fact that we didn’t get there until 1:30, after our volunteering stint was done, they were still grilling hot dogs and hamburgers (but the rest of the pickings were kind of slim).
A word about volunteering
Running buddy J decided to volunteer at the race since the forecast was good and they were still looking for volunteers. Since I’d never volunteered, either, I decided I’d sign up too. The 5k wasn’t going to take long; there’s a 10k, 15, half and full marathon, and 50k too! All races start at the same time, so obviously some runners were out there for many hours.
Unfortunately my friend and I got different assignments, but she had another friend with her, which made me happy, and I was with a mother and her son at an aid station. I won’t lie: because of the various races and the way runners spread out, there was a lot of down time and it was pretty boring at times. On the other hand, the runners doing the longer races often stopped to chat for a bit, which was fun.
I did, however, nosh a bit too much on the goodies at the table. They weren’t even that great, I’d brought my own snacks, but three hours of mostly just standing around with nothing to do . . .
Anyway, yes, I would volunteer again. And if the weather is nice, I’d run again. In fact, if the weather’s nice, I have plans for a trail race the end of October.
I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.
This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Sounds like it was a good race for you. And yes, sometimes volunteering is boring, but I love to give back to the running community.
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Well of course giving back is a good thing!
It’s not like I race a lot, which means it ought to be easier to volunteer, but I am usually running on the weekends.
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Nice change. Glad you enjoyed it.
I had quite a few friends running it but the 10k. I’m sure I would have raced it which wouldn’t have been smart after a long run.
Plus it was a great rest/boating day.
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I considered the 10k but not after running 9 miles the day before. No thanks!
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Great job on your race! I agree, trail races are more challenging than rad races. You always have to use extra caution with your footing. I am always afraid I am going to trip over a root! I like those socks. It is nice to get something different than a shirt. I have so many darn race t-shirts!
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I was happy to get the socks (and happy I haven’t had to wear them yet!).
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Great job on the race and the volunteering!! ā¤ ā¤ ā¤
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Thanks, Natalie! Not sure when I’ll volunteer again, but I’m sure it will happen someday.
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Sounds like a great experience with both the race and the volunteering! A lot of the race volunteering I’ve done is a bit like that with a lot of hurry up and wait. It can get hectic when a lot of runners come through but a bit boring otherwise. That’s fun that some of the runners stopped to chat š
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This is a relatively small race/s — just 250 runners altogether. By the time I got there, the 5k & the 10k was over, so it was just the people running REALLY long.
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I know there has to be good trail races here, but I zone out a lot during running. I know I’d trip a lot because I don’t pay attention to where I’m going. Roads and sidewalks are flat so I don’t have to worry about that.
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Oh, I’ve tripped on roads. š But you definitely do have to pay a lot more attention on trails!
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I love trail races, though I haven’t done many (maybe 6 or 7?). I think the terrain sort of levels the field (how’s that for a play on words) because everyone has to be cautious of the tree roots, slippery grass, and occasional mud. These are more for the experience than the finish time (well, at least they are for me). Glad you had a great time!
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I’ve only done 2 trail races so you have me beat!
I’m even slower on trails — probably due to being cautious — but that’s okay. Somehow it’s easier to take my time when there are all those roots just waiting to trip me up! I appreciate the change in scenery, though.
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Sounds like a great way to spend a beautiful day Judy! I agree with you, from what some of my trail running friends have told me …trail runners are much more ‘relaxed’ and talkative than road runners. Like you said, they really aren’t focused on pace as much as just finishing within the time cutoff. I really need to make an effort to find one around here and give it a try!
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Sounds like you had a good race in spite of 9 miles the day before Nice work!
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I really wasn’t racing. Just a recovery run. Well,maybe a little racing at the end. š
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I like the idea of socks – more likely to get worn for me! You do well to think about and notice things to write for your blog when you are racing, remembering where things were at each mile etc. Is there a way you do it? And congrats on overtaking someone at the finish – that’s always a good feeling (as the overtaker – a bit gutting if you get passed!!!!)
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Ha! I can’t say for sure that what I say happened in a particular mile actually happened in that mile. I try. Some people have amazingly detailed race recaps.
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I really like the race gave socks vs. tee shirts. I have not heard of that before. I have considered volunteering at a race since races wouldn’t be possible without them. Great job racing & passing the youngster.
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Thanks, Paula! I’m sure I’ll volunteer again. In fact, there’s a big race in our area the week after my half — but I’m not sure i’ll be here yet.
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wow 9 miles the day before?! I like the idea of trail running but I have fallen twice so I am now scared to do. Kind of silly I know
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I have fallen on roads and fallen on trails — the falling on the road was much more painful.
But I slow waaaaay down on the trails, due to being cautious!
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