Trail running is tiring.

Today I went for a trail run as part of my training for the XTerra Lory later this month.  I went on the Betasso Preserve Canyon Loop, which according to mapmytri is 3.22 miles and according to my Nike+ running shoes is 3.6 miles.  So a bit more than a 5k.

The run took me about 50 minutes, including a warm up and cool down, to complete the loop.  I did modified long intervals:
w/u 6 min
run 20 min
rest interval (walking) 5 min
run 15 min
c/d 4 min

The rest of the cool down was basically shaking out my muscles and stretching at the trailhead.  Because the loop is essentially a long downhill to the lowest point followed by a long uphill, the second run leg was definitely more difficult.  However I managed to push through by pacing myself (i.e. go from a run to a jog to a "this is kind of like jogging, if you squint" pace depending on the incline).  I really enjoyed running the trail, actually, and will definitely do it again, but I will probably stick to Wednesday or Saturday runs to avoid mountain bikes.

This was also the first run I've done where I actually carried a water bottle with me, which I did by just holding it in my hand.  My right shoulder started to complain a bit so I switched it to my left hand, and that seemed to work fine.  I don't really need a specific fuel belt for now, I don't think, but really I should get one in the future, or one of those straps to help you hold the bottle in your hand or something.

However, trail running really adds an extra jello-like quality to your legs.  Not only do you get it in your glutes more as you bust it uphill, but the extra effort of watching your step, avoiding tree roots and rocks, and the quick little downhill steps really works all those little stabilizing muscles.  So while my pace was pretty crap, I don't think I did too badly considering running is my weak sport and I've done very little trail running at all this year.

And yes, I will probably regret not having done more trail running when I'm racing in a couple weeks.  But with two weeks left to the race I just have to do my best with what time I have left!