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Backyard Burn, Spring 2011

Running the Backyard Burn 10 Mile
I haven't done any speedwork, tempo runs, intervals, fartleks, strides or any type of fast running since July.

So I wasn't expecting much at the Backyard Burn. I hoped to hold a moderate pace, resist the temptation to race and NOT have the wheels come off. 


It was a perfect Spring morning for a race. The air was chilly, but with the promise that jackets would soon be discarded. I opted for my snazzy Primal tattoo arm warmers, black Atalanta running skirt, black Zensah calf sleeves and bright yellow Dirty Girl gaiters. If I couldn't be fast, I was going to be colorful.

Happy to be running trails on a perfect day
Despite all the recent rain, the course was only muddy in a few spots. It was very runnable and flat with a couple of short hills. The trail was mostly single track with several stream crossings, some gravel road and a brief section of paved bike path. The 10 Mile course is two loops, the first being considerably more crowded with 5 Mile competitors.

EX2 Adventures always puts on a flawless race. Everything was well-marked, thought out, organized AND they have hot pizza at the end.

I kept it somewhat reigned in, but couldn't resist passing on the technical sections. It felt like I was pushing the pace a bit. The second loop was going to hurt. I'd forgotten to bring any gels and would have to rely on the Accelerade at the aid stations for the calories to power me through. I fully expected to bonk.

Somehow, those little cups of Accelerade did the job. I didn't have any kick as I approached the finish, unusual for me, but I chalked it up to lack of calories and leaving nothing in the tank.

Schlumping into the finish
I was happy with not puking or suffering too much. I managed to run 10 minute miles. Right now, that feels like success.

11 comments:

  1. Great Pictures! Congrats on not puking or suffering too much!

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  2. Well done, that trail looks wonderful, I'd love to have the chance to run somewhere like that just as spring is arriving.

    By the way your arm warmers are amazing, love them!

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  3. OMG, I'd love to do 10-minute miles for 10 miles! That is fantastic! Congratulations on another milestone achieved.

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  4. That's a GREAT pace for a trail run! Stud!

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  5. That sounds like a nice race and the pictures make it seem beautiful!

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  6. that IS success! you look like a joyful girl. so glad you had a great day.

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  7. Totally success! I love those races, I hope to join you in some during the fall!

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  8. So HAPPY for you, Kir! I know you have waited patiently for this time to come---when you can run healthy and strong--and that you do not take it for granted. Awesome!!

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  9. 10 minute miles on trails? Sweet!!!

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  10. That also LOOKS like success! You radiate outdoorsy health and strength in those photos ... like an ad for trail running! Love them, and love that you had such a great race.

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  11. What fun! Best way I can think of to usher in Spring :) Great time and great times. Live the pics and I'm with the rest on those arm warmers!

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