The only word that is sticking out to you is probably the word "LOST." If you are a big fan of the ABC hit TV Series, you might be interested in encountering this challenge of a lifetime.
Let me explain this "Trail to the LOST land," as I signed up to take part of the 2009 XTERRA Trail Running World Championship on Oahu, Hawaii. For those who don't know what this big event is all about; it is an off-road, half marathon distance "Xduro." The event also hosts two shorter distance trail runs a 5km and 10km, free kids races, an adventure walk for charity and of course... the STUNNING SCENERY. I remember sitting at work checking my email and read that XTERRA was looking for volunteers for this run, so I clicked and kept reading. Turned out there was still time to register, so I signed up for the 10km Trail Run at the spectacular Kualoa Ranch on December 6, 2009. You could probably call me crazy, in the fact that my marathon was only a week after the Trail run, but I couldn't resist because it looked like FUN!
Who wouldn't want to run on the northeastern side of Oahu with the 4-thousand acre working cattle ranch that reaches from the steep mountain cliffs to the sparkling sea? Or the fact that the terrain varies from dense rainforest to broad open valleys? Did I mention the epic nature of Kualoa Ranch that has inspired Hollywood films such as "Jurassic Park," "Pearl Harbor," "Tears of the Sun," "50 First Dates" and of course the television hit show, "LOST."
So I marked a: "Hell Yes!" passed on the info to my friends Sheri and Nate and made plans to run the race together. I was ready for the adventurous off-road trail run and to get dirty! Mind you I have never done a trail run in my life--EVER, and running up hills was not something I had been training for... so I was in for a big surprise.
It was Sunday, December 6th and Sheri and I made our way to Kualoa Ranch. It was a beautiful morning and it wasn't too hot... YET. After we picked up our packet with our shirt, bib and timing chip we decided to stretch out and pin our bib numbers on. Nate finally made his way towards us and we were all pumped to get our run on.
The 21km runners lined up first at 9 A.M. and us 10km runners were up next. I was feeling kind of nervous as they explained the course to all of us--running the same route to equal 6.2 miles. All I could think was, "I have to run uphill two times!?"
It was finally our time to lineup. The sun was beaming and I could feel the heat soak into my brown skin. The sound of the gun fired off and the thousands of feet pounded into the red dirt. We navigated through the length of the valley and then I saw the hill! Sheri and I couldn't believe it and after trying to run up it using a lot of energy, I decided to preserve my energy and walk up the hill at a fast pace.
Yes! It worked! But my calves, thighs and ass were burning. I was sweating like crazy and I hadn't even reached mile 2 yet. I blame the hill! All I know is that I had to go up the hill again and I was dreading it. The course was rocky and the incline of the trail would go flat then up, then down and then up again. Talk about a workout! Then there was this big hill going down. Running downhill isn't really good for you, especially when the grass was slippery so you were constantly holding back so you wouldn't fall on your face or ass!
A part of me wished it was raining. I wanted to get muddy and dirty. I wanted the real trail run adventurous experience. I wanted to slip and slide down the muddy slopes in the valley, and feel like I was in an Indiana Jones movie. So much for fantasizing! I was so HOT!
Before starting the race I thought we could finish the 6.2 miles in less than an hour. WRONG! The hills ruined my time completely. Sheri and I ran as fast as we could on the flat parts of the trail to make up for the time lost from the hills, but it didn't help much.
Once we were close to the finish line I was ready to hop in the shower. I felt good, I wasn't too tired and Sheri is a great competitor. She kept me going!
It was finally our time to lineup. The sun was beaming and I could feel the heat soak into my brown skin. The sound of the gun fired off and the thousands of feet pounded into the red dirt. We navigated through the length of the valley and then I saw the hill! Sheri and I couldn't believe it and after trying to run up it using a lot of energy, I decided to preserve my energy and walk up the hill at a fast pace.
Yes! It worked! But my calves, thighs and ass were burning. I was sweating like crazy and I hadn't even reached mile 2 yet. I blame the hill! All I know is that I had to go up the hill again and I was dreading it. The course was rocky and the incline of the trail would go flat then up, then down and then up again. Talk about a workout! Then there was this big hill going down. Running downhill isn't really good for you, especially when the grass was slippery so you were constantly holding back so you wouldn't fall on your face or ass!
A part of me wished it was raining. I wanted to get muddy and dirty. I wanted the real trail run adventurous experience. I wanted to slip and slide down the muddy slopes in the valley, and feel like I was in an Indiana Jones movie. So much for fantasizing! I was so HOT!
Before starting the race I thought we could finish the 6.2 miles in less than an hour. WRONG! The hills ruined my time completely. Sheri and I ran as fast as we could on the flat parts of the trail to make up for the time lost from the hills, but it didn't help much. Once we were close to the finish line I was ready to hop in the shower. I felt good, I wasn't too tired and Sheri is a great competitor. She kept me going!
<-- As you can see I was so happy to reach the finish line!
My results: I finished in 1 hour, 13 minutes, and 7 seconds. Break that down--that's 11:47 miles. Not good at all! But heck! It was my first TRAIL RUN EVER!
I finished 217 out of 316 people in the 10km and 20th out of 32 in the Women's Division ages 25-29.
All in all it was a amazing beautiful run, great experience with wonderful company!
I'd do it again!
You go, girl! Are you doing the Rock 'n' Roll this weekend?
ReplyDeleteThanks! I wish, but when I went to register, months ago -- it was already sold out! Next year, I will have to register early. What about you?
ReplyDeleteP.S. Thanks for following! :)
I am! I ran the inaugural last year. Probably going to run the full next year (MAYBE). My girlfriends registered me for my birthday. Hopefully, I beat my other time.
ReplyDeleteHow is your training going for the Seattle Marathon?
How exciting! I'm sure you will do great this weekend. Make sure you get enough rest and eat your carbs. :)
ReplyDeleteRight now, I'm working with a trainer on building strength, coordination, stability, etc. Haven't started running as of yet. Will start in a few weeks.
Hope your run goes well. What's your goal time for 13.2 miles?