Hey! I forgot to tell you something. I am running a half marathon on May 24th! It's called the Charlie Horse Half Marathon and it benefits the Berks Co. Special Olympics.
The race is mostly on trail, but you gotta read the course description. I have copy pasted it here for you in case you are too lazy to check out the website...
"We start at Rustic Park in Birdboro, PA with a sprint through a river. We meander through the park with an attention deficit disorder (can’t decide up or down) for about 2 miles. From there we climb up to the horseshoe trail to start a beautiful 7 mile stretch through trails and farms. The trail then pops out in a house development at mile 9. Say hi to the neighbors as they cheer you on and spray you down. This is the start of the road section. But like everything else with this race, it has its own character. After climbing up to the development, you get a break, a downhill section. Wee. But everything that goes down must come up. I think that’s the way it goes, at least for runners. To translate, we start the uphill section of the road. When you get to the top at mile 11 you’re at Charlie’s (home of the race founder) where the adventure begins. It’s a mystery to us too: lagoons; waterfall; campers; hiker; teenagers, maybe some chores. The only certainty is rocks, mud, and fun. Finally finishing at sleepy hollow where the pool, food, music, drinks, and friends will be waiting."
Sounds fun, right!?
The best part is that I won't be running it alone. I'll be running it with my older brother, who is actually a very accomplished runner! Some of his accolades include running a 3:03:04 marathon and coming in 3rd place at the Tussey Mountainback 50 miler- with a time of 6:49:55.
We will not be racing this event. (As you can probably tell from the pictures, I'd be hard pressed to keep up with him!) We're just doing it for fun. So you won't see a crazy training plan coming from me. My plan is once the trails around here are clear of snow (hopefully mid April!) I will start running my favorite 9 mile loop around the lake at Pinchot State Park. I may try to get a 12 miler in on the Appalachian Trail as well, provided I find some company to do it with me!
Getting time in on the trail is key. I haven't run trail since June. That's almost a year! My ankles are going to be hurtin' for certain my first day back.
My goals for the race are to have a fun time and finish without being sore or injured. Simple as that!
Harrisburg Marathon
(Yes, he always runs shirtless. Don't ask. It's his thing.)
Harrisburg Marathon
Getting time in on the trail is key. I haven't run trail since June. That's almost a year! My ankles are going to be hurtin' for certain my first day back.
My goals for the race are to have a fun time and finish without being sore or injured. Simple as that!
Have you ever run a race with a sibling?
Ever run a trail race?
Sounds like fun, and something to look forward to and work towards as you progress with your running!
ReplyDeleteYes definitely! And I am excited to get back on the TRAIL.
DeleteThe course description is hilarious. This sounds like such a fun race! I can't wait to hear all about it and mainly figure out what happens after mile 11.
ReplyDeleteI know! Trail race directors usually have a great sense of humor. :)
DeleteThis race is going to be so much fun, especially because you're doing it with your brother! I hope you don't have to do any chores! ;)
ReplyDeletelol me too!
DeleteThis sounds like a fun race. The trail running community around here seems like a very laid back, fun crowd. Running on the trails is a great switch--a total body workout!
ReplyDeleteI run a Ragnar every year with my husband and sister in law, and it is so much fun. My younger brother is just starting to get into running, so maybe... :)
Yes, trail runners are really neat!
DeleteThat is cool you have lots of fam to go Ragner with!
So fun that you are going to run with your brother!!!
ReplyDeleteNope - none of my siblings run so....
I hope it is a good time! I haven't seen him in awhile so we will certainly have lots to catch up on.
DeleteHow exciting! YAY! It sounds like a blast and I love the race description. It's always more fun when they get clever with these things :)
ReplyDeleteYeah! Makes it seem like it's just going to be an all around laid back fun time. :)
DeleteI live up the road from this race. How did I not know about this?!
ReplyDeleteThat is cool! So are you in the neighborhood that may have chores for us to do??? :)
DeleteThat looks like an awesome race! I like what it benefits too. :-D
ReplyDeleteI ran the Turkey Trot this year with my little brother. I totally smoked him, but he knew that was going to happen. My marathoning friend also runs shirtless constantly. It's his thing. I don't complain.
I totally remember reading your race update for that. :) I wonder if boys in no shirts is the same as us in just sports bras?
DeleteThat sounds like so much fun ;) I have only run one trail run, and it was amazing. Definitely tougher than road running though. Every year, I run the Mother's Day Half Marathon in Kirkland, WA with my mother and usually one of my sisters. My mom is in her 60's and still running trails most days of the week. Last year, because of my horrible injury, was the first time in years I couldn't run it ;( It is my favorite one...but very HILLY! I am back to running, so I will definitely be running it this year. I was never super speedy, and never really cared about my pace (My 1/2 marathon PR is about 1:38), but my speed is MUCH SLOWER now (hoping for just under 2), but this year is about not pushing the pace at all, and just being grateful that I can run again. I am sure you will have such a blast!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are going to be back at your half this year! This year for me is all about being grateful to just be able to run as well! I think 1:38 is speedy!
DeleteI have not run with my older brother (pictured) but I did run a half with my younger brother. Well, I ran with him until like the last 4 miles... then I left him in the dust!!
ReplyDeleteThis DOES sound fun!
ReplyDeleteI've run one race with my sister and it was my 5k PR. She's a fast, experienced runner so I was trying to chase her lol. The experience was very emotional and gratifying. I loved sharing running with her!
I am glad you got to have such an awesome race experience with your sister. :) Hope me and my bro have just as much fun!
DeleteThis is exciting, Megan. I love the change of scenery and challenge that trail running brings. There are actually more trail races around here in Central Oregon than there are road races, so I am quite familiar with the experience. It really does take a lot more mental strength and focus... every step counts!!!
ReplyDeleteOh man I can definitely see that being true. Here in PA, I live near a lot of great trails. I used to run the AT all the time.
DeleteThat sounds like a blast! Too bad I live across the country or I'd so be there.
ReplyDeleteWell if you ever come to Central PA to race, you have a place to stay!
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