Last year...my brother's first race ever was a 4 mile trail race in Ashland, NE. I wasn't sure if he was hard core or nuts for tackling a trail race as his first race but he continued to talk about the race for the next year so I figured now that I live close...I couldn't miss out on experiencing it for myself:)
On Saturday I was spoiled by the most gorgeous weather and warm temps so I headed out for some miles around town...exploring and smiling in the sunshine. I ran around the capitol, down by the Lincoln zoo and along one of their bike trails.
Post-run we enjoyed some football and pre-run fueling in the form of fro-yo...of course:)
I wasn't sure what to expect but went to sleep that night anxious and excited for the race the next morning.
I was honestly skeptical about the trails of Nebraska...I mean seriously. Isn't NE supposed to be flat or something? And I mean...they really have trails there?
Wow. Was I in for it! After starting out [too] quickly on the opening road portion of the race...I was in for a surprise as we hit the trails...hill after hill, some so steep they had ropes out to help you or you just had to use your hands, along with your feet, to help you up. There were also 3 creek crossings. It felt like an adventure race. I have never run 4 harder miles...but as I looked around...I smiled so big. I tentatively toed the water of the first creek...but the next one I practically dove in and told my brother I had wanted to raise my arms and start screaming I was so happy and excited to be literally racing through the woods. What an incredible and engaging 4 miles. I ran as hard as I possibly could...lungs and legs burning and just as I thought I couldn't last another step, the finish line popped up in the distance, the music blaring and I ran strong for the finish mats, smiling but already sad it was over. The most difficult but most rewarding 4 miles I could ever dream of...completed.
Loved every tough second and enjoyed even more that I am able to share a passion for running with my lil bro. Plus it was pretty awesome to be greeted by an epic finish line party with dancing, delicious food and the sharing of stories with other runners.
Post-race we of course looked forward to the perfect choice for refueling: PIZZA!
And then...after a weekend gone by far too quickly...we headed back home to Minnesota, exhausted but grateful for sweet memories.
Very sweet moments indeed. Glad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteWow, that does sound a little like an adventure race and it sounds like you guys had a blast!
ReplyDeleteOHGosh, that sounds like a blast! Would love to do something like that! Glad you enjoyed! I love to run with my boys!
ReplyDeletehttp://runningsurvivor.blogspot.com/2012/11/days-of-giving-thanks-november-1-4-2012.html
I just love how close your brother and you are! I love the relationship my brother and I share, nothing like it! Looks like such a fun race!!!
ReplyDeleteYES! I love this! I ran a trail race with my BiL this weekend (his first one) and the trails are SO FUN! Unfortunately, our streams were dried up. I was really looking forward to splashing through them.
ReplyDeleteNE looks so pretty!
Sounds like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteLoved seeing all of your pics on Instagram! This looks like such a fun race!
ReplyDeleteI would not have guessed NE to be so hilly! Sounds like an awesome weekend. Love the jumping photo and the pizza looks delish! :D I still owe you an email--I haven't forgotten!
ReplyDeleteyay for sibling running! so fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are living so close to your brother! One of the things I am most grateful for is having my sister so close. We still live together at the moment but she and her husband are moving out as soon as their house is built. It's okay though, she's only 2 miles down the road - close enough to catch up for a run or walk a couple of times a week :)
ReplyDeleteI need to investigate some trail races too, especially after seeing all these fun photos! Or maybe I'll just have to take a running holiday to Nebraska?
What a beautiful day! Chad and I have been talking about the different trails we can use to train for my first 50 miler. So excited!
ReplyDeletePizza is one of my favorites for refueling. Cheeseless veggie at Dewey's Pizza is the BEST!
Great pictures, and props on the jumping shot! It's cool to see that many people at a trail race. I hope the secret hasn't gotten out that trail races are SO much more fun than road races.
ReplyDeleteWell done!
Great pictures! Sometimes you want the fast/flat PR; sometimes you NEED the harder, more challenging course. I keep threatening to sign up for Mt. Desert Island Marathon for just that reason :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the last shot of your pup AND that jump shot that gives Cory a run for his money ;) lol
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
seriously, i think it's INSANELY awesome how ur little bro has totally turned into a crazy runner!! we knew he'd be hooked after that first one! ;) i think it's so special u get to run with him, and have that bond. i ran with my mom, but none of my siblings run so i think u're very lucky in having that time together. that said HURRAH for post-run pizza! and yea, i had no idea, there were hills in those midwest states...fancy that! haha. great job girl, and next time i want to see a shot of u jumping like that. ;)
ReplyDeleteVery, VERY cool race, my friend! I think it's awesome that you and your brother get to do these things together!! Congrats to both of you! That pizza looks spectacular! Miss you xoxo
ReplyDelete