I ran like an antelope, out of control

Well, I did it. I signed up for a race and ran it. It wasn't a half marathon - it was a 7-mile trail run through the People’s Forest in northwestern Connecticut, but I am still proud of myself for doing it. I trained for two months and worked my way up to the final distance. Truth be told, I took two weeks off in the middle of the summer because of busy schedules and after work plans, but I still feel like I did okay. The furthest I ran before the race was six miles, and I trained on roads and sidewalks with a few large hills. When you sign up for the race, they tell you the first and last 400 meters are easiest, but I feel they should have been clearer about the first two miles being completely uphill. So many people say long distance running is mental, and although your body has to be somewhat in shape, I am beginning to believe that statement more and more. My last five miles were glorious. I had my iPod on, I had no one around me, and I ran my heart out. My first two miles however, were not as shining and splendid. I got my ass handed to me on those hills. Although I had no problem running up hills on roads, I did have some trouble running up hills on trails. The synchronized, even-paced steps one can take on pavement are very different from the willy-nilly steps one must take when there are roots, branches, and rocks. Lesson learned. Trail runs require training on trails – imagine that! I hope to make this trail run an annual occurrence with my dear friend that motivated me and inspired me to run again. It is a really beautiful run and I couldn't imagine doing it without her. I am also excited to sign up for a road race. I hope I can find one that fits into my schedule before winter.