4 down 8 to go (aka Trail Run #1)

Racing around the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center(CBEC), the Marsh Madness in Grasonville, MD on April 28th was another great inaugural race! (I seem to keep finding these!)

Over looking the lake

Just like many other people on the Eastern Shore, I had passed the CBEC countless times, but I never visited. Now that I have, we will definitely be back. The views are gorgeous, the trail we ran on was well kept, and they have programs during the week for the kids.

The racing company, Eastern Summit Events, is a new company and this was their first race! I love the idea behind the company. They create athletic events for non-profits in a way that is risk free for the non-profits involved with the support of local businesses. The two non-profits for Marsh Madness were CASA of Kent and Queen Anne Counties and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center.

Ok, so I had never run on trails before and it is a little like an obstacle course. A little ducking under branches, jumping over twigs, squishing though mud, and avoiding wild creatures. I love it! I had a really great time. The rain held off until later in the day and the temperature was great for a run. Not to windy and winding through the trees there wasn't any at tall.

I didn't sign up for the race before hand, so I made sure I was there in plenty of time to register and warm up. They had run out of shirts, but said they were going to order more and send them out.  CASA provided bags that were used as swag bags and had a information about a few of the race sponsors, a PNC water bottle, some SOYJOY bars and Emergen-C packets. They had a selection of these out as well that racers were encouraged to take home and try.

Trial Map - We ran the highlighted portion.

As the first year of this event, it was a little on the smaller side. I think there were about 50 participants. We went around the trail twice to get in the full 5K and a course like this, because parts are so narrow, I wonder how many people could fit comfortably during a race. There was no problem at all with the number for the inaugural race. There were a few times that because of the twists and turns in the course, I felt like I was out on a run by myself. It was great! The nature sounds all around and the grass under my feet. I really enjoyed it.

My time was just under 34 minutes (I'm waiting for them to post official results) which gives me about a 10 min/mile pace. (Definitely made me a little less nervous about my upcoming half marathon.) We were warned about the mud on the course and that was an experience in itself. Lots of fun!

On the trail

I pushed myself a little to early to reach the finish and over exerted myself a little bit. Luckily, I didn't get sick, but I felt like I could have. I felt fine after walking around for a bit after the finish, but I made a note to be a little more sure of how far the finish line is before kicking in that final gear.

They had some great simple after race snacks (bagels, cream cheese, fruit) and cold water. I think they had some coffee available as well.

Things I learned from race #4:

1. I may very quickly become a huge fan of trail running. I need to find some more trails to try out.
2. Mud is quite cold under the trees and will make you feel like a ten year old as it squishes between your toes while running. 
3. A smaller trail race with all its twists and turns can make you feel alone in the wild!
4. I do not like SOYJOY bars. Nope, not my thing. They are kind of a cross between a bar cookie and a granola bar. Kinda.
5. A mother goose is very protective of her eggs and does not care about your running time. 

I had a great time and will look for future events my ESE and hope to bring more people with me to the 2nd Annual Marsh Madness!!