Yes, sometimes the best surprises come in small packages!
What started off today as an ordinary Monday quickly turned into not just a pleasant surprise but signified a moment that quite literally has changed my life……….I received my medal from my very 1st trail race, the Bernheim Half Marathon Trail Race in Louisville which I ran/walked/climbed/cursed and loved on June 1st.
What’s a city girl like me doing driving 5 hours from Chicago to Louisville to run in the woods?
It was about the adventure of the spirit, the belief in myself and the challenge of a lifetime for this runner girl.
Trail running? Oh yeah…there is nothing like it! Cannot compare to road racing! Apple & oranges, my friends!
To tackle a mountain by this girl from (flat!) Illinois, no less! Oh yes, yes I did!
Ever ran or at least walked up a mountain? No.
Ever ran on a trail? No.
But I have now!
The serenity of trail running is like no other. Relying on your instincts to pull yourself up that incredibly steep incline while your quads & calves are screaming is hard to describe. Never giving up & pushing yourself forward gives you a sense of accomplishment. It gives you the confidence to tackle your next big running adventure.
Quite simply, the hardest thing I have ever done.
I would do it again.
Race site: http://trailraceseries.yolasite.com/bernheim-marathon-and-half-marathon.php
diannaseda 
Jul 15, 2013 @ 21:36:27
This is so great! Reading this actually has me really excited to find a trail race around where I live to give one a try!
Jul 15, 2013 @ 21:42:17
Wonderful!! I so glad you enjoyed my thoughts. Of course, I just had to pick my 1st trail race with steep elevation, 2200 ft! Met a lot of great people from Louisville that I have since kept in contact with and may see this weekend at the Rock-n-Roll Half here in Chicago. Looking forward to running this race again next year!