Cache of the Day - Trail Run

I've never shied away from a good 5k, so when I saw the advertisement for the first run of the "Vines, Pines, and Inclines" event, held at the Creekbend Vineyards and sponsored by Oliver Winery, I eagerly got to the page to register.

The "Inclines" moniker did give me cause to pause, but I've done other hills in other runs, including "Dead Man's Hill" through the cemetery on the Catfish Run.  How bad could it be?

And then I realized that this was NOT a 5k, but rather a 4.3 mile trail run.  Another cause to pause.  But the idea of running through vineyards was too appealing and I knew the weather would be gorgeous.  So I signed up.

I usually set 3 goals for each run:  (1) do not finish last, (2) do not get beat by a walker (or a dog - both of which have happened), and (3) do not stop running.

Because of the length - and the fact that the race was for runners only - I only set one goal:  not to finish last.  I was determined to enjoy the run - which did sound absolutely lovely - and not stress about the competitive standing.

I didn't finish last.  But let's just say it was a good thing that in fact there were no walkers.  I clearly would have been among them.  There were in fact inclines - plural - including the "Hill of Death", a 23% grade.  Just about killed me.  Not only did I walk, I also had several moments during the climb of just...standing. 

But, all in all, it was a great run.  I loved the course.  The grapes on the vines looked just about ready to harvest.  I loved the "bird deflectors", which included electronic bird-in-distress sounds, as well as a real-life "guard hawk" that showed his feathers at the sign of any potential grape-aviators.  The forest was lush and green, and very cool, and this made for good running indeed.  Stacy ran with me and offered encouragement and competitive demands ("The walkers behind you are catching up."  "Kick it!"  "Make it a strong finish!").  And the after-party, complete with a great band and wine-tasting, made it feel good everywhere.

Will I do this next year?  Or will this event have the same demise as one of my previous adventures when I said, "I will never go sky-diving again".  Too soon to tell.  But the 5k I'm running next week - the Bloomington 5k Breakaway - looks so tame compared to this, I know I won't have any problem reaching my goals.

As long as my body recovers before then.