Trail Running

Trail running has proven to be a bigger adversary then I thought. At first it took me in and welcomed me. My pace decreased day by day. I found a local track group and local trail running group. Nothing is more exciting then meeting new people and running in new places....especially new trails! I love the primal feeling of picking my way across hogbacks on the front range and feeling the crunch of fresh snow under me feet after we have been blanketed. But, about 2 weeks ago I had my first major crash ever.....off the bike. I didn't think you could get hurt off 2 wheels. After a flying superman on the trails of the hogback, I feel like all the memories of my rib fracture after nationals came flying back. My pace was slow, I couldn't complete a track workout, my chest hurt to move my arm and breath, and all of a sudden I was waiting for minutes to pass so I could get better. I have gotten better but everything takes time and I have once again realized that racing is not only about hard work and training but luck and timing. It requires us to be humble and confident at the same time and never, ever take anything for granted.