Saturday morning I ran the Mount Tabor 8M Trail Race in Dallas, GA. I have not done a very good job of training consistently recently, so I went into this race underprepared. I did run 10 miles on the road last weekend, so I knew I could at least run the distance without a problem.
![547112_304889262926286_193141007434446_706482_1955949871_n[1]](http://betterwithveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/547112_304889262926286_193141007434446_706482_1955949871_n1.jpg "547112_304889262926286_193141007434446_706482_1955949871_n[1]")
I went into this race knowing I was not planning to “race” – it was just for fun. That meant I started slower than normal, didn’t stress about my pace, and just tried to stay on my feet. That didn’t last long, since I fell twice in the first mile (it was a very rocky, technical course) – but the fall was relatively harmless and I jumped back up immediately (both times) and started running again. =)
I noticed the difference my attitude made in this race. When I fell, I didn’t let it bother me, I laughed at myself and brushed it off. When I was running too hard up a hill and wanted to stop, I just backed off the pace and didn’t let myself walk. That meant I made it to the finish line with a smile and really enjoyed the race! Nothing earth shattering, but just a reminder that your attitude makes a HUGE difference in running.
I filmed a quick video after the race just to share my thoughts at the moment:
I also took a few short videos of the trail during the race, but I’ll spare you since they made me seasick to watch. :) I’ll try to figure out how to capture that without too much jostling in the future.
The best surprise was finding out I placed 2nd in my age group – just 30 seconds or so behind 1st place! Taking home hardware was not in the plans today, but oh so much fun. :)
![536113_304947609587118_193141007434446_706616_2091391090_n[1]](http://betterwithveggies.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/536113_304947609587118_193141007434446_706616_2091391090_n1.jpg "536113_304947609587118_193141007434446_706616_2091391090_n[1]")
Before I close for today, just wanted to say a quick CONGRATULATIONS to Tina, who did an awesome job at her first marathon this weekend!
********************
Questions for you:
- Did you race this weekend? How did it go?
- Catch me up on your weekend – what was your favorite part?
- Have you had an experience where you’ve realized how important your attitude is?
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Good for you! I think you have a natural trail-skill. Good thing… I hear there are lots of them in CO. :)
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..BENGAY Zero Degrees + Lots ‘o Legs
Uh, no – but you’re so awesome for saying that. I need LOTS more practice and I hope to take advantage of the many opportunities in Colorado! :)
good work girly!!! 2nd place is not too shabby at all… especially without “trying!” i ran a 5k this weekend… set my goal at 30 mins (i haven’t been running like at all) and was pleasanatly surprised when i made 26. yay! :)
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..Gumption
Thanks Linz! It was such a great surprise – you never know who will be there on race day – fast or not. :) Congrats at your awesome race – a 26 minute race when you’re expecting 30 is incredible!!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. You really done a good job! I hope I can do that too!
Born27 recently posted..Reservationless plus Conferencing
Oh thank you!
I love trail running, congrats on the race!
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..No Words
Thanks Alex! One day I’ll have a fun race + no falling — a girl can dream, right?! ;)
Sounds like a good time! I’m glad the slip ups (slip downs?) didn’t get in the way of a good race.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Belated Blogiversary
Slip overs – is that a word? I think it was tripping over rocks and roots, but not really up or down this time. :)
Woohoo! Fantastic job. You’re right. It is all about attitude. Just subscribed to your YouTube channel too. Dunno how I missed that. Have a fantastic week!
Thanks Heidi!! And thanks for subscribing to YouTube – I love your videos too – I just subscribed to you today too. :)
I love to cook with tons of veggies (I think they’re delicious) so I’m so glad to have discovered your blog on Foodbuzz!
Glad you found me – I’m certainly a veggie addict. My kale salad yesterday at lunch was proof of that. :)
Congratulations on the 2nd place medal!! Woohoo!!
I think this post is a great reminder that 1/2 of any physical challenge is all about where our mental space is at. Glad you were able to stay positive! :)
Char @ http://www.charskitchen.ca recently posted..La Vida Vegan! Gluten-Free, Vegan, Mexican Food Cart!
Thanks Char!! And YES, mental is a huge hurdle to overcome and focusing on keeping that positive really set the tone for a race!
Yay! 2nd in your age group!!! I admire you running trails – you’re going to have sooo many out here to try! Trail runs are just a bit scary to me :)
lynne @lgsmash recently posted..Knee: 4 and 6 Month Surgery Check Up
Trail runs are still scary to me too – but I’m the kind of person who insists on getting better when I suck at something. So I WILL get better at trail running. Come join me for a run out there!
Congratulation Heather! your so inspiring and i hope one day, i can do this too. Thanks for video and good luck!
Heidi19 recently posted..Arowana – a prized investment catch or …
Heather – a HUGE congrats on the second place finish (like you said – unexpected but fun)! :) Loved your approach to this race (sounds like it’d be mine!) – a good way to approach it without much training by taking the pressure off yourself. Fun video too; love the race atmosphere!
Bonnie recently posted..May-Long Weekend in Review