My First Trail Race

I had a blast running the 7 mile course of Lebanon Hills Regional Park the other day!  It was a big race of about 355 men and women.  We went from a slow, blobby start, to peaceful single-track over about the first 1/2 mile in.  I chased a guy for 4 miles and another guy chased me--we all finished in order.  A pack of elite runners finished way ahead, and I finished 34th overall among the average Joes & Janes.  The night sure gave me a hanker'n for more trail races...but it also contributed to a 6 day hiatus as my ankle was tweaked pretty good.

 Here is Piya and me pumping up the pythons before the start.

and my route and data according to Mr. Garmin

I Ran With My Favorite Olympian Today!

...Sort of.  I was get'n after it on mile 4 of 13 this morning when who did I spy approaching me on the trails at Fort Snelling?  None other than Carrie Tollefson, 2004 middle-distance Olympian! Carrie is a leader in the Twin Cities running community via her camp and great videos on CTolle Run.  I'll admit it was kind of cool to share a trail with someone who has ran at the highest level in the world!  So, technically we didn't run together, per se, but she did wave....after I waved:)  I need all the encouragement I can get training for my first marathon!

Reasons you should be a fan of Carrie:

• She is from the farmland of Central MN like Kelly and me
• She is a great runner!
• She invests in youth
• She is a good example of being a fit and active parent
• Informative, entertaining videos with a touch of dorkiness
• Though an accomplished runner, she has never run a marathon.  Her first will be this year's Medtronic Twin Cities, with me and all my pals!  You can follow her training here.