Rail2Trails 10K race recap

 
I’m a strong believer in keeping things local.

As much as I love the big races, I try to support the smaller local events whenever possible. When I saw a new race was premiering, a mere mile from my driveway, I promptly hit the “submit registration” button.

In all actuality, this race came at an optimal time. I’d just run the DAM-to-DSM Half Marathon a weekend prior, so the 10K was a perfect distance upon finishing a week of active recovery

The Rail-2-Trails got its name from its unique route along the Chichaqua Valley Trail. a former railroad that is now a 30-mile recreation trail on the northeast corner of the greater Des Moines metro area. It’s also a very convenient 1/4-mile from my driveway. 

This race had not been on my radar until a couple weeks prior. I knew I’d most likely be running 5-6 miles on race day anyways, so I decided to register and throw a few dollars back to my community. 

The weather was looking to be a bit balmy by race time (10:00). The temps weren’t too hot, but the air was humid. I had walked to the packet pick-up earlier in the morning, and got sprinkled-on while making my way back to my house. I figured this 2-mile (round trip) walk would serve as a suitable warm-up for my legs. It also helped me avoid stashing my packet swag on site. 

No, it was not sunny, LOL!

Call me crazy, but I thought it a bit ridiculous to drive to a race that was only one mile away, LOL. So, that had me walking back to the start line a short while later (after a quick breakfast of oatmeal). I also grabbed my water bottle. Even though it was “only” a 10K, the air was much more humid than I had experienced yet this season.

I didn’t have any lofty finish time goals. I’d spent the week recovering from the D2D 13.1, and had kept my miles low, but I’d had an intense lower-body strength session two days prior, and my quads were still feeling the DOMS. Besides, I didn’t know if the sudden humidity would be a factor or not.

The crowd of runners was pretty small. There had been a children’s 1K race shortly before our 10:00 start time, so there were several onlookers nearby, supporting us at the start line.

Ready for the start line

Both 5K and 10K runners lined-up in unison, but I had no idea who was running which distance. Both the 5K and 10K race courses were out-and-back routes to Lake Petocka, with a loop around the lake. The 10K runners would then continue east on the trail, for an additional mile, before turning around and then heading back (with another loop around the lake).

Despite the humid conditions, and lingering DOMS, my body felt pretty good. I spend quote a bit of time on this trail, since I live so close to it. I walk on it practically daily, bike on it frequently, and had just run part of this route two weeks ago (on a 10-mile pre-taper tun for D2D).

The first mile took us to Lake Petocka. I hadn’t been passed by very many peeps just yet, and was just running by feel. I was sipping my water every few minutes and just going with the flow. My Garmin had warned me it was going into “low battery mode” just as I was arriving at the race site (Yeah, #FacePalm). It showed a 9:14 split for that first mile, but I had no idea if the battery would last the entire 6.2 miles.

Barb! Is that you????

As I was making my way around the lake, I noticed a gal standing alongside the trail. She was taking pictures, then pointed her phone in my direction as I approached her. Lo and behold, it was my friend, Barb! Although her and I seldom run together anymore (since I relocated last year), she was attending her grandson’s soccer game on a nearby field that morning. Such a wonderful surprise! 

After looping the lake, the route headed further east on the trail. There’s a long stretch out in the open, away from the trees and timber, that encompasses a north stretch and a sharp turn…but it eventually takes us back to more tree cover. A short ways later, I spotted the turn-around sign, and only counted three other 10K runners making their way back. So, that meant I was in fourth place, LOL.

It was at the 3.4-mile mark when I heard my Garmin buzz, and saw the screen go blank. UGH. Well, so much for that! I knew I’d get my finish time when I was done, and I did know my approximate distance along the route, but it’s always nice to get the mile splits as the Garmin beeps. First world probs, right? 

Meanwhile, I just kept on going. The second lap around the lake went well, but Barb had left the scene by then, LOL.

Although I don’t know my final mile split, I do know it felt like my legs had come alive by then. Maybe it was that final mile surge-to-the-finish? Or, all the remaining DOMS had vacated? Nonetheless, that last mile felt really good…until a gal snuck up from behind and passed me right before the finish line. Apparently, that final mile felt really good for her as well. 

All done!

I checked the results, and saw just how small the 10K field had been…12 runners! I can typically run a 10K in the 55-56 minute range, so my 58:41 finish time was in the ballpark.

A tiny peek at the course map  

It turns out I scored a first place age group win, with only myself as a contender. Also, I came in 3rd among the females (out of six), and fifth overall (out of 12). As I’ve said before, how you place is contingent (usually) on who else shows up (or doesn’t). 

The swag was decent…a cotton unisex shirt, but I LOVE the color and graphics. I’m already planning to make it into a tank top (since I detest crew neck t-shirts). Participants also received finisher medals and patches, as well as nice drawstring bags.

 

So, all in all, I’m giving this event two thumbs up. Had it been advertised better, I think there would have been a far better turnout of runners (16 participants for the 5K; 12 for the 10K). I’d like to see this event continue, but I do think the organizers need to consider an earlier start time.

Your thoughts-

Do you prefer big city races, or do you give the smaller local races a try? What’s the smallest number of participants that you have encountered in a race? Have you ever forgotten to charge your Garmin (or timing device) and have it die on you mid-race?

II'm linking this with Zenaida and Jenn for the TuesdayTopics Linkup. 

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