First I want to apologize for the weird post title. But I can’t help it, that’s the official name of today’s race. It literally translates to ‘Deer Creek Loop’. Makes more sense now? Fine.
The Hirschbachschleiferl was my second race. I chose it because it’s close (just a 20 minute drive from my home), small, and cheap. I knew I didn’t really train enough for this race, so I decided to take it easy and run just for fun.
Here we go!
At 11 am the gun went off, literally, and about 200 runners started moving. I positioned myself at the back of the crowd, as I knew I wasn’t as fast as most of the starters. And I was right! After only a few hundred meters I was the last runner of the entire race! But I tried not to panic and maintain a comfortable pace. Six miles are a lot! At least for me.
After about one mile I passed the first person, a middle-aged lady. Go me! For the next few miles I tried to hang on to a tall guy with knee sleeves. Most of the time he stayed a few hundred meters in front of me, so I was basically running alone.
This race was an out-and-back course that went mostly on a closed road through a few small villages, but after about 1.5 miles we entered a trail that looped through a small forest (hence the name of the race). Oh boy, that trail was no joke! I really had to watch my steps all the time. There were a few steep ascends and descends that were really tough, but I actually enjoyed running through the quiet, shady forest.
After about 2.5 miles I saw a young lady sitting on the ground. She had obviously twisted her foot. As another runner was already taking care of her, I went on.
The first three miles were a slight but constant uphill. Can you believe it, three miles uphill?! On the other hand, as this was an out-and-back loop, the second half was a constant downhill!
At around mile 4.5 we left the forest and were back on the road. That was when I started to get closer to the knee-sleeves-guy. At mile 5 I tried to pass him, but he was stubborn! He hung on for a little while, but then I sped up and left him in my dust. You got chicked, dude!
I was surprised how good I felt after five miles, so I tried to go a little bit faster. Almost there!
Chasing the lady in front of me
My goal for this race was quite modest, I wanted to run the entire course, and finish under 1:10:00. I totally killed that time! The official times are not online yet, but my watch showed 1:03:45 at the finish line! That’s a 10:37 pace! Not bad for six miles! Oh, and did I mention, that I’ve never run six miles before? So it’s a personal distance record, too!
Six miles - done!
And with that time I was the third last finisher. Bummer! Even though I’m really happy with my time and overall performance, I have to admit that I’m a little bit disappointed that I was almost dead last! I really want to become a (slightly) faster runner!
Sweaty, tired, and proud
As you can see, I’m not wearing my glasses in those photos. I finally got contacts! I’m still getting used to them, but so far I’m doing fine. Of course I tried to push my glasses back up a few times during the run, but they weren’t there! Brilliant, Sue, brilliant.
And I also got new shoes! Meet my new love, my Brooks Adrenaline. Swoon!
Aren't they gorgeous?
They did a great job during the race. I’m really glad I finally spend some money on decent running shoes. My knees are glad, too.
My guy asked me to mention that he took all the race photos. Thanks so much, honey!
And now please excuse me while I rest my legs.
See you!
