Saturday, November 7, 2009

Edworthy Park XC Race

When fall arrives, so does the start of the Calgary Road Runners Cross Country series of races.  I’ve been wanting to try one of these races for ages but I always seem to be training for something that prevents it.  With no marathons on the horizon there are no excuses, so I showed up for the Edworthy Park XC race today.

We’ve been fairly lucky with the weather in Calgary as of late (knock on wood).  No snow for awhile and sunny and dry all week.  This made for some fantastic conditions on the trail as it was dry out, no snow, and just one icy patch.  And since it was supposed to be up to 8C (46F) I figured capris, a short sleeve tech shirt with a long sleeve on top would be perfect.  And it did feel nice outside…when the wind wasn’t blowing!  The wind was positively icy, but I figured as soon as the race started things would be okay.

I ran into Dawn and Karen at the race start, chatted with a few other runners and soon enough it was go time!  There are two options for the race, a one loop 4K or a two loop 8K course.  I decided to go for the 8K.  This being my first XC race and all I lined up near the back and vowed to not look at my Garmin.  The course was a whole lot of up and down and it sure was fun!  There was one flat section when we were running along a field and wow…it felt like all energy was being sucked from my legs.  Definitely prefer the up and down trail as opposed to flat.  There was one big hill that we got to hit twice where I didn’t even attempt to run, I figured I was best off just to walk it.  Sure…I came in somewhere near the back of the pack, but no matter.  It was still fun!  I can see how these races are addictive and it would be fun to get better at cross country!

After the race we all head to the nearest community hall for a social.  Bring a bowl, mug and spoon for soup and coffee, plus bring a dessert to share among all the racers.  I had a bowl of black bean and pasta and chatted with friends.  For $10 for race entry you can’t beat this as a way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Garmin Time: 53:00
Gun Time: 53:04
Overall: 97 out of 103
Females 30-39: 7 out of 7

16 comments:

Molly said...

Sounds like fun, and that totally can't be beat for $10!!!

Spokane Al said...

I really like the idea of finishing up a fall race with soup and desert. Congratulations on a good time and a good time!

Melanie Tait said...

Hey Leana - that sounds awesome. When I was at home recently I did some cx (and I'm talking a miniscule 700 m) but i found it so enjoyable.

The countdown is on now until you're here - I can't wait to meet you properly!

Lily on the Road said...

Fun times!!

I love running cross country, the first one I ever did we ran through beaver ponds, across / through creeks, down ditches and across a soccer pitch, I laughed the whole way. I think I was third last, but had a great time!!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a real blast! :) :) Nothing like the great outdoors to infuse the enthusiasm back into your workouts!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Sounds like fun, and with those hills, i'm sure everyone was happy that there weren't more icy patches and snow! Well done!

Becca said...

This summer was my "first" running season...did 8-5k's...2 of them were xc. They are so nice to mix into your race schedule...something about running through the grass, off the beaten path is invigorating. The last one I did was called the Muddy Monster and it was true to its name! About .5 miles of the course was COMPLETE MUD!! I loved every minute of it! Congrats on your finish!

Badgergirl said...

Sounds like fun! And you can't argue with the $10 registration fee and the post race eats. Nice job!

Rainmaker said...

10 bucks sounds awesome. I've gotta look into some of that for the winter here - something to mix things up a bit.

Alexandra said...

I am tempted to try one of these one day! I check out the Road Runners website and Karen's blog too and it looks tempting! It sounds like you had a fun time!

joyRuN said...

Sounds like a blast! An awesome way to spend a Saturday, & a great deal :D

Marlene said...

Very cool trying something new. I've had to run across fields in the Mud Run and I always wonder why it is so freaking hard!

Congrats!!

NJ said...

The joys of the off season...trying something new! Other than the early snow in October, we've been having some nice weather around here too! Helps with the pending weather we know is around the corner! Happy training!

TX Runner Mom said...

I found your blog via Viv's blog. Way to go on your race!

Heather said...

I heard it was a fun one! I work at a running shop and lots of xc-ers came in looking for xc spikes THAT MORNING!!

ShirleyPerly said...

$10 is a great deal! Sounds like fun too. I have difficulties running on even a trail, though, with my weak ankles. Run for me!