What do you most look forward to when doing a trail race? Is it the goal of having a race? An excuse to connect with nature? The new people you meet? The familiar faces along the way? If you had to summarize in just one sentence, what would it be?I have a super-secret project going on where I need a few quotes from folks saying what they most appreciate about trail run races. If you could sum it up in one thankful sentence to a Race Director, what would you say? I appreciate any suggestions you can throw my way (if you don't want to leave a comment, you can e-mail me at scottdunlap [at] yahoo.com).
My first thought was "Nothing fills my soul with optimism like a guided tour with friends through the magic of Mother Nature, and I am thankful that tapping into this is as simple as entering and completing a race".
Thanks for your help, and have a great New Year!
- SD
I think my favorite part of running an ultra is that I know I'm going to be surprised. Something will go wrong, hills will be steeper than I thought, I will meet somebody I wouldn't otherwise meet. I'm always saying I am glad I did it, and not always for the reasons I thought. We all need some excitement in our lives. - Jean
ReplyDeleteI love the camaraderie in trail races regardless whether it's with new or old friends; to compete, push and laugh together through the hills, trees and rough trails while simultaneously being inspired by the natural beauty surrounding us.
ReplyDeleteAren't super secret projects the best?
ReplyDeleteA trail runnng race is an opportunity to challenge myself in ways I've never been challenged before...every race is a unique test, even if you've run the course 100 times before.
ReplyDeleteReturn to nature
ReplyDeleteIt's a chance to challenge myself in beautiful surroundings and with friendly people, any one of which probably makes it worthwhile.
ReplyDeletePost race grub always seems better after a trail race (especially the warm beer and cold burgers us back of the packers get).
ReplyDeleteRunning IS.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to say one comment to the RD, I would say:
ReplyDelete"Sir, thanks for giving me the opportunity to feed the warrior today"
Trail Runners expect a well marked course, some food and water, and start and finish. You were three for three. Thank you...
ReplyDeleteI like the solitude and the connection; feeling myself breathing, my heart beating, the sound of other runners feet, seeing the sun shining through the tree branches, splashing mud... simple things that often seem hard to enjoy in the chaos of life.
ReplyDeleteDear Race Directors,
ReplyDeleteYou allow me to drink coke, eat jellybeans, fart, pee, get lost, lubricate unusual boodyparts, jump over rattlesnakes and run semi-naked in the company of friends and strangers - who are all doing the more or less the same.
Cheers, Paul
I love the competition, the opportunity to test my limits in a beautiful setting with people I admire, and the look on my wife and toddler sons face when they see me cross the finish line!
ReplyDeleteI love trail races because of the extra unknown that is apart of all trail races. You never know what the trails are going to be like, or the weather. It is just another notch in the challenge of such races.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the beautiful and awesome creation, the camaraderie of fellow runners, and pushing myself to do what I didn't think I could do!
ReplyDeleteI was a hiker and a naturalist before I enjoyed running (and I still am); I feel I take in more of my natural surroundings in a few hours of running than I could in a whole day of hiking. I continue to geek out, identifying plants, admiring the view, even picking sage during a race to invigorate my nose!
ReplyDeleteI love the opportunity to do an activity that is totally childlike in locations where I feel I am truly meant to play.
ReplyDeleteThe people I have met while running trails have all turned into great friends, we all are out there to enjoy the fresh air, ever changing scenery and no stop lights.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what this super secret project you got brewing is.
ReplyDeleteHere's one of the my favorite comments I've received as RD of Where's Waldo:
"That is the funniest, most beautiful, and hardest race I've ever done."
Just a chance to give myself a good old fashioned butt kicking while enjoying being outside. Every race is different and everyone you meet is happy to be there. What more could you want.
ReplyDeleteI love to feel like I'm lost and in the middle of no where ... all while feeling confident I'll find the finish line.
ReplyDeleteAlso, on a trail race vs a road race ... where the road race feels like you against the competition, a trial is race is you against the elements. There's something natural and primal and right about it.
To me trail running races are the perfect union of the beauty of Mother Nature and kindness of Human Nature. For a few dollars you can experience the incredible, awe inspiring, sights of Mother Nature while enjoying it with friends and family. Only in trail running do you have the opportunity to challenge yourself individually yet receive the unwavering support of those around you.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and thanks for the inspiration, everybody. I'm tackling a 20-mile snowshoe race tomorrow and I've sort of been dreading it. Reading everybody's comments reminded me of so many great things about the sport -- now, I'm actually looking forward to the race!
ReplyDelete- Garett Graubins
While Paul perhaps said it best, I love running on new trails, or running on old trails in a new configuration.
ReplyDeletep.s. Secret project? Hee hee.
With each trail race, the physical challenge, unique scenery and occasional friendly conversation with fellow runners, both familiar and new, gives me the opportunity to completely escape the non-running world for a few hours.
ReplyDeleteOne word sums it up for me.
ReplyDeleteGRATITUDE. The experience of running ultras is amazing. The Race Directors are angels. I've been involved w/helping out and realized the sacrifices they go through. Everyone should volunteer at least one race a year!!!
The bottom line is: I love it out there.
ReplyDeleteIf I said anything else I'd have to write pages and pages on why.
Racing is just a specific day and place I'll be on the trail during my journey.
ReplyDelete-Cougarbait
Communing with nature while getting quality training I can get on my own near where I live, but I can't push myself nearly as hard and for so long without an organized RACE-- a transcendent, communal experience from formally gathering a critical mass of fellow runners also trying to do their best, with periodic aid without hassle thanks to all those wonderful volunteers; official results including my time and relative place, plus splits to mull over later; and the chance to hang out before, during and after the run with a great bunch of like-minded people as crazy as I while stuffing my face.
ReplyDeleteprobably too rambling to be quotable, but a good exercise in reflection-- good end of the year post
To race, hmmmm.... to tie together a training schedule; a point in time where daily, weekly, monthly, yearly efforts can be collected and/or summarized.
ReplyDeleteTo connect with others who are endeavoring to accomplish a similar goal.
A group run - although I enjoy the solitude and peace of being alone in the wilderness, some company would be nice from time to time, especially in the late night darkness.
And to give back and show appreciation/ support for the local RD's, local park and trail foundations, et cetera.
If I had the opportunity to speak to a race director, I would thank them for letting me find out what were the limits of my potential.
ReplyDeletea trail race is a day to shine, to cry, to laugh. A day to set myself free into the protection of nature and the comfort of aid stations. A day where I am one in the company of many who survive in our concrete world and live on trails.
ReplyDelete