Race Report: Taco Tuesday Trail Run (June & July)
Taco Tuesday just got better.
Last month I attended the first of these three summer trail runs. Always a fan of post run food (an even bigger fan of post run beer), a few of us signed up for the Coto De Caza/Trabuco Canyon run (6/11). The bonus was we'd learn a new trail run in the area - Riley Wilderness Park.
After closing up shop at work and rushing to get to the venue (registration opens at 5pm, race start 6pm), we rolled up to the small race and easily moved through packet pickup.
Standing around sizing each other up. Waiting (hoping) for the temp to cool down a bit. Listened to the rules/directions for the trail and lined up for the 3.6 mile trail run.
Honestly, it wasn't the smartest decision for our group to complete Hill Repeats earlier that morning and then turn around and run a trail that evening. We all felt it. At one point, I stopped midpoint on a hill scared I couldn't get the strength to keep going. The course was tough. Luckily a few folks from OC Trail Tales gave us the heads up on two big, big (opposed to just big) hills. Otherwise I would have walked more.
The truth is, the tacos make this race worth it. I didn't have high expectations on the food when I registered ($30-35 depending on when you registered). But I have to admit, it really impressed me! With the help of some (smuggled) beer we were able to hang out post race and enjoy!
July's course moved down to Dana Point/San Juan Capistrano area - Las Ramblas trail.
Learning my lesson from Riley Wilderness, I opted out of Hill Repeats in the morning. Given the (one HUGE hill and a few rollers) course, I'm glad I smartened up.
The last of the series is coming up 8/6 in O'Neil park. Since this is the same group that put together the Chili Trail Series, I'm guessing we will cover one of those trails.
Net, net, I'm always a fan of mixing up my weekday runs with a trail race. Even happier when you can recollect at the end with your friends and rehash the run. If you are a fan of trails, then the summer trail series are for you. However, if the heat at the end of the day and the thought of having to huff up a single track road blows your mind... you might want to pass. After all, trail running is a slightly higher octane of crazy from distance running.
Perks of the Race:
If you are interested in the next trail run, check out their site:
http://bookthatevent.com/tacotuesdaytrailrun/
Last month I attended the first of these three summer trail runs. Always a fan of post run food (an even bigger fan of post run beer), a few of us signed up for the Coto De Caza/Trabuco Canyon run (6/11). The bonus was we'd learn a new trail run in the area - Riley Wilderness Park.
After closing up shop at work and rushing to get to the venue (registration opens at 5pm, race start 6pm), we rolled up to the small race and easily moved through packet pickup.
Standing around sizing each other up. Waiting (hoping) for the temp to cool down a bit. Listened to the rules/directions for the trail and lined up for the 3.6 mile trail run.
Honestly, it wasn't the smartest decision for our group to complete Hill Repeats earlier that morning and then turn around and run a trail that evening. We all felt it. At one point, I stopped midpoint on a hill scared I couldn't get the strength to keep going. The course was tough. Luckily a few folks from OC Trail Tales gave us the heads up on two big, big (opposed to just big) hills. Otherwise I would have walked more.
The truth is, the tacos make this race worth it. I didn't have high expectations on the food when I registered ($30-35 depending on when you registered). But I have to admit, it really impressed me! With the help of some (smuggled) beer we were able to hang out post race and enjoy!
July's course moved down to Dana Point/San Juan Capistrano area - Las Ramblas trail.
Learning my lesson from Riley Wilderness, I opted out of Hill Repeats in the morning. Given the (one HUGE hill and a few rollers) course, I'm glad I smartened up.
The last of the series is coming up 8/6 in O'Neil park. Since this is the same group that put together the Chili Trail Series, I'm guessing we will cover one of those trails.
Net, net, I'm always a fan of mixing up my weekday runs with a trail race. Even happier when you can recollect at the end with your friends and rehash the run. If you are a fan of trails, then the summer trail series are for you. However, if the heat at the end of the day and the thought of having to huff up a single track road blows your mind... you might want to pass. After all, trail running is a slightly higher octane of crazy from distance running.Perks of the Race:
- Ah... tacos
- Introduction to some new trails in SoCal
- Small town race feel
- Nice way to break up the week
- First race they handed out Hanteens, Second was a Neck Cooler, third should be a T-Shirt
- Race distance varies on location but plan for 4 miles
- Parking is mostly free but essentially driven by the race location
- Website is pretty simple and offers directions and parking information
- Benefits Trails4All - dedicated to preserving trails
- The Volunteers at this race are very friendly and encouraging
- Use the port-a-potty at the start... or hold it til you finish
- Plan to bring your running belt for water - one of the two races didn't have a water station due to logistics
- Hills
- Summer heat
- 6pm start is a scramble (for me) to make after work
- Would be nice to have beer...
If you are interested in the next trail run, check out their site:
http://bookthatevent.com/tacotuesdaytrailrun/
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