Trail Running!

So I did something stupid while under the influence of huge quantities of cough medicines. I singed up for my first marathon. More details on that to come later. But it was brought to my attention the course was pretty hilly and basically my running motto is to finish uninjured, happy and not last. Thats not to much to ask, right? But truthfully, I have a hard time with "hills" they kinda make me their bitch, every time. I think I'm having an asthma attack, I feel like my ass weighs about 100 pounds and I'm dragging it up the hill. Honestly, when I run up tough hills I think of strong men pulling cars. Cause thats obviously what running up a hill is equivalent to...

 

So I figured if I'm running a 26.2 mile hilly course me and the hills have to come to some sort of understanding and make peace.

I figured the best way to do this  is to take on the trails.

 

One thing I like about trails is the various terrain. It really changes how you run...

It adds a lil somethin somethin to long run. So here are some of the terrains I encountered at Sweetwater park. Sandy dirt. My favorite. It offers a nice soft landing, its flat and usually doesn't involve and obstacle course.

 

Rocks- A little scary especially and sweetwater. You don't run them (at least this Rogue doesn't)  but it totally helps with the core

and my least favorite...

 Leafy foliage

Filled with surprises like roots and rocks beneath its beauty.
But hey,  it helps keep those legs high when you jog!

So I'm veering away from this...

 

to take on a lot more of this...