I had a choice today of either running a 5K in Heightstown or the Rock Run in Bound Brook. I know some folks in Heightstown, but I knew it would be the same old 5K course on the streets which wasn't that appealing. The Rock Run was a trail run, with elevation and different, so off to Bound Brook I traveled.
The Rock Run was put on by the Raritan Valley Road Runners Club and directed by John D'Agostino with lots of help from other club members. This is not an easy race to put on because the trails have to be marked well otherwise you lose a few runners. It was a nice turnout despite a very cold morning and many of the runners were eager to run. After some brief instructions and a short walk to the start, we were off and running.
The terrain was varied for the race, 2% on grass, 10% on roads and 88% on trails which was made up of rocks, roots, leaves, dead branches and water. I knew going in I wasn't going to bust it so it was going to be a fun race for me. The race started on grass then on to some pavement for a bit then we were directed on the trails. You could run for a bit but then you had to hike/run because the we were along the reservoir which had trees and huge roots protruding from the ground.
The course kept switching from a smooth trail, to rocky to muddy and a mix of all three. I didn't wear trail shoes so I was very concerned about twisting an ankle or worse. My goal was not get hurt and enjoy the run. I ran most of the race with Ray Petit and Mark Strawn who are members of RVRR. We ran in a group of about six runners. We got lost a few times but quickly found the trail with the help of arrow markers.
It was a two loop course and I was happy when we finished the first loop. My first mile split was 14:30 and the mile was 16 minutes so you know we were doing lots of hiking as well. There was a very steep hill and of course a very steep downhill. I took the downhills very easy and ran the rocks very carefully.
The sun was shining and it was warming nicely and we were nearing the end. Back on the pavement then on the trails and then grass to the finish. I finished in 1:11:12 which was fine with me and a course best.
Everyone headed to the Chimney Rock Inn for some great pizza and salad which was all included in the entry fee. We were all seated in the restaurant family style which was different from most post race gatherings. They gave out some funny awards (muddiest shoes, most blood) and the winner's awards were made from the rocks on the trail.
Everyone headed to the Chimney Rock Inn for some great pizza and salad which was all included in the entry fee. We were all seated in the restaurant family style which was different from most post race gatherings. They gave out some funny awards (muddiest shoes, most blood) and the winner's awards were made from the rocks on the trail.
I give John and the RVRR club kudos for putting on such a difficult event. I will definitely put this on my calendar for next year. I am looking to run a few more trail races this year. It is so much fun to run with nature and friends.
Today the Earth was my Treadmill.
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