The Race
Going into the Living History Farms Off Road Race, I wasn’t sure what to expect exactly. Sure, I had a general idea, but with nearly 7,000 other participants, I knew this would be a unique experience.
We arrived at the race about a half hour early, giving us a chance to get a few pictures, and check out some of the wild, crazy costumes. Hulk Hogan,
Lining up to start the race, it was difficult to decide exactly where to step in line. The 5-6 minute milers were supposed to be up front, but after that it didn’t matter. We stepped in about mid pack hoping we would be pretty close to people running our same pace.
Once the starting gun fired, it took us a few minutes just to get started in the masses of people. The first mile was slow due to everyone being bunched up and it being difficult to pass. This section wound around some buildings and wood piles and I didn’t want to push it too much here. I just wanted to get through to where it would even out and I could settle into my own race pace.
Shortly past the one mile marker, we passed through a tunnel going under the Interstate. People were still really bunched together here, but the tunnel was cool! Once I got through, the runners started to spread out a little bit. Finally I was able to settle into my own pace and actually picked up several positions. The terrain was still easy at this point, consisting of primarily mowed fields so far.
A couple miles in I came upon the first of several creek crossings and jumped right in. BRRR! That water was cold!! Crawling up the other side, I was confronted with either waiting to run around some compost piles or jumping on top and passing several people.
Easy choice! I hopped on top and made up a few more positions. Again I settled back into my own pace, although my feet were freezing and my shoes felt 10 pounds heavier!
The path through the woods was challenging. I felt like I was in track running hurdles over logs and boulders. One misstep here and I knew I’d face plant into the ground.
My feet were finally starting to warm up a little when, of course, I came upon another creek to cross. Again I jumped right in without hesitation. Nope, the water wasn’t any warmer over here! I trudged out the other side and up the bank again.
About this point I start wondering if part of my training should have consisted of running in creeks and carrying an extra ten pounds around my ankles!
More creek crossings followed shortly thereafter with depths varying from barely ankle deep to waist deep in some places. Coming across one of the deeper crossings, I realized things could always be worse…one runner right next to me in the creek lost her footing and went under for a second! I was wet from my waist down; she was soaked head to toe!
Running down a slope in the woods, I was confronted with two signs pointing in different directions: ‘Shorter and Harder’ or ‘Longer and Easier’. Decision time! I chose the shorter and harder route. I wasn’t here to do it the easy way! I was here for the experience and adventure!!
I don’t know what the longer and easier route consisted of, but shorter and harder meant crossing a creek twice followed by a steep bank to climb. Coming out of this section, I knew I had to be getting close to the last leg of the race.
I ran down the path to the final creek crossing. Some people were in front of me that I wanted to pass, so I chose a slightly different route across the creek. The bank was much tougher to get up, but I finally pulled myself to the top.
Nothing left now between me and the finish line except for open fields with an uphill run. After the final crossing and everything else I had been through up to this point, I was getting a little winded. But I kept telling myself I only had about a mile left.
The Hill did everything it could to zap the rest of my energy. Half way up, I understood why several people were walking. Although I was running, it felt like I was just spinning my wheels. Finally I reached the crest of the hill and started down the other side.
Up ahead I saw the start line and what I assumed to be the finish line. Mustering up every last bit of remaining energy, I kicked into higher gear and began passing several runners.
OOPS! Rookie mistake…the finish line was much further down that what I had thought; I made my push too soon! Fortunately I was able to hang on and not lose any of those positions I had gained.
Crossing the finish line was a mix of excitement, pride, and relief all in one. I had just completed the largest cross country race in
For anyone even remotely interested in outdoor running or trail running, I would highly recommend trying this race. There was a wide variety of runners here, ranging from Olympic Athletes, to High School Cross Country Teams, to your average everyday runners. Be sure to check out the pictures from this year’s race on our Photos Page.
Make plans early for next year! This race is run the Saturday before Thanksgiving every year and they’re planning on capping the number of entrants next year. We had a ton of fun and know you will too! You can bet BentVenture.com will be back!!
Until then…watch for BentVenture at other races across
Matt
