Dirty 5k Race Recap

I have been pushing myself more and more to be active, lose weight, eat healthier, and find a lifestyle I can live with. As part of that, I have been running more, signing up for races so that I do not have the option of not running.

The first race this year that I signed up for was the Dirty 5k in Hanover, NH.  It is put on by the Western New Hampshire Trail Running Series.  It is a fun and "easy" 5k trail race.  I know the race director, Chad Denning, as I have volunteered for other events he has put on.  He knows how to put on a great race.

Jeremy, Me, Mary, Jim - All ready to run! What a team.

We started out going down a steep hill, around a corner, and on to what I have heard people refer to as the roller coaster! It certainly kicked my butt, I walked more than I wanted, but it was so fun. That is, until I hit the dreaded field. The field is demoralizing. You want to cut straight through but you can't. You must go up an down and around. Having run this portion before when I participated in the Stoked Standard Triathlon two year ago, I knew what to expect. Then it changed. We went back into the woods. What a fun section! I saw a bit of Storrs Pond Recreation Area I had never seen before. Great addition.  Up into the woods we went, hooking onto the screaming downhill.  As I started the downhill there was no looking back. I put everything I had left into me and sprinted through the finish line. Whew. What an awesome trail. Great kick start to the summer and trail running.

I had a great time. Came in 23 seconds over my goal of 45 minutes or less.  Official Time: 45m 23s.

Powering through the finish line. Giving it all I had. 

Slowing down. What a beautiful day.

The event started on time. AWESOME!

Food and water for after. AWESOME!

Free raffle for all participants and volunteers. AWESOME!

Look, I won! Some Emergen-C and a pocket knife.

Jeremy won too! A water bottle and a pocket knife.

Next up? The West Windsor Forrest 5 & Dime Trail Run