Not a lot of time to write, but I had to share a few pictures from Saturday’s Dirty Soles race in Mandeville. It was the first race in the 2012 Forge Trail Series, and was held at Pelican Park and the Northlake Nature Center. The weather was a bit warm for January, but there was a great turnout.
Friday night was spent with great friends sharing dinner and drinks at The Barley Oak pub. Then a large group of us camped at Fontainebleau State Park, which is just across the street from the race venue. Jeff Beck’s Forge Racing put on the event and the course was designed by Mandeville ultrarunner and trail runner, David Coffey.
Just because the rain held off, didn’t mean you’d stay dry. In fact, within the first 200 yards, everyone got their feet wet. Literally. A muddy creek crossing had everyone’s shoes soaked. But that was just the start. A 50 yard section run through a knee deep creek at mile 1 ½ was my favorite part. And while the course was flat, the footing was tough at times with the little pits and knobs on the trail.
I raced the first loop for my series points, then got another loop in for a half marathon. The first loop was good, as I finished 10th overall and 1st in my age group. I struggled with cramps on my 2nd loop, so I didn’t push hard. But I got some miles in off road on a new course with great friends. And that’s what it’s all about.
Be sure to catch the 2nd race in the series, the Headhunter 10K, to be held March 10th at Tiki Tubing in Denham Springs.
Check out a couple pictures below, courtesy of Evin Beck at ebeckphotography.net
Water crossing
Exiting the water
Almost finished...with the 1st loop
Post race treat at The Rusty Pelican