Race Recap: Bulow Woods Trail Race 4.25 Mile

Pre-Race
Last Saturday 12/9/17 I ran in the Bulow Woods 4.25 mile trail race in Ormond Beach, FL. Trail races are my favorite type of races because I love the scenery and just being out in the wilderness. Conditions were perfect low 50's, rainy, and flooded. Totally kidding! I hate cold. I'm someone who doesn't mind running in the middle of the day in the summer, but I sure will complain when it gets below 70 degrees! All kidding aside we knew it would be wet and they warned us ahead of time. My main goal was just to have fun. 

The Race 
I got off to a terrible start. In a trail race, you're only as fast as the people in front of you, and there were just too many to contend with. I could not get around anyone for the first half mile then as I tried the water got in my way. I don't just mean puddles either I'm talking about water up to my waste at one point. Then there was the mud after which was too slippery to gain any lost ground. I was either slipping and sliding or dodging roots, water, and other obstacles. 

I tried to gain on a few people but I realized I might be a decent runner but I'm kind of slow through the water. I wasn't upset I was just having fun and challenging myself. The last mile I was finally able to get around three people and gained some momentum at the end, but it was far from enough. I didn't feel winded or anything after so it was a little disappointed knowing I had so much left. In the end, this race was probably my favorite in a while if ever and so much fun. I felt like a kid, and it was great! 

The Swag/Final Thoughts
Amazing swag! First, we had a race-specific finisher medal and long sleeve shirt. We then received a reusable cold mug filled with a rum runner (it was yummy). The food was the typical ultra spread, the warm chili and sweet options such as cookies and brownies too (another reason I love trail races). The first ten males and females won these awesome hoodies in the size of our choice. 

I hope everyone had as much fun at this race as I did. It truly was one of my favorite races of all time. The conditions only made it more interesting, and the volunteers and racing staff did an exceptional job. I can't wait for my next trail run! 

Results
Time 39:15
Pace 8:43
Overall: 9 out of 102
3rd Place Female