Trail Running; let's do it!

6 miles on the schedule today.  It was a fairly uneventful run.  I mean, really, how could it not be, it's 5am for God's sake!  Who in their right mind is up at this hour?  Only one fearless runner.....me!  Oh, and also those that have to start work at an ungodly hour as well.  Of course, I can't fault them for having to work.  Ha!
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Trail Running.  It's not really a topic that I've talked about.  Of course, probably because I'm no expert.  Ok, I'm really no expert on road running either but at least I can say I've done that a few thousand miles.  While I've done a little trail running - Paint Creek, for example.  I'm not sure you can even count this as trail running.  It's flat.  It's wide.  In addition, it's groomed for the most part with crushed limestone.  I love the way it feels running on it but I sure could not consider myself a trail runner based on running on this.

There are some trails that are at Stony Creek at the park I run weekly.  I have not gotten off the beat and path but I plan to do that this summer.  You can only take so much running on the paved trail around the lake there or paved roads for that matter.  I need a break this year from running on the roads and think this is a great alternative.  I could bike more but really I love running!

I ventured off near the nature center in Stony Creek a little over a week ago with my running buddy.  It's not really set up for running since it's gravel but since it was snow covered, it was easier to run on.  It's probably not the best place to run in the summer.  My plans are to take the trails more.  Get muddy.  Get dirty!  Enjoy some of the hills.  I'll have that chance at the Back to the Beach half marathon in May which will take us through some of the trails which will make for an interesting race.

As more time goes into the year, I'm considering signing up for my first half marathon trail run.  I have one picked out.  It's the North Country Run in Northern Michigan.

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Note that I'd only be doing the half marathon.  No, I'm not crazy enough to do the 50 mile Ultra just yet nor even the full marathon!  I do need to decide by March 15th before the price goes up though.  I'd have to take off the Crim race since the trail run is the same day and I really, really LOVE the Crim race.  However, it would be the third year for me running the Crim so as they say:  Been there, done that!  Check out the medal for the trail race!  OMG, this thing is huge!  One of the largest in the country.  Ha!

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The North Country Run looks like a mostly single track race.  We did some hiking in the Upper Peninsula this past summer on some single track trails and it was incredible.  The feeling of being with nature was nothing like I've felt.  Here's a couple pictures of what I'm talking about:

It felt like I was hundreds of miles away from everyone so I can only imagine what it would be like running a half marathon distance.  Sounds like fun, huh?

So tell me, have you run a trail race and what's a trail race you love running?  Have you run the North Country race in Michigan?

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!