Any Turkey Trotters out there?

[Kent]

I was invited to do a 10k with my Guard buddies in 2 weeks, but not a normal 10k. This is more a trail run for fun (wacky costumes and lots of alcohol consumed by others) all across the Living History Farms (including cow pastures and ravines). Here's the info page and it's description:

Make the decision to be a part of the "Largest & best Cross Country Race in North America". You must be ready to climb fences, wade through creeks, avoid cows and claw your way to the top of gullies with over 4,000 other runners of questionable senses.

I am currently intimidated by the darn thing as the longest run so far has only been 4 miles. Someone convince I am not crazy, and I should test my limits to just complete this darn thing.

[Sheshy]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

You're not crazy! It sounds like fun!

[2big4mysize]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

well since it is a big charity fund raiser and alcohol iisn't an oficial part of it I have to ask first do you have any PT tests coming up in the weeks after it? if not go for it. you can walk if you can't run it all.

[Richt]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

I think you should do it Kent. It sounds / looks like it could be a laugh.


Rich

[ttdriver]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

I'VE BEEN TO LIVING HISTORY FARMS!! Sounds like a terrific idea! Kent, you've done 4 miles, you can do 6.2!! Just take it easy, pace yourself and HAVE FUN!!

Yes, I did the Turkey Trot in Clearwater last Thanksgiving and I am definitely doing it again!! Its a blast!!

Betty

[jroche5998]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

I say do it Kent. You'll be running with buddies, and I'm sure you'll have a blast.

[softnred]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

Kent, you ARE crazy, but that's why we love you so much. That said...I think you should definitely do this race!!! It sounds like one of those wild and fun things that we all need in our lives. We'd all love to see photos of you doing it in a turkey costume...~JoAnne

[Kent]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

What about a silver lame` Star Trek shirt, JoAnne?

[softnred]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

ooooooooooohhh even better!!!!! You could carry a phaser and stun anyone who dares get in your way!!!

Speaking of silver lame, we ARE expecting you to wear it for this years christmas card picture......

[texwife&mom]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

What a hoot. Do it for sure. It will be a blast and a new challenge. You have inspired me to see if we have one in our area.

[Kent]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

As of today, my money is spent. That means I am doing the race ready or not -- I guessing more the not part, but certainly willing to prove the ready part. You never achieve a goal by sitting on your duff and wishing you were doing it. Today I decided even if I have to walk up the final hills and roll down the other side, I am going to make it 6 miles on my own two legs.

[2big4mysize]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

good for you.

[ttdriver]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

Kent, you will do great!! And what a pretty place to run at Living History Farms! I remember DH taking me there when I was about 8 months pregnant in the heat and humidity of July in Iowa ... well I made it and SO WILL YOU!!! Granted, I didn't run around there, but with being 50 pounds overweight, it felt like it!

You've got me psyched for my Turkey Trot here too!! It was my first 10k last year and like you, I didn't know if I could do it, but I did!! Now, 10k is a breeze! I know you'll have a blast!! Many many more 10ks in your future!

Have fun!

Betty

[Kent]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

I posted this in my journal, but I thought it might be as good to post here as well.

I am back from the Living History Farms 10k race. You know the one described as,

Make the decision to be a part of the "Largest & best Cross Country Race in North America". You must be ready to climb fences, wade through creeks, avoid cows and claw your way to the top of gullies with over 4,000 other runners of questionable senses. Don't wear anything to race in that you might want to keep. This race is a place to have a 'good, dirty ol' time'.

Well they weren't kidding. I will post some photos later of my outfit before and after. It was too cold for me to dress up (about 37 degrees F), but it was perfect weather for running. First however, the short answer to how did you do? I finished the 10k in 1 hour and 7 or 8 minutes unofficially (the actual start time is fuzzy as 5000 people trying to get out the starting gate led to lots of choke points throughout the course and forced walking). I could have done it faster, but this was not a course for speed. On the positive, I did finish ahead of everyone else in my National Guard team.

It was a true trail course with huge hills and 8 stream crossings. The stream crossing weren't for the mild either. At one point I waded down above knee high on me (thigh or waist high for others) stream for 75 feet before I had to wait to get out. I discovered that waiting in near freezing water is worse than wading in it. The only thing worse than waiting in the water is falling face first, which I can claim I did not do, but I did see many occurances of it. The worst stream cross was one with 7 or 8 foot walls on either side, and you found out you stunk of cattle yard (re: manure) afterwards.

There were a number of cliffs that you had to climb as well. For some there were rope ladders to pull yourself up. Some you simply had to keep your legs moving and churn your way to the top of mud on top of ice hill. We were blest with lots of sun yesterday, which led to of course all the ground thawing and making the course generally covered with 2 inches of sloppy mud. You could pick your way through it unless of course you were running with 5000 other runners in a pack and had your route pretty well picked by the presence those around you.

I will definitely be doing this again next year. I would like to see how I would do on a road or less trail-like 10k. My kids are all about "did you win, Dad?", but for me, I would just like to see what my current time is for a 6.3 miles. Then there is also the mini-joy of passing all the teenagers, who admittedly don't know they are in a mini-race with a 33 year old ex-fat guy. [img]images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Updated: For the photos promised above, click here.

[ttdriver]

Re: Any Turkey Trotters out there?

WOOHOO Kent!!! That's a superb time even on a regular paved route, let alone on a trail run!! AWESOME! I am so proud of you!! Ain't it great to pass people!! I love it when I can overtake someone half my age who is huffing and puffing and I'm not even breathing hard! I want to turn to them and say "tried Atkins?"

Although I have to disgree with you that 37 degrees is great running weather! Make it 67 and I'm there!

Congratulations!!

Betty