This weekend I ran my first trail race! And I was sloooooowww. But I expected that, everyone told me trail races are nothing like road races. Yep. This race is put on by Capital Road Race Management and Fleet Feet so of course it was well organized and a fun time.

I ran the 10.5 mile course (there is also a 6.9 course). It starts out at Railhead Park in a soccer field (I think that is what it is used for). You then head to the the single track trails along the American River Canyon. This race is a mix of trails, roads and running along a canal system (which I kinda wanted to jump in to cool down). Don't let the beginning of the long course fool you. You're running through the trees having great views of the Auburn hills and the American River thinking this isn't too bad. Then you head down hill and realize this is a steep down hill, so there is going to be a steep uphill. And there was. But the course was so beautiful that it was worth it.

I didn't like the part of the course where we were on the road, but we weren't on the road for too much of the race. There were 5 aid stations along the course that had water and electrolytes. They seemed well stocked and had great volunteers working them. Being my first trail race, I was a little worried I would get lost but the course was clearly marked with chalk and ribbons tied to trees. You are also always near someone, at least that is my experience. Mile 7 got very dusty, if you didn't have sunglasses on you probably had to rinse out your eyes. The last couple of miles in the race were nice and shaded. The day was not too bad for being the end of July in Northern California, it could have been much hotter!

About that last quarter of the race you come out of the trails and onto the road leading back to the field. That is where everyone is cheering for you, which is always on of my favorite parts! After you cross the finish line they give you a nice COLD water and...and that was it. I usually don't care about medals, but this was my first trail race so I really wanted one. I was surprised how sad I was that I didn't get one. They do, however, have the best race shirts I have ever had and they have yummy food post race. They offer burgers (and veggie burgers. Although they were cooked on the same grill as the hamburger), chips, watermelon, soda and beer. This race is called Blood, Sweat & BEERS! The beer is from Hoppy Brewery in Sacramento. I don't care for their beer but hey, after 10.5 trail miles it isn't bad.

I would recommend this race for sure! Great for a first timer like me or someone wanting to beat their time from a previous running of this race. Well organized, good food, decent beer, picnic, close to the river...it is a pretty perfect race.