[Subby]

Backyard Burn Final Results

This is a trail running series that I signed up for at the beginning of fall. I swore I would train and lose weight for these, but I never took them seriously. They were much harder than I could have imagined - three of the four races had absolutely insane hills and another had more mud and rain than I have ever seen in my life. As poorly as I prepared for these, I am encouraged by the fact that, even 30-40 lbs above an ideal racing weight, I managed some decent finishes.


BYB Fall Series Race #1 @ Prince William Forest Park
October 11, 2009
Distance: 9.9 miles
Time: 1:26.11
Place: 67/179 (top 38%)
Age Group (M30-39): 21/45 (47%)

BYB Fall Series Race #2 @ Wakefield
November 1, 2009
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 1:22.45
Place: 69/149 (46%)
Age Group: 27/49 (55%)

BYB Fall Series Race #3 @ Fountainhead
November 15, 2009
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 1:35.35
Place: 51/139 (37%)
Age Group: 18/35 (51%)

BYB Fall Series Race #4 @ Hemlock
December 13, 2009
Distance: 10.3 miles
Time: 1:36.54
Place 29/72 (41%)
Age Group: 13/22 (60%)

My best time was also my worst race - at Wakefield it was extremely wet and muddy with multiple stream crossings. That was also the last time I wore regular running shoes for a trail run (I bought trail running shoes the next day). The last two races were much more technical and hilly than the first two. The first race was the only one where we had really good weather.

So, I am happy that I completed the races and finished in the top half, but I am also irritated with myself because I know the times could be so much better. Hell, I could shave a minute per mile off my times just by losing the 40 lbs I need to lose. That would give me top 20 finishes in almost all of those races.

So, a stepping stone, of sorts. When the spring version of this series rolls around, I'll be ready.