Trail Running

    So today I decided to attempt a 5 mile trail run. Now for those of you who don't live in South Jersey, you may not know our entire ground is made of nothing but sand. No matter how far you go inland, you will find sand. Some sand is harder packed and some is softer. You might even find a bit of clay in the sand now and then, but generally just sand. Well most of my runs have been on a treadmill or the occasional street. Today I learned all about the new kinds of pains one can experience when one tries to propel one's body trough sifting South Jersey sand.

    This pictures shows the start of my run, note the wide and well maintained trail. People local to the area might recognize it at Batsto Village. They have a 10 mile trail that connects it to Atsion Lake and I chose this as my first ever trail run. All I can say is the trail is a liar. After about 1/4 of a mile is turns into soft beach sand with the occasional horse hoof print in it. I am assuming it was a horse, it could have been the Jersey Devil for all I know. Soon after that the trail become about a foot wide and occasionally becomes swampy sand. If anyone feels compelled to take this trail make sure you have a gps with you. I did, thankfully, and still got turned around and had to backtrack to find my car.

    It was supposed to be a 5 miler, but I cut it short to 4 when I realized I was no longer keeping anything close to a running pace and my gps was telling me it was a brisk walk. My arches were killing me from sliding around in the sand, and strangely my back kinda hurts too. I think it is from the twisting. I assume I was using completely different muscles that I ever have before and don't really plan on using again soon. I think I might stick to pavement from now on. At least for a while. Look how friendly the pavement looks.