Local trail races ready to go

More and more runners are trading in pavement for the trails. The hills are more unpredictable, typically more scenic and trail races are beyond compare.

We’re very fortunate to have a pair of local trail races coming up in the next two weeks. And the race directors recently shared their thoughts on trail running, why their race is important to them and what folks can expect at their race.

Karey Humphries-Cooper is the race director of The Loco Go Big or Go Home Challenge. The event (the second annual) is on Saturday and features 10k, half marathon and 50k distances. Online registration closed last week, but you can still register at packet pick-up on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fleet Feet Chico.

What’s your running background?

I’ve been running since I joined the Army way back in 1998. I hated running back then and had never run an entire mile in my life! I don't really have a favorite distance. I just love a good challenge and running with other fun, crazy runners. I used to be a pavement-only runner but once I was properly introduced to the trails, well, let's just say that I am hard-pressed to go enjoy a run around the neighborhood!

What’s the inspiration behind the Loco Go Big or Go Home Challenge?

So many things. Mainly it was that although I love running in Bidwell Park and the races there, I really wanted to find something different to try out that was still close enough to Chico to make a day trip out of it. I love Butte Meadows and have always been amazed that many people have never been up that way, so the Loco Brain Child was born! Now we have two big races that go through the area and the community up there is incredibly supportive, they have become like family!

Why trail running?

I love trail running because you can get lost in the absolute beauty of the nature that surrounds you. Running the trails seems almost effortless in a way because you’re brought back to your primal roots of being outside, breathing in the rich fresh air, stomping the earth underfoot and experiencing Mother Nature at her finest.

Online registration for The Loco 200 Relay, which takes place Sept. 11-12, is now open, and you can go here to register.

Jason Donnell is the race director of the inaugural Rim to Rim Trail Run, Chico’s first ultramarathon, starting in Upper Bidwell Park on June 6. The Rim to Rim includes half marathon, marathon and 50-mile distances. Online registration is open for all distances until June 5. Race day registration will also be available.

What’s your running background?

I started running regularly in 2009. I’ve always focused heavily on trails, and I log very few miles on pavement. Before I took up running I enjoyed rock climbing, mountaineering, and backpacking, and the tendency for long hours in the mountains easily translated to long distance running. I really enjoy the 100-mile distance; the extreme challenge makes it such a rewarding experience.

What’s the inspiration behind the Rim to Rim Trail Run?

Being a long-distance trail runner in Chico means logging a lot of miles in Upper Bidwell. We’re fortunate to have such an extensive trail system in our own backyard, and after years of running there I really want to showcase the Park with a race. I want to combine the ultramarathon experience with the rugged beauty of our local trails and make it a destination event for runners looking for a challenge. In addition the challenge, runners get beautiful views of the foothills, the river, and the valley from both the north and south sides of the canyon. The distance, the beauty, and the challenge combine to create a unique ultramarathon experience.

Why trail running?

I love being outdoors, and especially love the mountains. Long-distance trail running gives me a way to be surrounded by their majestic beauty while being physically and mentally pushed to my limits.

Starting from scratch

At one point in my life, I considered myself a pretty decent marathon runner. But I fell off that wagon hard in recent years and into a colossal puff of dust.

I long knew it was time for me to get back into shape and run again – or at the very least, seek some semblance of fitness after largely doing nothing for the better part of three years. So I decided to do something about it.

Instead of keeping it private (which, incidentally, is a fantastic way for it to NEVER happen), I made a public intention in a blog post that I was going to run the California International Marathon on December 6, 2015. I required accountability, and that’s the path I chose.

My reasons for choosing CIM:

• It’s geographically close (relatively)
• It’s fast
• It’s familiar
• I wanted to do a marathon in 2015, and, in spite being nearly a year away, CIM qualified

That last one was a biggie for me. I thought about tackling the Eugene Marathon. I have friends making the trek to Eugene (road trip!). I PR’d at Eugene. Hayward Field would be a memorable place to celebrate the end of my sedentary self.

If only Eugene would have been later in the year to give me more time. So I opted for CIM.

I'll lay out exactly what I mean when I say I'd been "largely doing nothing": After many years of integrating 60- to 70-mile weeks into my life, I probably averaged five or six runs a year over three years.

That’s not a lot. And I spent birthdays Nos. 40-43 lamenting my injuries, laziness and subsequent weight gain (and plummeting self-esteem). I allowed circumstances to control me, instead of me controlling my circumstances. And that was a crappy feeling.

So, how’s the training going? So far so good. A couple of weeks ago I strung together a week-plus consecutive days. I started at two miles a day and have moved up to three(-ish). Easter week was a bump in the road, and I’ve returned to the road/trail/dirt that I realized I missed so much. And I don't feel like I'm wearing a fat suit when I run, so there's that.

[It ain’t much, but I’m on Strava if you care to follow me. Even if you don’t care to, I’m still there.]

The training is getting easier (even if life isn’t, which continues to throw me curveballs), and I know I’ll soon push up against and through barriers (three miles, five, eight, 10, etc.). Because I was always running from a decent level of fitness, I took for granted just how difficult is to start from scratch.

I’m finding joy in running again – and it reminds me to care for myself, that those around me (namely my children) might actually benefit from seeing me do that. 

Instead of making excuses, I’m making the most of what I have, right now, in this life.

Trail Running: What You Can Expect

Trail running can be an exhilarating experience—if you know what to expect and accept that it’s a little different from pounding the pavement. Our 10k and half marathon trail running training programs kick off this Saturday with an 8 a.m. meeting at the store.

If you’re considering signing up for one of the trail training programs, your experienced coaches (Maya Honeyman and Joey LaRossa) have a few words of wisdom to pass along to you.

Maya says:

Why trails? I say why not? A good trail run on a beautiful spring day can make one wonder why pavement exists. Slip on your favorite trail shoes and be transformed by the sounds of nature. Trail running enables exploration of our wondrous north state, including our very own Bidwell Park. Ready for an athletic adventure? Join us for the upcoming trail program and mingle with fellow runners on trails ranging from technical and rocky to smooth, flowing waterside single track.

Not so worried about your pace or simply want a break from obsessing over pace? Want to strengthen the intricate ankle and foot muscles? Ready to leave traffic and asphalt behind? Wanting a change of pace and scenery? Ready for a more laid back and adventure loving group of runners? Ready to learn how to smile again while running? If this sounds like you then trail running may be just what the doctor ordered.

Trail racing also has a different feel then the large city races you may be used to. Less people, more open space. Clean mountain air and a smaller group of racers. Most people sign up for the experience, and completion time is not the goal as each course varies so much as does elevation and terrain.

Trail running can also benefit the avid pavement pounder. It allows for a change in pace, works different muscle groups and makes one a stronger and faster runner when returning to the pavement.

Joey says:

Trail running: where the pavement ends and the fun begins. You know you’re doing trail running right when you are covered in dirt, bleeding, dripping with sweat, and still smiling! This is not for the faint of heart, especially here in Chico. As Chico locals, we’re incredibly fortunate to have some of the most technically challenging trails filled with single-track, rocky inclines, fast descents, and all on loose lava rock! Being a trail runner out of Chico is a badge of honor. Finish this program and wear it proud!

This will be challenging, along with normal training practices (like advancing your cardio, gaining fluidity in your mechanics, strengthening muscles, avoiding overuse injuries, etc.), trail running adds some additional elements we don’t always consider: constant fluctuation in pace, nimble foot placing, laser focus on the path ahead, and my personal favorite: balance.

In this program, you will learn how to swiftly navigate some of the most challenging trails offered in Northern California while maintaining clear presence with each intentional step on the rocky terrain and maybe even learn how to fall – it happens, and yes, there is a process for safe execution. Together we will work to improve this skill set to make you all badass trail runners!