Yeah, we were surprised by Jack's choice of headgear, too, but he insisted that this is how they do 5Ks in the Sahara. (We think he misheard "Siberia," but you can't argue with a hat this fabulous.) From left: Barefoot Josh Sutcliffe, Iris Sutcliffe, Dena Harris, Royce Richardson, Jack Plymale.
That was a blast! Kudos to Greensboro Parks & Recreation and Janes on the Run for putting together a great inaugural event for a totally worthy cause: the Trail Mix 5K at Bur-Mil Park, with 100 percent of all donations benefiting Greensboro trails and greenways. Greensboro has more than 80 miles of awesome trails and it’s gotta be no small feat keeping them in runnable, bikeable, and hikeable condition. Consider investing in this valuable resource and make a donation. And a hat tip to the volunteering Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, who earned a badge or two today for their service keeping the runners hydrated, motivated, and moving in the right direction.
MadMayo members representing North Carolina’s North Star were:
Jack Plymale
Royce Richardson
Dena Harris
Iris Sutcliffe
And of course your humble author, me, Josh Sutcliffe.
Some other Rockingham racers were also in attendance: Jay Jones, who won February’s Run to the Endzone 5k, and Brian McCandless, who won the Phoenix 5k just two weeks ago. Talk about a star-studded field.
This was my first barefoot trail race, so I was a little nervous. I have run many of the trails around Bur-Mil without shoes, but never in a race. I will also say without reservation that in previous trail races I was very grateful for the footwear I had, however “minimal” or whatever the kids are calling aqua socks these days. So I had to be smart. Not my strong suit.
For instance, Iris and I were a little preoccupied before and after the race with thoughts of our coffee machine. Neither one of us remembered turning it off. Fortunately, it was off when we got home. Maybe the dogs did it.
Click the pic to make a donation to help maintain GSO's greenways and trails!
Dena and future MadMayo Member (once all the paperwork is turned in and notarized) Nathan showed up ready to go, having run a few miles beforehand(foot?). Jack and Royce hobnobbed with the crowd, since they seem to know everybody. Iris was looking mighty sporty in her new racing skort, I must say. I might have to add a kilt to my racing wardrobe.
Okay, the race. Awesome. Nice out-’n-back on the greenway, where some jockeyed for position while others saved it for the trails. I started in the middle, with Iris, Jack, and Royce. Thank you, volunteer at the turnaround who laughed at my lame “U-turn. Who turn? Me turn?” joke. Above and beyond the call of duty, my friend. And then, the trail…
I really like the Big Loop. It’s a nice mix of technical and smooth, with a few muddy puddles. Getting muddy is one of my favorite things about trails, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Of course, I hope some of my footprints survived long enough to confuse a future hiker or two. I am pleased to report that I released an expletive only once, when I failed to notice a medium-size rock underfoot. That brings my average to about 8.37 miles per swear word. Not too shabby.
The real obstacle, however, wasn’t the terrain, but the humidity. Hoo-boy. I wasn’t sure if I was running or swimming at times. But hey, better to run in the shade of the woods than out on the road in such blazing sweatiness. Another reason to pony up.
The only MadMayoite to win his age division was Jack. For his exemplary representation of our club, he shall receive a Josh Art Original (well, sort of original—it’s a linocut print):
Shameless Plug: If anyone is interested in learning the principles of running barefoot, and maybe even wants give it a try, I’m conducting a FREE workshop and you’re invited. We’ll talk for a bit, then run around a bit, then talk some more. Should be fun, and maybe even educational. Friday, June 11; 6:30–8 p.m.; RunnerDude’s Fitness, 2307 W. Cone Blvd., Greensboro. Info: 336-288-6155.
Race results are posted at the Janes on the Run website >>
Thanks again to all of the organizers for putting on a splendid race. See you at next year’s Trail Mix!