TrailCross!

It was only a matter of time.  Between the varied [insert sport here]-cross disciplines that are out there – ski, board, moto, cyclo, etc. – and the desire for runners to have a fun, non-traditional race atmosphere you had to figure that TrailCross would eventually come to be.  I am both excited and terrified to be able to compete in the first TrailCross race in Chilliwack, BC, on 26 April 2014.  

Let me back track a little…  Until last week I had no idea what TrailCross was.  I’ve done fun runs before, but generally stick to the traditional roads and trails.  I like a good get-together as much as the rest of you, but one can’t say that fun runs are generally super competitive.  Not that I’m a super competitive racer by any means.  More back-of-the-packer than anything else.  But I do have aspirations of getting some semblance of speed going this year, even if it’s just a tad faster than last year.  Basically, through that ramble, I’m trying to say that TrailCross has fallen into my lap.  

In the randomness that is social media I was followed on Twitter by @Trail_Cross.  I have to admit that I was immediately intrigued by their race.  Compete in heats over a short distance (1-2km) on trails and runners advance base on placement.  Do this 2 or 3 times until you get a winner.  The bonus – at least to me – is that there is a beginner and an advanced category.  I was seriously considering trying to make it work in my race schedule (I actually have one this year!) and then they offered me entry.  Well, to be honest, I cheekily asked for a mutually beneficial working relationship.*  So now I’m slightly nervous.  As stated above, I’m not fast.  And this race is based on speed and pretty much speed alone.

From the TrailCross Facebook page

So I haven’t figured out if competing in this race – there is no “running” – might be the best idea I’ve ever had, but I am really looking forward to finding out.  

I want need you to join me!  Enter LOVEMYRUN to receive $5 off your registration fee.

Have you ever run a race like this before?  Tips are appreciated – although I think “run like hell” is the only advice that’ll work…

* Disclosure Statement: I have been given one race entry to TrailCross Chilliwack in exchange for this post.