The Wicked Running Register April-May 2013 • Priceless
: L ue g s A I s EC le I tron P S ub on S o t g D Bos n i r s Sp ed I ick W
EST. JAN 2010
Billy Jackson ran the 50K and shows off his mud at the TARC Spring Classic.
Race Review TARC Spring Classic Trail Race • Weston, MA April 27, 2013 Valerie Mathews
From what I’ve experienced, there are two different opinions out there on trail running- either you love it, or you don’t. Those who love it don’t understand how anyone could possibly not. And those who don’t love it can’t understand how anyone possibly could. Running trail is much different than running on roads, for a variety of reasons. For me, running trail is about getting “lost” in the woods, preferably without actually getting lost. I love going out there and enjoying the sounds, smells, and feel of nature. And, as it turns out, there are many other people who feel the same way. TARC, or the Trail Animals Running Club, is a free and fun group for anyone who likes to run on the trails. It’s a bunch of “animals”, really. All of the races that TARC sponsors are welcoming to everyone, no matter your speed, distance, or ability. The TARC Spring Classic, with a choice of four distances (10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, and
50K), is truly a race for anyone. Like all of the TARC races, the Spring Classic was inexpensive, with a potluck theme and reusable timing chips helping to keep costs down. Rather than trying to get big donations or spending money to purchase food, the TARC races rely on the runners to provide the majority of the sweet and salty snacks, divvying up required offerings based on the first initial of your last name. As an “M”, I was responsible for “salty”, and brought a container of peanuts. The race itself was great- the course was what they call “fast and flat”, keeping in mind that this phrase typically means something different when talking about trail than when talking about road. As someone who typically trains in Lynn Woods, trust me when I say that the course was considerably easier than what I’m used to. The ground was covered in soft pine needles in most places, making for a comfortable foot landing. There were also a few stream crossings on logs and rocks, mud being a must for a true trail race! The Half Marathon course, which is what I ran that day, was two of the 10K
loops, with an extra little section to make up the missing mileage. Between laps, runners can stop at the aid station for snacks and beverages, say hi to friends and fellow runners, and/or hit the porta-potty as needed. And when you finish your personal race, you can sit on the lawn on a blanket or in a chair and cheer on your friends and fellow animals as they come through the aid station or the finish, all while sipping an icy cold adult beverage from your cooler and chatting with friends, both old and new. If you’re thinking about giving trail a try, or a second try… think about checking out one of the TARC racesthey are always a great time, with some of the best and most supportive people I’ve ever met! As far as the Spring Classic goes, I’d give this race five out of five cats!