Northwest Trail Runs' Winter Trail Series Aims to Keep Runners Motivated

Mark Taylor, an event director for Northwest Trail Runs, called out across the Redmond Watershed Preserve parking lot and instructed everyone to the gather around the starting area of the Redmond Reindeer Romp on Saturday, December 7th. It was cold, but the sun sufficiently casted shadows of runners and tall second-growth Douglas firs on the frozen, well maintained trail. Mark gave some last minute instructions, the runners took to the starting line and with a booming “Go” the runners herded themselves like reindeers between the trees and down the trail.

Some would be prancing merrily for 5-miles, some chose to brave the cold and pull the sled for 13-miles, and some even chose to spin the dreidel a few extra miles. In total, at 9:30 AM on a frozen December morning, over 75 runners took a break from their at-home festivities of the holiday season and joined each other for a trail run. At the finish line the runners were greeted with cookies, warm soup, and friendly smiles. To add to the friendship, almost everyone coupled their smiles with a frozen snot mustache; inescapable in 17◦F, no doubt. Despite the cold, and the mustaches, the race was a Christmas Carol of pattering footsteps on frozen dirt and way to keep runners, new and old, healthy and motivated through the winter season.

The Winter Trail Series, hosted by Northwest Trail Runs, consists of seven races, stays within the Seattle and Eastside areas, and has a “Best-of-4-out-of-7” competition. You can run as many or as little as you please because the main goal for the series is to “Stay Motivated.” It’s December, the holiday feastings are in full-swing, and your summer fitness is hibernating beneath down jackets and ugly Christmas sweaters. And there’s no shame in taking a few extra latkes as you pour yourself a second glass of red wine. “A yontev a sheyner, A lustiger a freylicher…” Seriously, the holiday season is something to celebrate. Enjoy your time with friends and family. Yes, even if they’ve overstayed their welcome. But most importantly, “Stay Motivated” this winter and let Northwest Trail Runs: Winter Trail Series help. The races are short, the terrain is fun, and the friendships are everlasting.

The next race in the series is the Seward Solstice 4.2 mile & 10k on December 21 at Seward Park. You can find more information about the series and how to register for each race at http://nwtrailruns.com/content/winter-trail-series

Tis the season,

Uphill Running - Trey

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