Diablo Trails Challenge

So running has definitely become a family affair.  This past weekend we participated in the Diablo Trails Challenge.  Since the girls would be running we did the 5K, and it was such a great time.  This great time included muddy trails,  several creek crossings, and a wonderful BBQ.

Courtesey Brazen Racing

The run was organized by our favorite trail running company Brazen Racing for the Save Mt. Diablo group. There was a race for everyone: a 50K, half-marathon, 10K and 5K. This is a first rate company.  Besides the traditional shirts, everyone gets medals. In fact, everyone who comes in 1st to 3rd gets a medal.  The aid stations are fully stocked and the volunteers are so friendly.  There is so much attention to detail down to the care and concern of the runner, I have no problem having the entire family run with them.

Located in the Castle Rock Regional Park and Mt. Diablo State Park, the race was fun.  This was definitely not a day to get your PR.  In fact we got over an 1.5 inches of rain on Saturday.  Emma, our eight year old, and I placed ourselves at the starting line.  Beth and our daughter Sophie, our six year old, were in the middle of the pack.  The strategy would be that I would run ahead and if the creeks were too deep, I would ferry the girls across.  No need.  They plowed through.  The trail was extremely muddy, but you knew this going in. 

We had several friends running this race, with one being his first race ever. He bested my time by 3 minutes.  My ego slightly hurt, I was so happy that he had a great time.  In fact he came in third in his age group.  He will be running another race in Tilden Park in April with another company, I am just glad he started out with the best.

I did good, especially with the conditions, at 31 minutes.  Emma was 10 minutes behind me followed by Beth and Sophie 10 minutes after her.

Brazen typically has the finish area well stocked with recovery food.  This race included a BBQ also provided by Save Mt. Diablo. Soaking wet and cold, we had lunch and headed home for a warm bath and a cup of coffee.  I love that we can do this as a family!!!