Tick Ridge Trek 25k

Friday, February 4th, was a crazy day. My daughter was bringing her roommate home for the weekend from college, another daughter was celebrating a birthday and we had normal let’s get ready for the weekend activities.

Well, a few members of the trail running group, the Scalawags, were messaging about a trail race the next day. Three had already signed up and they were encouraging a few more to make it an event for the group. I confirmed with my wife that I could join them and plans were set.

Five of us carpooled to Elkton, Tennessee for the Tick Ridge Trek 25k. At only an hour, it was not a long ride. At 20 degrees, it was pretty cold, but I layered pretty well. The race also had a 5k and a 10k. Each distance had their own color flag and with them always on the right ever 50 feet, you had to try really hard to get lost (over 1,000 flags on the course). No, I did not get lost!

The course was challenging with around 2,400 feet of elevation gain. The views were enjoyable from the tree line to the ponds and the sheep, cows and horses. Now, there were also goats. one goat escaped its pen and followed me for at least 4 miles. I was not sure if it was funny or if I should be scared.

At mile 10, I finally caught up to a fellow Scalawag, but could not match his stride climbing the hills.

He managed to beat me by 5 minutes and claim 1st in the Master’s Division.

I finished in 2 hours and 27 minutes and finishing 2nd in the Master’s Division. My average pace was about 9:30, which surprised me with all the hill climbs we had to do.

Up next is the Hot Chocolate 15k in Nashville this weekend. I will then have a month to prepare for the Music City 25k.