On Saturday, Oct. 5th, Frosty and I headed to Whitneyville for the Bad Little Trail Run. This race was part of the Downeast Conservation Trail Race Series. The race was hosted by the Bold Coast Runners and the Downeast Coastal Conservancy. There were two distances to choose from a 2.5 and 7 mile race.
The sun was strong, but the air was frigid. When we arrived, a fire was going in the fire pit. It was nice to have a fire to warm up by. There was a circle of chairs around the fire for relaxing.
A Warm Place to Gather on a Chilly Day
We picked up our bibs. This year the runners were given race themed hats instead of race shirts. I LOVE the hat. This race has a cute logo. Last year, racers got a cotton, crew neck shirt with the logo.
I Loved the Race Hats!
Race sponsors also sent over tick spoons, lip balm with sunscreen, and purple rubber bracelets. I took a couple tick spoons. I want to be able to have one to stay in each backpack.
One of the Race Hosts
Last year’s race results were posted. I was glad because I wanted to try to beat my time from last year, but I had forgotten to look it up.
The Race Is on Downeast Coastal Conservancy Land
The race starts and ends on the Down East Sunrise Trail. The seven mile race has a long section on the Down East Sunrise Trail after mile one. The majority of both races were on single track trails in the Machias River Preserve.
Course Map
There were lots of roots. This was a rooty course. There were also rocks, bog bridges, a little mud, and lots of pine needles. I love the soft footing of running on pine needles.
The Race Starts out on a Section of the Down East Sunrise Trail
Near the beginning of the course, runners cross an old railroad bridge and head into the woods on a single track trail. I could hear someone behind me. I asked if they wanted to pass. She replied no, and explained that she was the sweeper. I was last for a LONG time. It wasn’t until after mile three that I passed someone. I thought for sure that I would be the DLF, dead last finisher.
A Smooth Section of Trail
I stumbled four times, and fell once. My fall was in a pine needle section, so I had a soft landing. After mile five, the runner in front of me fell. Frosty fell too, and broke his nose. He said the sound was like crushing a Dorito between two water balloons.
Another Nice Section of Trail
Frosty’s nose was gushing blood. He was about three quarters of a mile from the finish. So he got up and just kept running. Most of the blood landed on his arm. Amazingly, his shirt avoided this blood.
The Medical Tent
As soon as Frosty crossed the finish line, he said, “medical,” He was escorted to the first aid tent. The workers stopped the bleeding and cleaned him up. They also shared that many people had come into the tent for medical attention after falling this year. A few minutes later, a woman came in who had broken her nose. She had a cut on the outside, too, so she just kept oozing blood.
Awaiting the Awards Ceremony
Frosty had broken his nose in a skiing accident in high school. Ironically, this break has straightened his slightly bent nose back out. After getting cleaned up, he came back out on the trail to look for me.
Part of the Race Was on the Down East Sunrise Trail
I was spent and didn’t try to outrun the man in front of me. When I finished, I just wanted to know my time, since there wasn’t a race clock. The first mile felt so bad. Various aches and pains. I just couldn’t get in a rhythm. After that, I didn’t think I could beat my time from last year. I was amazed to learn that I had bested my time by over six minutes. Frosty bested his time by over six minutes as well.
The Front of the Finishers Medal
Runners were asked to bring a dish to share at the post race celebration. Racers were also asked to bring reusable plates and silverware to help with conservation efforts. A lawn chair was recommended, if you wanted to sit while eating post race.
The Back of the Finishers Medal
I didn’t know what to bring. I had all the ingredients for a baked chicken casserole, but it wouldn’t be refrigerated for hours due to travel and race time, and I couldn’t heat it up either. The temperature was too cold for pasta salad. The oil would coagulate.
Participants Brought Food and Drink to Share Post-Race
I was going to make some cookies or brownies. Then, Squirrel was really sick, so the baking didn’t happen. We ended up stopping at Hannaford on the way. I picked up three boxes of cookies from the bakery, Doritos, and Iced Tea.
Fixin’s for S’Mores!
Lots of people ended up bringing desserts. A couple people brought casseroles. One person brought hot cider with a burner to keep it warm. Genius idea! I enjoyed the sweet treats and snack food! Someone also brought the ingredients for s’mores. Bonus points for that idea. I love s’mores! Many of the kids at the race were toasting marshmallows before the awards ceremony. Machias River Brewing Company was also there selling beer.
Racers Could Buy a Post-Race Beer From Machias River Brewing Co.
We didn’t hang out too long. We had errands to run and wanted to get back to Squirrel. We stayed for the awards ceremony, ate quickly, and headed out.
