The Olde Girdled Grit trail half marathon was quite a doozy. Check out my recap and see if you’re up for the challenge to tackle it next year!
Olde Girdled Grit Trail Half Marathon Recap
I don’t even know where to start with my recap/experience of the Olde Girdled Grit trail half marathon. I ran it on a whim. Mostly to jumpstart my higher mileage long runs, but also because I’ve been wanting to run it for years. The weather was going to be near perfect for a run in the mid 40s with plenty of sunshine so I figured YOLO and went for it.
The trouble began the evening before the race, however. And if I didn’t tell you about that, I would be doing this whole recap a disservice. I am a storyteller after all. And what’s a race experience without the full story?
Setting the stage
On Friday afternoon, I got all my race “stuff” together. Clothes, hydration pack, snacks, etc. I planned on taking a bunch of stuff with me and making race day decisions in the parking lot. I was well prepared.
Sometime on Friday we received an email from one of the race directors about the trail conditions. She said it was ice covered in some spots and if we had yaktrax we might want to wear them. I had my yaktrax ready to go but since I have fancy ice trail shoes I figured it would be overkill. Spoiler alert: I left the yaktrax at home. #HUGEFUCKINGMISTAKE
A crazy morning
Later in the evening, as I got ready for bed, I read an article on my news app which in turn triggered a minor panic episode. Of course my cortisol skyrocketed and even though I wasn’t particularly anxious or panicky by the time I got in bed, high cortisol = restless sleep. But, I’ve run races on very little sleep before so I figured I’d just deal with it.
The next morning, I got myself up and ready for the race. As I was about to head out the door, both of my children woke up and complained of not feeling well. I took their temperatures and even though they were low, I was still concerned about possible flu. My husband assured me he would take them to the doctor and that I should still go to my race. My hesitation to go wasn’t because I didn’t think my husband was capable of taking care of the kids. He’s a great dad and takes care of them all the time. My hesitation was my #momguilt because I had literally just registered for the race on a whim. It’s not like it was a pre-planned race that I had been training for for months. I felt super guilty leaving them in this situation but he assured me it was fine, so off I went.
Anxiety builds…
At this point, I had slept terribly and was now paranoid my kids had the flu. Also worried that my husband and I might get the flu. And what about the huge trip coming up? Now I’m running late for my race and I haven’t eaten yet and there’s gonna be ice and OH MY GOD I AM FREAKING OUT.
My anxiety? Off the charts.
Finally at the race!
After “calming” myself down in the car for the 30-minute drive to the race, I arrived much later than anticipated and was in a bit of a rush. Once I parked, I opened my car door to figure out which winter accessories to wear. I opted for an unlined neck gaiter, a lightly lined headband, and mittens. I also brought my handwarmers and sunglasses.
It was a short walk to the starting area. Almost 200 yards from my car I realized I should have worn the warmer accessories. Since I was pressed for time, I made the decision to stick with what I had and I’d make do.
Get ready to rumble
I’ve said this time and again, and I’ll stick with it until the end — one of my favorite parts of running smaller races is seeing so many friendly faces. The running community in northeast Ohio is tight knit and it’s so fun to see friends. Especially after not seeing anyone for months due to winter.
At the starting line, this race was no different. I got to see so many people I just adore and before I knew it, the race began!

Pre-run selfie!
The route…
The first couple miles were road miles. And almost entirely uphill. My friend Liz and I walked quite a bit to conserve energy. She had her yaktrax on her arm, ready to go. I had my stupid fancy ice shoes on my feet.
When we entered the park, I was so relieved to see the trail was mostly dirt with very little ice. I thought the race director maybe overreacted in her email. Or perhaps the ice had melted since she had sent it.
Then there was some ice. And then a little more. And then Liz sat down on a rock to put her trax on.

Not jealous of those trax yet…
No sooner had she put her yaktrax on than had we started the bulk of the race — which, as it turns out, was almost entirely on ice. This was my first experience running Olde Girdled Grit. I had heard it had some steep hills but didn’t know much else. In this regard, I’m glad I went in blind because it was a doozy.

Before the trail was completely ice-covered.
So much ice…
The hills probably wouldn’t have been too terrible except for the ice. First we went downhill. There was almost no safe way to do it. I had no, and I mean ZERO, traction going down the hill (or ever). Not even a little bit. Clinging to the wooden fence for dear life on my way down, I still slid several feet. I saw people basically skate down the hill on their asses. And after the hill came the stairs. They were ice-covered, too. And then the bridges.
At one point we were told “it’s totally runnable for a few miles up there” — meaning once we got back UP the hill, we could run. I was so tired from the way down and then the way back up, that I had very little energy to run the flat, runnable portion. Liz and I ran/walked.
What’s going on at home?
Meanwhile, I was still nervous about my kids. My husband had texted me before the race that he got them an appointment at 9:45 am. I anxiously awaited a message. Fortunately I was able to talk to my husband around 10:15. He said no flu, just a virus. Phew! Relief. When he asked how Liz and I were doing, I looked at my watch — we weren’t even five miles in!!!!! HOW on earth could that be???!!! 75 minutes later and not even five miles?! What the what???
I’ve never wanted to legitimately drop a race before. On Saturday, I was practically begging the powers that be for a place to drop where I could take a DNF. It never came. I really just wanted to cry.
Mental checklist
When I say I “ran” Olde Girdled Grit, it was more like a sad attempt at hiking with a few steps of a saunter thrown in for good measure. 98% of the course was totally unrunnable for me. I was slipping and sliding every which way, and I was mentally checked out. My legs hurt, my brain hurt. I was just done.
But I knew I had to get my head back in the game in a positive way to be able to finish. Liz and I decided to list four good things about the race. We made it to six. I would say that’s pretty darn good considering how dejected I felt out there.

Looks like snow. Runs like ice.
After miles and miles and miles and miles of barely hiking on an ice rink, we finally made it to additional “runnable” areas. But by this time we had been out on the trails for three-ish hours. I plain just didn’t have enough fuel in me. I thought we’d maybe be out for 3 hours at most. Certainly not almost four. To add insult to injury, I began getting cold since we weren’t moving very fast.
I was completely, 100%, depleted. Mentally and physically. I tried to run but couldn’t muster the strength. It was a sad state of affairs.
Sorry, you’re running that again?
The best (worst?) part of all this? There was a full marathon and a 50k. And those folks had to run that nonsense multiple times!! You couldn’t have paid me enough to go back out there. Not ten million dollars. No way, no how.
It was a really terrible race for me. I never want to experience that kind of a run again. There was nothing fun about it. Oh, except for the suspension bridge. I did rather enjoy that. But the rest of it? For the birds. Never again. Unless it’s in the summer. If it’s in the summer I’ll do it.
The Garmin tells the story. Looking back at my splits I see several 20-minute miles. Some are even 22 minutes. Only one 11-minute mile. And the next fastest is 12:33 pace. This is so far off my normal pace that it’s almost embarrassing. Except that it’s not. Because it was legit ice for 9 of 13 miles.

An area of “runnable” trail.
What went wrong?
So many things went wrong. Starting off with a minor panic attack, spiked anxiety, not wearing the yaktrax… so many things went wrong. This was supposed to be an easy, relaxing run on the trails. And it was anything but that.
The good stuff…
But there were a few good things about the experience. First, Liz accomplished running her first ever trail half, which is huge! I’m so proud of her for that. And she pushed me along when I would have rather crumpled up and called Uber with instructions to use the “find my phone” beacon had I been left to my own devices.
As always, Greater Cleveland XC puts on a top notch event. Aside from the ice, which is obviously outside their control, the course I think was nice. The aid station with the fireplace around mile 7 was fabulous. And the post race soup was amazing.
The Olde Girdled Grit 2020 trail half marathon is in the books. Will I do it again? Not a damn chance if it’s in February. That was just too much nonsense for me.
I know this isn’t my usual “race recap” so in case you’re here for that, here’s the skinny:
Parking: Easy. Food: Good. Atmosphere and friends: Excellent. Swag: Excellent.
Thanks for following along over the weekend and checking out my Instagram stories. While this race definitely did not go as planned, I enjoyed a serving of humble pie and mental toughness, a decent boost in mileage, and got to spend quality time with a good friend. I think that’s a win, no?
xo
Let’s talk!
Have you ever DNFed a race? Tell me why!
Do you run trails in winter?
48 Comments
You are one tough chick with all kinds of grit. Although the race totally sucked #ish as it was happening, aren’t you glad you had #AllTheGrit in your arsenal? Besides, look at the awesome story! Ahem…let me tell you about my most recent marathon…. Seriously, great job on taking what the day gave you and not giving in. YOU earned your badass designation.
Aww, thank you! It was really hard. In not good ways. Hahaha.
I think this is totally a win! You finished a race that had terrible conditions. Isn’t that what trail racing is about, anyways? Curious, did the YaxTrax help your friend on that ice? I don’t find them all that helpful on road ice but I have yet to use them on a trail. Congrats! And yes, go back and run the trail when the conditions are better.
PS That last photo is adorable!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Yes, the yaktrax did help those who had them. Everyone was still going slow, but the run-specific ones have spikes in them along with the coils to help them grip.
I think it’s virtually impossible to mentally come back from a night of restless sleep, worrying about kids and panicking that you are late. Those are scenarios most moms have to deal with and it’s tough. Those trail conditions would scare me to death! Ice is not something I have much experience on. Couple that w trail running and I would be a mess. I actually thought yaxtrax did not work on ice? Definitely an accomplishment to feel proud of!
The folks that had the yaktrax still slid a little bit. But nowhere near what I was experiencing! I really just needed crampons if we’re being totally honest. Haha.
Yeah the stress of being a mom… sheesh!!
Haha OMG “stupid fancy ice shoes”. That would be me. I would have died on that course. Good for you for getting it done. Something to be very proud of!
I think a piece of my soul DID die on the course! It was brutal. And those stupid shoes… smh…
I really enjoyed this race recap! So well written. You managed to tell a funny story even though stumbling up and sliding down icy trails is anything but fun.
Congratulations for sticking it through to the bitter end! Four hours of torture are loooong!
I wonder how many in the 42/50k DNFd?
Thanks! I actually wondered how many people DNFed, too. They gave them the option of dropping down to the half distance but the RD said not many people did. I can’t even imagine running more than what I did. It was so hard.
You did amazing!! What an awesome recap! Great pics!! You are so inspiring!!
Thanks, girl! You’re too kind. 🙂
First of all, your anxiety sounds just like mine. And I had a race last year where the boys signed us all up as a Christmas present, but then little man got the flu, so they sent me off to run on my own and it was one of those where I had to drive an hour, it was a new course, the weather was terrible, I was all alone, yada yada my anxiety was through the roof. That being said, my race wasn’t full of OMG SO MUCH ICE!!!!!!
That’s INSANE! And you did so well! Congratulations!
You win best comment award. Because I totally read it like I was having anxiety. Haha!!
I’m trying to put myself in your position with the race being an hour away. I think maybe I would have skipped it? Although it’s hard to say…
Well written! You did great! I know friends who love marathons! Maybe I’ll give it a try one day! 🙂
Just make sure you choose one that doesn’t have as much ice and you’ll be all set. 😉
I don’t run trails in Winter. Not unless they’re completely clear — and even then — it pretty much never even enters my mind. Because even a little snow turns to ice when lots of people run/walk/bike on it. Heck, I won’t even run outside if there’s a chance of black ice! I’ve never broken a bone and I don’t want to.
Good job finishing — that definitely built up some mental toughness. Glad the kiddos are ok too.
Honestly, I don’t run trails in winter either for those exact reasons. And if there’s the threat of black ice, I’m on the treadmill. Having said all that, I foolishly thought the trails would be clear for that race. So very wrong! Lesson learned.
Wow mad props to you for completing the damn thing! I would have most certainly been looking for a way to Uber my arse out of there. Those conditions sound so tough. Glad you made it through in one piece…and good to hear there was no flu!
No flu but I still have one sick one at home! She’s basically going to miss the whole week of school. Oof.
The conditions were super tough. Trust me, I was trying desperately to figure a way out of that mess. I just didn’t know how to get out of the woods!
Oh man, what an experience! I’m sorry this was a tough one for you but you did a great job of telling the story! Honestly I think I would have hit that first stretch of ice and turned around. So way to go for finishing even though it was so tough!
I thought FOR SURE it was just that small portion that was ice covered. But after the first five miles when it just kept going on… that’s when reality set in that I was too far in to turn around.
I’m so proud of you – this sounded like a BEAST of a race and you completed it! The icy conditions sounded AWFUL and like something I’d hate. I’m so scared of slipping on ice! Way to go!
Thank you!!
It was terrible!! I hated every second. I’m terrified of slipping on ice, too. No bueno!
Just WOW! I can’t imagine running (or whatever you want to call it) in those conditions! I’m so proud of you for getting it done! Next time bring the yaxtrax! 🙂
It was so freaking hard, Debbie. I wanted to quit with every ounce of my being! Definitely bringing yaktrax next time. If there is a next time…
That’s a tough first race – if you can really call it that. But you stuck it out and that should be a feather in your cap. Next time it gets tough and you really want to quit, you can think back to this race when you stuck it to the end.
Hmmm true. Mental toughness. I wonder if I’ll be able to access that when I’m in the pain cave in a future race. Time will tell!
I do run trails in winter and I know that ice very well. But 13 miles of it? Without Yaks?? Ugh. I can totally understand why you’d want to call Uber. On a positive note, it looks like a pretty day and you did finish. You’ll have this crazy story for ever! 😀
RIGHT??!!! Hours and hours of treachery! So hard. I’m still on edge. Haha.
But your smile (or is it a smirk?) on that bridge! #priceless. Seriously, that bridge would have freaked me out. And OMG there is no shame in that pace. You can’t judge on trail races, never mind the treacherous conditions! You did it! And your kids are OK! #winning
It was stupid hard. I’m still scarred. Probably for life!
Congrats! This race sounds like such an experience … especially running on ice. That sounds like fun 😉
Least amount of fun I’ve had on a run in a while! But I made it. Phew.
Winter trail running here in SoCal is the best time (except when it’s raining…been there and it sucks!) because everything is green and it’s not so hot.
Well at least now you can say you did it and survived, but I agree, wait until the ice melts before you do that again. Glad you could smile in that last pic! And glad your kids are okay. 🙂
I was muttering expletives as I approached the photographer. I had no idea she was there! When I saw her I asked, “was it at least cute?” Haha. 🙂
The whole time I was reading this, all I could think of was how big of a blessing it was to do this with a friend! Could you imagine solo? I mean, I really can’t even imagine a run like this, period. I’m impressed that you still managed to get some positivity out of this experience. You’re a champ!
NO! I could NOT imagine doing this without a friend. How miserable would that have been… I don’t even want to imagine it!
Wow! I don’t run trials in the winter. I’m so clumsy that I barely run them in the summer. Run is a loose term.
Glad you survived and did not fall and break something.
You and me both. It was terrifying for HOURS. I’m not a fan of ice at all!
Oh my gosh! What a story! I can’t believe there is that much ice. Glad you are ok!
Haha, thank you! It was quite the adventure…!
Wow, what an adventure!! I am super impressed that you did this! I did one trail run a few years ago and it was in the Summer, it was a 10k and it was so hard, my pace was so far off my normal too, except I did not have to contend with ice…GREAT JOB!!!
Slower trail pace is completely normal and to be expected. Most people can assume a 1-2 minute difference, sometimes even more! But trails are so beautiful and so much fun. 🙂
Ugh! I did the same thing last year at a trail 25k! Brought my yaktrax then didn’t use them. Big mistake! Good for you for finishing a really tough race. Great post!
Lol! I’m glad I’m not the only one who did something silly like that. But oof that was tough!!
I absolutely LOVE your last line – “While this race definitely did not go as planned, I enjoyed a serving of humble pie and mental toughness, a decent boost in mileage, and got to spend quality time with a good friend.” I think in a weird kind of way, yes, this race was definitely a win! Thanks for your honesty, quite the adventure!
Thanks so much! What a positive way to look at it. 🙂