I signed up for the Cinderella Trail Run Half Marathon when I found out I would be in Oakland for a business trip, and I really did not know what to expect since I had never been in the Bay area. The race website info was helpful, with detailed trail maps and elevation profiles.

Race day morning I was able to find the event fairly easily, and I picked up my race number with my friend Peter who had decided last minute to run the 5 mile race. I was shocked by how cold it was at the start (45 degrees in May?) but luckily I had packed enough gear to be comfortable at the start. The volunteers were friendly and helpful, and the registration process was simple. The race director gave some easy directions for the course - follow the pink and yellow ribbons, and avoid the blue to stay on the right trail. The start was low key, and the 150+ runners funneled onto the trail in an organized stream.

The first few miles were relatively easy and smooth climbing, with a spectacular vista of San Francisco in the distance on one ridge. As we wound deeper into the forest, the trail became steeper and more challenging, with very technical climbs and descents. The other runners were easy going and helpful as we took turns trying to find the correct path at the forks in the trail. Luckily the ribbon colors were easy to follow and I never missed a turn. At about 40 minutes in, my calves started to seize up on the steep climbs, and I walked some of the hardest sections, striding out on the rolling gradual sections. I kept the runners ahead of me in sight, as we scrambled over and under trees and across small creeks.As the sun came out, the temperature warmed and I peeled off my extra layers to stay cool.

At about mile seven, as we descended a rocky treacherous section a runner ahead of me slid onto his backside but quickly got up to yell- "I'm fine!" We kept going, and the trail opened up to a level dirt road section that led to the next aid station, which was very well stocked with water, Clif hydration, snacks and fruit. I took a few cups and charged back up the trail, steeling myself for the 1000' climb over the next few miles. I was amazed to find out the woman pacing with me was running the 50K!

It turned out that the climb was tough but not impossible, with some flatter sections as we ascended the ridge and with just a couple of miles to go I really opened up my stride and charged to the finish. This section was the "Cinderella Trail", and I could see that you could easily lose a shoe here if that was where the name got started. My legs were weak by the time I crossed the finish line, but the feeling of completing my first trail half marathon on such a hard course was incredible! All of the finishers received a Cinderella Trail medal with 2017 on the ribbon, and age group awards for the top three finishers. I shared some war stories from the race with my fellow finishers, enjoying the beer, chips and watermelon provided by the race organizers. The sun was now warm and we were all happy. And I couldn't believe the marathoners and 50K runners were running the course twice!