Winter Pickle Run Trail Race at Ridley Creek State Park

As the first snow of the season steadily fell, about 60 hearty runners raced through the stark forests of Ridley Creek State Park on Jan. 18 for the 13th annual Winter Pickle Run Trail Race. The winter, with its bone-chilling winds and cloudy skies, may make you want to hibernate in your warm and cozy house. But for some people, and especially runners, being outdoors during the cold months can be the best time of year.

Driving through the 2,600-acre state park, I was amazed at how quiet and peaceful it seemed without the crowds of people who typically enjoy the area's many recreational activities in the warmer months. The idea of creating running events during the winter, which were once practically non-existent, started more than a decade ago. Local runner Tim Krueger explained that back then his running "was in a pickle," so after a party and a few beers the "Pickle Run" idea was born. I've always wanted to try this race, so last month I signed up to become a Pickler!

As we entered the park, most of the cars were headed to Section 17 for the start of the races which also included a 5K road course. After a few instructions (no timing devices allowed because it was a prediction run) and some jokes about the Houston Astros from a man dressed in a pickle costume, we all lined up on the paved Forge Road Trail for the start. My cheering squad of my always supportive husband Kevin and our pup Georgia May (sporting her Christmas sweater), were two of the only spectators on this snowy morning. After about a quarter-mile on the road, most of the runners made a right into the woods and onto the White Trail. 

The majority of the course was flat and slightly downhill (except one hill that I had to walk), but the real challenge was navigating obstacles such as the tree roots, downed trees and rocks lining the snow cushioned trails. Other than turning my ankle once and windmilling my arms a few times to keep from wiping out, I felt it was one of my best runs. And with the relaxed atmosphere, there's was more camaraderie amongst the runners as we offered words of encouragement to each other.

Luckily I could always see someone in front of me and could hear someone behind me, because otherwise I might still be wandering around in the woods. I think I was eventually on the Yellow Trail, but honestly I have no idea. I was also looking for the hidden pickles along the route, but alas I came up empty.

  

With the snow falling heavier, I sprinted to the finish line of this 3.5ish-mile trail run with a time of 44:28, about six minutes slower than my prediction. What a great way to experience the outdoors in the winter! Grading on the route, ease and cost of registration (which was $17 after a coupon), T-shirt appeal (a white long-sleeve T-shirt with a running pickle) and overall fun factor I give this race five sneakers out of five.