Wagging in the Woods

Terra’s OG boss, Rocky

If you been around Terra for long you will have know that we really love animals. Dogs are welcome in the shop, we partner with our local SPCA for events and donation drives, and our original “boss” was the legendary Rocky — a loving, friendly, (though opinionated) former shelter dog himself.

Those are just a few of the reasons that we are incredibly excited to help time a brand new trail race called Wagging in the Woods. This dog friendly 5k helps fund emergency medical care to pets in need and is being put on by local veterinary office, Taylor Animal Hospital. We chatted with Sarah Kelsey Baker, the race director and Hospital Operations Manager at Taylor Animal Hospital, to learn more about this delightful new trail race.

For those who don't know, can you tell us a bit about Taylor Animal Hospital? 
Taylor Animal Hospital has been a part of the Cleveland community since 1968. Our first goal is to provide excellent care to pets and education on ways to keep them healthy. Our second is to establish a genuine relationship with the families of those pets within our community. 

What inspired you all to put on the Wagging in the Woods 5k? How will it support the work that you all do for the animals of Bradley County?
To us, a healthy community also has healthy pets and opportunities that allow those pets and their family members to be involved with one another.  As more and more people are moving into our "small, big town," we want to continue making acquaintances with our neighbors (especially those with fur). Wagging in the Woods is just one of the ways we are trying to accomplish this goal. 

On of Taylor Animal Hospital’s vets, Dr. Kelsey Yates, with some newborn puppies!

Wagging in the Woods is unique in that proceeds will go to the Bradley County SPCA and our Artemis Fund, which helps to provide emergent medical and surgical care to pets in need.  

What should runners expect on race day? Where is the race, when does it start, and is there anything else unique about it?  
Wagging in the Woods will be hosted at Johnston Woods on November 16th, in the morning. We will have local food trucks and businesses present to make the chilly morning more comfortable for the runners. As far as uniqueness, our race is dog friendly. Winners are entered into raffles which include prizes such as a custom pet portrait from Hetzel Art Studio, passes to Orange Theory, and much, much more.

Anything else you would like to share? We ask that all dogs are leashed (4-5ft, non-retractable leashes only) and are up to date on their vaccines (must show proof on the day of the race). Taylor Animal Hospital, Bradley County SPCA, and Johnston Woods are not held liable for any dog fights or injuries should they occur. 

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Don’t miss this chance to support animals here in Bradley County and have some fun with your own dog (or meet some there if you don’t have your own to run with)! Follow this link to sign up today!

Try Out Trail Running at Johnston Woods

Fall is the perfect time for running. The weather is cooler, runs become easier and all of those blistering hot summer miles have given way to runs that feel effortless in comparison. Something else that many runners look forward to in the fall?

Trail running.

But why mix it up and get on the trails? Besides the beauty and calm of being in nature, especially in the fall season, trail running is inherently different than running on the roads.

Here are a few ways:

Pace

On trails, the terrain is ever-changing and elevation plays a key role in pace. One mile can’t be compared to the next, which is a great way to take the pressure off yourself if you’re often worried about pace while running roads. Walking uphills in trail races is totally acceptable! 

Terrain

Because the terrain does change so much — both in elevation as well as navigating over roots and rocks, etc. — the muscles used in trail running vary slightly more than road running alone. This is often not obvious until after a trail run and you realize that very specific parts of your legs, hips, even shoulders, feel sore even though you’ve been road running consistently with no previous soreness in those areas.

Routes

Because of the ease of road running, we often end up on the same routes run after run. With trail running you have to make the effort to go somewhere different to get off the beaten path (literally). While every run feels like an adventure, trail running ups the excitement and feels that much more satisfying when you finish.

Shoes

Trail shoes tend to be firmer, water resistant or waterproof, and have lugs with a harder, grippier rubber outsole for better grip off-road. Hiking or running on trails will be easier and you’ll feel more confident with trail shoes, but if you’re just starting out, wearing road shoes is an approachable alternative. Just be sure to watch your step and slow down! If you’re interested in taking the plunge and trying some trail shoes, Terra Running Co. sells trail specific models from Brooks, Hoka, Altra, On, and more.

Intrested in trying out, or getting back into, trail running? Why not check out Johnston Woods! Just 10 minutes south of downtown Cleveland it is a hidden gem in the woods. The 4.2 miles of trails are open to the public and fall is the perfect time to explore their beauty. 

This a favorite spot for Team Terra and is great for anyone who wants an escape to the woods without driving a half hour to larger trails. 

Although the trails sit on private property owned by Broad Street United Methodist Church, they are open to the public. According the Johnston Woods website, “It all started in the 1940’s when the Johnston’s family endowed 400 acres of beautiful wooded property.  In the 1980’s, Broad Street United Methodist Church transformed the beautiful property into a retreat and event center.  Since then our team has grown the property and it’s programs to enable a life changing impact for those who visit.” There is even a portable restroom in the parking lot now for the convenience of visitors. 

Due to its easy access and close proximity, Johnston Woods is an excellent place for both new and experienced runners to try out trail running. There are two trails to explore — the Blue and White loops. Both provide trail runners with a relatively flat, well marked trail. Be sure to keep an eye out for other runners, walkers, and bikers. When passing, say “On your left” loud enough for the person in front of you to hear, and if someone is trying to pass you, kindly step to the side of the trail. Pets on leashes are welcome and it’s a popular spot for mountain bikers (check out the Tuesday night mountain bike rides with Scott’s Bikes here. 

Try it out and let us know what you think! Check out the AllTrails page for Johnston Woods with maps and reviews here.

Running in a Tennessee Fall

It’s true, we have officially reached fall! Not only have we passed the Autumnal Equinox, the weather is cooler in the mornings, the days are starting to get shorter, and every store you go into is selling fake pumpkins and (fake) pumpkin flavors.

For runners, fall means delightfully pleasant temperatures and a chance to start wearing your favorite cold weather gear again… that is, if you don’t live in southeast Tennessee.

If you live here in Tennessee, your version of fall looks more like chilly mornings and crisp evenings with temps worthy of summer in the afternoon. Though I have lived in Tennessee for over a decade now, for this Maryland girl, the adjustment to a Tennessee “fall” is still difficult. I am thankful for the warmer days occasionally, but most of the time I’m just sad that the cozy sweater that I needed in the morning is unbearable by midday.

This extreme temperature fluctuation can also cause a dilemma for runners — hit the road in darkness and experience the joys of a 50 something degree run, or hold out for daylight and fight off 80 degree heat.

Regardless of when you are lacing up, let me offer some suggestions to get the most out of your run during a Tennessee fall.

Morning (Cooler Temp) Running —

We all know that hotter temperatures equal harder runs. Start out for a long run on a 90 degree day and you’ll know immediately that you’re in, not just for a long run, but a longgg run. The reason is that, beyond exerting for your workout, your body is also working overtime to maintain an acceptable core temperature. This means your heart will be beating harder and faster even at lower rates of exertion.

Why am I talking about running in hotter weather in the cooler weather section? Because the inverse is also true. Cooler weather means, “easier” runs. This is one of the reasons that everyone loves a fall race; all of those summer miles can easily add up to fall PRs.

With this in mind, those cooler mornings become the perfect time to practice tempos runs and speed work. Since your body won’t have to exert as much energy keeping you cool, it becomes easier to push your pace and build up strength in different muscle sets than what you would be working at a slower clip.

Try it — Set out for your normal training distance. After warming up for at least 5 minutes (on your run or otherwise), introduce simple speed work. Push yourself to (just below) sprint pace for 30 seconds, then scale back to your normal pace for a minute and 30 seconds before sprinting(ish) again for another 30 seconds. Repeat this pattern until you finish your run. Be sure to cool down and stretch adequately after you finish. Depending on your current fitness level, experiment with interval time and speed variations.

Afternoon (Hotter Temp) Running —

We’ve already established that hotter weather running is harder (and you didn’t need me to tell you that, you definitely already knew). So how do we maximize training when the temps are 80+ degrees? If you have acclimatized to the heat already from summer training, you can definitely still do speed work if you are working on your time for an upcoming race. You might not have as fast as a pace as you would have in the morning, but you will also be giving your heart more of a workout which will increase fitness. But if we are thinking about being inspired by the weather, warmer fall runs provide the perfect opportunity to get in the shade and off the beaten path by experimenting with trail running.

Trail running is always engaging but in the fall runners are in for a special treat as the leaves turn their vibrant colors. If the pull of nature’s beauty isn’t enough to get you out on the trail, consider the benefits of trail running. Trail running strengthens more (and different) muscles than just regular road or treadmill running alone. This is because it engages more muscles as your body finds its’ balance on various terrain, overcomes more hills (both up and down), and leaps over obstacles. Trail running also burns more calories per hour than regular running alone. Beyond the strengthening effects, trail running is also excellent for your mental health. Studies consistently show the benefits of getting into nature; everything from decreased anxiety and stress, reduced blood pressure, increased memory, improved concentration, and boosted immune function.

Try it — Head to one of the many amazing trails that our area has to offer — there are lots of choices for every ability level! For some nice simple loops, Johnston Woods is a great choice (they have both a 1 mile and 3 mile loop). For more options (both simple and hard) the White Oak Mountain Trails in Collegedale are a well trafficked area that can take you farther. And if you really want to challenge yourself, running on the trail system up and on Chilhowee Mountain in the Cherokee National Forest can give you serious elevation, mileage, and views. For all of these trails, runners need to be cognizant of mountain bikers and hikers.

Grab a pair of running shoes that have decent traction and that you don’t mind getting dirty (if you have trail running shoes even better!). Tell someone where you are going and when you plan on being back. Pack water and any nutrition that you need (account for mileage and effort for if you need to bring any with you), then hit the trail! If you need to walk more than you usually do that’s fine, just have fun with it and enjoy the views! The shade from the tree cover will drop warm afternoon temperatures naturally and the newness of exploring trails will bring a fresh excitement for the season.

The fall season in Tennessee might not always look like sweater weather but when it comes to running, a southern fall provides plenty of opportunities to be inspired to try something new, to push yourself, and to appreciate the beauty that we are surrounded with every day.

Happy fall, happy running!