Last week I decided to participate in a Trail Race, the Backyard Bonanza 5K at Lubell Park in Tulsa. You notice I didn’t say “run” because I was going to walk it. I figured I could walk the 5K. I hike that much once or twice a week these days.
I get there bright and early in the morning. It was 36 degrees so it was a little nippy. No wind and clear skies, so sign me up.
I brought my electric heated vest that Heather bought me for Christmas a couple years ago. Nothing but the best for me.
Plus they had a fire going. It was very warm.
There were two other concurrent races going on at the same time. A 25K and a 12K or something like that. They started earlier. That is the thing about trail races. Most of them are like that so you can run as long as you want or go shorter.
Since I was walking I went through the starting gate last. I managed to hold that position for the rest of the race.
The woods were beautiful and I just went into meditation mode being aware of the sun on my face and the various sounds I was hearing and making sure of my footing.
This little tipi structure has been at Lubell for years.
The course was pretty good. Not many rocks and good swithbacks going up and down the hills. Well marked. I’ve gone off trail a couple times during trail races. Easy to do if you are not paying attention. That can be disconcerting back where you are supposed to be.
And before I knew it, the Finish Line!!
The race photographer caught me at the end in my electric vest and my number 61 tag. I love prime numbers so I was proud of my 61. I was also representing the Dallas Cowboys!
Chatted with a few people and had some pancakes that they were making. That is the other thing about trail races. They generally feed you pretty good. They also had chili but I wasn’t in the mood.
And here is the route. Started and ended in Lubell Park with an incursion into the Mooser Creek Greenway. The only thing better than trails is interconnected trails like Lubell and Mooser Creek. Notice that the distance is 3.9 miles which is more than a kilometer longer than a 5K. That’s the other thing about trail races, the distances are approximate because they use existing trails. Part of the charm in my book.
And here I am. I won my age group in the 5K. In fact I was the only one in my age group in the 5K. It was a fun time.
After chatting with more people I headed home.
I’ll be back next year! I have to defend my title if nothing else.
I am linking with Skywatch Friday.
…yep, you are a winner!
That is so much fun! Good for you. I miss jogging. Sigh.
Good for you for keeping up with running/walking, Yogi! The fact that you were the only one in your age group tells me that more should be out there trying! The weather has been so mild this year–good to take advantage of it.
Love the shadow work!
Congratulations on your win!! I like your attitude about maintaining your position – LOL I’me envious of your sturdy legs that get you out on hikes.
well done, Yogi!
J’aime beaucoup toutes ces photos de nature
I love your sense of humor. What a fun post. A BIG congratulations on your 1st place finish in that snazzy electric vest!
Well done Yogi!
Lovely photos and captions too!
You are amazing! Just to think you not only finished, but finished less than a year after your knee replacement!
Congratulations on “winning.” 😉
You captured some great shadows.
Well done. That’s a good pace to maintain for nearly 4 miles. Your comment about maintaining your pace made me laugh. Great to see that you are still walking.
hahaha I like your humor. That’s what I call a winning strategy (and proof you only need one competitor). Congrats on the beautiful hike and the well-earned pancakes! Thanks for sharing the fun!
You are the MAN! Look what you accomplished. Pancakes as a prize. The photographs posted are wonderful.
Fist of all Congratulations 🙂 Loved your post. Awesome pics.
Greetings,
Hello,
Congrats on finishing the race/walk! You did great!
Love the photos and the pancakes look yummy.
Take care, happy Friday! Have a great weekend.
Congratulations on your great victory in your age group! There aren’t that many walking races here, which is kind of strange considering that the county I live in has a high percentage of seniors. Not to imply, of course, that seniors can’t run! They certainly do. But a trail race, right now, would be out for me. Maybe one day.
wow! Yogi ~ congrats to you on the trail race ~ great sense of humor and fantastic photos ~ hugs,
an artist reflects ~ carol and ziggy ^_^
A little cold for me to go walking! Glad you had that electric vest and made it to the finish line.
On another note, your latest Skywatch post had the title 6 October 2025 Edition. Should it be November?
Have a great weekend!
Well done, that’s an amazing achievement. And I have to smile at the prime number as your start number…
Thanks for hosting at Sky Watching too!
Congratulations, I’m impressed! Great shots along the way too. Thank you for visiting me today, and thank you for hosting Skywatch Friday. Have a fantastic weekend!
Looks like fun. Congrats on winning.
Congratulations!!!!
Congratulations on your win! You’re a champion and it looks like a spectacular day for a race and for some conversations with like minded people. Happy weekend.