I’d like to do more trail runs this year and running with this Austin-based women’s trail running group is always a great time. This is my 3rd Happy Treading race and my second time running the Happy Trails Ranch Park 10K Trail Race in Dripping Springs, Texas.

After two running events the day before, I was up and at ‘em just before sunrise for an hour-long drive to Ranch Park in Dripping Springs.

It was cool and overcast when I arrived at the event site but the sun was trying to break through the clouds. ⛅️

Jorgina joined me for all 3 weekend races! We had both run a 5K road race and a fundraising Undie Run (paired with some day drinking) the day before and now we were both ready to hit the trails for an adventurous 10K in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. 🌳

So…. Tell me you’re using a portapotty at a trail race, without telling me you’re using a portapotty at a trail race. 😆

After potty breaks and photo ops, it was time for the National Anthem and a quick pre-race briefing from Happy Treading race director, Richelle.

It was almost Go-Time. 😎

But first, a Start Line Selfie! 🤳

The start line leads right into the woods and onto a VERY NARROW path. 😬

As we continue winding through the trees, the path begins to open up but it also becomes more challenging with tree roots, rocks and steep(ish) inclines. 😯

In the first two miles, the course has us zig-zagging past one another on a much smoother but still somewhat narrow path that snakes through both wide open field and also through more thick wooded areas.

We ran along a (short) paved portion of trail alongside a small body of water.

This paved path led us to the course split where 5K runners took a sharp right turn and 10K runners continued straight, only to climb a steep and challenging hill made up of loose rocks and gravel. Thankfully there were volunteers there to cheer us on! 👏🏻

Back to a wide open field… and beautiful blue skies, as most of the clouds have lifted leaving the sun to shine upon us. 🌞 There were volunteers and (cupless) water stations. Thankfully I always travel with my reusable water cup for trail races. ♻️

Next on the course, we headed straight to a “mulch mound maze” which was thankfully very well marked and also had volunteers on hand to keep us all on track.

Around the halfway point (of the 10K) we ran by the Ranch Park entrance and along the outer perimeter of residential area the led us to another wooded area.

The second half of the course had more challenging terrain through trees and brush.

There was even a small wooden bridge crossing and a short muddy portion of trail for us to traverse through.

Jorgina and I crossed paths as we made our way through the twists and turns of the course. We even stopped for a quick selfie. 🤳

The winding, rocky hills continued but oh what a beautiful day it turned out to be!

As I was approaching the home stretch, I kept my eye out for the bright orange, knee-high flags that lined the course as I knew the finish line was near! 🏁

The post race celebration included breakfast by Fred, the “Flapjack Flipper,” who served up both regular and blueberry pancakes, fresh from the griddle. 🥞 There was also fresh fruit, donut holes and coffee. ☕️ Thankfully, they also had water because I do not drink coffee.

Finishers received a Happy Treading neck gaiter and the top 3 overall winners were awarded with beautiful potted plants as well as other great prizes. There were also several (random bib number) giveaways, such as free training sessions, race registrations, hand-held hydration bottles, a variety of running related books and more! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more Happy Treading events. 💖

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