I never used to race in November.

When I was training and racing at my peak (in my younger days), I ran summer 5ks or 10ks as time trials or tempo runs and the City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10k for a fitness test culminating in a peak half or full marathon in October.

By the time Daylight Savings Time and the uncertainties of fall weather hit, I was either basking in PR glory or reviewing what went wrong. In any event, I spent at least half of November and into the Christmas season resting and recovering and planning for spring.

That meant I bypassed the seasonal runs such at Butler’s Turkey Trot and other Thanksgiving-themed runs, Jingle Bell and other holiday races. They just didn’t fit into my dedicated training and racing plans.

Now that I’m recovering from injury, older (and possibly wiser), I’ve expanded my interpretation of racing and definition of event. I don’t invest all of my training into one peak effort. I don’t attend events only to further my training. And I don’t stop racing in November.

Last Saturday, I attended the 13th running of the Dirt Monster Trail Run, a rugged five-mile event on North Park Trails benefiting OCD Foundation of Pittsburgh. And despite the cold, rainy conditions and muddy, rocky trails, I, along with more than 120 others, had a great time.

I had comfort more than performance in mind when I checked Accuweather one more time for a rain prediction. Cold rain is my worst running condition and I knew I would be on the course for an hour or so. Runners who planned the event warmed up in shorts and t-shirts, but I dressed for comfort in tights, jacket, gloves and hat.

This was my fourth running of the expectedly rocky and rugged course, but the continuing rain gave it the added challenge of flowing streams on downhills, slick rocks on uphills and muddy pools of unknown depths on any level surfaces. Although I had run the North Park trails countless times, I still managed to hook my toe on a rock and sprawl headlong into the mud on single-track after mile two.

The biggest challenge on this course was the downhill plunge to the finish line. After more than 200 feet trampled their way to the top of the meadow at the start, the return trip to the finish was reduced to a slip ‘n’ slide finish.

Spectators enjoyed the fun as runners careened, slid or dove across the line.

Although top finisher Brett Mason’s first-place finish of 31:39 couldn’t top 2016’s first place of 29:46 by Matt Lipsey, Anna Balouris appeared to have no problem bettering the women’s course record with her 34:34 finish. Top finishers earned cash prizes while age group winners from ages 17 and under through 60+ earned medals.

All participants received commemorative t-shirts and bags for their efforts and shared steaming pots of homemade soups made by race director Elaine Davis. The soups paired perfectly with local craft beer.

Elaine Davis took no credit for the weather. She says that the 13 years of the race have included three years of rainy weather. Last year’s conditions were worse only due to technical difficulties, the post-race soup was ice cold.

Attendance at Dirt Monster may have been down this year due to weather conditions and conflicts with other popular events such as the Butler Turkey Trot, EQT 10-Miler and Indiana Veterans’ Marathon. Those who did attend had a great time supporting a good cause and didn’t seem to mind the less-than-PR conditions. And I’m learning to appreciate racing (or not) in November.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Zoo Zilla 5k, Pittsburgh. Run through Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. gboldizar@pittsburghzoo.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Buffalo Township Veterans Day 10k and 5k, Sarver. Out and back run on Butler-Freeport Trail starts at Monroe Road trailhead. 724-822-9953 or www.buffalotownship.com

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Operation Troop Appreciation Veteran’s Day 5k Race, Allison Park. Slightly rolling course through Hampton Community Park. www.operationtroopappreciation.org or Gerardmac977@aol.com

Nov. 17, 9 a.m.: Fight for Life 5k, Apollo. Benefits American Cancer Society. 724-568-2517 or dzukas@cancer.org

Nov. 17, 5:50 p.m.: Merry Christmas Mile, Hermitage. Costume themed race prior to City of Hermitage light up parade. 724-815-7754 or barrymclaughlin51@gmail.com

Nov. 22, 7:30 a.m.: ERC Turkey Trot 10k and 5k, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Beach 1 Pavilion. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/ERCTurkeyTrot

Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m.: YMCA Turkey Trot, Pittsburgh. Choice of 5 mile, 5k or 1 mile in downtown. bmiller@ymcapgh.org

Nov. 22, 8:30 a.m.: ICYMCA Turkey Trot, Indiana. Choice of 5k run/walk or 1.55 mile stroll through Fleming Christmas Tree Farm. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Indiana/AnnualTurkeyTrot

Nov. 22, 9 a.m.: 20th Annual Gobbler’s Gallop 10k, Ellwood City. Also 5k starting at 10:15 A.M. 724-758-6227 or joeandsidney@yahoo.com

Nov. 22, 9 a.m.: Seneca Valley Cross country Turkey Chase 5k, Cranberry Township. Run through Graham Park benefits Seneca Valley Cross Country and Cranberry Township Community Chest. localraces.com/events/cranberry-township-pa/seneca-valley-cross-country-turkey-chase

Nov. 24, 9 a.m.: WALKer Run 5k, Conneaut Lake. Starts at Fireman’s Beach, benefits Hospice of Crawford County. 814-382-3839 or www.walkerrun5k.com

Dec. 1, 10 a.m.: It’s a Wonderful 5k, Indiana. Run around the lake at Blue Spruce Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Indiana/ItsAWonderful5K

Dec. 1, 10 a.m.: Lakeview Area Public Library’s Jingle Dash 5k Run/Walk & Kids Fest Fun Run, Stoneboro. Chris www.runsanta5k.com tmas Kids; Fun Fest and Santa visit following. 740-310-2117 or beckiwilliams@hotmail.com

Dec. 1, 11 a.m.: Oil City’s Christmas Past Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5k, Oil City. runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/OilCity/OCJingleBellRun5k

Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m.: Run Santa Run, Cranberry Township. Run starts and ends in Graham Park. Costumes encouraged. www.runsanta5k.com

Dec. 2, 10 a.m.: Deerslayer Trail Run, South Park. Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club run with choice of 4 miles or 8 miles. 724-348-6012 or bmcglothlin@hotmail.com

Dec. 9, 9 a.m.: Trot for Tots 5k & 10k, Oakdale. Out and back on Panhandle Trail. 412-490-0881 or register.chronotrack.com/r/40089

Dec. 9, 9 a.m.: Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5k, Meadville. Christmas costumes encouraged. 724-992-9154 or Michael.richards@pa.usda.gov

Race results

Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Oct. 20 (finishers under 2:30:00): Travis Myers-Arrigoni, 1st Overall M, 1:10:10; Camden Seybert, 3rd Overall M, 1:17:55; Erika Suhy, 1st Overall W, 1:23:45; Robyn Vandyke, 3rd Masters W, 1:39:44; Thomas Gramc, 3rd 30-34 M, 1:27:33; Melissa Conjack, 1st 30-34 W, 1:29:12; Olivia Reddick, 1st 25-29 W, 1:30:22; Todd Roberts, 2nd 50-54 M, 1:30:26; John Armstrong, 3rd 50-54 M, 1:32:08; Brandon Bodily, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:32:08; Meredith Heusey, 2nd 35-39 W, 1:33:41; Michael Brown, 3rd 60-64 M, 1:36:07; Kim Jokl, 1st 20-24 W, 1:36:20; Stephen Hepler, 2nd 55-59 M, 1:38:45; Matthew Kephart, 3rd 25-29 M, 1:38:48; Rod Groomes, 1st 65-69 M, 1:38:59; Jinny Hertweck, 1st 45-49 W, 1:41:39; Greg Huth, 3rd 20-24 M, 1:43:14; Connie Hoffer, 2nd 40-44 W, 1:43:42; Kristene Smith, 3rd 45-49 W, 1:44:06; Micci Hutterer, 1st 60-64 W, 1:47:17; Jennifer Fennell, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:53:14; Rod Brest, 2nd 70+ M, 1:54:13; Bob Stanionis, 2nd 65-69 M, 1:59:19; Patricia Wyant, 1st 70+ W, 2:10:32; Patricia Neubert, 1st 65-69 W, 2:24:25; Anita Thomas, 3rd 70+ W, 2:48:42; Jack Kelley, 1:28:01; Mike Fagan, 1:29:15; Tyler Ross, 1:31:20; Andrew Harmon, 1:36:18; Steve Vargo, 1:37:46; James Relihan, 1:38:52; Adrienne Harmon, 1:39:15; Gregory Reed, 1:39:47; Mark Casteel, 1:40:30; Chuck Sarver, 1:41:43; Jonathan Bost, 1:42:03; Christopher Bloch, 1:42:57; Edward Johnson, 1:44:20; Roger Lutz, 1:45:04; Jon Haverstick, 1:45:12; Joe Farrell, 1:45:17; Michael Baumgartel, 1:45:24; Amanda Zacchia, 1:45:46; Timothy Wyant, 1:45:47; Jamie Kemper, 1:45:55; Luke Eckley, 1:46:06; Gary Waddell, 1:46:17; Kevin Condon, 1:46:19; Lori Malzazich, 1:46:47; Catherine Hrach, 1:46:54; Kristin Andreyo, 1:47:09; Brian Welsh, 1:47:14; Rick Mckain, 1:47:20; Patrick Prazenica, 1:47:43; Matthew Corbin, 1:47:45; Kevin Hixon, 1:48:39; Scott Meiser, 1:49:10; Charles Huth, 1:49:19; David Fugate, 1:49:19; Nick Barker, 1:49:40; John Crum, 1:50:15; Andra Titus, 1:51:20; Gregory Novotny, 1:52:13

Amanda Muscatello, 1:52:26; David Bruni, 1:52:27; Nicole Price, 1:53:01; Brian Kalmar, 1:53:27; Beth Bereksazi, 1:53:52; Nicole Voll, 1:53:55; Lauren Jacisin, 1:53:58; Nicholas Reitz, 1:54:05; Holly Peterman, 1:54:20; Nicole Prioletti, 1:54:50; Marilyn Larocca, 1:55:03; Samson Wyant, 1:55:29; James Helmick, 1:55:47; Jennifer Mcnabb, 1:56:29; Jeff Jokl, 1:56:40; Tracey Smith, 1:56:45; Emily Merhaut, 1:57:01; Jon Timko, 1:57:16; Caroline Hufnagle, 1:57:35; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 1:57:43; Leanne Finney, 1:57:59; Pam Daugherty, 1:58:11; Brian Daugherty, 1:58:11; Erick Hortert, 1:58:17; Colleen Diehl, 1:58:19; Taylor Amerson, 1:58:28; Amy Cegan, 1:58:36; Stacey Tornifolio, 1:58:56; Rita Ciccariello, 1:58:56; Earlene Allshouse, 1:59:25; Rege Russo, 1:59:30; Crystal Wonderling, 2:00:05; Sara Fritz, 2:00:21; Andrew Karns, 2:01:39; Chris Cutone, 2:01:47; Jeffrey Parks, 2:02:01; Susan Trinch, 2:02:15; Mandi Mccune, 2:02:20; Christina Dreher, 2:02:51l Sara Mcgee, 2:03:05; Katie Jamison, 2:03:22; Emily Kline, 2:03:42; Marybeth Keally, 2:03:58; Nicole Hogue, 2:03:58; Charles Tanner, 2:04:04; Amy Beth, 2:04:45; Rose Manning, 2:04:53; Natalie Martin, 2:04:58; Craig Chodkowski, 2:05:06; Katlyn Glaser, 2:05:11; Lindsay Mckissick, 2:05:33; Rachel Rutkoski, 2:05:49; Sawyer Parks, 2:06:03; Brian Beals, 2:06:12; Nick Kijowski, 2:06:19; Caleb Rauscher, 2:07:14; Mary Siegel, 2:07:19; Diane Groomes, 2:07:20; Cloey Wallace, 2:07:47; Eric Mazanek, 2:08:24; Stacy Matz, 2:09:36; Benjamin Frederick, 2:09:42; Elizabeth Svoboda, 2:09:42; Victoria Green, 2:09:43; Maria Asay, 2:10:06; Alyssa Anderson, 2:10:14; Matthew Wheeler, 2:10:14; Doug Fry, 2:10:52; Sarah Matusek, 2:10:52; Martina Mikulic, 2:11:07; Danielle Fry, 2:11:25; Cindy Waltemire, 2:11:39; Kurt Hellgren, 2:12:02; Kelley Baumgartel, 2:12:23; Adriana Alatorre, 2:12:29; Katie Amerson, 2:13:00; Jamie Richards, 2:13:07; Crystal Horan, 2:13:16; Michelle Metz, 2:13:22; Amy Lutz, 2:13:46; Wayne Toy, 2:13:50; Wendy Polochak, 2:13:55; Peter Gregori, 2:14:50; Christy Gregori, 2:14:50; Rachel Smith, 2:15:37; Jennifer Pacella, 2:15:57; Doug Titchen, 2:16:58; Michelle Brochetti, 2:17:16; Eric Poole, 2:18:04; Michele Gebhart, 2:19:07; Jonathan Kline, 2:19:21; Alyssa Siegel, 2:19:22; Amy Farr, 2:19:30; Priscilla Bromley, 2:20:08; Jennifer Shondeck, 2:20:31; Lauren Hopkins, 2:20:39; Leigh Baxter, 2:20:44; Katie Ellis, 2:20:52; Matt Buchwald, 2:22:12; Katherine Colton, 2:22:18; Eric Anderson, 2:22:18; Kara Constantine, 2:22:34; John Sestak, 2:22:52; Debbie Huth, 2:23:05; Heidi Christy, 2:23:26; Ron Trout, 2:24:05; Krystina Rothhaar, 2:24:06; Roy Koegler, 2:24:18; Shannon Gallagher, 2:25:05; Charlene Kurpakus, 2:25:45; Karen Walzer, 2:26:00; Barbara Fink, 2:26:35; Sandy Banerjee, 2:27:26; Arlene Gebhart, 2:27:45; Angela Giori, 2:28:25; Monica Thompson, 2:28:28; Traci Mckenna, 2:29:44

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle