I did a trail run. Technically it was my third one, but because I had done it before, I thought I could do this. The previous two were the same race, a year apart. The first time, I did the 5 mile run and the second year I was part of a relay team. This race was a wee bit different. The first one was a loop of 5 miles, it had a 5 mile run, a 50K and a 50mile relay... so there were always people around... this one, well this one went a little like this.... I signed up for the 3.5 mile run. Short distance, I've "done" a trail run, I can do this!! HECK YEAH!! LET'S DO THIS!! So two of my friends signed up too, always good to have friends along to encourage your crazy! So we get there early, about an hour early, and there are people running the trail, an hour before this thing starts. Ok, fair enough, that happens on road races too, they are the 'serious' runners. I may never be one of them, but good on them. They fascinate me. Really. So move on to the start of the race... there is a 3.5 mile, 9 mile and an 18 mile... we are all starting together... AND we are starting by pace. Let me just start by the car a half mile away... just kidding!... wasn't quite that bad! So we're off!! Let me just tell you guys something. This trail was hard! Where I live, it is flat. I think they MADE hills, it was like a roller coaster trail. Up and down, sharp turns, sneaky roots! (I almost fell once, but caught myself by doing that awesome Superman arm waving, forward stumble! WIN!!) So as I was saying, this trail was different. I was alone.. A-L-O-N-E. No one was around. The group of us took off and then it was me. So here I go making my way through the wilderness, wondering what I have gotten into, looking for snakes and bears, and hoping to be going the right way. Also saying a few choice words to myself. I really started to think I was lost! I mean I am walking along for what felt like hours and I did not see or hear another person. No one.... I started to think I may have taken a wrong turn or something... I wasn't sure how I could have done that, but I'm not thinking clearly at this point. I'm wondering if Yogi is gonna try to come take my Glukos Gummies!! Then I see it!! The most beautiful thing in the world to me at that moment!! Nope, not the finish, a trail marker! I know I am headed in the right direction and all will be ok!!! It was a beautiful site!! So I continue on, with a little more pep in my step!! I can do this!! aLittle while later, I am on the trail alone still, enjoying the view, it really was beautiful! I had turned off my music and was just looking around, ever vigilant for bears and snakes! I saw a lot of squirrels and birds, and a few suspicious sticks... my legs were getting really tired and I was seriously questioning my sanity with about a mile or so to go when I saw something!! I SAW A PERSON!!!! When you are a BOTP'r on a trail run and you see another person, it is like a Bigfoot sighting!! I couldn't believe it!! I stopped! Then started moving faster! I was going to catch him!! OH IT WAS ON!!! I was moving! Leaping over roots, slipping on pine straw, nothing was going to stop me! This was where that Superman arm waving came into play! I caught them at the split of the 9/18 mile and 3.5 mile runners! They were 9 milers. Well crap. At least I caught them! YAY ME! I make my turn and I am almost there! I am gonna make it!! YES!! I'm thinking I never wanna run this one again! FINALLY, I see the finish line!! I run through it and my friends and I agreed to do it next year!!!!! Naturally. We are runners... we encourage each others crazy. :)
2 Comments
Andrea
2/26/2017 10:56:42 pm
As always, you pick these races and I sign up giddily to join in. This was truly an adventure and I am always happy to have you by my side 😀
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Mary
2/26/2017 10:59:04 pm
Always an adventure!!!
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AuthorThis is the story of me... a Back of the Pack runner that started this journey a few years ago then lost her way. I am starting over and you are invited along for the ride! The highs, lows, wins and lessons, and most likely some venting!! Welcome!! Archives
May 2017
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