A Balance, Redefined

Up this morning to head to Ogden for the Up-N-Over trail run. Thomas and Susanne did the driving. It is so pretty up there. They had a bunch more snow than us. The temperature was not too bad and I was dressed fine. As we were arriving Albert pulled up next to us. There were a few other fast looking guys there as well. This race is not easy but it was worth the trip. We only warmed up for about half a mile and then it was time to start. The first three miles of this race are crazy uphill. The snow pack started pretty much from the beginning and lasted until mile 4 when we went onto the road. The two top dogs that ended up going 1,2 took it out hard with Albert close in tow. Then Thomas, myself, and a guy wearing fivefingers were behind. Thomas and I slowly gained on Albert and passed him but then Thomas just kept going. My legs were burning and I could just not keep the pace. Eventually I heard someone right on me and I thought it was Albert but it was the fivefingers guy. He passed me and kept going as well. Then we started the downhill in about 2-3 feet of snow. Some was packed but it was still hard going. At this point I heard another person bearing down and it was Albert this time. I moved aside and he blazed past me. I could not believe how fast he was going in that snow. We finally hit the road and once I got my footing I took off but it was way too late to make any ground. Plus the others hit their strides on the road as well. Any race you have a 13:12 split and a 6:01 split is crazy. The final half-mile is also up hill though on the road is a bit easier. So I finished 5 officially because fivefingers was not registered. But I’ll fess up to the 6^th place, as that is all I earned. As my first true trail-race it was a learning experience. One that was fun and enjoyable. The drive back was scenic and I enjoyed the conversation with Thomas and Susanne. The rest of the day we did some family errands and then Oktoberfest at church. Was planning on a second run but it never happened.