Did two out and backs from the parking area to the pit, plus a little more to get up to 20. Started at 6:00 with Torami W.
, Ash, and Bruce. Starting out, running down Tucker hill, and hopping over the roots in the dark was something I had forgotten how to do. I was lagging behind and did not went to be too far back in the dark. I was able to keep up and did not have a problem once I warmed up.
In the dark, I could see enough of the trail to watch my footing but could not see much else. On the first return trip it had gotten light and I could see all of the details I missed. I could see how hilly it was, small rollers, one right after the other almost, with a decent sized hill about 140 feet, called "Croom Mountain". Could see the campsite with about a dozen tents not more than 20 or 30 feet from the trail.
Started the second out and back, with no trouble going down Tucker hill this time. I was hoping over roots, and "slaloming" from left to right on the steeper sections. Improved pace a little bit but did not went to be on my own yet. The approximate turn around point was a place called "the pit" for short, about 4.5 miles from the parking lot. The longer name is "Bundy's pit" - maybe that's why I kind of had a feeling of the creeps and not wanting to run alone in the dark.
Went out a little bit farther on the second trip so that the total would be near 20. Ran into a few other runners who were doing the loop course that the race will use on 4/7. The race will follow the direction that we were on for the return trip. Between today's run and the Croom Zoom race I did, I've covered about 80% of the Fools Run race course, so it should be mostly familiar by race day. It will definitely be familiar by the third loop on race day!!
Good run until about mile 16 when the top of my left
foot started to hurt, I think laces were too tight. At the point where my foot pain started I was just starting to pick up the pace and get into a groove. Able to adjust and
finish the run - after stopping twice and retying my shoe.
It somehow didn't feel like I ran 20 miles, I'm not sure why. But, I am glad I was able to get in a 20 mile run, hopefully get a 20+ run next week running close to home, on a road/trail mix
