I just felt like running

My fourth try at Mountain Mist.  Recent rain and snow made the trail sloppy and slow.  No falls! Amazing for me.   Ran a fast first split to Aid #1.  Once I got into the hills, I didn't have the climbing strength of last year.  My norm is when I start to really breath heavily I switch to walking - I did this much more often.    I normally rely on aid station gatorade for half my carbs and I don't think the HEED they were giving out had much sugar.  It wasn't sweet at all.  By the time, this sunk in I was contemplating quitting at mile 18.  The slipping and rocks were getting to me and I dejectedly started walking.   After several people past me, my friend Jon came by followed closely by a guy and a petite lady in pig tails, pink arm sleeves, and black pleated skirt.    I got the urge to catch up with Jon and I found the strength to get back my stride.  At the aid station, I was still dizzy and uncoordinated.  I slammed two cups of mello yello, two salt tabs, a Gu, and filled my bottle again with the Heed junk.  Jon had transitioned through the aid station fast and told me to catch up.  I made up a 75 yard gap in about 2 minutes and then trotted behind him and a line of 4 others who had passed me during my zombie walk.  I had found my second wind and it carried the remaining 10 miles.  This race is so tough its hard to believe.  Terrible footing in many many spots and stretches.  I feel good about my effort.  My second fastest Mtn Mist.  30 minutes slower than last year.