It was a cold morning - 24F- so I decided to sleep in a little before the race. My thought was why hang out at the race start shivering for an hour before the race when I can hit the snooze in a warm soft bed. I left a little after 5:30am for the 7am start. I needed caffeine so I stopped at the Huntsville 5 points Hardees and got a sausage biscuit. As I drove the 5 miles up to Monte Sano State Park a bad feeling crept into my head. "I don't think the race starts at 7am!" I pushed the accelerator as s snaked up the curvy road. I pulled into the parking lot at 6:29 and glanced up the road to see 100 runners getting their pre-race briefing and then the race started (right on time- 6:30am). I scrambed to tie my shoes, take off my sweatshirt, get my water bottle (empty), and then run the 100 yards to the start line were John Nevels got my race number. Then I ran back to my car and struggled with cold fingers to get the number attached to my race belt. I was off with maybe a 4 minute delay.
The course starts out with a short out and back before 3 repeats of a figure eight which has the aid station at the center of the 8. I didn't know the out and back too well and got off course . The trail I was on disappeared and I back tracked. By that point I was disoriented and flustered. I eventually found the course and got going.
I was running mad for the first 10 miles which helps in the adrelaline department. I slowly moved up in the standings and tried to stay within myself. The course is 98% trails- beautiful. There are some rocks, roots, etc. and a couple very technical descents and steep climbs. True to my poor trail running skills - I fell 4 times and mildly turned my ankles 3 times. Luckily I had running pants with gloves so the falls didn't draw much blood. Most of my falls are of the headfirst variety. In the final lap, I was about to enter a narrow section of trail cut in the edge of a very steep hill with lots of rocks. I out loud told my self "Game on!" as a way to concentrate on the trail to avoid falling. Not 1 second later, my right leg slide to the left and I was down on my right hip and elbow. It made me chuckle once I realized I could continue.
I stayed strong and kept passing people here and there. I don't remember getting passed- starting dead last has that effect.
I pushed the last 5 miles hard and found I had a good bit left. I passed Marty Clarke with about 3 miles to go and ended up beating him by 10 minutes.
The post race meal had banana pudding so I was a happy camper.
I may have been able to get into fourth place if I actually got to the start line on time but I'm not disappointed in the least. I was pleased with my conditioning and enjoyed the challenge. I'm excited about the prospects of a strong marathon. | 