I have wanted to do this race for about a year, and it's where they hold the 50 Mile National Championship. Since the race is an hour and a half away from Del Rio, which is close in Texas terms, I needed to find out what this race was about. The race was held at Camp Eagle, a Christian Camp located outside of Rocksprings, TX. They wanted people to come up Friday, stay the night Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy the camp and it's amenities. It was a beautiful setting. I woke up at 3:30 and left SA to get to the race by 6:15, the start was at 7:00. Got to the camp and I registered late. I didn't get a shirt because I had registered late, so I bummed by that . 6:45 I went out to the start line and there were only about 15 people. Where was everyone? At 6:50, all of these trail runners came out of nowhere! Everyone was stocked up with gear. Backpacks, hand held water bottles, gaiters on their shoes.... They just looked a lot different than a road race. I surely felt and looked like a newbie. I placed myself toward the front of the group because I was stuck in the back at the last trail race. Race started and we were off onto the narrow trail. This was one big line of runners, I don't think I could pass anyone for the first mile. Someone yelled out our first mile split, 11:30. I about died! We were going so dang slow and I couldn't get around anyone, I was getting really frustrated. By mile three, we started to get a little faster. By mile 5, things were starting to straighten out. The terrain was VERY VERY difficult. I have paced Wasatch 100 in the past and it didn't compare to the shell, hills, and switchbacks of this race. I had two goals for this race: 1. To not fall. 2. To not hurt myself. I was amazed that there were so many runners walking up massive inclines. It just took more energy to try to run up the hill rather than just walking. I was so happy that I had only signed up for the 25k. I can't imagine doing the 50 miler. No wonder why they had the National Championships here. My watch was behind (of course), so I ignored it and didn't know my mileage. There were three aid stations, so I had to carry a little water bottle. It was fine until the water bottle started leaking. I didn't want to stop to even take a GU, I just wanted the race to be over! About mile 11 ( I think), I finally stopped on a huge incline to fix my water bottle, turn my ipod on and take a GU. I did all of that and then I was a lot more comfortable. By the last aid station, a volunteer said I only had a mile and half left... Never can trust race volunteers, but I hoped he was right. During the last mile we had to cross the springs, on cobble stones...... Ummmm. I was trying to jump from rock to rock, surely I was going to fall, so I just walked in the water. And then they had us exit the springs on some really slick rocks. Danger. I ran to the finish, and it didn't feel like a big deal. I didn't even stop to get my medal, I just kept walking to look at the race results. They gave me a medal and a strange looking metal donkey because I was third place. I really didn't know what to think about my time, other runners were telling me I did a really good job. So I was pleased I finished the race without falling or hurting myself. I really hope to do this race again, such an awesome experience. I would also like to go up early and spend the night. It was fun and it was for sure an adventure for me. | 