The day started off chilly and it stayed that way for the whole race.  My game plan for this run was just to take it easy, after all I just ran a 50k a week ago.  I set out on the flat course monitoring my breath and effort.  I never looked at my Garmin, I didn't care what the time would be. I like running in these events because they are casual, and quite a few people come out for them.  There were a couple of other runners that ran the HAT 50k the previous week.  Darryn, a runner that ran the HAT settled in next to me a little after mile five.  We casually talked for awhile and then he picked it up slightly for the last 3 miles and left me behind.  I wasn't there to push so I just relaxed and kept my stride steady.

I crossed the finish line and had to check my Garmin a couple times.  To my surprise I ran the 15k in 1:15:56 an 8:18 minute mile.  That is quick for me.  I am typically in the nines.  I don't know what happened.  To add to the confusion I drank way to many beers the night before and tossed and turned all night getting very little sleep.  I thought it was going to be a disaster.

My running social network is certainly growing because of Dailymile.  When I go to races now I know at least 6-7 people.  It is great to pop out of your car and see all the friendly faces.  This was a great little race, and I had a lot of fun.  Join your local running club and get on Dailymile.

-Believe in the run

I ran two loops of the Fat Ass 50k, a total of 21 miles. In the first 20 minutes I was stung by a bee or a wasp on my right knee. It hurt but gave me a great distraction. The great thing about trail running is all the distractions. There is the beauty of the woods, streams, and wildlife all around you. Most of all, there is the constant eye that you have to keep on the terrain to make sure you have good footing. I also enjoyed running with Bobby on the first lap. All this makes the time go by faster.

What the ankle looks like today.

At about mile 8, I landed on uneven ground and twisted my right ankle. I took a total nose dive, got up walked it out and started running again. After I got going for a bit, I hardly even noticed the ankle. I headed into the second lap and completed the 21 miles feeling great. I can’t recall enjoying a run so much. I am glad I stepped out of the rut of running my regular training routes. I got a lot of confidence out of this run. I felt great the whole time, and I was able to run through two things that would have made it easy to quit after the first lap. I am really looking forward to running in the Chicago Marathon.

Get out there and try something different.