Much to my surprise, the trip was better than expected. This is my first trip to Palo Duro which I'd heard is a beautiful place and a well-managed run. This is my first ultra outside of Central Texas, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Red Spicer (RD) held a short presentation at the pre-race dinner: the 22nd year of the race with the largest turnout, over 300 runners. There, I saw Craig Osborne with Cris Strong and her sister Nicole, Jon and Malissa Tremont, who all drove up on their own and Kelly Heath who had flown in to Amarillo just before dinner. Janice and I, Ava Arzola, Larry White, Larry King, Donna Squyres and husband Jim, Doise and Josh Miers, and Janet Sullivan flew together and met Billy Sederholm (who took an earlier flight) at the Amarillo airport. I also saw Letha Cruthirds and Mark Dick from Dallas. They were at Joe's Cactus Rose this past summer.

As for the weather, wind and rain were my only concern due to an approaching cold front. From some of the past stories I'd heard, it can go from nice, sunny weather to blistering cold with high winds in a few short hours. So Janice and I packed for all elements. The temp at the start was in the mid 40’s and winds were calm but expected to gust (and they did!). I saw Jon Teisher who traveled down from Colorado Springs with a bunch of friends. He was with Kelly Heath. We remark about the weather. Kelly said this would probably be the high.

The 7 am start was in darkness so lights were highly recommended. The trail is a single track which meanders through the trees for the first 1.2 miles to the Longhorn aid station. This AS is marked as mile 1 & 7. Here the trail splits: 50 milers to the left, 50kers to the right. I turn to the left, following a smaller group of runners. Larry King was behind me as we snaked back and forth through the trees. The next aid station, Phil after Red’s son, was 3+ miles away. We got behind Letha and friends. Larry had trained well for this run for quite some time, so he picked up the pace going into Phil's. I had to organize myself at this point, so I took longer thus letting everyone go ahead of me. I'd rather let Larry go than try to keep up with him; his endurance was far better than this old man’s.

The rolling trail continues for 3 miles back to the Longhorn AS. Along the way, I caught up to Letha who was by herself and cold. She left her windbreaker at Phil's and we were out in the open without trees to block the wind. It was getting cooler and, with an overcast sky, I knew the front was here. I went past her knowing she'd be alright. She's tough as nails and has lots of experience under her belt. She knows how to take care of herself. This trail segment was real nice, short climbs followed by fast downhill. Reaching Longhorn, I noticed the 50k's were also approaching from opposite side of the table. I thought at this point I might see some HCTR folks but time was paramount, I had to move on.

Leaving Longhorn, the trail forks to the left. A runner in front of me was yelling, 'which way', sounding lost. I didn't know but soon noticed the marking just around the corner to the left. So I got him pointed back in the right direction.

I got to Dos Locos Senioritas AS at mile 10. Here we had a short .17 out and back. Then 2.5 miles back to S/F. This was probably the most beautiful part of the trail with Red Star Ridge. The view of the rock formations was unlike any other place in Texas. The trail at this point was more hilly and technical, my favorite compared to the flats. I returned to the S/F in 2:15.

I begin loop 2 towards Longhorn. Within the first mile I pass a tree and a skull talks back to me 'I see you'!! I jumped aside not knowing what that was since it wasn't there earlier. Someone had put a Halloween prop in the brush. Dammit!

As I approached Phil's, I begin to feel droplets. So here I'm thinking the clouds have darkened and it's about to rain. I mention it to the people there and they have no idea what I was talking about. They said it's probably a bird passing by. I thought that was cute but knew better. I was concerned because we had left our drop bags uncovered.

I continued on to Longhorn. By this time, the wind was gusting and blowing towards me. Still no rain though. I come upon Sergio Martinez who was going the opposite way. We high 5'd as we passed. I met Sergio at Rocky Trails 50k last year. I wondered why he was going the wrong way but he didn't offer any answers. We shared pleasantries then went on our way. I then came upon Janet Sullivan, then Donna Squyres. They were doing fine going at a steady pace to complete their first 12.5 loop. They said Janice was far ahead, doing great. I wished them well and continued on. At Senioritas, it appears that the clouds were breaking up which was a welcome sight. I catch up to Janice and she was moving strong, running the downhills and power walking. She was happy and having a great experience. We approach the S/F together.

Janice didn't waste any time and was back out on her last loop before me. I go through my usual ritual before I put my gloves on for the third loop. I leave to catch up to her. I pass the skull, and I jump back. Dammit, I should have known it was there!! I catch up to her before reaching Longhorn. She's having a great day, so was I. Shortly, I see something on the trail and stop. It was a dead field mouse in the middle of the trail. Cute little thing.

I was beginning to slow a bit but that was alright. I was ahead of my plan. Power walking was my backup. At this point I kept trading places with a couple of runners, they'd past me then I would go ahead of them. This would go on for awhile and that was fine.
Just before Longhorn, I come across a fast power walker. She had a Rogue shirt on so I asked if she was from Austin. She answered yes and only after she mentioned something about a Hill Country Trail Runner shirt did I realize she was Dawn Isensee. She and her husband drove up the day before. Nice to meet another club member. I leave Longhorn with her but couldn’t keep up to her power walking. She was fast. Shortly, I went back to running catching up to the two runners I was trading places earlier. I pass them for good.
At Senioritas, I see Doise's husband, Josh who was just getting there as I was leaving for the last 2.5 miles. He said he was fine and enjoying the whole thing – he had signed up for the 20k the night before. Further on I see Doise and she’s moving strong to the finish of her 50k. Slightly ahead is Jon Tremont. He too was finishing up his last loop on the 50k. He thought I was challenging him for the 50k and was relieved to find later I was doing the 50m. I asked about Malissa and he said she just smoked it. I later find out she was first female in the 50k. Great job, Malissa.

I get to the S/F after 3. I was slightly tired but ready for the last loop. Ava greeted me, and helped me fill my bottles. I knew I could break 10 if I pushed hard, but then I asked 'why'?

Off I went on loop 4. I was feeling really good with alot of energy. I knew this time about the skull, so I was prepared. I didn't hear it. I went further thinking it would sound off. Nada. Dammit. I got to Longhorn and turned left. I looked for that dirty, flat mouse. Nada. Someone must have kicked it aside. I hoped this last loop would be as entertaining as the last 3.

I get to Phil's and give my congratulatory remarks to the fine folks for being there. I continue back to Longhorn where I find Ava waiting. She asked if I needed anything and I gave her a water bottle to fill with water. I asked the folks there if they had any coke and they replied they were out. There was gatorade instead so I grab a cup. Taking a sip, I choked and couldn't drink it. I throw it away but thanked the folks for being there anyway. It was the water that tasted yucky. With only 5 miles to go, I casually leave Longhorn, eating my protein bar as I have at every other AS. I take a swig of water from my bottle and it too was nasty. I later find it came from a tap at the parking lot. I wondered if it was even potable.

I reach Senioritas, gave my bottles to the ladies asking them to dump what's in there and refill it. I ran off to complete the .17 out and back. I met Larry White as he was starting and I was finishing the o&b. I had 2.5 to go and still felt pretty good, so at this point I decided to go all out. I saw Sergio again this time going in the right direction with some friends from NTTR. He was doing an extra loop. We high 5'd again and I left. I caught up to another runner who I saw earlier leaving Senioritas as I was just getting there. With a half mile to go it was all downhill so I followed the path of least resistance. It was a great feeling to see the finish line one last time. Most of the people were gone, away from the wind and cold temps. I was relieved once I crossed the finish line. I was told that Shawn Bostad was first male for the 50m. Congrats to Shawn. I didn't notice my time until someone mentioned it: 10:77. It was strange. My watch said 10:11. That damn skull.

Palo Duro was a great run and a great venue and I highly recommend it.