We missed the Bastrop exit in San Marcos! Turning around and asking for directions, we made it to Rocky Hill Ranch at about 6:25 AM. It was a cold 46 degrees. After picking up our packet, Kelli and I got back in the truck and waited for the the start in warmth. With about 10 minutes before the 7:00 AM start we walked over to the starting line and said hello to race director Joe Prusaitis and checked in with Robert Heynen. We were off promptly at 7. The first mile is a collection of about 6, fifty yard climbs. After that the trail is mostly single track and winding through tall pine trees. Not too technical, but winding and many short up and downs along with a few long easy ascents. Not bad at all. I thought, this is going to be a breeze. Not so, I must admit. There were a few short, narrow bridges made of small logs about 4 inches in diameter. Care had to be taken crossing these little bridges as the logs were laid out similar to cattle grates. I finished the first 15 1/2 mile loop in 2:40. Cool! Starting the second loop I decided to keep my long sleeve shirt on (mistake ,it got hot!). I walked out for the first mile. As I started to run again I felt pain where I had experienced soreness for 4 days the previous week after an all day Softball tournament. I was hurting and hurting bad. I started to think this is going to be my first DNF. I've run these before. There will be others. I know people who have DNFed. They got over it. All these thoughts and more were swirling in my head. I walked most of the first 5 miles of the second loop. Reaching the aid station at mile 21 I asked if there was a shortcut back to the start. "Are you thinking of giving it up?" I was asked. Yes I said as I dropped my water bottle and bent over resting on my knees. I was told to talk to Larry. Larry came over and asked what was the matter. He said the cool weather tends to give us a false sense of security and we don't fuel properly. "take in some fuel and you will be OK" he said. I pointed back up the trail and asked how far it was to the start (again). Larry looked me in the eye and said, " You're not going back, You're going forward." He asked if I had run ultras before. Yes, this is my sixth attempt. 'Walk/run", he said. Larry offered to pace me. Just then a truck pulled up to the aid station. Another volunteer said I could ride the truck back. Larry was ready to run with me. "No, That's OK Larry, You convinced me." I thanked him and continued moving forward. Dr. George Sheehan, runner and author of books on running once said "The body is willing, it is our spirit that needs ignition." Larry ignited my spirit. Thanks Larry! The rest of the race I walked when I needed to and ran when I could. I pulled my shirt off. The course I found easy when I started suddenly turned difficult. The long easy ascents were now challenging. Diana Heynen passed me as she always does. We chatted briefly and on she went. As is usually the case, I found new energy when I knew the finish line was near. I was able to run comfortably the last 2 miles and finished in 6:40 and change. Kelli greeted me at the finish. She won her race!, and waited for me a full 2 hours after her finish. Larry was there too! I thanked him again and properly introduced myself. Thanks again Larry King! I've said it before, "trail runners are a different breed." Kelli and I thanked Joe, Robert and the rest. We said goodbye to Diana who was having rocks dug out of her knee. Another badge! Hope you feel better soon Diana. We had to get back to San Antonio and Fiesta! Kelli was headed for the Oyster Bake and went dancing at the Market square! See you on the trails!