| I’m having Way to Much Fun Wow! Too much fun, that’s all I can say. This run was waaayy too much fun! Of course, that’s easy for me to say. I finished the 50K before the rain and cold really settled in for the night. I started trail running in December 2005, learning about Bandera just a few weeks prior to the January 2006 event. Wow! What a goal to shoot for! Suffering an injury a year later the 2006 event passed me by again without satisfaction. Naturally, by this year I was salivating. This was my first visit to Bandera Park. Hearing about all the hills, loose rock, exposure, and miles of muddy, shoe-sucking trails I was psyched. What can I say? Ignorance is bliss. My husband, Craig Osborn, and I arrived late afternoon, with plenty of time to enjoy the camaraderie of our fellow runners. The pre-race dinner and briefing left our bellies and minds stuffed. Without lingering, we headed back to town for a good night’s rest. Up early to help Chris Chandler and Gwen Sederholm with pre-race registration gave me extra time to get totally wired. It was great to see trail friends Ava & Larry, Gabe & Janice, Robert & Diane and many others. The beehive buzzed with runners of all walks of life and before long we were all heading for the start line. I was running the 50K solo. (Craig and Billy Sederholm were running the 25K together) I really wanted to test my mental strength by running this course alone. When you 100Kers that are reading this are done laughing, try to think back when you only had a few races under your belt-not your belt buckle. This was only my second 50K, the first of which I ran with wonderful friends a few months ago in Palo Duro Canyon. All my long runs had also been with small groups, so I felt compelled to prove my capabilities to myself. Additionally, I was determined to learn how to pace more efficiently. Previously I have taken the first half of the race much too fast and caused injury as well as bonking out. The horn sounded and we were off! I started mid to back of the pack and enjoyed a steady pace towards Cairn’s Climb. I had studied the map well, but still couldn’t quite keep my bearing throughout Cairn’s Climb and Boyle’s Bump. The fog kept me on my toes and thankful for the trail markers. Many fast runners, mostly 25Kers, passed me. As I headed up a long, very steep hill I began to question my good sense. Clearly, my heart knows something my head doesn’t. Finally at the top, I embraced the sight of sotols. I ran happily along the fence line and soon after heard the sound of rock-n-roll music. Yahoo! Nachos aid station was near. Wrong. I am extremely grateful for aid stations, but I must admit this one tortured me with the seemingly endless approach that I heard from miles away. A quick and appreciative refuel and I was out again. Nachos to Chapas to Crossroads The weather was great with moderate temperatures and an overcast sky. My gear selection was inline and all was well. It was quiet as I ran alone through this beautiful park. Arriving at Chapas AS I was greeted by Red Spicer (Palo Duro Trail Run RD) and other helpful volunteers. I grabbed an empty flattened cardboard box, plopped my bum down and quickly emptied my shoes of small but annoying debris. (Note to self: get some gaiters!) I refilled my camelback and grabbed a PBJ to take on the trail. I was very focused on not dilly-dallying at the aid stations-so much that I forgot I had a drop bag. Stopped, turned around and retrieved it. Restocked on essentials and left Chapas the second time for good. The run to Crossroads was uneventful. In fact, all that talk about running solo and the experience that goes with it was leaving me…sniffle…lonely. I squinted in all directions, but not even a mirage. At last, Crossroads AS appeared along with a welcome and smiling face. I didn’t forget my drop bag this time, knowing I had the personal treats of a Starbucks Dbl Shot and my Ipod stashed. I chugged the tin can, plugged into my music and left with a bounce in my step. My pace was good and I felt strong and rejuvenated! For the first time all day I was actually passing others, something completely novell. Once again, my inexperience on this trail left me wondering why this section was so steep and long. I reached an absolutely beautiful overlook and couldn’t help but stop in my tracks and look around in all directions. Later I remembered this section must have been Three Sisters. I waved at a group of folks as I enjoyed a speedy descent down the trail. Why were they waving back so frantically? Ohhh, wait, that’s Crossroads again, I physically slapped myself and swung around to get the mandatory aid station check in! Once again I emptied my shoes, refueled and was back on track. Crossroads to Lucky Peak to the Finish The weather changed in a matter of only a few minutes. While it had rained lightly on and off all day, the temperature now dropped considerably, and I was wet and very chilly. Having packed extra clothes and a shell for this event, they did me no good nicely packed away in drop bags. So much to learn. Realizing the distance I had covered up to this point and what was left had me smiling down the trail. I was on the home stretch as Lucky Peak awaited the arrival of another novice to this park. Trail conditions had been very nice until Shady Grove. This must be a lovely respite from the burning sun, but today it was a mud fest, everyone invited. Lucky for me, I actually did have a little experience here. The past two years at Prickly Pear Trail Race were nothing but pure mud. The distraction of Lucky Peak’s accent up ahead was enough to grin and bear it and get through the muddy mess. I watched Chris Matus hanging glow sticks and once again marveled at the thought of running another loop like the 100Kers. That thought passed quickly as the big, cold raindrops pelted my face, it was full on raining now. I bunny hopped with Duane Lewis up and down Lucky Peak while he shared some of his past years experience. The sleep, loose rocks of the accent were nothing compared with getting back down the slippery ledges-it commanded my full attention. I knew we were close as we passed the crazy sign to Last Chance AS. The long, wide road was slippery and tedious. Far off in the distance I could make out the familiar shape of my husband, Craig. I knew he must have been standing there for some time with camera in hand. I whistled as loudly as I could, then smiled as I passed him snapping some shots and headed into the finish. My good friend and running partner, Billy, was volunteering at the timing booth. He gave me a big hug and post-race congrats while Craig continued to document the completion of this glorious race. Thank you Joe, Joyce and all the volunteers and runners for making this event so special. I hope I can add to your running experience what you do for me. I can’t wait for next year! Cris |