Well. I have only done 2 long runs in prep for this race. And then I pulled a quad a few weeks back, so my training has been, uh, minimal. Low expectations. I like the woods. It's just a long workout in the woods. Plan was to not get injured and have fun and forget the clock.

Started out easy, uphill on pavement. Stopped at a port-o-potty since I hadn't made it before the start. quickly switched to single track that was challenging. Then some boardwalk, then more single track. I stepped on a rock that was just the right height to make my ankle smart. I ran it off OK. First aid station. Marathoners started passing us slow halfers. Way too many of them were talking about Boston. One guy was wearing sandals and bragging about running nearly barefoot in the snow, through puddles, whatever. There was a switchback or two. Around mile 4.5, I was thinking about how to avoid these rocks I kept stepping on, and my toe caught a root and I fell. Caught myself with my hands. Had to dig a rock out of my flesh later. That was at a point where no one was there to see it. Then we were on fire roads a lot after that, which were easier on the body. My conclusions about trail running: dirt and fine gravel are nice; pine needles are divine!, and medium-sized gravel is the pits to run on. I felt OK, mostly ran til miles 8, 9. Then at mile 10 I decided it was time to walk. I was running slowly enough, and my feet hurt a lot, so that the gravel really bothered them. So after mile 10 I did a lot of walking, but still jogged when there were pine needles. Then at the last aid station, I grabbed water and mnm's and took off. But then I saw a sign for 6 miles. I got confused. Did I turn the wrong way? I had followed the way the marathoners had gone. I went back to the aid station and asked. I did go the wrong way! It was a 4-way intersection with runners going every which way. The volunteers didn't realize I went the wrong way. So I added 10 min and at least 1/2 a mile to my race. Boo. But I only had about a mile to go. The last mile was tricky single track again. The first two marathoners passed me. There were hills and a stream crossing. Then I was all alone again. For one dark moment, I though I'd gotten lost again and I wasn't going to make it back. I was SO DONE. Then I saw the marathon 26 mile sign and I jogged it into the finish.

Train!
Not take a wrong turn!

Maybe not do a half mary. I have never had a good one. (Though I did mostly enjoy this one. I just hurt. a lot. all over.)

Got a hamburger and powerade. Sat on the ground.


Not training, pulled muscle, falling!, going the wrong way.