I haven’t had that much fun running a race in a while. Jeff Beck and his Forge Racing group did an awesome job with the race. It was laid back and fun and exactly what I wanted and needed in my first race in a while. And when you are told to turn at the “cow” sign, you know things are going to be good.
To make things even better, I ran the entire race with Christine and had a blast! We arrived about an hour early because I did not know what the traffic would be like. That hour was well spent worrying about our clothing choices or lack of clothing choices for the race. As I stood by my pool this afternoon in the 65 degree sunshine, I decided to shed a few items. When I stood in the cold dark at the starting line, I wish I had them back. Fortunately, had my stocking cap and gloves to keep me warm.
Oh Mighty Isis Ready to Run!
After an extended description of the course by Jeff (which was evidently not understood by some who went off course), we made our way to the starting line and took off. I loved running along with the group with only headlamps everywhere. It was very peaceful and Christine and I settled into a smooth pace. I was worried about my leg and Christine at the same time. Luckily, I had no need to worry about either one of them.
I had one little issue with rolling my ankle on a large limb which caused a little bit of lingering discomfort in my leg. But after another 5 minutes or so, I never felt it again. When we got into the woods, we ran with two girls who were calling out every root, hole and mud section. It made the race go by quickly.
Neither Christine nor I hit the ground during the run. I can’t say the same for one of the girls right behind us. She mentioned how good the section of trail was and immediately took a face plant. Note to self: do not talk about the trail.
As we were getting towards the latter stage of the race, a few fast folks passed us. We found out later that they turned past the cow sign instead of in front of it. A little 1.5 mile mistake! When Christine and I emerged from the woods and turned into the gate, I told her this was it. So she started her Christine sprint to the finish. I kept up with her and she crossed the line just in front of me.
My left hand is moving really fast!
After the race, we enjoyed the brisket sandwiches and beer while awaiting the results. So I snapped a few pictures to document Christine’s first night time trail run! She was not very happy with me taking a picture of her with her mouth full.
I'm number one!
And then we saw the results. Christine ended up first in her age group!
I'm really number one!!!!
I also pulled out first in my age group by default. I was the only old fart between 45-49 years old! At least Christine beat 3 other women to get her bobble head trophy!
Two Number Ones!
I can definitely say I will be back next year to defend my bobble head. But for now, I must go to sleep. Because in 9 hours I will be back on the same course running a half marathon! I am proud of Christine because she did something she had never done before, She could have been scared, but instead she attacked it with joy. And won first place!
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