Saturday, May 20, 2006
Bluff Point Twilight Trail Race Report
As I left my house on Fri afternoon to head on down to Groton, the sun was shining, I had Jimmy Buffett on the Sirius and a big smile plastered on my face. I was really looking forward to this race. It was the longest run I've done in quite a while and I love running the trails, and as an added topper I was meeting up with the very cool CT RBF.
As I pulled into the parking lot my cell phone rang, it was the Hubby and Little Miss calling to wish me luck. Little Miss told me not to run in any puddles, as if she had an inside tip to the HUMUNGOUS muddy lakes (puddles) on the trail. I was touched and had a good laugh as I made my way to the registration table. I got through the line with little trouble and realized that my race number was 141- the same as the unit my husband deployed with. I figured it to be a sign of good luck and toughness and smiled to myself.
Found Susie and just as I hugged Dianna the sky became black and the hail began to fall :). We retreated quickly to Dianna's car for shelter and waited out the storm. Right before the race we gathered with AA, Jank and Mrs. Jank, it was such a RBF lovefest that I almost forgot how cold I was!
At the starting line I decided to use the MP3 and let the music guide me through the trails considering we were all running our own race and pace. I made sure to leave one ear free for the sounds of nature.
The first mile or so I found myself running an easy pace reminding myself that I hadn't gone the distance in awhile and I didn't want to fizzle out too soon. I also found myself skirting around the puddles trying to keep my feet dry. I soon found this to be tedious and made the call to splash right through them, smiling as the mud hit the back of my calves. At the split for the 3.6 and 7.4 I found myself to be alone in the woods. Trying to navigate through small streams and over slippery rocks I slowed down in fear of breaking something and wondering how I would ever get up if I fell down. I missed a lot of scenery on the course because I was alone. I was constantly making sure I saw the pink ribbons to follow and when I wasn't watching for ribbons I was watching my feet to make sure I wasn't going to trip or slip.
I really enjoyed the race. I was pleased with my finishing time with 1hr 7 in 58 sec. a pace of 9:11. A little slower than usual but I'll take it. I think I represented the 141 proud. It was my first trail race ever and first trail run since Oct/ Nov. I had a great time and felt fantastic after.
The saddest part was saying goodbye to Susie. I still say "What, no cookout?"
As I pulled into the parking lot my cell phone rang, it was the Hubby and Little Miss calling to wish me luck. Little Miss told me not to run in any puddles, as if she had an inside tip to the HUMUNGOUS muddy lakes (puddles) on the trail. I was touched and had a good laugh as I made my way to the registration table. I got through the line with little trouble and realized that my race number was 141- the same as the unit my husband deployed with. I figured it to be a sign of good luck and toughness and smiled to myself.
Found Susie and just as I hugged Dianna the sky became black and the hail began to fall :). We retreated quickly to Dianna's car for shelter and waited out the storm. Right before the race we gathered with AA, Jank and Mrs. Jank, it was such a RBF lovefest that I almost forgot how cold I was!
At the starting line I decided to use the MP3 and let the music guide me through the trails considering we were all running our own race and pace. I made sure to leave one ear free for the sounds of nature.
The first mile or so I found myself running an easy pace reminding myself that I hadn't gone the distance in awhile and I didn't want to fizzle out too soon. I also found myself skirting around the puddles trying to keep my feet dry. I soon found this to be tedious and made the call to splash right through them, smiling as the mud hit the back of my calves. At the split for the 3.6 and 7.4 I found myself to be alone in the woods. Trying to navigate through small streams and over slippery rocks I slowed down in fear of breaking something and wondering how I would ever get up if I fell down. I missed a lot of scenery on the course because I was alone. I was constantly making sure I saw the pink ribbons to follow and when I wasn't watching for ribbons I was watching my feet to make sure I wasn't going to trip or slip.
I really enjoyed the race. I was pleased with my finishing time with 1hr 7 in 58 sec. a pace of 9:11. A little slower than usual but I'll take it. I think I represented the 141 proud. It was my first trail race ever and first trail run since Oct/ Nov. I had a great time and felt fantastic after.
The saddest part was saying goodbye to Susie. I still say "What, no cookout?"
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And I am glad you remembered the creed to leave no men or women behind (Susie). Good run for you! I envy you CT RBF RCs because you have a good variety of trails to run if you want to. All I have are asphalt and the backs of alligators in the lakes (They do help you run fast).
Sounds like a fun race. You definately did the 141 proud. I just wanted to drop by and say thanks for the advice, regarding my daughter. I am going to go check out the counselling center on base tomorrow and see what I can find out. You are probably right, she just has no outlet for all the anger she carries.
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