Well-October 21 is almost here, which means that Nat & I will be running our first 20K trail race. Down in my great home state of Texas...Palo Duro Canyon to be exact, up in the panhandle. My family used to camp and hike here when I was a kid. I loved it--but haven't laid eyes on Palo Duro in probably 28 years! That sounds like such a long time--I was probably 11 the last time I was there. I think at age 10 my then 2 year old brother, Captain, bit me and removed a half-dollar size amount of skin from my clavicle. Oh, the memories. Hopefully this trail run won't be quite that brutal. The temperature should be mild (45-55) and dry! We talked to Red Spicer (the organizer--great name) this week and he said that while there are a few hills, there is not a lot of elevation gain/loss over the 12.5 mi. loop that we'll be doing. Since you can't run a trail in Athens without at least 2 significant hills, I am pretty confident that we'll do just fine. I do think that it is pretty funny that the 20k is the "Fun Run"--the main events are a 50 mile and 50k race. We are obviously at the low end of the food chain on this one. Nat and I are both a bit nervous-but I'm more excited than nervous (at least now, while I'm still in Ohio). Since I prefer trails to roads--I shouldn't be so nervous-but this is a first. My longest trail races prior to this have be 10Ks (Hocking Hills Indian Run (very hilly--2003, 2006) and the Ecothon at The Wilds (2003, 2004, 2005). If all goes well, next year will be a great year for trail racing! There are so many to try.
Nat is taking her new phone with photo capabilities--so maybe we'll get a few good shots during the race. Let's just hope my new jacket and tights come in before I leave!
