Saw Jayne and Amy from BT right at the gun so we started off together. Both had a good cadence going but I wanted to keep it slow so I dropped back. I didn't really run with anyone for any length of time throughout the entire race but after spending the holidays with family and the day before couped up in the car I was content with the quiet surroundings. The weather was gorgeous, the park was gorgeous, the snow was gorgeous and I was just a slow, happy camper. I'd done this event last year in the epic mud-bowl and figured I should at least do a bit better. I ate what looked good at the aid stations and only had about an hour of unsettled stomach during the first loop. Couldn't put my finger on what that was about but it didn't last long enough to worry about. Ate fig newtons, chips, pretzels, soup, potatoes, chocolate turtles and drank plenty of water, gatorade and coke. Oh and had one gel but that about gagged me. I heard my name nearing the end of the first loop and it was Jayne with her smile. We exchanged thoughts on where we were mentally and physically and it gave me a boost to see her. She peeled off from me at the next port a pot. I didn't stop at my drop bag when I rounded by the tent. I felt fine with what I had on and had just had a refill of nutrients and fluid at the last aid station. The second loop started very rough as I realized that the packed trail was going to slow me considerably. I was somewhat ticked that I might not improve my time from the previous year. I was ticked that I hadn't put screws in my shoes to help with grip. I had to do some reassessment. After I changed my attitude I started to enjoy my surroundings again. I determined to not care about the time but just count my blessings for the opportunity to be out there. I got through the second loop with a lot of careful walking on the outside of the trails where the snow was unpacked. I finished with only a 10 minute improvement over the previous year but with a smile of gratitude on my face.

Screws in shoes is the only thing under the circumstances.

Sat then laid by my drop bag in the tent for a while, got soup and hot chocolate, put on some warmer layers, chatted with Jayne and some other folks then walked to the car.


No long runs in training, very little traction on my shoes. I have no regrets for signing up at the last minute as this was just what I needed to clear out some holiday cob webs and challenge me mentally and physically.


Great race with wonderful aid stations and volunteers. Beautiful state park setting.