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FLRC Newsletter - November 2004 |
| And Dirtier Still | |
The Danby Down & Dirty 10K/20K was well organized and cheerfully coordinated, in spite of the cold and dreary weather. Thanks to all who helped put the fun race together and endured the bitter weather.
The race was quite awesome to say the least. The trail was dry, wet, and muddy in places regardless of the recent lack of rain, giving it the challenges and uncertainty underfoot that trail runners seem to enjoy. Mist filled the air, which seemed to thicken as the time for the start approached. Rubbing and jumping to keep warm, everyone was antsy for Joe Reynolds to complete his well-intended instructions so the race could begin. Soon after the start, I noticed crazy Jim Chely stripping his shirt to run in his usual bare chestedness. I didn't notice him turning blue, however!
I nervously committed myself to the 20K, not having run any distance to match it since my neck surgery about a year and a half ago. Well, my race went very well to say the least. I enjoyed every minute of it, even though I ran the entire second loop by myself, as did many others. I can say, however, that my time for the second loop was about 2.5 minutes faster than the first—quite satisfying. And even though I never saw or heard them, if I knew Dave Jones and Katie Danner were only about a minute ahead of me, I would have gone after them! It's another question altogether whether or not I would have caught them, as both are excellent runners.
Climbing to the Pinnacles was actually a fun part of the race, as several of us took turns passing each other on the way up. After reaching the clearing at the top, it was surprising to be able to see a fair sight of colorful trees poking through the inclement weather. It was a quick but beautiful glance.
The most difficult part of the race for me was not the ups, but on the second loop running through and along the undulating muddy creek bed for the second time. It was difficult for me to establish my stride and even found myself losing track of the trail a couple of times. It was actually encouraging for me to reach the steep uphill that followed the creek bed.
The trail was well marked, but there were a couple of times I felt uncertain about my direction, and most of this was on the second loop running by myself. The only turn I really almost missed was coming off Hill Road as the trail headed back into the woods. Thankfully I saw the arrow on the ground in the corner of my eye—there were, I believe, a couple of runners who either missed or nearly missed this turn as well. And, as the second loop came to a close, it was pleasing to see the green port-a-john come into sight through the trees, as I knew the finish was very near.
It was a great muddy trail run. Thanks for the fun and the pumpkin. I'll be back next year.
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