Notes
Lord Hill Trail run, AWESOME run, same course as March, but looked very different due to vegetation growth. Now the grass is up to my head, and nettles flourish. A little less muddy, but still some permanently goopy sections. Even less competition than last time, so I was just chasing my March time. Itt was fun, and I did meet my goal.
They separated the 50k/20 mile start time from the 10 mile/5 mile (go Maureen!). There was hesitation as we started, as it seemed nobody wanted to be the rabbit and somehow I ended up in front. As soon as we hit the incline a couple minutes in, a guy with one tattoo covered leg bound passed me like it was still flat! I kept seeing him until the aid station, after which he ended up taking a wrong turn and getting bonus miles, on BOTH loops! Anyways, I was alone, and felt pretty good besides some stomach pains. Although my old trail shoes don't have much mileage on them, I noticed that using the new ones my feet didn't hurt afterwards like they have the last few trail runs with the old shoes.
I blew through the first 10 mile loop in 1:24:30. I kind of wanted to stop, my GI system was not happy. I kept contemplating jumping into the bushes on the second loop, but then imagined the very possible nettle disaster, and that was enough to keep me moving. At the aid station the port-a-potty was in use, and I didn't wait. Luckily my insides somehow settled enough for me to run pleasantly again. I saw many more people, crossing paths with the 10/5 mile folks and the mutual encouragement was as usual nice. Encountered about 5 horses, which stalled things a little, but I didn't mind. I of course was more tired on the second loop, but much more able to run than on the second loop in March, when my calf was giving me trouble.
Overall great fun. Even if the run hadn't gone so well, the post race bash was so amazing I might have gone just for that!