Afternoon Workout

Sluggish time on the hill

Morning Walk

me n' Pete

Brave crew at run club

Patrick suggested I write up a proper race report. "I shit my pants and that is all you need to know," he proposed. Correction, ALMOST! So yeah, the last three miles were spent convincing myself to run through bad stomach cramps. But really the true adversary of the run were those damn mountains. Having not covered much elevation or technical trail running in my training these days this was a puuush and a half with many moments of contemplating what the heck business did I have trying something that felt so out of my league. 

Things started to feel "unbearable" (i.e my mind was caving in on itself) around mile 7 but with a couple encouraging texts from Patrick, and the realization that turning around truly would be the idiotic move considering the few miles I had left on the route I trudged on (hobbled on) and finished the darn thing. The last 2.5 miles were both so uncomfortable and so blissful. I loved pushing myself to eek out a few seconds faster and faster with each increase in decline. And I loved telling myself "I can do this", which I had to do each moment my mind wandered to the stomach pain.
Without the discomfort or the challenges the route presented me I wouldn't have had the chance to encourage myself, and I wouldn't have had the chance to feel the power of that encouragement. So kudos to my inner cheerleader for not giving up on me today.

Overall, despite the stomach issues, the unforgiving mountains, and the moments of self doubt, this was a real good time. Not only did I get to be part of my own little saga but I got to be part of the worlds of many folks out on the trails, and they got to be part of mine too. I saw a sweet couple at the top of Champlain cuddling, their dog laying at their feet. I chatted briefly with a women atop Beehive who hiked Kilimanjaro. "This is no joke," she said taking selfies by the summit sign. What a treat to see so much, experience so much, be part of so much in such a short period of time. Trail running you just keep giving, don't ya? 

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Kat Snyder

BB's first FKT

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Afternoon Workout

Sluggish time on the hill

Morning Walk

me n' Pete

Brave crew at run club

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