31.83 miles!

Chapter 34

Highland 1-2-3 Fabius, New York

I smiled in disbelief at my watch—31.83 miles! I did it. 

I had three goals for my first 50K trail run— Run the third loop if I make the cut-off time, focus on my nutrition each loop, and finish with a smile. Oh!, and don’t faceplant in the mud. 

My mom had the kids all morning so I didn’t feel rushed to get home. I planned to run the entire three loops which meant I would be gone for most of the day. Jeff would have a quiet home to rest and recover. The kids would enjoy their time with Nana. I needed this time alone in the woods. My friend and run buddy, Felicia was going to run too. 

The first loop was relaxed with lots of conversation and laughter. We met a runner from Manhattan, New York. She was full of energy and enjoyed the company. “I’m usually running all by myself, this is great to run with you all.” She wore a smile. “I’m happy to be out of the city.” 

We met a local runner whose goal was to run three loops. She was happy to hear we were too. Her dad caught up with us. It was nice to hear the conversation from behind. We were all together. Many of the runners there were doing one loop but a few runners mentioned they were aiming for three. I was happy to know more runners were continuing.  

When the first climb approached us everyone stopped and power walked. I was surprised by this— not at all like a road race. If I wanted to make it three loops I needed to embrace the idea of walking the steep hills. I left my ego in the car. I walked too. I was new at this. These runners were experienced. They had several trail races and ultras under their belt. I was going to watch and follow their lead.

The first loop we made in great time. I was happy with how I felt and had no doubt about continuing. We entered the trail for our second loop as the rain started to fall. My mind focused on the gentle noise covering us as we ducked under branches and stepped over logs. 

The sound was soothing, keeping us on pace. The more I ran the more I listened to nature and not to my thoughts. It was a great distraction for me as we started another ten-mile loop. My focus turned to the pine needle smell, the beautiful bright green ferns along the trail, and the tall trees surrounding us. My heart was filled with appreciation. Memories of hiking with my uncle and childhood camp entered my mind. I love the trails. I love the woods. I felt like a kid again sloshing through the mud, crossing and hopping over the streams. I felt free. 

As we made our way to the start/finish line once again, the clock read just over four hours. YES! We made the cut-off time. We've got one more loop! 

TBC…

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I will share more of this chapter next Wednesday. I look forward to getting this book out into the world…April 2, 2024!

Thank you for reading.

Take good care,

Julie