August 6, 2011

Some of the makings of an incredible trail race:  water, Born to Run, sun screen, and the promise of a new medal to hang up with the others.  Today we ventured out to Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City, Texas for The Falls, the second in the Capt'n Karl's night race series.  I was more nervous about this race than the last due to the increased heat, but I was determined to best my own time.  A three, two, one countdown and the race began.  A single track down to the now-dry falls, across the cracked riverbed and up along the fence line, a four mile run under the slowly setting sun.  A quick dousing with cold water at the first aid station and back against the fence.  After a few miles meandering through the trees, up and down some hills, and I found myself at the second aid station.  Four miles through more technical trail, a few climbs, and a fully set sun, and there appeared mile twelve with one aid station left before the finish.  Next up was a solid three and a half miles, a quick splash of water, followed by the best three miles I've ever run.  I crossed the finish line at four hours, a solid half an hour faster than my last 30K.  This truly was the best race of my still-short trail running life, without a doubt.  With this in my pocket, I'm looking forward to a 60K at The Shoe!