So I just got home from the trail run. Can I start by saying I was waaaayyy underprepared for the event. I knew going into the race that it was the National Trails Association National Championship so I figured it would be a challenge. Yeah challenge is putting it mildly. The run started out with a quick mile descent into a mile and a half steady uphill climb! Then hell came to earth or so I thought. The first Big hill, as if the others were just child’s play, was in front of me. The “hill” was an upward climb to the heavens at a small 27% grade which got the best of my legs! My calves were burning and my quads were feeling the same. This was the first time I said to myself “Carrie what was your fat self thinking??” And then I thought well hell everyone else that signed up must be superman because they were long gone. Once the hill was conquered the second lap began, but it was a different direction completely. This lap was flowing and rolling which allowed my legs to stretch some. At that point it was a downward stretch followed by, surprise, more climbing. Mile 4 started out great with a nice flowing trail and that really lasted till mile 5, then HELL began. So at this point I was ready to throw in the towel. When you are at the bottom of the mountain the only place to go is up! So I began to “wog” (walk-jog) for a little bit and then comes the rock climb. Yes, straight up the side of the mountain hands and feet were both needed! At this point I had tears in my eyes I was pissed off at the mountain and pissed at myself for letting it get the best of me. I had to finish with a 1/4 mile 29% grade! The last .2 tenths of the mile were spent wondering if there was anyone left at the start/finish line! There was and once I took those steps over that white line every internal struggle I had during the 6.2 miles was gone! All that was left was satisfaction. So I did it! I wasn’t pretty or fast but I conquered (well loosely) a beast of a run! Embarassing fact about today’s race is I puked afterward, well after drinking the red Gatorade! Yep I was that person, but thank goodness it happened without a crowd! 🙂 such is life I guess!
My legs are tender as I assumed they would be and I am sure tomorrow I will be sure that someone beat me but I did it. If you were to ask me if I would go through hell again, the answer is YES absolutely! I love trail running and until now the trails have been mediocre! Now it is time to recover and continue training for the half I have in 4 weeks!
Find something you are passionate about and do it! I promise you will rarely be disappointed!
gobiggirlgo 
This is very inspiring. It’s one thing to say you signed up for a run and did it, but I love that you wrote the gruesome details. It shows that it isn’t easy, that other people (not just me) feel like quitting sometimes, but you didn’t, you made it, and it felt great in the end. Congratulations.