McDonald Forest 50K - 2nd year!!

I must say this year has been so exciting and full of surprises. I was nervous for weeks leading to McDonald Forest. Asking questions to anyone and everyone who would listen and answer. My first year of "not" taking the early start.

I divided up my run by Aidstations and worked on each section at a time. I was so surprised at how good I felt coming out of "lovely rita" - last year I thought I was going to die! After Extendo Aidstation, I started to climb and actually felt good! the climb was over so quick, I was so excited I had to tell the guy up top, how last year I thought I was going to die again!

I made it to the dreaded gravel road before Dimple Hill, I ran the whole thing, only stopping for a gel. -major accomplishment!! Climbing again after Chip Ross Park Aidstation...I was starting to feel defeated. I had a really strong runner in front of me, I kept thinking wow, she looks strong! what a good uphill climbers she was.............then I finally saw hands on her hips and realized, Hey she was tired! That got me excited and I started first with my powerwalk and gained ground and then I started to run! I walked the corners, and ran the straights.

When headed for home on the last section I was walking and running. My last mile downhill, I found a good/bad song on the Shuffle and ran like crazy! 6:28 woohoo! - Last year I ran 7:19, so I had a 50 min. improvement! When I finished I wasn't whiped out, yes my quads were tore up but I felt good! As I look back there definately is room for improvement!

1. I have be better a taking a "pee" break on the trail. I'm always afraid that I'm going to bare the bum and then someone is going to pop around the corner and see me!

2. shorter stops at the Aidstations

3. being stronger on the hills - here I come Gorge!

Me and Trisha & Darin (they have been a great source of encouragement)

The kids worn out waiting for me! haha.

I'm so excited for the rest of the Oregon Trail Series. My goal is to stay injury free.