FTR, very little running and plenty things to do, but finally got a breather to update my blog.
MMT 1 – training. (50k) Was going to do a report, but very little to say. It was my most anticipated toward event since Devil Dog 100. We started early and shuttled to the start at 6 AM, lined up. Wayne was there. Was going to do a no-wait pure focused run. Yet, the first climb up on Moreland Gap put me at last of the pack. There’s John and some other people behind, but found out they intended to drop out early at the next aid station. That put the fire in me of not get cut. It was then just me, Laura and Ram to duel it out. Since it was not a race, I eased up a bit by midday and took on the role of the unofficial sweeper. We three finished relatively same time in the dark (7pm). I stayed a bit to catch up to the amazing RD Larry who will attempt the Thru Hike this year (his YT channel is up, DishragHikes, look him up). Pretty much in line of last (2024) time. Was wondering if I have pushed my pace, I could have got it done by 5 pm?
Next Up was a new race I have not done. Angela Ivory 24. (100, though aiming on 50k that weekend) Signed up late and missed the free 50k option and was going to check out the event for a future 100 mile attempt in Delaware. However, winter finally arrived and we had some icy snow condition that changed the plan around. Race was deferred to a later date. So I elected to cancel it altogether because the make up date is in conflict with another race.
Mid Maryland 50k. It would have been my third time. Weather again had another idea. The race was canceled. Caroline and I attempted to check the course anyway. I wanted my premium even though I won’t be able to do the race at a later date. It was an ice field and my memory of the course escaped me. It was difficult to way find. If I had time, I think I could do it. But I was under pressure to get the run done, so we pretty much make a big figure 8 loop and called it a day. While Caroline could run on top of the ice, I had much harder time and kept punching through the ice layer. It was not a fun experience with ankles being turned unexpectedly at every step. My crampon did not stay on, I think they were too small for me. The rest of the afternoon was shopping at REI trying to look for better Yaktrac. Well many others have that idea too, because they were sold out.
Where did we go this past weekend? Oh, Uwharrie 40. It was not my race. Later did try to sign up but was full them. The race was too far away, 7-8 hour drive in NC. Supposingly 5 hours on Google Map but accounting for traffic and rest stops, it was one long trip. Caroline ran. I went back to the hotel to rest and later picked her up. I could have planned better to bring along my outdoor running gear to check out the local trails. Indeed, town was about 30-60 mins away. Trail was well marked. I was out walking about a bit, but got nervous after finding it is a hunting ground and I did not have a map with me. I did not want to wander off trail too far. Yes, could have printed out a trail guide and I would be set. I did not want to interfere with the race by running on the course itself, since banditing a race is a no-no in many places.
I rolled my ankle right just before all the snow during Bull Run Run Training Run #1. Also no report. I did not officially signed up, but we were doing the run in reverse. Let say there happened to be people from my running club there. I did take food from their aid station. Thanks Larry and volunteers. Totally unplanned, which Caroline was mad of me for diverting to after church. Too long a story. We got separated and the rest of run was not going to take place once we happened to meet back up. I rolled my ankle that morning, so it would not be too sad if I had to cut it short. We finished the run when the sunny day became dark and gloomy. Winter storm arrived that night and froze us in place for the next couple weeks. We also got to see the trail work project I took part in six months ago. I did not take any photos.
That is all for January. For next year, maybe Long Haul, Forgotten Florida, and maybe Donna 110. Forgot maybe another Feb race, oh possibly Uwharrie. Big Horn for this year is still open. The Mid state Massive too. I learned in Bible study this week about Balaam and his talking donkey, why did God tell him to go and then prevent him when he went. There seems to a lot indecisiveness and unclear direction. I might need a talking donkey myself to sort out which races to sign up.
In awe 
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