Story
I wasn’t able to get out for the group run today, so I decided to try a second go at a shorter course. Still feeling the effects of running in 85 degree midday heat this week, I was cautious about overdoing it. I brought 1.5 L (about 50 oz) of water mixed with some liquid IV packets and honestly, could have used even more. I keep reminding myself that this will all pay dividends in the fall with the increased blood volume from heat training.
Having run this once before (and another South Hill Rec way challenge course in 2021), I remembered what a slog that final subtle uphill to the playground can be. This time, I parked on Coddington Rd and started at that gate, turned left down the steep paved hill at the playground and followed the rest of the course as written. This meant I had one blissfully straight downhill stretch from Burns Rd to Coddington to look forward to at the end. Loved it, highly recommend!
After all the heavy rains these past two weeks, the trails were muddy and the creeks were full. Someone built a well-meaning bridge that I skirted, as it looked like a twisted ankle to me, but probably is quite helpful for those walking across.
The first major section of trails is mostly uphill, which felt twice as hard today in the heat and humidity. Once the path dipped downhill during the second loop off the main Rec Way through fern-lined single track, I caught myself dreading the next uphill rather than enjoying the speedy respite. As solo running often does, this prompted some deeper reflection: I often fall into this pattern of anticipating the next hard thing, even when things are going well, rather than appreciating the goodness of the moment. I challenged myself for the rest of the course to be mindful of this tendency and to reframe: each time I got to a downhill, I soaked it in with joyful relief, and didn’t let knowledge of future uphills cloud my sunshine.
Once across the creek at the bottom of the second loop, the mud really picked up. I was wearing my new trail shoes and thinking about posting that it was the perfect way to christen them. Then, I read @SarahG’s post afterwards and saw her asking the very question! I am all about going for it (with trail shoes — I do like to keep my road shoes looking cleaner).
The rains also produced humid conditions for these dangerous looking fungi. Someone had been munching the big one, which evoked a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Did they grow? Shrink? (Perhaps the dehydration was getting to me at this point).
At the end of the second trail loop, I had to push past shoulder-height wildflowers and meadow plants, while ducking under archways of blackberry. The weed whacking was appreciated, and I think a brush hog would be especially helpful now!
Once back on the gravel path, it was a fast 2+ miles downhill to the finish! I saw twin fawns on the path, and their mother in a nearby ditch eating berries.
On the way out, I also saw human twins in a ditch eating black raspberries. It was a very Blueberries for Sal moment 
I think I also passed @mplank and Matt in their hiking gear a couple of times on the trail? Kudos for braving the heat & humidity!
I finished up quite hot and tired, but feeling triumphant that I 1) didn’t pass out and 2) managed a faster time, despite the heat. Also, I think I broke in my shoes nicely.
The way back I was envisioning my next meal and settled on a Tex Mex bagel from CTB (this is scrambled eggs, melted cheddar, and fresh salsa on a bagel). Salty, chewy, sandwich perfection. I ate the whole thing in the CTB parking lot before I turned the car back on 
I don’t know how folks managed an 11-mile road course today, but I do hope they stayed hydrated! I’ll try the last few longer courses on some (hopefully) cooler mornings.
Well, we didn’t get rained on, dry we were not 
very sweaty 
