Story
Yet again, I worked a Challenge Course around my kid’s schedule. My kid has a sports camp at Cornell this weekend, and we are carpooling with a neighbor. After checking the weather (and also realizing that I probably wouldn’t be able to make the Sunday group run on time), I opted to hit the Treman Trailipop course this morning.
It took me awhile in my AC’d car to get myself organized. It turns out I forgot my running belt, but I did have my hydration vest (which I haven’t used in a while) to tuck my keys. I figured I would need easy access to my phone because Rachel and I have trust issues, so I tucked it into a zippered pocket in my shorts. Eventually, I was off. With the shape I am in, lack of time on trail, and heat, I planned to hike the majority of the course and slowly run the flatter parts.
I still don’t like crossing the railroad bridge. Once I reached the other side, I told myself that I should run through the creek on my way back. When Rachel told me ‘you’re welcome’ for not having to go up the switch backs, I snorted … I knew there was plenty of elevation to climb regardless. Phew the climb!
I cussed out loud at the bottom of those stairs on the Lake Treman Trail. I told Rachel she was killjoy for telling me to turn left instead of right down to Buttermilk. Do you ever have a negative response (or less than positive response) when someone offers you words of encouragement? Someone told me I was almost to the top (of a short hill), but all I could respond with was something about the almost 4 miles I had left …
A combination of distraction and wearing sunglasses in a shady area contributed to me kicking a tree root really hard. I must have upset the tree root because it took me DOWN, hard. My hands braces my fall a little bit, but my whole left side was covered in dirt. I was surprised that the emergency feature on my Garmin was activated, but I was able to shut it off.
Needless to say, the tumble shook my confidence about moving quickly down the steeper parts of the trail.
I did run through the creek instead of crossing the railroad bridge, and it felt great. Course complete!! I then soaked my feet in the water under the 13 bridge.
Please don’t sell this feet pic!! 
So, here is the beginning of their ascent to the sky. Enjoy, Melissa! 
::stairs:: emoji didn’t exist
weather 
and made it back to the car without catching a chill
