Xterra Mission Gorge 15k Trail Run

Ahh man, this was by far the hardest event that i ever been apart of. I new it was going to be rough but i didn't know there was going to be over 1,700 ft of elevation gain...Outch!!!!

When i first got there to pick up my packet the lady asked me what my goal time was, i told her i just wanted to survive. Without knowing that is exactly what my goal time should be. I then proceeded to get my number and noticed that they had my age as 34, what the heck my birthday Isn't until the 26th i am still 33 peoples.

The crowd started to gather around the starting line and i began to notice that this wasn't your typical 5k charity event runners, these where hard core trail runners for the most part. I did see a few people sporting some VFF's and i have to give them props this was a extremely rocky trail.

The race started pretty flat and i tried to keep a decent pace, i new that at mile 5 there is a mountain that is to be climbed. I felt pretty strong until i started to hit the first series of steep hills, i ran up the first when then i quickly realized that i will be faster and will be able to save some energy if i either slowly job or walk up these GIANT mountains.

Then Mile 5 hit and i looked up at about 800 feet of elevation gain ahead of me. I new once i get to the top of this beast it would be smooth sailing from then on out. I decided to not even to attempt to run this bitch, i decided to walk it. It wasn't even really a walk it was more of a slow climber using my hands to grab big boulders in efforts to pull me up it.

Once i got to the top i couldn't believe that i can see all the way out to the ocean. This foggy day ended up being a pretty clear warm day. Time for the decent, i defiantly need to invest in a pair of trail running shoes i could have defiantly used some extra grip. I was just trying to stay on my feet, a few runners ended up eating it without any serious injuries.

Once i got back down to the flat ground it was pretty clear to me that i am going to be sore the next day. I began to feel my hamstring telling me that it has had enough of this shit. I managed to down a bunch of water and all my crapping was gone.

I crossed the finish line and headed straight for the food tent and downed some muffins. I ended up finishing the race at 1:49:23. Got my sweet as medal and i hit the road, time for a awesome egg white omelet that my wonder wife made me.

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