Day 3,611 —Successful Trail Marathon!—

       Everything started falling apart pretty early, with the part of my vest that holds it tight breaking. I was feeling happy with figuring out a good way to carry my hydration bladder, but then I could not tighten my vest at all. Then, I look over and see two elk starting in my direction.

       I felt good most of the run. It was a little cold, but I dressed warm enough; eventually, I took off my hat and gloves. I noticed a giant branch had recently fallen on a tree that goes over a small opening. There is a way you can go down and around and avoid walking over the log, but I usually walk over the log. Today, I thought about how it could break soon, so I probably won’t walk over it again.

All the way to mile 20, I was feeling okay. I'm a little disappointed with my time, but I haven’t run a real trail since the Shippey. I was just congratulating myself for really improving my recovery and not falling, and then I fell. It was a glorious fall, and part of me laughed as I realized what happened.

       I jumped up quickly, but I saw blood on both of my hands. My elbow and knee were covered, but in pain. At first, I got annoyed with myself, but then I realized the pattern I have when I fall. Whenever there is an area that is so rocky or has so little area to place my feet, I jump it. I see the different areas of the other surfaces I want to use to help me navigate through the space.

    The problem is when I land, and I am heavy-footed at first, and that’s what happened today. Part of me is glad it happened; my hands and other scars will heal.  Also, I need a pair of smaller shoes. Somehow, my feet haven’t gotten smaller, or this pair has always not fit, but it is going to give me blisters, so I should buy a different pair.

It was an excellent training run because it showed me a lot of my weaknesses. I have had that vest for five years at least. Part of me just wants to buy a new one. It does have a lot of holes, but do I need it? 

I need to always wear my gloves. 

3/08/24