Paris Mountain 11k-2010

My first trail run since the 'comeback' began in earnest in July 2009 and the longest race I have attempted...ever, I think I saw this was a 7.2 miler, up the side of Paris Mountain and back down to put it briefly, and it was a learning experience if nothing else, start at 8am with the 30 degree temps (found it odd someone would ask if the race was bumped back an hour for cold...no it wasn't).  I had heard how nasty the almost mile long hill of Sulphur Springs Trail was so I figured I would train on the area 'hills'.  Sulphur springs made them look like anthills.  Anywho, at 8 the start was ON and after running for a little while on the roads it was on to Mountain Creek trail and the fun begins and after a half mile I learned lesson 1.  Wear your glasses on the trail run so I can see where the roots are, learned after oh about the 20th near trip.  I was purposely taking it slow to gas it up the hill I knew was coming, the turn came and the cross of the parking lot to Sulphur Springs and the immenint torture to come, for a while not so bad, until passing the reservoir and the beating began, after a while the group that had collected was sucking wind (and our pride) and started walking/jogging to the top of the hill then started running again.  After a brief stay on Kanuga, it was on to downhill Sulphur Springs/Mountain Creek (with my right ankle having decided to give out) to push toward the finish and after being quick and cautious I pass the pavilion and start to push a little and prepare for the finish, heading up the small hill near the finish I had told myself to hit it at, well 100 yards from the finish...wipeout!  I pick myself up and push it in at 1:06:19, beat up and proud of my time...prouder still Sunday when I find I finished SECOND in my age group.  The race was great and fun and beat me up, but I will be back for the new date in May 2011.