Everyone Runs Catalina State Park Trail Race

This wasn't my fastest race, but I didn't run a step for 3 weeks following Old Pueblo 50 mile and was just starting to get back into the running groove when the race came around. I love Steve's races - check them out at Everyone Runs.

The only bummer on race day was the weather. It was freezing cold before the race, so I sat around shivering until the start. I was thankful that I bought some new gloves the day before; my dog had chewed the thumb off of my other ones! 

Then a BIG thunderstorm came rolling through right after the race started and rain poured down during the whole race. I wore my rainjacket, but with my visor, I looked like quite the goober.

I was glad I had it - some race participants looked very cold in their underdressed state. Needless to say, as soon as the race was over, a lot of people booked. There is a substantial breakfast at Steve's races, but I grabbed one tortilla and got going, too. I was drenched and cold.

I saw my friend Steve H,, and he gave me ride out of the park to my car, so I didn't have to take the shuttle. Never turn down a ride in a Cadillac (after all, I was born in one!) Thanks Steve!

Distance: 10.35 miles

Time: 1:47

9th in my AG. Jeesh.

I was slow.....and I told myself it was because of the death of my Mom, because I was trained better for longer distances, because work has been stressful, etc. All of those might be true.

However, shortly after this race, I determined I was low on iron. Again. So, I'm getting that fixed, but that "I am not getting enough oxygen" feeling from being low on iron is really tiring! I get low on iron about once a year, most likely due to the heavy training.

I saw my friend Becky (she is fast!), which is always a plus. :)

And, the storm rolling in against the desert landscape is always beautiful. I stopped by Carpet One in Oro Valley to visit Dallas after the race, and then went home to take a hot shower.

That storm dropped a bit of snow on the Catalina mountains. This was exciting, because tomorrow, I'll be heading up there to help out with a run. Fun!