"Perfect"

It turned out exactly the way I wanted it!  You were right Deb!

But I'm gonna have to keep doing this until I get over my anxiety about it.  I was nervous almost the whole way through, compounded I suppose by the fact that it was a trail run. As much as there is pleasure in running trails, it is definitely different than running on the roads, especially when there are a few hills involved.  The hills are almost always steeper, and it becomes imperative to run them with caution.  So in essence this was a first for me, and I can justify a bit of nervousness.  

I tried very hard to finish last (I think there were 6 or 7 runners), and yet one person managed to go slower.  Actually I was the last place male runner which also put me third!  :)  I think I was supposed to get a prize for that, but I never stuck around to find out.

After the first loop I was faced with a decision whether to be my usual anal self, or if perhaps I could chill a bit for once.  You see, my watch told me I had only run 4.75 kms, when one loop was of course supposed to be five.  There would be no reason that they couldn't make it correct since there was a little out and back section that provided opportunity to do just that.

But, I know that a wrist worn GPS is not always perfect especially given certain conditions.  Needless to say, cloudy weather, tall trees, and a winding course, are not conducive to that perfection.  The GPS tends to straighten out the lines a bit, and not compensate well for elevation changes.

I had pretty well decided that I was gonna quit when they said I should, but alas.....when I got there my anal-ity won out, and I started on my 3rd loop just to make my watch say 10 kms!

I asked the race director about the course and she assured me that it was quite accurate, but when I got home and  compared my route to what their map showed it was very clear.  Each loop was indeed about 250 metres short.  The out and back section was clearly screwed up.  Another victory for the anal truth seeker!!

So while they said I did the race in 56:15, my actual time for 10 kms was 58:54.  I'm content with that.  I also feel quite good about having chosen this event over the one in London.  It was definitely better for me.  btw...my heart rate was perfect again for the entire time.  Not a single glitch!

And on the topic of doing more races until I'm comfortable, I already found the next one.  It's another trail race, although I suspect with a few less hills.  But.... in the interest of continuing to challenge myself, it is 12 kms.  Next Saturday in London. Holy cow!  Game on!

And that's it for today.  I want to give a sincere thanks to all those who bother to take the time to read/watch my stuff, and especially for your feedback.  Although I don't always respond directly, please know that I cherish the interaction as well.   Thanks Betty!

"Tell me I'm clever, Tell me I'm kind, 

  Tell me I'm talented, Tell me I'm cute, 

  Tell me I'm sensitive, Graceful and wise, 

  Tell me I'm perfect - But tell me the truth."---Shel Silverstein

Love

Peter