An impromptu trail race!! Alisyn G. and I had an itch to run so we signed up for this on race day. I had a crazy time getting out of the door in the morning and ended up forgetting my water bottle. I was worried at the start since it was going to get hot. But, I had no choice so I just went with it. The first five miles were all up hill. Thankfully it was covered single track for the most part. I had a goal when I started the race to break 2 hours, but I had no clue how I was going to do. At mile 5 I felt spent. I actually stopped and had to gather myself. Dehydration had kicked in and I still had a mile to the aid station. I had been passed by 2 women at this point and by now I just wanted to break 2. I managed to get myself together and pull along. I came to the aid station at mile 6 and when I saw that the 2 women had stopped to fuel up I decided to do the quick one mile out and back to pass them and gain some time. This proved to be a smart decision at the time. On the way back passing the aid station I grabbed 2 dixie cups of water and kept going. Knowing I only had a few miles left and I was leading I had to keep going. That is when things got a little wonky. I started back and must have missed a turn. I was pretty much all by myself on the way back and since I was feeling the heat and lack of fuel I know I missed the turn. By the time I got to the finish I had added on over a mile! ARGH!! And it meant I wasn't first, I ended up coming in 3rd woman, 3rd in my AG and 9th overall. I know that I ran strong, I had a blast but dang that extra mile!! I totally would have won AND broke 2 hours :p Oh well, I had a blast and so glad I got to race with Alisyn G. !