In the days leading up to the race on April 23, the RD announced he was changing the course since the Little Miami River was high & that there was a flash flood warning. One of the biggest reasons for signing up for this race was to enjoy the scenic trails along the banks of the river. It was the highlight of my last run there. Another reason was that several miles of the flat, very snake like bike trails of years past (gave me motion sickness) were being removed from the course this year (these trails reminded me of "Kart Country" -- the most winding trails crammed into a small area with every square foot utilized). These trails would be incorporated back into the course with the last minute change. I just did not want to make a 3 1/2 hour drive in a steady rain up to Yellow Springs, OH, to run on these muddy trails in particular.
So, heck, I thought why not just run a 50k here at home on the same day? Not many people have an established 50k course (Louisville's Lovin' the Hills - LLTH) within sight distance from their front door -- a luxury that I have. So I went running, or should I say, splish, splash in the heavy rain. Not too smart to be up on the ridges when the lightning was close though. But I will say it was the MOST FUN I had running in a long time. "Exhilarating" was the word to best describe it. In the downpours I felt more wet than I'd been under any motel shower head. It was a cooling rain in 100% humidity conditions (fog on some high hills). Also, no one will believe me (especially after a very muddy LLTH in February), but I did not get mud on my shoes! We've had so many heavy rains in the past month that all the mud (that had not been baked solid) that was there had been washed away. I waded thru knee deep water in some bottoms (up to the top of the old car door at Scott's Gap). Although it took all day to complete the 50k, I was so, so happy that I made the right decision this time.
Unfortunately, all good things end. This past week I've had to give up training due to the return of high level pain in the stomach/intestinal area. A CT scan showed no "acute" abnormalities though. Hopefully I will get a better explanation of that reported diagnosis when I see the Dr. for the upper endoscopy scheduled later this week. It feels that something is herniated -- the exact same feeling (pain) that started 11 months ago and has plagued me every day since. At times it's barely noticeable, others, just not tolerable. So at this point, the much anticipated goal race of this year, MMT next week, looks questionable at this time.
