We ran Dogwood

Yesterday we did our first trail race, the Dogwood Canyon (http://www.dogwoodcanyon.org) 15k trail 

run. There was also 25 

and 50k option for those more ambitious. 

Trail racing is a lot more exciting than road 

racing.  But more challenging and slower 

going. In fact it was quite grueling at

times and required some "hiking."  It 

reminded me of cross country but rougher. 

I averaged 11 minute miles which is way 

slower than my average, even for a nine

 mile race. 

I also got stung by a some kind of bee about 

halfway through. Naturally it was right in my 

arm pit where I continued to sweat into the 

wound for 5 miles. I also saw a huge, at 

least 10-12 point buck cross the

trail. Biggest white tailed deer I have ever 

seen. 

Other than the bee sting we all finished 

unharmed, collected our fancy

finishers medals and enjoyed a free hot lunch. 

I ended up 6/31 in my age group. I thought 

that was pretty good for a first trail run. 

I've already signed up for another one next 

month. And I think we will plan on returning

 to Dogwood next year as well.