Pacifica Trail Run 21K (13 miles)

Today I ran a 21K in Pacifica that was organized by Pacific Coast Trail Runs (see http://www.pctrailruns.com/ and look at the Pacifica event). They did a great job with the course (i.e. I didn't get lost), the people were great and the views were absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed my run but it was the longest and hardest thirteen miles I have ever run. The run consisted of two loops, a 12K loop and a 9K loop. The 12K loop literally started wtih a three and a half mile zig zag climb to the top of a mountain (see the elevation gain map above - no kidding). Since we have had rain all week, there was also a good bit of mud and some large puddles of water (the kind that there is no way around but to run through) which was a new experience for me. I have never run with wet feet so in I went and filled my shoes with mud, water and dirt. I was concerned that I would experience blistering, but luckily I didn't have any problems. (Other than it was just a gross feeling to feel your shoes fill up). There was also lots of rocks and roots, which at times, were very difficult to manuever through and around, especially when coming down hill at a faster speed. At the top, I turned around, ran down and went through the puddles again. The way back down added a little extra distance on some trails and then I started the 9K loop which was also very challenging. It consisted of ups and downs that were also challenging but didn't climb as high as the first loop. Nonetheless, it was difficult and there was more mud to contend with since a lot of runners had already run through and really got it all worked up.

All in all I had a great run with no physical issues. My shoes are destroyed, however and the lower half of me was covered in mud. When can I do it again!:)) Ha, ha.