Happy Trails

Chasing Horizons: The Trail Run at Lake Martin

The start line of this trail run greets us with rolling hills all day on the first hot and humid weekend in Alabama. The race offers distances of 27, 50 and 100 miles. First 8 mile loop starts at dawn on a sidewalk that changes over to a red dirt road.

A horse greets us as we round off the dirt road onto a wide jeep trail. This beautiful white horse swirls her tail up high, prances around the corral. She keeps her head turned toward the runners. The transfer of energy between the runners and this horse was a treat for us all. I wasn’t quick with the phone to capture her prance, but the memory is etched in my mind.

One mile into the race, runners hit single track trails. Rolling hills continue from start to finish at this trail race around Lake Martin in southeast Alabama. Several creek crossing frequent the course with the first one being at mile 2. The water reaches my mid thighs so wet feet stay with me all day. Creek crossing would not be an issue normally, but the area had heavy rainfall a couple days before the race. I came up on a runner trying to put trash bags on each leg to cross the creek. After I waded through, headed up the trail, I heard him say, “well that didn’t work.”

The trail meanders close by the lake occasionally for a picturesque view of the blue waters through the spring green leaves on the trees.

The next two loops were 5-6 miles each and much easier to run. There were several sections with long dirt or gravel roads where I could pick up my pace. I was keeping a pretty steady pace but that would soon start fading as I finish up the fourth loop.

The fourth loop was a mental challenge as there were not many other runners around me. I focused on moving forward and getting into a rhythm.

I knew the finish was near, the pasture of horses and cattle on the horizon, and as soon as I turned onto the road, my heart lifted. In the shade, the longhorn cattle rest, a reminder of the vastness of the world around me. It’s humbling to see the enormity of life, and know in my small world, I have the power to challenge myself and grow in my own journey.

Crossing the finish line is always sweet, surrounded by loved ones, good food, and the camaraderie of fellow runners, race directors, and volunteers. Any day on the trails is a day well spent.

What is your goal race this year? I would love to see in the comments.

Coming up…

Next week’s newsletter will feature plans for a fall marathon. A one time shot for me, I was accepted into the NYC marathon. Training begins next month.

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