~13.4 miles @ ~13.4 min/mi

"You get what you get, and you don't get upset!" Dr Stephanie quotes a child's mantra, great wisdom for all ages. We're midway through the "Phantastic Phall Phat Ass" half marathon, discussing self-actualization, aesthetics, relationships, openness, and much more. Trail time with a wise friend encourages such gentle philosophical dialogue. We also plan for upcoming races, report on injuries, and enjoy quiet time scanning for course markings and admiring the scenery. A physicist explains the secrets of the universe. (Hint: it's about patterns – space, time, matter, energy, ...)

"All we can do is try to be kind!" Everybody has a different hand to play, some tougher, some easier. And kind-worthiness includes oneself as well as others. Autumn leaves flare red-brown-orange-yellow, slippery damp underfoot, concealing stones. A surreal slim statue stands at the edge of a meadow, canvas arms crossed, faceless torso crowned with deer antlers. A young woman holds an umbrella to protect against the drizzle as she sketches a barn. A broken bicycle decorates a tall tree stump.

"You will get wet!" organizer ("using the term loosely") Phil Epstein warns in his pre-race briefing. And he's right, with streams nearly knee deep at some water crossings. Rain yesterday makes "My Muddy Shoes" an apt name for the club that puts on today's event. Stephanie and I start out near the back of the pack and find ourselves alone for most of the morning. Awesome Mike Edwards chases us up the first hill and greets us again at the finish line three hours later. Ultraman Butch Britton is the grim sweeper whom we meet before the start and again at an aid station on our way back.

And it's all good ...

(trackfile) - ^z - 2017-12-01