Redwood Burls along the race course
15 foot diameter Redwood near the race start
This run reminded my why I run: Because I Love It. And it was made even more special and poignant because I did it by myself. I picked this event because it’s on a relatively flat, paved road; it’s in a micro-climate similar to the one in which I live; it’s almost 100% shaded with amazing gigantic old-growth redwood trees; it’s warm, but not too warm. I purposefully attempted to craft my race-day experience to ensure I would have a great time, and that I could control enough variables to feel comfortable. This ended up being even more important once I was going solo. And I did have a great time. My best race yet.

I was constantly looking up while I ran.