I signed up for what?????

Well, I've done it now. I've signed up for my first ultra. A 50 mile trail race to be exact in Minnesota, several states away from home. What was I thinking? I was thinking this will be a great adventure, that's what I was thinking! However, I am exhilarated and apprehensive all at the same time. While the 50 mile part of it doesn't scare me, the trail part does. I have not spent any time running on trails other than the marathon I ran in Wisconsin this past October but that was on a bike trail made up of sand and road gravel with the occasional bolder thrown in just for fun. So, no roots, sticks, thorns, etc. I really need to get out on some trails but I don't know where to go since I have never run on trails before... I am hoping some of fellow trail running friends can help me out and point me in the right direction.

I also need to purchase trail shoes. I haven't started investiating just yet but need to get going on this quickly. While my miles will not start building up drastically until May, I have already started with back to back long runs completing 12 miles last Friday and 15 on Saturday with my fellow red9runners! Unfortuantely, all those miles were on the roads. However, I should get a little extra credit on Saturday's 15 since there was about 3-4 inches of snow on the ground and more falling. At least at the beginning the roadways were not plowed.

I have discovered this winter that I actually don't hate running in the snow for long miles -- who knew that was even possible. I have always enjoyed running in the snow for short miles but I secretly enjoyed the fun of the snowflakes continuing to fall Saturday as we ran. While I much prefer Summer running over Winter, I have made my peace with she snow and cold, stared it in the face and accepted it for what it is, another obstical to overcome.

Now, if I can just figure out a strategy to successfully take on the challege that the 50 mile ultra will throw my way.