25th State for the 3rd go around done at the Wild Azalea Trail 27 miler today in the Kisatchie National Forest near Alexandria, Louisiana. An up and down trail race through Forest Service land, the course had to be modified due to the shutdown no permits would be granted for common gathering areas. One of very few races that put a smile on my face every time I saw a hill, signifying I would be crawling out of the muddy mess that was the bottoms of the forest. Unfortunately I scheduled my flights very tight so I did not have time to shower. Under my clean clothes I look like I tried to make out with a spinning potters wheel. Fun fact: I am reliably informed that Britney Spears comes from Alexandria, LA.
The federal shutdown affected the event. Fortunately the show went on.
More shrink-inspired spontaneity.
Some of the soggy mess on the lower levels of the trail
Some of the nicer, higher terrain, see how it doesn’t suck your shoes off your feet? Isn’t that nice?
This was one of 3 times I fell bad. Once I pulled a Sonny Bono and slid into a tree. That was hot.
Still more squish terrain
There’s a 13, 27, and 50 mile run and mountain bike trail competition. This is the finish, complete with fire pit, beer, food, and—a rarity for me—no one I knew.
My shoes hint that I did not have time to shower and make my flight. Whoopsie doodle. My legs are that filthy up to my knees.
The shirt at least gave us fair warning.
Not so inspired race bib.
The medal. Pink. The buckle depicts mud wrestlers. Kidding…
