^WHERE: Negro Bar, Folsom, CA

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

Tonight I finally make it to the Negro Bar race.  The Folsom Lake Trail Run Series switches between Beals Point and Negro Bar.  It's a nice spot along Lake Natomas.  The skies are clear and the air is warm.  I line up at the start and see Prudence.  We chat briefly and she introduces me to her friend Chris.  They drove here from Tahoe!  I didn't realize the trek she had each time.  Tonight the course is mostly flat with a few climbs, a cliffside trail (that I thankfully heard was fenced off), a log jump and a multitude of rocks.

Ready, set, go!  The herd of runners is off!  I can see Prudence take off and I hold back.  It's tempting to go for it but I know at this point I don't have the strength or speed to go with her.  I remind myself that anything is possible with Christ and to always be ready.  Immediately I feel tired but I remind myself of Troy and Jamie yet again.  I need to push anyway because they would love to trade places with me!

We run across a field, across the very popular bike path, up and down a short hill and then we hit the climb up to the cliffside trail.  So far the trail isn't too technical and I find myself in a pretty good groove despite the fatigue.

Mile 1: 7:40.  I can see Prudence in the distance along with another woman and a young girl.  It's a long out and back stretch but I already see some guys heading back!  Blazing!

Up on the trail I can see more folks coming back down toward me on a steep trail.  There's Prudence.  I hope that means I'll be heading back soon too!  Sure enough, a few minutes later,  the trail turns and I'm heading up a steep trail.

Mile 2: 7:47.  I pass the young girl going up and I tell her good job.  The other side is steep but I navigate my way down pretty well...my training partner Courtney would be proud. 

As I head back I smile and cheer on the others running in.  It's not hard to find many smiling back.  We are all so blessed to be enjoying this day and pushing our bodies.  I can see many others feel the same way.  Just as I head back down the big hill I see a little girl running in.  She must be 7 years old and she's carrying a water bottle.  She looks tired but those little feet just keep moving.  It's almost like she's in a trance.  I hope she's having fun...it's hard to tell.  I tell her good job and smile.

Mile 3: 7:45.  I cross the bike path and run down to the shoreside trail.  It's a beautiful shaded trail that winds back and forth.  The other girl is just ahead of me. Soon, we're climbing up and out.  There's the fallen tree limb I saw on my warmup.  I'm too chicken to jump so I make a quick stop and hop over.  The girl turns left to finish for 5K and I'm off to do my second loop. 

I'm clearly worn down and my legs are moving slower.  The only woman ahead of me is Prudence and she's way ahead.  There is no one near behind me so I'm tempted to jog the rest of the way.  I again remind myself of the great privilege I have to be here and I press on just as Christ calls me to do.

Again I climb to the cliffside trail.  While going up I realize that I cut off a small part of the trail coming down earlier.  The trail wasn't clearly marked when I was at that point and I was all alone so I didn't know.  I make a mental note to not miss that next time.  Now, I find myself alone again.  I only see a few people coming back and no one going out with me.  This makes it even harder to push myself.

Mile 4: 8:32.  Ouch!   I again see the little girl coming back.  She has the same demeanor but her cheeks are more flushed.  She's very focused for a child and appears determined to finish.

As I make my way to the turn around point, I hear fast footsteps behind me.  Oh boy, can that be another girl?   Soon a guy flies by like he just started the race.  I say "wow, good job"!  Though I cannot match his pace, he reenergizes me a bit and helps me pick it up.  Thank you Jesus for that little boost!  I climb up and over the hill past the turn around point. 

Mile 5: 8:11.  It's flat here so I push with what I have.  I feel a little extra energy...thanks God!  I race down the steep hill and take the correct trail this time.  I'm heading down to the water for the last bit of the race.  As I wind my way back to the fallen tree, I see that little girl trudging along.  I tell her good job and that she's almost there.

Mile 6: 7:28...better!  I push to the end and hear Prudence cheering me in!  Yeah, I'm done!  Thanks again God for helping me!  I was tired but you helped me give all I had!

Prudence and I chat afterwards(=