^WHERE: Negro Bar, Folsom, CA

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(For previous races in series see links below)

This is the last race in the series!  It's been a great time and a good way to stay challenged.  I'm bummed that Prudence won't be here tonight!  The Western States 100 is on Sunday so she'll be supporting those folks and pacing a friend.  I run into Bryan Hacker, Mo Bartley's husband.  He's coming back from an injury.  He looks fit and I'm sure he'll be a top contender tonight!  The fast Jen Pfifer is back again and I know she'll be way up there too!  There's another guy Patrick and his son, Wyatt, here, too.  Patrick tells me that he's decided to let me set the pace so he won't go out too hard.  I tell him that I might go out too hard too so that might not help.  I see he's wearing these cool covers for his shoes and socks to keep the rocks, dirt and junk out.  He says they're gaiters.  I've got to get some of those!  I'm tired of dirty socks!

We line up ready to go.  It's hot waiting to start but those who were here last week know it was worse then!  Ready, set, go!  Tonight I wanted to push to see if I could hang with Prudence.  Without her there may not be anyone between Jen and I so it will be harder to  motivate myself.  I get into a groove in the first mile.  The beginning is wide so I can move about freely.  At the first climb, I'm feeling good.  It's short and sweet and then it's on to the climb up to the ridge.

Mile 1: 7:44.  At the top.  As I look ahead, I see two girls.  I push and make it past the first one.  I can see she's doing the 5K from her red bib number.  The second one is still way ahead so I patiently work to reel her in.  I wonder if she's in my race.   At the end of the trail we loop around and run up another steep section.  I'm close to the girl and I catch up to her on the climb.

Mile 2: 7:36.  As we come down, her husband (or boyfriend) comes alongside on his mountain bike and encourages her.   Now he's giving her water.  It's unfair to get assistance in a race.  Many of us carry water for that reason.  I won't dwell on it and focus on encouraging runners coming the other direction.  It's hard to smile and say encouragement when your heart is racing, but I know it's important and something that Jesus wants me to do.  It's all for Him and not for me.  I need to put my ego aside. 

I continue to work hard to stay with the girl.  I see from her blue bib number that she's in the 10k.  Her pace has picked up so I pick it up, too.  Her husband drops back and tells me good job...that's nice and hard to do I'm sure.  Soon we are flying down the hill.  She's moving quick and I'm trying to hang on.

Mile 3: 7:14.  Wow!   Down to the waters edge and back up to the start line.  She turns left and that's when I realize that she's really a 5Ker, despite the blue number.  Wow, she really got me moving, though.  But now I'm alone this next loop!  The pace has taken it's toll but I press on.  I have Troy, Jamie Whitmore, and now current RAAM competitor Michael Cook motivating me to push.  Going up the hills this time is brutal.  My legs are toast and I'm all alone.

Mile 4: 8:25.  Ouch!  At the end of the trail I hear footsteps behind me.  That helps give me a little motivation though I still struggle up this last hill.

Mile 5: 8:16.  Ouch again!  The footsteps are almost right behind me.  I follow the course detour onto a side trail for a about 20 feet.  The sound of footsteps are now to my left as if the runner skipped the detour.  I can't actually see him.  I try to surge.  Down the hill the trail hits a Y where we are supposed to go left.  Again, the sound of footsteps behind me now come from my right, where the other trail goes.  Is the runner cutting the course again?  Maybe my ears are playing tricks on me.  Don't dwell on it!  Now the runner is right on my heels as we head down to the water for the last little part.

Mile 6: 7:15.  Wow, back on track!  As we come up to the home stretch, I have nothing extra left.  The runner, a guy, sprints by me.  I push to the end and smile coming across the line.  I left it all out there and I'm satisfied.  Thanks God!

Previous Races In Series

#10 - June 18

#9 - June 11

#8 - June 4

#3 - April 23

#1 - April 9