Nisene Marks is considered by many as the most beautiful place for running on the Central Coast. The Half Marathon is on exciting single track and climbs 1000ft.

The weather was overcast and perfect for running. 6 of us (Todd & Trudi Sprague from Sac, Mike Cofer, Pat Farrance, Ali Ekici, myself from work) and 200 others lined up casually for the low-key run.

The redwood forest was bright green, the brooks were babbling, and the trail twisted and turned up, down, and around until it spit you back out into reality

We started in the middle, running moderately for the first mile. I thought, if my Achilles fails, I'd have to stop half way, so therefore I should go as hard as possible until then :) So I told Todd I was going for it and that he might see me stretching at the top.

I ran hard to pass as many people before the 3mi turnoff into the single track. The trail was awesome! Perfect running surface. I targeted a guy in a yellow shirt and a tall guy in a white singlet. But soon they disappeared. I ran harder and harder up the hill, determined to at least see them. Huffing and puffing I decided they must have gotten lost... maybe the whole field did... maybe I'm in first.

Still no sign at the top. The half way aid station cheered but didn't say what place I was in. Then I saw "yellow shirt" and told him what an awesome climber he was pulling away so quickly. He asked me how I was able to run downhill so fast. "Don't think about falling" I thought but kept all suggestions to myself until after the race. I kept building a lead on the technical steep descents but he'd catch me on the rises.

I finally pulled way ahead, leaping and skidding through the lush, dark forest. I was having so much fun! I was so happy my Achilles was remaining strong and allowing me to cut, dodge, and jump like a kid hurtling down a rollercoaster.

Then I saw "white jersey", I had to really turn it on to pass, our eyes were watering and it was hard to make out the knotted roots and rocks shooting towards us. (My friend, Pat, stopped to help another runner after she took a nasty tumble).

I hit the 3mi flat fire road and thought I was well clear of the 2. I couldn't see anyone ahead. My legs were beat up. I was trying to conserve and kept looking back (don't do that!) and with a mile to go, thinking I had my place wrapped up, I looked back and "white jersey" was right behind me! I didn't say a thing and just gave it everything I had... but he passed me and put on an 8 sec gap as we flew threw the finish.

Wow, it was such a blast! I had so much fun. The 4 guys ahead were WAY ahead.

We all met our goals, told great stories, and had a killer time basking in the warm Santa Cruz sun at Pat & Judy's house while enjoying smoked turkey and good wine.

After that Bonzai downhill episode, my legs are now more sore than San Diego Marathon or Ironman New Zealand!

-Troy