Styx n' Stones Trail Run 30K

Well, That Didn't Go As Planned
March 25, 2017
Devil's Den State Park

The first mile is mostly uphill as the trail winds up bluffs to the top.  At that point one is suppose to take a sharp right.... somewhere......

 

I followed about 25 other runners off the course.  The course markings were cleared by the local cross country team before we knew we were off track so we looked and looked and looked and just never found the course again.   We got the mileage, but we missed the first aid station all together.  We got to the 9 mile point in time to continue on for the full 30K.  With Athens Big Fork coming up the next weekend, April 1, 2017, we decided not to crush ourselves on a course for which we wouldn't get miles nor points.  

Most of it washed off.  I LOVE mud!!  

Lisa, Eddy, Deb, Wesley, Thaveep, Emily

March 2017

March 2017

We, Mikey & Me, discovered the Bald Knob Wildlife Refuge just south of Judsonia.
Very few cars, dogs, people, make this a fun place to play for us all.  We always see deer.  Mikey is always unhappy that I don't let him off the leash.  We have fun.  

Mikey Exploring

Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge, opens Mar 1 for the summer

Mikey sure likes this place, too bad Mama won't let him off leash.

Mikey and I counting deer at the Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge

New Family Member
I'm not ready for the time nor mental commitment a puppy will take.  Mikey needed a brother very badly.  Mikey was still in a deep state of mourning after the death of Wally.  A Beagle that won't eat, won't play, is a problem.  So another puppy it is.  Mikey pouted for a few days about the new intruder.  Now he loves his brother and even initiates play.  Its so wonderful to see Mikey happy again.

Meet Baldr Bear.  We weren't ready but Mikey sure needed him.

Baldr Bear owning his new home

Baldr Bear has his first ride, yes he has his own seatbelt harness

Mikey and his new brother Baldr Bear

Hill Repeats with Mikey
Michael Wardian mentioned on a podcast, I think Talk Ultra Podcast, he was running 10,000 ft of climb each week during his training to prepare for the Barkley Marathons.  So...... why not.  I have a goal of 10,000 ft of climb each week.  I have only hit it twice over the last month.  A win is that I am getting more climb in than if I didn't have the goal.  

Mikey's trip to the Ouachita National Forest

We know it is panting, but that sure looks like a smile

Hill repeats on the corkscrew

So much for Selfies with Dogs!  

Back to the Bald Knob Wildlife Refuge for training miles. 

Running in the refuge, first snake of the season

More beauty in the refuge

Feb 2017