TNR PBR

From Google maps, I thought I was actually going to get to TNR with some time to spare.  I'd get to eat a snack and socialize before the run.  Instead, I found myself driving back and forth on a section of North Rd wondering how long the TMs would wait before they headed out on the run.  If I arrived after they left, would I just set out on the trails hoping to run into them and/or just hoping to get some miles in and still make it back to the car?  I pulled into someone's driveway and struggled to see my cell phone's contacts, pretty sure I found Mindy's name.  Turns out she was also driving back and forth on North Rd.  We met up and formed a mini-caravan.  Finally, Mindy spotted the sign.  Sometimes you think, "How could I have missed that?!"  This time, it was more like, "How could someone be expected to notice that, especially in the dark!"  Fortunately, the group was still there waiting for us.

Ian brought a headlamp for Mindy to run with.  Fortunately, he usually runs with a head and belly lamp because I couldn't find mine.  Next day, I found it in the front seat instead of in with my running gear like I expected.  Lets see, the group consisted of Blaine, Jim, Zak, Nathan, Ian, Mindy, and me.  I think that was all.  The trails were fine.  Some were very sloppy, some were pretty rooty, and some were almost like bike paths.  Running unknown trails in the dark is interesting.  As far as I knew, we just ran a 1/2 mile loop.  It sort of is all the same as far as scenery, especially since I am even more hyper-focused on the trail than usual.

Mindy and I did a little catching up, while being slightly worried that it looked like the big kids were pulling away (of course, they didn't).  When we all regrouped, Mindy and I ended up right behind Ian in the lead.  We were hashing out the plans for Till We Meet in Hell 2.  After a mass pee (lights doused), we sort of shuffled the order.  Mindy ran with Zak and I ran with Blaine.  At the finish everyone was very muddy - and hot.  I neglected to say it was really warm.  The NWS's hourly weather report had misled me.  I was dressed for low 30s not 50s.

Well, now I know where to find it.  I think I'd like to go back during the day to see what it actually looks like.