My coach told me about 3 weeks before this race that I would be running it as a training run for my upcoming 100 Miler. I looked at the distance and shrugged~I mean, how hard could 50 be, right?

While the course is incredibly flat, the flatness presents a whole different set of challenges. With hills, one set of muscles gets a little break while the other set does some work. Not here! My Garmin registered 400ft elevation gain for the entire 50 miles. Like I said, flat!

You know what? I loved it and had the time of my life!!!

There's actually 4 different distances being raced at the same time. The 100 mile runners start an hour before the 50 milers. Then you have people running the marathon distance and then a half marathon distance. There's staggered starts the whole morning.

TROT (Trail Racing Over Texas) always does a fabulous job on their events and this one is no exception. I had wild hogs zoom across the trail right in front of me. They put a little spring in my step. I have to admit being disappointed in not seeing any alligators.

It's a beautiful trail running around a lake. Lots of spanish moss hanging from trees. I loved it!

The aid stations were well manned and had great volunteers. At night they were cooking cheese quesadillas! Major yum!

There's nothing like crossing the finish line and getting hugged by the race director a wearing bright red suit with Christmas Trees on it. Terrific race!!! I'll be heading back this coming December (2017) for the 100 Mile distance. I want that buckle!