I started the 2017 the same way as I did 2016, by running through the muddy woods with 249 other crazies and consuming yummy "good luck" food afterwards.

This was my second year doing the Baxter Trail Club New Year's Day Run and it will not be my last. This year's race was particularly fun as the swag had a cute Gnome theme, so now I have not only an awesome and adorable tech shirt, but also, all participants that hung around for the door prizes were given a Gnome pint glass.

All week I was anxious about the race as rain was in the forecast off and on both before and during the race. Last year it had rained for almost a full month prior to race day, so I know what this trail is like when it is full on muddy. Luckily, the rain held off until the early morning hours and even then, it was more of a light drizzle than rain. Plus, it pretty much fully stopped during the race. While it was still pretty muddy, conditions were pretty good with only one section really treacherous. With the much improved conditions, I was able to shave about 10 minutes off my time over last year and finished 13th female overall and 4th in my Age Group. By far a PR for trails for me. While I had really really hoped to place, I cannot be upset about my time.

The 5K course is a tough one with pretty challenging elevation in a few places, but the course is very well marked with roving volunteers. I never felt unsafe, even with the slippery conditions. The Baxter Trail Club does an amazing job of keeping the trails well maintained and place signage markers at most intersections.

After the race, the main sponsor, Legal Remedy Brewery, treated us to craft beers on tap and a huge spread of New Year's Southern classics - Pork BBQ, Collards, Black Eye Peas and Cornbread, all to bring such and wealth in the upcoming year. It was crazy yummy and worth the entry just for the food.

I will for sure start of 2018 with this race, and since I will be advancing to the next age group in July, I will for sure place next year. Who knows, I may even brave the 18K.