Dirt Dash for the United Way 2016

I've been running the Dirt Dash course with my friend Morgan for the last three weeks.  I had been on the fence about whether or not to race it, and then the race committee asked if I would be the photographer again.  I was the photographer for this race last fall because I wasn't in race shape at that point.  I decided that being race photographer was much safer for my ankle than trail racing, so I agreed to do it.  This week, we ran the course harder than we have been, in preparation for the race.  I didn't quite run it at race pace, but I did push it pretty hard, except for the two messier downhill sections, because they terrify me with all their ankle-breaking rocks and roots.  I ended up finishing the course in 42:12.  The overall winning time this year was 38:??.  But I'm pretty sure my time would have gotten me top 3.

It was an absolutely gorgeous morning in the forest, and I enjoyed getting to photograph the racers.  Much more fun that last fall when it was raining!

Hill and Holler Dirt Dash for the United Way

The Dirt Dash is the first trail race to come to the Lewisburg area.  Since I am not running right now, I decided to be the race photographer.  I wasn't to upset about not running, since trail running generally isn't my first choice anyway.  Plus, it was cold and rainy.  However, as I stood out there taking photos of happy smiling runners, I felt a longing for the adrenaline rush that comes with running in a race.  I felt a longing for the feeling of running hard, the feeling of competition, and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a race.  I didn't get to actually feel those feelings yesterday, but I am glad that I got to take part in the day and document the event for the people who did participate in the race.

And I must say, many thanks to the three Boy Scouts who took turns holding a giant umbrella over my camera so that it wouldn't get damaged in the rain!  I would have gotten far fewer photos, and they would have been of compromised quality, if I had had to hold the umbrella myself!

Pre-Race

Race Start

In the Woods

Kids Fun Run

Post-Race

First Place, First Prize

Finished a rainy trail race and still smiling!

GES faculty, parents, and students who participated in race day as 

racers, volunteers, and trail-builders.