To help celebrate my friend Rudy’s birthday, a few of us packed up our camping gear, running shoes, and birthday candles for the Hell Creek on Heels 5k trail race at the Switchgrass Mountain Biking Trail at Wilson Lake State Park, near Wilson, KS. The race was on Sunday morning, so we spent the day Saturday looking around, frolicking in Wilson Lake, eating, etc. Being a light sleeper, all the night animals kept me entertained most of the sleeping portion of the night Saturday, especially a pack of coyotes that sounded like I could reach out of my tent and pet one.. A little unnerving, but I was more appreciative than worried, all things considered. It was pretty neat. The race started at 8am Saturday and it was certainly unlike any running I’ve done before – through the hills of the park on rocky terrain – lots of climbing up and jumping down and not trying to face plant or twist an ankle on some rock jutting out. The scenery was unbelievable with perfect vistas from every angle and the weather was perfect. I’d have stopped in the middle to photograph the sights had I not been trying to at least not come in last. I managed to come in 4th (women’s category). My friends Rudy and Emily both got 1st place in the men’s & women’s categories, Rudy timing in at the same time as the overall course record holder. Not a bad birthday surprise I’m sure. We ended our adventure in Wilson, KS, at a buffet before heading home..
