Decisions

Decisions. Lee, a coworker and fellow runner, suggested we break out of our ruts in running and try a new style of race. Following his lead, we registered for the Battle at Big Creek. This event has a 9 and 5 mile race on a hilly and rock-infested bike trail. Lee and I decided to go for the shorter distance since it was our first time out in a race like this one.

Neither one of us had been training properly for the terrain, or preparing for an astonishing finish. In fact, Lee declared he would not wear a watch on the day of the race. He planned to simply go out and run a new and interesting course. It sounded like a good plan.

What is it they say about the best laid plans? The day before the race, I took on the early signs of a cold. I have a scratchy throat, mucus build up and am coughing. Moreover, out of nowhere the temperatures plummeted nearly twenty degrees compared to the averages over the last two weeks.


The race day forecast calls for a freezing 32 degrees that will “feel like” 26. Friday, Lee and I lamented over the prospect of running in the cold. Neither one of us are deeply excited about the winter climate for the race. Another twenty hours will hold the answer as to what we decide.

Tom